800 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. He has spent his entire life in this locality, his birth having occurred on the farm on which he now resides, on the l0th of May, i835. He is a son of Matthias and Barbara (Pfahler) Plahier, who were the parents of twelve .children, but our subject is now the only survivor of the family. The father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, about 1792, and was there reared and married. In 1832 he came with his wife and four children to the United States, but one child died during the voyage and was buried at sea. After landing in New York the family made their way to Ohio, and, after leaving his wife and children in Canton, this state, the father and his brother George, who had accompanied him to the new world, proceeded on foot to Crawford county, where the father purchased eighty acres of land where our subject now resides, while the brother secured an eighty-acre tract one mile south of this place, and after completing their arrangements they returned to Canton, loaded their few household effects into wagons which they hired and came with the family to their Crawford county home. Their first residence, which was a cabin built of round logs, was erected by the original owner, and this served as their place of abode for many years, after which the father erected a larger and more commodious hewed-log house. In this residence he spent his declining- years, passing away in 1855. He cleared his farm from the dense forest, experiencing all the hardships and difficulties which fall to the lot of a pioneer, and subsequently purchased eighty acres of land in Cranberry township, which is now the property of the heirs of our subject's brother, Matthias Pfahler. The father was an active and Worthy member of the German Lutheran church, and in his political affiliations was a Democrat. The mother of our subject survived her husband for fourteen or fifteen years. Caleb Pfahler, whose name introduces this review, acquired his early education in the old pioneer log school house, with its puncheon floor and slab benches to serve as seats. He supplemented the knowledge there gained with three terms in the New Washington schools, where he received superior educational advantages. When seventeen years of age he left the parental roof and apprenticed himself to the tanner's trade with Matthias Kibler, his brother-in-law, in New Washington, where he remained for three years, and then, having •completed his apprenticeship, he spent some time in travel, spending the following summer in Illinois and Iowa. In the fall of 1856 he returned to his home in Ohio, and, his father having died the year previous, he took charge of the home farm, operating the same on shares. However, he purchased the interests of the other heirs, and at the time of his mother's death he became the sole owner of the old family homestead. In 1875 he purchased an ad- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 801 joining sixty-eight acres, and his landed possessions now aggregate one hundred and forty-eight acres. Year by year prosperity has attained his efforts, and he is now numbered among the representative agriculturists of Crawford county, but his success has come to him as the result of unremitting energy, good management and close attention to business. The marriage of Mr. Pfahler was celebrated in February, 1862, Miss Eliza. Buck becoming his wife. She is a native of Licking county, Ohio, and a daughter of John N. and Anna (Swisher) Buck, natives, respectively, of Germany and of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Pfahler have had eight children, namely : John, who resides at Liberty Corners, Crawford county ; Silas, also of this county; Frank, who still resides with his parents and is engaged in threshing; Samuel and Ira, who manage the home farm for their father ; Charlie, deceased; and Anna and William, who are still at home. Mr. Pfahler casts his ballot in favor of the men and measures of the Democracy. He is now passing his remaining years in his pleasant home in Sandusky township, where he enjoys all the comforts of domestic bliss and where he finds rest and quiet. LEWIS PRY. Lewis Pry, of Crawford county, Ohio, is a member of a well-known and highly respected family of this county, and is also one of its most highly esteemed citizens. The birth of Mr. Pry was in Sandusky township, in Crawford county, in 1847, and he was a son of Frederick and Rickey (Bowman) Pry, the former of whom was long a resident of Crawford county and a worthy representative of his German ancestors, a man whose word was ever equal to his bond in any business transaction. Frederick Pry was long known, as his years extended far beyond the three-score and ten of the Psalmist, his death occurring on April I, 1893, in his ninetieth year. Lewis Pry, the immediate subject, was reared under a good and pious father and mother, and attended the common schools in his youth, beginning at the age of twenty-one to make a career for himself. His first attempt was on the home farm, which he managed on shares. In 1873 he married Miss Catherine Heer, who was a native of Germany and a daughter of Sebastian Heer. She came to America with her parents when she was three years old. Mr. and Mrs. Heer spent a short time in Wayne county, Ohio, prior to locating in Crawford county, but later purchased the farm upon which our subject now resides, and here the last days of Mrs. Pry's parents were spent. 802 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. After marriage Mr. Pry settled upon his father-in-law's farm and continued to manage and operate this land until the death of Mr. and Mrs. Heer. This property was then sold and a brother-in-law of our subject purchased eighty acres of it, and our subject bought twenty-five acres, building upon his tract a commodious farm house, and here the family resided until 1896, when he purchased the remaining eighty acres, and he then removed his family to the aid Heer homestead; and there they have since resided. Here Mr. Pry has one hundred and five acres. Formerly he owned a one-half interest in the old Kinsley homestead, of ninety-six acres, and also twenty acres south of his home farm, but this land he has disposed of. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Pry we may name Matilda, the wife of Barney Cole, of Vernon township, this county ; William, a farmer on his father's land ; Daniel, Charles and Franklin, at home. Mr. Pry is one of the leading Democrats of this section and actively supports his party, men and measures. Although he is not connected by membership with any religious organization, he is a regular attendant at divine services, and liberally supports all church and charitable enterprises. He stands well in the estimation of his fellow citizens and is known as a good farmer and a useful and excellent citizen. ALEXANDER SMITH. Many years have passed since Alexander Smith came fo Crawford county to cast in his lot with its pioneers. People of the present day can scarcely realize the struggles and dangers which attended the early settlers, the heroism and self-sacrifice of lives passed upon the borders of civilization, the hardships endured, the difficulties overcome. To the pioneer of the early days, far removed from the privileges and conveniences of city or town, the struggle for existence was a stern and hard one, and of these men and women must have possessed indomitable energies and sterling worth of character, as well as marked physical courage, when they thus voluntarily selected such a life and successfully fought its battles under such circumstances as prevailed in this then new and undeveloped country. Mr. Smith was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the 2d of June, 1821, a son of Joseph S. and Jane (Hogan) Smith. The father was also born in Washington county of the Keystone state, his birth occurring in 1797. He was a son of Alexander and Jane (Snodgrass) Smith, both natives of the Emerald Isle. After coming to the United States the grandfather became a CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 803 well-known and prominent farmer of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he spent his remaining days. He was a veteran of the war of 1812, and was a man highly respected and esteemed for his many estimable traits of character. His son, Joseph S., was reared and educated in the county of his nativity, and was early inured to the work of field and meadow. After his marriage he located on a portion of his father's farm, where he remained until 1825, and in the fall of that year he came with his wife and two children by wagon to Crawford county, Ohio. During a portion of the journey it was necessary for him to go ahead and clear a road ere the wagon could proceed, and on his arrival here he located on the farm on which he still resides, he having entered the land from the government in 1821 while on a prospecting tour through Ohio. The place consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, and was then covered with a dense growth of native timber, and while he erected .a cabin the family were obliged to live in the wagon. Mr. Smith cleared and improved this place, and in later years erected a more modern and commodious hewed-log house, in which he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1843, in early life. He was an active church worker and a member of the Presbyterian denomination, and he aided materially in the erection of the first Presbyterian church in Crawford county. Our subject, who was then a lad of thirteen years, drove an ox-team in hauling the timber used in its construction. In his political affiliations Mr. Smith was a Democrat. He was also active in military affairs, and for a number of years served as captain of a company. The mother of our subject, who was born in Maryland, in 1797, was a daughter of William Hogan, who removed to Washington county, Pennsylvania, from Maryland, his native state, and was of Irish extraction. Mrs. Smith survived her husband about ten years, dying in 1855, and was accidentally killed by being thrown from a buggy. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom still survive,—Alexander, the subject of this review ; William W., a resident of Woodson county, Kansas ; and Tabitha J., the widow of James Majors. Alexander Smith, whose name introduces this review, was reared to the quiet purusits of the farm and received his educational advantages in the old pioneer log school house, with its puncheon floor, slab benches and greased paper windows. In 1843, after his marriage, he erected a log cabin on a portion of his father's farm, which he operated on the shares, thus continuing for about five years. In the meantime, however, the farm had been divided, and on the expiration of the five years our subject purchased the interests of the other heirs and thus became the possessor of the entire homestead. In 804 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 1857 he erected his present substantial frame residence, and his farm, which consists of one hundred and fifty-two acres, is one of the valuable places of Crawford county. For the past twenty years, however, he has lived retired, in the enjoyment of a well-earned rest, the result of unfaltering energy, wise judgment and business ability. The management of the farm is now left to his sons. In the days of the horse-power thresher Mr. Smith also devoted a part of his time to threshing, but his principal occupation has been farming, and in that vocation his efforts were attended with a high and well-merited degree of success. The year 1843 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Nancy J. Dix, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, and a daughter of Joseph Dix. This union was blessed with seven children, four of Whom still survive, namely : Joseph M., a resident of Crawford county; Porter W., of Oklahoma ; Alexander, who operates the home farm ; and Martha J., the wife of Oliver McKeehen, also of Sandusky township, Crawford county. The wife and mother passed away in death on the 14th of August, 1887, at the age of sixty-five years. For the past fifty-seven years Mr. Smith has been an active and zealous member of the Presbyterian church, and during all of that time has served as an elder therein, much of the time also acting as a trustee. In political matters he is a stanch supporter of the Democracy. He has been the choice of his party for a number of local offices, having served for two terms as township trustee, two terms as clerk of his township, two terms as township assessor, and for more than twenty years has held the office of township treasurer. In all of these positions he discharged his duties with the utmost fidelity and honesty, and in all relations of life he has ever been true to principle and the right. JOHN GUISS. Research, into the early history of Crawford county indicates the fact that the Guiss family was founded here in early pioneer days and that they became identified with agricultural interests, thus aiding in the work of reclaiming wild land for purposes of civilization. Our subject is numbered among the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Cranberry township, on the farm which Jacob Sheets and wife now own. His father, Abraham Guiss, was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Jacob Guiss. Both removed from the Keystone state to Columbiana county, Ohio, at a very early day, locating near New Lisbon, and in 1836 they came CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 805 with their respective families to Crawford county. The journey was made with ox-teams and they were twenty-one clays upon the way. In addition to their household effects and other personal property they brought with them, three geese, one of which is still living and is now in possession of our subject. The grandfather entered nearly one thousand acres of government land and took up his abode where Jacob Myres resides. He was the father of twelve children, namely : John, George, Abraham, Christian, Henry, Anne, Susan, Catherine, Martha and others whose names are not remembered. The grandfather, Jacob Guiss, or real name Guissinger, wandered from home when quite young, and on going to school the `Singer- was omitted by the teacher and thus only Guiss remains. The Guiss family lived in true pioneer style and endured the usual hardships and trials which fall to the lot of settlers upon the frontier. Amid such surroundings our subject was reared, and upon the old homestead he remained until twenty-one years of age. At the age of nineteen he began teaching in the district school, having thirty-five scholars, of whom thirty-one were relatives. He remained in charge of that school for two years, and for a similar period had charge of the New Washington school, after which he was engaged in photographic work in Plymouth, Ohio, for two years. Subsequently he spent one year as a bookkeeper in Cleveland, and then returning to Plymouth, he clerked in a general store for two years. The succeeding year was spent as a salesman in Shelby, Ohio, after which he bought an interest in a store in West Liberty, carrying on business at that place for two years. He was next owner of a half interest in a store in Sulphur Springs, where he carried on mercantile pursuits for fourteen years, meeting with good success in his undertakings. On the expiration of that period he removed to the farm upon which he now lives and which has been his home continuously since 1880. He is engaged in general farming, having eighty acres of rich land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. On the 19th of November, 1863, Mr. Guiss was united in marriage to Miss Susan Fry, and unto them have been born six children : William H., a practicing physician residing in Tiro, Ohio; Mellville, who makes his home in Cedartown, Georgia, where lie is serving as treasurer and secretary of the Alabama & Georgia Iron Company ; Ethie, who is engaged in school-teaching. and makes her home with her parents; Charles A., who was also engaged in teaching school, but is now taking a course at the Ohio State University ; Warren G., who is the principal of the Chatfield schools ; and Maude R., who is attending the Heidelburg School of Oratory. The children have been pro- 806 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. vided with good educational privileges, all but one being graduates of the Washington high school. Mr. Guiss has frequently been called to public office by his fellow townsmen, who, recognizing his worth and ability, have chosen him for public honors. For nine years he served as justice of the peace and discharged his duties with strict fairness and impartiality. He was also township clerk of Liberty township, was assessor, notary public for six years, and for ten years was assistant postmaster at Sulphur Springs. In politics he is a stalwart Democrat, and in every position in which he has served he has discharged his duties in a most able and energetic manner, winning the commendation of all concerned. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. He was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at New Washington, has filled all the chairs and is now a past chancellor. His life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the fraternity. He is widely and favorably known and is held in the highest regard where he is best known. JACOB CRUM. One of the old and highly respected farmers of Crawford county is Jacob Crum, who has established a reputation as a thorough farmer and estimable and useful citizen during a residence here which covers more than a half century. Mr. Crum was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, on April 1825, and he was a son of Moses and Margaret (Rex) Crum, and was one of a family of six children which was born to his parents. Of this family our subject and his brother Michael, who is a resident of Richland county, are the only living representatives. Moses Crum was a farmer in Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1792, and from that state he emigrated to Ohio, about 1838, locating in Sharon township, Richland county. Here he lived until 1877, at which time he passed away, at the age of eighty-five years and two months. His most worthy widow survived him for about ten years, her age reaching ninety-five years. Mr. Crum possessed at the time of his decease about two hundred and forty acres of land, and provided well for his children, ever taking a deep interest in their welfare. Jacob Crum was reared to farm work and was about thirteen years old when his parents removed to Ohio. His educational advantages were limited, his only opportunity being during the few winter months when he could be spared from the farm, the school house being such as the pioneer locality pro- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 807 vided, as at that time the advantages of education were not always appreciated by those who were obliged to provide houses and teachers. Our subject remained at home until his marriage, in 1855, to Miss Susan Naser, who was a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and who was a daughter of Samuel Naser, who came to Richland county in 1834. Mr. Naser located in Sharon township and lived there his remaining years: After marriage our subject and his young wife began housekeeping on the farm which he now occupies, in Vernon township. This property was a present from his honored father and comprised one hundred and sixty-six acres, to which our subject has since added other lands. In 1880 he purchased a tract of forty acres, which is located one-fourth of a mile south of his home place, and in 1885 he bought another farm, the location of the latter being in Auburn township, across the highway from his residence farm, and consists of one hundred and seventy acres. With these additions our subject owns three hundred and seventy-six acres of land, and carries on extensive farming and stock-raising operations. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Crum, as follows : Samuel, residing on the Auburn township farm ; Elzina, the wife of Warren Turtle, of Shelby ; Jeremiah, of the state of Washington ; Curtis, of Shelby, Ohio; John, residing at home; Catherine, the wife of Edward Johnson, of Shelby; and Luella, deceased. In politics Mr. Crum has been a life-long Democrat, and has been of service to his locality in several offices, notably as school director, for several years. He has been long one of the leading members of the Reformed church, as was his wife until her death, in 1888. During his long life in this locality Mr. Crum has witnessed many changes, and has done his part in developing the agricultural section in his vicinity, and is held in high esteem and is one of the most substantial citizens of the county. JOHN BURGBACHER. The pioneer history of Crawford county would be incomplete without mention of this gentleman, who for more than sixty-five years has made his home within her borders, his time and attention being given largely to agricultural pursuits. He has assisted in reclaiming the wild land for purposes of civilization and in many ways has contributed to the substantial development and growth of the county. He has always been an interested witness of its improvement, from the time when the region was dotted here and there 808 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. with rude log cabins, down to the present, when fine farms and thriving villages indicate the prosperous condition of a contented and happy people. Mr. Burgbacher was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, June 23, 1824, a son of Johannes and Rosina (Bypus) Burgbacher. In 1835 the father brought his wife and children to America, sailing in June of that year and reaching New York after a voyage of sixty-two clays. From the eastern metropolis they proceeded by lake and canal to Sandusky and thence by team to Crawford county. He was a wagon-maker by trade, but after coming to this country he located on the farm where our subject now resides, purchasing eighty acres of land, of which four acres had been cleared, while a log cabin had been builded. The land was covered with heavy timber, beech, oak, elm and ash, but the father and his sons at once 'began to clear away the trees and prepare the fields for cultivation. For four years after their arrival the father and his son John tilled what corn they planted with a hoe. The deer were so numerous that they would often come to the hay stack and feed with the cows. Everything was wild, the land was in its primitive condition and the work of progress and improvement seemed scarcely begun, but in course of time all this was changed and the farm is now one of the most valuable farming properties in the county. The father died in 1842, at the age of sixty-seven years, while his wife passed away December 14, 1850. They were the parents of five children. Mr. Burgbacher, of this review, was eighteen years of age at the time of his father's death. He then assumed the management of the home farm, which he has since operated and which has continuously been his .place of residence since 1835. He to-day owns one hundred and seventy acres of rich land, all under a high state of cultivation, and his farm is one of the best improved in this portion of the county. He is energetic and progressive in his methods and his earnest labor has brought to him success as the years have gone by. On the 3d of July, 1849, Mr. Burgbacher was united in marriage to Miss Susan M. Koenig, a native of Germany and a daughter of William and Marie L. (Fay) Koenig, who came to America in 1833 and located in Chatfield township, Crawford county. He secured eighty acres of wild land, where Gottlieb, Knicht is now living, and erected thereon a log cabin of one room. This contained besides a stove, a table and chairs, three beds, and in that room the father, who was a cooper by trade, also engaged in the manufacture of barrels. Both he and his wife spent their last days in the home of our subject and both died when eighty-two years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Burgbacher have been born nine children : Otto P., who died in childhood ; Mary, wife of Will- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 809 iam Hohl, of Lima, Ohio; John, a resident farmer of Defiance county, Ohio; William, of Chatfield township; Rosa, the wife of Jacob Bringle, of Chatfield township; Henry and Jacob, who are deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of F. E. Hiser, who is engaged in the operation of a sawmill and tile factory in Carrothers ; and Hannon, a merchant of Seneca, Ohio. Mr. Burgbacher has been a prominent factor in public affairs for many years and has been called upon to serve in many positions of honor and trust. In 1862 he was elected county commissioner and served for two terms of three years each, being chosen to the office as the Democratic candidate. In 1853 he was elected justice of the peace and since that time has continuously served in the office, with the exception of nine years. He has also been trustee for many years and school director for forty years, and in every office in which he has been called to serve he has discharged his duties in a manner winning him the highest commendation of all concerned. He and his wife hold membership in the Lutheran church and are earnest, consistent Christian people, everywhere honored and esteemed for their sterling worth. Mr. Burgbacher aided in laying out some of the roads of the county and has ever borne his part in the work of public progress as a citizen who has the general good deeply at heart. SOLOMON SEERY. Solomon Seery has resided upon the farm in Lykens township which is now his home for more than two-thirds of a century, taking up his abode there when a boy of ten years. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, September 22, 1823, a son of Solomon Seery, one of the honored pioneers of Crawford county, who aided in its substantial development in early days. In the fall of 1833 the father brought his family to Crawford county, where our subject has since made his home. He began his education in a log schoolhouse, seated with slab benches and supplied with other primitive furniture, and the methods of instruction were almost equally crude. Although a youth of only ten summers when he came to this county, he aided his father in the work of clearing the fields for cultivation and assisted in the plowing, planting and harvesting. In 1855 occurred the marriage of Solomon Seery and Miss Elizabeth Park, and unto them have been born three children, namely : Independence, a hoop manufacturer of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin ; John W., a resident farmer of Lykens township; and Russell O. The wife and mother died April 810 - CENTE90NNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTRY. 20, 1890, at the age of fifty-four years, respected by all who knew her, so that her loss was deeply mourned by her many friends, as well as her immediate family. Throughout his entire life Mr. Seery has carried on general farming, and to-day he owns three hundred and twenty-five acres of rich land, all in .Lykens township. The well tilled fields yield to him golden harvest and everything about the place is kept in good condition. In the early days he was celebrated as a coon hunter. For a half century he has been a member of the United Brethren church and throughout the greater part of the time has served as trustee, while for a long period he was class-leader and superintendent of the Sunday-school. His first presidential vote was cast for Henry Clay, the Whig candidate, and at the present time he is a Prohibitionist. He gives his support to all movements calculated to promulgate temperance, morality and intellectuality and has aided in many interests for the general good. His life has ever been honorable and upright and all who know him esteem him for his genuine worth. HENRY J. OBERLANDER. On the farm in Lykens township which is yet his home Henry J. Oberlander first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 31st of May, 1847, andconnectedt his entire life he has been connected. with the agricultural interests of Crawford county. He is now numbered among its leading and representative farmers, and wherever he is known is held in high regard. His father, Jacob Oberlander, was born and reared in York county, Pennsylvania, and there he married Elizabeth Allbright. They began their domestic life upon a farm in that county and also lived for a time in Adams county, Pennsylvania, but determined to try his fortune farther west. In 1832 Mr. Oberlander made his way to Richland county, Ohio, hiring a horse team with which to accomplish the journey. There he resided until 1835, when he came to Crawford county and entered a tract of land of eighty acres in Lykens township, from the government. The following year he brought 'his family to, the new home and soon they were living in true pioneer style in a little log cabin containing but one room. The farm was covered with a heavy growth of timber and it required many long years of arduous toil to clear and improve the place. Throughout the remainder of his days Jacob Oberlander carried on farming here, and at one time was the owner of four hundred and twenty acres of valuable land. He made many excellent im- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 811 provements upon his place and his property became one of the most attractive and desirable farms of the county. He was a member of the Pietist church and an earnest Christian gentleman, who commanded the respect and confidence of all with whom he was associated in the active affairs of life. He died. January 21, 1887, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years. On the old homestead Henry Oberlander has spent his entire life. The common schools afforded him his educational privileges and under his father's. direction he early became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Together they carried on their farming operations until the father's death, and Mr. Oberlander of this review has since resided on the old home place, devoting his energies to the cultivation of his farm, comprising, one hundred acres, of which ninety acres is cleared and the greater part divided into fields, which are highly improved. He carries on general farming and his well directed labors bring to him a good financial return. On the 25th of June, 1874, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Oberlander and Miss Sarah J. Feltis, of Wyandot county, Ohio, and unto them have been born four children : Irvin J., who married Florence Bogart and is living at home ; Lawrence E., who married Ida Spade and is a farmer of Lykens township ; Iona B., the wife of John Wisenhour, of Lykens township; and Cora M.; the wife of Noah Meck, by whom she has one child, Lena L. Mr. Oberlander and his family are well known people of the community and enjoy the warm regard of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. In politics. he is a Democrat, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests, in which he is meeting with creditable success. JACOB BROEDE. Jacob Broede, who is carrying on general farming and stock-raising in Lykens township, where he owns and operates two hundred and forty acres of land, is one of the worthy German-American citizens of Crawford county. His birth occurred in Bavaria, Germany, August 25, 1832, his parents being Adam and Catherine (Blinn) Broede. Upon his father's farm he was reared and in the schools of his native land. he acquired a good education. At length he determined to try his fortune in the new world, believing that better advantages were here afforded young men. Accordingly he crossed the Atlantic in 1851 and after a voyage of twenty-two days upon a sailing vessel he made his way to Utica, New York, where he worked as a farm hand, by the 812 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. month, for two and a half years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Germany, on account of his father's death, and assumed the management of the home farm, which he operated for six years. He then again came to America, spending three months in the Empire state and in the fall of 1860 he arrived in Seneca county, Ohio, where he remained for seven months. On the expiration of that period he purchased eighty acres of land in Chatfield township and for three years made his home thereon, buying his present farm in 1864. He purchased one hundred and twelve acres of Albert Hammond and a few years later added to this a tract of fifty-six acres. His landed possessions now aggregate two hundred and forty-eight acres, and thereon he is successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, his business ability, careful management and enterprise enabling him to overcome all obstacles and work his way upward to prosperity. Mr. Broede has been twice married. He first wedded Jacobina Poth, and unto them was born a son, August, who is now overseer of the brewery owned by the firm of Poth & Sons, of Philadelphia, the senior partner being his uncle. For his second wife Mr. Broede chose Eva Ehresmann, and they have eight children : Jacob J., of Seneca county ; Adam, who is now living in Iowa ; Emma, the wife of Albert Angeny ; Albert, a resident farmer of Seneca county ; Malinda, the wife of Henry Kurgis ; Henry, Lizzie and Charley, all at home. Mr. Broede exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy and, while he keeps well informed on the issues of the day, has never sought office. He belongs to the German Reformed church and is a man of genuine worth. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to America, for in this land of the free he has found the opportunity he sought for advancement in the business world and has not only gained a comfortable competence, but has won many friends. ABRAHAM HAAS. Old and honorable families of Germany have given to America many citizens of exceptional worth. Crawford county, Ohio, has its share of such and Abraham Haas is one of the best known of this class in Lykens township. Mr. Haas was born near Columbiana, Columbiana county, Ohio, November 3, 1834, a son of Conrad Haas, a native of Germany, who was brought to America by his parents when he was ten years old. The family settled in Pennsylvania and thence Conrad Haas came to Ohio, locating in Columbiana county, where he married Catharine Meyer, who bore him eleven children, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 813 of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of nativity. John, their first born child, died at the age of sixteen years. Their daughter Lydia is the widow of Solomon Rupert. Their daughter Sarah married Philip Hogert and is dead. Their son Benjamin lives at Aurora, Illinois. Their daughter Catharine is the wife of D. Y. Ditty, of Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio. Their son Henry lives in Holmes township, in the same county. Their daughter Elizabeth is the wife of David Faileck, of Lykens township. Their daughter Susan is the wife of John Meyers, of Lykens township. In the spring of 1835 Conrad Haas brought his family to Crawford county, making the journey from Columbiana county with ox-teams, and settled in Lykens township, where he homesteaded one hundred and twenty acres of government land, which he developed into the farm on which the subject of this sketch now lives. At that time the land was heavily timbered and he was obliged to make a small clearing on which to erect a log cabin of round logs. He carried the work of improvement forward as rapidly as possible and became prominent in his neighborhood. He died in 1848, at the age, of forty-one years. His death was most untimely, for he was a useful man in the township, where he built the first school house, helped to organize several schools and laid out roads. He was a devout member of the Baptist church and contributed liberally to all its interests. His wife died at about the age of sixty years. When the subject of this sketch was brought to Lykens township, he was about six months old. He was educated in the common schools and reared to farm work and by the death of his father, when he was fourteen years old, was thrown upon his own resources at a comparatively early age. For three years after his father's death the home farm was leased. Young Haas worked in the neighborhood for a year and afterwards worked near Columbiana until his mother got her family together and came back to the farm. Then, at the age of seventeen years, he took charge of the place which he has managed successfully since, except during a year and a half when he lived in Wood county. He now owns eighty acres of the old homestead, and the good house and other improvements on the place were placed there by himself. He has done general farming and has dealt extensively in horses, and during the days of horse-power threshers, he ran threshing machines in season for many years. In politics he is a Democrat and he is not without influence in the councils of his party, but he has never sought nor accepted public office. He was married in 1857 to Miss Martha Schupp, a woman of many good qualities, Who has 814 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. been to him a most worthy helpmeet. The recollections of his school days include vivid memories of crude, old-fashioned schools, taught in log school houses with puncheon floors and slab seats and desks, and he has during all his active life done everything in his power to advance the cause of public education. SAMUEL DEWALT. The well-known citizen of Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, whose name is mentioned above, is of .that sturdy Pennsylvania stock, which, transplanted to all parts of the United States, has been fruitful in enterprise, progressiveness and enlightenment. Samuel Dewalt was born on the farm on which he now lives October 18, 1855, a son of Robert Dewalt, who was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and was married there to Elizabeth Broder, who bore him six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the. fifth in order of birth. Their daughter Isabella married Owen Olds, of Texas township, Crawford county, Ohio. Their daughters Henrietta and Savannah and their son Alexander are dead. The fifth in order of birth was the subject of this sketch. Their youngest son, Richard, is dead. In 1850 Robert Dewalt removed from Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, to Craw ford county, Ohio, and settled on the farm on which his son Samuel now lives. His first purchase of land there was two hundred and twenty acres, thirty acres of which were cleared, and on which a log cabin had been erected. He died there February 17, 1894, aged seventy-seven years, and his wife died October I0, 1877. They were members of the German Reformed church and Mr. Dewalt took a great interest in all its work, serving in the offices of deacon and elder and as a member of the building committee which had charge of the erection of its house of worship. Samuel Dewalt was interested with his father in agricultural enterprises until 1876, when he took charge of the farm on which he now lives. He owns one hundred acres of the old Dewalt homestead, which, together with eighty acres in another tract, makes his real estate holdings aggregate one hundred and eighty acres. These two pieces of land adjoin and constitute one of the best farms in the vicinity. Mr. Dewalt is a Democrat in politics and is a member of the German Reformed church. He was married in 1876 to Mahala Shawk, of Seneca county, Ohio, and they have four children, Dora; Debora, who is the wife of J. W. Swalley; Alta and Ralph. Mr. Dewalt is a CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 815 man of much recognized public spirit, who remembers with pride the fact that he was educated in the public schools of his native township and has always taken an interest in their development and improvement. There is no question affecting the public welfare in which he does not take an intelligent interest and there is no movement for the general good which he is not ready to assist to the extent of his ability. He naturally takes an interest in the church, toward the upbuilding of which his good father labored so zealously, and he is liberal in his assistance of all its varied interests. ANDREW MOORE. Any adequate account of the life of a self-made man is necessarily both interesting and instructive. It is always a story of human ambition, struggles and triumph and as such must claim the attention of every student of human nature and of the progress of the people at large; and as an example of what may be done by industry and perseverance by one actuated by worthy motives, it is worthy the emulation of all young men who have their way in the world to make. Such a career as is here indicated has been that of Andrew Moore, of Benton, Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio. Andrew Moore was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1847, and when he was six years old, in 1853, his father died. Not long afterward his mother took her family to Crawford county, Ohio, and settled in Texas township, where, at the early age of twelve years, the boy began working on farms by the month. This was necessary from the fact that his mother was very poor and that as soon as they were old enough her four sons were obliged: to earn money to be expended toward her support and the maintenance of: their home. The names of these sons were William, Joseph P., Andrew and Henry. Soon after the Civil war began Mrs. Moore, who was a devout Chris-. tian woman of much education and refinement and of great patriotism, made the following declaration, which her son remembers word for word : "I know that this is to be a terrible War and we must make sacrifices to save the Union and I am willing that my sons should go to the front, and may God protect them and bring them back to me." The sons whom she thus devoted to the service of her country were her only support. Joseph P., the second son, was the first to avail himself of this permission. He enlisted in 1861 as a private in Company H, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Stone River, on New Year's morning, 1862. William, the eldest son, was the next to enlist and he was color-bearer 46 816 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in the One Hundred and First Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed while carrying the flag in the front line of battle at Chickamauga, in August, 1863. At that time Andrew was only little more than sixteen years old, but without serious objection on the part of his mother, who believed that it was her duty, if necessary, to sacrifice her last son old enough to be of any assistance to the cause of freedom, enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment of Infantry at Martinsburg, West Virginia. His first experience of battle was at Newmarket, where he was dangerously wounded in the left thigh by a minie ball. After lying for two days in a field hospital he was taken to Clairsville hospital, in the mountains near Cumberland, Maryland. After he had been under treatment there three months he was able to go home on a furlough. He rejoined his regiment at Kernstown and after that fought at Winchester, Cedar Creek, and in other engagements and participated in the fighting which resulted in the fall of Petersburg and Richmond. After the evacuation of Richmond the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio and the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Regiments were detached to burn the bridge across the river to keep Lee's army from crossing. When they arrived at the bridge Lee's cavalry was on the point of crossing the river, and not only succeeded in doing so, but took about five hundred prisoners of war from the two federal regiments mentioned, Mr. Moore among them, who were under guard with the Confederates when Lee surrendered. After the war Mr. Moore returned to Benton, Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, where he remained only a short time, however, before going to Oil City, Pennsylvania, where he was employed for three years. Returning to Texas township, he farmed four years and after that sold agricultural implements for twelve years. After that he was for five years a buyer for Young & Brother, lumber dealers at Canton, Ohio. Since that time he has been buying timber on his own account, cutting it up into saw-logs and selling it in that form to lumber manufacturers. He is a Republican in politics and is a member of Roberts Post, No. 672, Grand Army of the Republic, at Benton, Ohio. He has held the office of township trustee and has otherwise served his fellow townsmen with ability and credit. His mother, of Christian and patriotic memory, who was a lifelong member of the United Brethren church, died at Benton at the age of seventy-one years. Mr. Moore, was married June 1, 1868, to Miss Mary J. Haskins, and she has borne him three children. Their son Earl was accidentally killed in 1895, while attempting to get on board a moving train of cars. Their daugh- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 817 ter Bertha is now Mrs. Haskins. Their son Clyde, who is a proficient stenographer, is a student at the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, Indiana. JAMES BRINE. Men popularly known as Pennsylvania Dutchmen have gone forth from he Keystone state to all parts of the west and southwest and wherever they have gone they have planted the standard of enterprise, prosperity and popular enlightenment and have maintained it wherever they have flung it to the breeze. Crawford county, Ohio, was, perhaps, specially favored in receiving a large number of settlers of German antecedents and of Dutch ancestry from her sister state beyond the Alleghenies. A name that has become well known in Texas township, Crawford county, Ohio, and the history of which may be traced through many generations of such sturdy men and women as have here been referred to is that of Brine, which is most worthily represented by James Brine, who was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, August 6, 1833. James Brine was brought up on his father's farm in Pennsylvania and educated in the public schools, and at the age of eighteen entered upon a three-years' apprenticeship to the shoemaker's trade. After completing his apprenticeship he worked at his trade in Pennsylvania until 1855, when he went to Seneca county, Ohio, and worked on a farm by the month at Honey Creek for five years. After that he rented a farm nine years and managed it with such success that at the expiration of that time he was able to buy the farm of sixty acres on which lie now lives. He has purchased twenty acres elsewhere and now owns eighty acres, which he devotes to general farming. December 27, 1860, Mr. Brine was married in Seneca county, Ohio, to Amanda Fotelman, a native of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, who had emigrated to Seneca county with her parents two years before. James and Amanda (Fotelman) Brine became the parents of .six children, the following items of information concerning whom will be interesting in this connection. James, their first born child, is dead. Their daughter Nora, born next after James, is the wife of Warren Johnson, of Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio. Alfred, their third child in order of birth, is dead. Their daughter Cora married Benjamin Hushouer, of Texas township, Crawford county, Ohio. Their daughters Mattie and Ruth are members of their household. It has been one of the ambitions of Mr. Brine's life to bring his daughters up to be good women and to educate them in such a manner as to enable them to 818 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. take the station in life to which their mental attainments and personal graces. entitle them. In political affiliations Mr. Brine is a Republican, proud of the history of his party and ardently devoted to its principles and work. Taking a broad. and comprehensive view of all public questions and knowing that, like charity, national progress begins at home, he has, while not being an office seeker or in the ordinary sense of the term a politician, given his aid to the utmost possible extent to every movement tending to advance the interests of his township and county. OWEN OHL The man whose name is above is one of the old and honored citizens of Texas township, Crawford county, Ohio, and is a native of the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania, having been born in Luzerne county, February 28, I833, a son of Philip and Mary (Kless) Ohl, who had six children, named as follows : Joshua, John, Owen, Abraham; Caroline and Elizabeth, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only one now living. Philip Ohl served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812 and became a man of local prominence at his old home in Pennsylvania. In 1851 he moved with his family from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and located in Texas township, Crawford county, on the farm now owned by his son Owen. He bought eighty acres of land, on which was a small clearing and a log house. He made improvements and remained there continuously until 1876, when he died, at the age of eighty-three years. Owen Ohl lived on his father's home farm until 1869, when he removed. to Lykens township, where he bought eighty acres of land, on which he lived seven years. After that he lived for four years on a farm owned by his father-in-law, Robert Dewalt, and then returned to his father's old homestead. He has been successful in a material way and has acquired two hundred acres-of land, one hundred and twenty acres of which he divided among his children in 1901, retaining only his old homestead. In politics he is a Democrat and he and his wife and children are communicants of the German Reformed church. Mr. Ohl was married May 11, 1861, to Miss Isabelle Dewalt, daughter of Robert Dewalt, of Lykens township, and they have had seven children, the following data concerning whom will be of interest in this connection. Their son Robert lives in Wyandot county, Ohio. Their daughter Mary is. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 819 the wife of P. A. Frankenfield, of Texas township, Craw ford county. Their son Richard E. is a farmer in Seneca county, Ohio. Their daughter Laura E. is the wife of Albert Braldie, of Seneca county, Ohio. Their son William is a well-known citizen of Texas township. Their son Albert is a member of their household. Their daughter Ida is the wife of Willard Moore, of Texas township. Mr. and Mrs. Ohl are passing the declining years of their lives quietly and calmly, with few bitter memories and with many pleasant thoughts of their past years, for their lives have been blameless and their worldly success has been won by most worthy means. Their charity has not been stinted and they have many times proven themselves friends to those in need. Their example has been a good one to their children and to all who know them and they are justly held in high esteem by a wide circle of acquaintances. OBADIAH BANKS The family of Banks, which produced the well-known resident of Texas township, Crawford county, Ohio, whose name is the caption of this article, is the same old colonial family of which the late General Nathaniel P. Banks, warrior and statesman, was a representative. Obadiah Banks comes of a good old New York family and was born in Cayuga county, that state, November 29, 1834. His father, Rhesa Banks, was born in Connecticut and married Lucinda Mead, who bore him seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the first in order of birth. Ursula and Marion, twins, were next in order of birth and they are both dead. The next born was Sybil, who has also passed away. Their fifth child, Celestia, married Martin Welsh The next in order of nativity was Ellen, who is the wife of, C. Jump, of Benton, Crawford county, Ohio. Their youngest child, David, lives in Texas township, Crawford county. In the course of events Mr. and Mrs. Banks removed with their children to Crawford county, Ohio, and settled in Texas township, where Mr. Banks bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he developed into a good farm and on which he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1885, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife died ten years earlier. He was a man of prominence in the township and was influential in public affairs and for a time he ably filled the office of township trustee. In 1854, when his parents located in Texas township, Obadiah Banks was twenty years old. He remained with his father, assisting him in the management of his farm until June, 1864, when he married Miss Jane Mulsog, 820 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. by whom he has two children, Eva, who married C. H. Miller, who is a school teacher at Bucyrus, Ohio, and Truman, who is a member of his father's household. Soon after he was married Mr. Banks located on his present farm, which has been his home since that time, except for three years. He owns eighty .acres of well improved land, which he is cultivating profitably and is regarded as one of the well-to-do farmers of the township. He has always taken a deep interest in the causes of education and temperance and is a member of the Prohibition party. That he is not without considerable influence in local affairs will be understood when the fact is considered that he has held the office of constable six years and has for four years been township trustee of Texas township. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has always contributed liberally toward the maintenance of Christian worship in his neighborhood. All in all he is a man of much public spirit, who is ready at all times to assist any measures which he deems likely to further the general interests of his fellow citizens. ANDREW FRANKENFIELD. Reference has been frequently made in this work to the good influence of Pennsylvania blood upon the settlement and development of the great middle west. Of such ancestry is Andrew Frankenfield, of Texas township, Crawford county, Ohio, who was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1820, and was there reared to a practical knowledge of farming and educated in the common schools. In due time he married Rebecca Besulma, who bore him five sons and five daughters, of whom seven are living. In 1851 Mr. Frankenfield removed to Crawford county, Ohio, where he bought five acres of land, on which he erected a cabin and a log blacksmith shop. Later he bought fifty acres of heavily timbered land, which he gradually cleared and put under cultivation and on which he lived for twenty-five years, farming and doing carpenter work as there was a demand for his services. At the expiration of that time he located on a farm in Seneca county, Ohio, where he lived until 1868, when he removed to his present farm of one hundred and seventeen acres in Texas township, Crawford county, Ohio, where he has given his attention to general farming with much success. Politically Mr. Frankenfield affiliates with the Democratic party and his influence in local public matters is recognized. At the same time he is not in the ordinary sense of the term a practical politician and he has never sought CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 821 nor accepted office. He is a communicant of the Presbyterian church and has for many years been a liberal contributor toward the support of its various interests. He began life poor and is a self-made man, w hose success has been won most worthily and who is highly regarded by all w ho know him. E. LAMBERT. It is always a pleasure to the writer and it should edify the reader to peruse and consider any adequate sketch of the career of a man who has made his way to worldly success without the aid of influential friends and in spite of many discouragements, a man who, with the single idea of achieving victory, pushes obstacles from his path and, making himself superior to circumstances, presses forward to the goal which he seeks. Such a man is the subject of this sketch, who, though a farmer in a rural community, more fittingly represents the possibilities of legitimate American enterprise than a Gould or a Morgan. Mr. Lambert comes of that sturdy old Pennsylvania stock which has given strength and activity to enterprise and impetus to education and enlightenment in all parts of our great west, and was born in Northampton county, in the Keystone state, February 2, 1819. He was reared on a farm and became early familiar with hard work and only the most meager educational advantages were available to him. At the age of nineteen he began to work at the blacksmith's trade.. In 1843 he removed from Pennsylvania to Summerville, New Jersey, and worked there as a blacksmith for seven years. From Summerville he went to Ohio, and locating in Lykens township, Crawford county, opened a blacksmith shop there, which he conducted successfully for four years, when he traded it for another shop at Benton, in the same county, where he carried on blacksmithing until 1864. In the year last mentioned Mr. Lambert retired from blacksmithing and bought the eighty-acre farm in Todd township, Crawford county, Ohio, on which lie has since lived and the acreage of which he has since increased until it embraces one hundred and seventy-eight acres. The writer wishes to impress upon the mind of the reader the fact that Mr. Lambert has acquired this fine property by his own unaided efforts, by many years of hard toil, during which he has dealt with all with whom he has come in contact with the most scrupulous honesty. These facts are known to all who know Mr. Lambert and they should go far to discourage a belief which has taken root in the minds of many young persons that the easy way and the trickey way is the 822 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. only sure way to financial success. Such a man exerts upon the community at large an influence more potent for good than that of a dozen millionaires, who have made their money by grinding the faces of the poor and are flaunting it brazenly before an outraged world. Mr. Lambert is a Democrat in politics and has held the office of supervisor of his township, which he filled most ably and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, but he has been without political aspirations and has believed and acted religiously upon the belief that one man who does his duty thoroughly as it comes to his hands from day to day, is more useful than any ten men who go about advising others what they should do, especially men who are actuated by the professional politician's hope of profiting by the labor of others. Mr. Lambert is now eighty-two years old and he attributes his healthy longevity to an active and regular life and to the fact that he has never used tobacco or liquor in any form. Mr. Lambert was married in 1845, to Miss Margaret Kunnsman, who has borne him six children, Mary, Adam, Samuel, Emma, David and Sarah, of whom all except David and Sarah are living. DANIEL BECK. The record of a life well spent and useful is always interesting and edifying and it is to be regretted that the brevity necessary to the plan of this work does not admit of the introduction of all details of the life of such men as the late Daniel Beck, of Jefferson township, Crawford county, Ohio. Daniel Beck, who is descended from good Pennsylvania ancestry, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and lived there until 1830, attending school and assisting about the home work. In the year last mentioned, in company with his father and other members of his family, he went to Crawford county, Ohio, where Adam Beck, the father, built a gristmill within the borders of Jefferson township, and took up land and engaged in farming. Daniel grew to manhood as his father's assistant in his agricultural and other enterprises and remained with him until 1845, when, at the age of twenty-seven, he married. Then under an independent arrangement he took charge of his father's farm, on which he lived until 1855. In 1857 he located on the farm which became known as his homestead and on which he died November 3o, 1892. In politics he was a Republican and he exerted a recognized influence upon public affairs. In 1845 Mr. Beck married Nancy Lareiner, who was born in Perry county, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 823 Ohio, February 5, 1821. Their son Robert W. is dead. Their son Joseph lives in Indiana. Their sons William and Shannon and their daughter Louisa are dead. Their daughter Margaret is living in Morrow county, Ohio. Mrs. Beck, who survives her husband, is the daughter of Robert Lareiner, a native of Ireland, who at the age of six years was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Pennsylvania. Later Robert and one of his brothers went to Fairfield county, Ohio, making the journey out from Pennsylvania on foot. Mrs. Beck's first recollections of home are of a floorless log cabin, and she states that she never had anything to do with a stove until after her marriage. The Beck homestead, now under her control, consists of eighty acres of rich and well cultivated land, which is a valuable agricultural property. Mrs. Beck is one of a family of twelve children and the only one now living. SAMUEL S. FREESE. The family of Freese has long been well known in Pennsylvania, where the name has become identified with success and agricultural and mechanical pursuits, in financial and commercial circles, in the professions and in politics. Wherever representatives of the family have gone, following the westward course of the empire, they have not only planted well, cultivated thoroughly and reaped abundantly, but have been so upright in their dealings with their fellow men and so public-spirited in their relations to their fellow citizens that everywhere the name has become a synonym for good citizenship. There may have been men named Frees who have fallen short of realizing this description, but such have never been known in Crawford county, Ohio, where the family has been well represented by Samuel Freese, of Jefferson township, and by others. Samuel S. Freese was born at Lancaster, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1820, one of the five children of John J. and Susan (Eldis) Freese, and he is the only one of them now living. The others were named William, Elizabeth, Susan and Adam. In 1823, when the subject of this sketch was about three years old, he was taken by his parents to Holmes county, Ohio, where the family lived until 1831, when they removed to Crawford county. John J. Freese bought eighty acres of land in Jefferson township, on which some improvements had been made and a one-room log house had been erected. Mr. Freese died at Galion, Ohio. Samuel Freese was brought up to farm work and received a meager edu- 824 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. cation in the subscription school taught in a log school house near his pioneer home. He has a vivid recollection of early days in Crawford county and remembers the now flourishing city of Galion at a period in its history when it consisted of only a few scattered log cabins. He remained on the farm, assisting his father, until 1848, when, at the age of twenty-eight years, he married Lena Eberly and moved on his present farm, on which there then stood a small log house, which has since given place to a substantial modern residence. He proved himself to be a man of exceptional business capacity and became the owner of more than five hundred acres of land, three hundred acres of which he has divided among his children. His home farm of two hundred acres he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. Samuel and Lena (Eberly) Freese have children named John, Caroline, Eliza and William. ADAM ASHCROFT. The subject of this sketch is the son of parents who were pioneers in what is now Crawford county, Ohio, and was born within the limits of Jefferson township at so early a date that he might well claim pioneership for himself. He comes of the old Pennsylvania family of Ashcroft and his father was Newton Ashcroft, a son of Adam Ashcroft, in honor of whom the present Adam Ashcroft was named and who was himself an early settler in Crawford county. Adam Ashcroft came out from Pennsylvania in 1828 accompanied by his son Newton and other members of his family and settled in Jefferson township, where he bought the farm which is now the property and home of his grandson, the second Adam Ashcroft. It consisted of one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which there had been a small clearing, in the midst of which stood a lonely little log cabin. Adam Ashcroft, who was a surveyor and school teacher, became prominent in the county and being a member of the church, with a gift for prayer and speech, he did effective work among the early settlers as an exhorter and an evangelist. He was a very industrious man and worked on his woodland farm early and late, chopping down trees, logging, grubbing and burning out stumps and in all necessary ways preparing for cultivation, and when he died at the age of ninety-two years, it was a farm of which he had long been proud. Adam Ashcroft, grandson of Adam Ashcroft and son of Newton Ashcroft. was born in 1834 and passed his youth on the farm and in obtaining a practical education in local subscription schools an ambition in which he was: CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 825 encouraged by his mother, who before her marriage to Newton Ashcroft, was Miss Mary Hershener. Of the seven children of Newton and Mary (Hershener) Ashcroft, three of whom were sons and four of whom were daughters, the subject of this sketch and his sisters survive. Elizabeth is the widow of Samuel Trosh. Mary is the wife of John Creider. Catherine is the wife of John Johnson. Lydia is the wife of Johnson Davis. John and Henry are dead. Newton Ashcroft, who is a carpenter and stone cutter by trade, was a constant resident of Jefferson township, from his advent there in 1828, until his death in 1892, at the age of nnety-two. His wife died at the age of eighty-eight years. Their son Adam, who now owns one hundred and eleven acres of his grandfather's original homestead, has lived on the place all his life, except during two years and he took charge of the place in 1858. He owns two other pieces of land of twenty-five and thirteen acres, respectively. At the age of twenty-one he began working at the carpenter's trade, at which he was employed four years. In 1858 Mr. Ashcroft married Lydia Crieder, who has borne him four children, as follows : Homer, who lives in Wells county, Indiana; Alice, who is the wife of Richard Hiltner, of Jefferson. township; Edith, who is the wife of Harry Smith, of Jefferson township; and Pearl, who is the wife of William De Gray, of Jefferson township. Since he married Mr. Ashcroft has given his attention entirely to farming, in which he has been very successful. Politically he is a Republican, devoted to the principles and measures of his party and, while he is not without influence in local affairs, he is neither a practical politician nor an office seeker, but he is •a man of recognized public spirit. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a liberal supporter of Christian worship in his township. CHARLES M. HILBORN. Charles M. Hilborn is one of the successful and progressive farmers of Bucyrus township, and is also a well-known and highly respected citizen. Mr.. Hilborn is a native of Crawford county, having been born in Todd township, September 9, 1863, and is a descendant on both paternal and maternal sides from pioneer settlers of this county and of Richland county. Grandfather Hilborn was one of the earliest settlers of Richland county, while Grandfather Joseph Reinhart came to Todd township, Crawford county, when it was but a wilderness. The father and mother of our subject were Samuel L. and Mary 826 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. (Reinhart) Hilborn, the former of whom was born in Richland county and the latter in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Charles M. Hilborn, of this biography, is the second child in a family of ten children born to his parents, and was reared on his father's farm, where he remained until attaining his majority. His education was pursued in the common schools, and he grew to manhood a fine type of the agricultural regions of one of the best counties in the state of Ohio. After leaving the parental roof Mr. Hilborn spent the first summer in operating a threshing machine, and was so successful in this line that he has made that a business for every season since, three years of this time being a partner in the threshing business. His occupation has been exclusively that of a farmer, and since 1890 he has operated a fine farm in this township, where he has become prominent in .Democratic politics. During 1896-97 he was the efficient assessor of Bucyrus township, and in 1900 he was almost successful in his candidacy for trustee, having gained the confidence of the public by his excellent management of the business connected with his former office. Mr. Hilborn was married in 1888 to Miss Catherine Hirtz, who was born in Holmes township, Crawford county, and he has six children living. Mr. Hilborn and family belong to the highly esteemed and respected residents of the township. BENJAMIN A. SINN. The agricultural interests of Crawford county, Ohio, are in the hands of experienced and capable men, whose fertile fields and attractive surroundings testify to their efficiency in their chosen line of effort. Among the thriving agriculturists of Bucyrus township is the leading citizen, Benjamin A. Sinn, whose birth took place in a log cabin, on the farm now owned by Jonathan Carmean, in this township, on September 23, 1832. His parents were George and Sarah (Hawk) Sinn, who reared a family of ten children. George Sinn was a native of Pennsylvania and came with his wife to Crawford county, Ohio, in 1826, where they were among the pioneers. He successfully operated a grist and sawmill in this county, and about 1856 purchased a farm on section 4 in Bucyrus township, upon which he lived for many years. His death occurred in 1870, his wife surviving for six years. Mr. Sinn was a man of character and prominence, well and favorably known throughout the county, and thrice acceptably filled the position of county auditor, in addition holding other offices of honor and trust. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 827 Benjamin Sinn, of this biography, was reared on the farm, but the major portion of his time was employed in the mill, where he became thoroughly instructed as a miller, both in grinding and sawing. In 1857 he decided to see something of the country, starting westward, and after a period spent in Iowa reached Denver, Colorado. At that time the present flourishing and beautiful city was but a collection of log cabins, and mining was the principal industry, the greater part of the population having been attracted thither for that purpose. Mr. Sinn also became interested in mining, but after a year of trial, with but indifferent success, he turned his face homeward, passing through the state of Misouri. Upon reaching Ohio Mr. Sinn took charge of a gristmill at Sycamore, Ohio, where he remained for one year, and then went into the operation of a. sawmill at Glenville, where he continued for eight years, passing the succeeding five years upon a farm. The following ten years were spent by Mr. Sinn in the successful operation of a sawmill in Fulton county, Ohio. It was not until 1882 that he decided to settle down to an agricultural life on his present farm, which he purchased from his father, but since that time he has shown such marked ability in his chosen line that his success as a farmer and also as-. a stock-raiser is well known through the locality. Mr. Sinn still continues to look after his stock and farming interests, but not so actively as formerly. A lifelong Democrat, he has taken a deep interest in township affairs, and was an efficient trustee of the same in 1867-8. He enjoys the esteem and respect of the community and is considered one of the representative men of Bucyrus. township. LEO WHITE. Leo White, a young and successful farmer and stock-raiser of Dallas, township, Crawford county, is a son of Willard T. White, a retired farmer, residing in Bucyrus, Ohio. The White family is numbered among the oldest in the county. Going back in the history of the ancestry, it is found to be of Virginia stock. Charles White, the paternal great-grandfather of Leo White, was born and reared in the Old Dominion and was about sixteen years of iage when the Revolutionary war began, His name appears on the muster roll of militia. He was in active military service several years during the struggle of the colonies for American independence, being for a portion of that period under the immediate command of General Washington. He served also as one of the "minute men." When his father died he inherited as a portion of 828 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his estate several slaves, and being reared amid slavery conditions he was not at first opposed to the system. Through inheritance and purchase he became in time the owner of a large number of slaves. He removed to Fayette county, Kentucky, and while there he liberated his bondsmen. He had fought for liberty in the war of the Revolution and could not believe it right to hold his fellow men in bondage or reconcile it with the principles of eternal justice. Becoming disgusted with the iniquitous system, he liberated his negroes, thirteen in number, and soon afterward removed to Ross county, Ohio, taking up his abode there about 1812. He followed farming with fair success in that county, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1856, when he had attained the advanced age of ninety-six years. He had three sons, namely: Samuel, George and Charles W., and the first two served- in the American army during the war of 1812. The youngest son, Charles W. White, was the grandfather of our subject. He was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, July 18, 1802, and when about eight years of age accompanied his father on his removal to Ross county, Ohio. At the age of eighteen he left the parental home and visited the "New Purchase" in northern Ohio. He secured work on the Indian mill, located on the Sandusky river, being employed by the government Indian agent at fifteen dollars per month. There he worked for three years and saved his money, with which he purchased two hundred and seven acres of land in what is now Dallas township, Crawford county. After working for the succeeding nine years for different people, he removed to his land, and by industry, economy and good business management became one of the largest land-owners and most successful farmers and stock-raisers of the county. In 1830 he married Hannah Simmons Hoover, and unto them were born the following named children : Lorena, Willard T. and Charles. Willard T. White, the father of Leo White, was born in Dallas township, August 8, 1845. After engaged in farming and stock-dealing on an extensive scale for many years and meeting with prosperity in his undertakings, Mr. White, the father, removed to Bucyrus, where he is now living in retirement from business cares. Leo White resides upon the old homestead in Dallas township, where his birth occurred July 17, 1870. He was educated in the district schools and has always been connected with the cultivation, of the fields and the raising and sale of stock. He has dealt quite largely in cattle and is a very energetic, wide-awake young business man, carefully conducting his interests, yet his methods are progressive and his enterprise and straightforward dealings have gained him prominence as one of the leading agriculturists of his community. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 829 1899 Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Velma Maud Shemer, a daughter of Levi Shemer, of Dallas township, and they have one child, Helen Lorena. Mr. White is now serving as township treasurer, an office to which he has been twice elected. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is one of the leading and influential citizens of the community in which his entire life has been passed. ELIAS CRISSINGER. Elias Crissinger, a trustee of Dallas township and a prominent farmer and successful stock-raiser, was born near Peru, Illinois, August 11, 1853. He was a son of William and Mary (Baker) Crissinger, both natives of Ohio, the former of Marion county and the latter of Crawford county. The paternal grandparents were of Dutch ancestry and removed from Pennsylvania to Crawford county, Ohio, early in its settlement, later going to Marion county where they spent their last days. William Crissinger was reared in Marion county, but his wife grew up in Crawford county, where her father, Benajah Baker, was a pioneer settler of Whetstone township. Later in life he removed to Indiana and died in Jasper county. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crissinger, one of whom has passed away. After the death of our subject's mother in Illinois, when he was but two years old, the father placed the children in the care of their paternal grandparents. Later he married a second time and lived in Marion county, and from there, in 1861, he entered the United States army, and upon the expiration of his term of enlistment re-enlisted, and died at Murfreesboro while serving in the cause of his country. Our subject did not live with his grandparents very long, as after his second marriage the father claimed his children. After his death they were directed by a guardian and thus Elias had several early homes, but was given a common-school education and was taught how to work on a farm. From early life, however, he was obliged to earn all he received and perhaps the stern discipline of neseccity helped to make him the reliable and excellent man he now is. In 1874 Mr. Crissinger was married to Harriet L. Houser, a daughter of Anthony Houser, of Marion county. Ohio, and then settled in Dallas county, where he began farming, first as a renter. An accidental discharge of a shotgun so injured his hand that the amputation of his arm below the elbow became nescessary, and affliction which was borne with most wader ful courage. 830 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. For the following seventeen years the family resided in Marion county upon a forty-acre farm given to Mrs. Crissinger by her father, but in 1896 he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, in Dallas township, Crawford county, where he has since lived and followed farming. In 1897 Mr. Crissinger was elected trustee, and in 1900 was re-elected for a second term and in the spring of 1901 he was made assessor also and is now serving in both positions, to the entire satisfaction of the community. In politics he is a member of the Democratic party and is one of the representative men of his community. With his wife and family of eight children he belongs to the Methodist church, where he is most highly esteemed for his many traits of Christian character. His business relations have brought him into contact with almost all the residents of the township and there is no one who was more friends than Elias Crissinger. JESSE HOLLINSHEAD. The family of Hollinshead are representatives of those who have been leaders in thought and in action wherever their lots have been cast. The family has been ably represented in Ohio, by Richard Hollinshead and his sons, one of whom, Jesse. Hollinshead, is a prominent citizen of Texas township, Crawford county. Jesse Hollinshead was born near McConnellsville, Morgan county, Ohio, August 25, 1823, a son of Richard and Catharine (George) Hollinshead, who had five sons and three daughters and two of whose sons, Jesse and Philip, fought gallantly for the Union cause in the Civil war, the former in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the latter in the Fourteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1829 Richard Hollinshead moved with his family from Morgan county, Ohio, to Seneca county, and in 1838 to Crawford county where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Lykens township, of the United States government, his purchase being comprised in what was known as the Indian reserve. The land was heavily timbered and he cleared a small space in which he erected a log cabin and addressed himself bravely to the work of improving his property ; but he died at the age of fifty-two years, in 1842, only four years after his arrival there, and his wife died in 1853. When his parents located in Lykens township, the subject of this sketch was fifteen years old, and he received a scanty education in the common schools and was brought up to the hard life of a poor boy on the frontier. He began an independent career at CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 831 the age of twenty years, when he married Christina Feasel, who bore him five children. She died on the 29th of September, 1893. Amanda, eldest daughter of Jesse and Christina (Feasel) Hollinshead, married J. G. Snyder, a wagon-maker and sawmill proprietor of Benton,. Ohio. Their daughters, Sarah and Catharine, and their sons, Lawson and Herman, are dead. They have only one grandchild, Jesse H. Hollinshead, son. of their son Lawson. August 19, 1862, Mr. Hollinshead enlisted in Company H, One Hundred. and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At Winchester, where he saw his first experience of battle, he was made a prisoner of war. After being confined two days in Libby prison he was transferred to Belle Isle prison, from which he was liberated after about thirty days on parole and went to a camp at Martinsburg, Virginia, and participated in the engagements at New Market and Snickers G ap. He fought under General Hunter at Kernstown and later under General Sheridan at the battle of Opecken. Still later he participated in the fighting at Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, and after that his regiment was transferred to the Army of the James, under command of General Grant, and for a time was stationed .at Camp Holley at Deep Bottom. Mr.. Hollinshead fought at Hatchers Run and participated in the movements against: Petersburg and Richmond.. After the fall of Richmond, as a means of preventing Lee from crossing the river the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio. and the Fifty-fourth, Pennsylvania Regiments were detailed to destroy a_ bridge, and in an attempt to carry out that purpose were captured by the enemy -and were prisoners with Lee at the time of the latter's surrender. After the war Mr. Hollinshead returned to Ohio and took up carpenter work and for nearly forty years was successfully engaged in contracting and building. He is a Republican in politics, has been township trustee three years: and is a member of Roberts Post, No. 672, Grand Army of the Republic. THE MONNETT FAMILY. The Monnett family is one of the oldest of the pioneer families of Craw-- ford county. Its origin is traced to the French Huguenot refugees. One branch came from near Lyons, France, having been driven from their native country after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, A. D. 1685. Many fled to England, some to Holland, and afterward three brothers emigrated from-England to America and settled in Maryland and Virginia. A large number of the French families by the same name are now living in Montreal, many of 47 832 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. them keeping up their native tongue, and others are found in the French settlements of New Orleans. Different branches of the same family vary the orthography somewhat, some attaching the final "e," others omitting one of the `'n's," and some of the old families even spelling it with one "n" and one "t." The Anglicized or American spelling is with the two "n's" and two "t's," and usually accented On the last syllable, but perhaps more properly with an equal emphasis on the first and last syllables. The earliest record of accurate data of the Crawford and Marion counties branch of the family is of Isaac Monnett, born about 1726, in Westmoreland county, Maryland, where there is still an old homestead by that name. Isaac and his wife Elizabeth had children at this place, and among their immediate descendants was Abraham Monnett, born March 16, 1748. The latter married Ann Hillary, daughter of William Hillary ; branches of this family are still found in Virginia, also in Ross and Pickaway counties, Ohio. Of this Abraham Monnett and Ann were born the following children, namely : Isaac, Osborn, -William, Thomas, Elizabeth, Margaret, Ann and Jeremiah. Isaac, Osborn, Thomas and Jeremiah settled in Crawford and Marion counties. This elder generation all seemed to have lived to an advanced age and some to extreme old age, and have everywhere left a highly honorable record. Abraham Monnett, the father of Jeremiah, moved into Ohio in 1803, and tered a section of land in Pickaway county, and also land in Ross county, which sections are in the neighborhood of Kingston on the border line between Ross and Pickaway counties, and still bear the name of Monnett sections. Part of the real estate is now in the possession of the Downs family. The Monnett family in religion became Virginian Episcopalians, but in the pioneer life of Ohio became Methodists. The wife of Jeremiah, hereinafter referred to, and her ancestors were Roman Catholics,—a strange meeting of the Jesuits and the Huguenots after .generations of religious persecution! It could be truthfully said of the elder pioneer Monnett family that they were "diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." The above named Jeremiah was an enthusiastic, old-time and old-style Methodist, and opened his home at all times generously to the circuit-rider, presiding elders and the bishops. Before the days of churches his home was the "meeting-house." His daily family prayer, his exemplary life and his exhortations, precept and example, have left their impress upon all who came in contact with him, even descending to the third and fourth generations. The good deeds done by Jeremiah Monnett have been to his -descendants an inspiration, and he has, truly, by them been "sainted." CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 833 Jeremiah Monnett was born September 12, 1784, and his wife Aley (daughter of Jacob and Hannah Slagel) was born March I, 1788. They were the parents of seven sons and seven daughters, two of whom died in infancy. Twelve lived to mature manhood and womanhood : Jacob, born March 18, 1806; Isaac, November 16, 1807; Abraham, October 12, 1811 ; Elsie, October 13, 1813; Margaret, July 1 1, 1816; Hannah, December 13, 1817; Ann, August 25, 1819; John, January 11, 1820; Jeremiah, January 2, 1823 ; Mary, April 2, 1824 ; Thomas J., January 16, 1826; and Martha, January 21, 1828. At the marriage of Jeremiah Monnett with Aley Slagel, at Cumberland, Maryland,, a part of the bride's dower included a number of slaves. All of these so delivered to him in bondage, he freed, and he early became an abolitionist. In 1814, accompanied by his wife and young family, he removed to Pick-away county, Ohio, and located near Kingston, and thence he moved directly north, in the year 1835, to a point five miles south of Bucyrus, Crawford county, being half way between Sandusky City and Columbus. He was a man of great physical strength, filled with energy and possessed of great endurance. He not only managed his large landed estate wisely but also reared his family of twelve children to be honored citizens wherever they took up their abode for life. His interest in church buildings and church founding and education never ceased, and he filled his posterity with high ambitions along these nobler lines. Hardly a Methodist church, in fact church building of any denomination, in that part of the county, but that he assisted financially, as well as personally, attending their services and admonishing and exhorting more earnest work for the Master whom he lived to honor. About the year 1844 he founded and established Monnett chapel and donated the premises whereon to build the same. This little spot has been famous in that community for the number of noble youth, also men and women of more mature years, who have received their inspiration for a religious life and their aspirations for a higher social development. In this year, 1901, as a fulfillment to his request of forty years ago, we might say, as a fulfillment of his prophecy, a memorial stone chapel has been contracted for, to supplant the present church edifice that has occupied the site so dedicated by him about sixty years ago. He requested, and frequently repeated in his last prayers, "that a church would be continued there to the last generation." This exemplary citizen and his noble wife each lived to within a few weeks of fourscore years, and are both buried in the cemetery adjoining Monnett chapel. 834 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Many of his children and part of their families have chosen this for their last resting place. Abraham Monnett, his son, referred to in another part of this work, carried on as his life work stock-raising, farming and banking in Marion county, and amassed an unusually large estate, leaving at his death property to about the amount of six hundred thousand dollars. Mrs. Martha Warner, widow of the late R. K. Warner, is the only survivor of the large family and occupies a large landed estate adjoining the old homestead. The descendants of Jeremiah Monnett have made enviable records also in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and in almost all the western states. Colleges have been endowed, seminaries named for their beneficence, and public charities and churches have ever been remembered by many of these noble sons of a noble sire. From his family altar and from the hearthstone of this devout pioneer have gone forth influences that have reproduced ministers, lawyers, professors, teachers, physicians, railroad men, bankers, ranchmen, land-owners,—in fact, almost all the honorable professions. and vocations have been honored by the descendants. Thomas Jefferson Monnett, the seventh and youngest son of Jeremiah and Aley Monnett, came with his parents to Crawford county in 1835, at the age of nine years. Being the youngest in the family, he had better opportunities than some of the elder ones for cultivating his natural instinct and taste for scholarship and literary life; and in addition to attending the district schools he prepared for college in a select school held in the neighborhood, and afterward attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, to fit himself for the ministry. He was licensed to exhort as early as 1845. He prepared for his life-work by teaching school in the winters and working on the farm in summer, and all the time taking an active part in church work. After completing his education he became a member of the North Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was stationed at Melmore, Fostoria, Kenton, Upper Sandusky and other points. He was an extremely .hard worker in his pastorates, finally breaking his health down in the work of 1860 and 1861, and so severely injuring his throat that for years he was. obliged to retire from the regular work. In taking up his secular work from 1864 until he retired from active work in 1899, he never failed to give much time to church and Sunday-school work and educational enterprises. For twenty years he was at the head of the Woolen Mills at Bucyrus; for eighteen years he was president of the Bucyrus Gas Company and owner of the plant, and at the same time was interested in banking and stock-raising and engaged: CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 835 in looking after his landed estates. He spurned all sham methods of accumulating wealth, and his word was considered in commercial and business circles as good as his bond; and, notwithstanding his attention given to church and educational work, he amassed a comfortable fortune, as well as endowing his children with a liberal education and financial opportunities. Thomas J. Monnett died of bronchitis May 10, 1901, at his beautiful home in Bucyrus, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, and was buried at Monnett Chapel near his parents, brothers and sisters, the spot so dear to him. He, was married October 19, 1847, to Miss Henrietta Johnston, daughter of Hon. Thomas F. Johnston 'and Martha (Walton) Johnston, honored pioneers and leaders in their community and for many years residents of Marion county. Of this marriage were born seven children, hereinafter referred to. Mrs. Henrietta Monnett died November 20, 1871, at the early age of forty-one, leaving five children surviving her. Mr. Monnett was married the second time, to Miss Sarah Rexroth, who was at the time principal of the Bucyrus high school. She was an alumna of Mount Union College and brought with her a rich Christian experience, a well-trained intellect and a mind and heart full of noble inspirations. She gave the best years of her life to the rearing of the family and fitting them for the more serious duties of life and training them for high-school and college education, along with her other arduous family duties. She was a devoted companion and a ministering angel to Mr. Monnett in his declining years. The children of Thomas J. and Henrietta Johnston Monnett were Webster and Agnes, who died in childhood; John Gilbert, known among his com panions as "Bert," who died at the age of eighteen years, March 26, 1879. Orin Bruce, the oldest of the surviving children was born September 29, 1850, at the farm near Monnett chapel. He attended school at Kenton and Upper Sandusky, and afterward the district school, completing his education in the Ohio Wesleyan University. Bruce spent several years in the Bucyrus Woolen Mills, was superintendent of the gas works and was interested in the grocery business for many years. He retired to one of his farms in Bucyrus township, where he resides in luxury and ease, surrounded by his happy family. He was married November 24, 1877, to Miss Anna, daughter of Charles and Katherine Hoffman. They have two children,—Ethel Mae and Bessie Monnett. William Arthur Monnett, the second son, was born at Fostoria, January 4, 1854, attended the union schools at Upper Sandusky and the district schools in Crawford county, and graduated at a commercial college at Pitts- 836 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. burg, Pennsylvania, in 1873. He spent ten years as one of the foremen of Wood Brothers in the Union Stock Yards, Chicago. He has always been a stockman, and for years has occupied the old family homestead where he still resides. He was married, February 25, 1875, to Miss Annetta Boyer, daughter of J. P. and Charlotta (Stough) Boyer. They have three children,—Kay, Grace and Charlotta. The third son was Francis Sylvester Monnett, born in Kenton, Hardin county, Ohio, March. 19, 1857. He was educated in the district and select schools and took a preliminary training under Mrs. Sarah Rexroth Monnett, his stepmother, who assisted in training him for the high school and the university. He graduated at the Bucyrus high school in 1875; took the full Greek classical course at the Ohio Wesleyan University, graduating in 1880, and received numerous honors' at college in his class, literary societies and in his fraternity. In childhood he mapped out his career and stated before he entered the high school at Bucyrus, that he expected to graduate at the high school and at Delaware and take a course in law at Harvard University. He did not vary from his self-arranged program, except to substitute the National Law School of Washington, D. C.,, for the Harvard Law School, either one of which he had his choice of entering. Having several warm friends at the National Law School, and, preferring the opportunities afforded at the capital city, he chose the latter and graduated at that institution on June 15, 1882. He was admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia in June of that year, under the common-law practice, and was admitted by the supreme court, in 1882, to practice law in Ohio. He opened up an office January 1, 1883, at Bucyrus, thoroughly in love with his profession, and always adopted the maxim, "Keep thy shop and thy shop will keep thee." He was never without a substantial clientage, and entered actively into the social, political and professional life of Bucyrus and its environments. He was twice elected city solicitor by the Republican party, a party greatly in the minority in this Democratic Gibraltar. He was a frequent delegate to the county, district and state Republican conventions. His young friends in power in the district urged him to accept the nomination for congress, but as he had pledged himself to place in nomination and support "Uncle" Stephen R. Harris, he declined to betray his -friend Harris, placed him in nomination and assisted in electing the first Republican congressman ever sent from the district ; and in turn Harris's friends urged his nomination for attorney general of the state of Ohio, for which place he was- nominated at Zanesville, this state, May 30, 1895, and, being elected, served in that office from 1896 to 1900. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 837 In this position he carried through to the United States supreme court the taxation cases against the Western Union Telegraph Company, the five express companies and the thirteen national bank cases, winning each and every contest, and in his second term took up the fight on behalf of the state of Ohio against the Standard Oil trust, the Tobacco trust, the Cracker trust, the Beer trust, and was the author of the anti-trust act passed by the Ohio legislature in 1898. When he retired from office there were pending upward of twenty-five cases of ouster against these law violators. His vigorous campaign against monopoly brought a cyclone of corporate wrath that hurled him from his office. He resumed general practice the day following his termination of office as attorney general, and has a large and remunerative clientage in the state and federal courts at Columbus and throughout the state. Mr. Monnett has campaigned in almost every county in the state many times, and spoken before the leading literary clubs of Boston, Philadelphia and several times at New York City, Chicago and Detroit, and campaigned for the national committees through the northwest. He is a constant contributor, on economic questions, to the leading magazines and newspapers of the country. He took a trip abroad for pleasure and study in the summer of 1899, under contract with a newspaper syndicate to write up municipal ownership of four of the leading cities of England, which articles were broadly published throughout the United States in the leading newspapers. Mr. Monnett was married to Miss Ella K. Gormly, daughter of James B. and Virginia (Swingly) Gormly, of Bucyrus, February 16, 1888. Mrs. Monnett was a pupil of the Cincinnati Musical College after graduating at a private school at Newburgh, New York, and also took a short course at the Ohio Wesleyan at Delaware. She took a prominent position among the club women of the capital city, and takes a keen delight in public and social affairs. She has always been a church worker, both at Bucyrus and at Columbus. The fourth child was Miss Effie Monnett, an only daughter, who was born December 25, 1865. She attended private school and was fitted for the high school by her stepmother, graduating at the high school in 1884 and at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1888. She was fond of her classical studies but excelled in her mathematical grades in all her classes. On February 12, 1891, she was united in marriage to Smith W. Bennett, an active young attorney of Bucyrus, who was afterward selected as special counsel in the office of attorney general at Columbus, Ohio, under F. S. Monnett, and still retains the same position under Attorney General Sheets. Two children were born 838 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of this marriage: Hugh Monnett and Grace Lizetta. Mrs. Effie Bennett failed in health late in the year 1896, and spent the fall and winter and the following summer in Alabama, Texas and New Mexico, and finally succumbed to the dread malady, consumption, on the 27th of October, 1898, and was buried in Oakwood cemetery, Bucyrus, Ohio. JOHN C. CAHILL. Prominent among the eminently successful farmers of Crawford county, Ohio, is John C. Cahill, who is one of the most progressive and intelligent agriculturists of his locality and one who has raised his farming operations into a science. The birth of Mr. Cahill was on the farm which he now occupies, in Vernon township, on April 14, 1862, and he is a son of Richard Wallace and Catherine (Richards) Cahill, and was a member of a family of thirteen children born to his parents. The seven survivors of this once large family are: Eliza, who is the wife of Washington Cummins; James, who resides in Tiro ; Isaac, who is an attorney in Bucyrus; Richard, an attorney who resides in Napoleon, Henry county, Ohio; Warren, who lives in this township; John C., the subject of this sketch ; Jennette Gundrum, of Toledo, Ohio. Richard W. Cahill, the father of our subject, was a distinguished citizen of Crawford county. He was born in Derby township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on March 6, 1801, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was a .son of Abram and Nancy (Wallace) Cahill. His father was an officer in the state militia, and at one time had charge of all of the forces in western Pennsylvania. In 1818 Richard W. Cahill removed with his parents to Wayne county, Ohio, in 1827 removed to Crawford county and later purchased the farm which our subject now occupies. In 1829 he married Miss Eliza Cummins, who died in 1843. To this union were born two children : Abraham, who became a distinguished lawyer of the Dayton, Ohio, bar; and David C., now a practicing attorney of Bucyrus, Ohio. In 1844 he was married to Miss Catherine Richards. In 1841 Mr. Cahill was elected to the state legislature and was re-elected in 1842 and in 1843, serving his constituency in an admirable, non-partisan mannar. In 185o he was elected a member of the Ohio constitutional convention, serving with distinction as a member of that body, In all his career, both public and private, the sympathies of Richard W. Cahill were always with the great masses of the common people, and he was at all times an uncompromising foe of corporations. Mr. Cahill became a large land owner before his death, which took place on October 2, 1886. His CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 839 home farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, while he also owned two hundred acres east of the town of DeKalb, one hundred and twenty acres in Auburn township, which is now the property of B. F. Lash, and other holdings. He was a power in the Democratic party and held many of the township offices besides his public service in the legislature and constitutional convention. He was known as a consistent Christian gentleman, and his declining years were comforted by the affection of all who knew him. The mother of our subject was born in 1822, in Vernon township, which is now Jefferson township, a daughter of James Richards, who was the second settler in the township, appearing here in 1821. He was the first blacksmith in the locality, and shortly after the erection of his cabin built a small round-log shop. He made cow bells, prepared iron points for plows, hammered -out and tempered axes, obtaining his supplies of iron from Sandusky City. Mr. Richards found much to do in repairing settlers' wagons that had become disordered in the long journey from the east. At this date there were but two roads in the township. The Columbus and Sandusky road, running north and south through the township, had been first cut out about the year 1818, and was simply a blazed path through the forest, from which undergrowth and fallen trees had been removed. The death of the mother of our subject was on February 28, 1898. John C. Cahill, whose successful farming operations, in connection with his prominent identification with all progressive movements in the township, has became an important factor in this part of Crawford county, was reared on his father's farm. His primary education was completed in the public schools, from which he graduated into the normal college, at Ada, with a view of still pursuing higher branches in a university. However, his father was alone on the farm and needed his assistance, and in 1880 our subject returned to the old home and took charge of the operations there. His parents experienced tender care as long as they lived, and after the death of his father he purchased the interest of the other heirs and now owns the old Cahill farm, with the exception of two small portions. Mr. Cahill is a thoroughly honorable man, liberal with his employes and generous of heart—destitution and 'poverty never appealing to him in vain. Modest and unassuming in manner, yet when drawn out in conversation his opinions are sound and valuable upon all questions which come under his observation. He is a scientific farmer, thoroughly up-to-date and manages his agricultural operations on the same basis that he would conduct any other business. Hence he has been unusually successful and many of his neighbors are inclined to follow his methods. 840 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Cahill was married in 1887, to Miss Mary Weirich, who was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, a daughter of Christian and Addie (Miller) Weirich, both of whom are now deceased. To our subject and wife have been born three children, as follows : Allen W., John R. and Edith, deceased. In politics he has been a life-long Democrat, and has been honored by his fellow citizens by election to many of the responsible offices of the township. For a considerable period he served as township trustee. At the present time he is serving his second term as clerk of the township, his efficiency and honesty making him one of the most highly esteemed officials in the county. Mrs. Cahill is a consistent member of the United Presbyterian church, and our subject is usually an attendant upon the services there with Mrs. Cahill. For very many years the family name has been one which has commanded respect in Crawford county, and our subject is a worthy representative of it. SILAS GUNDRUM. Silas Gundrum, a representative citizen and leading farmer of Crawford county, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 14th of January, 1830, a son of John and Charlotte (Fogle) Gundrum. The father was also a native of the Keystone state, his birth occurring about 1797, and his father came from the fatherland to the United States. John Gundrum learned the blacksmith's trade early in life, but later devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. About 1834 he came to Crawford county, Ohio, and about six months later located in. Bucyrus township, where he purchased the farm of eighty acres on which our subject now resides. This place was then covered with native timber with the exception of about three acres, which had been cleared by a Mr. Cox, the former owner, and to this tract the father afterward added another eighty acres adjoining the place on the south and which is now owned by Lewis Heller. Thus he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he improved and placed under a fine state of cultivation, and he became. known as one of the substantial and reliable citizens of the township. He passed to his final reward in 1862. He was an active supporter of the Democratic ticket and was a stanch member of the Lutheran church. His wife survived him but a few months, when she, too, passed away in death. Mr. and Mrs. Gundrum became the parents of sixteen children, seven of whom still survive, namely : Henry, a resident of Richland county, Ohio; Pasetta, wife of Arthur Cleland, of this county; Sarah, the wife of Isaac Cole, of Richland county, Ohio; Lovina, wife of Henry Cloyd, of Missouri; Michael, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 841 who resides in Steuben county, Indiana ; Rebecca, wife of James Smith, of Tiffin, Ohio; and Silas, the subject of this review. The latter was reared to manhood in the place of his nativity, there acquiring a limited education in the old pioneer log school house of his neighborhood. In 1856 he came to Bucyrus, Ohio, and learned the cabinet-maker's. trade, but after two years spent in the city his father purchased his eighty-acre tract and, wishing the son to assist him in its cultivation, the latter located on that place, and in 1860 he and his brother Henry took charge of the farm, conducting the same on the shares. After the father's death Silas purchased the home farm and the brother became the owner of the adjoining eighty acres. On this place our subject has ever since continued to make his home,. and his efforts in his chosen vocation have been attended with a high and well merited degree of success. His fields are under a fine state of cultivation, everything about the place being neat and thrifty in its appearance, and its. owner stands among the foremost agriculturists of Crawford county. On the 27th of June, 1861, Mr. Gundrum was united in marriage to Miss. Lovina Buck, a native of Licking county, Ohio, and a daughter of John Buck. Unto this union have been born eight children, as follows : John, a resident of Polk township, Crawford county ; 'William, at home; Anna, deceased ; Joseph, who resides in Sandusky township, this county ; Margaret, the wife of Albert Heller, of Sandusky township; Silas and Emma, twins, and both now deceased; and Frank, who is still under the parental roof. Mr. Gundrum is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democracy and is also. a zealous member of the United Brethren church. WILLIAM SHERMAN NYE. William Sherman Nye, one of the leading business men and agriculturists of Crawford county, is a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Cranberry township, Crawford county, on the 9th of September, 1865. He is a son of Jonathan and Lovina (Immel) Nye. The father was born in Medina county, Ohio, on the 2d of March, 1823, his parents being Jonathan and Sabrina (Briggs) Nye. Jonathan Nye, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Massachusetts, in 1770, and the father, also named Jonathan, was a well known resident of Massachusetts. The latter was a son of Jonathan Nye, who was engaged in whale fishing, following that dangerous occupation for many years. Jonathan Nye, the grandfather of our subject, was reared to manhood in 842 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his parents' home, receiving his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. After his marriage he engaged in farming pursuits on his own account, and a few years afterward he removed to the state of New York, where his wife died. He afterward married again, his second union being with Sabrina Briggs, the grandmother of our subject. By his first marriage he had seven children, all of whom are now deceased. Soon after his second marriage he came to Ohio, locating in Medina county, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of forest land, on which he erected a log cabin. As the years passed he cleared his land, there remaining until 1825, when he sold that property and came to Crawford county, here entering one hundred and sixty acres of forest land near what is now North Robinson. He cleared eighty acres of his land; giving the remaining eighty acres to two of his sons, and there he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1849. In 1853 his widow was also called to the home beyond, and at her death the farm passed into possession of Jonathan and Lorenzo Nye. In 1857 the brothers sold the place and came to Cranberry township, the former purchasing the farm which he yet owns, consisting of eighty acres, while Lorenzo became the owner of ninety-five acres just across the road from his brother. Lorenzo Nye was married, and his brother Jonathan boarded with him until his marriage, on the 21st of April, 1861, to Miss Lovina Immel, who was a native of Cranberry township, her birth having occurred on the farm adjoining that which belongs to her husband, and was a daughter of Philip Immel, one of the early pioneers of this township. He emigrated from Pennsylvania, his native state, his parents having been of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. After his marriage Philip Immel emigrated with his bride to the Buckeye state, making the journey by wagons, and after his arrival in Crawford county he entered eighty acres of land in Cranberry township, the deed being signed by Andrew Jackson. He erected a log cabin, and blankets were hung up for doors and to keep out the wolves. As time passed he cleared his farm and placed his fields under a fine state of cultivation, and there he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1885. After his marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Nye began life in an old log cabin on his father's farm, and through this rude structure the wind whistled and the rain and snow were blown through the crevices, it being almost impossible in severe weather to keep from freezing to death. For five years they remained in that primitive dwelling, and in 1866 they erected their pleasant and commodious dwelling, where they are now enjoying the comforts and many of -the luxuries of life. Six children blessed their union, three of whom still CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 843 survive, namely : William Sherman, whose name introduces this review ; Albert Sheridan, an agriculturist of Cranberry township; and Eli Liberty, who is still at home. The father of these children is a Republican in his political views, and during the Civil war was a stanch abolitionist. Although not a member of any religious denomination his views are in harmony with the Methodist doctrine, and he has always given liberally of his time and means to its support. His life has been crowned with success, and he now enjoys the respect and esteem of all with whom he has become acquainted. William Sherman Nye, the immediate subject of this review, was reared. to manhood under the parental roof, and his educational advantages were those afforded by the common schools of his locality, and the G. W. Michael Business College, of Delaware, where he prepared himself for the teacher's profession.. After receiving his certificate he had two different schools tendered him, but that occupation did not prove congenial to his tastes, and he accordingly abandoned all thought of becoming a teacher. At the early age of fourteen years he began working on the farm, and from that time on the major portion of its . work fell upon his young shoulders. When eighteen years of age he received his share of the crops, and for five years following his marriage he remained 'on the home farm, after which, in the spring of 1897, he purchased and removed to the place which he now occupies, consisting of eighty acres. He has placed his fields under a high state of cultivation, which annually yield to him golden returns, and he now ranks high among the influential and prominent agriculturists and swine-breeders 'of Crawford county. On the 29th of November, 1891, Mr. Nye was united in marriage with Miss Zella M. 'Springer, a native of Cranberry township, and a daughter of S. S. Springer, now deceased. Two children have graced this marriage, Bertha L. and Willis L. In political matters Mr. Nye affiliates with the Republican party, but the honors or emoluments of office have never had an attraction for him, although he is a public-spirited and loyal citizen. He is well and favorably known in the community in which he resides, and numbers its best. residents among his warmest and most confidential friends. JOHN HARKENRIDER. John Harkenrider is a well known representative of the industrial interests of Crestline, being foreman in the car shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, located in this place. He was born in Allen county, Indiana, August 23, 1852, and is of German lineage. His father, Henry Harkenrider,. 844 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. was a native of Germany, and after attaining man's estate was there married to Margaret Grush, who was also born in the same country. Believing that they might have better opportunities in the new world, they bade adieu to the fatherland, crossed the Atlantic and took up their abode near Fort Wayne, Indiana, where the father purchased a farm. For forty years he resided in Pleasant township, Allen county, and .there died at about the age of sixty-five years. His widow still survives him, at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years, and is yet living on the old home place in Pleasant township. This worthy couple became the parents of five sons and two daughters. John Harkenrider, the second son and child, was reared amid the scenes of rural life, working in the fields in the summer months, while in the winter season he attended school, his time being thus occupied until he began learning the carpenter's trade at the age of eighteen years. He began business as an employe of George Holmes, of Vermilion township, Allen county, Indiana, to whom he served an apprenticeship of three years, and afterward was employed by him as a journeyman for two years. He afterward worked for other contractors and was engaged on many buildings in Fort Wayne as an employe of Jesse Lower. In 1881 he entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a carpenter, receiving one dollar and ninety-five cents per day for his services. He was with the corporation in Fort Wayne until 1889, when he came to Crestline as foreman of the car shops at that place, since which time he has served continuously in that capacity. His long and varied experience in the line of his chosen occupation as well as his good executive ability and capable control of the business won him the confidence of the officers of the road. He is well qualified Tor the duties and labors which devolve upon him, and, he has control of all the carpenter work in the shops of Crestline and at times he has as many as one hundred men under his supervision. Mr. Harkenrider was united in marriage to Miss Mary Shaughney, a native of Pleasant township, Allen county, Indiana. Her people were early settlers of that locality. Their marriage has been blessed with four daughters and a son, namely : Lizzie, Annie, Maggie, Loretta and Thomas. Mr. Harkenrider has taken a great interest in the education of his children, realizing the importance of good mental training as a discipline and preparation for life's work. The eldest daughter, Lizzie; having enjoyed good school privileges, is now occupying the position of bookkeeper at the Gibson House. Annie is' quitea successful musician and is now engaged in teaching music, while the Younger children are students in the schools of Crestline. Mr. Harken- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 845 rider himself had but limited educational privileges, his knoledge being largely acquired by study at night after working hours were over. He has also added to this by extensive reading and observation and is now a well informed man. He and his family are members of the Catholic church at Crestline, and in his political affiliations he is a Democrat. On the ticket of the party he was elected a member of the. city council and is now serving in that capacity. His official prerogatives are used in support of all measures for the development and improvement of the city. JOHN FISHER. John Fisher, an engineer on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, residing at Crestline, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, February 9, 1852. His father, Adam Fisher, was a native of the same locality, and in the year 1855 crossed the Atlantic to America, bringing with him his family. He believed that he might better provide for his wife and children in the new World, and accordingly he located upon a farm in Crawford county, Ohio, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in the year 1878. His wife, Mrs. Catherine Fisher, was also born in Hesse-Darmstadt, passing away in Crawford county. Their children are Adam, Mrs. Grufstein, Mrs. Elizabeth Clemens, Philip, Lein, George, Eliza, Fred, Jacob, John and Mrs. Mary Fiddler. In taking up the personal history of John Fisher we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely known Crawford county. He was brought to Ohio by his parents when only three years of age, and has here passed his entire life. He .pursued his education in the schools of Crestline and in his youth worked upon his father's farm, assisting in the labors of field and meadow from the time of early spring planting until the crops were gathered in the autumn. Not desiring to follow the plow as a life work, however, he left home in 1871 to enter the railroad service as a fireman in the employ of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. He was thus engaged for five years, on the expiration of which period he was promoted to the position of engineer, in which capacity he has served for a quarter of a century. He has been offered postions on passenger trains, but has refused these, preferring to run on a freight engine. He is most reliable, painstaking and careful, and he enjoys in an unusual degree the confidence of his superiors. In the line of his chosen life work he has social relations with the Brotherhood of. Locomotive Engineers. 846 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. In 1876 Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Metz, who, was born in Crawford county, October 12, 1854, her parents having come to from. Germany in an early period of the development of the Buckeye state. Two children grace the union of our subject and his wife,—Amos and Howard.. The parents hold membership in the Lutheran church, and in his political affiliations Mr. Fisher is a Democrat, supporting the men and measures of the party and keeping well informed on the issues of the day. He has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to give his entire attention to his work. He has a wide acquaintance in Crawford county and his friends are almost as. numerous. R. M. YOUNGBLOOD. R. M. Youngblood, who is occupying the position of clerk in the yard-master's office of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad Company,. was born in the city of Indiana, Pennsylvania, March 6, 1840. His father,. William Youngblood, was a native of Middleton, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and by trade was a shoemaker, learning the business in early life, and following it for a number of years. After his marriage he removed to Indiana, Pennsylvania, and thence came to Ohio, locating in Alliance, Stark county, where he died when about sixty years of age. He was of German lineage,. the original American ancestors having come from the fatherland. But the grandfather of our subject was a native of the Keystone state. William. Youngblood married Miss Isabella McCune, who was a native of Franklin county, where she resided up to the time of her removal with her husband to. Indiana county. She lived to attain the age of eighty-five years and died in. Alliance, Stark county, Ohio. She was of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Youngblood were the parents of fifteen children, thirteen of whom reached years of maturity, while eight of the family are still living, four of the brothers being railroad men. Mr. Youngblood, of this review, was the eleventh in order of birth and is now the only one of the brothers in the railroad office. He was in his eighteenth year when he accompanied his parents on their removal from Pennsylvania to Alliance, and at that time he secured a position as freight brakeman, running from Crestline to Alliance and Allegheny. In '1862 he was made freight conductor and followed that business with the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne. & Chicago Railroad Company until 1871, when he was made a passenger conductor, running from Crestline to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, until 1885,. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 847 covering a period of almost a quarter of a century, serving as conductor of the same road. In 1885-6 he tended the switches in the Crestline yards and from. 1886 until 1899 was assistant yardmaster at Crestline, since which time he. has occupied his present position in the yardmaster's office. The large railroad corporations are exacting in their demands made on their employes, yet are quick to recognize faithful service and to continue in their employ those who are true, faithful and capable and to this class belongs Mr. Youngblood, who has been with the company through the entire period of his business career. On the 24th of December, 1863, occurred the marriage of Mr. Youngblood and Miss Sarah Hunt, a native of Huron county, Ohio, born in the village of London. They became the parents of three children : Harry, who is living in Crestline; Minnie, at home; and Frank, who is a clerk in the office of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad Company. In' his political views Mr. Youngblood is a stanch Republican and is well known: among the representative people of the county. He is a member of the Vol unteer Relief Railroad Society, an organization formed for the relief of all in need of assistance who are in the railroad employ. For forty-one years he has been connected with the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago line and is therefore one of its oldest employes. It would be difficult for anyone in this or other walks of life to show a record of more faithful service than Mr. Youngblood has done, and to those who desire advancement his history should furnish an example worthy of emulation in showing the power of fidelity as a potent aid in the business world. THOMAS N. PATTERSON, D. D. S. Prominent among the rising professional men of Cranberry township, Crawford county, is Dr. Thomas Newton Patterson, a successful and popular practitioner of dentistry, who in the past six years has absorbed the greater-part of the patronage in his line in this section. The birth of Dr. Patterson. was in Guernsey county, Ohio, on August. 30, 1866, and he was a son of William and Mary J. (Young) Patterson. The former was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood and pursued the-trade of millwright for some years, later engaging in contracting. The early boyhood of Thomas N. Patterson was spent in his home and in attendance upon the common schools in his district, but at the age Of fifteen' years he began to make his own way in the world. His first work was in a sash. factory in Mansfield, and while employed there during the day he pur- 48 848 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. sued his studies at night. With the exception of short intervals he continued in the sash factory for the following ten years and then accepted a position in the wholesale department of the hardware firm of Wagner & Son, with whom he remained one year. His tastes, however, were not in this line, and he determined to begin the study of dentistry, In the fall of 1893 he entered the Ohio State Medical University and in the spring of 1896 he was graduated at this institution. In the following spring he located in New Washington and since then has been very successful in his practice. Dr. Patterson is a student and keeps well informed concerning all of the modern discoveries in his chosen profession, and employs all of the modern implements which have done so .much in late years to change the whole practice of his science. Dr. Patterson was married in February, 1896, to Miss Mary M. Nagle, who was born in Mansfield, and was the daughter of Daniel Nagle. Two children were born of this. union : Margaret, deceased, and an infant. Dr. Patterson is an active member of the United Brethren church, where he is highly regarded. His skill and close attention to business have won for him the confidence of the public, and he is regarded as one of the rising young men in his profession whose success is permanent. SAMUEL EICHHORN. Among the worthy German emigrants in Ohio was John Eichhorn, from Baden, who in 1835 located three miles south of Galion, in Morrow county. His son, .Adam Eichhorn, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1817, and came over to America with his father, his mother having died in 1834.. On attaining his majority he was given one half of his father's farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he erected buildings and which he proceeded to improve. He married Margaret Loyer, who bore him eight children, three of whom, beside the subject of this sketch, survive : Christian J., of Polk township, Crawford county, Ohio; Catharine, who is the wife of Peter Zimmerman of the same township ; and Emma S., who is not married. Mr. and Mrs. Eichhorn lived on their farm in Morrow county until 1866, when Mr. Eichhorn sold the place and removed to Galion, where he lived until 1873, when he bought a farm of one hundred acres on the Winchester road, two miles and a half west of Galion, where he lived until his death, which occurred October 24, 1900. His widow, now in her seventy-fourth year, lives on their homestead which is now managed by their son, Christian Eichhorn. Mr. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 849 Eichhorn, who was a prominent Democrat, long wielded a marked influence in ichhornirs of his townsmen. Samuel Eichhorn was born on the Eichhorn homestead, in Morrow county, Ohio, October 1o, 1857, and was educated in the common schools and brought up a practical, farmer. April 21, 1881, he married Miss Mary E. Rocker, a native of Jefferson township, Crawford county, Ohio, and a daughter of Philip Hocker, who was born in Baden, Germany. For a year after his marriage he worked the home farm on shares, and in 1882 he located on his present farm of eighty acres, then the property of his father-in-law, which he worked on shares for five years. H1890,n bought the place on which, in 189o, he erected an addition to his house and built a commodious barn. He has adequate outbuildings and all necessary appliances for successful farming, and his farm is considered one of the best improved and equipped agricul1.901,properties in the township. In 1.9o1, Mr. Eichhorn bought the John Wardon farm of forty acres, on which are another fine residence and handsome farm buildings. He devotes himself to general farming, but makes a specialty of raising hogs, in which he has been very successful. His methods have been so progressive and so fruitful of good results that he has come to be regarded as one of the most substantial farmers in Crawford county. In politics he is a Democrat and for six years he has been a member omemberwnship school board. He is a menliber of the German Reformed church at Galion, in which for years he has held various offices, and is now an elder. Samuel and Mary E. (Hocker) Eichhorn had four children, three of whom survive: Calvin H., who is employed at Flickinger's Wheel Works, at Galion, Ohio, and Edwin W. and Emma M., who are members of their father's household. Mrs. Eichhorn died December 20, 1886, and February 13, 1889, Mr. Eichhorn married Miss Mary Edler, a native of Marion county, Ohio, and a daughter of Carl Edler, a prominent farmer of Jefferson township, Crawford county, Ohio. By his second marriage he has two sons named Roy 0. and Earl F. Eichhorn. JACOB ULMER. Jacob Ulmer, who is carrying on agricultural pursuits in Liberty township, Crawford county, where he is known as a reliable and highly esteemed citizen, was born on the f30, where he now resides, on October 30, 1847, a son of Daniel and Barbara (Brose) Ulmer, and is one of the eight survivors in a family of eleven children. The names of these are: Fredericka, the wife of 850 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Adam Durr, of Fort Recovery, Mercer county, Ohio; Abraham, of Cranberry townshp, this county; Adam, of Bucyrus ; John, of Fort Recovery ; Jacob, of this sketch ; George, of Fort Recovery ; Solomon, of Holmes township; and Samuel, of Sulphur Springs. Daniel Ulmer, the father of our subject, was born in Germany, in 1805,_ and grew up on the home farm, also working at times for neighboring farmers.. In 1832 he left his native land with the intention of finding a better opportunity in America. After a long and wearisome voyage of six weeks he landed in. New. York city and came on into Ohio to Crawford county, where he knew he would find friends who had preceded him the years before. Mr. Ulmer came. with the determination to succeed, and immediately entered a small tract of land, containing forty acres, ill Liberty township, located one and one-half miles east of Brandywine Station, and upon it he erected a log cabin, in the forest, and soon after installed his bride within it and settled down to a busy life. His wife, Barbara Brose, was a most estimable young lady, who had come from Germany on the same vessel with him, and she made him a loving helpmate and was a cheerful companion through the pioneer experiences which. followed. Two years after marriage Mr. Ulmer sold the forty-acre farm and bought one of eighty acres, in the same township, two miles north of Sulphur Springs. Of the eighty acres five were already cleared, and a log cabin had been built upon by the former owner. Here Mr. Ulmer went to work with a will, cleared and improved the land, and in later years bought the thirty-acre tract adjoining, erected commodious and comfortable buildings and made his farm one of the best and most productive in the locality. He was known far and wide for his thrift and industry, as well, as for his neighborly kindness. On April 30, 1884, occurred his death, and the Lutheran church lost one of its most valued members. Jacob Ulmer was reared on the farm and obtained his education at the. common schools of the locality. When he had attained his nineteenth year his father permitted him to start out in life for himself, after which he worked at the carpenter's trade before and after the harvest seasons, during which time he was employed in running a threshing machine for six years. In 1874 he married Miss Louisa Ackerman, a native of Liberty township, a daughter of David Ackerman, who had been born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and had been one of the early settlers of Crawford county. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ulmer, viz. : Thomas, Alpheus D., and Catherine,—all of whom reside at home. After marriage Mr. Ulmer settled down on the home place and farmed CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 851 for his father, on shares, until about 1880, when he purchased the place, consisting of one hundred and four acres. His aged father then took up his residence with his son, Samuel Ulmer, the mother having passed away during the previous year. Since that time Mr. Ulmer has successfully pursued farming, his land yielding large crops, and his herds increasing in numbers until he is justly regarded as one of the most substantial citizens of the locality. In politics, like his father, he has always been a Democrat, and has served for 'several terms as township trustee. His interest in educational matters has made him a valuable member of the school board and he is a leading member of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Ulmer is one of the highly respected farmer-citizens of Crawford county. JOSEPH M. RICHARDS. Joseph M. Richards, deceased, was a man of sterling worth who made his home in Crestline and by his many commendable personal characteristics won the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends. He was born in New. Brighton, Pennsylvania, June 9, 1852, and there remained until his removal to Allegheny, where he entered the railway service, acting as fireman for his brother on the Pennsylvania road. Before he was twenty years of age he was made an engineer and acted in that capacity with the same road until his death, which occurred in 1892, when he was accidentally killed while on duty. He was oiling his engine and was struck by a passing passenger train, being instantly killed. It was while making a return trip from Pittsburg with freight No. 65. He ran his train on the siding at Steele in order to secure the necessary coal and also clear the track for the passenger train, No. 31. He had gone down under the engine and crawld out while it was letting off steam, so that he did not hear the on-coming train, which was approaching at a speed of thirty miles an hour. A projection struck his head and death followed immediately. He had resided for more than fourteen years in Crestline and was known to every school child almost as well as to the older residents of the city. He was extremely kind-hearted and was numbered among the best residents of the community. He held membership with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Relief Society, and wherever known he commanded respect and the friendship of his fellow men. He was sober and industrious, energetic and reliable, and his many excellent qualities classed him among the citizens of worth. Mr. Richards in early manhood was united in marriage to Miss Emma 852 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Weber, who was born in Crestline, on Christmas day of 1858, and was a daughter of Michael and Mary (Miller) Weber. Her father was a prominent and honored pioneer of Crestline, conducting a hostelry where the Continental now stands, this place being known as the Franklin House. However, a fire destroyed the hotel in 1860. Mr. Weber was also in the grocery business and was one of the prominent men of the town, occupying an enviable position in business and social circles and as a member of the Masonic fraternity. He died in 1884, leaving a family of three sons and two daughters. His widow is still living. Mrs. Richards is the eldest of the five children. She was reared in Crestline and there pursued her education. Her brothers and sisters are: George, who is an engineer on the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago road; Christ, a fireman; Mary, wife of James B. Fitzsimmons, an engineer on the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad; and John George, deceased. Mrs. Richards has considerable prominence in Crestline, being one of those well-to-do ladies of the city. Her home is celebrated for its thoughtful and gracious hos pitality and her many friends delight there to gather. P. FRED HOSS. P. Fred Hass, who owns and cultivates one hundred and twenty acres of fine land in Chatfield township, represents one of the old and honored pioneer families of the county. When the greater part of the land in this locality was still in possession of the government his grandfather, John A. Floss, took up his abode in Crawford county. He was a natve of Wurtemberg, Germany, and with his family he came to America, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, the voyage consuming weeks instead of days, as at the present time. Continuing his journey westward to Crawford county, he entered a tract of government land in Chatfield township—the farm upon which our subject was. born—and erected a log cabin, after which he began to clear and develop his land, thus making a good home for his family. One of his children was Adam Ross, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1823, and was therefore a lad of ten summers at the time of the emigration of the family to the new world. He was reared here amid frontier scenes and experiences and after attaining to man's estate he married a Miss Leity, by whom he had two children, Adam and Christiana, both now deceased. After the death of the mother the father wedded Catherine Leity, and they had three children, namely : Fred; Elizabeth, the wife of Ben Green ; and Lena, who married CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 853 Dan Kolb. The father continued to reside on the old family homestead until called to his final rest in 1895, when seventy-two years of age, and the mother of our subject passed away the same year. They were consistent members of the Lutheran church, known and respected for their sterling worth. The father came to the county in limited circumstances but he cleared and improved his farm, worked industriously and with determination, and thus became well-to-do. On the old famly homestead, now occupied by Samuel Koln, P. Fred Hoss was born, on the 4th of July, 1855, and there his youth was passed, the duties of the school room claiming his attention in the winter months, while in the early spring he aided in planting the crops, assisted in their cultivation through the summer, and in the autumn performed his share in gernering the yield of the fields. He was married in 1883 but continued on the old home place until 1888, when he came to his present farm, comprising one hundred and twenty acres of the rich land of Chatfield township. The buildings, fences and other improvements upon the place were put there by him, and he carries on general farming and stock-raising, having well tilled fields and good grades of stock,—all giving evidence of his thrift and careful supervision. In 1883 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hoss and Miss Elizabeth. Klink, a daughter of Christian Klink, and unto them have been born four children, Jesse E., Eva, Jonas and Bertha. The parents belong to the Lutheran church and have many friends in the county. Having spent his entire life in Chatfield township Mr. Hoss is deeply interested in its welfare and is a progressive citizen. SMITH W. BENNETT. Probably no profession affords a wider field for individual enterprise and ability than does the legal profession, and this fact has attracted to its ranks multitudes of ambitious young men in every generation since law became reduced to a recognized science and increasing civilization has demanded a finer discrimination between justice and injustice. "Through struggles to success" has certainly been the history of Mr. Bennett. Handicapped by physical disability, but with strong determination and perseverance, he has steadily advanced until today he occupies a conspicuous position among the distinguished members of the bar of this portion of Ohio. He was born in Apollo, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, on the 8th of May, 1859, and is a son of William B. and Mary A. (Herron) Bennett, 854 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. both of whom were natives of western Pennsylvania, and removed from the Keystone state to Ohio in 1862. On the 4th of April, 1864, they took up their abode in Bucyrus. The mother died in May, 1899, at the age of seventy years, and the father is now retired in Bucyrus. The only school privileges which Smith W. Bennett enjoyed were those afforded through the educational system of Bucyrus. He was graduated in the high school here in June, 1879, but his study had not been continuous. During his fifteenth year he was ill, being confined to his bed for one entire year with necrosis of the tibia, which left him Grip_ pled in the left limb and forced him to remain away from school for three years. naturally a lover of books, he spent much of his time- in reading and in his youth had a desire to enter the literary field, but thinking that he was not sufficiently well educated, upon leaving school to become a writer, he undertook to learn a trade from which to derive means sufficient to enable him to prosecute a college course. Physical weakness, however, forced him to give up this work and he was persuaded by his mother to read law. He at first had no inclination to do this, but complying with her request, he soon became -deeply interested in his studies—an interest that has never waned, but has grown stronger as he has mastered the principles of jurisprudence and learned of the wonderful science which has developed into the present intricate legal system. His long illness, though difficult to be borne at the time, proved, as Mr. Bennett says, "the most beneficial thing that ever happened" to him. In early inured him to suffering and turned his thoughts toward books. Necessity and his mother's influence turned his thoughts to the law and success has attended his efforts in this direction. He has contributed as a writer to the literature of his profession, as well as to various magazines and periodicals. For thirteen years he was a partner of General E. B. Finley, -of Bucyrus. During a part of that time the firm was known as Finley, Eaton & Bennett, and later became Finley, Beer & Bennett, the second member being judge Thomas Beer, of Bucyrus. Afterward the firm became Beer, Bennett & Monnett, and thus remained until January I, 1898, when it was dissolved. Mr. Bennett then went into the office of Hon. F. S. Monnett, attorney general of Ohio, as special counsel, and after the termination of Mr. Monnett's term, remained with his successor, the Hon. J. M. Sheets, in the same capacity. He has had charge of very important cases in state and federal courts, and in the supreme court of the United States, at 'Washington. Some of the most important questions of taxation have been CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 855 settled by causes in which he participated, especially that concerning the taxation of shares of national banks. On the 12th of January, 1891, Mr. Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Effie Monnett, of Bucyrus, Ohio, a daughter of Rev. T. J. Monnett, of Bucyrus, and a graduate of Monnett Hall of the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, this state. She died October 26, 1898, leaving two children, Hugh M., born February 22, 1892, and Grace Lizetta, born January 2, 1896. On the 28th of November, 1900, Mr. Bennett was again married, his second union being with Miss Annie Drought, of Bucyrus, daughter of William H. Drought, and a lady of refinement and social distinction. Mr. Bennett holds membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church, at Bucyrus, but while an adherent to that denomination, is liberal in his views, according to others the right which he reserves for himself of forming his, own opinions upon all such matters. In his political views he has always been a Republican, and has assisted the cause of the party "on the stump" since the Blaine campaign of 1884. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and has attained the thirty-second degree of Masonry. At the session of the Ohio State Bar Association, held in July, 1901, he was elected its secretary, which position he now holds. Viewed in a personal light he is a strong man, of excellent judgment, fair in his views and highly honorable in his relations with his fellow men. His integrity stands as an unquestioned fact in his career. His life has been manly, his actions sincere, his manner unaffected and his example is well worthy of emulation. ABRAHAM LAIBBLY. Throughout his entire business Career Mr. Laibbly has carried on agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of a valuable and attractive farm of one hundred acres in Chatfield township, Crawford county. He was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, October 6, 1836, his parents being John and Susanna Laibbly, who had eleven children, six of whom are yet living. Upon the family homestead in the county of his nativity the subject of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On attaining his majority he began farming on the shares, and has always engaged in the tilling of the soil, his industry and careful management making his work :a profitable source of income. 856 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. In the year 1857 Mr. Laibbly was married to Miss Catherine Mock, and unto them were born two children : Emery W., who is now a resident farmer of Chatfield township; and Matilda, who died at the age of two years. After the death of his first wife Mr. Laibbly was again married, his second union being celebrated on the 17th. of January, 1899, when Amy Seiple became his wife. It was in the year 1860 that Mr. Laibbly removed to Crawford county, taking up his abode upon the farm which has since been his home. He at first purchased eighty acres of land, but has since added to the property, until he now owns one hundred acres. Only twenty acres had been cleared when he took possession, all of the remainder being covered with a heavy growth of timber. He has since cleared forty acres alone, and of the entire amount eighty-three acres has been made ready for the plow and is now under a high state of cultivation, the fields yielding a golden tribute to the owner, while fine improvements indicate his progressive spirit. His first home here was a log cabin, in which he resided for eighteen years, when he replaced it by his present fine commodious residence. Good barns and outbuildings also furnish shelter for grain and stock, and the accessories and conveniences of a model farm are here in evidence, standing as monuments to the enterprise and labor of the owner. Mr. Laibbly gives his political support to the Democracy, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office, continuing him in the position of township trustee for nine years. He is a member of the parish church, and is a citizen of worth, widely and favorably known throughout his adopted county. AMOS B. CHARLTON. Among the eminently successful and widely known farmers and stock-raisers of Liberty township, Crawford county, is Amos B. Charlton, who was born on the 7th of September, 1835, in this township, a son of Michael and Anna (Mason) Charlton. Nine children were born to the parents of our subject, and of these six still survive, namely : Mary, the wife of L. H. Mason, of Ashland county; Elizabeth, the widow of J. H. Wert; Amos B., of this sketch ; Narcissa, the widow of William Tobias, of Wooster, Ohio; Jonas, formerly a member of the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and now a resident of Columbus county, Ohio; and Alpheus D. Charles was a member of Company C, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war, and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 857 died of typhus ever at Grafton, Virginia; and Anna and Alexander have also passed away. The father of this family, Michael Charlton, was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, on the 5th of March, 1808, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Menser) Charlton, who, with their family of ten children, emigrated to Columbiana county, Ohio, as early as 1822. In 1829 his father gave him a tract of eighty acres of land in Liberty township, Crawford county, which the latter had entered some time previously. After one summer's work on this farm, however, Michael returned to Columbiana county, and there married Anna Mason, who was born therein in 1810. In the following spring they returned to Liberty township and settled on their farm, and this became their permanent residence. As time went on Michael Charlton bought other land, adding at different times till he owned four hundred and thirteen acres in Liberty township, and one hundred and sixty in Columbiana county. A long and useful life was his, and although it extended to his ninety-first year it was filled with good deeds, and when death came, on January 15, 1899, he was sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends. To the end he took an interest in public affairs, was a stanch Republican and was a most estimable man. The mother had passed away on September 20, 1892, at the age of eighty-one years, eleven months and seven days. Amos B. Charlton, our immediate subject, grew to manhood surrounded by excellent home influences, and it was not until he had attained his majority that he embarked in farming upon his, own account. His success as a dealer and shipper of stock was immediate, but the Civil war broke out just at this time, and on August 12, 1861, he enlisted for service in Company C, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was made second lieutenant of his company. He saw eight months of service in the Army of the Cumberland, under. General Buell, but was then stricken with typhoid fever and was sent to the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, for several weeks. So eager was he to be again in the field that he rejoined his regiment before he was able, suffered a relapse and was obliged to resign his command, sending in his resignation. A change seemed to cause so much improvement that his comrades persuaded him to recall his resignation, and in his desire to be again on the field of duty he did so, but the very next day he was again prostrated and was quickly put aboard the train and sent home. This explains why he never received any formal discharge, although he had been a brave and faithful soldier. The following summer was spent by Mr. Charlton in recuperating, but the next season he again engaged in farming, working for his father on the 858 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY shares and also resumed his buying and shipping of stock to markets. When Mr. Charlton first engaged in the business of shipping he was the youngest shipper in this section of the country. His judgment was excellent, he understood his market, was careful and cautious and his business in this line so prospered that the time came when he shipped as high as ninety thousand dollars worth of stock in a single season. In 1872 he purchases the home farm, consisting of one hundred and seventy-one acres, and has ever since .continued to make this desirable place his home. He sold it in 1894 to L. H. Mason, who in turn sold it to W. H. Charlton. The marriage of Mr. Charlton was in 1869, to Miss Emma E. Hoppel, a native of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, born on the 23d of October, 1849, and came to Crawford county wth her parents when quite young. To this marriage were born seven children : Virgil H., who is in the office of the Osborne Machine Company, of Columbus, Ohio; Ary B., a hotel man of Allegheny, Pennsylvania ; Michael Z., a teacher, who resides at home; Anna, a teacher and wife of Dr. E. E. Bevington, of Sulphur Springs, Ohio; Mabel, .also a teacher, who is the wife of W. F. McCameron, of Sandusky township; and Orlo H. and Donald H., who are living at home. All of the children of Mr. Charlton have been afforded excellent educational opportunities and dour of them have been acceptable teachers Virgil H. and Michael Z. finished :their courses at Ada (Ohio) College. Mr. Charlton has been identified with various interests, for nine years being a partner in the butchering business in Sulphur Springs, continuing until 1895, and he did not give up his successful stock business until 1885. Since the latter date he has paid considerable attention to the farm. In politics he has ever been a stanch Republican, and most acceptably served the township as assessor for three years. His connection with the Lutheran church has covered many years, in which he has held the position of trustee and is known as one of its most liberal supporters. Not only is Mr. Charlton an intelligent and liberal minded man, but is also something of a traveler, having visited fourteen of the states in the Union. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order, in which he is highly esteemed. JACOB MUNCH. One of the most respected citizens and successful farmers of Vernon town-. ship, Crawford county, Ohio, is Jacob Munch, who was born in Germany, on April 29, 1847, and he was one of a family of three children born to Nicholas CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 859 Munch and wife, who remained in Germany all their days. The former died at the age of sixty-eight years, the mother of our subject having died when her son was but two years old. Jacob Munch was well taught in the schools of his native land, and at the age of twenty-one, according to the laws of his country, he entered the army, serving faithfully through the Franco-Prussian war. In 1873, after the close of that war, Mr. Munch decided to emigrate to America, in the hope of bettering his condition. His landing in the United States was in the harbor of New York, where he remained one week, coming then to Mansfield, Ohio.. Although he was master of the trade o stone mason, he was without means, , and it took some time for him to become accustomed to the unknown language and different manners and customs, but his honest fahimd willingness to work soon made hirri friends, and he secured employment in Mansfield after a short delay. About one year later Mr. Munch went to Crestline and worked at his trade and also assisted neighboring farmers in agricultural work. In 1877, by his industry and economy, Mr. Munch found himself able to rent a farm for himself. This was a tract of some sixty acres, in Jackson township, and here Mr. Munch and his estimable wife bent every energy to cultivate the land to its highest condition of producing capacity, and to lay aside means in order to become the owners of one of the fine farms in this favored part of the state. Mr. Munch had been married in 1875 to Miss Christina Riber, who was a native of this township, and who was a daughteat anJohn Riber, who had come hither at,an early day from Germany and was a pioneer settler of the township. For nine years Mr. Munch cultivated the farm in Jackson township, but in 1886 he became the owner of his present home farm, which consists of ninety-three acres, and here the family has since resided, the efforts of Mr. Munch having been directed to their welfare. Honest toil has met with its reward in the case of our subject. It was by no fortunate speculation that he attained his success, but by the application of unremitting industry and self-denial he has changed the condition of a for German youth, in a strange country, to that of one of the most respected and prosperous land-owners of one of the best parts of the state.in which he has made his home. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Munch, the five survivors of the family being as follows : Henry ; Mary, the wife of Edward Zimmerman, of Mansfield; John ; Frederick William; and Tracy, while the one removed by death was named George. In politics Mr. Munch has become identified with the Democratic party'• 860 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and his religious connection is with the German Reformed church. He is one of the most industrious and practical farmers of this neighborhood, and his well cultivated land and excellent improvements show his excellence as an agriculturist. JACOB BENDER. One of those business men whose probity is well known and whose career has thus far been distinguished for enterprise is Jacob Bender, one of the leading agriculturists of Crawford county. A native son of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Richland county, on the 8th of January, 1840. His par cats were Jacob and Catherine (Hoffman) Bender, and they had eleven children, nine now living, namely : Jacob, the subject of this review ; Henry, a resident of Cranberry township, Crawford county ; Charles, who resides near Knoxville, Iowa; Christena, widow of Peter Stiving, of Richland county; Anthony, of Vernon township, Crawford county; William, of Auburn township, this county ; Lizzie, wife of Cyrus Cross, also a resident of Auburn townshp ; John, who makes his home in Vernon township ; and Philip, of Sandusky township. The father of this family was born near Heidelberg, Germany, on the 5th of October, 1816, while the mother was born at the same place on the 13th of August, 1816, and there they attained their majority and were married, that event occurring in 1840. In the same year they bade farewell to their native land and sailed for the United States, and after arriving in this country, they located in Richland county, Ohio, near Shelby, where Mr. Bender purchased forty acres of timber land. They took up their abode in a small cabin which had been built by a former owner, later adding twenty acres to their original tract, and there they resided for a number of years, when they purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres four miles south of Shelby. There they made many substantial improvements, continuing to make their home there until 1862, when they sold that place and removed to Crawford county, Mr. Bender buying the farm of George Cummings, which contained about two hundred acres of land, located on the present site of old De Kalb, a part of the town having been built on a portion of the land. At one time he also owned three hundred acres of land in Iowa and two hundred acres in Michigan. On his Crawford county farm he spent his remaining days, passing away on the 26th of September, 1897, at the ripe old age of eighty years, eleven months and twenty-five days. He was an ardent Democrat in political mat- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 861 ters, but was never an office seeker, and he became known as on of the most reliable, straightforward and progressive agriculturists of his locality. His wife died on the 15th of January, 1885, and both she and her husband were zealous members of the Lutheran church. While in Germany she was a member of the Reformed church, while he was a: Catholic, but after coming to America they both united with the Lutheran denomination and remained true to its teachings until their death. Jacob Bender, whose name introduces this review, enjoyed only the educational privileges afforded by the old pioneer log school house of the neighborhood, with its puncheon floor and slab benches, and he remained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age. He then removed to Michigan, where he spent about three years engaged at work in a livery stable and sawmill, but that work proved too heavy for one so young and at the close of that period, in 1861, he returned to Ohio. On his arrival in this state he was engaged by a Mr. Crim to cross the plains to California with a drove of horses, reaching the Golden state after a journey of three months and three days, although a part of the train did not arrive until ten days later. Mr. Bender remained in Sacramento, California, about two years, working in a sales stable and at other occupation. In 1863 he again came to Crawford county, where he was employed as a farm hand for a time, and later, when the building of the Mansfield, Cold Water & Michigan Railroad was begun, he was employed at making cross ties for the company and afterward working on the grading of the road. This work covered the greater part of two years, after which he purchased seventy-two acres of his present home place and settled down to the quiet pursuits of farm life. He has added to his original purchase until the homestead now contains eighty-six acres, and he also owns a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Cranberry township, and a town residence in Tiro. The year 1865 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Bender and Miss Elizabeth Molder, a native of the Empire state and a daughter of Jacob Molder, who came from Germany to New York, entering land in Niagara county. About 1837 he sold that place and came to Richland county, Ohio. Unto our our subject and wife have been born six children, as follows : Anthony, who makes his home in Sandusky township, Crawford county ; Catherine, who is still at home; Mary, a resident of Tiffin, Ohio ; Marion, of Auburn township, Crawford county ; Nettie, who also resides in Tiffin ; and Cory, deceased. Mr. Bender gives his political preference to the Democracy, but is liberal in his views, voting for the men whom he thinks best qualified for public office. The 862 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. family are members of the Lutheran church, and in the community where they reside they enjoy the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. WILLIAM S. BROWN. William S. Brown, who is now actively connected with the railway service as engineer of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago line, and makes his home in Crestline, was born in Crawford county, August 20, 1862. His father, Joseph Brown, was also a native of the same county, and was born July 7, 1834. The grandfather became one of the early settlers of `thisportion of the state, arriving in Crawford county with a rifle, which was all the property that he had in the world. His energy, resolute spirit and capable management, however, enabled him to secure a handsome competence. He occupied six hundred and forty acres of land, some of which he entered from the government, and at his death he still owned a valuable tract of one hundred and forty acres, having in the meantime sold the other portion of his property. Joseph Brown was reared to farm life and from his father he inherited a large and desirable tract of land. He lived upon this farm for fifty-seven years and was one of the best known agriculturists of the community. He married a Miss Smith, who was born in the town of Frederick, Wayne county, Ohio, September 14, 1837, and pursued her education in one of the log schoolhouses that were common at that day. In 1854 she came to Crestline with her father, who was a prominent business man of this city, connected with the lumber trade and with the clothing business. In his political views Joseph Brown was first a Whig, but in 1856 he voted for James Buchanan and afterward became a Republican. He died on the old homestead in 1896, and thus passed away one of the honored pioneer settlers of Crawford county. William S. Brown, whose name introduces this record, spent his boyhood days in his father's home, pursued his education in Crestline, and at the age of twenty-one years he entered upon his business career, following farming and also working in a sawmill for his father, devoting two years to the latter business. He then entered the railway service, being employed as a fireman on the Pennsylvania line in 1885, acting in that capacity for seven years, after which he was promoted to engineer in 1892. Through fifteen years he has been in the employ of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago road, and during that time has had only one accident and that was of a CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 863 very slight character, no one being injured. The car, however, broke down on account of being overloaded. Mr. Brown is devoted to his work and the responsible duties that devolve upon him, discharging them with careful faithfulness, allowing nothing to interfere with them. In 1887 occurred the marriage of William S. Brown and Miss Luella Walters, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, July 22, 1862, and is a daughter of George and Mary Jane (Simpson) Walters. Her parents were born in Richland county, and there the father died, but the mother is still living. Mrs. Brown was educated in Crestline and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Helen May and Ruth Lucile, both natives of Crestline, the former born January 17, 1889, the latter July 7, 1891. Mr. Brown is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Maccabees and for nine years has been connected with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen. His political support is given to the men and measures of the Republican party and in religious faith he and his wife are Methodists, holding membership in the church of that denomination in Crestline. CHARLES NESS. For twenty-seven years Charles Ness has been in the service of the Big Four Railroad Company, which he is now serving as engineer. He was born in 1834, and when only about a year old was brought to Crawford county by his parents, who located on a farm one mile west of Galion. The grandfather, Michael Ness, Sr., lived and died in York county, Pennsylvania, as did his wife. Their son, Michael Ness, Jr., was born and reared in York county, whence he came to Crawford county. He was a contractor and builder, and followed that occupation in Galion from 1835 until his death, which occurred December 19, 1900, when he had attained the ripe old age of seventy-six years. He erected most of the early business blocks, churches and factories of the city, together with many of the residences. He was an architect as well as contractor, and engaged in teaching drafting. In public affairs he took a deep and earnest interest, and was one of the charter members of the Lutheran church, contributing liberally to its support and doing all in his power to advance its work and upbuilding. He married Sarah Ruhl, a daughter of Michael Ruhl, whose father laid out the town of Galion, where Michael Ruhl was a pioneer merchant. Mrs. Ness is still living, at the advanced age of seventy-four years. In their family were the following children : Charles, whose name introduces this review; 49 864 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. John, a teacher in the schools of Galion; Michael, who is also living in the same city; William, a farmer of Leesville, who also has charge of a quarry; Mrs. Ellen Overley, of Galion; Ida, wife of James Overley, a farmer and stock-raiser of Todd township, Monroe county, Ohio; Emma, wife of William Gorley, of Galion; Mrs. Margaret Flick, deceased; and one who died in infancy. On the family homestead farm Charles Ness was reared, and during his active business career he has been identified with the railroad service. In 1874 he entered the employ of the Big Four Railroad Company, with which he has been identified for twenty-seven years. Promoted to the position of engineer, he has since acted in that capacity and is one of the most reliable representatives of the road, being ever watchful in discharging the responsible duties which devolve upon him. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and has also had membership relations with the Knights of Pythias fraternity.. Mr. Ness was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Casey, a daughter of Nelson Casey, of Polk township, Crawford county, and they now have one daughter, Myrtle E., who is a uate of the high school and is now a student in the university at Delaware, Ohio, where she is pursuing a 'special course in vocal and instrumental music. The family enjoy the warm regard of many friends and occupy a leading position in social circles: J. AGNEW, D. D. S. Although one of the younger representatives of the dental fraternity in Crestline, Dr. Agnew possesses the skill and ability which will win him success, and the ambition which prompts energetic and continued action. He was born in western Ontario, Canada, in May, 1872, and his parents are still residing in Wingham, Ontario. He is the eighth in a family of nine children, among whom are two dentists, two physicians, two sisters who are nurses in the Pennsylvania hospital, at Philadelphia, while the youngest brother is now Studying medicine. Such a record probably has scarcely ever been paralleled, and the family is certainly doing its share toward the alleviation of human suffering. Dr. Agnew, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the public schools of his native county, and prepared for his professional career as a student in the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, in which institution he was graduated on the completion of the regular course, with CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 865 the class of 1899. He was located at Galion for some time, but in June, 1900, came to Crestline, where he opened an office. Although hardly a year has passed since that time he has already secured a large clientage. He is thoroughly in touch with the most advanced and improved methods of the day, and the work which he does in the line of his profession has given excellent satisfaction. He is a young man of determined purpose, of resolute spirit and commendable ambition, and these qualities cannot fail to bring him success. DAVID KALB. One of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of Crawford county is David Kalb, who resides in Chatfield township, where he owns and operates four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land. This constitutes one of the fine farms of this portion of the state. It is splendidly improved with substantial and commodious buildings, having three houses upon it, in addition to the residence of our subject. The barns and outbuildings are large, furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock, and fine grades of horses, cattle and sheep are seen in the pastures, while the rich fields give promise of golden harvests. The owner is numbered among the most prosperous and enterprising agriculturists of the county and well deserves his sucess. Mr. Kalb was born on the farm where he now lives, March 21, 1844. His father, William Kalb, was a native of Wittenberg, Germany, born in i800, and after arriving at years of maturity he was there married to Sevina Haynes. In the year 1832 they emigrated to America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel, which was sixty days between port and port. Mr. Kalb first located near Wooster, Ohio, where he purchased eighty acres of land, but after three years came to Crawford county, settling in Chatfield township. Here he bought one hundred and ten acres of wild land, of which only three acres had been cleared, the remainder being covered with a heavy growth of timber. A log house of one room was almost the only improvement on the place. Throughout the remainder of his life the father carried on farming here. He passed away at the age of ninety-one, his wife when eighty-nine years of age. They were both members of the Pietist church and were people of the highest respectability, honored as worthy pioneer settlers, who had aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present prosperity and progress of the county. He owned considerable real estate, including three hundred and sixty acres of land in Chatfield township. Unto Mr. and 866 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mrs. Kalb were born eight children, namely : Sylvania, deceased wife of Michael Lutz ; G. William, a retired farmer of Chatfield township ; John, Jacob, Catherine, Redenia and Caroline, all of whom are now deceased; and David. The last named, born and reared on the old homestead, pursued his education in the common schools and when twenty-one years of age assumed the management of the home farm, which he has since cultivated. His practical experience in the fields of his youth well qualified him for the responsibility which he assumed, and as the years have passed he has increased his operations, becoming one of the most extensive farmers of the county. In connection with the raising of grain best adapted to this climate, he is extensively engaged in raising horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, and keeps on hand good grades of stock. In addition to his farm here he also owns six hundred and forty acres of land in Texas, near Fort Worth. In March, 1869, occurred the marriage of Mr. Kalb and Miss Catherine Beigle, and unto them were born the following : Sarah, deceased; Emma, wife of General Wallymire, of Chatfield township; Lucy E., wife of George Quick, of Chatfield township ; Clara, at home; William H., a schoolteacher in Chatfield township ; John, David T. and Frederick, who are upon the farm ; Lizzie, deceased ; and one that died in infancy. The mother of the above children was called to her final rest April 24, 1901, and many friends were left to mourn her loss. The family attend the Lutheran church, of which Mr. Kalb is an earnest member. In his political views he is a stalwart Democrat and has served as school director, while for twelve years he has filled the position of trustee of Chatfield township, his long retention in office being ample proof of his fidelity to duty. He is a man who is ever found faithful to all the obligations of life, who is honorable in his dealing, straightforward in contract, and his many estimable qualities make his example well worthy of emulation. JOHN JACOB DURR. For four score years Mr. Durr has traveled life's journey and his has been an upright, useful and honorable career, which has made him a venerable and respected gentleman. In pioneer days he came to Crawford county, and for two-thirds of a century has been a witness of its development and progress, aiding, as he found opportunity, in the work of growth and improvements, And feeling a just pride in what has been accomplished here, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 867 Mr. Durr is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born October 31, 1821, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth (Crumb) Durr, who had five children, namely : Henry and Mary, now deceased; John J.; Barbara, who has also passed away ; and Adam, who is living in Mercer county, Ohio. After the death of his first wife the father married Mary Coile, and their children were : Martin, who is deceased ; and David, who makes his home in Chatfield township. The father was a farmer and baker, and conducted a tavern in the old country, where he remained until 1832, when with his family he came to America, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, which reached Baltimore harbor after a voyage of sixty-five days. From that place the family proceeded by team to Columbiana county, Ohio, and in the winter of 1832 came on sleds, drawn by oxen, to Crawford county, locating in Chatfield township. Here the father purchased one hundred and twenty acres of government land, where Thomas Regula now lives, and erected a double log cabin. The land was heavily timbered, and the entire region was wild and primitive, the family, therefore, experiencing the hardships of pioneer life. Henry Durr continued to engage in farming there until his life's labors were ended in death, when he was seventy-five years of age. Mr. Durr of this review was a youth of eleven years, when, with his father he came to Chatfield township. So wild and unbroken was the trackless forest that he was several times lost in the green woods while hunting the oxen and cattle in his boyhood. He aided in the arduous task of developing the raw land, clearing it of the timber and preparing it for the plow. He lived with his father until his marriage, when he established a home of his own, removing to his present farm, whereon he has resided for fifty-seven years. His first home was a lag cabin, and the young couple began their domestic life in true pioneer style, but as the years passed all the comforts and conveniences known to the older east were introduced and the farm was thus transformed into a very valuable property. He now owns one hundred and thirty-eight acres, of which he cleared from the woods one hundred and twenty acres. He has carried on general farming and stock-raising, and has also successfully practiced veterinary surgery. His labors have been crowned with an enviable degree of success and he has accumulated a comfortable competence for the evening of life. In 1844 Mr. Durr was married to Miss Elizabeth Jacoby, and they became the parents of the following children : Daniel and Benjamin, now deceased ; Leo, the wife of the Rev. Philip Kessler ; Sarah, who married Fred Crother, of Liberty township; Mary, who resides in Holmes township; and Lena. On 868 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the 18th of June, 1872, Mr. Durr was united in marriage to Hannah Solge. His present wife bore the maiden name of Hannah Herman, and they were joined in wedlock in September, 1890. Their home is a large brick residence, which was erected by Mr. Durr in 1858, being one of the many excellent improvements which he has placed upon his farm. He has long been a member of the Methodist church, and when he first resided in the county religious services were held in his father's cabin. He votes with the Republican party, and has always favored every movement and measure tending to promote the general welfare.