50 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY Sulphur Springs, where he established and conducted a dry-goods and grocery store. He subsequently became identified with the mercantile interests of Bucyrus, and in 1877 he became an active factor in official life, being elected in that year to the position of county sheriff, in which capacity he served for two terms. After his retirement from office he engaged in the insurance business until 1896, when he put aside all business cares and is now quietly rest-1 ing in the enjoyment of, the fruits of his former toil. In his political views. he is a Democrat, unswerving in his advocacy of the principles of the party,. and he and his family are members of the German Lutheran church. Charles F. Schaber is their only liVing son (one dying in childhood), but there is, one daughter, Sophia M., who is a graduate of the high school and is now a successful teacher. in the schools of this city. She is also a trustee of the Bucyrus Memorial Library and a member of several literary societies. Mr. Schaber has always been a resident of. Bucyrus, and the public-school system of the city provided him with his educational. privileges. January, 1892, he became a clerk in the county probate office, under Judge J. C. Tobias, and later served through a period of six years as deputy probate judge, under Judge Charles Kinninger. His labors in that position proved to him an excellent training school in the line of law and probate work. He read law under the direction of the firm of Finley & Gallinger, of Bucyrus, and after mastering many of the principles of jurisprudence he successfully passed an examination and was admitted to the bar in December, 1900. He immediately opened an office, in partnership with W. J. Schwenck, with whom he has since been associated in the active practice of law, the firm meeting with complimentary success, although they are the youngest members of the Bucyrus bar. Mr. Schaber is resolute and determined, and such qualities cannot fail to secure success. His labors were at one time interrupted .by military service. In 1892 he enlisted in the Eighth Ohio National Guard as a private, but was soon advanced to official positions. At the time of the Spanish-Atherican war, in 1898, he was mustered into the United States service as lieutenant and adjutant of the Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was also ordnance officer of the regiment. He was sent to Cuba with his command, which joined the Fifth Army Corps, participating in the battle of Santiago, and was present at the capitulation of that city. At length the regiment was recalled to the United States, and Mr. Schaber was honorably discharged from the service. Socially he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being the exalted ruler of Bucyrus Lodge, No. 156, also is connected CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 51 with the Knights of. Pythias and the Knights of the Maccabees. He is a young man of genial manner, unfailing courtesy and many sterling qualities, and is very popular in social circles. BENJAMIN SEARS. Richard Sears, the progenitor of the American branch of the Sears family, landed at Plymouth Rock in 1632. He and his descendants after him bore their share as pioneers in the subjugation and settlement of the new world and in those events which culminated in the independence of our nation. Benjamin Sears, the subject of our sketch, is descended on both sides from Revolutionary ancestry. His great-grandfather, Captain Elkanah Sears, was a conspicuous figure in Massachusetts during the Revolutionary war. He was distinguished for his activity in promoting- the cause of freedom, and was a member of the committee appointed to provide necessities for the Continental army. After the breaking out of hostilities he equipped a war vessel, which he commanded. Many personal anecdotes are related of him in family history and tradition, which, illustrate his character as a man of great enterprise and courage. His son, .Benjamin Sears, following the line of descent to the Crawford county family, was born at Chatham, Connecticut, in 1771, and removed thence to New Durham, New York. He filled with honor various military offices, and among the papersnow in possesion of the family is his commission as major, signed by Governor De Witt Clinton. He became a minister in the Baptist church, and in that capacity distinguished himself by his zeal and fidelity. He felt much drawn toward mission work among the Indian's, and in 1821, in company with his two sons, John and Benjamin, all having received appointments as missionaries among the Indians, journeyed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and established there the first Baptist church in that territory. While returning to his family in New York the next year, he was taken sick with fever at Delaware, Ohio, and died there October II, 1822, much lamented as a man of energy and piety. He was buried in the old grave yard east of the college campus at Delaware, and a monument marked the last resting place of the pioneer missionary. Eighty years afterward, when the grave yard at Delaware was abandoned, the remains were removed to the family lot in Oakwood cemetery at Bucyrus, Ohio. Letters written by him in his last illnesS, now in possession of the 52 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. family, show with what resignation, hope and courage he entered "the valley of the shadow." His oldest son, Elkanah Sears, the Crawford county pioneer, was born in Meredith, New York, in 1795, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Aminda Nicholson, in East Rockport, Ohio, November 15, 1886, aged ninety-one years. His mother, whose maiden name was Ann Biglow, was a woman of remarkable character, and belonged .to a family; members of which have attained national distinction. Elkanah Sears came to Crawford county in 1836 with his family, consisting of a wife and four children, three sons and one daughter. He moved upon a farm two miles west of Bucyrus. For several years the family occupied a log cabin on the place, and afterward a two-story log house, which in the course of time was weather-boarded, and thus became, for that period, one of the most pretentious dwellings in the neighborhood. Elkanah Sears continued to live for many years on the farm where lie originally settled, occupied with the duties of a pioneer farmer. His wife, whose maiden name was Desair Phelps, came of a tdistingUished family, and was a very superior woman. She proved herself an efficient helpmate and in those early days of limited school privileges She assisted in inculcating into the minds of her children that desire for knowledge and ambition for improvement• to which, doubtless, much of their success in life is: owing. These children, now all living, the eldest over eighty years of age and the youngest nearly seventy, venerate their mother long since gone to her reward. The eldest of the family, John Dudley Sears, is living a retired life at Upper Sandusky, Ohio. For more than half a century he practiced law. He was not only the acknowledged leader of the bar in his county, but by many was regarded as the best legal authority in this section of Ohio. He was equally successful in a business way, and in a green old age now enjoys, in the esteem of his fellow citizens, the rewards of a life well spent. Cyrus, the youngest son of Elkanah Sears, grew to manhood in Crawford county. He graduated'at the Cincinnati Law School, and began the practice of law in Cincinnati, where he also lectured in the law school. When the war of the Rebellion broke out he entered the army, where he continued in service throughout the war, and greatly distinguished himself in many battles. He rose to the rank of colOnel. For distinguished gallantry at the battle of Iuka he received a medal of honor from congress. After the close of the war he practiced law for a time at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and later engaged in manufacturing and mercantile business, also in farming and real estate. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 53 He now resides in Harpster, Wyandot county, Ohio, in which locality he has large real estate and other interests. He married a daughter of David Harpster, long known as the wool king of Ohio. The only daughter of Elkanah Sears, Mrs. Lewis Nicholson, is a widow living at Lakewood, Ohio. Benjamin Sears, the second son of Elkanah Sears, is the only member of the family who has made his permanent home in Crawford county. He continued to reside on the farm where his father settled until 1876. Since that time he has lived in Bucyrus. He was successful as a stock-raiser, fruit-grower and nurseryman, and in these pursuits laid the foundation for an estate now one of the most considerable in the county. He is largely interested in real estate and in banking, and is a man of great business sagacity and judgment. He is quiet and unostentatious, simple in his habits and style of living, and although his early education was limited he has always been a great reader, and is one of the most widely informed and best-informed and best-read men in the community. On subjects in which he has taken a special interest, such as horticulture and botany, he is recognized as one of the best local authorities. He has a family of seven children living, three sons and four daughters. His oldest daughter, Annie, who was for fourteen years a missionary in China. died in 1894. His oldest son, R. V. Sears, is a successful lawyer at Bucyrus. His second son, Frank 0. Sears, is a leading farmer and stock-man, residing with his family on the old. family homestead, two miles west of Bucyrus. The third son, Hiram B., is unmarried, and was for some years in the newspaper business in Bucyrus. He is at present assisting his father in the management and care of his property. Of the daughters, who are all ladies of culture and education, the eldest, Alice, is living at home, and is an ornament in the literary and social life of the city. Mirada P. is a graduate in medicine and a woman of superior ability. Bertha is a successful teacher in Cleveland; and Ruby D., the youngest daughter, is married 'to Mr. Otto. Carpenter, a prominent insurance man of Cleveland, Ohio. RUFUS V. SEARS. Rufus V. Sears is the oldest son of Benjamin and Melissa (Minich) Sears. His mother is the granddaughter of a Revolutionary soldier and a descendant of one of the early settlers of Maryland. He was born at the old family homestead, two miles west of Bucyrus. After graduating at the 54 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Bucyrus high school he followed farming for several years, in the meantime pursuing the .study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1886. He immediately began the practice of law in Bucyrus. In 1888 he married Sallie J. Harris, the accomplished daughter of Hon. S. R. Harris, of Bucyrus. In 1893 Mr. Sears formed a partnership with Mr. Harris, the leader of the Crawford county bar. The firm enjoys a large and lucrative practice, being retained ;n many cases of importance both in the state and federal courts. Mr. Sears, while not personally ambitious in politics, has always been a Republican, and in 1894 was elected city solicitor of Bucyrus, by a large majority over his Democratic opponent, although the city was strongly Democratic. He has been as successful in business matters as in professional life, and is.interested in various investments and enterprises, taking an active part in every movement for the benefit and prosperity of the city and community. He is a director of the Bucyrus board of trade, a director in the First National Bank of Bucyrus, and president of the Buckeye Traction Company, now constructing several electric railway lines. Mr. Sears is the father of three sons: Paul Biglow, born December 17, 1891; Demas Lindley, February 6, 1894; and John Dudley, December 4, 1897. JULIUS J. BLISS. No compendium such as the province of this work defines in its essential limitations will serve to offer fit memorial to the life and accomplishments of the honored subject of this sketch, who is numbered among the prominent educators of Ohio, and for six years has been superintendent of the public schools of Bucyrus and previous to this time was for more than a decade a successful teacher in Crawford county. Professor Bliss was .born on a farm in Bainbridge township, Geauga county, Ohio., May 16, 1854, and traces his lineage back through many generations to the 'founder of the family in America—Thomas Bliss, who came from Devonshire, England, in 1635, and was a member of the Plymouth colony. Representatives of the name were active and leading citizens of the communities in which they resided, and .took an important part in shaping the events which go to form the colonial history and early annals of the Republic. Ephraim Bliss, Sr., joined the Colonial army at the time of the war of the Revolution, serving as a member of the company commanded by Captain John Pain. His son, Ephraim Bliss, Jr., was a member of the company commanded by Captain Israel Hix. He joined the service in 1775, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 57 and loyally aided in the cause of independence. His home was in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. His son, Benjamin Bliss, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in 1760, and when the yoke of British oppression became intolerable the same patriotic and liberty loving spirit which prompted his grandfather and his father were manifest in him and caused his, enlistment as a member of the company commanded by Captain Sylvanus Martin. He lived to enjoy republican liberty for more than half a century, passing away in 1823. Otis B. Bliss, the grandfather of our subject, resided in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, at North Adams, in his early manhood, and thence came with the family to Ohio in 1833, locating in Bainbridge township, Geauga county, where he secured a tract of wild land. With characteristic energy he began its improVement, transforming it into a rich and fertile farm, upon which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1873, when he was .sixty-five years of age. He married, in 1831, Julia Elma Maria Potter, a daughter of Olney and Mary (Richardson) Potter, of Gloucester, Rhode Island. Mrs. Bliss was born November 26, 1809. Her grandfather, James Potter,. was also a Revolutionary hero, serving as lieutenant in a Rhode Island regiment under command of Colonel Christopher Smith. His father, Samuel Potter, was captain of a company in Colonel Dyer's regiment of Rhode Island troops. The celebrated divine, Bishop Potter, is also a member of this family. Among the children of Otis B. and Julia E. M. (Potter) Bliss was Olney R. Bliss, the father of our subject. He, too, was born in Geauga county, in the year 1833, and is still living at a ripe old age, his home being in Brookville, Kansas. His has been a useful, active and honorable career, and he is still well preserved, He married Mahala J. McFarland, a daughter of John Wesley McFarland, of Bainbridge township, Geauga county, and took up his abode in that county in 1816, emigrating westward from Berkshire county, Massachusetts. The McFarlands are of Scoitch lineage, and the first members of the family in America, leaving the land of hills and heather in 1719, took up their abode in what was then the Massachusetts colony. Professor Julius J. Bliss has spent his entire life in the Buckeye state. He acquired his education in the district schools of his native county, receiving instruction from some very capable instructors from New England. At an early day he entered Hiram College, during the presidency. of B. A. Hinsdale, a learned man who for some years was the leading professor of pedagogy west of the Alleghanies. There he frequently saw and heard that great teacher who afterward became the chief executive of the nation, James 58 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. A. Garfield, and the spirit of the master found lodgment in the character 'of the pupil. However, wishing a more complete course of study than Hiram College then afforded, Professor Bliss matriculated in Oberlin College, where he completed the full classical course and was graduated in 1881, with the degree of bachelor of arts. Five years later, in 1886, his alma mater conferred upon him the degree of master of arts. Throughout his entire business career he has been connected with the profession of teaching. For two and a half years, from 1883 until 1885, he was one of the teachers in the high school of Bucyrus, and then went to Crestline 'as superintendent of the schools of that city, continuing in charge through the succeeding decade. The schools there grew rapidly during his incumbency and marked improvement was seen in the methods of teaching and in the work done in the schools. He not only kept abreast of the times in thought, but had the bravery to put that thought into practice. He carried forward his investigations along original lines, and introduced into the schools valuable methods of great utility. The School Journal, published in 1894, contained the following: "The receipt of the manual of the public schools of Crestline, Ohio, at this office led us to look up the Ohio boy who could plan so rich, though so logical, a course of study. Here, it seemed to us, was planned work of a really practical nature, and yet in harmony with the best thought of the new education. Investigation showed that the theory was fully wrought out in the schoolroom, and that under his direction an able corps of teachers are securing results superior to those in many much later places. The high school courses are unique and most admirable. We have never seen the work of a high school better arranged. It is simple, yet rich and complete. "Our long experience in teaching and superintending enables us to judge these matters, and we unhesitatingly pronounce Professor Bliss one of- the most level-headed and progressive of such superintendents." In the year 1895 Professor Bliss was called to the superintendency of the public schools of Bucyrus and has since remained in charge, his services giving excellent satisfaction. It is well known to all what great progress has been made in the methods of education and that the attendance of the schools has greatly increased. There are three school buildings in the city,, with twenty-eight teachers, and in two the membership was twelve hundred and seventy-two pupils, which has increased to more than thirteen hundred in the present year, 1901. During the incumbency of Professor Bliss the increase in attendance at the high school has been more than one hundred per cent and the institution is of such a high character that its graduates are prepared CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 59 to enter college without further mental training. There are now one hundred and fifty students in the high school department. The number of courses of study have been increased and improved and an elective system has been added, which has proved very profitable and popular, enabling the scholars to pursue such courses of study as they believe will be of most benefit to them in later years. The influence of his work cannot be estimated, but will prove of lasting benefit to all. who have come under his instruction. He is continually seeking td promote advancement, and labors with and for his teachers that the results attained may be of the highest practical benefit. In many instances. he has made individual study of his pupils, realizing that their needs are as varied as are their characters. Professor Bliss is the possessor of the highest grade state teacher's certificate, and his fame as an instructor is not limited by the confines of Crawford county, for .he is known throughout the state in educational circles as one whose ability is of superior order. He is a graduate of the Ohio State Teachers' Reading Circle, of the Chautauqua literary and scientific course, and has taken the Prang course in form study and drawing. In 1886 Professor Bliss was united in marriage to Miss Ella May Fuhrman, of Bucyrus, a daughter of Thomas and Adeline (Kirby) Fuhrman and the foster daughter of George Donnenwirth, the president of the Bucyrus City Bank. Their marriage has been blessed with two children,—Marion George and Mary Mahala. Mrs. Bliss is a lady of superior culture and refinement, and intellectual activity make her a leader in society in Bucyrus, She, too, pursued the Chautauqua course. The Professor holds membership in the Congregational church and his wife in the Presbyterian church, and socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity. GEORGE W. MILLER. As a representative of an honored pioneer family, of the educational interests of Crawford county and now of the insurance business, George W. Miller is widely and favorably known throughout this section of the state. He has attained to an enviable positiop in the business world entirely through his own unaided efforts. Faithfulness to duty and strict adherence to a fixed purpose in life will do more to advance a man's interests than wealth or advantageous circumstances. The successful men of the day are they who have planned their own advancement and have accomplished it in spite of many obstacles and with a certainty that could have been attained only through 60 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. their personal efforts. It has been along such lines that George W. Miller has won and maintained a creditable position in business circles in his native county, where he is now occupying the position of secretary of the Crawford County Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company and of the Crawford County Agricultural Society. He was born in Todd township in 1859, a son of John D. and Mary (Kahl) Miller. The father came to Ohio with his parents in 1837 and located in Richland county. He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1813, and his parents, George M. and Cartherine (Rex) Miller, were also natives of the Keystone state. Having arived at years of maturity, in 184o John D. Miller married Miss Mary Deal, and their union was blessed with five children, three of whom are yet living: Nathaniel M., living in California; Annias D., a resident of Wyandot county, Ohio; and William A., of Seneca county, this state. Andrew J. died in 1901, in California; and a daughter died in childhood. Annias D. and William A. served through the Civil war as defenders of the Union. The mother of these children died in 1852, and in 1855 Mr. Miller wedded Mrs. Mary Barga, a widow who had two children, Albert and Lovina. She was the daughter of Henry and Susan (Rank) Kahl, who emigrated to Richland county, Ohio, from Pennsylvania, at an early date. The subject of this review is the only, child born unto this marriage. His father came to Crawford county in .1852 and located on a farm just north of Oceola, where both he and his wife spent their remaining days, the later dying in 1890, at the age of sixty-six years, and the father in 1896, at the age of eighty-three. Both were consistent Christian people, and enjoyed the respect of all who knew them. The childhood days of George W. Miller were spent on the old homestead which he now owns. His education was mostly acquired in the common schools, supplemented by a course in the Northwestern Normal, of Fostoria, Ohio. Having qualified himself for teaching he became a follower of that profession and for a number of years performed the duties of an instructor in the .schoolroom through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he engaged in farming. Having the ability to impart readily .and with accuracy to others the knowledge he had gained, and being also an excellent disciplinarian, he proved a competent educator, giving excellent satisfaction. During the last three years of his school work he was, employed as principal of the Oceola schools. He did much to advance the efficiency of the schools and his labor was attended with gratifying results. He is now president of the county boaf'd of school examiners and of the Ohio Teachers' Reading CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 61 Circle of the county, thus keeping in close touch with the. educational interests of this part of the state. In 1880 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Dell A. Sigler, the youngest daughter of George E. and Harriett (Horrick) Sigler, of Todd township. Her parents were among. the pioneers of Crawford county, having come here in the early '40s. They were the parents of four children : Mary L, Elliot W., Rosamond E. and Dell A. Mrs. Sigler, who was the daughter of John and Mary (Grimes) Horrick, died in 1898, but Mr. Sigler is still living on a farm in Todd township. He is a son of Jacob and Rachel (Hines) Sigler and is a native of Pennsylvania, while his wife was born in Ashland county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller has been born but one child, Minta M., who is in the senior year in the high school of Bucyrus. In that city her parents have a pleasant home, justly celebrated for its warm hearted hospitality. In 1898 Mr. Miller was elected secretary of the Crawford County Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, which was organized in 1877 and now is the strongest farmers' mutual in the state. In 1899 he was elected secretary of the CraWford County Agricultural Society, and since his election the society has introduced the educational feature in their fair and it has proven one of the best attractions. A new hall has been constructed especially for this feature, which is filled each year with the best work from the schools of the county. Mr. Miller also served for fourteen years as treasurer and clerk of Todd township. In his political views, like his .father, he is a stalwart Democrat, and takes an active interest in. the work of the party, doing all he can for its substantial advancement and success. He is a man of strong purpose, of sterling worth and of unquestioned integrity and fidelity to duty, and enjoys the high regard of the people among whom his entire life has been passed. COLONEL EDWARD VOLLRATH. Prominent among the lawyers of Crawford county, and well known in public affairs is Colonel Edward Vollrath, of Bucyrus, in which city his birth occurred forty-three years ago. His parents, Charles and Elizabeth Vollrath, were natives of Germany. He attended the Bucyrus public schools, graduating at the high school in 1878.. After attending Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, he entered Princeton University, at which latter institution he graduated in 1883. In youth he worked at the carpenter's bench, but predilec- 62 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY tion led him. to the study of law. In 1885 he was admitted to practice as an attorney at law by the supreme court of Ohio,. and has since practiced with success as a member of the Crawford county bar. In 1884 Colonel Vollrath entered the Ohio. National Guard as a private. He rose to the rank of major, in which capacity he volunteered with his regiment—the Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry—in the Spanish-American war, and participated with Shafter's corps in the siege of Santiago, Cuba, He was mustered out of the United States service as major of volunteers, and was chosen colonel of his regiment—the Eighth Ohio—upon its reorganization into the Ohio National Guard. Colonel Vollrath has a large and lucrative practice, and is also largely interested in manufacturing and real estate. In 1888 he married Miss Millie C. Wise, and his home is celebrated for its generous hospitality. Fraternally Colonel Vollrath is a member of the Knights of .Pythias fraternity. He is a member of the St. Paul's English Lutheran church at Bucyrus; has been a deacon in the church for more than fifteen. years, and for several years he has superintended the Sunday-school. Unassuming and genial in manner; and always, fair and just in all dealingS, Colonel Vollrath is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens, and enjoys tfie confidence of a wide circle of friends. ALBERT F. MESSNER, M. D. Dr. Albert Frederick Messner is one of the younger representatives of the medical fraternity in Bucyrus, but his years seem no bar to his. success, as his ability is such as to win for him a constantly growing practice. He is numbered among the native sons of the city, his birth having occurred here on the 3d of May, 1865. His father, Frederick Messner, was born at Schulerhoff, Germany, and, after crossing the briny deep to the new world he took up his abode in Bucyrus. He married Fredrika Nachtrieb, who was barn in Bretzenacker, in the province of Weiblinger, Germany, and after coming to the new world took up her abode in Columbus, Ohio. The Doctor, at the usual age, entered the public schools and after putting aside his text-books he worked at the carpenter's trade for three years, but desiring to enter professional life he took up the study of medicine, reading under the direction of Dr. Jerome Bland, with whom he continued until nineteen Years of age. He then studied in the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, where he remained for two terms, after which he became a student CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 63 in the Hahnemann. Medical College of Chicago, where he was graduated in 1890, at the age of twenty-four years. The same year he opened an office and began practice in Bucyrus, where he remained until 1896, when, wishing to still further perfect himself in his chosen work, he crossed the Atlantic to Berlin, Germany, and pursued a post-graduate course as a student in the Frederick Wilhelm University, known as the Imperial University. .In the latter part of 1897 he returned to his native land, resuming practice in Bucyrus. On the 16th of April, 1896, Dr. Messner was united in marriage to. Miss Martha A. Jordan, a daughter of Daniel and Mary A. Jordan. Their pleasant hirne in Bucyrus is noted for its hospitality, which is freely extended to their large circle of friends. The Doctor has •attained a remarkable degre'e of success in his professional career, and is accorded a prominent position in the ranks of the medical fraternity by his brethren of the profession and by the public as well. JOSEPH NEFF. An esteemed citizen and substantial farmer of Holmes township, who has been identified with mnch of the development of this section of Crawford county, is Joseph Neff, who.was born in Hepburn township, Lycoming county,, Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1829, a son of Michael' Neff. (The family history may be found in the sketch of David Neff, • in another part of this volume.) The early life of Joseph Neff was similar to that of other healthy and happy boys, some schooling but Much more farm work .occupying his time. Until he was twenty-eight years .old he remained at home managing the farm for his mother. In the spring of 1857 our subject, with 'his mother, brother Jonathan, and three sisters, came to Crawford county, Ohio, and spent his first summer with his uncle,. John Wagner. In the fall Joseph Neff and his brother Jonathan, bought two hundred acres of his present home farm, and here the brothers carried on extensive operations for a number of years together, their mother residing with them. During this partnership they increased the acreage to three hundred and seventeen, and when Jonathan Neff' decided to retire from active labor Joseph purchased his interest. In later years 1T has added to it and now Owns. in Holmes, Liberty and Sandusky townships some nine hundred and ten acres of the finest farming land, in Crawford county. Mr. Neff was married February 9, 1869, to Sophia D. Yeiter, and to 64 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. this union were born nine children, eight of whom still survive: Emanuel; who married Sarah Krauter; Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Durr ; Aaron and Amos C., twins; J. Jacob, who married Ella Schieber; Mary, the wife of Abra-, ham Schieber; Matilda, deceased; Emma, at home; and Joseph. All of the children are at home or located on farms in the county. Mr. Neff is surrounded by his descendants and has great cause to feel pardonable pride in them. Mr. and Mrs. Neff are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Neff, one of the most generous of men, donated the ground and was a member of the building committee for the Methodist church building, which was erected on his farm near his residence. For a number of years he has been a trustee and his advice and business management of its affairs are invaluable. Politically he is. a stanch Republican, and has taken an active part in educational matters and has been a wise and judicial member of the school board. Mr. Neff is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Crawford county. Mrs. Neff was born in Liberty township, Crawford county, Ohio, April 5, 1840. Her parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Aupperly) Yeiter, both natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and were married there and came to this country in 1832, and settled in Liberty township, where they lived and died, the father dying in 1878 and the mother in 1885. They had nine children, of whom four are deceased. The names are John, deceased; Jacob; Mary, deceased; David; Catherine; Christina, deceased; Frederick; Sophia; Emanuel, deceased. JACOB BABST. In studying the lives and characters of prominent men we are naturally led to inquire into the secret of their success and the motives that prompted their action. Success is oftener a matter of experience and sound judgment and thorough preparation for a life work than it is of genius, however bright. When we trace the career of those whom the world acknowledges as successful and of those who stand highest in public esteem, we find that in almost every case they are those who have risen gradually by their own efforts, their diligence and perseverance. These qualities are undoubtedly possessed. in a large measure by the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and added to these is a devotion. to principle that may well be termed the keynote of his character. It is. this which commands the confidence and respect so CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 67 universally given him, and it is this which has secured him prominence in the professional and industrial circles of Crestline.. Mr. Babst was .born in Canal Fulton, Stark county, Ohio, February 11, 1846, and is the third child of Daniel and Margaret (Yost) Babst, whose life history may be found elsewhere in this volume. When seven years of age he was brought by his parents to Crestline, where he pursued his education in the public schools. In early life he learned the tinner's trade, which he followed for about eight years, when, in 1868, he opened a stove and tin store, which he successfully conducted until 1871, when his father. erected the building and opened his present bank, at which time he disposed of his store and joined his father in the bank, acting as bookkeeper for one year. May 10, 1872, he went to Berea, Ohio, where he opened the first bank in that village, the firm being known as Clark, Babst & Company. By an agreement entered into with his father prior to his .going to Berea, he returned to Crestline the following May, and became cashier of his father's bank, assuming entire management, and these relations continued until the retirement of his father in 1878. It was at this time that Dan Babst, Jr., became identified witii the bank, a copartnership being formed between the brothers, the active management, however, remaining in Jacob's hands, as heretofore. This partnership was dissolved by mutual consent in May, 1887, when Jacob became sole owner of the institution, continually occupying the same room and same position for almost one-third of a century. His good judgment, keen discrimination and scrupulous honesty have caused this institution to be regarded as one of the most reliable financial concerns in the county. His close application to business duties and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens have been the potent elements which have ,marked to a great degree the increasing patronage of his bank. These strong characteristics are noted not only by his daily acquaintances but also by his fellow bankers, he having served three years on the Ohio Bankers' Association executive board, and was selected by this association, being one of five in the state, to represent them at the World's Congress of BankerS at . Chicago during the World's Fair, and again in 1898 he represented this same body at the American Bankers' Association, at Denver. At the present time he is the president of the Burch Plow Works, which employs about forty men: He organized the SChill Brothers' Furnace & Range Company, of which he was one of its stockholders and directors. In him Crestline has always found a warm friend. No movement which embodied the development and upbuilding of this city ever failed to get his 4 68 - CENTENNIAL. BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. hearty endorsement and active support. Indeed, he has been looked upon as their leader, being selected as chairman of committees on public improvements. He may well be termed the "father of pike roads" in this township. The first articles in the city papers agitating the "piking" of the roads emanated from his pen, the initial meetings being held in his banking house. It was through his efforts that the first "pike" road was built in this township, and to-day it is noted for its splendid roads, being one of the foremost townships in the county. One of the most important considerations of a city is its sanitary condition. It is this feaure which attracts the attention of the promoter and the home-seeker, and it is this which assures health to its inhabitants, and to this end Mr. Babst has toiled most untiringly : nor did he cease his untiring labors until he succeeded in securing a sewerage system which is the beginning of a movement that must prove of great benefit to the community. While Crestline cannot boast of an oil well to-day, yet it was the pioneer town in the late oil development in Ohio, and in this Mr. Babst was the prime mover, being personally interested in five wells. He stands very prominent in the Knights of Pythias fraternity, having frequently represented this order in the grand lodge. He is known all over the state as the "Pythian," for his activeness in behalf of the order. He belongs to the Masons, having been a member for thirty-two years, and also holds membership in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Like his father, his support is ever given to the Republican party, and while he has always refused political honors yet he has taken an active interest in all local affairs, and is always ready to uphold the principles of the "Grand Old Party,"and has often been a delegate to the state convention of his party. In 1869 Mr. Babst was united in marriage to Miss Mathilde Stoll, a daughter of George F. and Caroline Stoll, of Bucyrus, who were pioneer settlers of this county. To a man's social standing and to his success or failure in business life may be attributed to a degree the co-operation he receives from the personage he selects for his life companion. As a factor in the progressive and successful business life of our subject can be added the influence of his domestic life which is portrayed in the character of his wife.. Before marriage Mrs. Babst was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Crawford county and has a broad, progressive and comprehensive mind. Their beautiful home, which is so noted for the hospitality they have exhibited there, has been made brighter by the presence of ,three children : Earl D., Who is now a prominent attorney at Detroit, Michipn; Jessie, the wife of H. H. Cockley, the secretary of the Shelby Steel Tube Company, of Cleveland, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 69 Ohio; and Bertha S., who is with her parents. Their home is always found open for the warm reception of their many friends, and the family enjoys a leading place in social circles and gatherings in the county. The churches and charitable organizations of Crestline all profit by Mr. Babst's generous nature, and the poor and needy always find in him a warm friend. Thus we see portrayed the life of an active and progressive self-made man,— the life of an honest, kind-hearted and charitable man who for a third of a century has participated in the business life of Crestline, and during this entire time he has so conducted himself and the affairs entrusted to him as to gain the respect and esteem of the entire county, and no word of censure has ever been uttered against him. LEWIS H. BATTEFELD. In the affairs of state, as taken aside from the extraordinary conditions of warfare, there are demanded men whose mental ken is as wide and whose generalship is as effective as those who insure successful maneuvering of armed forces by the skilled commanders on the field of battle. The nation's welfare and prosperity may be said to hinge as heavily. upon individual discrimination and executive ability in the one case as the other. It requires . master minds to marshal and organize the forces for political purposes and produce the best results by concerted effort. One of the leaders in Democratic ranks in Crawford county is Lewis H. Battefeld, who has labored untiringly and effectively to promote the welfare and progress of his party and to secure a successful termination to its campaigns. He has filled many positions of public trust and is now serving for the second term as county commissioner. Mr. Battefeld resides in Bucyrus and is numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in the capital city in 1842, his parents being Lewis and Christina (Biber) Battefeld, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was a Hessian and the mother was born in Wurtemberg. She was a little maiden of nine summers when, in 1832, she was brought to Crawford county, Ohio, by her parents, Conrad and Christina (Utz) Biber, both of whom spent their remaining days in this county. Having located here in pioneer times, the grandfather of our subject entered land from the governMent in Cranberry township, and there developed and improved a farm. The parents of our subject both died of cholera in 1849, and he was 70 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. thus left an orphan at the early age of seven years. -Lewis H. Battefeld was educated in the country schools. 'He has also added largely to his knowledge through reading, observation and experience. In 186o he came to. Bucyrus and learned the trade of harness and saddle making under the direction of J. G. Birk. For fourteen years he followed that pursuit and then abandoned it to engage in. the manufacture of drain tile in Bucyrus; in 1876. He commenced operations on a small scale, using horse power, but his trade soon demanded increased facilities; steam power was introduced, improved machinery was secured and an extensive business was carried on. The enterprise is now conducted. by his son, Lewis P. Battefeld, in his own name. Our subject has frequently been called to public office and has been long a recognized leader in Democratic circles. In April, 1869, he became city marshal and filled the office for two years, and at the same time was township constable. For six years, from 1886 until 1892, he was township trustee of Bucyrus township, and in 1895 he became county commissioner, being elected in 1894. Three years later he was re-elected. to the office, so that he is the present incumbent. For two years he was. president of the County Commissioners' Association of Ohio, filling the office in 1898-9, its sessions being held in Toledo and. Dayton in those years. From the time he attained his majority down.to the present Mr. Battefeld has never wavered in his allegiance to Democracy. He was a delegate to the national convention held in Kansas .City in Iwo from the thirteenth .congressional district of Ohio, and has been chairman of the county central committee of the Democracy for the past eight years, filling that position at the present time. For five years prior he was also a member of the committee and he has frequently been a delegate to congressional and state conventions, where his opinions carry weight in, the councils of his party. Mr. Battefeld was united in marriage, in Bucyrus, to Miss Phillipina Krebs, a daughter of Frederick Adair and Christina (Weibel) Krebs, who came from Rhine, Bavaria, to the United States in 1852, and located in Liberty township; Crawford county, upon a farm, where they remained until called to the home beyond. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Battefeld is Lewis P.. They lost a daughter, Cordelia S., who died in 1886. The son is a graduate of the high school of Bucyrus, of. the class of 1887, and is now carrying on the business established by his father. He manufactUres brick and terra cotta and employs a.bout twenty workmen, making shipments to. various towns in Ohio.. He is a member of the blue lodge and chapter of the Masonic fraternity, and, like his father; is a stalwart Democrat. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 71 Socially Mr. Battefeld, whose name introduces this record, is Connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in the latter he has filled all of the offices. He also belongs to the English Lutheran church. His.business affairs were ever o conducted as to gain for him a constantly increasing patronage.. He was at all times strictly reliable, 'and his integrity, combined with his keen discrimination and capable management, won him a high degree of success, so that he is now enabled to rest in an honorable .retirement from the active cares and duties of business life. Always courteous and genial, he possesses a social disposition that well fits him for the part he has taken in political affairs. The high esteem in which he is held speaks better than words can do as to his character as a man and a citizen. MICHAEL SIEFERT. Michael Siefert, who is proprietor of a warehouse and has other property interests in New Washington, is one of the oldest of the pioneer settlers of Cranberry township, where he now lives. Throughout .the years of his residence in this county he has leen. :known as a progressive and wide-awake citizen. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, October 8, 1830, and is a son of John and Salome (Lantz) Siefert. The father of our subject was born in Alsace, France, now a part of Germany, in 1803, and was there reared to farm life. His father,. John Siefert, emigrated to America with his wife and seven children in the year 1827, landing at New York city after a voyage of twenty-seven days. Making his way westward, he came through the canal to Stark county, where a location was secured, the father purchasing forty acres of land, upon which he Spent his remaining days. The same year of their arrival John Siefert was. married and located in Stark county, where he operated one farm of forty acres, cdnducting this bn the shares for six years. In 1834 he came to Crawford county and entered a farm of eighty acres, one mile northwest of New Washington. Upon this tract of. land he built a log cabin sixteen by eighteen feet, and soon his family were. installed in their new home. The farm was. all covered with a dense growth of timber and the Indians in the neighborhood were far more numerous than the white settlers, but that year several white families took. up their abode in the vicinity of the Siefert farm. The father of our subject cleared his land and purchased thirty acres adjoining, developing a valuable property, upon which he 72 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. resided until the time of his death, which occurred in 1859. His wife, who was born in Alsace, France, in 1804, came to this country with her parents on the same vessel on which her future husband made the voyage, and the Lantz family also located in Stark county. Mrs. Siefert survived until 1863, when she, too, was called to her final rest. Six children were born of their union, but only two of the number are now living, namely : Michael and Anna, the latter the wife of John Schemley, of New Washington. Michael Siefert spent the days of his childhood in his parents' home, and to the common-school system of the neighborhood he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. On the 19th of October, 1854, he started out upon an independent business career, going to Eaton Rapids, Michigan, where he worked in a hotel until the 23d of December following, then returning to his home. On the 29th of January, 1856, he married Miss Christine Hofsisz, a native of Baden, Germany, who was born August 12, 1834, and came to America in 1854 with her- mother and step-father, who settled in Crawford county. After their marriage our subject and his wife took up their abode upon the old family homestead, which he cultivated on the shares until the death of his mother. He then purchased the interests of the other heirs and subsequently added a tract of twenty-five acres. Later he purchased seven other farms, making judicious investments in real estate as his financial resources were increased. However, he has since sold all of this with the exception of a tract of thirty acres, one mile east of New Washington, and the home farm. In 1879 he purchased the warehouse at New Washington, which he still owns, and he also has his present town residence and three other dwellings here, the rental from which materially increases his income. He took up his abode in New Washington in 1882 and his attention has since been largely -given to the •management of his invested interests. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Siefert has been blessed with fourteen children, of whom nine are yet living, namely : Jacob, a resident farmer of Wyandot county,. Ohio; Caroline, the wife of John Knodel, of New Washington, Ohio; George, of New Washington; William; who operates the home farm ; Anna, wife of Frederick Michelfelder, a shoe dealer of New Washington; John, also of New Washington ; Clara, wife of George Sheets,; Emma; who married Art Donnenwirth, a telegraph operator of Waldo, Ohio; and Frederick, with his parents in New Washington. Mr. Siefert gives, his political support to the Republican party and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never sought or desired office; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 73 preferring to give his attention to his business affairs, in which he. has met with very creditable success, his labors bringing to him a handsome competence, so that now he is enabled to enjoy an honorable retirement. For more than sixty years he has been a witness of the growth of the county, having watched its development from early pioneer days. JACOB SHEETZ. The history of a state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly the chronicles of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by those of its representative citizens, and yields its tribute of admiration. and respect for the genius or. learning or virtues of those whose works and actions constitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride, and it is this record that offers. for our consideration the history of men, who in their characters for probity and benevolence and the kindly virtues, as well as for integrity in the affairs of life, arc ever affording to the young worthy examples for their regard and emulation. Therefore it is proper that a just celebrity be giveth to those men who are distinguished in their day and generation, that the living may enjoy the approbation of their contemporaries, as well as that of a grateful posterity. Jacob Sheetz certainly deserves mention among the representative men of Crawford county. He stands at the head of the firm of Jacob .Sheetz & Brother, bankers and merchants, and the influence of his business activity is widely and beneficially felt. He was born in New Washington September 23, 1843, being one of the six children of John A. and Margaret (Donnenwirth) Sheetz. As the name indicates the family is of German lineage. The father of our subject was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, December 3, 1809, and in 1824, when only twenty-one years of age, crossed the Atlantic to he new world in company with an older sister. After landing in Neiv ork city they made their way to Ohio, locating in Columbiana county here they took up their abode. For some years the father of our subject as employed as a farm hand and at various occupations which Would yield him an honest living receiving but six dollars per month in the first capacity. His sister having married and removed to Crawfbrd county, he determined to go to Dayton, where he secured employment in a livery stable. He was very fond of horses and prospered in this new line of business. About 1830 he came to Crawford county to visit his sister, and, being pleased with the 74 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. locality, determined to remain. Therefore he purchased ninety acres of land in Auburn township, which tract includes the present site of the village of Waynesburg. The erected a log cabin, planted an orchard and began the task of clearing his land and cultivating crops. He was three times married. His first wife was Miss Margaret Weisenbacher, whom he wedded in Dayton, in May, 1836; but after a short married life she died, in July of the same year. Subsequently (October, 1837) he was jbined in wedlock to Miss Margaret Weaver, of Auburn township, Crawford county, and this union was blessed with one child, Catherine Agetta, now the wife of William H. Donnenwirth, a resident farmer of Stark county, Ohio. The second wife lived but a little more than a year, and about 1842 John A. Sheetz wedded Mrs. Margaret Hesse, the widow of Ehregott Hesse and a daughter of George Donnenwirth. She was a native of Alsace, Germany. Her father emigrated to America about 1829,. locating in Stark county, Ohio, whence he came to Crawford county, taking up his abode in Cranberry township, three miles northwest of New Washington, where he resided until his death. In early womanhood his daughter Margaret became the wife of Ehregott Hesse, a merchant of New Washington, and after the death of her first .husband she carried on the business until her marriage to Mr. Sheetz, when he took up his abode in the town and assumed the management of the business, conducting the same until his death, which occurred December 7, 1889. The Democracy received his political support, but he never sought 'office as a reward for public service. He was, however, the first postmaster of New Washington, and for several years prior to the establishment of the post-office- at this place he walked once each week to a point four miles west of the town in order to meet the stage and get the mail for the people residing in this locality. As an accommodation for his business patrons and his fellow townsmen residing in this locality he continued to act as postmaster for many years. By his third marriage Mr. Sheetz had six children, four of whom are vet living, namely : John H., a banker and merchant, who is in partnership with his brother ; Louisa P., wife of John M. Guiss, of New Washington; Jacob, of this review ; and Caroline, now the wife of John L. Assenheimer, a lumber dealer and contractor of Bucyrus. Jacob Sheetz had the refining influences of a good home and the advantages of educational privileges in his youth. Having pursued his education in the common schools, he supplemented his preliminary course by study in the Bucyrus high school, in DeKalb College and in a private institution of learning in Cleveland. From his sixteenth year he worked upon his father's CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 75 farm during the summer months, becoming familiar with all of the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Later, howeyer, his father insisted Upon his entering the store, and when he was nineteen years of age he took his place behind the counters, there serving as a clerk. He soon manifested superior aptitude for business, and six months later he had complete charge of the enterprise.. In less than a year the bills were made out in the name of John A. Sheetz & Son, although this was unauthorized by a. business partnership. in 1866, however, our subject purchased a half interest in the store, and in 1874 his brother, John H., purchased the father's interest, and the firm of Jacob Sheetz & Brother has since carried on operations. Not long afterward our subject established the Farmers Exchange Bank, under the name of the John A. Sheetz Company. Both branches of his business have contributed in a considerable measure to the general prosperity of the community, and at the same time have returned an excellent revenue to the partners. On the 17th of October, 1867, Mr. Sheetz was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Guiss, a. native of Cranberry township and a daughter of .Abraham Guiss, one of the prominent farmers of the community, now deceased. He was a native of Columbiana county, Ohio. This marriage has been blessed with three children : Ada M., the eldest, is the wife of John Seifert, proprietor of an elevator at New Washington ; George W., who is a graduate of the New Washington high school and of the Spencerian Business College, of Cleveland, Ohio, is now attending the Ohio State University, preparing himself for the practice of law ; and Emma L., the youngest, is also a. graduate of the high school of New Washington and is now the wife of Martin L. Leiser, D. D., of Ann Arbor, Michigan. In his political affiliations our subject is a Democrat, and for ten or more years has served as a member of the town council, exercising his official prerogatives in support of all measures for the public good. For fifteen years he has served on the school board and was one of its members when the present school building was erected. He holds membership in the Lutheran church, and was one of its trustees, serving on the finance committee when the present church edifice was built. He is one of the most public-spirited and progressive citizens of the county, and has contributed in a large measure to the upbuilding and improvement of this part of the state. When he became a member of the mercantile firm of which he is now at the head he assumed an indebtedness of three thousand, seven hundred and fifty dollars. The year following he erected a residence and thus increased his indebtedness, but 76 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in a short time, owing to his capable business methods and management, he was enabled to pay off all obligations and has continually added to his wealth. He is a man of whom the most envious can scarcely grudge success, so well has he earned it, so admirably does he use it, so entirely does he lack pride of purse. He is kind, unaffected and approachable, and every corner has a claim upon his courteous attention. There has been nothing sensational in his career, every step has been thoughtfully and deliberately made and every advance has been at the cost of hard and self-denying labor. Born to lead, his great experience makes him a safe counselor and guide. He stands to-day in his mature years a strong man, strong in the consciousness of well spent years, strong to plan and perform, strong in his credit and good name and a worthy example for young men to pattern after. THOMAS Hi. B. CLUTTER, M. D. A prominent physician and the oldest Practitioner of Crestline in years of continuous connection with the medical profession in this place is Dr. T. H. B. Clutter, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, August 2, 1841, and is a son of J. P. Clutter, who was also a native of the same .county. He was a farmer by Occupation, and died in Washington county, Pennsylvania, at the ripe old age of eighty years. His father, John Clutter, was a native of New Jersey and served as teamster in the Revolutionary war, enlisting for service at the age of seventeen years.. The paternal great-grandfather, who was also named John Clutter, was also a defender of the nation, serving in the army for seven years and was paid for his services in continental money, and some of this money yet remains in the family. A native of Germany, he came to America when a young man and took up his abode in Washington county, Pennsylvania, his being the first family to settle West of the. Alleghany mountains. Their home was in the midst of the deep forest. The settlements were afterward made and these early pioneers were frequently called upon to fight with the Indians, and a. number of the White settlers were massacred by the red Men. John Clutter, the great-grandfather, was a well known Indian fighter and a great hunter, and lived to be ninety years of age, 'his being -a family noted for longevity. The maternal ancestors of our subject were of German and French blood: The grandfather, James Andrews, was a native of New Jersey, but was Of German lineage, and his people had located in Washington county, Pennsylvania, who its pioneer settlers: He married a Miss Van Vorhees, who   CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 79 was of French lineage. She was born in New Jersey and was educated in the English schools, being able to speak both English and French fluently. The maternal great-grandmother of Mr. Clutter belonged to the Blackburn family, and she, too, was a native of New Jersey. The Clutter and Andrews families were united by the marriage of J. P. Clutter and Margaret Andrews, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. They became the parents of .seven children,—five sons and two daughters. All of the sons reached manhood and with but one exception are yet living; but the daughters died in infancy. The mother passed away at the age of seventy years. Her son Samuel is now living in. Akron, Ohio. John P. resides in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and Robert M. is a resident of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. The Doctor, who was the second son and third. in order of birth in his parents' family, spent his youth in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he pursued his education in the district schools. In 1861, when twenty year of age, he came to Crestline and began the study of MediCine with Drs. A. and A. E. Jenner, under whose direction he continued his. reading for five years. In the meantime he attended lectures at Starling Medical College and was thus well equipped by broad learning for his professional duties. He began practice in Leesville, Crawford county, in 1867, and there remained until 1888, when he located in Crestline, where he has since successfully followed his chosen calling: He was graduated in the Columbus Medical College, with the class of 1879, and has always continued his. close study of his profession, his reading and investigation keeping him abreaSt with the most advanced thought of the times. In addition to his practice he is interested .in the First National Bank of Crestline, of which he is a director. The Doctor was twice married. In 1867 he married Miss Joanna Day, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, born June 15, 1842. After her death he was again married, on the 15th of November, 1896, his second union being with Miss Ida Mapes, of Bucyrus, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania. The Doctor is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and at all times takes a very active part in political affairs, attending conventions and doing all in his power to promote the growth and success of his party. He has also served in the city council and on the school board, and takes a deep and abiding interest in everything pertaining to the welfare, progress and substantial upbuilding of his community. Of the fraternity he is a very prominent member, having attained the degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also connected with the Ancient Arabic Order of the 80 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. The success which attends his efforts is but in natural sequence, for his position soon became assured as an able physician, a man of sterling integrity and one devoted to his profession and to the interests and welfare of those to whom he ministered. He possesses marked judgment and discernment in the diagnosing of disease, and is peculiarly successful in anticipating the prognosis of complications, seldom making a mistake and never exaggerating or minifying the disease in rendering his decisions in regard thereto. He is a physician of great fraternal delicacy, and no man ever observed more closely the ethics of the unwritten professional code or showed more careful courtesy to his fellow practitioners than. does Dr. Clutter. REV. NATHANIEL J. HADLEY. Rev. Nathaniel J. Hadley, pastor of the Christ English Lutheran church, was born in Mahoning county, just south of the Western Reserve line, November 17, 1866, the son of prosperous parents whose home was on a farm. After attending the district schools the son took a course in Poland Union Seminary, which in its day was one of Ohio's most famous preparatory institutions. Among others who have there fitted themselves for more advanced educational work is President William McKinley. Mr. Hadley's course was an intermittent one, and in the intervals between the periods of study he engaged in teaching. He later entered the Northeastern Ohio Normal College, also a well patronized institution in the Western Reserve, its location being Canfield, Mahoning county. Subsequently he matriculated in Wittenberg College and was graduated at that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1891. In the fall of the same year he entered Wittenberg Theological Seminary and on the completion of the three-years course the degree of Bachelor of Divinity was conferred upon him. The same year his alma mater bestowed upon him the degree of Master of Arts. Immediately afterward, in the fall of 1894, he was ordained as a minister of the gospel by the Wittenberg synod at Bellefontaine, having been licensed to preach the gospel by the same religious authority the previous year. In fact, while in his senior year he had been called upon and had supplied several pulpits in the absence of the regular pastors, one of which he supplied for five months. In May, 1894, Rev. Mr. Hadley took charge of his first congregation at West Liberty, Logan county, a town of about fifteen hundred population. There he remained in successful and harmonious relations with CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 81 his flock until called to the broader field over which he now watches in Galion. This was on March 15, 1898. Rev. Mr. Hadley's work in Galion has been of a nature that well illustrates the force of character of the man, convincing the greatly increased congregation that they were fortunate in choosing him as their spiritual adviser and pastor. Young and energetic, he went to work with a will, wiped out an indebtedness and established the church organization on, a basis which has added to its power and influence. In numbers the congregation has greatly increased, , and its progress and development has been so marked as to attract the attention of churches in larger cities. When in Logan county he was president of the County Christian Endeavor Union. and during his incumbency in the office the county had the distinction of winning the banner offered by the State Association for the best organization and for the progress and work of the year. Since accepting his pastorate in Galion Rev. Hadley has served for one term at the head of the Crawford County Christian Endeavor Union. Rev. Hadley has been president of the Ministers'. Union of Galion and at present is the secretary of the Wittenberg Synod. He is also editing an eight-page parish paper entitled the "Lutheran Visitor." In 1895 he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Myrtle Bowsher, who had taken a select course at Wittenberg College and was previously a teacher in the public schools of Millersburg, Ohio, where her parents reside, her father being a prominent merchant of that place. Mrs: Hadley is a lady of superior intelligence and culture and is of great assistance to her husband in the exercise of the high functions of his holy calling. CHRIST'S ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH. Christ's English Lutheran church of Galion, Ohio, had its beginning in the summer of 1831 when the Rev. John Stough on the invitation of some Lutheran and Reformed church families came to Galion. He at once organized a united church, composed of the two denominations and served the congregation as pastor for five years, when on account of the infirmities of age lie was compelled to resign. During his ministry he. added to the church through instruction and confirmation forty-three members. He was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Lower of the Lutheran church and then followed three pastors of the German Reformed church in succession. About this. time the united congregation built a church edifice on the southeast corner of Church and Union streets. During the existence of the united congrega- 82 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tion the Rev. Solomon Ritz, George Leiter and F. J. Ruth of the Lutheran church occasionally preached in the English language. About 1841 the united church separated, the German Lutherans and the German Reformed people each building a church of their own, while those who preferred the services in the English language bought the old church property, organized an English Lutheran church and secured as their pastor the Rev. J. B. Hoffman. The immediate succeeding pastors were Revs. Andrew Kuhn, J. Crouse, E. Eastman and I. Culler. Of these pastorates very little can now be learned save that Rev. Andrew Kuhn served the congregation for nearly four years, during which time nearly sixty-one members were added to the church. The choice of a successor to Rev. Kuhn. resulted in a division of the church. There were two candidates for the position. The friends of the defeated candidate were dissatisfied and a number withdrew from the church and united with other denominations. Rev. Crouse was the successful candidate and remained as pastor for two years and nine months, during which time he was only able to acid seven members owing to the inharmonious condition of the congregation. In September, 1851, Wittenberg synod in its session at Bucyrus arranged the church of the synod into pastorates. By this act: the Galion pastorate was composed of the following named churches: Galion, New Castle, Leesville and Lost Creek. In April, 1852, the Rev. J. F. Ruth became the pastor of this new charge. He found the Galion church small in membership but composed of faithful and pious people. This congregation received one service every two weeks. Rev. Ruth continued as pastor until April, 1861. During the nine years of his service here seventy-five persons. were received as members of this congregation. Rev. Ruth was succeeded by Rev. J. Stover, whose pastorate continued two years and nine months, during which time the membership was increased by twenty-one, but the church largely felt the depressing influences of the Civil war. In March, 1864, Rev. J. F. Ruth was recalled to Galion and served this charge until 1870. The old church edifice had become dangerous and for nearly two years the congregation worshipped in the Baptist church. During this time an effort was made to buy a lot and erect a new house of worship. The work progressed and the new church was dedicated in February, 1869. The indebtedness of the church was fully covered by subscriptions but as there was a shrinkage in the collection the church was left in debt. The membership was increased by thirty-eight during the second pastorate of Rev. Ruth. During the fall of 1869 some of the members, enjoying their new church CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 83 home and recognizing a good opportunity for building up a strong English Lutheran church in this growing city, desired to be separated from the rest of the charge and employ a pastor to devote his entire time to the congregation. This was accomplished during the following year. Rev. Ruth continued as the pastor of the remainder of the charge and the Rev. H. B. Miller was invited to become the pastor of Christ's English Lutheran church. On the 1st of January, 1871, Rev. Miller took charge of the congregation and on the 29th of the same month organized it under the name of Christ's Evangelical Lutheran church of Galion. There were about fifty-six members. Rev. Miller continued as pastor until 1876, during which time he received one hundred and seventeen members into the church, but lost by letter, removal and excommunications fifty-three, thus leaving a net gain of sixty-four. At the end of his pastorate the church membership was one hundred and twenty. His successor, the Rev. E. W. Souders, served the congregation from July, 1876, until July, 1881, and at the close of this pastorate the church had one hundred and fifty-three members. He was succeeded by the Rev. C. S. Ernsberger, who took charge November 13, 1881, and continued as pastor until January I, 1891, during which time there were two hundred and forty-seven new members received, but by letter and otherwise one hundred and forty-three left the church, its membership being two hundred and fifty-seven at the close of his pastoral service here. By the 1st of October, 1882, he had also liquidated a debt of ten hundred and fifty dollars and during 1884 and 1885 the church was repaired- at a cost of fifty-seven hundred dollars, the repairs consisting of the building of a Sunday-school annex and the remodeling of the auditorium. The church also made great advancement along all the lines of church work. From the 1st of April, 1891, until September 1, 1893, the Rey. James K. Argo was pastor, and during that time the church membership was increased by sixty-six, though death, removal and other causes reduced the net gain to thirty-nine, and the church indebtedness was decreased from ten hundred and seventy dollars to three hundred and twenty-fiye. On the 1st of December, 1893, Rev. M. Colver became pastor of the church, then numbering three hundred and seventeen Members, but though eighty-eight people were received into the church by him the net gain was only twenty-eight. He remained until December I, 1897. The present pastor Rev. N. J. Hadley, assumed charge March 15, 1898, at which time there were found by careful examination only three hundred and eighteen names upon the church record. There have been received up. to 84 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the present time (October 1, 190I) one hundred and thirty-one new members, but lost by death, letter and otherwise forty-seven, leaving a net gain of eighty-four, thus making the present membership four hundred and two. The average attendance at the Sunday-school in the beginning of this pastorate was eighty-seven and at the present time is one hundred and sixty; the Christian Endeavor society has thirty members and the Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society is meeting every demand made upon it by the general society. The indebtedness of the church, which was composed of the deficit on the current expenses,, was one- thousand dollars. This amount was canceled during the first year of his pastorate. The church has been repaired, including repainting, papering and carpentering at a cost of between four and five hundred dollar, all of which has been paid for and the church is free from debt. Thus far during this pastorate there have been fifty-three funerals conducted, fifty children baptized and thirty-one marriages solemnized. CHARLES VOLLRATH. The subject of this sketch is a native of Saxony, Germany, born May 16, 1835, a son of Gottlieb and Fredericke (Meissner) Vollrath. He attended the schools of his native land seven years, and. came to this country with his father's family, which lived the first year in Rochester, New York, and in May of 1849 came to Bucyrus. Here Charles Vollrath learned the carpenter's trade and followed it till 1855, when he became interested in a planing-mill, a business in which he prospered for years. March 23, 1858, he married Elizabeth Hacker, a native of Baden, Germany, born in June of 1831. JAMES R HOMER In the following record Will be given the history of the busy and useful career of a distinguished resident of Galion, who as a citizen, a leading business man and a soldier has ever done his duty without' fear and without reproach, with an eye single to the greatest good to the greatest number. He has been honored by election to public office and is now filling the position of mayor in a most acceptable manner. He is a man of keen discrimination, sound judgment, and -his executive ability and excellent management have been a great benefit to the city of which he is now the municipal head. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 87 He has made his home in Galion since 1854, and throughout this long period he has been,the promoter of Many movements and measures for the general welfare and advancement of the material progress. of the community. James Rodolphus Homer is a native of the Pine Tree state, his birth having occurred in Monson, Maine, on the 7th of April, 1833. His father; William Hoar, was. a native of Monson, Massachusetts, and died in the year 187o, when more than sixty years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Betsy Goodel and she, too, was born in Monson, Massachusetts, but died in Monson, Maine, in 1897, when she had almost attained the age of ninety years. Their son, James R. Homer, spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his father's home and pursued his. education in the school's of his native city, also spending one winter in the city Of Monson, Massachusetts. He had but one brother and no sisters. His brother, Henry Homer, died at Monson, Maine, leaving two sons, who reside. at the old homestead, from which place is taken the famous Monson slate. The subject of this review was about eighteen years of age when, in 1851, he left home and started out to make his own way in the world. In 1854 he emigrated westward and became identified with the interests of Crawford bounty as a resident of Galion. Here he secured employment in a foundry, being thus engaged until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he put aside all personal and business interests in order to aid his country in the preservation of the Union. His patriotic spirit was aroused, and in August, 1862, he joined Company E, of the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which company was organized at Galion. He entered the service as a private, but was promoted from time to time until he was made first lieutenant, and as such had command of his company. The regiment was attached to the Army of the Cumberland, and with that great military force he participated in the engagements at Perryville, Stone River and Chickamauga, the last named being a continuous engagement of many days. Subsequently he took part in the Atlanta campaign, and though under fire for one hundred days he was never wounded or injured in the slightest degree. Always found at the post of duty, he was .brave and loyal in his efforts to protect the old flag and with a most honorable military record he, returned to his home, the blue uniform being a badge of honor. In Galion Mr. Homer worked at his trade, and in 1869 he embarked in business on his own account, purchasing a half interest in the foundry owned by A. C. Squier, the relationship being continued .almost without a break for about twenty-nine years, and was then terminated by the death of Mr. Squier, 88 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. who passed away on the 4th of April, 1896. Since that time Mr. Homer has been alone in business, and is now sole proprietor of the enterprise with which he has been so long identified. That it has been attended with success is indicated by its long continuance as an active factor in the industrial circles of Galion. Its patronage has steadily increased in volume and importance, and as a result Mr. Homer has acquired a good income. In 1857 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Homer and Miss Jane E: Nave, of Galion, who came from Pennsylvania to Crawford county with her parents, both of whom died here. The Naves were pioneer farmers of Polk township. Her brother, Sol P. Nave, was one of the first postmasters of Galion, and his son, the Rev. Orvill Nave, is now a chaplain in the regular army. He spent fourteen years in producing a topical Bible, which has recently been published and which is now meeting with an excellent sale. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Homer have been born two children, the son, Charles O., is a graduate of the high school of Galion, and is now interested in the Building & Loan Association. He married Miss Lewis, of Galion, a daug-hter of the late George F. Lewis, who died in this city in 1897. Charles O. and Minnie Homer now have two children James Lewis and Lucile, aged, respectively, five and two years. The daughter of the family, Lulu Belle, is a graduate of the high school, and for seven years successfully taught in the public schools of this city. Mr. Homer has eyer taken a deep and commendable interest in everything pertaining to. the welfare and progress of his adopted town, and has been honored with several positions 'of public trust. On his forty-sixth birthday he was elected mayor of Galion, which at that time contained a population of about three thousand, he being the first mayor chosen under the new city charter, which was obtained in 1879. He served for, one term, and then; after an interval of twenty years, he was again elected to the same position, taking the office April 7, 1899, on the sixty-sixth anniversary of his birth. He is now the present incumbent and capably handles the reins of the city government. He exercises his official prerogatives in support of many movements of reform and improvement. For four terms he has been a member of the city council, having first been elected to that office in 1862, while his last term was in 1896. For eight years he was a member of the school board and labored earnestly for the advancement of the educational interests. He is identified with the Republican party, the principles of which he warmly advocates and is untiring in his labors for the promotion of its success. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 89 Mr. Homer is prominent, in social circles, being identified with various fraternal organizations. He became the first commander of Dick Morris Post, G. A. R., of Galion, and has ever manifested an abiding- interest in the organization whereby he retains a pleasant relationship with his old army comrades. A prominent Mason, he belongs to the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, in the consistory of Cleveland, Ohio. He has passed all of the chairs in the blue lodge and has served as worthy master. In his life lie has exemplified the benevolent spirit of the fraternity, which inculcates among its members principles of mutual helpfulness. The family attend the services of the Episcopal Church. In all life's relations Mr. Homer has won the confidence and respect of his fellow townsmen. He is public spirited to a degree that renders him a very helpful citizen. and he is held in the highest esteem by people of all classes and of all shades of political and religious belief. DAVID E. NEFF. As a thorough and successful farmer, an excellent neighbor and a highly respected citizen, David E. Neff enjoys the esteem of the community in which he lives, and is regarded as a representative citizen of Liberty township. His birth was in Hepburn township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 1825, a son of John Michael and Christina (Wagner) Neff, and he was one of a family of eight children, the three survivors being David E. ; Christina, a maiden lady living- with her brother Joseph ; and Joseph, a farmer in Holmes township. John Michael Neff, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Mahrenjen, Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1783, a son of Michael and Catherine (Groff) Neff, both of whom died in Germany, after rearing a family of six sons and one daughter. These sons were all of fine physique, all of them except John Michael being over six feet in stature. Two of .them, Lorentz and Frederick, during the German war with France were chosen, on account of their fine appearance, as members of the king's body guard at the battle of Leipsic. In 1818 our subject's father, with his own family and three brothers, Lorentz, Abraham and John, emigrated to America. At that time the trip Was a long and wearisome one. They took a flatboat from their home and came clown the river Rhine on it to Amsterdam, and there embarked on a sailing vessel, the Susan, and added their number to the three hundred 90 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. passengers already on board. Before sailing two deaths occurred, but there were none later on the voyage: on the contrary there were two births, one of these being a son born to our subject's parents, when in sight of land, and he was piously named Gottlobe, the meaning of the name being Praise God. As the voyage had consumed eighty-six days, seventy-six of these being with out sight of land, the joy and thankfulness over its ending was universal, and perhaps no one rejoiced more than did John,. who had been hidden in a. barrel of household effects. The destination of the family was Lycoming county, Pennsylvania,. and there they settled. The father was thrice married; his first wife and her infant died together. It was the wife of the second marriage: that made the voyage with him, and she bore four children, all of whom are deceased. The Mother of our subject, Christina Wagner, was the third wife. She was born in the same locality as the father, and was a daughter of John and Christina (Herdtneck) Wagner. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Neff came to America on the same vessel with Mr. Neff, and were in very limited circumstances. Having a family of seven children, Christina and her sister Dorothy were bound out, after landing, to a family in Philadelphia, to work out their passage, and at the expiration of three years Christina was married to our subject's father and became the former's estimable mother. An uncle of Mrs. Neff occupied the position of veterinary surgeon to the king Of Wurtemberg. In Germany the Wagner family at one time had been prosperous, but unfortunate times came and they also came to America to repair their fortunes and settled in Lycoming county. With his brother Abraham, John Michael Neff bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Hepburn township, each taking sixty acres, and both added to their estates in later years, the father owning at one time one hundred and twelve-acres. After the death of his second wife he walked to Philadelphia to bring back with him the bright girl he remembered so well, and with her as his bride returned to the farm, through ten inches of snow. By trade he was a potter, and he established a pottery on his estate, but the country was too sparsely settled to make this pay. Here he lived, and died on. April 21, 1841. Our subject grew up on his father's farm in Pennsylvania and received: his education in the common schools, in the German language, and for six weeks received instruction in English, after he was twenty-one years of age. At the age of eighteen he apprenticed himself to the cabinet-making trade, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and remained until he was a finished workman, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 91 In April, 1848, he took passage on a canal boat to Philadelphia, being able to work for his passage, as the owner of the boat was a friend, and he soon found employment in Philadelphia, at his trade, following it there for fifteen months, at the expiration of which time he returned to Williamsport. In 1851 Mr. Neff took a trip to Crawford county, Ohio, with his brother John, who was returning to Ohio with his bride, this being a pleasant excursion of sixteen days in an old prairie schooner. He spent the winter in Crawford county, returning to Williamsport in the following June, but in the spring of 1858, as his health seemed impaired, he removed with his wife and two children to Crawford county, in order. to be again with other members of his family. His mother, with his brothers Jonathan and Joseph, with three sisters, had moved to this locality the previous year. Our- subject lived with the family eight years. They had purchased two hundred acres of land and our subject worked with them in Holmes township and assisted in paying for it. In the spring of 1866 he purchased liis present farm of one hundred and sixty acres and removed to it; where he has ever since resided, engaged in developing and operating this fine property. The marriage of Mr. Neff was on September 7, 1854, to Miss Mary Wise, native of Lycoming county and the daughter of Jacob Wise, also a native of Pennsylvania, who with his wife, Mary. Magdalene (Ott) Wise, were of German extraction. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Neff numbered four, these being Henry E., living at Ada, Ohio; Ellen M., deceased; Charles J., the farmer on the home farm; and Louisa, deceased. In politics Mr. Neff has been for many years a stanch supporter of the Republican party, although his first vote was cast for a Demociatic candidate. His family belongs to the English Lutheran church, which he also attends and to which he gives .liberal support. The social standing of the family in Liberty township is high, and Mr. Neff is well known as a liberal-minded and most estimable citizen who enjoys the respect of all with whom he has either business or other relations. WILLIAM A. BLICKE. The history of a community as well as that of a nation is chiefly the chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by that of its representative citizens, and yields its tribute of admiration and respect for the genius, learning or virtues of those whose works and actions constitute the 92 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. record of a state's prosperity and pride; and it is in their character, as exemplified in probity and benevolence, kindly virtues and integrity in the affairs of life, they are ever affording worthy examples for emulation and valuable lessons of incentive. Mr. Blicke, who is now acting as cashier of the Bucyrus City Bank and who through almost two decades has been connected with this institution, was born in Bucyrus, April 4, 1866, his parents being Frank and Theressa (Vonrath) Blicke. The father was born May 6, 1836, in the town of Nice, Germany, and between the ages of seven and sixteen years pursued his education in the public schools there, receiving good mental discipline. In the year 186o he determined to try his fortune in America and crossed the briny deep to the new world. After landing in New York he made his way westward to Bucyrus, where he began merchandising, conducting a store for twenty-five years with signal success. His trade grew with the increase of population and his business brought to him an excellent financial return. He carried on operations along that line until 1898, when, with a handsome competence, he retired to private life to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. He is now living in his adopted city, surrounded by many of the comforts and luxuries of life, and enjoying the esteem of many warm friends. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to public office, and from 1888 until 1892 he served as county treasurer. He was also the treasurer of Bucyrus township for several terms, was city treasurer for four years and for a number of terms was a member of the city council. His public duties have ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity, and the record of his service is one worthy of the highest commendation. His wife resides with him in their pleasant home in Bucyrus, and they have two daughters,—Carry M. and Lulu M., who are still under the parental roof. The boyhood days of William A. Blicke were spent in a manner usual to lads of the period. He enjoyed the pleasures of the play-ground and devoted considerable time to the duties of the schoolroom. In .1879 he entered the county recorder's office, where he served as deputy for a year and a half, and on the expiration of that period he entered the Monnett Bank, now the Bucyrus City Bank, in the capacity of bookkeeper and assistant cashier, filling the dual position in a most acceptable manner. On the 1st of January, 1901, he was elected cashier, and is now acting in that capacity. He is thoroughly familiar with banking, and his close application, energy and creditable business methods have been potent factors in securing the success of the institution which he represents. His labors have not been confined to one line, for in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 93 1884 he organized the W. A. Blicke Fire, Life & Accident Insurance Agency, which is still one of the leading insurance organizations in the county. He has been auditor of the People's Savings Loan & Building Company since its. organization in 1889, and has capably controlled these various interests. The marriage of Mr. Blicke was celebrated in 1889, Miss Antonia L.. Mader, of Bucyrus, becoming his wife. The lady was a daughter of J. G. Mader, a director of the Bucyrus City Bank. She died in 1891, leaving one son. Frederick F., who is now in school. In 1901 Mr. Blicke married Nelle A. Hall, daughter of Joseph Hall, postmaster of Bucyrus. Mr. Blicke is connected with Demas Lodge, No. 108, K. P., and Bucyrus Lodge, No. 156, B. P. O. E., and of the latter is trustee. He also belongs to the German Lutheran church. In 1888 he was elected city clerk of Bucyrus and filled the position for a term of twelve years. His entire life has been passed in the city which is yet his home, and the fact that those who h.ave known him from boyhood are numbered among his warmest friends is an indication of an upright and honorable career. He has ever won the respect of his fellow men by his fidelity to duty and his worth as an individual is indicated by the warm esteem in which he is uniformaly held. CHARLES LAKE. The history of Charles Lake forms an integral part of the annals of Crawford county, for he has been engaged in the jewelry business in Bucyrus for fifty years and is one of the most successful and enterprising merchants of the city. His life has been an evidence of the fact that ambition, enterprise and diligence can cope with an adverse fate and ultimately reach the goal of prosperity. He arrived in Bucyrus in 1852, and since that time he has advanced steadily toward prosperity and is to-day accounted one of the progressive, respected and well-to-do merchants of this portion of Ohio. Mr. Lake was born April 20, 1838 in Chester, which was then the county seat of Meigs county, Ohio. His father, Joseph Lake, removed from Hartford, Connecticut, to the Buckeye state in i800. He was then a young man desiring of improving his financial condition in the west. He secured a tract of land, cleared and improved it and developed it into a fine farm. He married Eliza Cassell, who was of Scotch descent and came to the Buckeye state from Hartford, Connecticut. Their son, Charles, was reared in the county of his nativity, pursued his education in the public schools there and learned the jeweler's trade in Cincinnati, Ohio. He came to Crawford county 94 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. from the vicinity of Pomeroy, Meigs county. On arriving in Bucyrus he opened a jewelry store, and his close attention to business and honorable methods have enabled. him to command a liberal share of the public patronage and therefore enjoys a large and constantly increasing trade and a good income. He carries a well selected stock of goods and his splendidly: equipped store would be a credit to a city of much greater size than Bucyrus. Mr. Lake was united in marriage to Miss Appalie Seiser, of Bucyrus, a daughter of William H. and Salome (Lozier) Seiser: The father came to Ohio from Germany with the Zoar colony. One daughter was born to Mr. and .Mrs. Lake; Helen, who is now the wife of James Aylward, of Toledo, Ohio. They also lost a daughter, Fanny, and one son, Edwin, who died at the age of eight years. The mother was called to her final rest in December; 1890, at the age of forty-five years. In his political affiliations Mr. Lake is a Republican, earnestly advocating all measures of his party, believing that it contains the best element of good government. He is an attendant on the Services of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a gentleman of scholarly attainments, his library being one of the important features of his pleasant home. From an early age his life has been one of ceaseless activity, and all that he has acquired is the reward of his own labors. He is a man of strong purpose and resolution and brooks no Obstacles that can be overcome by determined and honorable effort, and it is these laudable qualities that led to his Success. He justly merits the high regard in which:he is'held and his example Should serve as a source of encouragement to others. DANIEL W. LOCKE. Holding marked prestige among the. prominent members of the Bucyrus bar is Daniel Wheeler Locke, who has been successfully engaged in the practice of the legal profession since the 1st of October, 179. There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which is universally accorded him, and through twenty-one years' connection with the legal interests of the county his has been an unblemished character. With him success in life has been reached by sterling qualities of mind and a heart true to every manly principle. In his varied business interests his reputation has been unassailable, and in offices of public trust he has displayed a loyalty that has classed film among the valued citizens of the commonwealth. In the courts CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 97 of his district he displays strong mentality and a power of argument that has won for him many notable forensic victories. Daniel W. Locke was born in Bucyrus September 25, 1858, his parents being Daniel Wheeler and Martina (Bodine) Locke. His paternal grand. parents were John and Ruth (Saxon) Locke. The former was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, June 10, 1752, and died March 31, 1834, in Chaconut, Pennsylvania. He was one of fifty men who, disguised as Indians, threw the tea into the Boston harbor on the 16th of December, 1773, an act which has since become historic under the name of the Boston Tea Party. Opposed to the policy which Great Britain was pursuing toward her American colonies, he joined the Colonial army and was mustered into the service March 19, 1777, as a member of Captain Blodgett's Company and Colonel Enoch Poore's Regiment of New Hampshire troops. He marched with the company of Captain Melwich to the relief of Ticonderoga. In 1775 he had served as a minute man in Captain Parson's Company, and this proved an excellent training school for his later military service. In 1781 he was a member of a company commanded by Captain Thomas and attached to the New Hampshire Militia Regiment commanded by Colonel Renal. He was a loyal defender of the coldifies, doing all in his power to secure independence for the republic. Nathaniel Reed Locke, the grandfather of our subject, was born at Deereld, Connecticut, in 1792, and after arriving at years of maturity he wedded Hester Ross, a daughter of Dr. William and Sophia (M.erceran) Ross. Her mother was a daughter of Joshua Merceran, who served as aide-decamp on the staff of General Washington on Long Island. Daniel Wheeler Locke, Sr., father of our subject, and a son of Nathaniel R. and Hester (Ross) Locke, was born in New York and came to Crawford county, Ohio, when a young man about twenty years of age. Here he joined his brother, David. R. Locke, in the publication of the Bucyrus Journal. The latter went from Crawford county to Findlay, Ohio, and thence to Toledo. He became famous under the non de plume of Petroleum V. Nasby, of the Kentucky Cross Roads. His first article written under this name was due to a remark of a German minister named Vail, who, while attending a funeral of a Union soldier at Vingerts Corners, in Crawford county, in his prayer asked “God to have mercy on another victim of this God-damned abolition war." This appeared to David Locke as very ridiculous in a minister of the gospel and inspired his first article on the slavery question. The preacher's name was Peter Vail, 98 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and Mr, Locke changed this to Petroleum Vail, adding the name of Nasby, which was that of a quaint, humorous and original character who lived near Benton, Crawford county, named Nasby Wilcox. Daniel Wheeler Locke, the father of our subject, abandoned the journalistic and printing business on account of trouble with his eyes, and then began dealing in stone. He died in Crawford county in 1858, at the age of twenty-eight years, from injuries sustained in a runaway. He had married Miss Martina Bodine, a daughter of Peter and Susan (Ervin) Bodine. Her mother was a daughter of Peter Ervin, who served as a colonel in the Revolutionary war. The Bodines resided in. Cayuga county, New York. Mr. Locke died very suddenly at a time when his wife was ill in bed. She was left with no patrimony and with three small children to support. She borrowed money at ten per cent. interest, purchasing a sewing machine, and by doing work as a seamstress began to provide% for the support of herself .and her children, Daniel W. and Ross, the latter now in the newspaper business in Tiffin, Ohio. Another brother, Mathew Bodine Locke, the twin of our subject, had died in childhood. After a time Mrs. Locke had saved enough money to purchase a home for her little family. She gave to her children good educational advantages and did everything in her power for them. There was something heroic in the sacrifice which she made for her sons, putting aside every person-al interest in order to provide for them and gain for them a good start in life. She is still living, at the age of sixty-nine years, and has the gratitude, respect and unbounded love of the-two children for whom she cared and who- have now attained to man's estate, being numbered among the respected citizens of the communities in which they reside. Daniel W. Locke, whose name introduces this record, began to assist his mother as early as possible, and hen only fourteen years of age engaged in teaching. He also sold books and did everything else he could in order to make an honest living. His preliminary education, acquired in the public schools, was supplemented by study in the high school of Bucyrus and in Wooster University. Desiring to engage in the practice of law, he began reading under the direction of the well known firm of Scott & Harris, of Bucyrus, and when he had mastered many of the principles of jurisprudence he passed an examination before the supreme court at Columbus and was admitted to the bar on the 1st of October, 1879. His success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities, in this line: He is a strong advocate before the jury and concise in his appeals to the courts.. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 99 He is also remarkable for his wide research and the provident care with which he prepares his cases. In no instance has his reading ever been confided to the limitations of the questions at issue; it has gone beyond and compassed every contingency and provided not alone for the expected, but for the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them. His logical grasp of facts and principles and of the  applicable to them has been another potent element in his success; and a remarkable clearness of expression, an adequate and precise diction, which enables him to wake others understand not only the salient points of his argument but his every fine gradation of meaning, may be accounted among his most ton-. spicuous gifts and accomplishments. He was one of the 'organizers of the. Bucyrus Loan & Building Company,. in February, 1887, and since that time has been its secretary. In Bucyrus, in 1887, Mr. Locke was united in marriage to Miss Eva Kerr, a daughter of John Kerr and a granddaughter of Robert Kerr, who was one of the pioneers of Crawford county and one of the wealthiest men in this .portion of Ohio. Her mother bore the maiden name of Alice Chambers,, and in early life resided in Carey; Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Locke have been horn two sons,—John George Gormley and Daniel Wayne: Mr. Locke is identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, has served as past chancellor in the local lodge and is now a representative to the grand lodge. In the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks he is serving as chaplain, is past chancellor in the Ancient Order of United Workmen and past councilor in the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Foresters and to the Presbyterian church, and in the latter he is now serving as trustee. His political support has been given the Republican party and he is an enthusiastic advocate of its principles and policy. He does all in his power to promote its growth and success and has. several times been honored with nominations for office. He was a candidate for congress in the thirteenth district in 1900, and, although the district has. a Democratic majority of seven thousand, he Made a strong race and succeeded in largely reducing the vote given to the Democratic candidate. He is a man whose life experiences have been broad and .varied, and as the year's have passed he has learned the lessons of life and become imbued with humanitarian principles. His strong individuality, his generous sympathy and marked intellectuality have rendered him one of the honored and valued citizens of his native state, and his record now forms an important chapter in the history of Crawford county.