350 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Wakeman, and has here since continued to make his home, devoting his time and energies to the pursuit of farming and to the buying and shipping of stock and fruit. Energetic, industrious and progressive, he has met with a commendable measure of prosperity in his undertakings and is numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of the community. On the 12th of October, 1871, occurred the marriage of Mr. Denman and Miss Frances L. Pierce, a daughter of Lemuel B. and Eunice (Burr) Pierce. Unto them were born four sons, namely Perry P., a resident of Coffeyville, Kansas ; Ralph R. and Tracy A., living in Columbus, Ohio ; and Loyd B., who is at home. The wife and mother passed away in January, 1903, her demise being the occasion of deep and widespread regret. In his political views Mr. Denman is a stalwart republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, with which the other members of his family are also identified. Having spent his entire life in this county, he has an extensive circle of friends within its borders and is well worthy the regard and esteem which are uniformly accorded him. ARTHUR B. VIALL. Arthur B. Viall, who is conducting a wall paper business on Main street, Bellevue, Ohio, was one of the first men to engage in mercantile affairs in that city. He was born October 29, 1843, in Akron, Ohio, the son of Bennett and Sarah (Anderson) Viall. The former also claimed Akron as his birth place, his birth occurring in 1821. In the prime of his early manhood, at the age of twenty-three, he was taken from those who loved him, leaving a wife and a baby son, Arthur. His widow who was one year the junior, survived him for over twenty years, and for her second husband she married George Barber. Of this union there were two children : Charles and Luella. Arthur B. Viall passed the years of his childh00d and youth in Summit county, Ohio. They were quiet enough years, with little but happy memories to recount. but they engendered an eagerness to be out in the world where one might make a name and a fair fortune for himself. He was but eighteen years of age when he formed the determination to be up and doing for himself, and came to Bellevue to obtain his first business experience. His initial position was as a clerk in the employ of C. A. Willard and Company, who conducted an enterprising dry-goods store here. A few months before he attained his majority, on the 1st of May, 1864, Mr. Viall responded to the call for aid in the defense of his country and enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was stationed at Arlington Heights, Virginia, but had no further opportunity to prove his valor, for in the following fall was mustered out at Cleveland, Ohio. The will to fight for the Union in his case had to be taken in place of many wounds and sufferings, which the hand that guided his destiny spared him, though it deprived him of the honor of being enrolled among those who sacrificed themselves for the good of the cause. On returning from the war he engaged in the dry-goods business, which he. followed for some HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 351 twelve years or more, winning from it a deserved success. About five years ago he opened his wall paper establishment in this town and has since then been doing a creditable business. On the 3d of May, 1868, Mr. Viall was united in marriage to Miss Clara E. Miler, the daughter of Samuel Miller, an old settler of Huron county. Five children have been born to bless this union. Bennett, the eldest, married Miss Gertrude Hoyt and is at present living in Bellevue, the father of five children : Esther, Arthur, Robert, Dorothy and Gertrude. Gertrude, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Viall, died in her tenth year. Elizabeth, the next in the family, married Harry DeWitt and makes her home in Bellevue. Ruth married Milton Squares of Bellevue and they have two daughters, Ruth and Dorothy. The fifth child in the Viall home died in infancy. Mr. Viall is a member of the Congregational church of Bellevue and makes of his religion a matter of daily practice. He is a man who has been found most honorable in his dealings with those persons who have made a demand upon his services, and enjoys the good will of the community. The people gave some in- dication of their confidence in his judgment and abilities when six years ago they elected him a member of the school board, which position he has filled to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Of the local Grand Army post he is past commander and has been for years the adjutant of the post. PETER LORETZ. Prominent in the ranks of the worthy agricultural class of Huron county is Peter Loretz of Wakeman township, who lives on a splendidly appointed farm of two hundred and four acres, well tilled and under a high state of cultivation. He gives attention chiefly to general farming, but like most successful farmers has a specialty. In his case it is the Jersey cow, his herd being noted as one of the finest in the county. Peter Loretz comes naturally by his love for pasture land, his parents having come from Switzerland. Jerome and Barbara (Yergrer) Loretz were married in the little mountain republic and shortly afterward set out for the great republic across the sea, in 1854. They came direct to Huron county, Ohio, where Mr. Loretz found lucrative employment in a sawmill. Later the family removed to Norwalk, where they have since resided, respected and esteemed citizens. Peter Loretz was born in Peru, Huron county, May 25, 1855, and was reared in Norwalk, receiving a good public-school education before beginning the battle of life. At nineteen years he began at the very bottom of the ladder as a section hand on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway. Faithful and industrious here, he advanced by rounds to freight and passenger conductor, remaining in the latter position some fifteen-years, to the tithe of his final retirement from railroading in 1899. The railroad company found in Mr. Loretz a careful and painstaking employe, who looked after the interests of a corporation with the same fidelity as he looked after his own. In 1884 he purchased the farm where he now resides and conducts it in company with his son Reuben. He puts into 352 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY the cultivation of this farm the same intelligent comprehension of affairs agricultural which marked his railroad experience. There is "a place for everything," and the movements on the farm go on with the regularity attending the "block" system on the railroad. The family life of Mr. Loretz began with his marriage to Miss Louisa George, of Huron county, June 13, 1878. Mrs. Loretz was a daughter of Peter and Mary (Lawrence) George, farmers who lived near Peru. To this union have been born five children : Cecelia, Reuben, Leonora, Gertrude and Eloise. A democrat in political faith and a Catholic, the interests of these two worthy organizations employ the mind of Mr. Loretz for the most part while away from the farm. He takes quite an active interest in the councils of his party, being at present the Wakeman member of the democratic county central committee. His face is a familiar one at the different county and state conventions, where his advice is of weight in the formation of party policies. In church affairs he is a leader and he supports his faith liberally, being charitable to a degree. All movements looking to the public weal find a friend in Mr. Loretz, and he is universally esteemed. DAVID C. SMITH. David C. Smith, who well deserves the proud American title of self-made man, was born in London, England, December 26, 1856, and is a son of Jonathan C. and Hannah (Pedley) Smith. The father, who was a stonemason by occupation, came to America in the late '50s, locating in Bellevue, Ohio, where he continued to follow his trade until his death, which occurred July 6, 1882. His wife passed away March 17, 1907. Coming to America when but two and one-half years of age, David C. Smith therefore acquired his education in this country, becoming a pupil of the schools at Norwalk and Milan. Remaining under the parental roof for a time after setting aside his text-books, he assisted his father in the cultivation of his fields until 1877, when he engaged in business on his own account as a renter, at first operating a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He was thus engaged for six years, at the end of which time he removed to his present place, which he rented for a time, and in 1895 purchased sixty-six acres. He engages in general farming, in which connection he also operates a dairy, owning about twelve cows. For sixteen years he had a milk route in Milan but later sold the route although he continues to furnish the milk. He makes a specialty of raising sheep, having on hand a fine flock of the Delaine brand, which average over eleven and a half pounds of wool per head. He conducts his various enterprises on a strictly business basis and his keen sagacity and sound judgment are the salient elements in the gratifying degree of prosperity which he now enjoys. His farm, which is free from all encumbrances, is surely proving a most satisfactory investment. On the 9th of March, 1890, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Emma D. Brown, who was born in Monroeville, Ohio, on the l0th of April, 1868. She is the daughter of Charles and Phcebe Brown, and the father now makes his home 353 - PHOTO OF D. C. SMITH 354 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 355 with her, while the mother passed away May 10, 1878. She is a graduate of the schools of Monroeville, and is a very estimable lasly-, being of no little assistance to her husband in the conduct of his business affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have become the parents of four children, namely : Ethel L., born May 22, 1891, who attended school for three years at Norwalk and later graduated from the school at Milan ; Florence E., born September 18, 1893, who is now a pupil in school at Milan ; Don C., born November 10, 1896; and Glenn R., born June 6, 1902. Mr. Smith is a thorough believer in education and is doing all in his power to give his children the advantages of thorough training. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church and is a man of honorable, upright life, temperate in all his habits and true to the ideals of noble manhood. In politics he votes with the re- publican party and is public spirited in his citizenship, doing all in his power to further the material, intellectual and moral welfare and upbuilding of the community. Starting out in his business career without any especially favoring advantages, he has by energy, industry, perseverance and integrity, worked his way upward into a position of which he may well feel proud, for he is recognized as one of the prosperous, progressive and valued citizens of Norwalk township. OTIS SYKES. Otis Sykes, who is filling the position of postmaster of Chicago, where he is also successfully conducting a grocery store, was born in Richmond township, this county, on 'the 2d of May, 1847. He is a son of Daniel Sykes, a native of Vermont, and Arabella (Butler) Sykes, a native of New York. In 1836 the father came with his wife and one child to Huron county and for one year resided in Greenfield township, where he engaged in farming. He then removed to Richmond township where he settled upon a tract entirely uncultivated. He at once devoted his attention to its reclamation, made the land ready for culti- vation and in course of time gathered rich crops as a reward for his labors. Upon that place he reared his family and made it his home until his death in 1882, when he was seventy-six years of age. In the family were four children, of whom Otis Sykes is the youngest. The country schools afforded him his educational privileges and at the age of fifteen years he enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining Company C of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry in August, 1862. He took part in all the engagements with his command in the Shenandoah Valley campaign and in September, 1864, was wounded, in consequence of which he lost a limb. He was then but seventeen years of age. He sustained this wound at Winchester while fighting under Sheridan and because of his injuries received an honorable discharge in June, 1865. Mr. Sykes. at once returned to his home in Huron county. His was a most creditable military record, characterized by loyalty to duty in every relation. When he again came to the north he took up the study of medicine and dentistry and continued in the practice of the latter with success for a number of years; fol- lowing the profession in Plymouth and in Findlay. He afterward engaged in 356 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY the drug business in Wabash, Indiana, and in 1876 came to Chicago Junction, where for two years he practiced dentistry. On the expiration of that period he opened a drug store which he conducted for fifteen years and then turned his attention to the grocery business, which he carries on in partnership with A. C. Byers, under the firm name of Sykes & Byers. They conduct a high class business, carrying a large and well selected line of staple and fancy groceries and their trade is constantly increasing owing to their honorable methods and straightforward dealing. Throughout the years of his residence here Mr. Sykes has also been active in connection with public affairs, being deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. In March, 1906, he wa appointed postmaster of Chicago Junction and is now most capably filling that position. He has never been a politician in the ordinary sense of the term but since age conferred upon him the right of franchise has been a warm adherent of the republican party and its principles. In fact he is actively interested in everything connected with his town and county. He has served for several years as president of the board of education and three terms as a member of the city ' council, during which time he has put forth earnest and effective work for the best interests of the community. He is a conservative and safe adviser and a progressive citizen. In June, 1873, Mr. Sykes was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Miller, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, and they have two children : Maud, who died at the age of thirteen years, and Doris M. The family are prominent socially and have many friends in every part of the county where they are known. Mr. Sykes belongs to the Masonic fraternity and also holds membership relations with the Maccabees. Leaving the army at the age of seventeen years, handicapped by the loss of his limb, he has possessed and displayed the resolute spirit which does not stop at obstacles nor is impeded by difficulties but continues on with firm determination to .the objective point. He has manifested many sterling qualities in both his business and official life as well as in all the ties of home and friendship. ADAM S. LEIS. Adam S. Leis, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sherman township, was born in this township on the 20th of January, 1860, and is a son of Peter and Margaret (Frish) Leis, both natives of Germany. The father, who was born February 16, 1829, was a son of Joseph and Agatha ( Hover) Leis. He came to the United States in 1848, making the journey in about forty-two days, and came direct to Ohio, locating in Sherman township, Huron county, where he worked as a farm hand for some time. During that period he was employed by John Wright for a number of years and then began farming on his own account, purchasing eighty acres of land, which he cultivated an upon which he continued to reside until a few years ago. He is still living in Sherman township. He was married in January, 1865, to Miss Margaret Frish, who was also born in Germany and who passed away in 1896. He helped, to erect the Catholic church in 1857 and has continued an officeholder HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 357 therein most of his life. He and his wife became the parents of thirteen chil- dren, namely : John, residing in Kansas ; Paul, making his home in Indiana ; Peter, of Putnam county, Ohio ; Adam, of this review ; George, deceased ; Anthony; living in Sherman township ; Mary, who married Anthony Ruffing, of that township ; Sophia, the wife of Anthony Brown, also of that township ; Helen, residing at Fremont, Ohio ; Maggie, the wife of Frank Gerdeman, residing at Findlay, Ohio ; Anna, who married Anthony Corps, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio: Tillie: and Rose. Adam S. Leis acquired his education in the schools of Sherman township. His boyhood and youth were spent on the home farm, during which time he be- came familiar with the duties of the farm, and he remained at home until twenty-six years of age, when he went to Indiana. There he was employed as a farm hand for about six years and then purchased a farm of his own, consisting of one hundred acres in Pulaski county. He operated that place for about twelve years and then sold out, returning to Sherman township, Huron county, Ohio where he purchased the old homestead. He has since directed his efforts to its further improvement and development, and as the years have gone by the place has become one of the valuable and desirable farm properties of this township. He is engaging in general farming, and in his undertaking is meeting with substantial success. On the 19th of January, 1892, Mr. Leis was united in marriage to Miss Anna Westrich, a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Brown) Westrich, the wedding occurring at Norwalk, Ohio. Mrs. Leis was born in Seneca county, Ohio. and her parents, who were old settlers in this district, conducted the general store at Bismarck for a number of years. In their family were ten children, as follows: Anna, Victor, Peter, Fred, Albert, Alvin, Theodore, Carl, Tillie and Ida. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Leis has been blessed with six children, namely, Veronica, Fred, Monica, Carl, Alma and Agnes, all at home. The family are mem- bers of the Catholic church of Bismarck and are respected and esteemed in the community. Politically, Mr. Leis belongs to the democratic party and is public spirited in citizenship. Industrious and enterprising, he has gained a goodly amount of success and is today ranked among the leading farmers in Sherman township. WILLIAM HIMBERGER. Prominent among the energetic, farseeing and successful business men of Norwalk, is William Himberger, a lumber merchant, who in spite of disastrous fires and other obstacles which have barred his path to success, has steadily worked his way upwafd and today enjoys an extensive patronage in his chosen field of labor. His energy has been most intelligently directed and, wisely utilizing every opportunity that has come, he has gradually advanced to a place among the men of affluence in this city. His birth occurred in Hessen, Nassau, Germany, November 23, 1841, his parents being William P. and Wilhelmina (Horn) Himberger, both of whom were natives of the same place. The family came to the United States in 1835. Crossing the Atlantic to the new world, they made 358 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY their way to Bloomingville, Erie county, Ohio, where the mother had a brother living. The same year, however, they removed to Monroeville, Huron county, where the father engaged in general farming. In 1863 he was accidentally killed, being then forty-nine years of age. William Himberger was a lad of about thirteen years when he sailed across the broad Atlantic with his parents and came with them to Ohio. He remained under the parental roof until September, 1861, when he responded to the country's call for aid to crush out the rebellion in the south, enlisting as a member of the Third Ohio Cavalry. He afterward enlisted in the Thirty-fourth Kentucky Infantry and did active service in Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia and West Virginia until the close of the war. He took part in a number of hotly contested battles and in the long, hard marches of wearisome campaigns and was mustered out on the 24th of June 1865, at Knoxville, Tennessee. He had witnessed the close of the war when Victory perched upon the Union banners and with a creditable military record he returned to his home in Huron county. Here Mr. Himberger started in business life as a common laborer but has worked steadily upward to his present position as one of the representative and prosperous merchants of the city. In 1866 he came to Norwalk and in 1867 became employed in a lumberyard, learning the trade, in the place which he now owns, with David D. Moorehouse. He afterward spent five years as an employe of the lumber firm of Brown & Goodnow and when those gentlemen dissolved partnership the firm became Lawrence & Brown and afterward Lawrence & Gilson. Mr. Himberger remained with the business throughout all its changes in partnership until 188o when he felt that his previous extended experience and careful expenditure justified him in engaging in business on his own account. He then became a partner in the firm of Smith, Himberger & Company for the conduct of a general lumber business which was carried on under that name until 1886 when the firm became Smith & Himberger. In April, 1901, Mr. Himberger purchased his partner's mterest and continued the business alone until March, 1907, when the Himberger Lumber Company was organized. It is exclusively a family concern and Mr. Himberger is the president of the Company. Between 1880 and 1901 the firm had three disastrous fires, one occurring on the 8th of March, 1881, another on the 30th of October, 1891, and the third on the 2d of. August, 1901. Not disheartened by these disasters Mr. Himberger resolutely set to work to retrieve his losses and his honorable business methods secured him a liberal patronage which has brought him substantial success as the years have passed. The company today owns one of the largest lumberyards in this part of the state and its trade is extensive and profitable. In February, i866, Mr. Himberger was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hundsdorf, a native of Germany and a daughter of John Hundsdorf, an old resident of Huron county who came from the fatherland in 1853. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Himberger were born four daughters : Minnie, now the wife of Charles Prechtel, who is manager of the Himberger Lumber Company ; Katherine, now Mrs. Smith ; and Zedona Elizabeth and Louise Frederica, twins. The wife and mother passed away on the 30th of January, 1904, when fifty-eight years of age and her death was deeply 'regretted by many friends who had come to know and esteem her for her many sterling traits of character. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 359 In his political views Mr. Himberger is a stalwart democrat with firm belief in the principles of the party but has never been an office seeker. He has, however, served as a member of the council from 1890 to 1892 and from 1905 to 1907, was a member of the board of public works. He is never remiss in the duties of citizenship nor does he neglect to give hearty aid to the measures and movements for the public good. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Knights of the Maccabees and maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Wooster and Bolt Post, G. A. R. He is a devoted member of the Episcopal church, in which he has served as warden for many years. He is a splendid specimen of the self-made man who owes his suc- cess entirely to his well directed efforts, his persistency of purpose and his undaunted energy. He is public-spirited, unassuming in manner and thoroughly reliable. Throughout his entire life he has always been the same genial, courteous gentleman, whose ways are those of refinement and whose word no man can question. ORIN P. REYNOLDS. Orin P. Reynolds, a representative of the farming interests of Hartland township, was born in that township, on the 3d of December, 1854, his parents being Theodore M. and Malissa (Sholes) Reynolds, who were natives of Connecticut and New York respectively. The father, who came to this county with his parents in 1835, was an agriculturist by occupation and for many years was numbered among the prominent and respected residents of Hartland town- ship. His upright and honorable life won him the esteem and friendship of all with whom he was associated and his demise, which occurred on the 12th of July, 1903, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He took an active part in public affairs and for many years capably served in the position of town- ship trustee. His wife, who came to this state in early womanhood, is also now deceased, having passed away on the 14th of June, 1905. Unto this worthy couple were born three sons : Dayton, Orin P. and Bion, all of whom are still living. Orin P. Reynolds was reared to manhood on his father's farm and obtained his education in the district schools of his native township. When not busy with his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the old home farm and continued to reside thereon until twenty-eight years of age, when he was married. Subsequently he removed to Lucas county, Ohio, where he was engaged in general agricultural pursuits for two years, on the expiration of which period he returned to Hartland Township and cultivated his father's farm for a year. In 1886 he became identified with mercantile interests at Hartland Center, success- fully conducting a general store of that character for about sixteen years. At the end of that time he once more took up the work of the fields and now owns the old home farm in Hartland township, in the cultivation of which he is meet- ing with a most gratifying and well merited degree of prosperity. Whatever he has undertaken he has carried forward to successful completion and has gained 360 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY enviable recognition among the substantial, progressive and representative citizens of the community. On the 7th of March, 1882, Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Miss Asenath Sisson, a daughter of Jabez and Lydia (Payne) Sisson, of New York. Mrs. Reynolds made her way to Ohio in early womanhood, and by her marriage she has become the mother of three children : Carl, Glen and Fern, all of whom are still under the parental roof. Mr. Reyonlds is a stanch republican in his political views and an active worker in the local ranks of his party. He has served in the office of township treasurer for twenty-two years, was a member of the board of education for many years and has also done effective service in the position of road supervisor. For a number of years he has been a member of the republican county committee and he is a frequent delegate to county, district and state conventions. He always gives his influence and aid to progressive public measures and stands as a stalwart defender of justice, truth and right in public as well as private relations. In the community where practically his entire life has been spent, he is regarded as a leading and valued citizen, being held in high esteem for his manly bearing and his integrity of character. JOHN L. PRATT. John L. Pratt, living in Bronson township, is engaged in farming, his possession now aggregating three hundred and seventy-five acres in Huron county. He is a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred September 7, 1852. His parents were DeMorris and Mary (Roberts) Pratt. The father was a native of Washington county, New York, born on Christmas day of 1808, while the mother was born in Massachusetts, September 6, 1814. DeMorris Pratt accompanied his father-in-law, Abijah Roberts, to Fitchville, Ohio, m 1836, where each purchased a farm. Mr. Pratt was a local preacher of the Methodist denomination but never accepted a salary for his services. He performed many marriage ceremonies in his district and the money he received for his services in this connection he always presented to the bride. He served two terms in the Ohio state legislature and in many ways rook an active and prominent part in the development and improvement of the community in which he made his home. His family numbered five sons and two daughters, namely : A. R. and Jesse, now deceased ; and one daughter who died in infancy ; Phillip ; J. F. ; Mrs. Frances Pond ; and John L. of this review. The last named acquired his early education in the district schools of Fitchville township and later attended the schools of Oberlin and Berea, afterward ' pursuing a business course in a college at Poughkeepsie, New York. When starting out to make his own way in the world, Mr. Pratt engaged in farming and in connection with E. L. Tucker conducted a butter and cheese factory for twenty years. During this time they did a very extensive business, controlling the largest enterprise of its kind in this section at that time. However, Mr. Pratt now devotes his entire time to farming and as the years have passed and he has pros- 361 - BLANK 362 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. DEMORRIS PRATT 363 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. LEWIS MANAHAN 365 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 365 pered in his undertakings, he has added to his holdings until his possessions now aggregate three hundred and seventy-five acres, all valuable and well improved land. A valuable work which Mr. Pratt assisted in performing in this section was the organization of the Olena Telephone Company, of which he is now the president. This is one of the finest systems to be found anywhere, connecting with the Bell Company and the local company. Mr. Pratt was married November 4, 1873, the lady of his choice being Miss Delia Manahan, who was born in Ohio, July 23, 1852. Her father, Lewis Manahan, at one time owned the farm on which Mr. Pratt now lives, and this has been the home of Mrs. Pratt since she was four years of age. Mr. Manahan followed farming throughout his entire life and during the time of the Civil war was an extensive buyer of horses, which he sold to the army, and he also dealt heavily in all kinds of stock. His death occurred in 1897, when he was seventy-nine years of age, his birth having occurred in 1818, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Chapin, was born in 1828 and departed this life in 1908, when in her eightieth year. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pratt has been blessed with two sons. The elder, DeMorris C. Pratt, who was born January 11, 1875, was educated in the village school and is now engaged in farming. He is a republican m politics and a Presbyterian in religious faith, while his fraternal relations are with the Maccabees. He was married April 7, 1898, to Miss Lela Burrows, a daughter of W. L. and Ella Burrows, and their home has been blessed with a little daughter, Margaret B. Pratt, who was born August 27, 1904. The younger son, Worthing C. Pratt, was born September 10, 1877, and is cashier of the Huron county bank. Prominent in public affairs as an adherent of the republican party, Mr. Pratt has filled the office of township treasurer sixteen years and also served as justice of the peace but refused to accept the latter office for another term. He is a Methodist in religious faith and also belongs to the Maccabees Tent. Quick to discern opportunities for advancement in a business sense, Mr. Pratt has worked his way to the front until today he stands as one of the largest and wealthiest landowners in Huron county. However, his success has been honorably won, and his record also in public life has been one of unremitting and tireless energy and there is no blot or stain of dishonor upon his name. He represents one of the oldest and most prominent families of this part of the state and all who know him have for him high regard. ELMER E. TOWNSEND. Elmer E. Townsend, president of the New London National Bank and closely identified with financial interests of the county since 1898, was born in Fitchville, Ohio, September 22, 1852. His father, John T. Townsend, was born in New London township, July 22, 1824, and was the second of the eight children of Hosea Townsend, who was born in Greenbush, New York, in 1794. His father, William Townsend, was a native of Massachusetts and a millwright by trade. At the time of the birth of his son, Hosea Townsend, he was temporarily em- 366 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY ployed at his trade in Greenbush. His wife bore the maiden name of Rhoda Skinner. Their son, Hosea Townsend, was reared and educated in Massachusetts where he resided until 1815, when he came to Huron county on a tour of inspection. After a brief period he returned to Massachusetts, but that he was pleased with his western trip was indicated in the fact that in the following year he again came to Ohio and settled on lot 23 of the third section in New London township. Only a few years before had Ohio been admitted to statehood and many portions of the state were still unclaimed and unsettled by the white race. In fact Ohio was regarded as on the very border of civilization and Mr. Town• send belonged to that class of sturdy and representative American men who extended the frontier by introducing all of the evidences of modern civilization into his region. In the development of a farm here he built a log house and cleared his land which in the course of time was made to bring forth rich harvests. As he prospered in his undertakings he added to his holdings and at length became a very successful and influential citizen of his part of the state. In 1820 he married Sophia Case, whose family came from New York and settled in New London township, her father being Tracy Case, well known in early pioneer times. Mrs. Townsend was well educated and taught the first school in New London township. She reared a family of eight children who were a credit to her superior training. It is worthy of note that she never allowed a book to pass into the hands of her children without first reading it herself that she might know whether its contents were detrimental or injurious to the moral training. The only members of the family now living are H. W. Townsend and Mrs. A. F. Johnson. The father, Hosea Townsend, continued to engage in farming until 1874, when he removed to New London and made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Johnson, until his death, in 1884. He had survived his wife for an entire decade. He was a man of strong, sterling characteristics and enjoyed the esteem and trust of all who knew him. In antebellum days he was a strong opponent of the system of slavery and when the republican party was formed to prevent its further extension he joined its ranks and as one of its representatives was called to a number of local offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. John Townsend, the father of Elmer E. Townsend, was reared to farm life in the usual manner of boys who spend their youthful days amid agricultural environments. Good educational opportunities were afforded him for after attending the country schools he was permitted to become a student in Oberlin College. Later he engaged in teaching at Clarksville, Fitchville and New London and did good work as an educator, hi," instructions being clear, cogent and forceful. He married Elizabeth Palmer, a native of Clarksfield township and a daughter of Linus Palmer who located in that township in pioneer days, as did her mother, who bore the maiden name of Jemima Rowland. After his marriage John Townsend abandoned teaching and concentrated his energies upon farming pursuits in Fitchville township, carefully operating his fields for many years. In 188o he was elected. county commissioner and served for two terms, while for the long period of thirty years he was justice of the peace, his retention in the office plainly indicating that his opinions were strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and equity in the case. In 1898 he removed to New London, where he died, March HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 367 5, 1907. His widow still survives and now makes her home with her son, Elmer, their only child. In his political views John Townsend was a stalwart republican but ever placed the public good before partisan- ship, and at all times sought the welfare and progress of the community, which numbered him among its most honored and representative citizens. Following the acquirement of his education in Oberlin College, Elmer E. Townsend took up the profession of teaching and for a time was identified with the high school at Fitchville. In 1873 he located on the farm, formerly the prop- erty of his grandfather and for twenty-five years was closely, actively, and suc- cessfully associated with the work of tilling the soil. It was not until 1898 that he put aside the plow and removed to New London, where he has since been identified with banking interests. The First National Bank was established in 1872 and in 1892 was reorganized as the New London National Bank, from which time Mr. Townsend served as a director. On the death of his uncle, Ira Townsend, he was elected to the presidency and has since continued at the head of the institution, bending his energies to executive control and administrative direction. He is thoroughly conversant with the banking business in all of its phases and has made the New London National one of the safe, conservative and reliable moneyed institutions of the county. While he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking he has nevertheless been elected and served as mayor of New London, was trustee of the township for several terms and at the present writing, 1909, is corporation treasurer. He votes with the republican party, for his mature judgment sanctions its principles as most conducive to good government. In 1873 Mr. Townsend was married to Miss Abbie Curtis, a native of Fitchville, who died in 1903. He has since wedded Miss Ida Robertson, a native of Pennsylvania and a talented lady who for several years taught in the New London public schools. Mr. Townsend is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is appreciative of the social amenities of life. He is never neglectful of any of the obligations of citizenship or of friendship, while his integrity in business has made his an unassailable reputation. FRANK B, SEYMOUR. Frank B. Seymour, a farmer of Lyme township and the owner of sixty-five acres of land, that lies mostly in Erie county,, was born on this farm, October 24, 1856, thel son of George W. and Charlotte E. (Hotchkin) Seymour. The father was born in Gibson, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1824, and died on this farm, January 18, 1892, while the mother was born at Waterville, New York, May 5, 1827, and is still living at Bellevue, Ohio. George W. Seymour came to North Monroeville, Ohio, with his father, John Seymour, and his mother, Sarah (Thatcher) Seymour, in 1825. Her father, Moses Thatcher, who came with them, is buried at North Monroeville. For about ten years the family lived at North Monroeville, in which vicinity Mr. Sey mour owned about four hundred acres of Ian. Later they removed to the farm 368 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY in Lyme township, Huron county, which the grandfather purchased from a Mr. Russell, and improved greatly during his lifetime. John Seymour was a prominent man in this locality in early days when stage coaches were still running and he was located at the intersection of the stage routes between Cleveland, Maumee, Sandusky and Columbus. Here he had a general store and distributed the mail, in his capacity of postmaster, that the great wagons brought. He was deeply interested in the welfare of the little community he served and for a period of thirty years he fulfilled the duties of township clerk. He was accounted one of the pillars of the Strong's Ridge church, of which he had always been a member and of which he was a deacon at the time of his death. His eventful and useful life came to an end in his ninetieth year. George W. Seymour succeeded his father as deacon of the church and during the whole of his life was identified with farming interests. On the 29th of April, 1852, his marriage to Miss Charlotte E. Hotchkin was celebrated at Watertown, New York, and their union was blessed with three children : Anna K., who was born June 1, 1854, and married Albert Young, now deceased ; Frank B., our subject: and William, who was born August 16, 1866, but lived only till the following December. Frank B. Seymour lived on his present farm, receiving his preparation for life at home, under the direction of his parents and at the district schools, which he attended until he was thirteen and was then a student in the Bellevue high school for four years. His education completed, he engaged in the hardware business, working in Chicago, Illinois, and Cleveland, Ohio. This connection with the world of affairs he gave up when he received word of his father's illness and returned home to take charge of the farm. To this he has since devoted his attention and upon the old homestead he has resided. On the 23d of June, 1897, Mr. Seymour married Miss Clara Barnard, who was born December 19, 1867, in Lyme township, and is the daughter of Alfred and Ruth (Bemiss) Barnard, long residents of Huron county. Mr. and Mrs. Seymour's union has been blessed with four children : George B., born June 28, 1898 ; Ruth H., born October 3, 1900 Ethelwyn, born on the 18th of January, 1904 ; and Alberta Y., born March 25, 1906. Mr. Seymour is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge and has passed all the chairs. In the work of the Lyme Congregational church he is also prominent and has been its treasurer for a number of years. CARL C. THOMPSON. Carl C. Thompson is now capably and faithfully discharging the duties devolving upon him in the position of county recorder of Huron county. He was born in Fitchville township, this county, on the 23d of September, 1868, his parents being John C. and T. W. (Welsh) Thompson, the former a native of Noble county and the latter of Belmont county, this state. They established their home in Huron county, about the year 1859. The father was a Congregational minister and their residence lacked permanency on that account. He HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY -369 was a republican in his political views and represented Huron county in the state legislature for two terms during the '6os. A progressive and loyal citizen, he did not believe that his holy calling barred him from participation in affairs of public moment and his aid and cooperation could always be counted upon to further any movement instituted to promote the general welfare. When he passed away in August, 1891, the county mourned the loss of one of its most respected, influential and worthy residents. His wife, surviving him for more than a decade, was called to her final rest in May, 1992. Their remains were interred in the cemetery at Plymouth, Huron county. They reared a family of five children, three sons and two daughters, namely : Isyphene ; Hershel, who is deceased ; Sumner ; one who died in infancy ; and Carl C., of this review. The last named supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the public schools, by a course at Oberlin College, while later he attended the Valparaiso Business College at Valparaiso, Indiana. After completing his own education he taught school in Huron county for a period of eight years, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. During some of these years he only taught in the winter terms and in the summer seasons was employed by Adriance, Platt & Company, implement manufacturers of Poughkeepsie, New York. The confidence and trust reposed in him by his employers is indicated by the fact that he was selected as their foreign representative during the seasons of 1893, 1895 and 1896, introducing the harvesting machinery manufactured by the concern into Germany, Austria, Hungary, Roumania and Bulgaria. He was married when about twenty-six years of age and established his home in Clarksfield. He has been in the employ of Adriance, Platt & Company at different intervals, his connection with the concern covering twelve seasons altogether. In 1903 he established a warehouse at West Clarksfield on the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad and began dealing in hay, grain and coal, successfully conducting this enterprise until the summer of 1909. Throughout his business life he had made it his aim to do thoroughly whatever he has undertaken and he long since demonstrated his reliability as well as his enterprise. In November, 1894, Mr. Thompson was joined in wedlock to Miss Alma Ronk, a daughter of Seneca and Zelma (Cooley) Ronk, of Clarksfield township. Their union has been blessed with three children, as follows : Marguerite, Harold and Jay. Mr. Thompson gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy and has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served as assessor of Clarksfield township for three terms and has also acted as school director for some years, being a stanch friend of the cause of education. In 1908 the Huron county democratic convention nominated him as their candidate for the position of county recorder. The fact that he had made no effort to secure the nomination and was not even present at the convention speaks in unmistakable terms of his personal popularity and well known ability. He was elected the following November and entered upon the duties of the office on the second Monday of September, 1909. A week prior to that time he became a resident of Norwalk. He is a valued member of Clarksfield Tent, K. 0. T. M., and he and his family belong to the Congregational church, 370 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY in. the work of which they are actively interested. No breath of suspicion ha, ever assailed his good name and on the contrary he stands as a splendid type of the honorable, reliable, successful man, the public-spirited citizen and the trustworthy friend. DAVID DE FOREST BENEDICT. David De Forest Benedict, now deceased, who for many years was actively and successfully identified with the mercantile interests of Norwalk as proprietor of a drug store, was long numbered among Huron county's most respected and honored citizens. His birth occurred in Norwalk on the 1st of August, 1833. His paternal grandparents were Platt and Sally (De Forest) Benedict and the former, who was one of the first settlers in Huron county, assisted in founding the town of Norwalk. The maternal grandparents, Henry and Harriet (Talcott) Buckingham, were natives of Connecticut and the latter was a direct descendant of Governor Bradford, of Massachusetts. They celebrated their marriage in 1803 Henry Buckingham, whose birth occurred in 1779, likewise became one of the earliest settlers of Huron county and served as county treasurer for many years. He was recognized as a most prominent and influential citizen and his death, which occurred in 1845, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His son, George Talcott Buckingham, who was the organizer and editor of the Norwalk Reflector, was called to his final rest in 1847. In early manhood, he had wedded Miss Lovina Lindsey, of Monroeville, Ohio. Jonas Boughton Benedict and Fanny (Buckingham) Benedict, the parents of our subject, reared a family of four children, namely : Platt ; David D., of this review ; Mary Starr ; and Mrs. Fanny Severance. David D. Benedict was reared on the old homestead place where his birth occurred and which continued to remain his place of residence throughout hi, entire life. The family home still stands on the same site. After completing his literary education in Kenyon College, he took up the study of medicine as a student in the Cleveland Medical College, being graduated from that institution in 1859. His patriotic spirit being aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, he offered his services in its defense in 1862, becoming a member of the Seventeenth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry as a contract surgeon, being later commissioned a regular surgeon. He was the youngest officer of that rank in the regiment and continued in active service until honorably discharged on the 16th of July, 1865. He underwent many of the hardships and dangers incident to warfare and following his capture by the Confederates at the battle of Chickamauga, he was confined in Libby prison for about forty days. After the close of hostilities, he returned to Norwalk and became an active factor in its mercantile life, purchasing a drug store, which he conducted until within a few years of his demise. He was very successful in this undertaking, becoming widely recognized as a most substantial, enterprising and progressive citizen of his community. In addition to his other interests, he likewise served as one of the directors of the First National Bank and was a trustee of the Woodlawn cemetery, a member of the Loyal Legion, Mason, Delta Kappa Epsilon. 371 - D. D. BENEDICT 372 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 373 On the 14th of October, 1856, Mr. Benedict was united in marriage to Miss Harriet M. Deaver, whose birth occurred in Watertown, New York, on the 4th of May, 1835, her parents being James and Harriet Deaver. By this union, there were born the following children: Mary Deaver, the eldest, to whom we are indebted for the material in this sketch, is a well known and highly esteemed resident of Norwalk. Harriet M. gave her hand in marriage to Wilham B. Benham, an attorney by profession, who is now compelled to live practically retired, because of failing health. Agnes C. is the wife of Frank D. Wickham. Fanny B., the next in order of birth, was joined in wedlock to A. J. Hottel. Frederick Platt Benedict. the fifth in order of birth and the last of the line of the Benedicts, died May 11, 1885. Ellen E. is the wife of Louis W. Wickham. Susan R., who is a graduate of Smith College at Northampton, Massachusetts, and also pursued a course m Columbia College, is now a teacher in the former institution. She is very proficient in mathematics and has won the degree of M. A. The mother of these children was called to her final rest on the 25th of April, 1909, eight years after the death of her husband. In his political views, Mr. Benedict was a stanch republican and served as a member of the school board for many years, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church, in which he was acting as senior warden at the time of his demise, which occurred on the 5th of January, 1901. He was a most public-spirited and loyal citizen, whose aid and influence were always given on the side of progress, improvement and uphuilding. A man of genial, kindly nature, he gained the friendship and regard of all with whom he was associated and well deserves mention in this volume as a worthy representative of an old and prominent pioneer family. CHARLES STACEY. A busy life has brought to Charles Stacey success in his undertakings as a farmer in Townsend township. He was born January 22, 1843, in Earith, England, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Leeden) Stacey. In the family were nine children and when the father decided to come to America he had only money enough to pay his own passage and that of two of the children. Crossing the Atlantic he first settled at Lockport, New York, where he eagerly .availed himself of any opportunity to earn an honest living. As fast as he could accumulate a sufficient sum of money he would send for the other members of his family and after all had arrived in the new world the family removed to Norwalk, Ohio, in 1854, with the exception of the eldest son who was the last of the household to come to America and who remained in New York when the others sought a home in this state. The father became a farmer of Huron county and in the tilling of the soil provided a living for those dependent upon him. Owing to the limited financial resources of his parents Charles Stacey early engaged in whatever work there was to do upon the home place and also worked 374 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY on neighboring farms. He was educated partly in England, partly at Lock New York, and completed his course in the public schools of Huron county. When hostile feelings between the north and south terminated in civil war and the president issued his call for men to crush out the rebellion in the south. Charles Stacey, on the 13th of September, 1861, offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of Company D, Fifty-fifth regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. This command was attached to the army of the Potomac until after the battle of Gettysburg and participated in a number of hotly contested engagements. At Gettysburg the regiment was suffering from the firing of sharpshooters and Mr. Stacey volunteered to go beyond the lines as a sharpshooter and if possible locate the sharpshooters of the enemy. It was a perilous undertaking and he was constantly in danger from the balls of expert riflemen. who were coolly picking off their men one by one. He was finally successful. however, in silencing the shots from the sharpshooters in the Confederate line, maintaining his perilous position for four hours. In recognition of this service congress awarded him a medal of honor for conspicuous heroism displayed during the battle. Well may he prize this award highly. He never faltered in the performance of any duty, no matter how hazardous but with unflinching loyalty stood by his guns and fortunately escaped all injury during his strenuous service. Every one of his bunk-mates with the exception of one was either killed or wounded in the engagement. After the battle of Gettysburg the fifty- fifth Ohio Regiment was transferred to the army of the Cumberland. On the night of July 2, 1863, following the second day of the battle of Gettysburg, Mr. Stacey was taken prisoner with a detail of seven men of Company D, who had been sent to charge upon a barn from which some of the Confederate sharpshooters were firing. While 'executing this command the Union detail was surrounded and the men were taken prisoners. They were sent to Richmond, Virginia, and spent two days in Libby prison, after which they were transferred to Belle Isle. Their incarceration continued for eighty-nine days after which they were paroled and sent to Annapolis, while subsequently they were sent to Camp Chase at Columbus to await exchange. Mr. Stacey rejoined his regiment on the 26th of June, 1864, when the troops were located at Kenesaw Mountain. The Fifty-fifth participated in a battle there and, he was in the thickest of the fight. He was also with his regiment in the Atlanta campaign and was at the front until April 12, 1866, making an actual service of four years, one month and seven days. On various occasions he received special mention for heroism and for conspicuous service and his record was one of value to the country and constitutes a chapter in his life history of which he has every reason to be proud. He has always maintained his interest in military affairs and is a member of Town- send Post No. 414, G. A. R., and has been post commander for a number of years. He has also served as adjutant of the post and that he, is popular with his comrades is shown in the fact that he has been made a delegate to the state and national encampments and has served as aid on the staff of several national commanders. He became a charter member of M. F. Wooster Post, No. 34, G. A. R.. of Norwalk, the first one organized in the county, but later he transferred his membership to Townsend Post. The first regimental battle-flags of the Fifty-fifth Ohio, presented by the ladies of Norwalk, are in possession of Mr. Stacey HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 375 and he gives them scrupulous care. His son, Charles L., was a soldier of the Spanish-American war, serving creditably in Company G, of the Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On leaving the army Mr. Stacey again came to Townsend township and on the 20th of October, 1866, he was married to Miss Lydia E. Sherman, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Sherman, and a representative of a family prominent and prosperous in the county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stacey have been born seven children : George E. ; Rose E , now the wife of R. D. Sly, of Clarksfield ; John W., of Wellington ; Sarah L., now the wife of W. E. Cronk ; Charles L., who has carried the rural mail out of Norwalk on route No. I ever since its establishment ten years ago ; Grace E., now Mrs. Thom A. Speck, of Norwalk ; and James C., also of Norwalk. All the members of the family are well located and are prosperous in business. There are twenty grand-children in the family and the record is remarkable as no death has ever occurred among children or grandchildren. Throughout his entire life Mr. Stacey has followed farming and has been very successful as the result of his close application and energy. He keeps in touch with modern methods of farming and everything about his place, present- ing a neat appearance, is indicative of the careful supervision and progressive spirit of the owner. In his political views Mr. Stacey is a republican and has been very active in the affairs of the township and county. In 1906 he was elected county infirmary director and has served Townsend township for three years in the office of trustee, while for a number of years he has been justice of the peace. He has likewise been on the township board of education for a number of years. He belongs to the Congressional Medal of Honor Legion, of Ohio, of which he is now commander. A stanch temperance advocate, he has been an active worker in his opposition to the use of intoxicants and in fact has ever been active in moveinents and measures to advance good morals and promote the public welfare. The poor and needy find in him a friend who makes generous contributions for their assistance. He does not hesitate to extend a helping hand where it is needed and in all of his life has manifested sterling traits of honorable, upright manhood. He has been especially interested in the improvement of public highways, in the erection of modern public buildings, and in the adoption of a progressive school system, and believes that taxation with a judicious expenditure of the public money is always justified. In short there is nothing narrow nor contracted about his nature. He looks at life from a broader standpoint than that of self and realizes the obligations of man to his fellowmen as a factor in human society. T. P. KELLOGG. T. P. Keltogg, one of the representative members of the Huron county bar, who is now filling the office of city auditor, was born in Norwalk, October 2, 1874. His father, T. H. Kellogg, was a native of Tompkins county, New York. Arriving in Huron county, Ohio, in early life he attended the old Norwalk 376 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Academy and after studying law in preparation for practice before courts he opened an office in Fairfield, this state, and entered upon the active work of the courts. In 1869 he removed to Norwalk where he continued in practice until 1903, figuring for many years as one of the prominent attorneys of the Huron county bar. In the year mentioned he went to Kansas City, where he engaged 'n journalistic work and later located in Pasadena, California, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1908 when he had reached the ripe old age of seventy-six years. He was very prominent in republican politics, his opinions carrying weight in the councils of the party. He possessed brilliant powers of oratory, being a logical, entertaining speaker, master of the art of rhetoric and ever forceful in the presentation of his thought. In the practice of law he was analytical, recognizing quickly the component elements of his case and so arranging them as to bring their combined weight upon the point which he desired to prove. He ranked for a long period as a leading attorney of the Huron county bar, served as city attorney, was also elected prosecuting attorney of the county and filled the office of justice of the peace and member of the city council. His labors in behalf of public progress were far-reaching and beneficial, for while he reached up to high ideals he ever utilized the practical methods at hand. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Frances Esther Penfield, was a native of Fairfield, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel Penfield, one of the first settlers of that locality, removing westward from Fairfield, Connecticut. Mrs. Kellogg also died in Pasadena, California, being called to her final rest in 1908 when seventy-four years of age. By her marriage she had become the mother of seven children, five sons and two daughters : Charles R,, Clara E., Frederick W., Robert J., Mary F. and Edward S. The other member of the family is T. P. Kellogg of this review, who is indebted to the public-school system of his native city for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and which fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. It was his intention to enter the journalistic field but owing to an accident he abandoned that idea. For several years he engaged in teaching school and was then called to public office, being elected city clerk in 1899. To that position he was reelected in 1901, so that his incumbency covered four years. In 1903 he was chosen by popular suffrage to the office of city auditor and was reelected in 1907 so that he is filling the position at the present time. His political endorsement is given to the republican party which finds in him a stalwart champion. While in office he gave his leisure time to the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1902. It was in 1895 that Mr. Kellogg was united in marriage to Miss Carlossie M. Pond, a daughter of A. A. and M. M. Pond, both old residents of Huron county. Two children graced this union, Marjorie F. and Raymond P. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg have many warm friends in Norwalk, having been lifelong residents of the county and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. Mr. Kellogg is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and other fraternal organizations. He has long been recognized as a leader in the ranks of the republican party and for three years has been president of the Norwalk McKinley Club. He has also served three years as vice president of the same HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 377 club. He is an efficient officer and a popular man whose geniality, deference for the opinions of others and kindly spirit have gained him a firm hold on the affection and regard of those with whom he has come in contact. THOMAS LAWRENCE. Thomas Lawrence, who has long been numbered among the most successful and energetic agriculturists of Bronson township, was born on the farm which he now owns and operates, his natal day being October 26, 1858. His parents, Alonzo and Lois (Morse) Lawrence, were both born in the year 1830. Captain Samuel Lawrence, the paternal great-grandfather of our subject, whose birth occurred in 1760, served throughout the entire period of the Revolutionary war as a commissioned officer. Thomas Lawrence, the paternal grandfather, became one of the pioneer residents of Huron county, Ohio, settling in Bronson town- ship in 1833. He taught school during the early days of the county's development, his labors proving no unimportant element in the progress of the community along intellectual lines. He was a native of South Salem, New York, his birth having there occurred in 1794. On the 27th of November, 1823, he wedded Miss Clemence Reynolds and subsequent to her demise was again married, on the 24th of May, 1831, his second union being with Miss Ada Bishop. For his third wife he chose Miss Drusilla Stone, the marriage ceremony taking place in 1844. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Lawrence of this review were Daniel and Lucy (Cleveland) Morse, the latter being a relative of Grover Cleveland. The parents of Mr. Lawrence are both deceased, the father passing away in 1904, while the mother was called to her final rest on the 10th of March, 1903. Unto this worthy couple were born four children, namely : Edwin, Thomas, Mary and Daniel. Thomas Lawrence has spent his entire life on the farm where his birth oc- curred and early gained practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil through the assistance which he rendered his father in the work of the fields. The old homestead farm, comprising one hundred and fifty-four acres of rich and productive land in Bronson township, is now in his possession and in its cultivation he has gained a most gratifying measure of prosperity, annually harvesting good crops, for which he finds a ready sale on the market. On the 25th of February, 1883, Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage to Miss Ella Farrar, who was born on the 26th of September, 1863, her parents being Allen and Hannah (Goodlin) Farrar, natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Farrar reared a family of three children : Stella, Alonzo and Ella. Unto Mr. Lawrence and his wife have been born three children, as follows: Blanche, whose birth occurred October 8, 1886, and who is now the wife of Edwin McPherson ; Bertha, who was born July 1, 1894 ; and Leland, who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 12th of January, 1898. Mr. Lawrence has always given stalwart strpport to the men and measures of the republican party and in the capacity of school director has done effective service for the cause of education. He was also at one time the capable incumbent 378 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY in the position of postmaster at Olena. Both he and his wife belong to the Presbyterian church and are highly esteemed throughout this locality as people of genuine personal worth and sterling traits of character, having gained the confidence and regard of all with whom they have come in contact. As a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family Mr. Lawrence is well entited to mention in this volume and it is with pleasure that we present the record of his life to our readers. HENRY T. PECK. The name of Henry T. Peck will be recognized by intelligent readers of this volume as worthy of mention among the better class of agriculturists in the county. He resides on the old Peck homestead in Wakeman township. Mr Peck was born February 22, 1858, his parents being Henry T. and Abigail (Haskins) Peck, the father coming from Connecticut, and the mother from Massa. chusetts. They were early settlers in the virgin forest of Huron county, and met and conquered all the dragons of the pioneer times. They were thrifty, and, using their earnings for investment, finally became large land owners in the county, having some six hundred acres. In their family were thirteen children, who grew to maturity, as follows: Warren, Atlanta, Byron, Julia, Adelbert, Royal, Lavinia, Edward, W ilmer, Virgil, Everett, Henry T. and Alice. Of these four are deceased: Adelbert, Edward, Lavinia and William. Edward was killed at the battle of Shiloh. It is remembered of the father of this family that he was of sturdy character, firm in his convictions of the right as he saw them and brave to maintain them. His home was one of the stations on the underground railroad, and many a black face shone with gratitude for the helping hand extended during those perilous times. He was one of the founders of the Episcopal church in Wakeman and in many other ways stamped his impress upon the history of his township. He died in 1883, aged seventy-two years, his wife surviving until August, 1903, reaching the ripe age of ninety-one years. Henry T. Peck was reared to farm life and secured a fair education in the schools of the home community and at Wakeman high school. At the age of twenty-one, he traveled extensively through the west for three years, but finally returned and took up the life of a farmer in his home district. After his marriage, he bought the old homestead, which he has since cultivated, adding many new features and improvements. He "runs to sheep," for the most part, though he also raises many fine horses. The homestead comprises one hundred and ten acres, all of which is kept under cultivation. Mr. Peck also owns some town property as an investment. His marriage certificate bears date of October 14, 1878, the other contracting party having been Miss Mary Diggins, a daughter of Martin and Sarah Diggins. The birth of three children blessed this union : Clayton H., Marion and Gertrude. Henry T. Peck is known as a man of fine public spirit, entering into various projects for the betterment of society and government with enthusiastic zeal. He has served several terms as township trustee, has been a member at different 379 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. HENRY T. PECK 380 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 381 times of the school board. He is an active republican and for years and is at present a member of the township board of elections. He has attended the different conventions of his party as a delegate many times, when the influence of his personality has been wielded for sane and safe measures. He and his family affiliate with the Congregational church and are active in its work and support liberally its enterprises. Take him all in all, no truer citizen can be found in Huron county. ROBERT MARCH. Robert March, who throughout his active business career has been successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits, is the owner of an excellent farm of thirty-six acres in Peru township. His birth occurred in Germany on the 4th of November, 1842, his parents being Joseph and Anna (Phillips) March. In 1852 they set sail for the United States and after a voyage of forty-two days reached New York city, where they remained for about a year. Subsequently the family home was established in Peru township, Huron county, Ohio, where the sons purchased a tract of land of eight acres, on which stood a log house. Here the parents spent their remaining days, the father passing away in 1866 when fifty-eight years of age, while the mother's demise occurred in 1879, when she had attained the age of sixty-five years. Their children were twelve in number, as follows : Ralph, who is now deceased ; Pauline, the deceased wife of Herman Longyear ; Burkhart, who participated in the Civil war as a member of Company G, Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died at the Soldiers' home at Sandusky ; Gertrude, the widow of Nicholas Hophefecker ; Thaddeus, a resident of Norwalk, Ohio ; Henrietta, who is the wife of David Bauman and makes her home in Huron county ; Robert, of this review ; Tracy, living in Peru township, who wedded Julius Link ; John, who lives at Fostoria, Ohio ; Stella, the wife of Andrew Itesman and two who died in infancy. Robert March obtained his education in the district schools and since the age of twelve years has made his home continuously in Peru township. In February, 1864, he enlisted as a soldier of the Union army, becoming a member of Company A, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment went to Camp Chase and was then sent to Virginia and participated in a number of skirmishes. Mr. March was mustered out on the 2d of September, 1865, and returned home with a most creditable military record, having never faltered in the performance of any task assigned him. The farm of thirty-six acres which he now owns and operates has been his place of residence for about fifty-four years and in the conduct of his agricultural interests he has won a well deserved and creditable degree of success. He has erected a commodious and attractive residence, as well as substantial barn and other outbuildings and the air of neatness and thrift which pervades the place indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. On the 13th of January, 1874, Mr. March was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Hertzman, a native of Germany, who was brought to the United States 382 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY by her parents, Anthony and Lena Hertztnan, when two years of age. The family located in Seneca county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. March have been horn eight children, namely : Carolina, who has passed away ; Charles, living at Norwalk, Ohio, who wedded Miss Lizzie Rustein, by whom he has three daughters ; Mary, also a resident of Norwalk, who gave her hand in marriage to William Longyear, by whom she has one son, Albert ; Rose, living at Norwalk, is the wife of Frank Blendsley and has three children, Walter, Clifford and Irene; Lizzie, a resident of Monroeville, is the wife of Charles Lord, by whom she has three children, Harold, Rose and Edna ; William, who likewise makes his home at Norwalk ; Tillie, living at Monroeville, who is the wife of George Palding, by whom she has one child, Gilbert ; and one who died in infancy. In his political views Mr. March is a stanch republican and has capably served his fellow townsmen in the positions of school director and road supervisor. In religious faith he is a Catholic and belongs to the church of that denomination at Monroeville. His genuine personal worth and many sterling traits of character have gained him the friendship and regard of those with whom he has been associated, and in matters of citizenship he is as loyal to his adopted country as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. GEORGE E. CANFIELD. George E. Canfield, farmer and oil operative of Wakeman township is a worthy descendant of one of the pioneer families of the county, his wife also claiming distinction in that respect, the Shermans having been equally well and favorably known in the days of "auld lang syne." They live in one of the most lovely of the fine farm homes familiar to Huron county residents—supplied with all the modern conveniences and comforts, and with choice books, music and flowers, and a congenial and refined atmosphere pervading it all—a place where intimate friend and partial stranger alike love to linger. George E. Canfield's nativity lies right where he now lives, the date having been April 8, 1849. His farm is the first one owned by his father, Calvert C. Canfield, of splendid reputation among the older residents of the county. An elder brother of George E. is treated elsewhere in this volume, and the reader is referred to his sketch for further family data. George E. Canfield was the youngest of the family. He was liberally educated, passing from the public schools to Oberlin College and Berlin Heights Academy. In the interim of his school life, he learned uncle; the master hand of his father to cultivate the old homestead, and thus at age found himself competent to handle all the problems of farm life. He was married in the year of his majority, October 11, 1870, to Miss Florence G. Sherman, a daughter of John and Julia (Beecher). Sherman. They were farmers of Wakeman township, their ancestry hailing from Bridgewater, Connecticut, and .settling in Huron about 1818. Mrs. Canfield's mother ded in young womanhood, she being her only child, and John Sherman marred a second time. He died in 1890, full of years, respected by all. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 383 To Mr. and Mrs. Canfield have been born two children, the elder of whom. Mary E., born February 26, 1874, died May 20, 1875. The younger, also named Mary E., born June 11, 1876, is now the wife of Earl H. Jaynes, an attorney of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Canfield brought his Wife, at marriage, direct to the home roof and here they have since lived. There are one hundred and one acres in the old homestead, fine and fair to look upon. Indeed it is kept more like a park, with its private golf links, and splendid, tiled fields. In connection with his farming interests, Mr. Canfield has, of late years, in company with his brother-in- law, John M. Sherman, operated in oil at Fremont, Ohio, and quite successfully. A republican in politics, he casts an intelligent vote, but eschews office. He and his family are active workers in the Congregational church and Sunday school, of which he has been a trustee for fifteen years. Their home, open to a host of refined and cultured friends from city and countryside, Mr. and Mrs. Canfield wield a powerful influence for good throughout Huron county. W. E. GILL, M. D. As a citizen as well as a physician, Dr. Gill takes high rank in Norwalk. He was born in Ridgeville, Huron county, August 16, 1855. His father, Edward Gill, was born on the Isle of Man and when twenty-five years of age crossed the Atlantic to the new world, establishing his home in this county. He was a ship carpenter by trade and a fine mechanic, but after taking up his abode in Ohio his attention was turned to general farming, which he followed just across the line in Erie county. He married Miss Esther Young, a daughter of Lazarus Young and a native of Huron county. It was after the birth of their son, Dr. Gill, that the parents removed to Erie county, where the father continuously engaged in farming until his life's labors were ended in death in 1899. His family numbered four sons and six daughters, who were a credit and honor to his name. Dr. Gill supplemented his early education acquired in the district schools by study in the high school of Monroeville, and also in the Ohio State Univer- sity at Athens. His literary training therefore proved an excellent foundation upon which to build the superstructure of his professional knowledge. He entered upon the study of medicine under the direction of Doctors Maguire and Morrell, old and prominent physicians of Norwalk, and later was graduated from the Pulte Medical College, of Cincinnati, with the class of 1876. He at once located in Norwalk for the practice of his profession and has since m7intained his office here. Throughout the entire time he has lived in the same locality and is one of the best known citizens of the county. Following his graduation he practiced for some time in partnership with his old preceptor, Dr. Morrell, and has since been alone:. He is widely recognized as a physician of marked ability and of thorough understanding of the scientific principles of the profession. He has ever kept abreast with the trend of modern thought, research and investigation, and while he is not hasty in discrediting the old and time-tried methods of practice, at the same time he quickly takes up any new idea which he believes will prove of practical value in his chosen life work. 384 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY In 1879 Dr. Gill was married to Miss Sarah A. Cline, a daughter of John Cline, one of the pioneer residents of this city. They now have one son, Robert Cline, who was born November 17, 1888. Dr. Gill is a prominent Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite. He is most highly respected as a citizen and one whose efforts in behalf of public progress have been valuable elements in its welfare and upbuilding. He has cooperated in many movements that have been beneficial to both the city and county and in all of his citizenship manifests a most patriotic spirit. In professional lines he is connected with the Huron County Medical Society, of which he is the secretary, and with the Ohio State Medical Society. Anything which tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life is of interest to him, and his ability and devotion to his professional work have long been recognized and have won him honorable success. NORMAN A. BARNES. Norman A. Barnes, the owner of considerable property in the town of Bellevue, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, June 28, 1824, the son of Norman and Sybel (Parker) Barnes, both of whom lived in that county until their death, which occurred in the case of the father in 1838, when he was but forty-seven years of age. The mother, on the other hand lived to the advanced age of ninety-two, having known forty-five years of widowhood. The loneliness of these, however, was alleviated through the loving care of ten children, though but few of these exhibited the hardiness of life that distinguished her. Of this large family but one beside the subject of this sketch survives, James C., the fourth son. Those deceased are Walter S., Sylvester, Charles, Lucinda, Mamie, Jane, and two who did not live beyond the period of childhood. Norman A. Barnes, who was the eighth in this large family, spent the first nineteen years of his life in the county of his birth. From there he went to Lewis county, New York, where he learned the trade of harnessmaker and lived for two years. In 1845 he came west to Ohio, pursuing his trade in various cities of the state, such as Dayton, Cincinnati, and others, until in 1849, when he came to Bellevue. Here he started in the harness business on Main street, and though he was more than moderately successful, his health began to fail him after four years' application and he gave it up. He then commenced buying and selling live stock, seeking a market in New York and other cities in the east. For upwards of forty years he was engaged in this business, changing his methods with the changes that passed over the country during all those years, for when he first commenced dealing in live stock, he was wont to go on horseback over the country_ to any place he heard that fine animals were to be procured. When he retired from active participation in the business, the life of a stockman had become in many particulars a less strenuous one. On the 10th of October, 185o, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. Sloane, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Skinner) Sloane, who were born August 18, 1786, and January 13, 1792, respectively. Their birth fol- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 385 lowed shortly upon the permanent establishment of the federal government, and their deaths, the father's occurring November 4, 185o, the mother's, March 13, 1862, antedated by but a few years the great struggle for this same govern- ment's preservation. Mr. Sloane was a native of Vermont and his wife of New Hampshire. Their union was blessed with nine children, all of whom but Mrs. Barnes. the youngest, have passed away. The others were Flavilla, Annetta, Elvira, Lucinda, Joseph, William, Sirenus and Elizabeth. Mrs. Barnes was born in York, Livingston county, New York, on the 22d of January, 1828, and was the mother of two children, both of whom she survives. Ella F., who was born October 16, 1851, died February 1, 1900 ; and Julia F., born July 2, 1853, died in September the year following. Fraternally Mr. Barnes is connected with the Masons, and has the distinction of being the oldest member of the Bellevue Lodge, No. 273 A. F. & A. M. Some years ago he was presented with a fine knife, which is hereafter to descend and to be the property of the oldest member. From 1866, Mr. Barnes dates his affiliation with the organization, and during that time was chaplain of the blue lodge, and counsellor for ten years. In politics he gives his allegiance to the republican party and has served as councilman of his town for a number of years as the choice of his party. In the Congregational church, of which he has been a member for sixty-two years, he has held the honorable position of deacon for a long time. In short, he is a man who in the many years he has made Belevue his home, has ever stood for its advancement and stability. He is well known, and the reputation which has spread abroad concerning him is one that might be a credit to any man. There are but few who can boast that they have lived five years past a half-century in the same house. FRANK J. WALTER. Frank J. Walter is the owner of a finely improved farm of seventy acres in Ridgefield township, where he successfully and energetically carries on his agricultural mterests. His birth occurred in Peru township, Huron county, on the 28th of March, 1857, his parents being Joseph and Biligaldas (Snyder) Walter, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany. The former, who was born in 1825, was but six years of age when he made the voyage to the United States with his father, Frantz Walter, who was engaged in the butchering business in this county at an early day, supplying meat for the men employed on the construction of the Lake Shore Railroad. This venture did not prove profitable, however, as he lost considerable money tI4ough a dishonest foreman. Joseph Walter, the father of our subject, obtained his early education in the district schools and was identified with agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. He purchased his farm from Christ Duffner and as the years went by made many substantial improvements On the property, erecting a commodious and attractive residence as well as good barns and outbuildings. He capably served in the position of township trustee for a number of years and was a communicant of the Catholic church at Monroeville, in the faith of which 386 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY he passed away in 1907. His wife, whose birth had occurred in 1829, was called to her final rest in 1899. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, namely: Dennis, who is deceased ; Frank J., of this review ; William ; Emma, who has also passed away; Jennie, who is the widow of Henry Zipfel and resides w Monroeville, Ohio ; and Adolph. Frank J. Walter supplemented his preliminary education, acquired in the district schools, by a course of study at Notre Dame and since putting aside hi, text-books has given his time and energies in undivided manner to the work of the fields. As before stated, his farm comprises seventy acres of productive land in Ridgefield township, which he purchased from his father's estate. Ht• is a thorough student of the scientific methods of farming and has adopted al' that is progressive in that line. This, together with his untiring industry and unremitting energy, has made him one of the prosperous and representative agriculturists, as well as substantial citizens, of his native county. In the spring of 1894 Mr. Walter was united in marriage to Miss Sandie Spohrer, a daughter of Joseph and Tracy Spohrer, who were natives of Ger many and became residents of Huron county, Ohio. on their emigration to tilt new world. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Walter have been born two children, Adela and Albert, both at home. Mr. Walter is a devoted and faithful member of the Catholic church. He has been a resident of this county throughout his emir, life and that his career has ever been an upright and honorable one is indicate! by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers. DANIEL E. SHEDD. It is but proper that the name of Daniel E. Shedd should be mentioned in this volume in connection with the honored dead of Huron county, for he was for many years one of the progressive and public spirited men of Norwalk township, where he was engaged in farming pursuits. He was a native of this county, born in Peru township, February 23, 1839, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Shedd. The former was a native of New York state and was a Minute Man in the Revolutionary war. Daniel E. Shedd, whose name introduces this record, was reared in Huron county and started out in the business world as a railroad employe, acting as conductor on a train for nine years. In 1874, however, he purchased a farm of seventy-five acres in Norwalk township, which he operated during the remainder of his active business career, or until his death, which occurred June 14, 1896, and this property is still in possession of his widow. In his work Mr. Shedd always displayed a most progressive spirit and in his undertakings met with success so that he was numbered among the county's substantial farmers and public spirited men. It was on the 1st of January, 1863, that Mr. Shedd was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Jane Standish, who was born April 4, 1841, in North Fairfield, Huron county. Her paternal grandfather was Peleg Standish, who was born in New York. Her father, Zachariah Standish, was a farmer by occu- 387 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. D. E. SHEDD 388 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 389 pation and is now deceased. He was a direct descendant of Miles Standish, a renowned military leader and the subject of Longfellow's celebrated poem entitled The Courtship of Miles Standish. Zachariah Standish wedded Miss Lucy Smith, a daughter of Aaron and Esther Smith, residents of North Fairfield, Huron county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shedd was blessed with two sons and one daughter. Edward D., the eldest, wedded Miss Alice House, of Norwalk, a daughter of Hiram K. House, who once served as mayor of that city. Their chil- dren, three in number, are Charles G., Earl and Mary E. Charles S., the next member of the Shedd family, is with his mother on the home farm, which he is operating. Maisie, the only daughter, is the wife of Albert B. Kitting-er, a resi- dent of East Townsend, Huron county, and they have one son, Clair Shedd Kit- finger, who was born in 1898. All the children were accorded liberal educational advantages, completing their studies in the Norwalk schools. Mr. Shedd was identified with the agricultural life of this section of the state for almost a quarter of a century and during this time took a deep interest in the advancement and progress that was made in this direction. He led a busy, useful life, was honorable in all business dealings, considerate of the welfare of his family, and thus his death, which occurred June 14, 1896, when he had reached the age of fifty-seven years, was mourned not only by the members of his own household but as well by a host of warm and admiring friends. CHARLES GODFRED. Charles Godfred, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Bronson township, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1837, a son of Philip and Barbara (Herd) Godfred. When but a small babe he was brought to this country by his pareats, the family home being established in Huron county, Ohio. The brothers and sisters of our subject are as follows : Philip, Adam, Jacob, Peter, Louis, Harriett, Minnie and Caroline. In early manhood Charles. Godfred was employed for six years as the traveling representative of a firm dealing in agricultural implements and like wise held a position as bookkeeper in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He worked in various capacities in different parts of the country but since the time of his marriage has devoted. his attention to general agricultural pursuits and still lives on his farm in Bronson township. By reason of his persistent and unflagging energy, guided by sound judgment, he has won a creditable and commendable measure of prosperity in his undertakings and has gained wide and favorable recognition as a substantial, representative and respected citizen of his community. He can read and speak German, French and English and is well educated in these languages. In 1872, Mr. Godf red was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Brandt, a native of Ohio aud a daughter of Casper and Mary Brandt, who came to this state from Switzerland. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Godfred have been born the following children : Henry C., Frank, Ralph, Louisa and Laura. The parents are consistent and faithful members of the German Reformed church and are highly 390 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY esteemed as people of genuine personal worth and upright, honorabe lives. Though Mr. Godfred has now passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, in spirit and interests he seems yet in his prime and his active and useful career has made him well worthy the respect and regard which are uniformly accorded him. ALBERT C. WILLIAMS Albert C. Williams, a representative and prosperous agriculturist of Lyme township, owning a valuable farm of ninety-one acres, has continuously lived on this place from his birth to the present time, his natal day being April 5, 1837. His parents were C. C. and Mary Williams, the former born May 15, 1796, and the latter on the 22d of August, 1795. In the year of 1834. they made their way from Orange, New Jersey, to Lyme township, Huron county, the father purchasing the farm which is now the property of his son, Albert C. He was successfully identified with agricultural interests throughout his active business career and remained a worthy and respected resident of the community until called to his final rest on the 15th of June, 1862. His wife, surviving him for a number of years, passed away December 23, 1887, in her ninety-third year, in the faith of the Episcopal church, with which Mr. Williams was also affiliated. Unto this worthy couple were born nine children. Sarah E., whose birth occurred January 27, 1823, died on the 25th of January, 1890. Abraham, born August 4, 1824, passed away September 24, 1824. Phoebe Harriet, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 27th of October, 1825, was called to her home beyond on the 8th of April, 1907. Abraham W., who was born January 6, 1828, met death on the 16th of August, 1844, being kicked by a horse. Mary Frances, born May 6, 183o, passed away on the 28th of October, 1889. Caleb Dayton, whose birth occurred April 6, 1832, did active duty in the Union army as first lieutenant of Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in the service on the 18th of July, 1864. Benjamin Heber, born May 13, 1834, likewise laid down his life on the altar of his country, being kiled while serving as a private of Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Albert C., of this review, is the next in order of birth. Charles H., who was born December 9, 1840, passed away on the '9th of November, 1890. Albert C. Williams attended the district schools in pursuit of an education and early in life also became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, for he assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm. On attaining man's estate he chose as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared and in his farming operations has met with that measure of prosperity which is ever the reward of persistent and untiring labor when guided by sound judgment and keen discrimination. On the 5th of December, 1866, Mr. Williams was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Frith, whose birth occurred in Lyme township, December 10, 1843, her parents being George and Elizabeth Ann Frith, who were natives of London, HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 391 England, and in 1834 established their home in Lyme township, Huron county, Ohio. Unto Mr: and Mrs. Williams have been born six children. Gertrude E. and Benjamin H., who reside at home, are engaged in the conduct of a dairy, Herbert F., living in Lyme township, wedded Miss Mary Southworth, by whom he has one child, Albert F. Dayton A., who married Miss Julia Cavanaugh, makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. Alice F., is the wife of Dr. Rufus Southworth and has two children, Edward and Elizabeth Ann, twins. They reside at Glendale, Hamilton county, Ohio. Harold B. is a resident of Tacoma, Washington. In his political views Mr. Williams is a stalwart and inflexible republican and has capably served his fellow townsmen in various positions of public trust and responsibility. He was township trustee for four years, acted as county commissioner from 1873 until 1882 and has also been a member of the school board, ever discharging his official duties in a prompt and efficient manner. He is a life-long member of the Episcopal church at Monroeville and for twenty years has been its senior warden. Having spent their entire lives in this county, both he and his wife are widely and favorably known within its borders, while their, many excellent traits of character have gained them the respect and esteem of all with whom they have been associated. W. H. SATTIG. On the rester of capable and loyal public officials in Huron county appears the .name of W. H. Sattig, one of the native sons of Norwalk township, his birth having there occurred an the uth of September, 1861. His father, Martin Sattig, was a native of Alsace, Germany, born in 1811, and the year 1826 witnessed his arrival in Norwalk township. After a brief period, he removed to Ashland county, Ohio,. where he lived for a year and then went to St. Louis, where he remained for three years. On the expiration of that period he re- turned to Norwalk and after a short time passed in the city gave his attention to farming interests, which he followed about two miles from the county seat. There he lived until 1887, when he removed to the town, continuing to make it his place of residence until he was called to his final home in 1895. He was a man greatly respected because of his genuine personal worth, his good qualities winning him warm friendships wherever he was known. He married a Miss Humm, a native of France, and they became the parents of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, all born in the same house in Norwalk township Eight of this number are still residents of Huron county. W. H. Sattig acquired his early education in the country schools and afterward attended Milan Academy. He crossed the threshold of the business world as an employee of the Lake Shore Railroad Company, with which he continued until 1890, when he became night policeman in Norwalk. On his retirement from that position he spent five years in the employ of the Chase Piano Company, after which he was again called to public office, serving as marshal of the city for two terms. He had previously learned the carpenter's trade in his youth 392 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY and after the expiration of his term as marshal he again took up work along that line. He also engaged in farming until he was elected sheriff of the county in 1907. He is the first democrat ever chosen to the office and in his election overcame a normal republican majority of fifteen to eighteen hundred, being eected by nearly seven hundred votes ahead of his opponent, which indicates his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. In 1884 Mr. Sattig was married to Miss Lena A. Meyers, a daughter of Jacob Meyers, one of the well known pioneer residents of Norwalk township. They now have one daughter, Emma W. Mr. Sattig is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Knights of the Maccabees. He is familiarly known throughout the county as "Hank" Sattig. What is more pleasing than a nickname ? It indicates close friendship and kindly regard, congenial companionship and attractive social qualities. All these are characteristic of Mr. Sattig, who has been a life-long resident of Huron county and in his official and business relations has made a creditable record. More than eight decades have passed since the family was first established in this part of the state and in the intervening years the representatives of the name have borne a commendable share in the work of general improvement and progress here. MELVIN J. HURST. Melvin J. Hurst, a prominent farmer of Wakeman township and a representative of one of the pioneer families of the county, was born in Camden, Lorain county, Ohio, May 18, 1864. His parents, John and Mary (Longeway) Hurst, were natives of Quebec, Canada, where they resided until 1854, when they came to the United States and settled in Lorain county. There in a prosperous farming country they took up their residence with the pioneers, becoming one of them, not only by long residence, but by the substantial qualities of good citizenship.. For sixteen years the father engaged in farming in Lorain county, when he moved his family to Wakeman, where they have since resided. There were four children in the family : Pamelia, Noble G., Margaret and Melvin J., all of whom are living except Pamelia. The father died in October, 1892, and the mother May 29, 1907. The three deceased members of the family lie in Wakeman cemetery. Melvin J. Hurst, the youngest son, who forms the immediate subject of this review, was educated in the public schools of Wakeman. This schooling, together with the experimental knowledge acquired during his youth, as assistant in the general farm work, laid the foundation of his present prosperity. On January 4, 1890, Mr. Hurst married Miss 'Jennie Beecher, a daughter of Horace and Fannie (Pierce) Beecher. Both the Pierce and Beecher families were among the very early pioneers of Huron county and were prominent in the development which followed. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hurst eight children were born, seven sons and a daughter : Horace B., John M., Lynn M., Helen M., Harold W., Kenneth, Elten and Charles W., all living at home. After marriage Mr. Hurst farmed in another part of the county until 1893, when he re- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 393 moved to the old homestead in the central part of Wakeman township, where he has since resided. His specialty is general and systematic farming, though he raises stock to some extent. He has a farm of one hundred and seven acres and the yield per acre is unusually large under his skillful management. Few farms in the township equal it in productive values. Mr. Hurst exhibits fine public spirit and is always interested in the affairs of his county. He served a period of three year as trustee of his township. In politics he is a stanch republican, one of the stand-patters, but he takes only such part in the affairs of his party as is consistent with good citizenship, not caring for office. His beliefs are embodied in public improvements, good roads, best of educational advantages, and he insists on an honest expenditure of the public money. Socially Mr. Hurst is a member of the Maccabees, and in Christian work the Congregational church claims his family's allegiance, the whole family being active workers in that organization. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hurst believe in higher education and the younger members of the family will be given the best. The home itself represents the character and thoughts of the family, being well sup- plied with good standard and current literature and bearing every evidence of its refining influence. JOHN C. RANSOM. John C. Ransom,-who for more than six decades was numbered among the most prominent and respected residents of Huron county, was born in Lyme. Connecticut, on the 11th of August, 1819, and passed away June 4, 1903, when he had attained the age of eighty-three years, nine months and twenty-four days. His parents were Captain Judah and Nancy M. Ransom. The father was one of the pioneers of modern navigation on the great chain of lakes, having been the first navigator who sailed to the upper lakes and returned. Those of the early settlers of this county who still survive, well remember the fatal voyage of the "Helen Marx" in 1840. The boat left Sandusky in November with a cargo of wheat and was wrecked at Point Abino, twenty miles from Buffalo, carrying to a watery grave her heroic commander, Captain Judah Ransom, and his entire crew. Captain Ransom's widow and her children were left to fight the battles incident to life in the Firelands in those early days, the Captain having acquired several hundred acres of land in Hartland township, Huron county, Ohio. The children were three in number, as follows : Elizabeth D., Charles H. and John C. The last named took up his abode in Hartland township in 1842, and by his well directed and unremitting efforts transformed a timber tract into a productive farm and beautiful home. Surrounded, as we are in this day, with highly developed farms and attractive and palatial residences, it is difficult for those who are enjoying the fruits of the labor of those sturdy pioneer farmers who wrought this mighty change, to appreciate the task of the transforming hand. Coming from stanch New England stock, Mr. Ransom inherited all those noble 394 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY qualities with which the Puritan was endowed, thus fitting him for the bardships he was called upon to endure. Success eventually crowned his labors and he became one of the most prosperous and influential residents of the county. He owned about one thousand two hundred and forty acres of valuable land and also had other financial interests. In 1844 Mr. Ransom was united in marriage to Miss Gitty Ann Johnson, whose birth occurred December 28, 1823 in Middlesex county, New Jersey, her parents being William and Lydia Johnson, natives of the state of New Jersey. In 1835 they made their way to Hartland township, this county, becoming prominent factors in the pioneer development and upbuilding of the community. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ransom were born four children, the record of whom is as follows. George W., a resident of Wellington, Ohio, married Miss Olive C. Case, a daughter of Charles and Emeline Case, of Clarksfield township. They have one daughter, Anna E., now the wife of Frederick Frazier, of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Mary C. Ransom and her brother, Charles J., both reside on the old homestead in Hartland township. John H., the second member of the family, is deceased, having been called to his final rest on the 22d of February, 1899. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Ann Snyder, was a daughter of Benjamin F. and Mary (Biddinger) Snyder, of Ashland county, Ohio. She still survives her husband and the two daughters of her marriage are also yet living. They are: Lena M., the wife of Holland S. Donaldson, of Cleveland ; and Mary I., who is the wife of Clifton D. Tucker, of Los Angeles, California. The death of Mrs. Gitty Ann Ransom, the wife of John C. Ransom, occurred on the 9th of March, 1892, about eleven years prior to the demise of her husband. Mr. Ransom exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party but, though a man of strong political convictions, he had no desire for the honors and emoluments of office, for he was quiet and retiring in disposition and preferred the seclusion of his own pleasant home to the glamour of publicity. He was deprived of educational advantages in his youthful years but had such an inherent fondness for books that he easily overcame this lack of early mental training and in later years became recognized as a widely informed and well educated man. Honorable in business, loyal in citizenship, charitable in thought, kindly in action, true to every trust confided to his care, he commanded the respect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. As before stated, his son and daughter, Mary C. and Charles J., now live on the old family homestead in Hartland township celebrated for its attractive surroundings as well as for its hospitable and refined atmosphere. S. H. COOK. S. H. Cook, a well known business man of Bellevue, Ohio, was born in Seneca county, New York, October 22, 1844, the son of Elihu and Lorinda (Hall) Cook. The mother died there two years after the birth of this son, at the early age of twenty-eight, and the father subsequently came to Ohio, settling in Huron county. He lived here but a short time, when he removed to Republic, Seneca county, Ohio, 395 - PHOTO OF S. H. COOK 396 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 397 where he made his home for some five years. From there he went to Michigan, and in Clinton county, that state, his death occurred in 1861, at the age of forty-six. By his first marriage Mr. Cook had two sons Artemus, who lives in St. Louis, Michigan ; and S. H. Cook, our subject. By his second marriage, his wife being Miss Magdalena Burbick, he had two more children: William, who lives at College Place, Washington ; and Elihu, whose home is in Bay City, Michigan. S, H. Cook lived in Michigan some few months after his father's death and then came to Bellevue, where he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the First Piatt Zouaves. His experiences m the war of the Rebellion were numerous and the list of his campaigns, which is a long one, may be summarized as follows : he enlisted at Flat Rock, Ohio, August 22, 1862, joined regiment at Point Pleasant, Virginia, in September ; participated in battle of Buf- falo Gap, West Virginia, September 27, 1862 ; Manassas Gap, Virginia, Novem- ber 5, 1862 ; Wytheville, Virginia, July 17, 1863 ; Averills raid through West Virginia, August 25th to the 30th, 1863 ; Princeton, West Virginia, May 6, 1863 ; Cloyd Mountain, Virginia, May 9, 1864 ; Cove Mountain, Virginia, May 9th and l0th, 1864 ; New River, Virginia, May 10, 1864 ; Salt Pond Mountain, June 1, 1864 ; Panthers Gap, West Virginia, June 3, 1864 ; Piedmont, Virginia, June 5, 1864 ; Buffalo Gap, West Virginia, June 6, 1864 ; Lexington, West Virginia, June loth and 11th, 1864 ; Buchanan, West Virginia, June 14, 1864; Otter Creek, Virginia, June 16, 1864 ; Lynchburg, Virginia, June 17th and 18th, 1864; Liberty, Virginia, June 20, 1864; Salem, Virginia, June 21, 1864 ; Monocacy, Maryland, July 9, 1864 ; Snickers Gap, Virginia, July 17, 1864 ; Snickers Ferry, Virginia, July 18, 1864 ; Winchester, Virginia, July 20, 1864 ; Kernstown, Virginia, July 23, 1864 ; Winchester, Virginia, July 24, 1864 ; Martinsburg, Virginia, July 25, 1864 ; Summit Point, Virginia, August 21, 1864; Halltown, Virginia, August 24- 26-27, 1864 ; Berryville, Virginia, September 3, 1864; Opequan, Virginia, September 19, 1864; Fishers Hill, Virginia, September 22, 1864; Strasburg, Virginia, October 9, 1864. Later he was sent to the hospital at Baltimore on the sick list, where he remained until discharged from the army, June 7, 1865. Upon returning from service he came to Bellevue, but remained there only two months, when he went to Michigan, which was the scene of his labors for about three years. From there he came again to Bellevue, where he has lived ever since. On the 2d of December, 1873, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Baughman, the daughter of Hieronymous Baughman, of Bellevue. Mr. Cook's old regiment chaplain performed the ceremony and blessed the couple, such being the wish of the man who endured so much on the field of battle when the Rev. Collier's words of counsel gave added courage. No children have been born of this marriage. In his youth Mr. Cook learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked for some time, and for a few years he served as a grocery clerk, but it is as the proprietor of a restaurant that he is best known, for he has been engaged in that business for the past twenty-five years. He has other commercial interests, for he is a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Bellevue Kraut Company. He belongs to the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic and in the company of his fellow soldiers revives the memories of those four years of fighting. His fraternal affiliations are with the Royal Arcanum, of which he 398 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY is a devoted member, and in Masonry he holds membership in the blue lodge, chapter and council. Mr. Cook is one of that rapidly diminishing body of men who are living examples of a militant patriotism. As an old soldier and for the qualities of noble manhood which he possesses, he is respected among those who know him. LOUIS GRINE. Louis Grine, the owner of a tract of land of one hundred and eighty acres in Peru township, devotes his attention to farming, which George Washington designated as "the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man." His birth occurred in Sherman township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 23d of January, 1869, his parents being Alois and Kathryn (Houch) Grine, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Peru township, this county. The father, whose birth occurred in. the year 1840;' set sail for the United States in 1861 and after landing on the shores of the new world, he came to Sherman township, this county, where he worked at carpentering for a number of years, having learned that trade in his native country. Subsequently he purchased eighteen acres of land in Sherman township and later bought more land in Peru township. Both he and his wife still survive and make their home in Sherman township, being well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth. His wife, who was born in Peru township on the 11th of November, 1846, was a daughter of Lawrence and Kathryn Houch, early settlers of this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Alois Grine were born nine children, as follows : Emma, who is the wife of August Miller and resides on a farm near Tiffin, Ohio; Louis, of this review ; Joseph, a resident of Buffalo, New York; Mary, living in Cleveland, Ohio ; Daniel, of Peru township ; Peter, who makes his home at Ellwood City, Pennsylvania ; George, who lives in Washington, near the Pacific coast ; Rose, who resides near Tiffin, Ohio ; and Edward, of Buffalo, New York. In the acquirement of an education Louis Grine attended the district and German schools of Sherman township and there continued to make his home until twenty-seven years of age, since which time he has resided in Peru township. In 1882, he bought from Eli Ellis the farm of one hundred and eighty acres which he now operates and the many substantial improvements which are seen on the property bespeak his thrift and enterprise. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and annually garners bounteous harvests as the result of his care and labor in the cultivation of the fields. On the 23d of January, 1900, Mr. Grine was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Fisher, a native of Sherman township and a daughter of George and Josephine (Setterly) Fisher, who were born in Germany, but are now residents of Sherman township. They reared a family of ten children, namely: George; Elizabeth ; Joseph, who is now deceased ; Marx ; Mary ; Carrie ; Rose ; Isabell, now Mrs. Grine ; William ; and Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Grine have no children of their own, but have an adopted son, George Eckert, whom they took from the Cleveland Home. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 399 In January, 1908, as a candidate of the democratic party, Mr. Grine was elected a township trustee and is therefore the present incumbent in that position. He likewise held the office of road supervisor in Sherman township for a number of years. Both he and his wife are faithful communicants of the Catholic church at Monroeville and have an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the county in which their entire lives have been spent. L. P. HENSINGER. L. P. Hensinger, mayor of Chicago Junction and also well known in connection with the business interests of the city, being now engaged in real estate dealing, was born in Indiana, August 4, 1863. His father, John Hensinger, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Seneca county, Ohio, with his parents, where they lived for a short time, a removal then being made to Allen county, Indiana, where the family became identified with general agricultural pursuits. In 1866, John Hensinger came again to Ohio and once more took up his abode in Seneca county. He became a prominent farmer, merchant and miller and is still in active business there. He celebrated his golden wedding in 1904, having been married in 1854 to Miss Catherine Newkirk, a native of Ohio. He is a very active man in both business and public affairs and his influence on the life of the community is a beneficial and far-reaching one. L. P. Hensinger was educated in the country schools of Huron county, where he obtained his diploma, after which he entered the milling business in connection with his father at West Lodi. There he continued for seven years when he came to Chicago Junction, arriving in 1893. Here he built and successfully operated a mill for seven years, after which he leased it and turned his attention to the grocery business, which he conducted until 1909, when he sold out and embarked in the real estate business. He now has an extensive clientage in this connection, handling town and farm property, and is doing a very extensive business throughout the southwest and Canada, while at the same time he is interested in property in Chicago. Junction. He is quite successful, displaying intelligent appreciation of opportunities and at all times keeping well informed concerning property values. in December, 1907, he was elected mayor of Chicago Junc- tion and is now filling the office, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration. He has also done other important public service, having been for two years a. member of the school hoard, while for two years he served on the city council and for two years was on the board of public service, his previous official duties well qualifying him for the mayoralty, and as chief executive of the city he has instituted various needed reforms and improvements. He has been a very active politician, and a strong testimonial of his popularity is the fact that he has always received a substantial majority in a republican district although he is a pronounced democrat. He ever has the courage of his convictions, fearlessly advocating any cause that he may espouse. In 1888, Mr: Hensinger was united in marriage to Miss Laura S. Norris, a native of Seneca county and a daughter of John T. and Elizabeth Norris. They