400 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY have six children: Alta B., Mabel M., Hazel B., Eula E., Delbert N. and Eva M. The family attend and support the Methodist church, of which Mr. Hensinger is a member. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. His life work has been characterized by continuous progress, whether in private or business affairs or in public service and the many substantial qualities that he has displayed, have won him the esteem, good will and confidence of all who know him. E. D. SACKETT. E. D. Sackett, engaged in the practice of law in Norwalk, was born near New London, in Huron county, Ohio, November 7, 1860, and is a representative of an old New England family. His father, D. R. Sackett, was born in Connecticut in the early '40s and, removing westward to Huron county, carried on the occupation of farming for a time, but after a brief period removed to New London, where he lived for many years. He was long connected with the business interests of the town and was a prominent and respected resident there. He served for some time as justice of the peace and was also elected mayor of the city. In 1893, he removed to Chicago, where he engaged in business for a number of years, but later went to the Pacific coast and is now a resident of California. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Jane Washburn, was born in Huron county, a daughter of James Washburn, who came to this section of the state at a time when he had to chop his way through the forests. His father, Joseph Washburn, was one of the very earliest pioneers of northern Ohio and the founder of the Washburn family which is now a numerous and influential one in the southeastern part of the county. The death of Mrs. Sackett occurred in 1892, when she was fifty-three years of age, ere the removal of her husband to Chicago. E. D. Sackett spent his early childhood under the parental roof; and the schools of Lebanon and Oberlin, Ohio, afforded him his educational privileges. When his literary course was completed, he took up the study of law and was graduated from the Michigan University at Ann Arbor in the class of 1884. He then practiced in Huron county until 1893, after which he went to Chicago to take charge of his father's business, for the father's health had failed. E. D. Sackett also practiced law in the city on the lake and after residing there for a time, went to San Diego, California, where he engaged in the practice of his profession for three years. In 1898, he returned to New London, where he opened a law office, but in 1900, he sought a broader field of labor by a removal to Norwalk, being engaged on the editorial staff of law publishing department of the Laning Company for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period, he took up active practice, which he carries on alone, and that his knowledge of the law is comprehensive and exact is manifest in the success which has attended him in the trial of his cases. Ernest effort, close application and the exercise of his native talents have won him prestige as a lawyer at a bar which has numbered many eminent men. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 401 In 1889, Mr. Sackett was married to Miss May Johnson, a daughter of Alvin Johnson, and a granddaughter of David Johnson, a prominent early citizen and one of the first sheriffs of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Sackett have one son, Victor, who was born February 24, 1891. Mr. Sackett is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge and also of the Macabbees tent. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and he is one of the active workers in its ranks, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party. He has served as secretary of the executive committee and is a good manager and organizer. He is widely and favorably known throughout this, his native county, and his salient characteristics are of that substantial character which everywhere win respect and regard. CHARLES A. RUSSELL. Charles A. Russell, proprietor of Maple Hill farm in Wakeman township, was born October 18, 1867, and is a native of the township in which he resides. He is a son of William H. and Emerette (Palmotier) Russell. The father was a native of Huron county and his grandfather, Isaac Russell, came from Scotland as a boy with his parents, who settled in Connecticut. At eighteen years of age Isaac came to Wakeman, where he was married first to a Miss Sisson, who lived but a year and was the mother of William H. Isaac Russell was a shoemaker in Birmingham,- Erie county, Ohio, for many years, but farmed after coming to Huron county. William H. Russell learned the cooper's trade and later engaging in the lumber business, at present resides in Shiloh, Richland county, a purchasing agent for a large lumber company. Charles A. Russell was educated in the Wakeman public schools, supplementing that knowledge by a term at an academy at Collins. He learned the trade of tinner, which he followed for five years, spending a like period of time as a clerk in a clothing store in Wakeman. In 1881, yielding to the call of the great west, he went to Lincoln, Nebraska, where, for two years, he worked on a stock ranch, with a shorter period in a store in the city. Returning to Wakeman in 1883, he again engaged in clerking, and put in some time at his trade. He then married and. settled down, clerking for two years, and then located on Maple Hill farm, .where he has since resided. This is one of the choice farms of Wakeman township, containing one hundred and seventy-five acres of splendidly improved land, with substantial and roomy buildings, all new and modern. His residence is lighted with acetylene and supplied with water throughout, as are also all the barns and stables. He engages in general farming, specializing in Merino-Delaine sheep, being both breeder and feeder. He has been very successful, handling large flocks at all times. Mr. Russell was married December 17, 1889, to Miss Bertha D. Rowland, a daughter of Samuel and Betsy (Wall) Rowland, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Russell as follows: Iona E. and Gladys A., both of whom are still inmates of the home. 402 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Mr. Russell takes an active interest in the affairs of his home community, supports republican principles, and he served for three years as presiding judge of the township board of elections and also as a member of the republican county central committee. He and his family are members of the Congregational church and are quite active in all its interests. Mrs. Russell is a lady of superior attainments, being especially gifted as a vocalist. She was educated in music at the Oberlin Conservatory. Her public appearances, which are frequent throughout the county, leave nothing to be desired in the warmth of her reception. A splendid home-keeper, she deserves credit for much of her husbands success. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are prominent in the social life of the community and are popular with friends and neighbors. ELMER E. ROWLAND. Elmer E. Rowland is a most public-spirited citizen who ever has the interest of the community at heart, and he is also numbered among the substantial farmers of Huron county owning and operating a tract of one hundred and twenty-eight acres, in Clarksfield township. This farm was located by this paternal grandfather, Aaron Rowland, in 1818, he having removed to this place from Connecticut. When he settled here, this district was all wild and unimproved and much of the land was still in possession of the Indians and wild game of all kinds was abundant. He possessed a sturdy character and with energy and determination at once began to develop and improve his farm. Daniel Rowland, the father of our subject, was reared to farm life and after reaching years of maturity, wedded Miss Harriet Chaffee. They reared a family of fcur children, one son and three daughters, the sisters of our subject being: Emma, who died March 30, 1853, aged two years and seven clays ; Celia, now the wife of Dorr Twaddle, a resident of Clarksfield township ; and Carrie, who died November 18, 1870, aged eleven years, ten month and twenty-four days. Eventually the father came into possession of the old home farm and through many years was identified with its cultivation. Like his father, he took a very prominent part in community affairs and the early development and progress of Clarksfield township is due in large measure to their efforts. Daniel Rowland departed this life September 24, 1881, and he was survived by him wife but a few years, her death occurring on the 1st of June, 1889. Elmer E. Rowland was born on the farm which is still his home, March 20, 1854, and was early trained to the duties that usually fall to the lot of the farm lad. In the winter months, he attended the district schools and later spent two years in study at Oberlin College. He then returned home and to the present time has given his time and attention to general farming and stock raising, his tract consisting of one hundred and twenty-eight acres. The land is rich and arable, and the place is supplied with substantial buildings, everything being kept in the best repair. Mr. Rowland has been married twice. He first established a home of his own by his marriage on the 25th of October, 1877, to Miss Eva Lee, a daughter of 403 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. DANIEL ROWLAND 404 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 405 John and Sarah (Rood) Lee. To, them were born two sons, Ray and Ralph. Both sons are married, the former making his home in Clarksfield township, while the latter is engaged in business in Wellington. After a happy married life of twenty-three years, the wife and mother was called to her final rest, her death occurring June 2, 1900. For his second wife Mr. Rowland chose Miss Theresa J. Woodruff, whom he wedded October 29, 1902. She is a daughter of Joel and Lavina (Stout) Woodruff, and by her marriage has become the mother of a little daughter, Ruth May, born August 2, 1906. A republican in politics, Mr. Rowland takes a deep and active interest in all public affairs. For one term he served as justice of the peace, while for a number of years he has served on the township board of education and for some time was president of the board. He is especially interested in good schools that his children and those of his neighbors may receive the best possible instruction to fit them for the responsibilities of life. His record in public service has ever been one of unremitting and tireless toil, while his farming interests are also carried on with a determination and persistency of purpose that has led to well merited success. JOHN A. LEE. John A. Lee, a progressive and enterprising farmer of Clarksfield township, is also extensively engaged in the raising and feeding of stock. He was born in Camden township, Lorain county, Ohio, on the 27th of February, 1861, his parents being John P. and Sarah J. (Rood) Lee, both natives of the state of New York. About the year 1833 they were brought to this state by their respective parents, the Lees settling in Lorain county, while the Rood family located in Stark county. The paternal grandfather of our subject was among the earliest settlers in Camden township, Lorain county, where he took up his abode when the district was largely a dense forest in which wild game abounded. He was a farmer by occupation and as such his labors proved an important element in the pioneer development and upbuilding of the community, so that he became widely recognized as a most prominent and valued citizen. John P. Lee, the father of the gentleman whose name introduces this review, also followed carpentering throughout his active business career. John A. Lee obtained his education in the district schools of his native county and spent his youthful days on his father's farm, assisting the latter in the work of the fields. He was married when a young man of twenty-two years and, starting out as an agriculturist on his own account, has since .devoted his attention to general farming and stock-raising interests with excellent success. He raises and feeds stock on quite an extensive scale and this branch of his business adds not a little to his annual income. His farm comprises ninety- six acres of well improved and valuable land in Clarksfield township, and his wife owns a tract of fifty-four acres adjoining. Mr. Lee has been married twice. On the 19th of March, 1883, he wedded Miss Sarah E. Barnes, a daughter of Alonzo and Lucretia (Granger) Barnes, by whom he had two sons, Walter B. and Clyde M. The wife and mother was 406 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY called to her final rest in May, 1900, and in December, 1903, Mr. Lee was again married, his second union being with Miss Rose A. Phillips, a daughter of William and Ellen (St. Clair) Phillips. In his political views Mr. Lee is a stalwart republican and takes an active and helpful interest in all matters pertaining to the public welfare. He has served as a member of the township school board and for several terms capably discharged the duties devolving upon him in the office of township trustee. He is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and exemplifies its teachmgs in his daily life. He has always lived in this part of the state and is well known and highly esteemed as one of the prosperous and representative citizens of his community. NULAND W. LEE. Nuland W. Lee, a brother of John A. Lee, successfully carries on general farming and stock-raising on his place of one hundred and sixteen acres in Clarksfield township. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Huron county, his birth having occurred in Clarksfield township on the 7th of July, 1866. In early manhood he learned the bricklayer's trade and followed that occupation for some time in Lorain, Erie and Sandusky counties. In 1899, however, he abandoned this line of activity and turned his attention to the work of farming, which has since claimed his time and energies. He now owns and operates a rich and productive tract of land of one hundred and sixteen acres in Clarksfield township and also devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock, handling sheep on an extensive scale. On the 26th of November, 1892, Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Miss Rosa M. Twaddle, a daughter of William and Sabra A. (Pixley) Twaddle. They now have two sons, Ira W., and Harry R. Mr. Lee gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and has been a member of the school board for a number of years, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He is serving as trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is also a faithful and consistent member and they take an active and helpful part in both church and Sunday-school work. They have an extensive circle of friends throughout the community in which they have now long resided and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended to them. HENRY C. GODFRED. Henry C. Godfred, who devotes his time and energies to the, work of general farming, is the owner of a rich and productive tract of land of eighty-three acres in Bronson township. He was born in that township on the 27th of March, 1872, his parents being Charles and Elizabeth (Brandt) Godfred, the former a native HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 407 of Germany. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Charles Godfred were born the following children: Henry C,, Frank, Ralph, Louisa and Laura. A sketch of the father appears on another page of this volume. Henry C. Godfred was reared to farm life, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On reaching man's estate he chose farming as a life work and now owns and operates a tract of eighty-three acres in Bronson township, upon which place he has made his home for the past nine years. Alert, enterprising and energetic, he is meeting with a well merited measure of success in the conduct of his agricultural interests and is recognized as a progressive and substantial citizen of the community. In February, 1897, Mr. Godfred was united in marriage to Miss Alice E. Bowersox, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Bowersox. Mr. and Mrs. Bowersox reared a family of six children, as follows : Alice E., Della, Sophia, Amanda, Hattie and May. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children: Esther F., Willard H. and Dorothea E. Mr. Godfred gives his political allegiance to the republican party, having firm faith in its principles and policy. Well known in the county where he has resided from his birth to the present time, he has a wide acquaintance here and has won uniform trust and good will by reason of a life which in all of its phases has been straightforward and honorable. HENRY C. BARNARD. Henry C. Barnard, owning and operating forty acres of good land in Lyme township, is well known in this section for the prominent part he has played in local affairs. He is the son of Calvin and Mary (Nims) Barnard, and was born on the farm which is his home today, on the 19th of November, 1841. The father was born at Shelborn, Franklin. county, Massachusetts, August 4, 1805, and came to Ohio in 1828, locating first at Elyria, where he helped to build the first courthouse, for he was a carpenter by trade. When he came to Lyme township, shortly before 1835 he assisted in the building of the Lyme Congregational church, which is one of the oldest edifices of its kind in the state, so that by his business, if by nothing else, Calvin Barnard was connected with the early history of Ohio. On the occasion of his first marriage his bride was Miss Hulda Stebbins Cooley, of Elyria, to whom he was united on the 9th of August, 1831. She bore him two children: Betsy Ann, who was born January 16, 1833, and died in the spring of 1887 ; and Elihu C., born August 8, 1835, who now lives at Whitewater, Wisconsin. The first wife died September 29, 1838, and on the 16th of May, 1839, Calvin Barnard married Miss Mary Nims, by whom he had three children : Henry C., of this review ; Luther, born June 20, 1844, now a resident of Decatur, Illinois ; and Herman F., who was born May 15, 1848, and died sixty years later, on January 16, 1908. Mrs. Barnard died December 14, 1864 when more than fifty-three years of age, having been born in April, 1811. Mr. Barnard was a conscientious member of the Congregational church, active in all its affairs and work, and superintendent of its Sunday school for years. In the years immediately pre- 408 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY ceding the Civil war he took a prominent part in the anti-slavery agitations and was glad to be able to send three sons to the war to fight for the Union. In January, 1879, his earthly course was run and he was given release from earth's cares. Henry C. Barnard has always lived on his present farm, which his father had purchased in 1834, except during the years he was at school and while he was in the army. In the district institutions of instruction he received his early education. later attending a select school in Medina county, where his brother was engaged as a teacher. At one of the first calls for men during the Civil war he enlisted in Company G. One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at the school house in Lyme township, and during three years took honorable part in many battles and skirmishes. At the battle of Winchester he was captured and lay in prison at Belle Isle and at Libby, for about a month, when he was exchanged. He served through the whole campaign of Petersburg, and in the first battle at Winchester, Virginia, he was wounded so severely that he had to remain in the hospital for four months. On June 12, 1865, he was discharged at Camp Chase, whence he returned home and engaged in farming, which he has pursued ever since, Mr. Barnard has been married twice. He chose for his first wife Miss Sophia Carr, a daughter of Samuel Carr, to whom he was married November 22, 1864, while he was home on a furlough. Of this union there were two children born Mary S., the wife of James Tice and the mother of one child, Ruth ; and Jennie C., who is married to Walter Bliss, the superintendent of schools at Bienssville, Louisiana, and is the mother of three children, Mary, Margaret and Henry B, Mrs. Barnard died April 19, 1898, at the age of fifty-four, and October 5, 1905, Mr. Barnard married Miss Alice Rushton, daughter of Henry C. and Mary (Avery) Rushton. Mr. Barnard is closely identified with many local affairs. For a number of years he has served as township trustee, and by the republican voters of the county was elected county commissioner, to serve from January t, 1893, to September, 1899. He is a deacon in the Congregational church and is superintendent of the Sunday school. As a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, he revives the memories of the days of fighting, oftentimes rehearsing the tales of a notable brave act, and he is a man of many excellent traits of character that have won for him the admiration and confidence of all with whom he comes into contact. F. H. LANING. F. H. Lamng, capably and effectively filling the position of postmaster in Norwalk, was born near New London, in this county; October 7, 1876, a son of J. F. Laning. At the usual age he entered the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until he had completed the course in the Norwalk high school by his graduation with the class of 1894. He next entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, attending that institution for three years, or until 1897. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American war his patriotic spirit was aroused HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 409 and he offered his services to the government, enlisting as sergeant major of the Fifth Infantry, on the 26th of April, 1898. He continued with his regiment until mustered out on the 11th of November, 1898, and afterward remained with the Ohio National Guard as battalion adjutant in the Fifth Regiment for one year. Prior to the war he had been interested in military affairs in connection with the National Guard, and on the loth of June, 1907, he was elected captain of Company G, of the Fifth Infantry. At the close of his connection with the National Guard, Mr. Laning returned to Norwalk and entered the employ of the Laning Company as secretary. To this position he brought the enterprise and energy of young manhood, concentrating his efforts upon the upbuilding of the business. He has always been active in public affairs and has done not a little to shape the political history of Norwalk in recent years. In November, 1903, he was elected a member of the city council and continued to serve until January, 1905, when he resigned to accept the position of postmaster of Norwalk. This position he now fills, having been reappointed on the 26th of January, 1909, so that his incumbency will continue until 1813. In the office he is proving most capable, discharging his duties with the same business like dispatch that characterized his connection with the Laning Company. He has carefully systematized the work of the office and his promptness and accuracy well entitled him to reappointment. Moreover he is a popular official, being always courteous and obliging. On the list of December, 1899, Mr. Laning was married to Miss Myrtelle Lupham, a native of Akron, Ohio, who died on the 1st of November, 1904. They had one son, Paul F., whose birth occurred October 24, 1900. In his fraternal relations Mr. Laning is a prominent, Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also connected with the Knights of the Maccabees, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and other organizations of which he is an exemplary representative, being in hearty sympathy with the beneficent principles which underlie those societies. He is very widely known in this county where his entire life has been passed, and the fact that his record has always been an honorable and commendable one is indicated in the fact that many of his staunchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time. M. R. COLEMAN. M. R. Coleman, who is conducting a large warehouse in New London and is also operating a flax mill which is proving a profitable industry, was born in New London township, September 26, 1850. His father, Philip Y. Coleman, was born in Steuben county, New York, in 1816, and in 1843 came to New London township with his wife, Sarah Coleman, whom he married in New York. He settled a mile and a half east of New London on a tract of land of one hundred and eighty acres, of which only six acres had been cleared, and there he gave his time and attention to the further development and improvement of the property save for the period of his service in the Civil war when he became a member of the Twelfth 410 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Ohio Battery and did active duty at the front. He died in 1895, while the death of Mrs. Coleman occurred in 1897. M. R. Coleman gained his additional understanding of reading, mathematics, arithmetic, grammar and other studies in the country schools near his father's home and later continued his education in the New London public schools. He afterward engaged in farming on the old homestead and as the years passed worked in the fields from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn. In 1880 he began buying and shipping hay, thinking to find it a profitable field of labor and in this opinion he was not mistaken. In 1904 he came to New London and has since conducted a growing business, having an extensive warehouse in which he handles coal, grain, lime, cement, et cetera. He still owns his farm from which he derives a good rental and he .likewise operates a flax mill where he manufactures flax into upholstering tow. This is proving a profitable undertaking and his business interests in the different cases are bringing to him well merited and substantial success. For the past five years he has also been a director in the New London National Bank. In his political views Mr. Coleman is an earnest republican, giving unfaltering support to the principles of the party and while he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, in 1890, he was elected real estate appraiser for the township. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, becoming a charter member of Carnation Lodge, No. 734, in which he has filled all the chairs. He is diligent and enterprising, progressive and prosperous. CHARLES J. HEYMAN. Charles J. Heyman, a well-to-do farmer of Sherman township, is the owner of one hundred and twenty-eight acres of land, in two farms, part of which lies in Lyme township. He was born in the latter township, October 18, 1852, and is the son of George W. and Kathryn (Moore) Heyman, both of- whom were natives of Germany. The father came to this county with his parents, George and Margaret Heyman, in 1848, and settled at Hunts Corners, where they purchased about one hundred acres of land. Their home there was an old frame building situated where the church now stands and in this house both grandparents passed away. George W. Heyman later removed to Sherman township, where he bought land extensively, until at one time he .was possessed of upwards of six hundred acres. He was a farmer all his life and a man of considerable local prominence, for he served as trustee of Sherman township and was active and influential in the Reformed church from its inception, assisting in the establishment of that body, and for many years serving as deacon. His wife came with her parents from Germany to Sherman township, but was not permitted to enjoy many years' companionship with her husband, for she died in 1854, leaving Charles J., a small child. Mr. Heyman survived her for half a century lacking one year and was again married, his second wife being Miss Elizabeth Longscheid, who bore him ten children : George, deceased ; Emeline, the wife of August Schied, of Peru township; Daniel and Thomas, both of Lyme township; Mary and Philip, deceased ; Jacob, 411 - PHOTO OF C. J. HEYMAN 412 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 413 of Sherman township ; Mary, deceased; William C., of Lyme township ; and Albert, of Sherman township. Charles J. Heyman has been a life long resident of this county. He acquired his fundamental education in the district schools here, and also attended for one winter the German school in Sandusky. Farming has been his occupation during his entire life, from the time he was able to help around the home. In 1881 he bought his present farm from Hiram Latham and on it has since made his home. However, he has greatly improved the place during the years that it has been in his possession, and it is a fine tract of land well adapted to the line of general farming that he carries on there. On the 22d of February, 1876, Mr. Heyman was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Scheid. She was born in Peru township, the daughter of William and Kathryn (Beilstein) Scheid, and is the sister to August and William Scheid, whose sketches will be found elsewhere in this volume. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Heyman, all of whom are living: August, George, Lydia, Elmer, Mary and Anna. The family attend the Reformed church at Hunts Corners, in which Mr. Heyman has held various offices for years. A practical and successful farmer, he is also a man of public spirit who has not refused to give his time for the good of the community he serves. He has entered somewhat into politics and at one time acted as trustee of his township, as a choice of the democratic voters. The period of his incumbency of the office was marked by good judgment and uprightness and afforded additional reason for the respect in which he is held here. JOHN J. ANDREWS. John J. Andrews, who since 1901 has lived retired in a beautiful home situated in the suburbs of the village of Wakeman, was formerly for many years actively and successfully identified with the agricultural interests of Clarksfield township. He was born in New York city, on the Toth of August, 1833, his parents being Thomas and Maria (Goodheart) Andrews. His maternal great-grandfather, John Goodheart, served as a soldier in the British army and after leaving England came to America, making his home in this country until the time of his demise. He lived to be more than one hundred years of age. Thomas Andrews, the father of John J. Andrews, was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in early manhood removed to New York city, where he followed his trade of shoemaking. He was married in the eastern metropolis to Miss Maria Goodheart, by whom he had nine children, two of whom still survive, John J. and Elizabeth. John J. Andrews obtained his education in the schools of his native city and also of Philadelphia, living with an uncle in the latter city. When eleven years of age he went to a farm in Orange county, New York, where he attended the country schools and remained until he had attained the age of fifteen. He learned the trade of a brass finisher but only worked at that occupation fcr two years. Subsequently he entered the employ of a large cooperage company in New York city, with which he was connected for a period of twenty-six years, his long retention in the service of the concern being unmistakable evidence of his efficiency 414 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY and trustworthiness. In 1872 he established his home in Clarksfield township, Huron county, Ohio, and turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he was also engaged in dairying to some extent, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. In 1901, having accumulated a comfortable competence, he left the farm and took up his abode in the suburbs of Wakeman, where he owns an attractive and commodious residence. On the 16th of July, 1856, Mr. Andrews was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ann Alsdorf, her parents being Hiram and Ann (Vandermark) Alsdorf, who were natives of Ulster county, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have reared a family of five children, namely : Anna, the widcw of Alfred Newhall ; Jesse L., who follows farming in Clarksfield township ; Sarah, the wife of Amos Scott, of Norwalk township ; Thomas G., who is engaged in the mining business in British Columbia ; and Dora, who conducts a millinery establishment in Wakeman. Mr. Andrews gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and, though not active in its ranks, is an intelligent and valued advocate of its principles. He has served his fellow townsmen in the position of road supervisor and also as a member of the board of education, believing that improved highways and good schools are important factors in the growth and upbuilding of a community. His aid and cooperation can always be counted upon to further any movement instituted to advance the general welfare and he is widely recognized as a most progressive and public-spirited citizen. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and he is a worthy exemplar of the craft. He finds his chief source of recreation and enjoyment in fishing and indulges his love of this sport at the expense of the finny trrbe, who bask in the waters of the Vermilion river, which flows by Wakeman. A congenial and courteous gentleman, he has a host of warm friends, and never lacks companions on his fishing jaunts. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the community where they have now long resided and their home is noted for its genuine hospitality and good cheer. Mr. Andrews has now passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey and can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear, knowing that his career has been an honorable and useful one. CHARLES A. STOWER. Charles A. Stower follows farming in Lyme township, Huron county, where he owns ninety-three acres of land, upon which he has made his home for a long period. He was born in this township, December 21, 1871, the son of Thomas and Emma (Dolling) Stowers, who were old settlers in this part of the state. Both parents were born and reared in England, where they were married and where the most of their children were born. In 1870 they came to this country. locating in Lyme township, Huron county, Ohio, where they engaged in farming. At first they rented a tract of land, but in the spring of 1879 they purchased the farm on which Charles A. Stower now lives. When they took possession the land was in a comparatively rough state, but when death called them, HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 415 the father at the age of seventy-three and the mother at the age of seventy, the farm showed the result of their long and arduous toil. They had improved it greatly and had increased its productive power, besides erecting several buildings that were a credit to them. Mr. and Mrs. Stower were blessed with a family of ten children. Sabina, the eldest, now deceased, married Robert Rope ; John is also deceased ; Susie married William White, a farmer of Lyme township : Robert and James were followed by Samuel and William, both of whom have died ; Alexander was the next of the family ; Anna married Allen Farr ; and Charles A., the subject of this sketch, was the youngest and the only one of the family born in this country. Charles A. Stower has lived all his life in Lyme township and has devoted his entire time to farming. From the district schools he received his fundamental education, which coupled with the training he received at home constituted his preparation for life. During his boyhood days he worked on the home place under the guidance of his father, thus acquiring a practical experience in farming which was to be his vocation in later years when he was called upon to conduct his own establishment. The years passed quickly and in the main uneventfully, though bringing with them their recompense for hard toil. On the l0th of November, 1897, Mr. Stower was united in marriage to Miss Alice Maud Sherman, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Farr) Sherman. The parents were both natives of England, though the father was only six years old when he came- to this country, and they were among those early settlers who have contributed by their efforts to the development of this part of the country. Seven children were born to them: Elizabeth, Maud, Jennie, Mollie, Gertrude, William and Josephine, all of whom are living useful lives. Mr. and Mrs. Stower have three children: Clarence, born March 22, 1899; Gordon, born August 26, 1902, and Bertha, born March 7, 1905. The family are all members of the Lyme Episcopal church and take active part in its religious and social work. Mr. Stower is one of the prosperous young farmers of his locality. He has not specialized in his cultivation of the soil but has given his attention to a variety of crops which have well repaid him for his diligent labor. Good fortune has attended his efforts and he has been enabled to add considerably to the improvements his parents made upon the land. He is a man respected and honored in the community and has the good will of those with whom he comes in contact. CLAYTON E. TUCKER. Huron county has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied its offices, for the great majority of them have been loyal to the best interests of the community and have manifested marked ability in discharging the duties that have devolved upon them. Of this class Clayton E. Tucker is a representative. For six years he capably served as deputy probate judge of the county and in November, 1908, was elected clerk of the court, his term beginning in August, 1909. At the present time, however, he is filling out the unexpired term of Frank E. Miller and his experience is well qualifying him for continuance in the position 416 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY to which he has been called by popular suffrage. One of the county's native sons, his birth occurred near Fitchville, on the 22d of September, 1873. His father, Edgar L. Tucker, was born at Miles Strip, Onondaga county, New York, on the 1st of March, 1847, while the mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary L. Clark, was a native of Lorain county, Ohio. It was in the year 1870 that Edgar L. Tucker removed to Huron county, establishing his home in Fitchville, where he engaged in the butter and creamery business for twenty-seven years. He then turned his attention to general merchandising in West Clarksfield, where he still continued in business, being one of the enterprising representatives of trade relations in that locality. Clayton E. Tucker pursued his education in the schools of Fitchville, being graduated from the high school with the class of 1892. He then further continued his studies in the Fostoria Academy, from which he graduated in 1894. He afterward engaged in teaching school in the county for five years, or until appointed deputy clerk under C. D. Miles, in which capacity he remained until 1902 when he entered the probate office, there remaining until November, 1908. At the election held at that time he was elected to the offrce of clerk of the court, that office being left vacant by reason of the unexpired term of Frank E. Miller. He was appointed to the position and at the ensuing election, was chosen for the office, his elective term to begin in August, 19o9. He has ever been an active republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but in the discharge of his duties he never allows partisanship to interfere, being thoroughly just and unbiased as well as accurate and reliable. On the 3d of May, 1903, Mr. Tucker was united in marriage to Miss Gertha Dowler, and they have one son, Edgar, who was born April 1, 1904. Mr. Tucker belongs to the junior order of American Mechanics, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Baptist church. In his manner he is unassuming and in his work is efficient, while his many good qualities and social disposition have made him popular with a host of warm friends. ROSWELL DERBY, SR. Roswell Derby, Sr., a prominent and well known citizen of Wakeman township, was born in Cherry Valley, Otsego county, New York, on the 16th of August, 1823, his parents being David and Susan (Dutcher) Derby. Both his paternal and maternal grandfathers, David Derby and Cornelius Dutcher, participated in the struggle for American independence as soldiers in the Revolutionary army. David Derby, the father of Roswell Derby, who was a machinist by trade, invented the first wool carding machine ever operated in the United States. It was in almost universal use in the woolen mills of this country until about 1830. David Derby passed away in 1835, having for but one year survived his wife, who was called to her final rest in 1834. Their remains were interred in a cemetery at Cherry Valley, New York. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 417 Roswell Derby attended the public schools of his native town until twelve years of age, when, his father having died, he went to live with his brother Morgan, a blacksmith of Cherry Valley. He there worked at the blacksmith's trade under the direction of his brother, with whom he remained until he had attained the age of fifteen years, when he went to Persia, New York, where he made his home with his brother David, who was also a blacksmith by trade. He completed his apprenticeship under the latter's direction and remained in Persia until twenty years of age. During this period he had also gained a practical knowledge of the carpenter’s and joiner’s trade, at which he worked in the summer months, while in the winter seasons he gave his attention to blacksmithing. In the spring of 1844, he made his way to Ohio, arriving at Cleveland on the 18th of May. He remained in the vicinity of Cleveland during the summer of 1844, being employed at farm labor, and in the fall of that year he went to Newbury, Geauga county, Ohio, where he was engaged in the blacksmithing business in association with his brother John until February, 1845. At that time he removed to Springfield, this state, and purchased a tract of eighty acres of timber land, which he began clearing for farming purposes. During the first summer he cleared ten acres, which he sowed in wheat. The entire region was practically a wilderness and was sparsely settled, there being not more than thirty voters in the entire township. The county seat had been established at Bryan, where a log courthouse was erected. The locality was a most unhealthy one and Mr. Derby fell a victim to the ague but recovered in time to take charge of a school for the winter term. In the spring of 1846 he went to Lenawee county, Michigan, entering the employ of a Mr. Smith, who operated a distillery. He received a salary of fifty dollars per month, which was considered good pay in those early days and remained with Mr. Smith until the fall of 1846, when he was again stricken with ague and fever. After recovering from his illness he went to Adrian and became agent for what was then known as the Michigan Southern Railroad Company, receiving a monthly remuneration of seventy-five dollars for his services. His health again failing, in the fall of 1846 he returned to his home at Cherry Valley, New York, where he remained until the fall of the following year, devoting his time and energies to the work of farming. It was in the fall of 1847 that he returned to Cleveland, Ohio, and became connected with the butchering business, engaging in the sale of meats. Shortly afterward he went to Michigan for a time and in 1848 came to Hartland township, Huron county, Ohio, here first working at the blacksmith's trade and later at carpentering. At times he was employed at farm labor by the day and also at other pursuits, proving a capable man in many ways. In 1849 he went to Townsend Center, Huron county, where he opened a blacksmith shop, purchased property and erected a home. He was married in that year and then removed with his wife to Canandaigua, Michigan, where he worked at blacksmithing for a short time. Returning to Townsend township, this county, he was here engaged in blacksmithing until 1863, when he went to Fulton county, Ohio, there purchasing a tract of land and devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits until 1883. In that year he returned to Wakeman, Huron county, and has here since resided, working at various occupations. He was engaged in the coal business for a time and also conducted a mercantile establishment in association with his sons. Possessing a liberal education and being well read in the law, 418 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY he was also for a number of years engaged in practice in partnership with his son, Roswell Derby, Jr., who is a lawyer by profession. Mr. Derby of this review has continued his legal practice to the present time and is widely recognized as a sound and safe counselor. On the 27th of June, 1849, Mr. Derby was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Ann Whitcomb, a daughter of Hiram and Hannah (Butler) Whitcomb. Her paternal grandfather, Thomas Whitcomb, participated in the Revolutionary war, serving as what was known as a "cowboy." Hiram Whitcomb, the father of Mrs. Derby, came to this county from Herkimer county, New York, about 1842 and became identified with agricultural pursuits in Townsend township. At the time of his arrival here this district was practically a wilderness but he resolutely set to work, cut down the trees, grubbed up the stumps and soon had his land ready for cultivation. He became widely recognized as a prominent and prosperous citizen and will long be remembered as one of the worthy pioneer settlers whose labors contributed in substantial measure to the early development and improvement of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Derby have reared a family of six children, namely : Hiram W., a resident of Cincinnati, who is in the employ of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad Company ; Muriel, the wife of Elmer S. Hart, of Elkhart, Indiana ; Roswell, Jr., now living in Milan, Ohio ; Frank, of Fulton county, Ohio ; and Joel E. and Darwin A., both of whom reside in Florence, Erie county, Ohio. The parents of these children have now traveled life's journey together for six decades, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years have gone by. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Derby has cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democracy but, though keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, has not been active in politics as an office seeker. For one term he acted as justice of the peace in Wakeman township and also served as a member of the board of education, the cause of public instruction ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He has now passed the eighty-sixth milestone on life's journey and receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career has at all times been upright and honorable. JOHN J. DIDION. John J. Didion, who owns an excellent farm of eighty-one and a half acres in Sherman township, dates his residence in that township since 1852. He was born in Germany on the 23d of December, 1833, his parents being John and Sophia (Bashob) Didion. The paternal grandfather, Gottlieb Didion, spent his entire life in the fatherland. John Didion, Sr., the father of our subject, was a wagon- maker by trade and followed that occupation while a resident of Germany but after coming to this country devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. It Nas in 1852 that he brought his wife and children to the United States, the family home being established in Sherman township, Huron county, Ohio, where both he and his wife remained until called to their final rest. They were people of 419 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. JOHN J. DIDION 420 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 421 genuine personal worth and unfaltering integrity, whose upright and honorable lives won for them the respect and esteem of all with whom they came in contact. Their children were five in number, namely : Peter ; John J., of this review ; Barbara, the widow of Frank Koenig ; Christopher ; and Martin. John J. Didion obtained his education in the schools of his native land and after putting aside his text-books assisted his father in the wagon shop. Subsequent to his arrival in this country he worked for a time at the carpenter's trade but afterward secured employment by the month as a farm hand and has since been identified with agricultural interests. When his well directed and untiring labor had brought him sufficient capital, he purchased a farm of his own and is now in possession of a tract of land comprising eighty-one and a half acres, which annually returns to him a gratifying income. Throughout the years he has successfully and energetically carried on the work of the fields and has long been numbered among the substantial, enterprising and representative citizens of the community. On the 6th of February, 1866, Mr. Didion was united in marriage to Miss Rosella Herman, a daughter of Paul and Mary Herman, who were natives of Germany but became early settlers of Seneca county, Ohio, where they passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Didion have been born sixteen children, as follows: Mary ; John and Frank, twins ; Charles ; August ; Martin and Sophia, twins ; Elizabeth ; Rosa ; Cecelia ; Susan ; Henry ; Andrew ; William ; and two who died in infancy. Of those living all are married with the exception of two, and Mr. and Mrs. Didion now have thirty-five grandchildren. In his political views Mr. Didion is a stanch democrat, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership, in the Catholic church, of which the other members of his family are also faithful communicants. He has a very extensive and favorable acquaintance throughout the community where he has now resided for fifty-seven years, and in this land, where labor is unhampered by caste or class, has met with a goodly measure of success in his undertakings. He has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and his has been a commendable record, actuated by honorable principles. NORMAN S. CARTWRIGHT. Norman S. Cartwright is the owner of an excellent farm of fifty acres in Bronson township, the attractive appearance of which indicates his careful supervision and progressive methods. He was born in Norwalk township, this county, October 23, 1846. The branch of the Cartwright family to which he belongs traces its ancestry back to Colonel Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary war fame. The family has an excellent military record. The great-grandfather served in the Revolutionary war, while the grandfather, Orin Cartwright, defended American interests against the English in the war of 1812. Mr. Cartwright of this review was a soldier in the Civil war, while his son Oliver donned the nation's uniform for active service in the Spanish-American war. The grandparents of our subject were Orin and Lydia (Hunter) Cartwright, both of whom were na- 422 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY tives of Vermont and of English descent. They went to that state with their son, Milo Cartwright, the father of our subject, who was born in the state of New York in 1815 and came to Ohio in 5832. He settled in Norwalk township and became one of the pioneer residents of Huron county, manifesting an active and helpful interest in the work of public progress as the years went by. About forty years ago he removed to Bronson township, where the family has since been represented. He married Susan De Forest, who was born in the state of New York in 1812. They were married in the east when very young, being only about fifteen years of age. Their children were: Elizabeth, Jane, Charles, Lora, David, Mary, Cornelia, Norman and Emily. The mother, Mrs. Susan Cartwright, was a daughter of Walter and Mary De Forest. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Norman S. Cartwright in his boyhood and youth. His educational opportunities were those afforded by the district schools, while in the work of the fields he was busily employed through the periods of vacation. Having arrived at years of maturity he was married on the 2d of July, 1878, to Miss Eva Thayer, who was born in 5852 and was a daughter of Oliver and Eliza (Waggoner) Thayer, who were of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright have become the parents of five children : Allen, Oliver, Bertie, Roy and Mabel. Mr. Cartwright is a member of the Grand Army Post at Norwalk and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old comrades. He was for a year and a half a soldier of the One Hundred and First Ohio Infantry, being on duty with Company K. During that time he participated in several important battles and skirmishes and was ever loyal to his duty. He is equally faithful to his country in days of peace and in every public relation manifests marked devotion to the public good. He has been constable in his township and also has done active work in behalf of the cause of education, serving for fifteen or twenty years on the school board. He usually gives his support to the republican party but in local affairs frequently casts an independent ballot, giving his allegiance to the men whom he thinks best qualified for the office regardless of party affiliations. In his business life he is reliable as well as enterprising and is now engaged in carefully cultivating the farm of fifty acres, from which he annually gathers good harvests. CHARLES W. HEYMAN. Charles W. Heyman, an agriculturist of Lyme township, possessing ninety-three acres of land upon which he lives, was born in Huron county, February 54, 1867, the son of John and Sophia (Upperman) Heyman, who were widely known as early settlers here. Both parents were natives of Germany but came as young people to this country. The father, as a young man, came with two of his brothers and located in this county, where for several years they worked around for different farmers. After a short time, however, John Heyman felt the desire to possess land of his own and bought seventy-five acres near Hunts Corners, It was in an uncultivated state and he started in to clear it and make it ready for a home, for he had already chosen the woman whom he hoped would be his wife. In one HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 423 year's time the land was sufficiently cleared to permit of living upon it, and to it he brought his bride. The rougher work of preparing the soil for cultivation completed, Mr. Heyman set about improving the farm and adding to it such desirable sections as he was able, with the result that at his death he had a tract of about two hundred acres. He was a man prominent in the Reformed church of Hunts Corners and was among those by whose generosity the erection of the first edifice was made possible. Charles W. Heyman was the fourth in a family of five children. Of his brothers and sisters, John and Mary, the two eldest, have passed away ; Elizabeth is married to Charles Horn ; and William is living with his mother on the old homestead. Charles Heyman has always lived in Lyme township, and in the district school received his elementary education. His practical training, however, was obtained under the wise guidance of his parents, who taught him the lesson of work and the value Of character, besides initiating him into the secrets of the cultivation of the soil. He has been loyal to the occupation of his father and has never sought any other vocation than that of a farmer. On the 19th of February, 1891, Mr. Heyman was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Haas, who was born in this county, in October, 1866, the daughter of Jacob and Kathryn Haas, who claimed Germany as the land of their birth. Mr. and Mrs. Heyman have four children : Amelia, Gertrude, Laura and Edgar, all of whom live at home. The farm to which Mr. Heyman devotes all his time he received from his father, but during the period of his occupancy he has greatly improved it and increased its value. Up to the present he has not deemed it advisable to specialize in his business, but has followed general farming and has been successful beyond the average in the returns he has won from the fruitful soil. In religious matters Mr. Heyman gives his allegiance to the Lutheran church of this township. He also belongs to the German Aid Society of Bellevue and has ever evinced a strong interest in its work. A. B. BOWEN. A. B. Bowen, well known as an enterprising and progressive citizen of Norwalk, where he is now engaged in the general insurance business, has been the architect and builder of his own fortunes. Whatever success he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own labors. His birth occurred in Fairfield township, Huron county, on the 14th of February, 1862. His father, William Bowen, was a native of Tompkins county, New York, and when a lad of twelve years came to Huron county, Ohio, with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Bowen, Sr. The family home was established in Fairfield township upon a farm, the grand. father becoming one of the early agriculturists of the community. William Bowen, the father of our subject, was there reared to agricultural life and continued in the same department of activity, being numbered among the representative farmers of Fairfield township until he was called to his final rest in 1891 when seventy-four years of age. His wife survived him for a long period, 424 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY passing away on the 21st of March, 1909, when eighty-six years of age. There were three children in the family, two sons and a daughter, but Carohne died in 1902 and Hamilton passed away in August, 1908, leaving A. B. Bowen as the only surviving member of the family. Reared on the home farm A. B. Bowen acquired his early education in the district schools and afterward had the advantage of two terms of instruction in Oberlin College. Subsequently he engaged in teaching school for ten years during the winter months. The summer months during that period were devoted to farm work and in 1893 he was called to public office through appointment to the position of deputy treasurer. His experience well qualified him for further responsibilities when, in 1897, he was elected county treasurer and served for two terms, his reelection coming to him in recognition of his faithfulness during the preceding years, and when he retired from office as he had entered it with the confidence and good will of the general public-and took up the insurance business, he formed a partnership with A. D. Sanders, his deputy in the treasurer's office. The firm has been very successful in this line, writing a large amount of insurance annually, and representing the standard companies of the country. In 1882 Mr. Bowen was married to Miss Fannie Newbury, a native of Greenfield township, Huron county, and a daughter of Everland Newbury. who was also born in Greenfield township. Mr. and Mrs. Bowen now have one son, Harold, who was born on the 16th of April, 1893. In his fraternal relations Mr. Bowen is connected with the Masons, attaining the Knight Templar degree in the commandery. His maternal grandfather, Samuel Terry, was a charter member of Fairfield Lodge, F. & A. M., in which Mr. Bowen also holds his membership. He is also associated with the Maccabees, the Knights of Pythias and other orders, being in entire sympathy with their beneficent spirit and purposes. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Baptist church of North Fairfield, of which church his grandfather Bowen was a charter member. Well known in Norwalk, his sterling qualities are those of a progressive citizen, reliable business man and a faithful friend. In manner he is always genial and cordial, ever approachable and courteous, and wherever he goes he wins high regard and esteem. ELBERT P. BEECHER. Elbert P. Beecher, an enterprising and successful agriculturist and stock-raiser of Wakeman township, was born on the farm where he now resides, his natal day being June 2, 1855. His parents were Horace J. and Fanny M. (Pierce) Beecher. The paternal grandparents, Cyrus and Betsy (Bates) Beecher, came from Bridgewater, Connecticut, to this state in 1836 and took up their abode on a farm in Florence township, Erie county, the property being situated on the boundary line between Erie and Huron counties. This district was at that time still largely wild and undeveloped and the family shared in all of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. Cyrus Beecher, the grandfather of our subject, was a bridge carpenter in Connecticut but after coming to this state de- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 425 voted his attention to the pursuit of farming. Horace J. Beecher, the father of Elbert P. Beecher, who was a little lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents on the journey to Ohio, gave his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. Subsequent to his marriage he came to Huron county, purchasing the farm on which his son, Elbert P., now resides. He was a firm and unfaltering republican and took an active part in local politics, serving as township trustee for several terms and also as township assessor for a similar period. A strong anti-slavery man, he assisted many a negro on his way to freedom in the north, his home being a station on the famous underground railroad. He was a man of strong convictions and sterling character and his upright and honorable career won for him the regard and esteem of all with whom he was associated. He died on the loth of April, 1893, at the age of sixty-four years and six months, having for a number of years survived his wife, who was called to her final rest in May, 1876. Both lie buried in the Wakeman cemetery. Their union was blessed with five children, namely : Platt P., Elbert P., Julia A., Harriet A. and Jennie J., all of whom still survive with the exception of the eldest son. Elbert P. Beecher was reared on his father's farm and obtained his preliminary education in the district schools of Wakeman township, while subsequently he attended the Wakeman high school and for a few terms also prosecuted his studies at Oberlin College. He was married when about twenty-five years of age. and established his home in the village of Wakeman, where he was successfully engaged in the conduct of a livery business until 1886. In that year he returned to the old home place on which he was born and reared and has here since carried on both farming and stock-raising with excellent success. The property is well improved and under a high state of cultivation, the well tilled fields annually yielding bounteous harvests of golden grain as a reward for the care and labor which is bestowed upon them. On the 15th of February, 1880, Mr. Beecher was united in marriage to Miss Helen Josephine White, a daughter of Dr. H. E. and Roxanna (Denman) White, of Clarksfield, both of whom are now deceased. The father, a physician by profession, was for many years engaged in practice at Wakeman and Clarksfield and was widely recognized as a prominent and skillful representative of his calling. Both the White and Denman families were numbered among the worthy pioneer settlers of Huron county and took a leading and helpful part in the early improvement and upbuilding of this part of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beecher have been born five children, as follows : Platt H.; Ethel, who is now the widow of Elbert French ; Clara B., the wife of Charles Ginste, who follows farming in Wakeman township ; Glen W.; and Elbert P., deceased. In his political views Mr. Beecher is a stanch republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public trust. He has served as township constable for four years, as township assessor for five years and for about twenty years was a member of the district board of education. At the present time he is capably discharging the duties devolving upon him in the office of township trustee. He is a prominent and active worker in the local ranks of his party and has acted as a member of the township election board for some years, being connected therewith at the present 426 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY time. He has also been frequently sent as a delegate to county, district and state conventions and is widely recognized as a most loyal and public-spirited citizen whose influence is ever given on the side of right, progress, justice and improvement. He is a valued member of Wakeman Tent, No. 93, K. O. T. M., and Wakeman Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. Religiously, he and his family are identified with the Wakeman Congregational church, giving liberally of their time and means to both church and Sunday school. The different members of the Beecher family are prominent in the intellectual, social and business life of the community and hold a high place in public esteem. EDWARD J. HARLAND. Edward J. Harland, a prosperous farmer of the older generation in Clarks- field township, was born in Ontario county, New York, February 7, 1835, and is a son of William J. and Abigail (Blakeman) Harland, who came to Ohio in 1838 and settled on the farm their son now occupies. The father was a farmer but was also a man of fine education and before coming to this section had taught school and followed that profession during the first year of his residence here. His wife had also been a teacher in New York state, and the couple ever took a deep interest in the educational affairs of this county. Three children were born to them: James M., Edward J. and Mary E., all of whom are living. The eldest resides in California, and the daughter is now the widow of Lewis Blakeman, of Clinton, Michigan. Mr. Harland died in 1850, and his wife survived him thirty-four years, her death occurring in her eightieth year, on the 13th of July, 1884. Edward J. Harland was but fifteen years old when his father died, and at that age assumed the management of the farm, which has been under his care and has been his home ever since. His has been a busy life from the day of his father's death and crowded with responsibilities which would have been heavy for a man many years his senior. His education was but imperfect and desultory, such as could be obtained from the district school during the few months it was in session and when affairs at home did not demand his time. At the outbreak of the Civil war his brother James M. enlisted in the Fifty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and at the battle of Gettysburg, while supporting a battery of artillery. his hearing was badly impaired, which resulted subsequently in his becoming totally deaf. Edward J. Harland remained devoted to the arts of peace and stayed at home to care for affairs there. Under his management his farm, of ninety-four acres of fine land, has prospered. It is under excellent cultivation and is highly improved as regards buildings and appurtenances. Of recent years, Mr. Harland, now in his seventy-fifth year, does little more than superintend the work done, but now and again for the sake of exercise and diversion rather than for any other reason, he will go into the fields and do a good day's work—one too that will put much younger men than he to their best efforts. Mr. Harland has been twice married. On the 13th of January, 1863, he wedded Miss Sarah A. Case, a daughter of George E. and Philinda (Blackman) Case, of Clarksfield township. Of this union five children were born: William J., Jennie 427 - PHOTO OF E. J. HARLAND AND FAMILY 428 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 429 M., Frank E., Bertha B. and Raymond, of whom Bertha, now Mrs. B. McClafiin, of Clarksfield township, alone survives. Mrs. Harland died April 20, 1895, and on the 22d of June, I900, Mr. Harland married Mrs. Mary J. Noble, who has also passed away, on October 2, 1906. Mr. Harland has always been a republican and cast his first vote for John C. Fremont for president in 1856. He has ever been a man interested in public affairs and has kept posted on all important questions of national and local concern, so that he is able to discuss issues intelligently. He has never aspired to public office, however, and yet his interest and exertion in the general good would many a time have recommended him and secured him election if he had so desired. The strong traits of his character are not unknown nevertheless, and he is respected as a fine man, one above reproach in his private life and in his intercourse with his fellows. HENRY BOEHLER. Henry Boehler, who is numbered among the prominent and progressive representatives of agricultural pursuits of Lyme township, was born in Sherman township, this county, September 7, 1854. As the name indicates he comes of German lineage, his parents, Phillip and Marguerita (Seibel) Boehler, having both been natives of Germany. The former, who was born November 7, 1824, left the fatherland for America in 1848, coming direct to Huron county, Ohio, where he engaged as a farm hand in Peru township for about three years. At the expiration of that period he purchased land in Lyme township, which he later sold, subsequently buying a farm in Sherman township. After operating this land for some time he disposed of it and secured a farm in Peru township. He was a progressive and successful farmer and at the time of his death, which occurred May 3, 1897. in Monroeville, Ridgefield township, this county, he was the owner of considerable property. He had been twice married, his first union being with Miss Marguerita Seibel, a native of Germany, who was born April 1, 1831. After her death June 22, 1883, he wedded Miss Jennetta Knoble. By his first union he became the father of six children, namely : William, Henry, Phillip, Otto, Minnie and Louise, all of whom still survive. Henry Boehler has always resided in this county and in his youthful days attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education. The periods of vacation were devoted to assisting his father in the work of the farm and thus he early gained practical experience that proved of value to him when, in 1877, he purchased his present farm from his father and started out in business on his own account. His home place, an excellent farm of two hundred and twenty- five acres, is situated in Lyme township and this and another property returns to him substantial annual profits. He has made all of the improvements upon the place, including the erection of a fine commodious residence and the farm is lacking in none of the equipments and accessories that go to make up a model property of the twentieth century. As he has prospered in his undertakings, he had added to his holdings from time to time and his success is indicated in the 430 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY fact that he is one of the heaviest tax-payers in the township. He owes his success primarily to his own industry and to the intelligent appreciation of his opportunities. He has ever been diligent, persevering and progressive and his example may well serve to encourage and inspire others, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do. On January 4, 1877, Mr. Boehler was united in marriage to Miss Louise Horn, a daughter of Phillip and Katherine (Seel) Horn, natives of Germany. This union has been blessed with four children : Sarah, the wife of William Komdorfer, of this township, by whom she has one son, Clarence ; Albert, who married Matilda Schug and with his wife and son, Henry, resides in this township, and Clara and Emma, at home. Mr. Boehler's religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Lutheran church, while in politics he is a stanch democrat. His fellow citizens, recognizing his ability and true worth, have elected him to office and for six years he served as township trustee, also township assessor and real-estate assessor. Many tangible evidences can be given of his devotion to the public welfare. His fellow townsmen speak of him as the most public-spirited citizen in the county and there has been no man as active in support of good roads. That his labors have been effective is shown in the fact that Lyme township has the best roads in the county and for this Mr. Boehler is directly responsible. His determined purpose enables him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes and in his labors for the public highways his methods have been practical, resultant and beneficial. He justly deserves to be accorded the foremost place among the citizens of his township for he is an aggressive business man, of keen discrimination, laboring to promote the general welfare as well as individual success. The cause' of education has found in him a warm friend, his many sterling characteristics have won for him the esteem and regard of all with whom he has come in contact, while the success to which he has attained along agricultural lines entitles him to rank among the representative farmers of this county. A. D. SANDERS. A. D. Sanders is widely known in connection with insurance interests in Norwalk and is also an active factor in financial circles. His has been the progress which results from persistency of purpose and undaunted enterprise and the salient characteristics which he has always displayed in his business life have formed the foundation of a gratifying success and have won for him an honored name. He was born in Iola, Kansas, September 19, 1872. His father, Charles M. Sanders, was a native of Peru, Huron county, Ohio, and on leaving this district became a resident of Illinois, where he remained for seven years. In the late '6os he went to Kansas, where he followed farming. He had previously engaged in teaching school in Illinois and in 1874 he returned to that state, where he remained through the succeeding five years. At the end of that time he once more became a resident of Peru township, Huron county, Ohio, where he gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits, bringing his fields HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 431 under a high state of cultivation and adding many modern accessories to his farm. In 1905, however, he retired from active life and removed to Norwalk, where he is now living in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He married Louise Morse, also a native of Peru township, where her father, John E. Morse, settled at a period when this section of the state was largely a pioneer district. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Sanders are two sons, the brother of our subject being Harry E., a resident farmer of this county. In the district schools of Peru township A. D. Sanders acquired his early education and later attended the Norwalk high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1892. He also pursued a commercial course in Oberlin and for three years engaged in teaching school. He then turned his attention to mercantile interests, doing office work for various manufacturers, and in 1897 he was called to a position of public trust through his appointment as deputy treasurer. He served for five years in this capacity and in 1903 he engaged in the general insurance business in connection with A. B. Bowen. He has been closely associated with Mr. Bowen for fourteen years, first in the manufacturing business and then when Mr. Bowen became county treasurer Mr. Sanders was his deputy. At the expiration of the term of office they engaged in the insurance business and are now operating under the firm style of Bowen & Sanders. They write a large amount of insurance annually and the business of the firm has now reached extensive and profitable proportions. Mr. Sanders is also treasurer of the Home, Savings & Loan Company, having filled this position for a number of years and is likewise a trustee in the settlement of affairs of the Norwalk Savings Bank Company. His name is an honored one on commercial paper and his business rectitude stands as an unquestioned factor in his career. On the 14th of October, 1903, Mr. Sanders was married to Miss Hettie Longwell, a native of Crawford county and a daughter of Asbury Longwell. They have two children : Ralph L., who was born October 10, 1904; and Martha L., born May 13, 1906. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sanders are members of the Universalist church and are interested and active in its work. He is now serving as church treasurer and as superintendent of the Sunday school. In politics he is an active and earnest republican and for the past six years has been the secretary of the McKinley Club. Fraternally he is connected with the Royal Arcanum and the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics. He is in hearty sympathy with progressive movements, manifesting in his life a patriotic citizenship that is most commendable. He has based his business principles and actions upon the rules which govern industry and strict, unswerving integrity, and the success which he has achieved is the direct result of his persistence and well directed labor. C. B. WEEDMAN, M. D. Dr. C. B. Weedman who since 1894 has continuously practiced medicine and surgery in New London, his ability winning him an extensive patronage throughout this part of the county, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, on the 28th of January, 1858. His father, George W. Weedman, was also a native of Ashland 432 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY county, while the grandfather was of German birth. Leaving the land of his nativity in early life he crossed the ocean to the new world and became a resident of Ashland county, Ohio, where amid pioneer surroundings he lived for some years. His son, George Weedman, was there educated and, determining upon a professional career, he took up the study of medicine, practicing continuously for forty years, maintaining his office at Nova, Ohio, where he died September 5, 1890. He was a republican in his political views and a very public-spirited citizen who sought ever the best interests of the community. He married Sophronia Richards, who was born at Orange, Ashland county, and to them were born two children, C. B. and Eliza. The public-school system of his native county afforded Dr. C. B. Weedman his early educational privileges and he afterward attended the Berea Baldwin University. Whether environment, inherited tendency or natural predilection had most to do with his choice or profession it is impossible to determine, but at all events he resolved to follow in the professional footsteps of his father and studied medicine in the Western Reserve University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1880. He then entered into partnership with his father at Nova and they were associated in business for ten years, Dr. C. B, Weedman continuing there after his father's death. In 1904, however, he removed to New London and was no stranger here ad his practice had extended to this county. In the intervening years his patronage has steadily increased and his success is the direct outcome of his skill and understanding of the principles of the medical science. He is a member of the Cleveland Medical Society and is examiner for the New York Mutual, the New York Life and the Bankers' Life Insurance Company of Des Moines, the Pittsburg Life Insurance Company, the Massachusetts Life Insurance Company and the Pennsylvania Mutual Life Insurance Company. In twenty-nine years not a man examined by him has died—a remarkable record. In addition to all this he continues actively in general practice of medicine and makes a specialty of diseases of children. Dr. Weedman served as a member of the county pension board for eight years under appointment of President McKinley and was the nominee of the republican party for the office of county treasurer of Ashland county, in 1904. His personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him were indicated in the fact that he reduced the normal democratic majority from seven hundred to two hundred. He has filled a number of local offices, but at all times has been stalwart in his championship of the republican party, believing most firmly in its principles. His position is never an equivocal one and neither fear nor favor can swerve him from a course which he believes to be right. In 1880 Dr. Weedman was married to Miss Lucy Iona Dubois, a native of Plymouth, Ohio. Her grandfather, Hubbard Dubois, was a pioneer preacher and revivalist of the Methodist church, identified with the Ohio Northern conference. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Weedman have been born two children. The son. Dr. Don V. Weedman, is now a dentist of Toledo, Ohio, who was graduated from the Western Reserve Dental School in 1904. The daughter, Elizabeth, is a musician of note and a musical director of ability. Dr. and Mrs. Weedman have a wide favorable acquaintance in New London and enjoy the hospitality of the best homes here. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and his fra- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 433 ternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is in hearty sympathy with the principles of those orders and his belief in the brotherhood of the race is evidenced in the broad humanitarian spirit shown in his practice. WILLIAM C. HEYMAN. William C. Heyman, who owns and occupies a farm of one hundred and forty-eight acres in Lyme township, was born in Sherman township, this county, April 18, 187o, the son of George G. and Elizabeth (Longshied) Heyman. Both of the parents were born in Germany, yet they were numbered among the early settlers in this' part of the state. The father, who was born in 1826, came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Heyman, to this state in 1848, locating at Hunts Corners, where the older people passed the remainder of their days. There George C. Heyman bought a small tract of land, on which he made his home, it being the nucleus of the larger tract which he later accumulated extending over seven hundred acres. Mr. Heyman was all his life identified with farming interests and was a man prominent in local affairs, holding such offices as township trustee here. He was also one of the pillars of the Reformed church, being an elder at the time of his death, and with his brother was one of those few who made possible the building of the church here. Seventy-eight years were the span allotted to him for his earthly course, but his wife had died twenty years previously. William C. Heyman was the tenth in a family of eleven children, the others being : Charles George, deceased ; Amelia, who married August Schied ; Daniel ; Thomas ; Mary, deceased ; Jacob ; Philip, deceased ; Mary, deceased ; and Albert. William C. Heyman passed the first twenty-one years of his life in Sherman township, where he attended the district schools, obtaining from them such an education as they were able to give at that period. From his childhood he has been identified closely with farming interests, learning the rudiments of agriculture tinder the guidance of his father, so that by the time he had attamed manhood he felt fully competent to manage a farm of his own. Since coming to his present home he has greatly improved the place in many ways. In November, 1908, he had the misfortune to have his house burned to the ground and he is now building what Will be a much finer residence. Though a good farmer and devoted to his vocation, Mr. Heyman has found time for engaging to a considerable extent in road contracting and has accepted several commissions to build the stone roads in the county. He also is possessed of a threshing machine and engine, thereby being enabled to increase the efficiency of his own farming, as well as to be of great assistance to his friends and neighbors. In 1891 Mr. Heyman married Miss Lillian Evans, a daughter of James and Nancy (Nibelung) Evans. Both the parents are of European birth, but came to this country at an early date and are numbered among the old settlers of Wood county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Heyman have five children, all of whom are living, Clifford O., Clarence, Eva, Willard and Mae. The family are consistent mem- 434 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY bers of the Reformed church, which Mr. Heyman's father did so much to establish here. Mr. Heyman is one of that legion of persons whose quiet useful lives do much to assure the stability of the nation. His life has been devoted to hard toil, which has brought its own returns in the returns he has won from the land he has tilled, and those who know him or are numbered among his friends speak well of his noble qualities. GEORGE W. BIXBY. George W. Bixby, who owns and operates a valuable and highly improved farm of one hundred and twenty-nine acres in Bronson township, is a native son of Huron county, his birth having occurred in Norwalk, Ohio, on the 1st of May, 1862. His father, Henry Clay Bixby, who was born in Vermont in 1829, made his way to this state in early manhood. When about twenty-one years of age he entered the employ of the Rutland & Burlington Railroad of Vermont as a brakeman, continuing in that capacity until he was promoted to the position of engineer. His health failing, however, he was at length compelled to abandon the road and afterward worked in the shops of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad at Norwalk. When about sixty years of age he took up his abode on his farm in Bronson township and afterward retired to private life, having won a competence that now enables him to spend his remaining days in well earned ease. He is a stanch republican in his political views and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as a most substantial and worthy citizen. In 1859 he married Sarah Holmes, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Holmes, of New York, and they became the parents of four children, but only two are now living, namely : George, of this review ; and Anna,- the wife of Edward Butler, of Bronson township. The mother was called to her final rest August 20,.1906. George W. Bixby obtained his education in the common schools and when twenty years of age started out in life on his own account, purchasing a tract of land of forty-nine acres from his father. He has since extended the boundaries of the place by an additional purchase of eighty acres and has made many substantial improvements on the property, which is now considered one of the finest in the entire county, being equipped with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. His time and energies are devoted to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate and in the conduct of his agricultural interests he has met with a most gratifying measure of suc- cess, which is all the more creditable by reason of the fact that it has been attained entirely through his own efforts. On the 22d of July, 1882, Mr. Bixby was united in marriage to Miss Cora Elvira Van Kleeck, in whom he has found not only a congenial companion but also a valuable helpmate on the journey of life. She was born in Allegany county, New York, on the 15th of January, 1861, a daughter of Lawrence Van Kleeck, who participated in the Civil war as a soldier of the Union army. On the 1st of 435 - PHOTO OF HENRY CLAY BIXBY 436 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 437 September, 1864, in Yates county, New York, he enlisted as a member of the Eighty-fifth Regiment of New York Volunteers and was honorably discharged in 1865, having taken part in several engagements and also spending some time in a hospital. During the greater part of the time he was stationed at Roanoke Island, under command of General Schofield. Mr. and Mrs. Bixby are the parents of the following children: Charles H., who was born October 11, 1883 ; John L., born January 3o, 1886, who attended the business college at Norwalk ; Arthur P., whose birth occurred on the 23d of May, 1894; Harry E., whose natal day was November 23, 1895 ; and George R., who died in infancy. At the polls Mr. Bixby casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church, while fraternally he is identified with the Maccabees. Throughout the county where he has always resided he has gained wide and favorable recognition as a most prosperous, enterprising and progressive citizen whose life record is a credit to the community. PETER WILHELM. General agricultural pursuits engage the attention of Peter Wilhelm, who owns a well improved and productive farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres in Peru township. He was born in that township on the 18th of March, 1860, his parents being John and Sophia (Shaffer) Wilhelm, both of whom were natives of Germany. When a young man of twenty-four years the father crossed the Atlantic to the United States and for about four years worked as a farm hand for different agriculturists of Huron county. On the expiration of that period he purchased a tract of forty acres and began farming on his own account but later disposed of that property and bought a farm of one hundred and eight acres. On selling that place he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres, which is the old family homestead and on which his son Peter now resides. Energetic, industrious and enterprising, he won a goodly measure of prosperity in the conduct of his agricultural interests and was well known as a most substantial and respected citizen of the community. His political allegiance was unfalteringly given to the democracy and he faithfully discharged the duties devolving upon him in the position of township trustee. He was a prominent and active member of the Catholic church in Peru township, in the faith of which he passed away, his demise occurring in 1886, when he had attained the age of sixty-five years. His wife was but two years. of age when brought by her parents, Peter and Catherine Shaffer, to the new world, the family home being established in Peru township, Huron county, Ohio. She was called to her final rest in 1906, when seventy-six years of age. By her marriage she had become the mother of nine children, as follows : Catherine, the deceased wife of August Dehe ; Mary, who is the wife of John Geiger and lives at Clyde, Ohio ; Angeline, the deceased wife of Constatine Spice ; Peter, of this review ; Joseph, a resident of Norwalk ; Fred, who makes his home in Toledo, 438 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Ohio ; John C., likewise a resident of Toledo ; Ida, who has passed away ; and Tillie, the wife of Austin Garvin, of Clyde, Ohio. With the exception of a period of three years spent in Sherman township and three years in Putnum county, Ohio, Peter Wilhelm has always made his home in Peru township, this county. In pursuit of an education he attended both the district and German schools, thus equipping himself by good mental training for the practical and responsible duties of life. As above stated, he devotes his time and energies to the cultivation of a tract of one hundred and seventy-five acres in Peru township, on which he has placed a number of substantial improvements until at present it is lacking in none of the equipments and conveniences of a model farming property of the twentieth century. On the 25th of November, 1884, Mr. Wilhelm was united in marriage to Miss Clara Miller, a native of Lorain county, Ohio, and a daughter of Mathias and Magdaline (Neff) Miller, of that county. Their union has been blessed with six children : Arthur, Otto, Theodore, Elmer, Verna and Walter. On the 25th of November, 1908, Arthur Wilhelm, the eldest son, wedded Miss Elizabeth Wise, of Sherman township, and they now have one child, Herman. They reside on a portion of our subject's farm. Mr. Wilhelm has capably served in the position of trustee in Peru township and at present holds the office of township clerk, to which he was elected on the democratic ticket in 1906. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Catholic church of Peru township. He inherits the industrial qualities, together with the honesty, of his German ancestry, and aside from being numbered among the successful farmers of the community, he is also acknowledged to be one of the representative citizens of the township. L. SNOOK. L. Snook, for ten years a practitioner at the Norwalk bar and also active in local republican circles, is numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Wyandot county on the 14th of November, 1858. His father, William Snook, was a native of Licking county, this state, but lived for many years in Wyandot and Hancock counties. By trade he was a carpenter. He died in 1891 at the age of sixty-eight years and is still survived by his widow, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Starr and is a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. She now makes her home with her children. In the country schools of Wyandot and Hancock counties L. Snook pursued his early education, mastering the branches of learning that constitute the public school curriculum. He afterward took up the profession of teaching which he followed for eighteen years in those two counties. He was not only able to maintain discipline—an essential to good teaching—but also imparted readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired, bringing to his students a thorough understanding of the branches of learning that he was required to teach. His leisure hours during a part of this period were devoted to the study of law. He had two brothers who took up the study of law, but L. A. Snook died in Sandusky, HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 439 Ohio, in 1902, after practicing there for some time. The other brother, W. S. Snook, is now a successful representative of the bar in Findlay, Ohio. After mastering many of the principles of jurisprudence, becoming familiar with Kent, Blackstone and other commentaries, Mr. Snook successfully passed the required examination for admission to the bar in 1899. In the same year he came to Norwalk, opened his office and has since continued in practice here. His life has been one of continuous activity in which has been accorded due recognition of labor. He is a strong advocate with a jury and concise in his appeals before the court. He manifests, moreover, a natural discrimination as to legal ethics and is able to base his arguments upon thorough knowledge of and familiarity with precedents and to present a case upon its merits. He throws himself easily and naturally into the argument, with a self possession and deliberation that indicates a thorough understanding of the situation. There is a precision and clearness in his statement and acuteness and strength in his argument which bespeaks a mind trained in the severest school of investigation and to which the closest reasoning has become habitual and easy. In March, 1884, Mr. Snook was married to Miss Margaret Taylor, a native of Carroll. county, Ohio, and they now have two children, Jennie and Mabel, the former the wife of J. G. Rorick. Their only son, Taylor, died at the age of five years. In his political views Mr. Snook is an active republican, doing all in his power to further the interests of the party and is now acting as township clerk of Norwalk township. He holds membership relations with the Knights of Maccabees and the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the Congregational church in the work of which he is much interested. He is now serving as a member of its executive committee and also as superintendent of its Sunday school, and his labors are effective and far reaching in furthering its interests and extending its influence. His aid is ever given on the side of justice, truth and progress and while he desires success he will never win it at the sacrifice of any principle or course which he believes to be right. OTIS G. CARTER. Otis G. Carter is a representative of our best type of American manhood and chivalry. It is one of the laws of life that man shall labor for what he possesses and while putting forth earnest, persistent effort to acquire success in mercantile lines, whereby he has become recognized as the leading jeweler of New London. Mr. Carter has also found time and opportunity to cooperate in movements for the general good and his genuine worth, broad mind and public spirit have made him a director of public thought and action. He was born in Norwalk, January 5, 1851. His father, Otis G. Carter, Sr., was twenty-one years of age when he arrived in Norwalk. He had previously learned the jewelry and watchmaking trade in Erie, Pennsylvania, and on his removal to this county established business on his own account in that line. He continued in active connection with that department of trade until 1855 when he went to Chicago, where he conducted a simi- 440 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY lar enterprise. In 1860, however, he returned to Norwalk, where he remained in business until his death, working at the jeweler's bench until ninety years of age. He was a remarkable man, accurate, systematic and energetic and his remarkable constitution and vitality enabled him to continue a factor in the world's work until his last days. In politics he was an earnest republican, interested in the welfare of the town and contributing in substantial measure to its upbuilding and progress. He organized the first Baptist Sunday school of Norwalk and on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary delivered an interesting address. His life was an influential factor in the moral as well as the material development of the city and wherever he was known he was respected and honored. He married Miss Julia Berry, a native of Fredonia, New York, and both are now deceased. Otis G. Carter of this review was the fourth in order of birth in a family of ten children. His education was acquired in the schools of Norwalk, where he passed through successive grades until he was graduated from the high school. He then entered his father's store and under his direction learned the jewelry business, spending five years in that way. Ambitious to engage in business on his own account, in 1874 he removed to New London, where he established a jewelry store, which he has since carried on, having now been identified with the mercantile interests of the city for thirty-five years. His first location was across the street from his present place of business and after some time he built the store which he now occupies. He carries a large and well selected line of goods, all attractive, tasteful and artistic patterns and in his trade relations is thoroughly reliable, building up an extensive and profitable business by reason of his earnest desire to please his customers, his reasonable prices and his straightforward business methods. In 1882 Mr. Carter built the residence on First street which he occupies. Throughout the period of his residence here he has been more or less active in public affairs, withholding his aid and cooperation from no movement which he deems of benefit to the community at large. He has been township clerk since 1898 and a member of the board of public affairs for several years: In politics he is an active, earnest and zealous republican, yet he does not seek or care for office as a reward for party fealty. He has labored earnestly, however, to elect his friends and is a recognized factor in county republican circles, his opinions carrying weight in the councils of the party. In 1871 Mr. Carter was married to Miss Estella Moorehouse, a native of Norwalk and a daughter of David Moorehouse, one of the old residents of Norwalk, where he has been prominently connected with the lumber trade for a number of years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Carter has been blessed with two daughters and a son: Elizabeth ; Richard Otis, who received his business training under his father's direction and is now engaged in the jewelry business in Cleveland; and Florence M., the wife of D. F. White of Detroit. In his fraternal relations Mr. Carter is a Mason, holding membership with Floral Lodge, No. 26o, A. F. & A. M.; and New London Chapter, No. I To, R. A. M., of New London. He belongs to the Methodist church and is interested in the moral progress and intellectual development of the community as well as the promotion of its interests in material lines. His life has been one of continuous activity in which has been ac- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 441 corded due recognition of labor and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of his county. As a business man he has been conspicuous among his associates, not only for his success but for his probity, fairness and honorable methods. C. B. LAWRENCE. No matter in how much fantastic theorizing one may indulge as to the causation of success, it will be found that in every instance business progress has its basis in close application and indefatigable labor. This truth is manifest in the life record of C. B. Lawrence, now a leading insurance man of Norwalk. He was born July 5, 1866, in Iowa, a son of Alonzo E. Lawrence, who was born in Bronson township, Huron county, Ohio, where his father, George Lawrence, had settled in 1823. The latter was a native of Cayuga county, New York, and removing westward in pioneer times, was busily employed here in cutting away the forest trees and developing a homestead in the midst of the green woods, sharing in all of the hardships and privations which fall to the lot of the frontier settler. His wife bore the maiden name of Rodena Smith and was a native of the state of New York. Alonzo E. Lawrence was born on the old family homestead in this county in 1838, was reared to the occupation of farming and assisted his father in the work of the fields through the period of his minority. He was about twenty-six years of age, when, in 1864, he enlisted in response to the country's call for further aid, joining the One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was connected until the close of the war. After the cessation of hostilities he removed to Butler county, Iowa, and it was during the residence of the family there that the subject of this review was born. They remained in Iowa, however,. for only four years, after which they returned to Huron county and settled in Bronson township, upon the old Herrick homestead. There the father remained, busily employed in general agricultural pursuits until the time of his death, which occurred April 8, 1906. In early manhood he had wedded Electa Jane Herrick, also a representative of one of the oldest and most prominent pioneer families of this part of the state. Her grandfather, Ezra Herrick, settled in Bronson township in 1818, when Ephraim Herrick, her father, was a young man of eighteen years. Ephraim Herrick became quite prominent in local affairs of the county, serving for a long period as justice of the peace, during which time his decisions were strictly fair and impartial and won high commendation. The first frame house in Bronson township was built on his farm and the first township election was held in that house. At that time there was a log jail in Norwalk and the other public buildings were of almost an equally primitive character. Ephraim Herrick served as guard over two Indians confined . in the jail for murder., and who were afterward executed. He was closely associated with many of the early notable events and bore his share in promoting the work of modern civilization. His daughter, Electa Jane Herrick, was born on the old homestead in October, 1841. This farm is now in possession of the Lawrence family. She was one of a family of five children but only one is now 442 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY living. On reaching womanhood she gave her hand in marriage to Alonzo E. Lawrence, who was one of a family of four children, all living with the exception of himself. His brothers are : Miner, now living on the old Lawrence homestead ; and G. A., who is living in Monrovia, California, while the sister, Alice E., the widow of William Lawrence, is now a resident of South Dakota. C. B. Lawrence was educated in the public schools of Huron county, to which he was brought during his early childhood on his parents' return to Ohio. He afterward had the benefit of instruction in the Normal school at Milan, and later engaged in farming on the old homestead until 1896, when he came to Norwalk. Here he has since lived and for about eleven years he was upon the road as a traveling salesman, being thus engaged until 1907, when he bought out the old established insurance agency of Altaffer & Canfield and is now engaged in the general insurance business. He is meeting with good success in this undertaking and is well known as a representative and reliable citizen of Norwalk. In 1889 Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Schild, a native of Wood county, Ohio, and a daughter of George Schild. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence have one daughter, Marie, who was born on the 13th of April, 1892. His mother also lives with him. With the exception of the four years spent in Iowa she always resided on the old Herrick homestead until her husband's death, when she came to Norwalk to live with her son. Mr. Lawrence is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the Presbyterian church and these organizations indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. His actions have ever been manly and sincere and while he has never sought to figure prominently in public life, in the locality where he lives he is highly respected. MAJOR A. McINTYRE. Major A. McIntyre, a retired farmer of Fitchville township, Huron county, was born in Hinkley township, Medina county, Ohio, September 1, 1836, a son of Thomas and Ruth (Collony) McIntyre. The former was born at White Plains, Massachusetts, and is of Scotch descent, while the latter was a native of Braddock, Connecticut, and of Irish parentage. They were married and had two children before coming to Ohio in 1829. They settled in Hinkley, Medina county, where Mr. McIntyre took up the life of a farmer and prosecuted his labors as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a very devout man and a great worker in the church, and his farm was for a number of years the scene of Methodist camp meetings, to which ministers and laymen of the faith flocked, sometimes from great distances. In 1846 he moved his family to Sandusky county, where they remained a year, then brought them to Huron county. In 1848 he located in Fitchville township, which was his home until his death in July, 1849. He was a strong and noble man, whose principal concern was that his twelve children might be well equipped to fight the battles of life. His widow made her home in Fitchville until 1886, when she went to Claire, Michigan, to visit .her son Arthur, and there was taken sick and died. 443 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. MAJOR A. MCINTYRE 444 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 445 Major A. McIntyre is the youngest of the family and the only one now living. He received a meager education in the common schools of Fitchville township and learned the trade of a carpenter. In 1856 he went to Kansas and during the two years he spent there participated in the border troubles. Many of his experiences were exciting and thrilling. On one occasion he was captured by the notorious John Brown, but when it became known that he was journeying for a physician to assist a sick person in the family with whom he was living, and that he was from Ohio, he was released. On another occasion, a few months later, when going by stage from Lawrence, Kansas, to Kansas City, Missouri, both mere hamlets at the time, he found that one of his companions was his distinguished captor. Many are the events of those years that he can narrate, and they doubtless prepared him in some measure for the struggle that enveloped the nation a few years later. In this, too, Mr. McIntyre took a part. He enlisted in Company D, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, August 23, 1863, and participated in all the battles of the Army of the Cumberland, but though he was ever at his post in the faithful performance of his duty, he came from the conflict without a wound and without having been captured. On the 24th of August, 1865, he was mustered out of the service, and came directly to Norwalk, Ohio, where he found employment in the carshops of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway. In the spring of 1866 he located in Fitchville but later in the year went to Kansas, not to stay, however, for he returned to Huron county and again secured a position with the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern. Five years later he engaged in contracting and building in Norwalk, in which he continued until 1884, when he returned to the farm in Fitchville, which has been his home ever since. He owns one hundred and three acres of land, of fine quality, on which he practiced a successful line of general farming to within the last five years, having since in large measure given up the active care and responsibility of it. On the l0th of January, 1863, Mr. McIntyre was married to Miss Mary St. John, a daughter of William and Ann (Hale) St. John. The St. John is a prominent and influential family of Fitchville township, to which they came from Connecticut in the early pioneer days. One son and three daughters are still living: Hubbard, of Greenwich township ; Myra, now Mrs. Benjamin Fessenden, of Fairfield township ; Charissa, the wife of Dalton Burton, of Olena, and Mary, the wife of our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre have been born six children : William A., who is married and resides in Cleveland ; Mary E., the wife of Levi C. Brothers, of Fitchville township ; and Ella, Dessie, Burdette and Charles H., who have passed away. In politics Mr. McIntyre is a republican, who cast his first vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, a few months before he was twenty-one. In 1872 he supported Horace Greeley, but has since then voted the republican ticket for the most part. He has ever taken an active interest in political matters and has frequently served as a delegate to conventions. In the public life of the township he has also participated, acting as trustee for a considerable period. In 1858 he was made a Mason and for long was active in the society's lodges, and was instrumental in establishing the commandery of the Knights Templar in Norwalk. The Norwalk G. A. R. post also includes him on its roll of active members, and on more than one occasion he has been delegated to represent it in the state and national 446 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY conventions. Mr. McIntyre considers that his most active years have passed, but his interest in the affairs of the township has not diminished, nor his influence in promoting its progress and advancement. MARTIN GROSS. Martin Gross, president and treasurer of the Gross Lumber Company, of Bellevue, Ohio, was born in Germany, July 1, 1843, the son of William and Kathryn (Fritz) Gross. The parents, who died in their native land of Germany, reared a family of six children : John ; William ; Elizabeth, deceased ; Kathryn ; David, deceased ; and Martin. A seventh child did not live beyond the period of infancy. Martin Gross came to this country at the age of seventeen years and settled first at Rochester, New York, where he worked for perhaps six months, at the cabinet-maker's trade, which he had learned in Germany. From there he came to Bellevue, Ohio, in February, 1861, but though two of his brothers had come to this section of the state before him, he could find no work and of necessity sought employment on a farm. For about a year and a half he worked for William and Henry Heyman, in Huron county, and then toward the close of the season he left to join the army fighting for the Union. On the 9th of August, 1862, he was mustered into Company H, One Hundred and Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, joining his regiment at Cleveland. At the battle of Chancellorsville he was wounded in the leg and head, necessitating his remaining in the hospital for six months, Upon being reported fit for service, he was transferred to Company D of the Ninth Regiment of the Veteran Reserve Corps, at Washington, with which he remained until he was discharged June 29, 1865. Upon his return from the field of battle, Mr: Gross located in Bellevue, Ohio, where he worked at the cabinet-maker's trade until 1867, when he saw an opportunity of entering the furniture business in partnership with John S. Wise. For fourteen years the venture prospered, but in 1881 Mr. Gross dissolved the firm in order that he might go mto the lumber business with J. H. Weber, who sold his interest in 1889 to C. D. Stone. When Mr. Stone died three years later, Mrs. Stone sold his share to Mr. Weber, and so the original partners were together again, conducting the business in common until Mr. Weber died, in 1895, when Mr. Gross bought his share. Three years afterward he formed a stock company with a declared capital of forty thousand dollars. Martin Gross was the president and treasurer of this new concern ; George Smith was the vice president ; and Martin F. Gross was the secretary. The board of directors included these men and Mrs. Martin Gross and James Spade. At present the board of directors consists of, besides the original officials, James Spade, Frank Smith, W. G. Gross and Charles A. Gross. On the 1st of May. 1866, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Gross to Miss Philippina Schwenk, the daughter of George Schwenk, who did not leave his native land of Germany. Nine children have been born to the couple. Louise, the eldest, married T. F. McLaughy, of Bellevue, and is the mother of three daughters, Norma, Ruth and Agnes. Lizzie married William Cramer and hves in To- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 447 ledo, with her family of three, Carl, Helen and Florence. Martin died at the age of eight months. Minnie married August Josenhaus, of Toledo, and is the mother of one son, George. Katie married Joseph Briehl, of Bellevue, and they have three sons, Martin, Charles and Joseph. Emma died at the age of eighteen. William G. married Miss Estella Cooley, and like his two younger brothers, Martin F. and Charles A., lives at Bellevue, being in business with their father. Martin F. married Miss Etta Brickman and is the father of a son, Paul, Charles A. married Miss Mabel Long. Though so much of his time is given to the lumber business which he inaugurated, Mr. Gross has many other interests both in the world of affairs and socially and fraternally. He is on the board of directors of the Zehner Brothers Packing Company, of the Bellevue Savings Bank, and is a stockholder in the First National Bank. He is a member of the local G. A. R. post, and also affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Masons and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In the former, he has passed through all the chairs. In religious matters' he gives his allegiance to the Lutheran church. Mr. Gross is a business man of prominence in his city ; his interests are wide and look to the development of Bellevue as well as to personal gain. GEORGE P. SCHILD. A valuable farm of one hundred and seventy-seven acres in Peru township is the property of George P. Schild and annually pays tribute to his care and labor in bounteous harvests, His birth occurred in Lyme township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 4th of December, 1858, his parents being George and Catherine (Hesselbauch) Schild, both of whom were natives of Germany. In early manhood the father came to the United States alone and for a number of years worked on a lake boat running into Sandusky, Ohio. Subsequently he peddled merchandise throughout the vicinity and later gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits, first renting a tract of land in Erie county. Afterward he purchased , a farm in Wood county, Ohio, and later traded that property for a farm belonging to Charles Moore in Sherman township, Huron county. As the years passed and his financial resources increased, as the result of his well directed and untiring labor, he added to his landed holdings by additional purchase and became widely recognized as a most successful and enterprising agriculturist. He passed away in 1893, at the age of sixty-five years, his demise occurring on his farm of two hundred and sixty-five acres in Greenfield township. He assisted in the erection of the Lutheran church at Pontiac, and always remained one of its most active and helpful members. He was married three times and by his first wife, who died in early womanhood, had two children : one who passed away in infancy ; and Lena, the wife of Sol Beck, of Peru township. The demise of his second wife occurred in Wood county, and she left a family of seven children to mourn her loss, namely : Carolina, who is the wife of George Linder, of Peru township ; Libbie, who gave her hand in marriage to Ambrose Smith, of Peru township ; George P., of this review ; Charles, who is deceased ; Mary, the wife 448 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY of William Knoll, of Bellevue; Louise, the wife of Charles Luteman, of Norwalk ; and Anna, who is the wife of Bert Brooks, of Chicago Junction, Ohio. For his third wife George Schild chose Miss Charlotta Hick and their union was blessed with four children, as follows: Amelia, who is now the wife of Bert Lawrence, of Norwalk ; August, who has passed away ; William, a resident of Lansing, Michigan ; and John, who makes his home in Cleveland, Ohio. The mother of these children still survives and is now living in Norwalk, Ohio. George P. Schild obtained his education in the district schools of Wood and Huron counties and since putting aside his text-books has given his attention to the work of general farming. He has resided on his present farm of one hundred and seventy-seven acres in Peru township since 1879, and as the years have gone by has made a number of substantial improvements on the property, remodeling the house and barn, etc. He keeps his fields rich and arable through the rotation of crops and has studied, too, the best time and methods of planting and the best means of cultivating the soil. That his labors have been practical is indicated by the results which he has achieved, owning now one of the best farms of the community. On the 23d of July, 1885, Mr. Schild was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Herner, a native of Sherman township and a daughter of Phedius and Lena Herner, who were natives of Germany but became early settlers of Huron county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schild have been born three children: Gertrude, living in Peru township, who is the wife of John Scheid and has two children, Harold and Catherine ; William H., whose birth occurred June 26, 1890; and Clayton, whose natal day was December 3, 1898. The last two are still under the parental roof. At the polls Mr. Schild casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democracy and for four years served in the position of township trustee. At the present time he is doing effective service for the cause of education as a member of the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church at Pontiac, in which he has held various official positions, including those of trustee and deacon. Most of his life has been spent in Huron county, where he has a wide acquaintance and is favorably known. B. D. ROWELL. B. D. Rowell is now filling the office of county treasurer in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents, for in the discharge of his duties he is manifesting business ability and systematic methods which have won him high commendation. He is numbered among Michigan's native sons, his birth having occurred in Jackson, that state, on the 19th of July, 1854, his parents being Daniel and Martha (Thompson) Rowell, who were natives of the state of New York. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers were loyal defenders of American interests in the Revolutionary war. When but five years of age the father was taken by his parents to Indiana, the family home being established in Stark county. Both he and his wife spent their last days in Indiana, although HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 449 in the meantime they had resided elsewhere. At the time of the Civil war Daniel Rowell espoused the cause of the Union, serving in the Twenty-ninth Indiana Regiment. He was an enthusiastic advocate of the cause of abolition and believing that the war was a forward step toward securing the freedom of the slaves and also because of his belief in the supremacy of the Federal government, he joined the boys in blue. He lost one son who was at the front defending the Union, and another son served throughout the war until its close. B. D. Rowell is indebted to the public-school system of that state for the educational opportunities accorded him and he also engaged in teaching in the country schools in Indiana during his early manhood. He then took up the study of telegraphy and was associated with the Western Union until elected to office. As their representative he came to Norwalk and continued to act as operator here until he was chosen to the office of county treasurer in 1895. He has served two terms in the position and has been a faithful custodian of the public funds, being careful and systematic in the care of the public money and in all of the work of the office. Mr. Rowell was married in 1876 to Miss Lucinda Deringer, a native of Hardin county, Ohio, and they now have one son, Harry E., who is a graduate of Buchtel College and is now residing in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Rowell is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being affiliated with Mount Vernon lodge. He also belongs to the Methodist church and while a man of modest, quiet, reserved manner, he is much respected for his genuine personal worth and for his creditable official record. IRVING CARPENTER. Irving Carpenter has practiced law in Norwalk since 1905 and has been accorded a liberal clientage. He was born in Fairfield township, Huron county, October 24, 1879, his parents being Alvin J. and Ollie (Hodges) Carpenter. The father was born in Ripley township, December 27, 1854, and the mother's birth occurred in Missouri. The paternal grandfather, Leonard E. Carpenter, is also a native of this county, having started upon the journey of life in Fairfield township, December 21, 1829. He is still living at the venerable age of eighty years. His father was Asa Carpenter, who came from Connecticut to Ohio at an early epoch in the history of Huron county in company with his father, Daniel Carpenter, who settled in Fairfield township. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, participating in the battle of Lexington and in other engagements during his three years' service in Captain Macey's company. On the removal westward The family became closely identified with events relative to the pioneer development and improvement of the county and were closely associated with its agricultural interests. In his later years Alvin J. Carpenter removed to Norwalk township and is now an active and prosperous farmer of that locality. Irving Carpenter, an only child, was educated in the country schools and in the North Fairfield high school, from which he was graduated with the class of ,1897. Subsequently he engaged in teaching for five years and during that period he also pursued a literary course in the Ohio Northern University. For