900 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY EMANUEL NEFF, residing nine miles northeast of Bucyrus, O., and two miles east of Sulphur Springs, is the justly contented owner of a well improved farm of 215 acres, well located, well drained and exceedingly productive. He is a son of Joseph and Sophia (Yeiter) Neff, the oldest of nine children, namely: Aaron, Amos, John J., Joseph C., Elizabeth, Mary, Emma, Tillie and Emanuel, all surviving except Tillie. Aaron married Cora Orweiler and they live in Liberty township. Amos married Anna Schieber and they live at Bucyrus, O. Jacob married Ella Schieber and they live in Liberty township. Joseph married Myrtle Schieber and they live in Holmes township. Elizabeth married Joseph Durr and their home is in Liberty township. Mary married Abraham Scheiber and they reside at Bucyrus, while Emma is the wife of Albert Scheiber and they live in Holmes township. Emanuel Neff attended school at Holmes township. He has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits and has been very successful, being progressive and enterprising in his undertakings. He has greatly improved his property since it came into his possession, has two very fine barns and other substantial buildings and carries on his operations along modern lines with due regard to family comfort. He has been a member of the township board of education for some years and is much interested in the public schools. Mr. Neff married Miss Sarah Krauter, one of a family of ten children born to Jacob and Anna Krauter, the others being : Jacob, who married Elizabeth Baker, and lives at Cleveland, O. ; Otilla, who is the widow of Elias Durr; Martha, who married William Baker, of Galion; Esther, who married Hershel Eshelman, of Seville, Medina county, O. ; Elmer, who lives at home ; and John, Christianna, Sophia and Netta, all deceased. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Neff; Lester E., Ralph A., Herbert J. Elsie M. and Karl F. Mr. Neff is identified with the Republican party but is no seeker for office, just a sensible, law-abiding, interested citizen. CHARLES B. SCHUMACHER, who is now numbered with the substantial citizens of Galion, for many years was interested here successfully in the real estate and insurance business and is well known all over Crawford county. He was born in Northumberland county, Pa., and comes of German people. Johannes Schumacher, the grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania, of German parents, so that a number of generations back must be followed to the little German village where great grand-father Schumacher was born. He cane to the United States when young and became a farmer, he and wife passing their later days in Schuylkill county, Pa., where they died in advanced age. John Schumacher, father of Charles B., was born in Schuylkill county, Pa., and died Sept. 17, 186, when aged 66 years. His first marriage was to a Miss Hicks who died in Pennsylvania in middle life leaving eight children, all of whom are now deceased. His second marriage was to Catherine Baker, who died Sept. 20, 1873, aged 73 years, 10 months and 6 days. To the second union the following children were born: Catherine, Elvina, Jane, Julia, William. Robert, Charles B., Thomas and Sarah. Charles B. Schumacher was born Dec. 15, 1835 and was reared and obtained his education in his native county. Before coming to Ohio in 1864, he had been variously employed, and after reaching the state located for a time in Fairfield county and then came on to Galion. Here he began work as a blacksmith in the Erie Railway shops, where he continued until 1874, becoming a master blacksmith. After leaving shop work he was made constable and served for four years, in that office, when he was elected a justice of the peace and continued in that responsible office for 15 consecutive years and after being out of office for one year, was re-elected justice of the peace and as such continued until 1885, terminating this connection after serving for 24 years. In 1886 he was elected mayor of Galion and after the close of an admirable administration, he was elected a member of the city council for two succeeding years. Mr. Schumacher has thus been a very highly honored citizen and has always realized his responsibilities and has fearlessly and honestly pursued his course in public life. On Dec. 31, 1857, Mr. Schumacher was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Rachel A. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 903 Smith, who was born Aug. 14, 1839, in Williams county, O., but was reared in Pennsylvania and died at Galion, March 7, 1908, a woman of many virtues and excellencies. She was the loving and careful mother of a large family. Helen, Oliver, Harry and Walter, all died young. Alice L., who died Jan. 28, 1901, was the wife of Theodore Stewart, and the mother of two children, Charles and Helen, the latter of whom died at the age of 16 years, and the former, who lives with his grandfather, a graduate of the class of 1922, in the Galion High School and now employed by United Fruit Company, of New York; Thomas M., who is general traffic manager of the American Smelting Company, and resides in New York; Clara T., who is the wife of George Stoltz and lives at Dawson, Neb.; S. Enema, who cares for her father and is his capable housekeeper; and Wilbert A., who is general traffic manager of the United Fruit Company—Steamship and Railway Service, of New York. The last named is a very successful business man. After graduating in the class of 1894, from the Galion High School, he was with the Illinois Steel Company for two years and with the Armour people for 14 years, becoming assistant traffic manager for them and later traffic manager for his present Company. He has two children, Ruth and Herbert. Politically Mr. Schumacher is a Democrat. For many years he has been very active in Odd Fellowship, uniting with the order in September, 1869, and has filled all the chairs in the local lodge. For 15 years he was treasurer of Galion Lodge No. 215, and is the second oldest past grand initiated in this lodge. He is a member and an elder of the Christian church, his family being of the same religious faith. JENNINGS T. SHAWK, who enjoys the distinction of being the oldest native born man of Holmes township, Crawford county, O., now lives retired on his farm five miles north of Bucyrus. He was born Sept. 11, 1835, in an old log house that then occupied the present site of the Opera House, at Bucyrus, and is a son of Thomas Shawk and a grandson of Jacob Shawk, who was a Revolutionary soldier. Thomas Shawk was born in Columbiana county, O., March 4, 1806, came to Crawford county in 1829, and died Dec. 29, 1885. After his marriage he moved to Bucyrus by wagon, the state of the roads at that time making the journey of three day's duration, and at Bucyrus purchased the block on which the Opera House now is located and went to work as a blacksmith for a man named Gilmore, whose shop was in this vicinity. Shortly afterward the old Trimble House was erected. Thomas Shawk spent the larger part of his life at Bucyrus and died there. For three years he lived in Whetstone township and for some years in Holmes township, but Bucyrus was his chosen home and he was identified with its early enterprises and was considered a valuable citizen. He married Esther Albright, whose father was the brother of Jacob Albright who was the founder of the Evangelical church in Pennsylvania. Daniel Albright was a man of much prominence in Crawford county during its early history. This was his second marriage, his first one taking place in Columbiana county, to which six children were born. Jennings T. Shawk, son of Thomas Shawk, is the only survivor of his father's family and he was third in order of birth, his two brothers and three sisters all being deceased.. Adeline was the wife of Edward Sheckler. Aurelia was the wife of Alexander Ruhl. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas as well as Mary, the youngest, died early. Jennings T. Shawk had educational opportunities that served to qualify him for teaching school but he did not teach, working instead at the blacksmith trade until his marriage, when he came to his present farm, on which his wife was born, and later bought the place. For many years afterward he engaged in farming and stock raising, but has been retired for some time and his son carries on the farm industries. He owns 320 acres, all situated in Holmes township, and his improvements are probably the best in the township. He erected two comfortable residences and has built six barns, three of which were destroyed by fire. Mr. Shawk was married to Miss Sarah Lahman, a daughter of Charles Lahman, who was born in Germany, May 30, 1810, and died in Ohio, Feb. 10, 1892. When he came first to Crawford county he entered 80 acres of land and then returned to Germany, where he was 904 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY married to Christina Gearhart and returned with his wife to Ohio and they settled on the present farm of Mr. Shawk and lived there through life. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shawk, namely: George E., who lives in Sheridan county, Mo., and who married Elizabeth Pfeifer and has five children—Mary, Pearl, Sarah, George and Jessie; Charles L., who lives in Holmes township who married Laura Wilhelm and has three children—Guy, Arthur and Grace; Jay, who is his father's farmer, who married Lizzie Fralick and has two children—Naomi and Ruth; and Thomas, also a resident of Holmes township, who married Emma Meck and has three children—Russell, Willard and Warren. In politics, Mr. Shawk and sons are Democrats and he has served as township trustee. He is a member of the Evangelical Association. HOWARD M. GREEN,* who is engaged in the house painting and decorating business at Galion, O., and additionally, is interested with his brother, in a Soo-acres stock farm in Washington township, Morrow county, O., belongs to one of the old Crawford county families and is well known all through this section. He was born at Galion, in 1871, and is a son of James Henry and Lenora H. (McClain) Green, and a grandson of Henry and Anna Green. He is the eldest of four sons, the others being: Frank, Dahl and James. Howard M. Green attended school at Galion and completed his education at Evanston, Ill. In May, 1898, he enlisted for service in the Spanish-American War, entering Battery H, First O. Light Artillery, under Captain Stewart and Colonel Brooks and was discharged as head driver of his section. Later he became a furniture finisher, displaying much skill in this line of work and then learned decorating. For the past 12 years he has been interested in the Spring Grove Stock Farm, in Morrow county, where horses, mules and hogs are raised for market. Mr. Green was married at Galion, to Miss Grace Blazier, who was born at Chicago, Ill., but was reared and educated at Galion. She is a daughter of Henry and Sarah E. (Slick) Blazier, the former of whom died at Galion in 1887, at the age of 45 years. Mrs. Blazier resides on East Main street, Galion. Mr. and Mrs. Green have two children: Ruth Leanora, who was born July 4, 1893, and is a member of the class of 1913, at the Galion high school; and Frank M., who was born October 27, 1899. They belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, have many pleasant social connections and Mr. Green is a member of the Spanish-American War Veterans. CHARLES A. SHROLL, who is engaged in general farming in Dallas township, Crawford county, O., where he owns 8o acres of excellent land, was born in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, March 27, 1859, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (McNichol) Shroll. Jacob Shroll was of German parentage but he was born in Pennsylvania, where his wife was also born, she being of Irish ancestry. Both died in Crawford county, his burial being in the old Schroll cemetery, while her resting place is in Mt. Zion cemetery. in Bucyrus township. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Eight children were born to them, Charles A. being the youngest: William; Mary, wife of Norman Mount; Sarah, wife of Porter Leighbarger; John; Nancy, wife of Noah Seitz; Louisa, wife of Richard Kellar; and Matilda, wife of R. P. Young. Charles A. Shroll was left fatherless when seven years of age and on this account had fewer advantages in youth than had many other boys of his acquaintance. His mother was obliged to let the family be broken up and he was placed with strangers with whom he lived and as opportunity offered, attended the district schools. He was naturally industrious and before long was able to earn enough to provide for his own necessities and afterward continued to work on farms, by the month, until he was 27 years of age. In all this time he had never had a real home, living always with strangers, but now he married and founded his own hearthstone and has a happy domestic circle of wife and eight children. For some 20 years after marriage Mr. ShrolI rented land from different farmers, after which he purchased his present place and to its cultivation and improvement has devoted himself ever since. He is a self-made man and may be cited as an example of what may be accomplished through industry and persistent effort. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 905 Mr. Shroll was married July 19, 1884, to Miss Ida A. Argrave, who was born in Mercer county, Pa., a daughter of George R. and Mary Argrave, who had three children: Henry; Olive, wife of George Paup; and Ida A., who became the wife of Mr. Shroll. To Mr. and Mrs. Shroll the following children have been born: Reginald, who married Victoria Eckert; Clyde; Frank, who married Effie Fillinger; and Walter, Dice, Beth, Theodore and Ivan K. Mr. Shroll has always been a busy man but never neglects his duties as a citizen and has taken much interest in the public schools, serving as school director and giving his children all the advantages within his power. W. A. WATERS, who is one of the most substantial citizens and the largest land owner in Liberty township, Crawford county, 0., carries on general farming and stock raising on his large estate of 400 acres and resides two miles southeast of Sulphur Springs, O. He was born in Wyandot county, O., March 11, 1862, and is a son of Philip A. and Mary (Daugherty) Waters. Philip A. Waters was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., and by his parents was brought to Crawford county, at the age of four years. At a later date he moved to Wyandot county and there engaged in farming for a number of years, when he removed to Indiana and died in that state in advanced age. He married Mary Daugherty and one child was born to them, W. A., the wife and mother dying in 1864. Being left motherless at the age of two and one-half years, W. A. Waters was reared on the present farm in his uncle's home, the later, Reuben Waters, being now deceased. He obtained his education in the district schools and was trained from boyhood to be a farmer. This farm has always been his home from infancy and since he took possession as sole owner, he has made a great many improvements, including the erection of a handsome modern residence. Mr. Waters was united in marriage with Miss Ella Caris, who was born in Wood county, 0., a daughter of Eli Caris, and they have one daughter, Ada. She is the wife of Delbert Butterff, who resides on an adjoining farm, and they have five children: Zelma, Bernice, Robert, Mendel and Richard. Mr. Waters is a Republican in politics but has given more attention to his agricultural activities than to public matters, although he never neglects the duties of good citizenship. EMANUEL C. CRISSINGER,* carpenter and builder, a well known citizen of Galion and a reliable business man of this section, was born in Whetstone township, Crawford county, 0., May 13, 1850, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Knoble) Crissinger, and a grandson of George Crissinger, who was the founder of the family in Ohio, moving to Crawford county from Northumberland county, Pa. The father was twice married and Emanuel C. was the sixth born of the first family, there being two surviving brothers: Charles J., a well known business man of Galion; and Daniel, who is a farmer and also a carpenter and lives in Whetstone township. Emanuel C. Crissinger was reared on the home farm and worked with his father at carpentering and under his supervision became an expert mechanic. In 1884 he moved to Galion and three years later he erected the comfortable residence which he has since occupied, at No. 334 North Market street. From 1903 until 1909 he was engaged in the grocery trade at Galion, but with that exception, he has been giving his attention exclusively, for the past 38 years, to carpenter work including building. In his political affiliation he is a Democrat but he has never been what may be called a politician, just a good, earnest and interested citizen. Mr. Crissinger was married in 1884 to Miss Susie E. Fail, who was born near Galion, Sept. 4, 1856, a daughter of John and Julia A. (Snyder) Fail. John Fail was born in Germany and was eight years old when his parents brought him to the United States. He was reared in Crawford county and was married, near Bucyrus, to Julia A. Snyder, who accompanied her parents to this section, from Pennsylvania, when 17 years of age. Mr. Fail was a farmer in Polk township, Crawford county, until 1898, when he and his wife retired to Galion, where his death occurred in 1899, when aged 75 years. Mrs. Fail, now in her Both year, resides with a daughter at Galion. To 906 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY Mr. and Mrs. Crissinger the following children have been born: William A., born Sept, 15, 1887, who resides at Galion and married Ada Shaw; and Charles Addison, who was born May 9, 1890, and lives with his parents. He is a graduate of the Galion High School and is now cashier for the Erie Railway Company at Galion. Mr. and Mrs. Crissinger are active members of the United Brethren church, of which he has been a trustee and for some years was a class leader in the same. WILLIAM I. MUTCHLER, one of the progressive agriculturists of Tod township, Crawford county, O., residing on his well improved farm of 160 acres, situated one mile northeast of Oceola, O., was born on this farm, in 1866, and is a son of Isaiah and Harriet (Kisor) Mutchler. In the death of Isaiah Mutchler, which occurred in 1906, in his 83rd year, Crawford county lost one of its most respected pioneers. He bought the farm which now belongs to his son, William I., in 1846, from the Government, paying $2.25 per acre, and it has been carefully preserved in the family ever since, and has never had even a mortgage entered against it. Isaiah Mutchler was born in Seneca county, O., and took possession of his Crawford county land in 1847. Subsequently he acquired much other property, aggregating some 600 acres of land, and each one of his children were given a farm by this generous and provident father. He was a member of the United Brethren church and had filled almost every church office, taking much more interest in it than in the political life of the community in which his long life was spent. He married Harriet Kisor, who was born near Sycamore, Wyandot county, and died in Crawford county, when aged 73 years and 6 months. The record of their children is as follows : Catherine and Barbara, twins, the former of whom married Adam Fisher, and the latter, Frank Karns; Amanda, who married George Aurand; Frank, deceased, who married Dora Miller; Susanna, deceased, who married John Beamer ; George, who married Susan Little; Harriet, who married Samuel Lambert; Melissa, who is deceased ; twin infants, both deceased ; Matilda, who married Philip Hoker; William I., and Leafy, deceased, who was the wife of William Nicholson. In the schools of Tod township, William I. Mutchler secured a good, common school education, and ever since has devoted himself to farm industries on the homestead. Since the farm has been his oven he has done considerable improving, replacing all the buildings with the exception of one barn. He owns valuable stock and improved machinery and is contemplating the building of a fine silo in the near future. Mr. Mutchler married Miss Rebecca Patton, who was born in Mifflin county, Pa., and a family of ten children has been born to them, as follows: Flora, who married Orlo Bash and has two children, Cecil and Laura; Fred; Jesse, who married Bessie Cox; and Sylvia, .Russell, Mary, Goldie, Ethel, Paul and Dwight L., all of whom survive with the exception of Paul, who died in infancy. Mr. Mutchler is a Democrat in politics and he has served as school director. He is one of the leading members of the United Brethren church and has served as class leader and steward. GEORGE W. SCHIEFER, who is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Bucyrus township, Crawford county, O., where he carries on modern agriculture on his farm of 94 acres and operates additionally the 257 acres belonging to his mother-in-law, Mrs. Ellen McKinstry, was born in Crawford county, Dec. 19, 1878, and is a son of Isaac and Margaret Ellen (Berry) Schiefer. The parents of Mr. Schiefer were born in Crawford county, where they still reside, the father being a farmer. They have the following children: George W., James W., Weldon S., Cordelia, Moody L., Grace J., and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Schiefer are members of the Evangelical church. George W. Schiefer completed the common school course and then became a student in the Ohio Northern University at Ada, O., after which he taught school for eight terms during the winter time while he devoted his summers to the farm. Since then he has given all his attention to his agricultural pursuits, doing general farming and being an extensive stock raiser, keeping only good grades and finding a ready market. Mr. Schiefer was married Oct. 2, 1901, to Miss Mary E. McKinstry, the only child of William Thomas and Ellen (Warner) Mc- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 907 Kinstry. The mother of Mrs. Schiefer survives but her father died in 1901, leaving a large estate. Mr. and Mrs. Schiefer and Mrs. McKinstry attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican but has never accepted any public office although well qualified for the same, being an educated, well balanced, reliable man. HENRY R. KURRLEY,* a representative business man of Galion, O., junior member of the firm of Evans & Kurrley, proprietors of the Boston Street Grocery House and also conducting a store at Delaware, 0., was born in the latter city, Jan, 2, 1879, and is a son of William and Fannie (Wittinger) Kurrley. The parents of Mr. Kurrley were born in Wurtemberg, Germany. They were young when they came to America and were reared near Delaware, O., where they married and now live in comfortable retirement. In 1859 William Kurrley started in the grocery business at Delaware and continued active in the trade until 1895, when he sold to his son, Leopold D., and the business is continued at the old stand. Mr. Kurrley and wife are both in their middle seventies but are hearty and well and there is promise of many years before them. All their seven children survive and four of these have domestic circles of their own. Henry R. Kurrley was reared and educated at Delaware and learned the grocery business in his father's store. In October, 1898, Mr. Kurrley and Mr. Evans, the latter of whom was born at Delaware in 1873, came to Galion and purchased the Boston street store from J. E. Gelsanliter and have conducted it successfully ever since and subsequently bought the Delaware store, which Mr. Evans mainly manages. Both partners are young men of energy, discretion and enterprise and conduct their large volume of business along honorable lines, such as have won them the confidence and patronage of the public. At Delaware, O., Mr. Kurrley was married to Miss Amelia L. Osterly, who was born, reared and educated in that city. They have one daughter, Edna A., who was born at Delaware, April 28, 1898, and is now attending school at Galion. Mr. and Mrs. Kurrley are members of the German Lutheran church. Politically he is a Democrat. The firm of Evans & Kurrley has membership in the Commercial Club in this city. MISS INEZ MILLER, who has been a teacher in the public schools of Galion, O., since 1889, and has been interested in and identified with the remarkable advancement in educational matters in this section. during this time, belongs to Galion, for here she was born, reared and educated and here has found her chosen field of work. She is a daughter of Charles R. Miller and a granddaughter of Charles and Mary (Riblet) Miller. Charles Miller, the grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania and was young when he accompanied his parents to Richland county, O. Later he married Mary Riblet, a daughter of Daniel Riblet, who had also moved to Richland county, from Pennsylvania. Daniel Rib-let was a school teacher and later owned and operated a stage coach line between Galion and Mansfield, with headquarters six miles east of Galion. For some years he was postmaster of Galion and was active in politics, serving in the state legislature. After marriage, Charles Miller and wife lived for a time in Ashland county and then settled in Sandusky township, Richland county, on a farm adjoining that of the Riblets, and remained there until their death, when aged about 75 years. They were members of the Lutheran church. Of their four children who reached maturity, all married and three sons survive: Charles R., William W. and Henry F., the two younger brothers still living on the old homestead. Charles R. Miller was born in Ashland county, O., and was reared on the home farm. Afterward he served as assistant postmaster at Galion and later became a landscape decorator and artist. He was married at Crestline to Miss Mary Lowe, who was born in Denbeighshire, 'ales, and when ten years old accompanied her sister Elizabeth to the United States to join their step-father and guardian, Charles Charlton, who formerly was well known in railroad circles in the United States and Canada. To Charles R. Miller and wife the following children were born: Mary, who is the wife of J. H. Barr, residing at Galion, Mr. Barr being a rural mail carrier, they having three children—Jessie, Howard and Ruth 908 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY Inez L.; Albert E., who is a merchant at Cleveland; and William H., who is in commercial art work at St. Louis, Mo., and who married Margaret DeNaux. Miss Inez Miller was creditably graduated from the Galion High School in 1887 and began teaching in 1889, and for the past four years has been, also, elementary superintendent of the Crawford County Sunday School Association. She is so eminently a teacher and so thoroughly qualified in every way to be an instructor, that her availability is recognized wherever educational work is proposed and on many occasions she has been tendered positions of responsibility. While she is progressive and ambitious yet she is careful and understanding and the advancement made by her pupils is on a sound foundation. She is well known in the city's pleasant social life and, with the other members of her family, belongs to the English Lutheran church. MRS. FRANCES CRUM, a well known and highly esteemed resident of Liberty township, Crawford county, O., residing on her well improved farm of go acres, was born in Liberty township and is a daughter of the late Abraham Grogg, and the widow of D. O. Crum. D. O. Crum was born in Dauphin county, Pa., and was brought in childhood to Crawford county, his father locating in Liberty township. He grew to manhood on his father's farm and helped to clear and cultivate it, in the meanwhile attending the district schools and acquiring a fair knowledge of books. For some three years after his marriage, he worked his father-in-law's farm and then settled on the property now owned by his widow and here he lived as a busy and contented farmer until his death, March 27, 1896, at the age of 45 years. In everything pertaining to this property he felt an interest and continued to make improvements which included the erection of new and substantial buildings. He was widely known and much respected. In 1871 D. O. Crum and Frances Grogg were united in marriage. Her father, Abraham Grogg, was born in Pennsylvania but spent the larger part of his life in Crawford county. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crum, namely: Chester C., who lives at Mansfield, O.; Maude, who is the wife of I. W. Rodgers, who resides at Bucyrus and has three children—David, Donald and Mildred E. L., who married Emma Loyer, and lives in the western part of Liberty township and who has three children—Lawrence, Opal and Alice; Estella, who is deceased; Fred, who resides with his mother; Lulu, who married Howard Gwinner, and has two children—Elmer and Josephine; and McKinley, who lives at home. Mrs. Crum and family belong to the United Brethren church. Mr. Crum was a Republican in politics but he was a quiet, peaceful man and never sought office nor engaged in political campaigns. CLAUDE B. SHARER, superintendent of the sales department of the American Clay Machinery Company of Bucyrus, O., has been connected with this branch of one of the large industries of the city since 1904, coming from Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Sharer was born July 30, 1871, at Delaware, O., and is a son of George W. Sharer, whose name has been carried to many sections of this and other countries as the inventor of modern brickmaking machinery. He was also a valiant soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War, a member of Co. C, 40th O. Vol. Inf. He was the patentee of the Sharer Brick-Dryer. Claude B. Sharer was educated in the public schools of Terre Haute, Ind., and then became interested in brick machinery with his father, and 20 years of his active life was devoted to introducing and establishing modern brick plants with improved machinery. He is a practical brick man and probably is as well known in that trade as any man in the country, of his age, and has also had foreign experience, having visited the great brick centers of Europe and introduced the Sharer and other patents. For some time before coming to Bucyrus he had maintained his headquarters at Philadelphia, which is one of the greatest brick making centers of the country. His long experience as sales manager has made him a man of great value to his present company and he has charge of all the selling interests of this concern. Mr. Sharer was married in 1895, at Philadelphia, to Miss Laetitia Call, who was born at Philadelphia, a daughter of Morris Call, and AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 909 they have four children: Beryl W., Claude B., Jr., Harvey B. and Morris C., their ages ranging from fourteen to eight years, and all are pupils in the public schools. Mr. Sharer is a Republican but no politician, nor is he addicted to the club habit. His family, his home and his business afford him contentment. JACOB HILDEBRAND,* whose excellent farm of 30 acres lies in Whetstone township, Crawford county, O., has resided here since 19o7 and was born in Liberty township, Crawford county, Feb. 14, 1851, a son of John and Margaret (Rapp) Hildebrand. John Hildebrand was born in Germany and died in Liberty township, Crawford county, O. By trade he was a butcher and he also followed farming and was a well known man in his day in his neighborhood. He married Margaret Rapp, who was born in Pennsylvania and both are now deceased. The following children were born to them: Solomon, George, Mary, Emanuel, Jacob, Christian, Matilda, John, and Sophia, the last named being the wife of Terry Tupps. Mary, who is now deceased, was the wife of John Green, and Matilda is the wife of John Sheeley. Jacob Hildebrand obtained his education in the schools of Liberty township and farming has occupied a large part of his time since then, although he has also been engaged in saw-mill work and also has traveled with a threshing machine in the threshing seasons. Prior to coming to Whetstone township he had lived for three years in Cranberry township and five years in Auburn township, and in the latter served as road supervisor and as school director. He has always been an industrious man and is one who enjoys the respect of his neighbors. In September, 1884, Mr. Hildebrand was married to Miss Maria Utz, who was born in Canada, a daughter of Frederick and Gertrude (Hirnlein) Utz, natives of Germany. Mrs. Hildebrand has two brothers and one sister: Daniel, Augustus and Louisa. Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrand have four children, namely: Frederick, who married Della Kile; Florence; Harvey, who married Mabel Raiser; and Paul. Mr. Hildebrand has the assistance of his sons Florence and Paul on the hone farm. The family belongs to the German Lutheran church at Bucyrus. Mr. Hildebrand and son are Democrats in politics. REV. THOMAS J. MONNETT, 1826-1901. From pioneer days to the present time the Monnett family has been numerously and honorably represented in the financial, educational and religious life of Crawford county. Isaac Monnett was the first of the name to arrive. In 1828 with his wife, Elizabeth Pittinger Morris Monnett, and their family of adult children, including a step-son, Jeremiah Morris, he located on section 36. Bucyrus township, four and a half miles south of the county seat. The married children later located on adjacent lands. They were industrious, thrifty and religious people and while seeking personal and family advancement, ever had in mind the public welfare. Almost coexistent with a place of abode for himself and family, provision was made for religious services at his home, which was continued until better facilities could be arranged. In 1835, the Rev. Jeremiah Monnett, a brother of the above, arrived and located in the vicinity near what is now Monnett Memorial chapel. His family was composed of his wife Aley (Elsie) Slagle Monnett and a number of adult children, most of whom after marriage settled in the locality and thus in a brief period of time a large element of desirable citizens was implanted in the community. These brothers had come from Pickaway county, O., and were respectively the oldest and youngest sons in a large family born to Abraham and Ann (Hillary) Monnett, pioneers from Virginia to Pickaway county, O., at the beginning of the last century. For generations a tradition had been held that the family had descended from Huguenot refugees, who left the "vine-clad hills and sunny vales" of their beloved France upon the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes and fled to England and some of them afterward to America, establishing themselves in Virginia and Maryland from whence descendants emigrated to Pickaway county, O., and in 1828 and 1835 some of them to Crawford county, as stated. Within the past two years, a family history, entitled:' "Monnett Family Genealogy, A Huguenot Lineage," has been compiled and 910 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY edited by the Hon. Orra Eugene Monnett, formerly of Bucyrus, O., but now of Los Angeles, California. He brought to his task an equipment, well-nigh perfect for such an undertaking—youth, health, enthusiasm, broad culture, including a legal training and ample financial resources to cover all expenses of travel and necessary investigation to insure utmost accuracy in the history. Traveling, personally, over the grounds of the various removals and migrations in America, back to England and France, searching records, muster rolls, records of historical societies, by such earnest, devoted and intelligent services unremittingly applied for several years, aided by an able corps of expert assistants and contributors, he has established, incontrovertibly, that the traditions were founded upon fact—that the family belonged to the nobility, eligible to the use of a coat-of-arms, with a most significant motto: "Florens suo orbe Monet," and in the services of ancestors in the land of their refuge, in colonial and revolutionary days, entitled their descendants to qualify as Sons of Colonial Wars, Colonial Dames, Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, Members of the Huguenot Society of America, etc. In view of this interesting and honorable inheritance, it is hoped, there will be nothing of the parvenu in the kindred of this and later times; and it is trusted, that fidelity to principle ; incorruptible integrity; self-sacrifice and strong self-reliance which has made the name honorable, down the centuries, wherever representatives have lived for a considerable time, will have an inspiring effect upon descendants to live up to high ideals of life. It is the object of this sketch to present, in brief review, one of the representative members of this family—the Reverend Thomas Jefferson Monnett, the youngest son and thirteenth child born to the Rev. Jeremiah and Aley (Elsie) Monnett. He was born in Pickaway county, O., Jan. 16, 1826. In 1835, he came to Crawford county, O., with his parents, where they located four and a half miles south of Bucyrus. Here he grew to manhood. He early evidenced a keen intellect, a fine gift of language and other endowments which gave promise of a successful professional career. Officials of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he had joined in his boyhood, soon recognized his fitness for the Christian ministry in her communion, and at eighteen years of age, he was licensed to exhort, and recommended for advancement in the ministry. His father, also had noted with interest and pleasure the same evidences of "a call to preach" and in furtherance of a good foundation for the work had the son read Clarke's Commentaries on the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments. This was mainly done in winter evenings. Meanwhile, young Monnett taught the district school, worked on the farm, attended a select school ill the neighborhood and for a time, the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. As the "fields were white to the harvest and the laborers few," those in authority urged him to enter at once, the active ministerial ranks and trust to and utilize his opportunities for acquiring academic knowledge while fulfilling his studies as a minister. This unwise policy made his later work unduly hard and had much to do with enfeebling his constitution, which had never been robust. Mr. Monnett joined the North Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1852 and for the full period of time, served successively, in the following order : Melmore Circuit, Fostoria, Kenton, Upper Sandusky, Latimberville Circuit, which at the time embraced a wide area and contained nine appointments. He was an extremely hard worker in his pastorates, conducting revivals and church building or repairing enterprises in all of them. Finally, in the rigorous winter of 1860-61, after an unusually prolonged series of meetings, at most of the appointments on the large circuit, his health became seriously impaired, especially from a siege of acute bronchitis. This trouble afterward became chronic and compelled his retirement from the active ministry. In taking up secular work from 1864 to the time of his death he was ever ready to answer the calls of the church when health permitted. He never ceased to regard the ministry as his calling and on the testimony of one, who knew conditions better than anyone else, his secular activities were largely incidental and not studied voluntary business enterprises, as business men pursue them. The many calls for services at quarterly meetings, Sunday-school conventions, farmers' AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 911 institutes, temperance and many other organizations met with a ready response, if possible, and his services were in requisition to the time of his fatal illness. At that time he was closing his thirteenth consecutive year as president of the Crawford County Sunday-school Association and held official relations to other religious and moral organizations. Mr. Monnett's ministerial services were without financial consideration, no moneyed reward excepting the occasional wedding fee came to him, and no minister, in the region of his residence rendered so much gratuitous ministerial service and for the long period of his life, few, if any, were so popular. He could only cope with his chronic malady by leading an out-of-door life, so he continued on his farm and by this course he maintained a fair average of health and accomplished a larger measure of work for the Master's Kingdom than would otherwise have been possible. In his secular work he was for twenty years head of the woolen mills of Bucyrus; for eighteen years president of the Bucyrus Gas company, and principal owner of the plant; at the same time he was interested in banking and stock-raising and engaged in looking after his landed estate. He spurned all sham methods of accumulating wealth and in commercial and business circles, his word was as good as his bond. His own acquaintance with the hardships of the business world, on account of the fluctuations of the markets and the intricacies and uncertainties of trade, greatly broadened his sympathies for business men and they understood and honored him for it. 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. Mr. Monnett died of bronchitis at his home in Bucyrus, O., May 10, 1901, in the seventy-sixth year of his age and was buried in Monnett cemetery. His last sickness indicated a complication of diseases, but an autopsy revealed all organs normal but the bronchial system and bronchitis was therefore the primary cause of his death. Thomas J. Monnett was married Oct. 17. 1847, to Miss Henrietta Johnston, daughter of Esquire Thomas D. and Martha (Walton) Johnston, wealthy and highly respected pioneers of Marion county, O. Seven children were born of this union; two of them, Webster and Agnes J., died in infancy. John Gilbert, "Bertie," died in his young manhood, March 26, 1879. A daughter, Mrs. Effie Monnett Bennett, in the early prime of a noble and most beautiful womanhood, died Oct. 27, 1898, leaving a husband, Hon. Smith W. Bennett and two children, Hugh Monnett and Grace Lizetta. Mr. Bennett, who is a highly successful lawyer and who was for ten years special counsel in the attorney-general's office at Columbus, by a second marriage, this time to Miss Anna Drought, a beautiful and accomplished lady, well-fitted for such a position, has had his home sweetly reestablished and with his family is living at Columbus, O. The oldest surviving son, Orin Bruce, married Anna Hoffman, daughter of Charles and Catharine (Snyder) Hoffman and they have two children, Ethel and Bessie, both married. Mr. Monnett is in the real estate business and the family home is at Conroe, Montgomery county, Texas. William Arthur married Annetta Boyer, daughter of Joshua and Charlotte (Slough) Boyer and they have three children, Kay, Grace and Charlotte. Kay married Harriet Homes and they are the parents of six children. William Arthur Monnett and family live on the old homestead on the Sandusky Pike. Francis Sylvester, graduate of the O. W. U. and National Law School, Washington, D. C.; was twice attorney-general of Ohio; practicing now in all the courts including supreme court of the United States; married Ellen Kate Gormly, daughter of James B. and Virginia (Qwingley) Gormly and their home is at Columbus, O. The devoted, faithful wife, and mother of this family, Mrs. Henrietta Monnett, lived with her husband during his active ministry and was a constant inspiration to him and the work. She was ever honored and greatly beloved by all who made her acquaintance. Her useful life came to a close, Nov. 20, 1871. Mr. Monnett was twice married. His second union was with Miss Sarah Rexroth, M. S., a daughter of John Nicholas and Anna Maria (Rittmann) Rexroth, a graduate of 912 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY Mount Union college and late principal of the Bucyrus high school. She brought with her into the family life 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 serious duties of life and training them for high school and college education along with her other arduous family duties. She fully sympathized with her husband in his religious activities and ever strove to make his work successful. She was a devoted companion to Mr. Monnett in his declining years. The family home had been in Bucyrus, a number of years before Mr. Monnett's death and here Mrs. Monnett became identified with various activities, helping to establish the Current Events Club and in earlier years the foreign and home missionary societies of the First M. E. church, and in recent years W. F. M. society at Monnett Memorial Chapel; was one of the nine women incorporators of the Bucyrus public library and served as trustee, was chairman of the building committee of Monnett Memorial Chapel and administered her husband's estate. Mrs. Monnett lives at Bucyrus, O. ALBERT RENSCH,* market gardener and proprietor of the Renschville Greenhouses, located just outside the city limits of Galion, 0., is carrying on a business which was established 43 years ago by his Iate father, Jacob Rensch. Albert Rensch was born July 1, 1863, in the large brick house which was erected here in 183, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Deinkeldein) Rensch. Jacob Rensch was born in Baden, Germany, in 1828, and in 1833 accompanied his parents to the United States, they locating on the present site of the Renschville plant, just outside of Galion, it then being covered with native timber and entirely a wilderness. They had two sons and one daughter: Jacob, Frederick and Martha, all of whom are now deceased, the death of Jacob Rensch occurring May 17, 1903. On the portion of the home land which became his, he started a market garden and as he prospered, enlarged the scope of his business and in 1889 built the first hot house. He had a natural leaning in the direction and built up a large business which he continued to be interested in as long as he lived. He married Elizabeth Deinkeldein, who was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and was seven years old when her parents, Peter and Martha Deinkeldein, came to Ohio and located near the Rensch land, under similar conditions. She survived until April 23, 1900. Jacob Rensch and wife were members of the German Reformed church. Of their family of ten children all survive except one, Clara, who died at the age of 17 years, the others being: Henry, Edward, Janet, Frank, Albert, Emma, Mary, Emanuel and Amanda, all of whom have married with the exception of Albert and all are residents of Crawford county. Albert Rensch with his brothers and sisters attended the country schools and willingly gave his father assistance in his farming and gardening, having a taste in this direction, and before his father's death became the practical manager of the business. Since the property became his own he has made many changes, tearing down the old buildings and erecting five greenhouses in which he has installed modern equipments and carries on his undertaking in a scientific way. He is a good business man and a representative citizen, being a member of the Commercial Club. With his brothers he is identified with the Democratic party, and with the other members of his family, was confirmed in the Reformed church. He has assistants in his brothers and they cultivate 63 acres and in the greenhouses have 12,000 feet of glass and in the spring their trade is very heavy, shipping their forced plants to outside points, while their local trade is very satisfactory. JOSEPH HEINLE. One of the substantial old families of Holmes township, Crawford  county, 0., is the Heinle family and a member of the same, Joseph Heinle, lives on the old homestead which his father acquired as wild land, some 6o years ago. Mr. Heinle was born on this farm of 94 acres, which lies four miles west of Bucyrus. May 26, 1857, and is a son of John G. and Maria (Leittz) Heinle. John G. Heinle was born in 1819 in Germany and came to Crawford county, O., in 1837, engaged first in farming in Bucyrus township and then came to Holmes township AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 913 and bought the present place. To the development and improvement of this property he devoted many years of life and lived into old age, dying in 1899, when 80 years old, his wife surviving to be 75 years of age. They had eight children, namely: Eliza, who is the wife of Adam Brown; Frances, who lives in Bucyrus township; George, who also lives in Bucyrus township; Mrs. Kate Gibson, of Oceola, O.; Mrs. Mary Ann Meyers, of Van Wert, O.; John and Philip, both of whom live in Bucyrus township; and Joseph. Joseph Heinle obtained his education in the schools of Crawford county and ever since has been engaged in farm pursuits on the old homestead which he purchased. In addition to general farming and some fruit raising he gives attention to stock raising to a moderate degree, and through his systematic methods produces fine returns. Mr. Heinle married Miss Emma Snavely, a daughter of David Snavely and they have had four children: Kate, who married Moses Steiger, and has one daughter, Valeria; Agnes; Mary and Stella, the youngest daughter being deceased. Mr. Heinle and family belong to the Martin Luther church in Tod township. In politics he is a Democrat and has served in the office of road supervisor. JOHN GRAU, who owns 113 acres of finely improved land situated three and one-half miles northeast of Bucyrus, O., in Liberty township, Crawford county, is a careful and competent farmer and has every reason to feel satisfied with his agricultural success. He was born in 1870, in Tuscarawas county, O., one of a family of nine children born to his parents, who were Gottlieb and Dora (Esterley) Grau. Two of the children died in infancy, but the following survive: John; George, who married Mary Crall, lives near Bucyrus; Jacob, who lives in Marion county, O., married Mary Scherer; Edward, who lives two miles south of Bucyrus, and married Anna Wise; Albert, who lives at Cleveland; Mary, who is the wife of Frederick Metzger, of Bucyrus; and Emma, who resides at Cleveland. John Grau had the usual district school advantages of a farmer's son and very early became acquainted with many of the practical facts that are foundation stones in successful farming. After purchasing the property on which he lives he did considerable improving and has one of the most valuable and attractive farms in this section. Mr. Grau married Miss Rachel McCullough, who is a daughter of Thomas and Mary (McCleland) McCullough, and they have two children, Louise and Earl. Mr. Grau and family are members of the Presbyterian church. He is identified with the Democratic party but takes no very active part in public matters. He is interested, however, in having good schools and good laws concerning the construction and repair of the public highways, as becomes a good citizen. J. BERT ROBINSON,* one of the enterprising and active business men of Galion, a member of the transportation firm of Walford & Robinson, proprietors of the Central Delivery company, with business stand on Warehouse Alley, Galion, was born in Polk township, Crawford county, O., Jan. 23, 1876, and is a son of J. Chalmer and Emma Robinson. Hon. James Robinson, grandfather of J. Bert Robinson, was born in Pennsylvania but spent the greater part of his active life in Crawford county, where he became a man of large estate and considerable political prominence, for years being a public official and a member of the state legislature. He was the founder of the thriving village of North Robinson. His death occured at Galion, when he was 75 years of age. His son, J. Chalmer Robinson, was born in Crawford county and has been a successful farmer for many years, in 1885 moving to North Bloomfield township, Morrow county, where he now resides. His family consists of four sons: James H., a practicing physician at Selma, Calif., who married there and has one daughter; J. Bert, our subject; Richard W., a civil and mechanical engineer with the American Bridge company, at Chicago, who has one son; and Karl, a professional ball-player with the Western League, who has his home at Omaha, Nebr., and has one daughter. J. Bert Robinson attended school at Galion and later was a student in the Tri-State Normal school, at Angola, Ind., and at Ada, O., and for a time taught school and very successfully. He then turned his attention to rail- 914 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY roading and for ten years was fireman and later engineer on the Erie railway, leaving the road to embark in his present business and in partnership with Mr. Wilford has been proprietor and half owner of the Central Delivery Company here, succeeding the Central Delivery Company, a corporation. This company is well equipped, having nine wagons and nine drays, for the accommodation of the merchants. They have so systemized the work by dividing the city into five routes, their schedule being for five daily deliveries of merchandise, that both the public and the merchants are admirably served. Mr. Robinson was married in Morrow county, O., to Miss Ella Walford, who was born, reared and educated there, and is a sister of K. J. Walford, Mr. Robinson's partner. Mr. Walford is in the transfer and dray business, at Ashland, O. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have three sons: B. Austin, a manly lad of eleven years; J. Harold, aged nine years; and Clarence W., who is five years old. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are members of the Christian church. He is a Democrat in his political views but his tastes lie more in the direction of business than politics. O. J. KELLER, who is engaged in the mercantile business at Sulphur Springs, Crawford county, ,O., is one of the substantial citizens of Liberty township and is an honorable veteran of the great Civil War. He was born in Northampton county, Pa., in 1843, and is a son of Joseph and Lavina Keller. There were 11 children in the family, namely: O. J. ; Jeremiah, who lives in Pennsylvania; Josiah, who is deceased; Reuben, who died at Lindsay, O., and who was a Reformed Lutheran minister; Mary Katherine, who is deceased; John H. and Matilda, both of whom died young, and four who died in infancy. O. J. Keller remained at home through his school period and afterward until the age of 18 years, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, becoming a member of Co. C, 49th O. Vol. Inf., under his cousin, Captain Keller, and Colonel Gibson, and served from Aug. 15, 1861, until his honorable discharge in Texas, in November, 1865. He has a bright war record which proves that he was ever at his post of duty and participated in the hardships and dan gers of his comrades on every occasion. He took part in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Nashville, Missionary Ridge and the entire Atlanta campaign. At the battle of Stone River he was captured by the Confederates but was paroled six months afterward and later rejoined his regiment. After his military service was over, Mr. Keller returned to Crawford county and embarked in the mercantile business at Sulphur Springs in which he has been engaged ever since. He has invested in village property and farm land in the vicinity and has additional business interests. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and is held in high regard by his brother veterans. Mr. Keller is a life member of the Reformed church. WESLEY BEAL, a substantial citizen of Crawford county, O., proprietor of a productive farm near Bucyrus, is president of the Crawford County Mutual Fire Insurance Company and is active in all public spirited movements in his section. He belongs to a very highly regarded old family of this part of Ohio, one that has many representatives. He was born in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, March 10, 1865, and is a son of Benjamin and a grandson of John George, and a great-grandson of John George Beal. Benjamin Beal was born in Lycoming county, Pa., in 1840, and in 1843 accompanied the family to Crawford county, where he was reared and attended school to such ,good purpose that he was a satisfactory teacher in early manhood, afterward becoming a farmer and when he moved to Bucyrus, in 1889, in order to give his children better educational opportunities, he was the owner of two valuable farms. Here he shortly afterward became secretary of the Crawford County Mutual Fire Insurance company, an office he retained until the close of his life, in 1898. He was a Republican in politics and was interested in the election of suitable men to office but he never countenanced irregular methods in that connection nor in any other. He was known as an honest and upright man. He was one of the organizers of Bucyrus Grange, No. 705, and was master and secretary for some years, and was identified also with the Masons and the order of the Eastern Star. In early life he was AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 917 a member of the German Methodist church but at the time of death and some years before, he was united with the English Methodist Episcopal church and was an official. He was also secretary of the Crawford County Agricultural Society for many years. Benjamin Beal was married first in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, to Mary Stoltz, who was born in Whetstone township, her people having come to this county from Pennsylvania three generations ago. She died in 1868, and in 1870 Mr. Beal was married to Lydia A. Rexroth, who died in 1889, the mother of eight children, the following of whom survive: Benjamin, Jr., who lives in Bucyrus township and has three children; Mary A., a graduate of the Delaware University, who is the wife of Rev. Thomas Housel, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church at Delaware and has two children; Edward G., a graduate of the law department in the Delaware University, who is cashier of the First National Bank at Bucyrus, and who married Rachel Monnett; William D., who has but recently returned from a missionary labor of seven years in India, being a Methodist minister and who married a daughter of Bishop Robinson, a missionary of the Methodist church in India; and Bertha E., who is a graduate of the Delaware University and later a teacher in the Bucyrus High School. To the first marriage of Mr. Beal three children were born: Albert, Wesley and Emma. The eldest son died in 1908. He was a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware and then spent four years in the Boston Theological Seminary and subsequently served the Methodist Episcopal church as a minister for eight years in Massachusetts and then was transferred to Ohio and continued in his religious work until his death. He married Mary McCully, who survives and resides with her father at Crestline, and has one daughter, Beatrice. Emma, the only daughter, is the wife of Charles E. Ensminger and they live on the old Beal homestead. Their children are Gertrude, Arthur and Edgar. Wesley Beal, after completing his education, turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1903 he purchased one of the Beal farms and since then has carried on farming and stock raising. For a number of years he has been a director of the Crawford County Mut ual Fire Insurance company and since 1910 has been its president. He is one of the influential Republicans of the county and is a man of high standing in business and politics as well as personally. In 1888 Mr. Beal was married in Bucyrus township to Miss Eva Beall, born in 1868, a daughter of James P. and Mary A. (Keckler) Beall, natives of Harrison County, O. They came to Crawford county some 50 years ago and settled in Bucyrus township, where he became a man of consequence. He died in 1904 and was survived by his widow until 1911. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of their nine children, two died in infancy, seven grew to maturity and five are yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Beal the following children have been born: Ruth NI., Dorsey A., E. Naomi and. James B. The family as a unit, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. PHILIP CRAMER, who is one of Crawford county's ,substantial citizens and well known and highly respected men, resides on one of his seven farms, his home being located in section 6, Auburn township. He was born on this farm, May 17, 1846, a son of Mathias and Margaret (Smith) Cramer. The parents of Mr. Cramer were born, reared and married in Germany. When they came to the United States they chose Auburn township, Crawford county, 0., as their home and here Mathias Cramer secured 6o acres of swamp and timber land. To the clearing and subsequent cultivating of this land he devoted the rest of his life and through his industry made it into a farm which provided well for himself and family. He died here at the age of 56 years and his burial, as also that of his wife, was in the Catholic cemetery at New Washington. Both were devoted members of the Catholic church. In Germany three children had been born to them: Christina, and two babes that died in infancy, and two more were born after coming to America: Mrs. Catherine Felter, who lives in Huron county, O.: and Philip, our subject. Philip Cramer was only nine years old when his father died and afterward, for four years, he lived with his uncle, Peter Yocum, at New Washington, and then worked on farms for 918 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY eleven years, following which lie bought an old saw mill in Cranberry township. He then invested in a horse-power threshing machine, which he operated for three years and then bought a steam thresher and operated that through the county for five years. Mr. Cramer continued to be enterprising, watching for business opportunities and then taking them. For 14 years he engaged in grain buying at North Auburn and for ten years has been a buyer of stock and a raiser of high grade stock and cattle. For several years after the death of his parents, the home farm was rented out but Mr. Cramer always wanted to make it his permanent home and when the chance came, be bought the interests of the other heirs and has resided here ever since. He is one of the heavy tax payers of the county, his seven farms aggregating 1,017 acres, situated in both Cranberry and Auburn townships. Mr. Cramer married Miss Anna Hetzer, a daughter of Anthony Hetzer, and they have the following children: Andrew, Henry, Edward, Emma, John, Nora, Jacob, Frank, and Fred, and Philip, who is deceased. Mr. Cramer and family belong to St. Mary's Catholic church. He has been almost a lifelong Democrat but has not been a seeker for office, his many business interests sufficiently occupying his attention. He has built seven large barns, one on each farm, two fine residences, and has also built the elevator and two good store rooms at North Auburn, besides other necessary farm buildings. All the farms were without buildings and fences when he bought them. G. W. GRAUER, farmer and stock raiser, is one of the leading agriculturists and substantial men of Holmes township, Crawford county, O. He resides just north of Bucyrus, on the old family homestead of 72 acres and owns an adjacent farm, all told 103 acres of valuable farming land. He was born on this place in 1866 and is a son of J. George and Mary (Armburster) Grauer. J. George Grauer and his wife were both born in Germany and she came to America in 1847 and he in the fifties. Mr. Grauer acquired the farm that has ever since been in the family and erected the buildings and cleared it, spending the rest of his life on the place, an honest, respected, hard-working man. He died here in 1882, when aged 56 years. His widow still survives and although in her Both year, is active in both mind and body. They had the following children : Rickey, who is the wife of John A. Knipp and lives in Henry county; Christian, who lives in Colorado; Mary, who is the wife of Henry Geiger; G. W.; and an infant, deceased. After his period of school attendance was over, G. W. Grauer took upon himself the responsibilities which he has carried ever since, the management, care and development of his property. The improvements he has made here are sensible and substantial and evidences of thrift are seen in every direction. Mr. Grauer married Miss Emma Nagel, who is a daughter of John A. Nagel, who is a resident of Bellevue, O., and they have five children, namely: Filmore, Carl, Lawrence, George and Thelma. Mr. Grauer and family attend the German Lutheran church at Bucyrus. In politics he is a Democrat. GEORGE F. LAYER, a leading citizen of Liberty township, Crawford county, O., and a representative of one of the oldest families, resides on his farm of 220 acres, which is situated eight and one-half miles northeast of Bucyrus and two miles northwest of Sulphur Springs, O. He was born in Michigan and is a son of John A. Layer. John A. Layer was born in Wittenberg, Germany, and was four years old when his parents brought him to America. They located in Liberty township, Crawford county, O., and there he was reared and remained on the home place until he married, when he moved to Michigan and lived there until after the birth of his son, George F., when he returned to Liberty township. He had the following children: Elizabeth, Louisa, George F., Frank E., and one who died in infancy. George F. Layer was yet a child when his parents returned to Liberty township and he remained on the home farm until he was 26 years of age, when he married and bought 70 acres of the homestead. After the death of his mother he returned to the old home, bought the remainder of the land and his father died here. Mr. Layer has one of the best improved AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 919 farms in this part of Crawford county and manages his land according to modern ideas. His handsome residence is equipped with city conveniences, having a complete water system and an acetylene plant for lighting, and other buildings of substantial construction. In 1891 Mr. Layer was united in marriage with hiss Emma Ulmer, a daughter of Gottlieb Ulmer, a native of Germany, and they have three children: Florence, Harvey and Frederick. Mr. Layer and family are members of St. Paul's Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Layer is a Democrat but he has never accepted any public office other than membership on the school board. CHARLES HENKEL,* who, for a quarter of a century, has been an engineer with the Erie Railway company, with home at Galion, 0., was born March 4, 1853, at Brooklyn, N. Y., and is a son of Conrad and Elizabeth Henkel. The parents of Mr. Henkel were born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and came from there in 1850 to the United States and located at Brooklyn, N. Y., where the father died in July, 1853, aged about 40 years. In 1866 the mother and children came to Galion, O., and here she survived until in her 78th year. Both parents were members of the German Lutheran church. Of their children there are four survivors, namely: Conrad; John, who is in the butchering business at Troy, O., who is a widower with four children; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Tobias Mockel; and Charles, who was but four months old when his father died. Charles Henkel is a self made man, having to contend with many difficulties in boyhood and youth, incident to the early death of his father and the establishing of the family in a strange city and country. After his school days were over he applied for and secured work with the Erie Railway company and his faithfulness and industry were rewarded by promotion from time to time, and in 1887 he became freight engineer on the Fourth Division running between Galion and Dayton, O. Mr. Henkel has met with few accidents, being judicious and careful and never taking chances, and enjoys the full confidence of his employers and the respect and esteem of his comrades. He is popular with the latter and is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Mr, Henkel was married at Galion, to Miss Amanda Huffman, who was born in Morrow county, O., in 1861, a daughter of Michael and Susanna (Bortner) Huffman. The parents of Mrs. Henkel were born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in early married life, where the father preempted rho acres of land, in Morrow county. That was the family homestead and there the father died when aged 81 years and the mother in her 79th year. They were kind, good people and were faithful members of the English Lutheran church. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Henkel: Carrie, born in 1882, who married Jesse Reinhart, a farmer near Galion; Elmer, who follows the trade of carriage trimmer at Galion, and who married Gertrude Eichman; and Allen, who is a sailor in the U. S. Navy and is now located at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Henkel are members of the English Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat. Some years since Mr. Henkel built his handsome residence at No. 563 Boston street, Galion. EMANUEL JOHNSON, a leading citizen of Holmes township, Crawford county, O., serving in the office of township treasurer, is owner and proprietor of Fairview farm, a valuable tract of 60 acres which lies four miles northwest of Bucyrus, O. He was born in Fulton county, Pa., in 1851, and is a son of David and Susanna (Masters) Johnson. The parents of Mr. Johnson were both born in Pennsylvania, the father in Fulton county and the mother in Franklin county and both died in Fulton county when aged about 8o years. They had a family of 12 children, as follows: Martin, who is deceased; John F., who still lives in Pennsylvania; Mary and Luther, both of whom are deceased; Emanuel; Daniel M., who lives south of Bucyrus; Jennie, who is deceased; Ruhammah; Gilbert, who lives at Joliet, Ill.; Joseph, who is a resident of North Ohio; Albert L., who lives at Williamsport, Md.; and Edward, who is a resident of Shelby, O. Emanuel Johnson attended the public schools in youth, afterward taught school for two years and assisted on the home farm. In 1882 he came to Holmes township, Crawford 920 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY county and has resided here ever since, in 1900 purchasing his present farm on which he carries on progressive farming and raises fine stock. The improvements have been placed here since he took charge and these include the comfortable residence. Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Hetty D. Hiteshew, who was born in Maryland, and three children were born to them : Millard, who died at the age of five years; Beulah, who is the wife of D. E. Downing of Holmes township, and has one son, Paul; and Russell Sage, who assists on the home farm. Politically Mr. Johnson has always been identified with the Democratic party. He has been a useful and representative citizen, always interested in public matters and particularly concerned in the advancement of the public schools. He has served as a school director and at present is township treasurer. Mr. Johnson and family belong to the Evangelical church in Holmes township. CHARLES M. SHEEHE, conductor on the Cincinnati East, the Third Division, Erie railway, has been identified with this important transportation line since 1890 and is numbered with its most valued employes. He was born at Mingo, Champaign county, O., Feb. 19, 1870, and is a son of Michael and Catherine (McGraw) Sheehe. The parents of Mr. Sheehe were born in Ireland but were married in New York city, he having come to America when aged about 20 years and she when 16 years of age. A few' years after marriage they moved to Mingo, 0., where Mr. Sheehe was employed in railroad construction, being foreman of a gang of workmen, and there he died in 1879, when in his 57th year. His widow survived until April 29, 1911, being then 74 years of age. They were members of the Roman Catholic church. Their family consisted of seven sons and two daughters, three of the sons and one of the daughters being now deceased. Two of the sons are residents of Galion and railroad men: Charles M. and Henry, the latter being a brakeman with the Erie road. As a brakeman with the road he still serves, Charles M. Sheehe entered the service in 1890 and continued in that position until 1898, when he was made conductor on a freight train with a competent crew under his orders, for seven years being with the Cincinnati West Division and since then with the Cincinnati East. He has a fine record as to carefulness and efficiency, never having had any serious accidents, and is also a respected citizen of Galion, now his home. At Galion Mr. Sheehe was married to Miss Elizabeth Wildenthaler, who was born at Galion, Jan. 11, 1874, where she was educated in St. Joseph's parochial school. Her parents were Andrew and Amanda (Murray) Wildenthaler. After Mr. Wildenthaler s death, the mother subsequently married a Mr. Slabauch and both are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Sheehe the following children have been born: Roy L., who is a brakeman on the Erie railroad; Marie C.; Charles J., who is call boy at Galion for the Erie; George H. and Floyd F., both of whom are in school; Dorothy M., who died at the age of eight months; and Frank A., John E. and Jean E. Mr. Sheehe and family are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church. He is identified with the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and belongs also to the Eagles, Maccabees and Elks and has served officially in some of these organizations. In politics he is a Democrat. WILLIAM J. WINANS,* a popular, trusted and esteemed conductor on the Erie railway, with home at Galion, O., was born in Douglas township, Effingham county, Ill., Oct. 25, 1865. Almost from boyhood he has been connected with railway life and for a number of years has been very prominent in organized labor circles. By the time Mr. Winans was 12 years old his schooldays were over and he was practically thrown on his own resources. He worked through the fanning sections of Illinois until he was 17 years of age when he cane to Ohio and until he was 23 was mainly engaged in farming and brick making, in Richland and Crawford counties. He then entered the service of the Erie railroad as a brakeman and by 1896 had reached such proficiency that he was entrusted with a freight train as conductor and as such has watched over the safe transportation of millions of dollars worth of commodities and has met with few accidents. He has always been connected with the Third Divi- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 921 sion, which is also known as the Cincinnati East. He early became a member of the organization known as the railroad trainmen and since 1890 has been continuously its state representative sent again and again, for six successive terms as a delegate to the state legislature to look after the interests of all railroad employes in Ohio and he has been faithful to the trust reposed in him.. He has served on the city council at Galion of which city he has been a resident since 1889. In his political affiliation he is a Democrat. In i910 Mr. \'Winans was appointed by Governor Harmon a member of a committee to draft a report pertaining to labor compensation and in the summing up, Mr. Winans disagreed with the other four members and sent in a minority report and when the bill which it affected was passed and became a law it was seen that Mr. Winan's report presented a perfect working plan. At a recent meeting of the State Constitutional Convention the following testimonial was presented to Mr. Winans by the labor group of 15 members of the convention, under date of May 23, 1912: "We, the undersigned members of organized labor, delegates in Ohio's Fourth Constitutional Convention herewith heartily commend Mr. W. J. Winans for his efficient and untiring efforts in behalf of the cause of labor as presented to the convention. We recognize that labor has been successful in having adopted measures which will give the people the greatest opportunity for progress and advancement, and we submit this testimonial to you for having contributed so much to the passage of labor measure. The labor group in the convention congratulated the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen in having a representative who has faithfully and intelligently represented them at the convention. This makes a new era in the advancement for the benefit of mankind." This document bore the signatures of the fifteen labor delegates. On the day following the receipt of the above, Mr. Winans was still further honored by the receipt of a beautiful fob and gold watch charm, suitably engraved, which gift was especially gratifying at this time as indicative of the sincerity of its donors. On June 27, 1893, Mr. Winans was married at Hamilton, Canada, to Miss Mary E. Marlatt, who was born and reared in one of the towns of the province of Ontario. She was born Sept. 17, 1869, and died at Galion, 0., May 9, 1909, the beloved and tender mother of three children, namely: Hazel E., who was born Feb. 28, 1895, who is a student in the Galion High School; Lawrence J., who was born Dec. 8, 1897, who is also a high school student; and Bernice J., who died when aged ten months and nine days. Mr. Winans is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belonged, and the children are interested in Sunday-school work. CARL E. COBB, a general farmer and well known resident of Liberty township, Crawford county, O., was born in 1881 in Liberty township and is a member of one of the old Pioneer families of Crawford county, residing on the farm of 200 acres which his grandfather entered from the Government. He is one of three heirs to this property. His parents were Charles C. and Hannah (Heckart) Cobb. Charles C. Cobb was born in Ohio and was a farmer during his entire mature life. He inherited the present farm from his father and kept it intact and passed it on to his children. It is a fine property yet undivided. He married Hannah Heckart, who was born in Pennsylvania and they had three children: Ora E., who married Philip Russman and has four children—Russell, Pearl, Cyril and Donald—and resides in Whetstone township; Otis, who resides on the homestead with his mother; and Carl E., our subject. Carl E. Cobb attended the public schools and since then has devoted his time and attention to farm pursuits. He owns one-third of the undivided estate. The heirs have made numerous improvements on this property and have recently completed the erection of a substantial barn and are carrying out their agricultural operations along modern and progressive lines. On Jan. 1, 1905, Mr. Cobb was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth C. Sandhammer, a member of an old family of this section, one of three children, the others being: Maggie, who married James Maudsley and has had five children—Maud, William, Georgia, Joseph and an infant, deceased; and Ada, who married Harvey Eaton, residing at Bucy- 922 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY rus, and has two children—Joseph and Melvin. Mr. and Mrs. Cobb have two interesting little sons: Wallace G. and Merril W. Mr. Cobb votes with the Republican party and takes a good citizen's interest in affairs pertaining to his own neighborhood. LEWIS MILLER, who enjoys the distinction of being the oldest teacher now living in Crawford county, where his educational work was carried on for a number of years, resides on his excellent farm of 160 acres, situated two miles northeast of Lemert, O. He was born in 1836, in Seneca county, O., and is a son of Jacob and Phebe (Pennington) Miller. Jacob Miller was born in Fairfield county, O., and in young manhood went to Seneca county and latter came to Crawford county. He followed farming in both counties and at one time owned almost i,000 acres of land. His death occurred in his 82d year. He married Phebe Pennington and of their eight children there are two survivors: Lewis and Levi, the latter being a resident of Benton, O. Lewis Miller attended school in boyhood in both Seneca and Crawford counties and afterward taught school for some years and there are many yet living who recall him as their able and helpful teacher. For four years he served as school examiner, has been a school director and has always taken much interest in the public schools. After coming to his present farm he made many improvements and erected all necessary buildings and repaired the others. He still keeps tip his interest in his farming and stock raising industries and has the assistance of his son. Mr. Miller married Miss Crilley A. Housburg, who was born in Crawford county, one mile west of the Miller farm, a daughter of Leonard Housburg, and they have had seven children, namely: Jesse, who married Daisy Dewell, and has one son, Wesley; Mary Effie, who married A. Horton, and has four children—Oscar, Donald, William and Nellie; Ira J., who assists in the management of the home farm; Ruphena, who is the wife of J. Heinle; Arletta and Lawrence, both of whom live at home ; and a babe that died. In politics Mr. Miller is a stanch Democrat and has served in public office at times and formerly was township clerk. He is one of the county's most highly respected citizens. ALLEN W. OCKER,* who is connected with the E. M. Freese Works, at Galion, in the capacity of blacksmith, a skilled man along this line and one of large experience, was born in Richland county, O., Nov. 16, 1859, a son of Josiah and Mary A. (Winters) Ocker. Josiah Ocker and wife were born in Maryland and after marriage moved from Carroll county in that state to Troy township, Richland county, O., where the mother of Allen W. Ocker died when he was 12 days old. The father contracted a second marriage and one sots, also was born to that union. The father died at the home of his son, Allen W., in 1911, when aged almost 78 years. Allen W. Ocker remained in Richland county and obtained his education in Troy township, in 1876 coming to Galion, where he learned the blacksmith trade, later going to Bucyrus where he entered the employ of the Bucyrus Steam Shovel and Dredge Company and remained with that concern for 12 years. On Jan. 12, 1894, he came to Galion and accepted a position with the firm of E. M. Freese & Co. Mr. Ocker is a skilled workman along the line of machine blacksmithing and tool making. Mr. Ocker was married in Crawford county in 1888, to Miss Carrie Berger, who is a sister of Mrs. E. M. Freese. Mrs. Ocker was born in Switzerland and came to the United States with her parents when ten years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Ocker three children have been born, namely : Earl J., who graduated from the Galion High School in the class of 1909, who is a pattern maker; Olive B. and Howard L. Mr. Ocker and family are members of the First Reformed church. In politics he is a Democrat and fraternally he is identified with Galion Lodge No. 15, Odd Fellows. MRS. LIZZIE HIEBER, who resides on her well cultivated farm of 140 acres, situated in Liberty township, Crawford county, 0., belongs to one of the old and substantial families of this section, the Scheibers, and is the widow of the late John G. Hieber, for many AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 923 years an esteemed and respected resident of this section. John G. Hieber was born in Crawford county, O., April 8, 1867, and died on the present farm, May 19, 1903. He was a son of Christian and Christiana (Wagner) Hieber and was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the district schools. He was a man of industry and excellent business judgment and was very successful in his agricultural operations and wise in his investments. At the time of death lie was able to leave a valuable farm and other property to his widow and three children. In his death the community lost a worthy citizen and his family a kind, loving and careful protector, and the Lutheran church a consistent member. On Dec. 31, 1891, John G. Hieber was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Schieber, who is a daughter of Jacob and Eva (Mauer) Schieber, and a granddaughter of Gottlieb and Magdalena Schieber. To Mr. and Mrs. Hieber the following children were born Roy Ellis, who was educated in the Bucyrus High School and in an agricultural college, operates the home farm; Milo AV., who is a student in the Bucyrus High School; Grace Elizabeth, who resides at home; and Mary E., who died at the age of 13 months. Mrs. Hieber and family are members of the Lutheran church. ANDREW W. DENZER, who is a member of one of the old and substantial families of Tod township, Crawford county, 0., lives on his well improved farm of ioo acres lying one and one-half miles northeast of Oceola, O., was born in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, three and one-half miles from the city of Bucyrus, on July 8, 1853. His parents were Jacob and Matilda (McNeal) Denzer. Jacob Denzer was born in Germany and was 13 years old when his parents brought him to the United States. For several years he lived at Tiffin, O., and then came to near Bucyrus and for several more years worked for farmers in that neighborhood. After his marriage he secured some land through his own labor and to the original purchase kept on adding, through his industry and prudence, until he owned 500 acres and at the time of his death was one of the largest land owners in this section of the county. He lived to the age of 81 years and was widely known and much respected. His death occurred on the farm on which his son, Andrew W. was reared. He married Matilda McNeal, who was born in Pennsylvania, probably of Scotch parents, and was a child when she came to Ohio. Of the 13 children born to Jacob Denzer and his wife, ten are yet living. Andrew W. Denzer went to the district schools in his boyhood and afterward gave his father assistance on the home farm in Bucyrus township In 1882 he purchased the farm on which he has lived ever since. It is well cared for and finely improved and 1.1r. Denzer put up all the substantial buildings except the residence, which he remodeled and made entirely comfortable. The property is very valuable and Mr. Denzer is a thoroughgoing and successful farmer. Mr. Denzer married Miss Mary Jane Shroll, who was born in Bucyrus township and is a daughter of Samuel Shroll, who was one of the early settlers here. Mr. and Mrs. Denzer have had seven children, as follows : Violet, who is the wife of William Flocken, and has two children—Corinne and Donald; Waldon, who is engaged in farming one mile west of his father, and who married Hazel Young and has one son, Sherman A. ; Willis, who is his father's capable assistant; Della and Huldah ; Ethel, who died at the age of eight years; and an infant, deceased. Mr. Denzer has always voted the Democratic ticket. On several occasions he has served in local offices with efficiency and has been school director and turnpike road commissioner. LEWIS DAY PICKERING,* proprietor of one of the important and well established business houses of Bucyrus, O., dealing in a full line of agricultural implements and carriages and wagons, at No. 321 North Sandusky Avenue, is a native of Bucyrus, born here 36 years ago, and has been more or less directly connected with city interests all his life. His parents were William W. and Martha J. (Phelps) Pickering. The father of Mr. Pickering was born in England and came to America when a young man, while the mother, born in Carroll county, 924 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY O., was of direct English ancestry. They came to Bucyrus after the birth of their eldest child and spent the rest of their lives here, the mother dying when aged 45 years and the father surviving her four years, passing away in 1882. They were members of the Lutheran church. The father owned farm land near Bucyrus but his main business was that of stock drover, in which he made many long trips over the mountains to eastern markets. There were ten children in the family, five sons and five daughters, and the following survive : Emma, who is the wife of John Dodge, of Haverhill, Mass., and has one son and two daughters; Joseph M., who is a farmer residing in Michigan; Grove L., who is a farmer in Henry county, O.; Edward C., who lives at New Comerstown, 0., a machinist, who has wife and two daughters; Lewis Day, our subject; Lula A., twin sister of Lewis Day, who married Charles Young and lives at Winchester, Mass.; Mary, who is the wife of S. Larkins, and who resides at Alliance, O., and has one daughter. The names of those deceased were: Charles C., who died in 1910, at Chicago, and is survived by a widow and four children; Caroline, who died young; and Gertrude, who is survived by her husband, J. C. Brinkman. Lewis Day Pickering was left an orphan when eight years old and motherless when only four years of age. He grew up partly on the farm and partly in the city and was educated here in the public schools. Since 1897 he has been proprietor of his present business, one that was established many years earlier by W. N. Koons, who was succeeded by J. M. Pickering, a brother to the present owner. Mr. Pickering has a first class establishment and while his stock is very large and complete in every line, he carries only the best goods. He takes pride in his business reputation for reliability and his methods have made him a popular merchant with the class from whom his patronage comes. Politically he is a Republican but is active in politics only to the extent of good citizenship. He is a member of the United Commercial Travellers' Association. Mr. Pickering is unmarried. JOHN WESLEY KRAUTER, one of the representative men of Liberty township, Craw ford county, O., resides on his excellent farm of 80 acres, which he devotes to general agriculture. He was born in Liberty township, Dec. 14, 1871, and is a son of John C. and Catherine (Gebhardt) Krauter. John C. Krauter was born in Germany and his parents were John and Catherine Krauter. For some years he has been a successful farmer and stock raiser in Holmes township, where he still resides. He is a Republican in politics and is well known over Crawford county. Mr. Krauter is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married Catherine Gebhardt, who was born in Ohio and died July 4, 1906, her burial being in beautiful Oakwood Cemetery at Bucyrus. To this marriage the following children were born: Susan, who is the wife of John K. Leimenstoll; Dora, who is the wife of Amos Lust; William E. ; Lydia; Alma, who is the wife of Herman Portman; Caroline; Harry and John Wesley. John Wesley Krauter attended the public schools and afterward assisted his father until his 25th year when he rented the homestead for a period of seven years and at the end of that time purchased his present farm. It is a fine property situated three-fourth miles east of the Columbus turnpike road and is still known as the old Gottlieb Krauter homestead. Mr. Krauter's activities include farming and stock raising and he is numbered with the prosperous agriculturists of this section. Mr. Krauter was married to Miss Sarah Leimenstoll, who was born in Crawford county and is a daughter of the late Henry and Sophia Leimenstoll, former residents of Chatfield township, who lived and died there and were buried in the Lust Cemetery. They had the following children: Mary, who is deceased, was the wife of Henry Geissman; Christian; Sophia, who is the wife of Charles Geissman; John; Jacob; and Sarah, who is the wife of Mr. Krauter. To Mr. and Mrs. Krauter three children have been born, namely: John Wesley Paul, Carl Edwin and Arthur Harvey, the last named dying in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Krauter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and they take much interest in the work of the Sunday-school, Mr. Krauter serving as its superintendent for a number of AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 927 years. In politics he is a Republican but he has never been willing to accept the responsibilities of office, with the exception of those of township trustee, in which position he is serving very acceptably to his fellow citizens. GEORGE AURAND, one of the representative agriculturists of Tod township, Crawford county, O., who owns a fine farm of 165 acres, situated two miles north of Oceola, O., was born two miles southeast of Bucyrus, O., and has spent his life in his native state. After his school period was over, George Aurand, in 1862, carne to his present farm where he has remained until the present. He erected the comfortable residence here and made all the other improvements, having completed the clearing of the land. He operates all of his 165 acres with the exception of 25 acres, which he rents. Mr. Aurand married Miss Amanda Mutchler and they have had seven children, namely Georgia, deceased; Albert, who died young; Tillie, who is the wife of S. Heft and has two children— Russell and Laura; Stella, who is the wife of Albert Gingery and has four children—Nora, Willis, Carl and Dorsey; Ira B., who died when aged 18 years; Herbert I., who assists his father on the farm and who married Rosa Laipply, and has three children —Ethel, Wallace and George; and Esther, who is the wife of Virgil Starlin, their two children dying in infancy. Mr. Aurand is a Methodist in religious faith, Mrs. Aurand belonging to the U. B. church at Oceola. Mr. Aurand votes with the Republican party. CHRISTIAN S. CRIM, deceased, for many years was a prominent business man of Galion and widely known in banking circles. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank, its first president and was continued at the head of that institution for 37 years, its prosperity during this time having largely been due to his business sagacity and careful and conservative banking methods. He was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1820, and died at Galion in September, 1895. His parents were Jacob and Eliza (Smith) Crim, who lived and died in Pennsylvania, both being of German parentage. In 1839 Christian S. Crim left his father's farm and the local school. He made his way to Lancaster, O., and engaged in merchandising there, later at Johnsville, in Morrow county, and in 1851 reached Galion. Here, in 1854, with his brother, Levi S. Crim, he went into the dry goods business and remained a resident of Galion although his brother subsequently went to Bucyrus and later to Toledo. Christian S. Crim decided that Galion, even then, offered excellent business opportunities and he quietly kept seeking them and built up a large trade in dry goods. Later he built the first grain elevator here and became a factor in the grain trade and during the Civil War, in association with his brother, they handled thousands of bushels of grain and seed, including flax seed. They also dealt in wool and in horses for the Government. Mr. Crim was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Monroeville. During his many years of active business he gained an enviable reputation, for, while he was credited with great shrewdness, he was known to be of unquestioned integrity. His judgment on all questions was so invariably correct that it was frequently sought and followed. He believed in political parties and was a strong Republican but business always interested him to such an extent that no time was left for acceptance of political positions. Mr. Crim was married at Galion, O., to Miss Martha Rosianna Casner, who was born in 1841, in Juniata county, Pa., and was four years old when her parents, Thomas and Sarah (Steese) Casner, came to Galion. Later they moved to Missouri and Mr. Casner served in a Missouri regiment in the Federal Army until the close of the Civil War, several times being wounded and probably on this 'account his life did not extend much longer. His widow, the mother of Mrs. Crim, died in the same year, three sons and two daughters thus becoming orphans. Mrs. Crim and two brothers are the sole survivors. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crim: Olie, Ella, Charles and Henry. Mrs. Crim is an unusually capable business woman as well as one deeply interested in benevolent, philanthropic and educational movements. For eight years she was vice president of the First National Bank and since her husband's death has continued a member of the board of directors. She was the moving spirit in the organization of the Galion Public Library, 928 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY which was incorporated March 26, 1901. This community has much reason to be grateful to Mrs. Crim in this connection. She was a member and chairman of the library board and largely through her efforts it was made possible to accept Mr. Carnegie's gift of $15,000 and in 1902 the beautiful and appropriate library building was completed. She was the organizer of the Current News Club, the first literary society in this city and has been its president. Her enthusiasm and helpfulness have been potent in the founding of other organization designed for a better social order and her charities have been generously bestowed but are never exploited. CHARLES F. BONEBRAKE,* manufacturer of all kinds of cement supplies, doing an extensive business at Bucyrus, O., where he occupies the building at No. 210 Jones street, and who also takes contracts for stone work and sidewalk making and additionally has been in the plastering business for some ten years, is one of the busy and representative men of this city. He is a native of Bucyrus, born Nov. 24, 1880, and is a son of Samuel F. and Catherine (Schepp) Bone-brake. Samuel F. Bonebrake was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied his parents to Crawford county during the Civil War. He followed the plasterer's trade all his active life and both he and wife still reside at Bucyrus. She was born in Ohio, of German extraction. They had two children: Nellie, who died at the age of 20 years, and Charles F. Charles F. Bonebrake obtained his education in the common schools and the High School at Bucyrus, after which he worked with his father for a number of years before beginning business for himself. He has been in the cement business for 15 years and brought to this city the first cement block machine ever used in this section. Mr. Bonebrake has been sole proprietor of his business for two years and has been at his present excellent location for four years, where he has a plant fully equipped with modern machinery for his line of work. He turns out both plain and decorated cement blocks and has a large dryhouse which ensures the proper amount of drying that is necessary in order to make his product perfect. His trade, as yet, is largely local but there is every reason to anticipate that it will not continue so, each year with its progressive developments opening up wider and wider fields for the use of cement, and Mr. Bonebrake possesses the enterprise to take advantage of every opportunity. Mr. Bonebrake was married at Bucyrus, to Miss Ida Deppler, who was born in Ohio, Feb. 4, 1880, and was educated in her native state. Mr. and Mrs. Bonebrake have no children. They are members of the Presbyterian church. Politically he is a Democrat and fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Eagles and the National Union. AARON NEFF, whose valuable farm of 113 acres lies in Liberty township, Crawford county, 0., four miles northeast of Bucyrus, is a member of one of the old county families and was born in Holmes township, Feb. 21, 1873, a son of Joseph and Sophia (Yeiter) Neff. Joseph Neff was born in Pennsylvania and came to Crawford county, O., when about 25 years old, ever afterward residing here and becoming a successful farmer and respected citizen. He was married in early manhood to Sophia Yeiter, who was born in Liberty township, Crawford county, and the following children were born to them: Emanuel, who resides in Sandusky township, and who married Sarah Krauter and has one daughter, Elsie; Lizzie, who is the wife of Joseph Durr and lives in Liberty township ; Amos, a twin of our subject, who is a resident of Bucyrus, and who married Anna Sheiber; Jacob, a farmer in Liberty township, who married Ella, daughter of Jacob Sheiber; Mary, who is the wife of Abraham Sheiber and resides at Bucyrus; Tillie, who is deceased; Emma, who is the wife of Albert Sheiber and lives in Holmes township; Joseph, a farmer in Holmes township, who married Myrtle Sheiber; and Aaron, the subject of this article. Aaron Neff obtained his education in the schools of Holmes township and with the exception of one year spent in the West, has always lived in Crawford county. On his well improved farm in Liberty township he car- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 929 ries on general farming and raises some excellent stock and in the management of his different industries finds enough work to make him a very busy man. On Feb. 11, 1904, Mr. Neff was married to Miss Cora Orewiler, who is a daughter of Jacob and Jennie (Steen) Orewiler, and they have two children, son and daughter; Carol Irene and Forest A. Mrs. Neff has one brother, Harry N. Orewiler, who is a resident of Bucyrus. In politics Mr. Neff is a Republican. He is a wide awake, intelligent citizen and keeps thoroughly posted on public affairs and well informed concerning agricultural matters. H. A. LEA, who is a leading and substantial citizen of Tod township, Crawford county, 0., and a member of one of the oldest county families, resides on his well improved farm of 80 acres, and, with his son, Don Lea, owns and operates an additional t00 acres, the first farm being situated one mile west of Lemert, O., and the second farm north of the town. Mr. Lea was born on the old homestead in Tod township, in 1848, and is a son of Thomas and Polly (Miller) Lea and a grandson of Zacheus Lea. Zacheus Lea was born in the Isle of Wight, England, and was 20 years old when he came to the United States and took up his residence near Jersey Shore, Pa., where he became a farmer and large land owner. He married a member of one of the neighboring German families and about 1832 they came to Crawford county, O., where he purchased a farm for each of his children. He lived to the age of 79 years. Thomas Lea was born in Lycoming county, Pa., and came with his parents to Crawford county. He cleared and improved the farm in Tod township that his father gave him and continued to reside here until the close of his life, dying at the age of 62 years. He married Polly Miller, who was born in Union county, Pa., and was ten years old when her parents came to Crawford county and her death occurred on the homestead, in her 51st year. They had ten children, as follows: Mrs. Sarah A. Armstrong; Mrs. Amanda Pease Cook, who is deceased; Jane, who died in 1869; H. A., our subject; Isaac, a resident of Oceola, who is pastor of the United Brethren church; James, who died in 1910, who was a physician and for 27 years a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church; Mrs. Martha Cook, who died in 1879; Adella, who died in 1887; Mrs. Carrie Coon, who is deceased; and Lucy, who died in infancy. H. A. Lea attended school at Lemert and at Heidelberg College and prepared himself to teach school and for the greater part of 15 years was engaged in educational work, mainly in this section but also teaching for a few terms in three different states. From 1878 until 1903 he lived on his present place and then moved to Fostoria in order to give his children the best of educational advantages and remained in that city for seven years. Afterward he resided for two years at Sycamore and then returned to the home farm and in association with his son general farming and stock-raising is carried on by them on both farms. Mr. Lea was married to Miss Josephine Eyestone, who is a daughter of George Eyestone, who was a pioneer in Wyandot county, O., and they have two children: Don and Clara, the former of whom is in business with his father as indicated above, and the latter, who is a graduate of the Fostoria High school, resides with her parents. Don Lea married Miss Cora Markley and they have children: Jessie, Josephine, Arlene, Dorothy and Hattie. In politics Mr. Lea prefers to be independent. Being an educated and well informed man, he feels that he can take a broad-minded view of policies, principles and platforms for himself and therefor casts his vote as his own judgment suggests. He has served on the school hoard and for ten years did serve as township trustee. GEORGE M. MARQUART, who carries on farming and stock raising in section 1, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., where he owns 149 acres of fine land, situated one and three-fourth miles north of New Washington, O., was born and has always lived on this farm. Mr. Marquart obtained a good, common school education and ever since has devoted himself closely to his farm and stock interests, succeeding his father, Michael Marquart, 930 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY on the place. He has done a large amount of improving and has a set of substantial buildings and much of his land is tiled. All is cultivated with the exception of 22 acres which are still in timber. Mr. Marquart grows grain, cattle, sheep and hogs, raising and feeding many of the latter. Mr. Marquart married Miss Caroline A. Leonhart, a daughter of John Leonhart, and they have six children, all of whom were born on this farm. The three older ones, Estella O., Edna M., and Lester G., are attending school and are making rapid progress, while the three younger ones, Iona May, Ralph E. and Lloyd C., remain at home. Mr. Marquart and family are members of the Lutheran church and he assisted in the building of the present church edifice. He has always given his political support to the Democratic party, and has taken a good citizen's interest in all local matters. JEROME BLAND, M. D., a well known and highly respected resident of Bucyrus, O., who is now living retired from the active practice of his profession, was born on a farm in Muskingum county, O., July 22, 1840. He was the eldest of the family of ten children —three slaughters and seven sons—of Ebenezer and Harriet (Lane) Bland. At an early day the Blands were prominent and representative people in the states of Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri, a conspicuous figure in the last named state being Congressman "Silver Dick" Bland. John Bland, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native Virginian and of Virginian parentage. He came from his native state to Ohio as early as 1798, settling in Muskingum county, and the land which he obtained by patent from the general government is still in possession of his descendants, who are numerous in that county. The maiden name of his wife is not now recalled. They established a good homestead and both died at an advanced age. Ebenezer Bland, the Doctor's father, was born in Muskingum county, O., in 1811, and died on his substantial farm in Muskingum county in 1888. His wife, Mrs. Harriet Lane Bland, was a native of Maryland. Jerome Bland, our direct subject, spent the first 23 years of his life on the farm, where he learned most useful lessons of industry and perseverance, which have been characteristic of his entire career. At the age of 19 he began teaching in the country schools, and, in all, he taught nine winter terms. In 1862 he became a student in Denison College at Granville, O., where he remained until 1864, after which date he taught several terms of school. In 1864 he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Joseph McCann, of Irville, O. Later he attended one term of lectures in Starling Medical College, of Columbus, O. He then began the practice of his profession at Hanover, this state, where he remained two years. He then reentered Starling Medical College, where he graduated in 1869. Settling in Crawford county, he located at Benton, now Poplar, where he was engaged in a most active and lucrative practice for 14 years, being "on the go" almost day and night. No other physician of the county even had a larger, if as large a country practice as had Dr. Bland while he was located at Benton. From that place he came to Bucyrus in 1883, from which time until 1905, the year of his retirement, he was numbered among the most active and successful physicians and surgeons of the city. He gave up his practice only on account of extreme ill health, which unfitted him for the arduous labors of his profession, with its urgent calls at all hours of the day and night. As an item of family history, it may be mentioned that Dr. Bland had two brothers, Charles and John Bland, who studied medicine tinder him. Both entered medical college and died of consumption during the last year of their studies in college, and both at the age of 28, though their deaths occurred some eight years apart. A third brother of the Doctor's also died of consumption, though his other brothers and himself were large and robust men. In politics Dr. Bland is a Democrat. He served five years as county coroner and was a member of the Pension Board of Examiners tinder the second administration of Grover Cleveland. He has important business interests, being proprietor of Knisely Springs stock farm, owning and breeding high-bred horses. On his farm are also valuable mineral springs, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 931 the water from which is bottled for public consumption by the Knisely Mineral Springs Bottling Works. The Doctor is a member of the County, State and National medical associations. Dr. Bland stands high in the Masonic order. Besides holding membership not only in the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery, but also in the Mystic Shrine, Scottish Rite (Al Koran Temple), at Cleveland. He was a charter member and one of the organizers of the Elk lodge in Bucyrus and was voted a life member of that organization on Dec. 23, 1909. Dr. Bland was married in 1867 to Miss Lucy Coon, who was born in Hanover, Licking county, O., Aug. 8, 1849, and who was there reared and educated. Her parents were Israel and Maria (Edwards) Coon, both natives of Ohio, the father being of Pennsylvania parentage and the mother of Welsh ancestry. Mr. Coon was for many years proprietor of a hotel in Hanover, O., in which place he and his wife were married, and where he died at the age of 59 years. His wife had preceded him to the grave a few years previously leaving two children, one of whom. Israel, Jr., died when 16 years of age. The other, Mrs. Bland, still survives. She is a member of the M. E. church and is active in its good work. Dr. and Mrs. Bland have been the parents of four children—Harriet Belle, Ebenezer, Charles, who died in infancy, and Alice Barbara, whose farther record is briefly as follows: Harriet Belle was born in Benton, 0., June 21, 1870. She was educated in the Bucyrus High School and was married in this city in 1893 to A. J. Yawger, who was born in Elmira, N. V., of good parentage, May 26, 1866. He graduated from Cornell University with the degree of C. E. and later became a contractor on railroad and municipal engineering work in various parts of the United States, but his headquarters for some time have been at Indianapolis, Ind. He is a Mason. Mrs. Yawger is a member of the Methodist church. She is a lady of culture and refinement and of strong filial affection and resides with her parents in Bucyrus. She has no children. Ebenezer, the Doctor's second child, was a well educated young man. On the breaking out of the War with Spain, he joined Company A, Eighth Regiment O. V. I., as a private and accompanied his regiment to Cuba, where he died from cholera, July 11, 1898, when within a few days of being 24 years of age. He is buried in Arlington Cemetery, at Washington, D. C. Alice Barbara Bland was born in Benton, O., Dec. 14, 1882. She graduated from Bucyrus High School and has since remained at Lowe with her parents, to whom she is much attached. She is unmarried. She, like her married sister, is a member of the Methodist church. HON. J. R. MILLER, mayor of New Washington, O., and president of the Miller Merchandise Company, of this city, is a representative citizen of Crawford county and practically all his life has been identified with many of her important interests. e was born at New Washington, Jan. 19, 1861. Mr. Miller attended school at New Washington and afterward took a Spencerian Commercial course at Cleveland, O., and then went into the grocery business under the firm style of J. R. & G. Miller. In 1890 G. Miller retired and a general store was opened, Mr. Miller admitting A. P. Miller and the business was continued under the name of J. R. & A. P. Miller until April 9, 1906. Mr. Miller then opened his present store, under the style of the Miller Merchandise Company, which is one of the largest and most complete department stores in this part of Ohio, the spacious building being three stories high, including basement and covering an acre of ground. It is one of the largest business enterprises at New Washington. J. R. Miller is president of the company; A. O. Miller is vice president; and Mrs. A. O. Miller is secretary. In addition to the officers there are three other directors: J. W. Kibler, Dr. C. E. Kimerline and Frank Derr. The first officers and directors were : J. R. Miller, president and manager; A. P. Miller, vice president; F. J. Miller, treasurer; C. A. Miller, secretary, and Jacob Uhl, J. W. Kibler and A. O. Miller, directors. The officers and directors are elected annually. J. R. Miller is additionally interested in the Toledo Life Insurance Company. 932 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and was reared in the Roman Catholic church. Mayor Miller was married to Miss Anna E. Uhl, who is a daughter of Jacob and Maggie Uhl, old residents of New Washington. In politics Mr. Miller has been a zealous Democrat all his mature life and has held many offices of responsibility and for the past three years has been mayor of New Washington and has given the city a business administration that has been very popular and decidely beneficial. JACOB F. GUINTHER, a representative farmer, who owns and operates 143 acres of land, 53 of which are located in Marion county and the balance in Crawford county, was born on the homestead farm on which he still lives, March 20, 1864. His parents were Jacob and Catherine (Shalenmiller) Guinther, the former of whom was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, and the latter in Lycoming county, Pa. Both are now deceased and are buried in Sherer cemetery. Jacob Guinther was a farmer during the time he spent in this country. He was a Democrat in politics and attended the German Reformed church. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Mary, the wife of George K. Ulmer; John George; Sophia, deceased; Catherine, wife of Samuel Rexroth; Isaac C. ; Charlotte, wife of S. J. Stump; and Jacob F., the subject of this article, who was the youngest born. Jacob F. Guinther received a common school education and then ,vent to work on the farm where he has spent his entire life. His father died when he was 20 years of age. After the death of his parents, he bought the farm from the other heirs and here he carries on general farming. On Dec. 5, 1889, Mr. Guinther married Jennie Nungesser, a daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Helfrich) Nungesser. Her father was born in Germany where he learned the shoemaker's trade. Upon coming to the United States he located first in Cincinnati, but later moved to New Winchester, Crawford county, and purchased a farm of 131 acres in Whetstone township, which he still owns. He and his wife live retired at Galion. They belong to the German Lutheran church. Their children, besides Mrs. Guinther, are as follows: Delilah (Mrs. Isaac A. Cook) ; Margaret, widow of H. P. Rexroth; and Melancthon G. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob F. Guinther have had the following children : Edith Catherine, Ruth E., Laura M., and Clara M. Mr. Guinther has served as township assessor for two years and township trustee for six years. They attend St. John's Reformed church. LINCOLN HOOVER, who is one of the substantial citizens and prosperous farmers of Vernon township, Crawford county, O., successfully carries on general farming and stock raising on his improved tract of 60 acres, which lies six miles northwest of Crestline, O. He was born in Crawford county in 1864, and is a son of Gideon and Nancy (Teeter) Hoover. Both the Hoovers and Teeters came originally from Germany and many of the name can be found in different sections of the United States. Gideon Hoover was born in Maryland and his wife in Richland county, O., the Teeters having come to Ohio from Pennsylvania. To Gideon Hoover and wife ten children were born: John, Moses, Lavina, baron, Amos, Alice, Lincoln, Frank, Henry and Lotta, and of the above, Moses, Aaron and Amos, are all deceased. John married Amanda Buck and they live in Vernon township and have five children : Wilson, Ladena. Silas B., Anna and Fern. Lavina married John Parr and they live in Sandusky township and have six children : Calvin, Nancy, Gideon, Amanda, Bertha and Lotta. Alice married Quinn Dewalt and they live in Crawford county and have four children : Stella, Clark, Nancy and Mary. Frank, who married Nellie Dewalt, lives in Sandusky township and has four children: Vance, Lorin, Mary and Amos. Henry lives in Richland county and has two children: Nancy and Frank. Nancy, the wife of Gideon Hoover died Jan. 4, 1900. They were both well known people, members of the United Brethren church. Lincoln Hoover obtained a district school education and continued on the home farm with his father until he was 27 years of age AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 933 and then bought his first farm but sold it after operating it for a time and then purchased his present more desirable one. Here he has everything convenient and in good shape, his improvements including the erection of substantial buildings and keeping them in order, and investing in good stock and improved farm machinery. His time and attention are mainly devoted to his agricultural operations and he is numbered with the most successful men in this line in this section. Mr. Hoover was married to Miss Minnie Bilsing, a daughter of Adam and Lavina (Swisher) Bilsing. The parents of Mrs. Bilsing had the following children : John H., who lives in Kansas; Barnett, who lives near Crestline, O.; Albert, who lives in Vernon township; a son that died in infancy; Mollie and Anna, both of whom are deceased; Eliza, who lives in Washington; Flora, deceased, who married Prof. Frank Brining, a college professor in India; and Minnie. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover have three children : Bessie, Adam and Ivan. Bessie is the wife of George Wert, and they reside in Crawford county. Mr. Hoover and family are members of the United Brethren church, of which he is a trustee and which he is serving as treasurer. Politically he is a Republican but has never cared for public office, serving, however, at one time, as township constable. MRS. CATHERINE GANGLUFF, who for 45 years has resided on her valuable farm of 61 acres, which is situated in section 11, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., one and one-fourth miles west of New Washington, O., is well known all through this section and is held in high regard. She was born in Seneca county, O., Nov. 17, 1847, and is a daughter of Frederick and Barbara (Deisler) Flexer, and the widow of Henry Gangluff. The parents of Mrs. Gangluff were born in Germany but they were married after coming to America. They settled in Seneca county, O., where the father engaged in farming and died there in his 60th year. The mother survived to he 74 years of age. They were good, virtuous, industrious and kind-hearted people and were respected by all who knew them. Of their family of five sons and three daughters there are but two survivors : Mrs. Gang luff and Mrs. Christine Blinn. The latter was born in Seneca county and when she reached womanhood married Charles Blinn and they reside in Lykens township, Crawford county. Mr. and Mrs. Blinn have had five children : Nora, who has lived with her aunt, Mrs. Gangluff, since she was eight years of age; Pearl, who is the wife of Frank Shiefer, residing in Cranberry township; and Bertha, Harvey and Alvin, all living at home. In girlhood Mrs. Gangluff attended school with her sisters and brothers and was reared to womanhood by a careful and loving mother. In April, 1867, she was married to Henry Gangluff, who was born on the farm she now owns and occupies, a son of Philip and Annie (Reel) Gangluff, who came from Germany and settled here at an early day. Henry Gangluff grew up on his father's farm and became a good judge of stock and a very capable farmer and also engaged in threshing during the season, until he met with an accident that fractured his thigh and that more or less crippled him until the close of his life. After marriage the old log house on the home farm was utilized and is still standing, but afterward Mr. Gangluff erected the present comfortable farmhouse. Here his death occurred when he was aged 71 years, in September, 1908, and his burial was in the Lutheran cemetery at New Washington, he having been a member of the Lutheran church since youth. e was a Democrat in his political opinions and supported Democratic candidates, but he was never willing to accept any office for himself although he was a man gifted with many of the qualities which are needed in public officials. To Mr. and Mrs. Gangluff the• following children were born : George, who lives near Attica, O., and married Rosa Schimpf; John, who assists his mother in managing the home farm; William, who lives in Chatfield township, and who married Emmeline Leon-hart; Christine, who is the wife of William Shoup, and resides at New Washington; and Lewis and Charles, who remain on the home place with their mother. The family belongs to the Lutheran church. WILLIAM C. SEELE, a prominent citizen of Holmes township, Crawford county, O., residing on his finely improved farm of l08 934 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY acres, which lies just south of Brokensword, O., was born on this farm Aug. 6, 1863, and is a son of Emil and Cathrine (Spade) Seele. Emil Seele was born in Germany, came to America when a boy of 16 years and died in Ohio in 1896, in his 73d year. For a number of years he followed shoemaking together with farming in Holmes township, Crawford county, and erected the present comfortable farm-house on this place. He was a highly respected man and reared a creditable family. He married Catherine Spade, who was born in Pennsylvania and the following children were born to them : Mrs. Malinda Gerstenberger, Edward, Mrs. Matilda Ditty, Delma, Albert J., Mrs. Celesta Smith, William C. and Charles W., all of whom survive. William C. Seele was educated in the country schools and at Ada and New, Washington, O., and afterward taught school for 12 terms and during six summers engaged in the ice business at Cleveland. After retiring from the educational field he turned his attention to farming and stock raising, following these industries along modern lines and meeting with excellent results. He has been a leading factor in Democratic politics for many years in Holmes township and has served with the greatest efficiency in numerous important public positions, for four and one-half years being township clerk, for four years township treasurer, for 15 years a member of the school board and for nine years a member of the turnpike road commission. Mr. Seele married Miss Metta Margraff, a daughter of Charles Margraff, who resides just east of Mr. and Mrs. Seele. Mr. Seele is a valued member of the Grange at Bucyrus and is identified fraternally with the Foresters and the knights of Maccabee. FRANK H. SPILLETTE, who is one of the representative business men of New Washington, O., the junior member of a company that owns and operates three elevators, was born in Auburn township, Crawford county. O., Oct. 1, 1875, and is a son of James and Lucinda (Glosser) Spillette, old residents of that township. Frank H. Spillette attended school at New Washington and for eleven years taught school in Auburn and Cranberry townships. Later he went into the elevator business, handling coal, flour, feed, seed and building material in connection, starting first at North Auburn, later becoming interested on the Northern Ohio Railroad and later at the present elevator where he has his office just across the track from the passenger depot of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He has other business interests, being a stockholder in the Toledo Life Insurance Company; in the Underwriters Security Company; in the Cranberry Nursery Company at New Washington, and in the local telephone company. He is a wide awake business man and is well known all through the county, his business partner being Jacob Gottfried. Mr. Spillette was married to Miss Laura Hoak, a daughter of Samuel and Amanda Hoak, the latter of whom died in Auburn township. Mr. and Mrs. Spillette have one son, Gordon. In politics Mr. Spillette is a Republican but somewhat independent in his views, but is no seeker for office. GEORGE W. HARRIS, an honored citizen of Bucyrus, O., has been engaged in the produce business since 1875. For the past seven years he has been commander of Keller Post, No. 128, G. A. R., of this city, being a veteran of the great Civil War. He was born Nov. 25, 1847, at what is now Waterville, 0., and is a son of William Henry and Sarah E. (Hickox) Harris. William Henry Harris was born in 1812, at Hoosick Falls, N. Y., a son of Asa Harris, who was born in 1780, in the north of Ireland. The latter was of Scotch-Irish ancestry and came to America in early manhood and settled in New Hampshire. He was one of the early Baptists of that section and was a man of good report. It was known that he had five sons and possibly there were daughters. William Henry Harris grew to manhood in New York State and learned the trade of wagonmaker at St. Johnsboro, Vt., from which place he moved to Ohio in 1833, and at Loudonville, in Ashland county, established the first wagonmaking shop in that section. He was married there to Sarah E. Hickox, who was born at Cuyahoga Falls, O. in 1822, of an old pioneer family. They lived in that village until after the birth of their first daugh- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 935 ter, and then moved to Wauseon, Fulton county, O., and lived there until 1857. Mr. Harris then removed with his family to Mansfield, O., where he established himself at his trade and worked at the same until after the close of the Civil War. He then spent ten years at North Fairfield, O., after which the family moved to Kansas, settling at Chapman, and there Mr. Harris spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1898, at the age of 86 years. In principle he was opposed to human slavery and was a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln. He was a man of exemplary life and a firm believer in the Baptist faith. His widow survived until 1902, her death occurring at Topeka, Kan. They were parents of five sons and two daughters and the following survive : Emma, born in Ashland county, O., who is the widow of William Johns and is a resident of Newark, N. J., having a son and daughter; George W., subject of this record; William H., who is a coal merchant and owner of a wheat elevator at Russell, Kan., and who resides there with his family; Grace, who is the wife of Charles Schwarts, a prominent attorney of Bellingham, Wash., and has three children; Henry Franklin, a prominent citizen of Mansfield, O., who formerly resided at Bucyrus; and Joseph Asa, who is in business at Newark, N. J., and has three children. One son, Charles, died at the age of five years. George W. Harris was nine years old when he went to live with his grandparents and later accompanied them to Mansfield. Those were days of great public unrest and the gravity of the danger threatening the country was not only recognized by men of years and discretion, but also by the young, a great wave of patriotism sweeping over the country resulting in the enlistment of thousands to suppress rebellion. That so youthful a candidate for enlistment as was George W. Harris at that time, should have been accepted as a member of Co. I, 32nd O. Vol. Inf., may be explained by the fact that he had the health and manly bearing of a much older youth, but the fact remains that when he was enlisted on Aug. 8, i861, he was aged just 13 years, 8 months and 11 days. His officers were Capt. J. Dyer and Col. Thomas H. Ford. This regiment was ordered to the front and on Oct. 4 , 1861, Mr. Harris participated in the battle of Greenbrier, Va., and was honorably discharged Dec. 10, 1861. He returned to Ohio and attended school during the succeeding winter, but in the spring determined to reenter the army and on March 6, 1862, reenlisted, entering Co. B, 61st O. Vol. Inf., his commanding officers being Capt. P. J. Duffy and Col. Stephen J. McGroaty. This regiment was attached to the eastern army until after the battle of Gettysburg, when it was transferred to Sherman's western army, and took a prominent part in its military movements. On the first day of the fateful battle of Gettysburg, Mr. Harris, who had been made a corporal and color guard, was captured by the enemy and for five months afterward was a prisoner at Libby prison and Belle Isle. He was young, ingenious and resourceful and as he had nothing to occupy his mind during the terrible days and still more terrible nights than a hope of escape, he finally formed a plan that succeeded and through a mistake of his guards succeeded also in being paroled in December, 1863. In May, 1864, he rejoined his company at Chattanooga, Tenn., and continued throughout the whole campaign, which ended with Sherman's march to the sea. He saw much hard fighting and on more than one occasion proved himself a brave and ready man and at Kenesaw Mountain, by ruse, aided by darkness, captured single handed, three Confederate soldiers. When he was honorably discharged, March 31, 1865, he had served three years and five months and was then not yet 18 years of age. Although years of peaceful pursuits followed he never lost interest in military affairs and still retains something of the appearance of a military man. From the first he has been interested in the Grand Army movement and has been identified with Keller Post, No. 128, ever since its organization, has served in various capacities in this body and, as noted above, has frequently been honored by election to the position of post commander. After his return from the army, Mr. Harris embarked in the produce business at Shiloh, O., in the employ of C. W. Wakefield, where he continued until 1875, when he came to Bucyrus and here established his own produce business, which he has conducted since. Politically he is a Republican but he has never been 936 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY much active in public matters, devoting his time and attention closely to the successful advancement of his private affairs. Mr. Harris was married at Shiloh, O., to Miss Isabel R. Crawford, who was born in Richland county, in 1853, a member of one of the old and honorable families of that section. Her grandfather, John Crawford, was 11 years old when he accompanied his parents from Ireland to Cumberland county, Pa,, where he married a Miss Eckles and they came to Richland county, O. James Crawford, father of Mrs. Harris, was born in Pennsylvania in 1817 and died in Richland county, from the effects of an accident, March 3, r853. He was married first to Lydia Guthrie, who, at death, left two sons. His second marriage was to Eleanor J. Torbett, who was born in Pennsylvania, married in Huron county, 0., and died at Shiloh, O., in 1900, aged 81 years. Of their five children Mrs. Harris is the only survivor. She is a lady well known in social life and is connected with numberless benevolent activities and is prominent in many uplifting organizations, religious, charitable and literary. She is an active member of the missionary societies of the Lutheran church, was one of the organizers and for a number of years president of the North Side Reading Club, is a charter member of the Woman's Relief Corps, No. 223, of which she was the first president, was one of the organizers of the Library Association, holding the office of president for four years prior to January, 1906, when the city took over the organization's interests as a part of the city library, and is also a member of the Bucyrus Hospital Association, a member of the board of lady managers of the Bucyrus City Hospital and a member of the juvenile and Correction Visiting Committee of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Harris four children were born, the three survivors being: Fred C., who is identified with the Standard Oil company, and lives at Gore, O. ; Judson Gaylor, who is manager of the American District Telegraph and Messenger company, and resides at Newark, N. J. ; and Warren Dean, who is engaged in the commission produce business at Toledo, and makes his hone at Bucyrus and has a family. Guarda A., the third member of the family, who was born Oct. 30, 1878, died in 1889. Formerly Mr. Harris was very active in the leading fraternal organizations of the country, being past noble grand in the order of Odd Fellows and past chancellor commander in the Knights of Pythias. He still retains active membership in the Union Veteran Legion and the United Commercial Travelers, being chairman of the Executive Committee of the latter council. CHARLES A. MANN,* who owns 22 acres of finely cultivated land, situated in the northeastern corner of Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., in section one, was born at Tiffin, in Seneca county, O., Nov. 2, 1884, and is a son of August and Maggie (Hepp) Mann. August Mann was born in Germany and came to America in early manhood, locating in Seneca county, O. He was a shoemaker by trade and for 14 years has been a shoe merchant at Attica, O. He was married at New Riegel, O., to Maggie Hepp and ten children were born to them, two of whore reside in Cranberry township, Charles A. and a sister, Rose, who is the wife of Henry Alt, who operates the George Uhl farm. Mr. and Mrs. Mann are members of the Catholic church. Charles A. Mann attended school in Seneca county and for six years afterward was engaged there in farm work and for four years more followed fanning in Huron county. On Jan. 9, 1900, he came to Crawford county and settled on a 60-acre farm south of his present one, and one year later purchased the farm on which he lives, from John Forquer. Mr. Mann has taken a great deal of interest in his property, making many improvements and in 1910 erecting his comfortable residence and remodeling the other farm buildings. Mr. Mann married Miss Rose Phiefer, who was born in southern Cranberry township, a daughter of Joseph Phiefer, and they have one son, Frederick Floran, who is a bright student in the public schools. Mr. Mann and family are members of St. Mary's Catholic church. Like his father he is a Democrat in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Mann are well known and highly respected in Cranberry township. FRANKLIN P. DICK, ex-president of the board of county commissioners of Crawford AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 939 county, O., is one of the leading citizens of Dallas township, where he owns a finely improved farm of 100 acres. He was born Nov. 18, 1855, in Cass township, Richland county, O., and is a son of Jacob and Ann (Bushey) Dick, and a grandson of George Dick, who settled in Richland county in 1832. The parents of Mr. Dick are long since deceased, the mother dying early, on the old farm in Richland county, and the father, when in middle life, in Hancock county. The father's death took place in February, 1870. Franklin P. Dick was only seven years old when he lost his mother and was 14 when he left home to take care of himself. He had secured a country school education and was a youth of ambition and of steady habits, and for the next 13 years found a happy home with his uncle, Levi Dick, who was a substantial farmer in Richland county. After his marriage, in 1882, he rented farm land in Dallas township for some ten years and then purchased his present farm, which was undoubtedly fine land but was much in need of improving. Practical in his ideas he soon made all needed improvements, thereby doubling the value of his property, and ever since has devoted himself to general farming and stock raising. He is one of the prominent Democrats of Crawford county and frequently has been tendered public office. He was first elected a member of the board of county commissioners in 1905, with a majority of 2,500 votes and was later reelected, and during his second term was made president of the board. in this position he had many duties, all of which were carefully attended to, Crawford county finding in him an energetic and honest official. Mr. Dick was married in 1882 to Miss Lavina Noecker, a daughter of Benjamin and Lavina (Van Horn) Noecker, early settlers in Richland county. They have an interesting family and all are members of the United Brethren church. The children are : J. J. May, Alwilda and Ruth. MOSES PUGH, who carries on general farming and moderate stock raising on his valuable tract of 74 acres, situated in section 1, Cranberry township, Crawford county, 0., was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, April 6, 1843, and is one of the justly honored veterans of the great Civil War. His parents were Aaron and Mary (Jackson) Pugh. Aaron Pugh was born in Virginia, 50 miles from Wheeling, where he grew to manhood and then came to Crawford county, O., and here purchased 40 acres of land in Lykens township, on which he erected a log cabin. When he had provided this home he returned to Virginia and was there married to Mary Jackson, and then returned to Lykens township and in the following year his father-in-law, William Jackson, came also to this section. That farm continued to be the old homestead until 1863, when Aaron Pugh moved to Cranberry township and bought land in the northeastern part and at one time owned 500 acres here and in Huron county. Later he divided his land among his children and bought property at New Washington, to which he retired and died there when aged 77 years. Notwithstanding his southern birth and parentage, he was deeply opposed to human slavery and early in the Civil War used his influence to exterminate such traitorous organizations as the Knights of the Golden Circle. He became a man of consequence in Lykens township and served as township trustee and lie and wife were active members and liberal supporters of the Baptist church. She died at the age of 68 years. They had eight children, as follows : Elizabeth, who resides at New Washington, Crawford county, who is the widow of Wesley King; William, who died in Huron county, when aged 36 years; Moses James, who lived but two years; Anlason and Anson. twins, the latter of whom lives in Plymouth, 0., and the former in Putnam county, O.: Alfred B., who lives at Chicago Junction, O. ; and John, who lives in Deshler. O. Moses Pugh attended the district schools near his father's farm in Lykens township and then assisted at home until he was 17 years and six months of age. The Civil War was then in progress and although so young he determined to enter the Federal Army and enlisted in Company H, 55th O. Vol. Inf.. in which he served two years and three months. He then reenlisted and served until the close of the Rebellion and was hon- 940 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY orably discharged, Although he was injured at Stephenson, Ala., in the right leg and afterward was twice slightly wounded, he accompanied his company and regiment into every engagement while in the service. The injury to his leg proved a serious matter and, continued to trouble him for many years and finally Mr. Pugh had to submit to amputation on Feb. 20, 1893. This was a heavy price to pay for patriotism, but Mr. Pugh complains little of it but has much to say of his long march under Sherman to the sea. The hero element is yet found in the ranks of the veterans of every G. A. R. Post, and Mr. Pugh is a valued member of this organization. After his discharge from the army, on Aug. 20, 1865, Mr. Pugh returned to Crawford county and on July 26, 1866, was married to Miss Martha Johnston, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Reed) Johnston. The father of Mrs. Pugh was born in Pennsylvania and the mother, a daughter of Daniel and Mary Reed, was born near Canton, O. They married in Crawford county where they lived ever afterward, the mother dying in Cranberry township at the age of 36 years, her burial being in the Sulphur Springs Cemetery. The father of Mrs. Pugh died in Lykens township, when aged 63 years. They were members of the Methodist Protestant church, very active and faithful in church work. All of their five children survive, namely: Martha; Nancy Jane, who is the wife of Samuel Miller, of Shelby, O.; D. D., who also lives at Shelby, O.; J. R., who is a school teacher and a justice of the peace and lives in Whetstone township, Crawford county; and Enoch, who lives at Findlay, O. For many years Mr. Johnston served faithfully in the office of school director and made it his business to visit the schools in pursuance of what he deemed one of his duties. He was a well read, intelligent ann and was widely known. To Mr. and Mrs. Pugh the following children were born: Gertrude, Effie, Mary Jane, Senate A., Harry Logan and William Burdette. Gertrude, who died Aug. 22, 1905 at that time was the widow of Hale Carpenter, who died Oct. 2, 1904. Their burial was in the Swamp burying ground at Mt. Pisgah church. They left three children: Elwood, Helen and Russell, who live with their maternal grandparents. Effie, the second daughter, lives at home. Mary Jane married V. B. Alspach, of Cranberry township and they have two children: Martha Evelyn and Marjorie Ruth. Senate A. is a prominent citizen of Crawford county and is postmaster at New Washington. Harry Logan, who was graduated first from the New Washington High School, later completed a business course at Oberlin College, He married Dora Miller and they reside three miles from New Washington. William Burdette, the youngest son, lives at Bone. Mrs. Pugh was carefully educated and taught school in Cranberry township until the death of her mother and was married in the following year. She was born June 10, 1843 and is a woman of such amiable character that she is universally beloved. Since marriage Mr. Pugh has resided in the northeastern part of Cranberry township, locating first on 80 acres which he improved and then sold to advantage, afterward buying a second tract of eighty acres and at present lives on his farm of 74 acres situated in section 1, in the same township. This land is finely cultivated and well improved, and its management is largely carried on by his youngest son. Mr. Pugh has always given his political support to the Republican party and frequently, as one of the township's substantial and representative men, has been called upon to serve in public office and has been very useful as township supervisor and also as school director. He and family are members of the Baptist church, although Mrs. Pugh united with the Methodist Protestant church when she was 17 years old but at the time of marriage, in 1866, joined the Baptist church with her husband. She has always been very active in church work, belongs to the Ladies' Aid Society and for 38 years has been a member of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. She belongs also to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and additionally to the Woman's Relief Corps, in all these organizations showing womanly sympathy and tenderness coupled with the good judgment and practical views that have assisted her in rearing her family to respected and useful man and womanhood. In every relation of life she is an estimable woman. ALBERT SHEIBLEY, who is a highly respected resident of New Washington, O., a AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 941 retired fanner and a former superintendent of the Crawford County Infirmary, was born at Baden, Germany, April 6, 1837, a son of John B. and Mary Ann (Link) Sheibley. John B. Sheibley was the only child of his parents and was born in January, 1800, in Baden, Germany, and on account of some personal characteristics, was called John the Baptist, by his friends. In early manhood he learned the tailoring trade and lived until the spring of 1835 on his small farm in Baden, where he worked also at his trade. In the meanwhile he married Mary Ann Link, who was born in 1802, and died May 15, 1888. On March 6, 1843, Mr. Sheibley and family embarked for America, at Havre de Grace, taking passage on the St. Nicholas, and after a voyage of 36 days, reached the harbor of New York. This was the last voyage the old St. Nicholas ever made, the ship being then condemned, it having formerly been a war vessel. The Sheibley family then traveled by canal to Buffalo, N. Y., and by canal and lake and later by wagon continued their journey until they reached Galion, O. It required some time for Mr. Sheibley to find what he considered desirable farm land and for awhile he hesitated between what is now the site of Crestline and the forty-acre tract which he finally decided upon. In a business way the former land pleased him the better but he could speak but little English and felt that he would be at a disadvantage among those who could not understand German, so he located in a German settlement, where his native tongue was the general language. His 40 acres in Vernon township was then in Richland county but is now a part of Crawford county. He cleared ten acres of his land and set out an orchard and passed a number of years there, and was the first farmer to introduce artificial drainage in that section. He later moved to the southeast corner of Cranberry township, where he bought 80 acres which he improved and then sold and afterward bought another 80 acres, situated directly east of New Washington, on which he lived until his death, in January, 1885. He was a faithful member of the Roman Catholic church. Albert Sheibley was six years old when his parents brought him to America, one of a family of eight children, one of whom is living. He was the only son to survive childhood and hence had to give his father assistance just as soon as he was old enough and strong enough to assume responsibilities. His education was not neglected, however, and as opportunity offered, he attended both German and English schools, and afterward learned the butcher's trade with William Weaver, a neighbor. After his marriage he resided for five months at Shelby, 0., and was with the Anderson Slaughtering Company, and then returned to the home farm, one and a quarter miles east of New Washington, which he purchased and his parents lived with him during the remainder of their lives. In addition to the above farm he owns 40 acres southeast of New Washington, which is considered one of the finest tracts of land in Crawford county. Since retiring and turning over his farm duties to his son Mathias, Mr. Sheibley has lived in his exceedingly comfortable residence, located on the corner of Main and Center streets, but he keeps up his old interest in agricultural matters and makes almost daily visits to the farm. On Sept. 29, 1862, Mr. Sheibley was married to Miss Elizabeth Karl, who was born in Bohemia, a daughter of Christopher and Ann (Mottlin) Karl, who brought her to the United States when six years of age. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sheibley, as follows: a babe that died in infancy; Mathias, who resides on the home farm, and who married Katherine McMahon and has four living children—Edward, Gertrude, Ida and Bertha, and two deceased—Frank and Arthur; A. F., who lives at Ottawa, O.; Mary, who is the widow of Joseph Miller; Rosa, who is the wife of Peter Heydinger; Catherine, who is the wife of Frank Goodman; Fannie, who is the wife of M. E. Lauerman, of Hammond, Ind.; John B.; Margaret, who is the wife of Joseph Miller, of Van Wert county, O.; and Jacob. All his mature life Mr. Sheibley has been a Democrat and on many occasions he has been tendered public offices of responsibility. He was serving in the office of justice of the peace when he was elected superintendent of the Crawford County Infirmary and held the latter office for nine years and nine months, when he resigned on account of failing health. It was with many testimonials of regret that Mr. 942 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY Sheibley was permitted to retire to private life for his faithful and honest performance of public duty had been appreciated by his fellow citizens. For 13 years he served as a trustee of Cranberry township and also was township supervisor for a long time. Mr. Sheibley was reared in the Catholic church and has been a conscientious member throughout life. In him New Washington has a most worthy citizen, a man of good influence, always a supporter of law and order and one who has given much in the way of benevolence. HARRY J. ULMER. Crawford county, O., has many old and substantial families here, members of which are leading citizens of their communities and live busy but independent lives on their large properties which have been acquired through honest industry. One of these families is the Ulmers, which has been in Crawford county through several generations. Harry J. Ulmer, a member of this respected old family, was born in Cranberry township, Crawford county, in 1874, and lives on his large farm containing 234 acres, which lies eleven miles northeast of Bucyrus. His parents are David and Catherine Ulmer. David and Catherine Ulmer were both born in Crawford county, their parents having come here at an early day. They had six children born to them, namely : Elsworth F., Elmer D., Charles S., Louisa M., Ida E. and Harry J. Of these Charles S. is deceased. Elsworth F. resides at New Washington, O., married Clara Bender and they have four children : Edna, Florence, Helen and Orlo. Elmer D. lives at home and assists his father. Louisa M. is the wife of William Ulrich and they live at Galion, O., and have one child, Alta. Ida E. is the wife of Howard Stough and they live near Shelby, O., and have one daughter, Naomi. Harry J. Ulmer secured a good, common school education. He remained at home, giving his father help on the hone farm, until his own marriage and then purchased his present farm in Sandusky township and has devoted himself to its improvement and cultivation ever since. He has erected substantial buildings, has purchased all necessary machinery and in every way has a well equipped and up-to-date farm. Mr. Ulmer married Miss Pearl M. Cleland, a daughter of John M. and Martha M. (Francis) Cleland, and they have one daughter, Lois F. Mr. and Mrs. Ulmer belong to the English Lutheran church. He is not very active in politics but always gives support to the Democratic ticket. ABRAHAM MONNETT, a former resident of Bucyrus, now deceased, was for many years one of the most prominent citizens of Crawford county, being closely connected with its financial and business interests, which he did much to conserve and promote. He was born Oct. 12, 1811, in the state of Virginia, near the Maryland line, his parents being Jeremiah and Alcy (Slagle) Monnett. He was a grandson of Abraham Monnett, who with his family moved from Virginia to Ohio in the year i800, settling near the village of Chillicothe. Abraham's family numbered eight children—Isaac, Thomas, Margaret, Jeremiah, John, William, Osborn and Elizabeth. Jeremiah Monnett, father of our subject, returned to Virginia, where he married Alcy Slagle, and they settled near Cumberland, on the Potomac river, where they resided until 1814. Then, with his wife and five children he removed to Ohio and settled in Pickaway county. Their trip from Virginia was a very hard one, and probably would not have been undertaken but for the help of a widow Jones, with whom Mr. Monnett joined teams. Jeremiah Monnett was a regularly ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. On his arrival in Pickaway county he had only five dollars in money, his team, and a small supply of household goods. He remained a resident of Pickaway county until 1835, and then removed to Crawford county, settling four and a half miles south of Bucyrus, where he resided until his death, which took place in September, 1863. One of his sons, Rev. Thomas J. Monnett, became an earnest and successful minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, belonging to the North Ohio Conference; further mention of him. will be found in this volume. Abraham Monnett, our direct subject, had but limited opportunities in early life for obtaining an education, but made the best of those he had and subsequently improved his education considerably by reading and self AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 943 study. Always active, energetic, and endowed with great decision of character, he had before leaving Pickaway county with his father, in 1835, taken an active part in all local natters, and while residing there served as first lieutenant in a company of militia. Shortly after his father moved to Crawford county, Abraham bought 40 acres of land lying in Scott township, Marion county, Ohio. Here also he joined the militia company, being elected first lieutenant under Capt. Beckley. In June, 1836, Mr. Monnett returned to Pickaway county, where on the 9th of that month he was married to Miss Catharine Brougher, who had been an orphan from her fourth year and by whom he received $2,500, the proceeds of the sale of land of which she was the heir. This, with the exception of $120, given him by his father, was the only money received by him and the only part of his extensive fortune not accumulated by his own energy and industry and economy. Soon after his marriage Mr. Monnett took up his residence in Scott township, Marion county. In 1838 he began the handling of cattle, many of which he bought in Illinois and drove to his farm in Marion county, to do which sometimes required a thirty days' drive. Later he became one of the founders of the Marion County Bank, which afterwards became the Second National Bank, and was its president for thirty years. He was also president for a number of years of the Farmers Bank of Marion, O., and was also at the head of the Crawford County Bank of Bucyrus, where much of his time was spent. Besides his interest in these financial enterprises, he owned no less than 11,000 acres of fine land in Crawford and Marion counties, a vast accumulation for a man whose early life was spent amid pioneer surroundings and whose education was largely self acquired. This wealth was chiefly the result of his operations in live stock and was well earned by hard work and good business management. Indeed Mr. Monnett was one of the best known business men in this part of the state and was moreover a man of sterling character and worth, respected by all who had any dealings with him and sincerely esteemed by a wide circle of friends.- His death, which took place March 19, 1881, caused a void in the community which could not easily be filled. By his first wife, Catharine Brougher Monnett, he was the father of twelve children, all of whom were reared to honorable manhood or womanhood, and most of whom are still living. They were as follows: Ephraim B., a farmer living in Bucyrus; Martha, wife of G. H. Wright of Marion, 0.; Oliver, now deceased, who was a farmer of Marion county, O. ; John T., farmer, residing in Marion county, O. ; Alcy, wife of James Malcom of Bucyrus; Augustus E., of Colorado; Marvin J., farmer, stock dealer, miner and banker, also interested in the oil business, living at Los Angeles, Cal.; Mary J., deceased, the wife of George Hull, banker, Findlay, O.; Madison W., of Indianapolis, Ind. ; Nelson, residing on the old homestead in Marion county; Amina J., wife of Calvin Tobias of Bucyrus; and Kate, wife of Louis Ross, farmer of Dallas township. Mrs. Catharine Monnett died on Feb. 8th, 1875, and on May 30, 1877, Mr. Monnett was again married, his second wife being Mrs. Jane L. Johnston. She was born Nov. 23, 1831, in Bedford county, Pa., when her father, Samuel Ludwig, was removing from Berks county, that state, to Crawford county, O. It was necessary to stop by the way, when the daughter was born, and the heavy wagons proceeded to Crawford county, the mother being brought later with the infant girl and arriving here but two days after the wagons, or on December 4th. The history of the Ludwig family is an interesting one and may he briefly sketched here. Ancestors of the name were among the 500,000 Huguenots who were obliged to fly from France on the revocation of the Edict of -Nantes by Louis XIV in 1685. Two Ludwig brothers from the province of Alsace, managed to make their way to the coast and took passage to America. With gold that had been sewed into the linings of their clothes, one of them on arrival bought land in Berks county, Pa. The other, a stone mason by trade, settled in Philadelphia, where he built many of the quaint brick buildings for which Philadelphia was noted prior to the Revolutionary war. He married and had seven sons, one named Michael. At the age of ?a years Michael Ludwig married Sarah Hanks, a Quakeress of English descent, and later they moved to a farm in Berks county, Pa. Of 944 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY their six children the youngest was Samuel, born in Berks county, Jan. 25, 1788. When he was three years old his father died and the mother subsequently married a wealthy farmer in the neighborhood, Nichalos Yochem, the father of Nicholas and Moses Yochem, who later became the heaviest iron masters in eastern Pennsylvania. Samuel Ludwig worked on the Yochem farm and was educated chiefly by his mother at night, who also taught her step-sons. She also gave lessons to a young teacher who came in 1805 to teach select winter school and who boarded at the Yochems. This teacher, Francis D. Shunk by name, afterwards studied law and became governor of Pennsylvania, and between him, Samuel Ludwig and the two Yochem brothers a life long friendship was maintained. It was Samuel Ludwig's desire to study for a profession, but he was too poor, so he was apprenticed to a wheelwright and learned the trade. At the age of twenty he married Elizabeth Redcah, daughter of Hon. John Redcah, a member of the Pennsylvania legislature. For 23 years after his marriage he was engaged in the manufacture of wagons and plows in Reading, Pa., building tip an extensive business. He became .a prominent and popular citizen and might have been elected to the legislature but declined all public office. He devoted much time to study and became a very well educated man, even in some of the higher branches of knowledge. In 1831 he came on horseback to Bucyrus and bought a tract of land just east of the city. He then returned home, disposed of his business and brought his family to Crawford county, arriving December 12th of that year. In the spring of 1832 he bought 80 acres of John Coleman, just east of Bucyrus on the Mansfield road, and a part of this has been the Ludwig home for 8o years. In 1849, at the age of 62, he went overland to California, returning by a sailing vessel to Panama, crossing the Isthmus, and home via New Orleans, his trip costing him $4,000, but he was then financially comfortable, having about 3,000 acres of land in Crawford county, besides other investments. Mr. Ludwig and wife had eleven children. He spent the closing years of his life with his daughter Jane (Mrs. Abraham Monnett) and at her home he died on Dec. 20, 1876, aged 88 years and eleven months. Jane Ludwig, whose marriage has been already narrated in connection with the biography of Abraham Monnett, was first married to Henry D. E. Johnston, a son of Thomas F. and Martha Johnston, and three daughters were born to this union—Nora, now a resident of Los Angeles, Cal.; Zua, wife of Frank A. Stivers of Ripley; and Mary Agnes, who married Peter G. Powell of Lexington, Ky., and died there Dec. 12, 1905. Mr. Johnston died April 19, 1870, but his wife continued to live on the farm seven miles south of Bucyrus, which she managed with characteristic ability, bringing up her young children and later giving them every advantage of home and collegiate education. Her subsequent marriage to Mr. Monnett, May 30, 1877, has been already recorded. This union, though a happy one, was all too short, owing to Mr. Monnett's death some four years later. Mrs. Monnett was well qualified to preside over the most refined household. Though reared amid pioneer scenes and surroundings, she had developed in a high degree an innate strength of character, as an accompaniment to physical beauty and grace, early the art of social conversation and hospitality which made her so interesting up to the very last days of her life. During her later years her home was the center of social interest. The entertainments given there were lavish and elaborate, yet presided over with a refinement that avoided all ostentation and was pervaded with a sincere and genuine hospitality. The elegant house sheltered many noted guests who were alike charmed with the gracious manners and pleasing personality of their hostess. A broad reader and careful thinker, Mrs. Monnett was a gifted conversationalist and her views on public questions were valuable. At her last birthday, Nov. 23, 1911, she entertained a number of friends at dinner, presiding at the table with a graciousness that made the occasion a delightful one to all present. A little more than five weeks later, on December 31st, 1911, she died after litle more than a week's illness, at the age of 80 years, one month and eight days, her daughter, Mrs. F. A. Stivers, of Ripley, administering to her as she slipped away on the sea of eternity. The funeral services were conducted by her pastor, Rev. J. Frank Smith, and her burial was in Oakwood cemetery. Mrs. Monnett was a lavish giver to all AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 945 worthy enterprises. She also took a leading part in many successful campaigns for the improvement of Bucyrus. Her life was one of help for others, her counsel and judgment were freely given when called for and her purse was ever open to help along a good cause. Time dealt kindly with her, her eighty years of life and many years of exceptional cares and responsibilities had not darkened her view of her surroundings or detracted from her interest in others. She had a broad conception of duty and was strong in her ability to encounter and overcome obstacles. Her life was an inspiration to all who knew her and her death brought sadness to all. It will be long ere her memory shall pass away, and still longer before her influence for good and the effect of her works shall cease to be visible in the community of which she was so bright an ornament, and so strong a stay. HENRY D. E. JOHNSTON, the first husband of Mrs. Jane Monnett, subject of the preceding sketch, was born in Lycoming county, Pa., August 8, 1825, a son of Thomas F. and Martha L. (Walton) Johnston. His father, Thomas F. Johnston, was born in the same county, Feb. 3, 1800, and was an only child, his parents coming to Pennsylvania from Ireland. Thomas F. learned the cabinet making business. On Sept. 20, 1823, he married Martha L. Walton, whose parents came from England. After his marriage Mr. Johnston continued in the business of cabinet making until October, 1825, when he started for Ohio one morning with a four horse covered wagon. Besides Mr. Johnston and his wife and their infant son, Henry, the party included Benjamin Warner, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Johnston, with his wife and one child. Their objective point was Dallas township, where George Walton, a brother of Mrs. Johnston, had located in 1823, After three weeks difficult travelling they reached the eastern part of the state, where, on account of the condition of the roads, and also because Mr. Johnston took sick, they were obliged to halt. Here they remained until the spring, when they resumed their journey. finally reaching the plain in Dallas township, where the wagon became so badly mired that they left it and proceeded to the Walton cabin partly on foot, the women and children riding the horses. The wagon was rescued the following day. A few days later the party started west, avoiding the swamps as much as possible, and turning north on the Claridon road (later the Sandusky pike), came to Bucyrus, where Mr. Johnston decided to remain and establish business at his trade as a cabinet maker. The town then consisted of a few log cabins surrounded with water up to the steps. They stopped at Bishop Merriman's store, which looked very like a river boat anchored in the water. Wild ducks were plentiful and also deer and the woods were well supplied with wolves. Moving into an abandoned cabin, Mr. Johnston began looking up his cabinet-making business and found that, with woods everywhere, it would be impossible to get a piece of lumber dry enough to work up, so he determined to move to Columbus. His neighbors, however, entreated him to remain, Benjamin Warner promising him a forty acre farm in Whetstone township, it being a part of what is now the Jacob Hurr farm. This offer he accepted on the understanding that he could raise wheat on the farm. He succeeded in raising the wheat, but the difficulty of getting it ground and the impure water, which caused much sickness in his family, prompted him in 1829 to remove to Findlay, where they promptly elected him county auditor, with a salary of $75 a year. After one term in office, however, he moved back to Crawford, this time settling in Dallas township, where the water was somewhat better. He now devoted his attention to stock raising, in which he was very successful, at one time having as many as 6,000 head. At the time of his death, Nov. 1, 1862, he had about 1,300 acres of land. After his death, and even before, his sons, Henry D. E. and G. E., carried on the stock business, prospering as had their father before them. Henry D. Johnston was born in Lycoming county, Pa., Aug. 8, 1825, and came with his parents to Crawford county when but an infant. On May 6, 1857, he married Jane Ludwig, youngest child of Samuel Ludwig. After his marriage he continued farming and stock raising in Dallas township until 1859 when he came to Bucyrus. Here he devoted his attention exclusively to the stock trade for three years, when, on the death of his father, he re- 946 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY turned to the farm in Dallas township, continuing in business there until his death on April 19, 1870. At the time of his death the father left his wife and daughters about 515 acres of land and other property. SENATE A. PUGH, who was appointed postmaster at New Washington, O., Feb. 1, 1911, and a member of one of the old and patriotic families of Crawford county, O., was born in Cranberry township, Crawford county, two miles east and one mile north of New Washington, Jan. 15, 1883. He is a son of Moses and Martha (Johnston) Pugh. Moses Pugh was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, and there attended the district schools and helped his father clear up the farm until the age of 17 years, when he left home and enlisted as a soldier in Co. H, 55th O. Vol. Inf., and remained in the army all through the Civil War, although so severely wounded that he lost his right leg. On three different occasions he was promoted on account of unusual bravery and when he was honorably discharged and mustered out he was second lieutenant of his company. He returned hone and cleared up a farm of eighty acres in Cranberry township, south of Cranberry Chapel. He now owns 76 acres in Cranberry township. He is a valued member of the G. A. R. at New Washington. He married in Crawford county and five of his six children survive. Senate A. Pugh attended the Cranberry township schools and the New Washington High School, graduated from Oberlin Business College, and afterward taught school for eight months at Auburn Center. For three years he engaged in farming two and one-half miles south of New Washington, where he owns 160 acres of land which he has under rental, it formerly being owned by John Remmle but Mr. Pugh has done the most of the improving. He is a stockholder in the Cranberry Home Nursery Company of New Washington and has resided in the city ever since his marriage and since March 20, 1911, has been postmaster. Mr. Pugh was married to Miss Hazel Casner, who was born in Seneca county, O., a daughter of William and Ella Casner. Politically he is stanch in his adherence to the Republican party. He belongs to the fraternal order Knights of Pythias. SIMION MATHIAS HEINLEN, whose fine farm of 84 acres lies in Bucyrus township, Crawford county, O., is a native of this township, born June 3, 1853, and is a son of Mathias and Elizabeth (Bickle) Heinlen. Mathias Heinlen and wife were both born in Germany and came young to Crawford county and married here, spent their lives in Bucyrus township and now rest in the old cemetery at Nevada. They were good and virtuous people, members of the Lutheran church. It is said that no call for help in their neighborhood was ever disregarded by them and on their farm friends and strangers found a hospitable, German welcome. They had the following children: Elizabeth, who is the wife of A. E. Bolinger; John, Simon Mathias; Samuel; Frank; Matilda, who was twice married, first to Harry Ochse, and second to James Johnston; Magdalena, who is the wife of Byron Kent; and Lucinda, who is the wife of Smith Murphy. Simon Mathias Heinlen has spent his life in Crawford county, a part of the time living in Bucyrus township and a part in Tod township. He has followed farming and stock raising ever since his school days ended, and has brought his land to a high state of cultivation. On Dec. 31, 1889, he was married to Miss Jennie McConnell. Her parents, Alexander and Leanna (Wortman) McConnell, are both deceased. They were born in Belmont county, O., and after marriage settled on a farm in Wyandot county. Mrs. Heinlen is a granddaughter of Isaac Wortman, who served in the War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell had the following children : Nettie, deceased, who married Josh Henry of Michigan ; Rachel, who married John McAllister ; Newton, Jennie, who is the wife of Mr. Heinlen ; and Elmer. Two daughters and one son have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Heinlen : Edith E., Ethel V. and Herman M. The family attends the Martin Luther church. In his political views Mr. Heinlen, like his late father, is a Democrat. Since settling on his present farm he has accepted no public office but served two terms as assessor while residing in Todd township. He is one of the well known and repre- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 947 sentative men of this section of Crawford county. L. J. LINN, whose substantial improvements and fine buildings add greatly to the value of his beautiful farm of 355 acres, which lies six miles north of Bucyrus, O., in a well irrigated and fertile part of Holmes township, Crawford county, was born in this township, in November, 1858, and is a son of William and Leah (Fralick) Linn. William Linn is one of the venerable and highly esteemed residents of Holmes township, in which he has spent a useful life. His occupation has been farming and he found success and contentment in caring for his fields and flocks. . He married Leah Fralick, who also survives, and seven of their children, as follows: W. G., who lives at Bucyrus; and L. J., Mrs. Alice James, Mrs. Lucy Spore, Mrs. Melissa Brownshall, Mrs. Laura Heileman, and Mrs. Clara Sawyer. The Linn family is one of the oldest in Crawford county and early pioneers in Holmes township. L. J. Linn had the best educational advantages the common schools offered in his boyhood and afterward he engaged in farming. For the past 30 years he has resided on his present farm, which he devotes to stock raising and general agriculture. He has erected such substantial and attractive buildings that favorable comment is made by passing visitors, while they add greatly to the general appearance of the neigborhood and satisfy a local pride. He has always been an enterprising and progressive man and takes a just pleasure in the ownership of such desirable property. Mr. Linn married Miss Lizzie Heileman and they have three children: Roy, Jay and Vella. The eldest son is a farmer in Holmes township. He married here Miss Laura Ditty and they have two children : Leslie and Pearson. Jay, the second son, owns a farm adjoining that of his father. He married Miss Alta Lust and they have two sons: Marvin John and Dorsey. Vella is the wife of Minor Schiefer and they have one son, Ivan. In politics Mr. Linn and sons are Republicans. The family belongs to the Evangelical church at Broken-sword. As a recreation, Mr. Linn enjoys hunting and although he has never visited game regions in other lands he has pretty well covered those in his own country and has trophies won from Maine to California, by his trusty Winchester. He has visited states from Maine to California and has seen much of the country in his travels. Several years ago—in 1904—Mr. Linn took his entire family to the St. Louis Exposition, and then continued his tour to the West, looking up the early settlers, who had left Crawford county in the years that have passed to make their homes beyond the Mississippi. In Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, California, and other of the western states, he met many of those who had been associated with him in his youthful days in the development of his native county of Crawford, and with them, during his six month's trip, he exchanged many interesting reminiscences. HENRY C. SARGEL,* who enjoys the distinction of being the oldest department head connected with the Toledo & Ohio Central railway shops, located at Bucyrus, 0., is the efficient foreman of the immense blacksmith shops here having been advanced to his present position in 1893, after years of faithful service. He was born in Marion county 0., March 16, 1853. The parents of Mr. Sargel were natives of Bavaria, Germany, and when they came to America settled at Marion, O., where the father died. The mother, now 88 years of age, resides with a son in Crawford county. The family is of the German Lutheran faith. Of the seven children, four are deceased: Peter, Louise, Elizabeth and John. The survivors are: Henry C., Erhart and Jacob. Henry C. Sargel was reared at Marion, 0., attended school there and when old enough for railroad service, entered the employ of the Erie railroad and learned the blacksmith trade in the Erie shops. In 1881 he came to Bucyrus to work in the shops of the Toledo & Ohio Central railroad and his skill and dexterity soon won him advancement and, as mentioned, he was made foreman of his department 19 years ago. In everything pertaining to the blacksmith work of this road he is an authority and he is very highly estimated by the company. He has been a careful, prudent man and at times has made property investments and owns a beautiful residence at No. 428 Galion street, Bucyrus. Mr. Sargel was married at Bucyrus to Miss 948 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY Louise C. Gerhart, who was born in Pennsylvania, Sept. 19, 1858, and in the same year was brought to Galion, O., by her parents, Angus and Catherine (Kline) Gerhart. In that city Mr. Gerhart was a mechanic in the shops of the Big Four railroad, in earlier years being a cooper. He was born Sept. 26, 1830, and his wife in 1836, and they both survive and are respected and esteemed residents of Galion. They have been almost lifelong members of the German Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Sargel have had the following children: Otho Orlando, who died at the age of three and one-half years; Edward Arthur, who lives at home and is a postal clerk on the Pennsylvania railroad; C. Irene, who is the wife of Carl Bechtel, residing at Bucyrus; and Roy Alonzo, who is a machinist with the Big Four railroad, at Bellefontaine, O. Mr. and Mrs. Sargel are members of the German Lutheran church. He belongs to the beneficiary order of Royal Arcanum, at Bucyrus. JOHN EDWARD HOPLEY, second son of John Prat and Georgianna Rochester Hopley, was born near Elkton, Todd County, Kentucky, August 25, 1850. His mother, writing to a sister when he was eleven months old said, "John Eddie has eyes as blue as the sky and as bright as the stars; he likes to play with books and is only quiet when looking at the pictures." This early love of books continued through life; he not only owns a large library but with a retentive memory possesses a knowledge of its contents. His parents returned north, to Logan, Ohio; then to Bucyrus when he was six years old, his father being superintendent of the schools at both places. He attended the Bucyrus schools until the fall of 1867, when, his father having purchased the Bucyrus Journal, he left school and learned the printing business in his father's office. He read law with Hon. Jacob Scroggs, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. He spent several years in New York at the printing business and in 1883 returned to Bucyrus and was associated with his father on the Journal. On October 17, 1887, he started the Evening Telegraph. He was attracted to politics early in life, as his home was a centre of political activity, and before he was of age he was mapping out plans, with his father, by which majorities might be achieved. He was one of the organizers of the League of Republican Clubs in the State, as well as the Associated Ohio Dailies; was State Central Committeeman for four years. In 1894 he managed the campaign which resulted in the election of Hon. S. R. Harris to Congress, and he was that gentleman's private secretary for two years at Washington; in 1895 he took charge of the campaign which resulted in the nomination of Hon. Frank S. Monnette for Attorney General. In 1897 he took an active hand in the exciting campaign which resulted in the election of Hon. M. A. Hanna to the United States Senate, visiting every close legislative district in the state. In 18g8 he was appointed by President McKinley as United States Consul to Southampton, England, and five years later was promoted to the Consulate at Montevideo, South America. His parents both died in 1904, and in 1905 he returned to Bucyrus to succeed his father as president of the Hopley Printing Company, and editor of the Journal and Telegraph. In 1912 he was nominated by the State Convention as one of the electors at large on the Republican ticket. His consular service made him an extensive traveler; he has crossed the ocean fifteen times. He possesses many souvenirs of his foreign travels, among them valued testimonials given him in recognition of faithful and popular service, his first consular. commission, bearing the signature of William McKinley and its acceptance, signed "Victoria R." He is a lover of politics, poetry and romance, Joan of Arc and Napoleon being his favorite characters in history. His amusements are "whist" and puzzles. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity and the Eastern Star; also of the Elks, being the first exalted ruler of the present lodge. He was never married but resides at the homestead which has been his home for fifty-six years. He values friends above money, and his wealth is in his friendships. In June, 1911, he was engaged to write the History of Crawford County, and for over a year he has devoted his entire time to the work. The result of his research and labor are presented in this volume. T. T. TUPPS, who is numbered with the successful agriculturists of Liberty township, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 949 Crawford county, O., owns a finely improved farm containing 105 acres, on which he has resided for some years. He was born in Crawford county, O., and is the only child born to his parents, who were Dr. Uriah and Melissa (Jones) Tupps. The father of Mr. Tupps was a physician and was widely known. He lived in Chatfield township, until his death and was survived by his widow. Dr. Tupps had one brother and one sister: Jaconiah, who lives in Whetstone township; and Mrs. Campbell, who is now deceased. T. T. Tupps attended the district schools and remained on the home farm until he was 4 years of age, when he learned the house painting trade, which he follows in connection with farming. After purchasing his present farm he put in many improvements and built a very handsome residence. Mr. Tupps married Miss Sophia Hildebrand, a daughter of John Hildebrand, whose other children were: Solomon, George, Jacob, Emanuel, Christian John and Tillie. To Mr. and Mrs. Tupps the following children were born: Tony R., who married Grace Baird, and lives in Liberty township and has one child, Milliard; Carrie, who died in infancy; Howard, who died at the age of fourteen years; and Idallas and Donald. The family belongs to the German Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Tupps has always given support to the Democratic party and on that ticket he has been at times, elected to public office and has served satisfactory to all concerned as school director and supervisor. J. B. ALT, general farmer, successfully operating 160 acres of fine land situated in section 2, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., devotes considerable attention also to fine stock, having some registered animals. Mr. Alt was born in Cranberry township, Sept. 2, 1865, and is a son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Faeth) Alt. The parents of Mr. Alt moved from Crawford to Huron county when he was young and he attended school there before the family removed to Seneca county and it was in Reed township, in the latter county, that the father died. The mother continues to reside in the old home in Reed township. They had a family of seven sons and one daughter. J. B. Alt remained in Seneca county until 1895, having grown up on the home farm, and then came to Cranberry township once more and afterward moved to a farm in Auburn township. Later he determined to return to his native part of the county and in 1902 located on the farm on which he has resided ever since, renting it annually from its owner, Frank Wechter, of New Washington. Mr. Alt is an industrious and experienced farmer and through his practical methods and solid agricultural knowledge, has brought this land to a high state of cultivation and has done much to bring about a raising of the standard of stock in this part of the county. Mr. Alt was married in Seneca county, O., to Miss Anna L. Hitz, who was born in Michigan, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Hitz, and they have a family of seven children, four daughters and three sons; Esther, Albert. Edwin, Laura, William, Charlotte and Katherine. Mr. Alt and family are members of the Roman Catholic church and he is identified with the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association. He is a quiet, law-abiding man, anxious to work for the good of the community and country at large, but not seeking public office. In his political views he is a Democrat. DANIEL P. WINCH, a representative citizen and prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Dallas township, Crawford county, O., where he owns 80 acres of well improved land, was born in Marion county, O., Jan. 2, 1864, and is a son of Frederick and Mary (Crissinger) Winch. Frederick Winch was born in Germany and came to Marion county as a young man and continued to live here and follow agricultural pursuits until his death. He married Mary Crissinger, who was born in Marion county and now resides at Martel, Marion county. They were parents of the following children: Henry, John, Daniel P., James, Charles, Richard, Matilda and Etta, all surviving except James. Matilda is the wife of Charles Dyson, and Etta is the wife of William Kurtz. Frederick Winch and wife were members and liberal supporters of the Reformed church. Daniel P. Winch obtained a district school education and has always been interested in the public schools of his neighborhood and for eight years served as a school director. His