226 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY -227 the present time. During his early life the family lived in a log house and on many occasions he would wake up in the morning to find several inches of snow on his bed. In early manhood he was engaged in the meat and liquor business at Monroeville for a number of years but throughout the greater ,,part of his business career has been actively and successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits. About 1876 he bought his present farm of mnety-nine acres from Mr. Fitz and has since been engaged in its cultivation and improvement. At the time it came into his possession the only buildings on the place were an old house and barn, but as the years have gone by Mr. Hohler has made a number of substantial improvements which Stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. On the 15th of February, 1878, Mr. Hohler was united in marriage to Miss Frances Meyer, a native of Tiffin, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel and Agetta (Hipp) Meyer, both of whom are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hohler have been born eleven children, as follows : Lucy, living at Monroeville, who is the wife of John C. Wilhelm, by whom she has three children—Milton, Vernon and Charles ; Mamie, who is at home ; Henry, a resident of Hunts Corners, who wedded Miss Mary Heater and has one child, Agnes ; Lena, who is the wife of Rover Derringer, and lives in Ridgefield township ; Edward, residing in Michigan, who married Miss Carrie Cook, by whom he has one child, Opal ; Tillie, Peter and Clarence, all of whom are still under the parental roof ; Josiah, who passed away at the age of five years ; and Clemons and Celia, who are also at home: In his political views Mr. Hohler is a stanch democrat and has served in the position of township school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He is a faithful communicant of the Catholic church and fraternally is identified with the Knights of Columbus at Monroeville. He is now in the prime of life and enjoys to the fullest measure the many advantages afforded by the present day and, being progressive, and a man whose life has always been in keeping with high standards, he justly deserves the confidence and respect which are uniformly accorded him. IRVING J. BROOKS. Irving J. Brooks, the editor and owner of The Greenwich Enterprise,, was born April 15, 1857, in Bronson township, Huron county, Ohio, and is the son of Franklin and Ann Eliza (Kennedy) Brooks, both of whom were natives of this county. The mother's ancestors came from the north of Ireland, but the father traced his to England, and counted 'among them several men who had played an important part in the history of this country from the earliest days. William Brooks, the great- grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a direct descendant of Lord Brooks of England, some of whose progeny came to America and held grants of land near the mouth of the Connecticut river, where the Say-Brooke fort of history, built to protect against the encroachments of the Dutch traders who claimed the territory, 228 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY was situated. William Brooks was graduated from Yale College with honors and entered upon the profession of teaching, which he followed for thirty-three years. During the Revolutionary war he served as quartermaster and took part in the battles of Bunker Hill and Stillwater and was a member of that sturdy band who brought about Burgoyne's surrender. After the establishment of the Union he was commissioned by the government to survey on the Western Reserve, and Huron county, Ohio, lay within his field of operation. On completing his work here, he returned to Vermont to bring his family to the new country. They arrived in 1817 and settled in Greenfield township, Huron county, after having made a trying journey of many days, with an ox-team. The entire land was at that time covered with forests, in the midst of which the family settled, and which they immediately began to clear for the purpose of making a home. William Brooks was married, January 5, 1775, to Miss Keziah Haskell, who bore to him seven children. Lemuel Sprague Brooks, the grandfather of Irving J. Brooks, was born in Windsor county, Vermont, October 29, 1806, and was ten years of age when his parents came to Ohio. He was a man of exceptional muscular power and carried off the honors wherever athletic sports were in favor. He married, at the age of twenty-seven, Miss Almira Adams, of North Fairfield, Ohio, who bore him two children, Franklin and Esther. Five years after this union he passed away, in 1838. Franklin Brooks was born in Greenfield Huron county, Ohio, January 13, 1834. He grew up to be a man of fine mind, a farmer, and one who wielded no inconsiderable influence in his community. On the 1st of November, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Eliza Kennedy, of Bronson, Huron county, by whom he had four children: Irving J., Gardiner A., Frank A. and Anna E. Franklin Brooks died December 11, 1897, but his wife still lives. Irving J. Brooks was reared on the father's farm, was educated in the country schools, going thence to the Lebanon National Normal School, and to the normal school at Ada. For several years after completing his education he pursued the profession of teaching during the winter months and was both progressive and popular in this vocation. In the office of the Norwalk Chronicle he learned the printer's trade, with which trade he ever since has been closely connected. He left the Chronicle office to go to Cherokee, Iowa, as foreman of the Journal where he worked until 1885, when he went to Mankato, Minnesota, to fill the position of foreman on the Mankato Journal. Three years lath he came to Greenwich, Huron county, Ohio, where he assumed the editorship and proprietorship of the Greenwich Enterprise holding it to the present. It is a weekly publication of influence in the homes and in affairs generally of the village and township. It professes an independent republican attitude in matters of political concern, but is an organ that makes for the good and progress of the community that supports it, and during the twenty years that Mr. Brooks has guided is destinies, has won for its owner and publisher the good will of his constituents. Not only does he own the paper and the printing plant and built.- ing, but he also conducts an up-to-date printing business. Yet these things do not consume all his time, for he has been able to devote a good deal of it to the service of the public. For a space of fifteen years he served as clerk of the township and of the township board of education for an equal period. He has also been a member of the school board of the village and also clerk for a number of years. In politics he is a republican and has been the Greenwich member of the Huron coun- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 229 ty republican central committee and has frequently been sent to county conventions and been otherwise active in the party. On April 5, 1886, Mr. Brooks was united in marriage, at Cherokee, Iowa, with Miss Lydia R. Ruggles, who was born in Waverly, Van Buren county, Michigan, August 21, 1865, a daughter of Charles P. and Henrietta C. (Hobart) Ruggles. Her father's people pride themselves on their blood, being an old family. Her mother was of Puritan descent, tracing a direct line of ancestry to John Alden and his wife Priscilla. Mr. and Mrs. Ruggles never became residents of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are members of the Episcopal church, but as there is no place of worship of this denomination in Greenwich they attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church, in whose work and interests they have taken large part, Mr. Brooks having been for a number of years a member of the board of trustees, at present filling the office of president of this body, and having been superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years, and his wife taking equally efficient interest. Mr. Brooks belongs to a large number of organizations, fraternal, social, and such as are connected with his profession as journalist and printer. He was a charter member of the Forest Lodge, No. 145, Knights of Pythias, of Norwalk ; is a member of Greenwich Lodge, No. 543. F. & A. M., in which he has filled many offices ; also of the New London Chapter, No. 110, R. A. M. : and of the National Union. He is on the roll of members of the Audubon Society of Cincinnati ; of the International Typographical Union of Toledo ; of the Buckeye Press Association ; and of the Sons of Temperance, of Norwalk. He was formerly a member of Company G, Sixteenth Ohio National Guard, from which he holds an honorable discharge from service. In his private life, in his public activities, and as the editor of a paper that is a factor in the village, Mr. Brooks wields an influence that is refining, elevating and educational, one too that is widely felt in the community. Mrs. Brooks is well known in the social gatherings of the village, and the home over which she presides is one of the most attractive and modern of those here. ARTHUR UNDERHILL. Arthur Underhill, a resident of Norwalk, is a railway mail clerk in the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. He was born in Ridgefield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 6th of March, 1867, a son of Isaac and Lydia (Gregory) Underhill. The father, a native of Herkimer county, New York, accompanied his parents, David and Mary (Osborne) Underhill, on their removal to this county in the year 1817 David Underhill, the grandfather of our subject, became the owner of considerable land in this vicinity and operated the first sawmill in the county. He had first visited this section of the state in 1810 in order to locate land and subsequently made several more trips to Huron county, doing quite a little trading with the Indians. In the construction of his sawmill, which was built in 1815, he employed the services of nearly all the men in the county at that time. He also assisted in laying out the town of Norwalk and was a charter member of the Masonic lodge at that place, which held some of its first meetings in his home. 230 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY One of his daughters, Harriett, who was the first white woman to be married in Ridgefield township, became the wife of Major Strong, in whose hon0r Strong's Ridge was named. When David Underhill was called to his final rest in 1844 the community mourned the loss of one of its most worthy and respected pioneer settlers, whose labors proved an important factor in the work of early development and upbuilding. Subsequent to the demise of his father, Isaac Underhill continued to operate the sawmill until 1879 and remained a resident of Ridgefield township from the time of his arrival in this county until he passed away on the 15th of March, 1885, in the faith of the Baptist Church. His wife, who was a devoted and faithful member of the Presbyterian church, was called to the home beyond on the 1st of October, 1907. Unto this worthy couple were born five children, as follows : Isaac M., who is deceased ; Isabelle F., likewise deceased, who was the wife of Arthur Sprague, by whom she had one child, Kathryn B. ; Edwin, who wedded Miss Myrtle Husted and has a son, Roy ; Arthur, of this review ; and a daughter who died in infancy. Arthur Underhill obtained his education in the schools of Norwalk and after putting aside his text-books took up his abode on the home farm, where he continued to reside until 1893. In that year he entered the railway mail service as a clerk on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad but at the end of six months was transferred to the Big Four Railroad, his run being from. Cleveland to Cincinnati. Subsequently he was transferred to the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, in which position he has remained to the present time, his run being between Cleveland and Utica, New York. He is the owner of a well improved and productive farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Ridgefield township, also owns some property in Norwalk and is altogether a most prosperous, enterprising and progressive citizen of his native county. In December, 1884, Mr. Underhill was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Mahler, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Mahler, of Ridgefield township. The three children born of this union are as follows : Clarence, who married Miss Gertrude La Reau, of Monroe, Michigan, lives on his father's farm. He has one son, James A. Clara, twin sister of Clarence, is a graduate of St. Luke's Hospital and is now a trained nurse of Cleveland, Ohio. Jennie is still under the parental roof. Mr. Underhill is well and favorably known throughout the county in which his entire life has been spent and in the development and progress of which both his father and grandfather bore an important part. WILLIAM BOEHLER. William Boehler, who is now living retired in an attractive and comfortable home in Monroeville, Ridgefield township, was for many years identified with agricultural interests of Huron county. He was born in Lyme township, this county, on the 29th of December, 1852, a son of John Philip and Margaret (Seible) Boehler, both natives of Germany. The father, whose birth occurred on the 7th of November, 1823, came t0 the United States when twenty-six years of age, coming di- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 231 rect to Ohio, where he located in Huron county. Upon his arrival here he was entirely without funds and was compelled to work by the month in various places throughout the county. His was a determined and energetic spirit, however, and by hard labor and careful saving he had accumulated, after three years, sufficient means to purchase a farm of eighty acres located in Lyme township. After a year he sold this property and purchased one hundred acres in Sherman township. Three years later he also sold this farm and removed to Peru township, where he bought land from George Turner, one of the oldest farmers in this county. He resided upon this farm for about forty-one years, actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and then retired from business life, removing to Bellevue. He remained in the latter place, however, only about two months, and then took up his abode in Monroeville, where his remaining days were spent, his death occurring May 3, 1897. He had been most successful in his undertakings and became recognized as one of the extensive land owners of this county, his property holdings at the time of his demise amounting to eight hundred acres. He was also well known among local democratic ranks, serving as township trustee, school director and road supervisor of Peru township. He was also an active worker in church circles and assisted in erecting the Lutheran church at Pontiac and during his connection with that church was almost continuously in office. He wedded Margaret Seible, who was born in 1830 and came to Huron county with her parents when twenty-one years of age. Here she passed away on the 22d of June, 1883. In the family of this worthy- couple were six children, namely : William, of this review ; Henry ; Minnie, the wife of John P. Meyers, of Ridgefield township ; Louise, the wife of Charles Heyman, residing in Peru township ; Philip, a farmer of Peru township, residing on the old homestead ; and Otto, whose sketch, in connection with that of his brother Henry, will be found elsewhere in this volume. William Boehler, whose name introduces this review, was reared on his father's farm and has continued to make his residence in this county. He acquired his education in the district and summer schools. He remained at home, assisting his father in the cultivation of the fields, until he attained manhood, when he started out in business on his own account, operating a farm which he had received from his father. He had early become familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting and, energetic and persevering by nature, he at once bent his energies toward the development of his property. He made a large number of improvements on the place, which consisted of one hundred and thirty-two acres of land in Peru township, erected substantial outbuildings and installed all the modern equipment and accessories necessary to facilitate the work of the farm. It is now one of the finely improved farms of the township. He operated this place for about thirty-two years and his close application to business and his excellent management at last brought to him a substantial competence which enabled him to retire from active work, and, renting his farm to his son, he removed to Monroeville, where he purchased some property and where he now makes his home. On the 4th of January, 1877, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Boehler and Miss Mary Heyman, a daughter of William A. and Janette (Mohr) Heyman, who were both old settlers of Huron county. The birth of Mrs. Boehler occurred June 25, 1854, in Lyme township. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Boehler has been blessed with eight children. The eldest, Louisa, is the wife of Charles Scheid and resides 232 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY in Sherman township. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children, Mable, Ada, Marian and Olive. August L., who was born August 6, 1879, married Anna Meyer and lives on the old homestead farm, which he operates for his father. He is serving as school director of Peru township and is also a trustee of the Lutheran church. Anna, who wedded Alvin Groff, died on the 6th of September, 1908, at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving besides her husband one son, Morris, who resides with our subject. Minnie, the fourth in order of birth, passed away on the 8th of May, 1904, at the age of twenty-one years. Amanda, who married Henry Meyer, resides in Ridgefield township. Edith and Carl are still at home, while Elmer, the youngest of the family., passed away at the age of four months. Mr. Boehler is one of the prominent members of the Lutheran church at Pontiac, of which he is serving as elder and in the work of which he is deeply and helpfully interested. He is a stalwart democrat in political allegiance and on that ticket was elected township trustee, in which capacity he served for ten years. He was also school director for some time, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion, and he has also been elected to fill various other minor offices. Public, spirited in his citizenship, he readily lends his influence to all matters which have for their object the material, political, intellectual and moral advancement and up- building of the community. His life has been one of continuous activity in which has been accorded due recognition of honest labor, and he stands today as one of the substantial and prosperous representatives of his native county, while his genuine personal worth and sterling traits of character have gained for him a high place in the esteem and regard of his fellowmen. T. F. HILDRETH, A. M., D. D. Rev. T. F. Hildreth is numbered among those to whom the, spirit of youthful energy and enthusiasm clings while time passes by and may, therefore, be termed "eighty-two years young," for while he has covered more than eight decades since starting upon the journey of life, in his interests he seems a man yet in his prime, his cheerful word, ready smile and encouraging sympathy making him popular alike among young and old, rich and poor, in his home town. Ham, has resided continually in Norwalk since 1885. He was born in Tompkins county, New York, November 29, 1826, and was the third son of Benjamin and Susan (Colegrove) Hildreth, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. In 1833 the family home was established in Huron county, Ohio, where the father died September 20, 1852, at the age of fifty-eight years. His wife survived him until March 15, 1855, and passed away at the age of sixty years. They had a family of nine children, four daughters and five sons. The Rev. T. F. Hildreth was but seven years of age when they came to Huron county and in the district schools of the early day he pursued his preliminary education. He also assisted in clearing and cultivating the old home farm until nineteen years of age, being busily employed at the task of cutting down the trees, grubbing up stumps and preparing the fields for cultivation. He after- 233 - PHOTO OF T. F. HILDRETH 234 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 235 ward studied for two terms in the old Norwalk Academy and throughout his entire life he has remained a student and a broad reader, thus gaining wide general information as well as thorough and accurate knowledge of the teachings of the church. Rev. Hildreth was but eleven years of age when he was converted and when a youth of sixteen he united with the church of his father, thus becoming identified with Methodism. He felt called to the ministry but before he had fully decided to enter upon a career of that character he took up the study of law under the direction of the Hon. Samuel T. Wooster of Norwalk. He had not completed his law studies, however, when he was licensed to preach as a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and was received on trial in the north Ohio conference at Bellefontaine on the 22d of August, 1851. He occupied several important charges prior to 1864 when he was transferred to the New York conference and assigned to the pastorate of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal church on Thirty-fourth street. There his health failed and he resigned in 1867, in which year he returned to the northern Ohio conference. Here his health improved and he was given charge of the Methodist Episcopal church in Norwalk, remaining as its pastor for three years when by the special request of the church at Ionia, Michigan, he was transferred to that place. He held three appointments of three years each but his health again gave way and he returned to Norwalk. Later he again entered into active relations with the northern Ohio conference and was again appointed minister of the Norwalk church, in which capacity he served for three years. He next had charge of the Lorain Street Methodist Episcopal church in Cleveland but after one year he severed his connection with the conference and took charge of the People's Tabernacle church at Music Hall, an undenominational 'organism composed chiefly of those who desire to do gospel temperance work. There he remained for two years when upon the death of its founder and patron, Hon. W. H. Doan, he retired to his quiet home in Norwalk where he has since remained. In 1863 the Ohio Wesleyan University conferred upon the Rev. Hildreth the degree of Master of Arts and in 1887 the degree of Doctor of Divinity. His ability as an orator made him greatly sought for at church dedications and on other special occasions. He had few equals in the pulpit or on the public platform and was purely an extemporaneous speaker. While well versed in all branches of learning, his style is simple and concise. He learned to think along classical lines but to speak in the language of the common people and it has been the power of the truth of his utterances clearly, forcefully and cogently presented that has made strong appeal to his hearers. He is a fluent writer and a poet of no mean ability. He has written many poems of merit which he has` published in two volumes, bringing forth his Poems of the Heart in 1903 mid Poems of the Nome in 1907. These collections contain many gems and have been very warmly received by the press and the people. His views of life have ever been sane and rational, presenting a clear understanding of the conditions of the present time as well as the ideals presented in the Christian religion. In 1849 Dr. Hildreth was married to Mrs. Eudolphia C. Cherry, who was to him a genial and loving companion and helpmate until she was called from his side by death on the 30th of August, 1900, leaving the Doctor to finish his journey alone. He is a remarkably well preserved man despite his eighty-three 236 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY years, bright, genial and cheerful, of noble character, active in mind and body. He is a splendid example to the rising generation of what a clean, temperate and Godly life will do. Among his fellow townsmen he is very popular and his words and work are yet a matter of strong influence among those with whom he is daily brought in contact. His work has been far-reaching in its effects and like the echoes which "roll from soul to soul" will "live forever and forever," for the seeds of truth and righteousness never die but bring forth fruit throughout all the ensuing years. E. L. BEELMAN. E. L. Beelman, who is well known in the business circles of Huron county as the secretary and treasurer of the Beelman Manufacturing Company of Chicago, Ohio, has been active in its affairs since its inception and by his excellent business ability and keen sagacity has been a potent factor in its Continuous and rapid progress.. He was born in Richmond township, Huron c0unty, on the 4th of May, 1867, a son of Joseph and Eliza Ann (Moore.) Beelman, farmers 0f that township. The father, who originally came from Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where his birth occurred, settled in Richmond township, Huron county, where he purchased two hundred acres of land, which he continued to operate up to the time of his demise. He became a prominent figure in the public affairs of that township, having during his residence therein filled all of the township offices, while he was county commissioner for two terms, and served as justice of the peace for several years. He also taught school for some time in Huron county, and in politics was a stalwart republican. He passed away May 4, 1883, at the age of sixty-four years, while his wife survived until 1887. In their family were nine children, namely ; George, of Columbus, Ohio ; W. S. and H. M., both of Chicago, Ohio ; Jennie, the wife of Ed. Tanner, residing in Fairfield township ; J. L., in partnership with his brother ; E. L., of this review ; Charles, who is engineer on the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad ; Sarah, who passed away at the age of eighteen years ; and Anna, who also passed away when fourteen years old. Reared upon the home farm, E. L. Beelman acquired his education in the district schools and until seventeen years of age remained under the parental roof, assisting his father in the operation of his farm. Then thinking to find other pursuits more -.congenial and profitable than agriculture, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a number of years. In 1902 he and his brother, J. L. Beelman, organized the present Beelman Manufacturing Company, with five stockholders and a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. The other members of the board were C. B. Tudor, J. W. Sheidley and Glenn Tudor, while the offrcers were J. L. Beelman, president, J. W. Sheidley, vice-president, and E. L. Beelman, secretary and treasurer. In 1907 the firm increased its capital to fifty thousand dollars, with twelve stockholders, while the present officers are J. L. Beelman, president. William Glick, vice-president and E. L. Beelman, secretary and treasurer. The board of directors consists of J. L. and E. L. Beelman, Ed. Weaver, J. W. Sheidley and William Glick. The company does a general lumber business, manufacturing all kinds HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 237 of house furnishings and patent step-ladders, and from its inception has been signally successful, enjoying a rapid and continuous growth. The efforts of E. L. Beelman have been influential elements in its successful control and he has gained a high place among the progressive and prosperous business men of this district. It was on Christmas day of 1889 that Mr. Beelman was united in marriage to Miss Estella Keesy, a daughter of John H. and Margaret ( Johnson) Keesy, pioneer settlers of Richmond township where Mrs. Beelman was born and reared. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beelman were born three children, Letha, Fay and Laura, the eldest daughter, Letha, having graduated from the Chicago (Ohio) high school with the class of 1909 and now attending Athens Normal school. Mr. Beelman is trustee of the Chicago Lodge, No. 748, I. O. O. F., while in his politics he gives his allegiance to the republican party, although the honors and emoluments of public office have no attraction for him, as he prefers to direct his entire energies to the conduct of his personal affairs. He is preeminently a business man who has worked his way up by indefatigable energy and untiring perseverance, while, aside from the success which he has won in business, his personal characteristics are such as have gained him the respect, confidence and good will of his fellow men. HON. C. P. VENUS. Hon. C. P. Venus is the chief executive of Norwalk, whose mayoralty record has been characterized by public-spirited devotion to the general good and by retrenchment in useless expenditure and the advocacy of progressive measures of improvement. At a crisis in the city's history, he proved himself equal to the emergency and with keen insight into the situation, met the conditions and instituted measures which were the salvation of Norwalk. His birth occurred in this city, March 6, 1853, and he comes of German ancestry. His father, Sebastian Venus, was a native of Germany and while living in that country, learned the trade of a silversmith and jeweler. After coming to the new world, he established his home in Norwalk and here engaged in the jewelry business. From the Black Forests of Germany he imported the first clocks sold in Huron county and was a leading factor in the early commercial development of this part of the state, He married Elizabeth Amend, a native of Germany, who came to America with her parents during her early girlhood days. Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian Venus had a family of seven children, five of whom died in 1854 between the 4th and 7th of August, being carried away during the cholera epidemic of that year, the dread disease largely devastating Huron county. The surviving sister of our subject is Mrs. Rosie Fischer, a resident of Toledo, Ohio. C. P. Venus was reared in this city and at the usual age became a pupil in the Norwalk public schools. He afterward attended St. Mary's Academy at Dayton, Ohio, and, making his initial step in the business world, he became a clerk in a shoe store, where he was employed for a few years. He then joined his mother in the grocery business, in which they continued for a number of years, and then sold out, Mr. Venus at that time becoming connected with the Taber Dry Goods Company. He was thus associated until elected city clerk, in which position he was 238 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY continued by a re-election for four years. He was next made deputy postmaster, serving in that capacity for four years, and for a similar period he was in the railway mail service during President Cleveland's first administration. At the close of his term as deputy postmaster, he took up the life insurance business, representing the New York Life Insurance Company, and has since continued in this field of activity with gratifying success, securing many patrons for the company and writing up a large amount of business each year. In November, 1907, he was again called to public office, being elected mayor of Norwalk on the democratic ticket. He has given to the city a businesslike administration, has sought to secure restrictive and constructive legislation where-ever needed and has done much practical work for the city's benefit. Shortly after taking the office several bank failures occurred in Norwalk, bringing about a crisis in the city's affairs. It was evident that something must be done to restore confidence. Mayor Venus calmly faced the situation, gave to it his earnest study, viewed the question from every possible standpoint and as a result, associated with him every prominent man in organizing the Chamber of Commerce which has since flourished and has done much for the city's upbuilding and the restoration of its financial status. He has acted as secretary of the chamber since its organization and his work in this connection has been most far-reaching and beneficial. In 1875, Mr. Venus was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Kunzelman, who died m 1904, and unto them were born three sons and two daughters : Carl H., Louise M. and Robert E., surviving. The family is prominent in the social circies of the city and the hospitality of the Venus home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Venus belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and several other organizations. He is the originator and organizer of The Smile Club, which is one of the most charitable organizations ever started in Norwalk. With the assistance of several charitably inclined ladies and gentlemen of this city, this club was organized for the purpose of giving every needy child in Norwalk a bountiful Christmas and that its object has been carefully carried out may be ascertained by asking any waif in Norwalk. The club is still in existence and is a monument to the fertile brain and progressive and charitable spirit of Mr. Venus. He is an alert, energetic and enterprising man, who seems to realize the possibilities of every situation and in both his public and private affairs, has so co-ordinated forces and managed interests as to bring about the best possible conditions under the situat n. His mayoralty record will ever remain a Most creditable chapter in his life hist ry. LAMBERT M. CHAPIN. Huron county numbers among its intelligent, enterprising and successful citizens Lambert M. Chapin, who for many years has been a prominent figure in agricultural circles and has also taken an active part in the public affairs of the community. Born in Hartland township, Huron county, upon the farm where he now resides, October 21, 1842, his birth occurred in a little log cabin which stood HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 239 but a few feet away from the site of the present modern dwelling. He is a son of Morris G. and Clarissa (Granger) Chapin, the former a native of Genesee county, New York, while the mother's birth occurred in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1825, the father accompanied his parents to Ohio when but a young lad and in this state the remainder of his life was spent. He was engaged to some extent in farming and became a large landowner, being one of the successful and influential residents of the community in which he resided. He was an ardent democrat, taking a very active part in all public affairs and he was a gentleman of wide information and intelligence, his name being a synonym for honesty and fair dealing. He passed away February 7, 1887, and his remains were interred in Woodland cemetery at Norwalk, to which city he had removed in 1880, after retiring from active business life. His wife was called to her final rest April 14, 1891, and was laid to rest beside her husband in Woodland. In their family were four children, all of whom are now living with exception of one daughter. Reared to agricultural pursuits, Lambert M. Chapin spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old homestead whereon he was born and upon which he has since continued to.make his residence. He attended the district schools of Hartland township and when not engaged with his textbooks, his time was devoted to assisting his father in the work of the fields. He early became familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting and under the direction of his father learned many lessons concerning the value of industry, energy and perseverance. In 1878,, he purchased the farm across the road from the old homestead and upon this place he has been busily engaged in general farming and stock raising, both branches of his business proving a source of gratifying remuneration to him. His property now consists of about three hundred and fifty acres of fine farm land, all under a high state of cultivation, so that he is ranked among the prosperous and substantial agriculturists of his part of the county. On February 22, 1871, Mr. Chapin was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Shipley, a daughter of Samuel P. and Harriet (Morrison) Shipley, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The parents came to Ohio with their respective parents when young people, settlement being made in Olena, Huron county, where Mr. Shiple.y was engaged in the carriage business. He passed away July 30, 1885, but his widow still survives at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The home of Mr. and Mr Chapin has been blessed with three sons, namely: Elmer L., who is married a d resides in Cleveland ; Fred M., who is also married and operates a farm adjoining the old homestead ; and Samuel S., likewise married, carrying on general farming in Bronson township. All of the sons are successful business men and are well known and prominent citizens in the communities in which they reside. In his political relations, Mr. Chapin has always been a supporter of the republican party and has been very active in the public affairs of the community, having filled almost every office in the township. His public life has at all times been characterized with the same adherence to truth, right and justice as has been manifest in his private relations, and the consensus of public opinion accords him a foremost place among the valued citizens of Huron county. Fraternally, he holds membership in the Olena Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, of which his son Fred M. was a charter member, and in the affairs of which both 240 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY father and son have been extremely active. Mr. and Mrs. Chapin hold membership in the Presbyterian church, to which they are liberal contributors and deeply interested in the various phases of the church work, while Mr. Chapin is now serving in the capacity of church trustee. He has passed his entire life on the old homestead where he was born with the exception of a few years, when his sons were attending school. During that period the family lived in Norwalk but after they had completed their education, the family returned to the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Chapin have traveled extensively and have acquired a very wide general knowledge. They are readers of all the best current literature, and thus they are able to speak authoritatively upon all of the live topics of the day. The family residence is one of the most comfortable and attractive homes of Hartland township and is pervaded by an atmosphere of refinement and culture, which is both pleasing and uplifting. It is also the seat of a genuine and cordial hospitality, which makes it a .favorite resort with a large circle of warm friends. DANIEL S. WASHBURN. Daniel S. Washburn, well known as a prominent and worthy representative of the agricultural interests of the county, and having large holdings in Greenwich and Ripley townships, was born April 8, 1843, near where he now resides and where he has always lived. He is the son of Henry G. and Ann Maria (Van Benschoten) Washburn, the father coming as a young man from Ulster county, New York, in 1830, followed later by his parents. The mother was a native of Berlin, Erie county, Ohio. Both the Washburns and the Van Benschotens were from colonial families and had many representatives in the war for independence and later were leaders in the formation of the republic. The latter were particularly active and were honored personal friends of General Washington. • Henry G. Washburn and wife were married in 1842 and settled in Green- wich township where they continued residence through life. Here they reared their family of four children : Daniel S., Susanna M., Alice E. and Jay. Susanna died at the age of eighteen. Henry G. Washburn was a pushing, energetic man, who came to Ohio with a pittance and increased it to a competency, at the same time taking an intelligent interest in the life of the community. His business was farming but he also became widely known as a breeder of fine cattle and sheep. After a long and useful life, he passed away in September, 1886. Mrs. Washburn still survives, a kindky vivacious lady who retains her faculties and, at the age eighty-six, goes about with the apparent vigor of middle life. Daniel S. Washburn received somewhat more than the usual amount of education for his time, having attended the formal school at Milan, Ohio. Having been reared under the tutelage of a skillful and prosperous farmer, he decided to continue the work as a life occupation and has consistently followed it. After his marriage he and his wife located where they now reside, their life being passed without a single change. They have a splendid farm of four hundred acres, all in a high state of cultivation, and especially well tiled—a large drain 241 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. HENRY G. WASHBURN 242 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 243 through the center and eight laterals—and with ample buildings. The house is one of the most complete farm homes in the county. Mr: Washburn is one of the directors of the First National Bank of Greenwich, Ohio. Although a republican in politics and an interested participant in public matters, Mr. Washburn confines his attention to the needs of his own community, acting as township trustee and member of the board of education on occasion, and always being active in movements looking toward the advancement of his community in social and religious affairs. Being primarily a farmer, he has always taken an active interest in that which promised a bettering of the farmer's condition. For that reason he has been an influential worker in the Grange and is firm in his conviction that said organization has brought about improved conditions. He is a charter member of Ripleyville Grange, No. 707, the first organized in that township, and is now a member of North Fairfield Grange, No. 806, Patrons of Husbandry, which he and his wife joined on its organization. He has held all of the local offices and is a member and overseer of the county grange. Daniel S. Washburn was married January 23, 1867, to Sarah Jane MacOmber, daughter of Egbert and Anna (Benedict) MacOmber. Her family came from Cayuga county, New York, in 1833, and were prominent in the development of this section. They, late in life, moved to Erie county, Ohio, where the father died in 1888, the mother surviving him some five years. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Washburn ; Anna Maude, wife of Lacey W. Robinson, a farmer of Ripley township ; Ernest Linton, who is married and is operating the old farm ; Inez, wife of Warren O. Smith, a farmer of Richland county ; Wayne, now in the far west ; and Leo, who, with Wayne, was in partnership with his father on the farm. He is a graduate veterinary surgeon and for some time served as government meat inspector but resigned that position in the spring of 1909 and is now at home. F. P. MITCHELL. One of the prominent members of the farming community of Greenfield township is F. P. Mitchell, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and forty- two acres, on which he has made his home throughout life, his birth occurring here November 5, 1866. His father, Elias Mitchell, was born on the same farm December 30, 1839, and is still living, making his home in North Fairfield, Ohio. Our subject's paternal grandfather was William Mitchell, who was born January 1, 1799, and came to this state from Canandaigua, New York, in 1820, locating in Greenwich township, Huron county. Here in the midst of the unbroken forest he cleared land and laid out the town of Greenwich, where he and his brother lived for about six years. They bought land there which they later gave to their father, James Mitchell, the great-grandfather of our subject, who continued to make his home in Greenwich until called to his final rest. He was a son of James Mitchell, Sr. A soldier of the Revolutionary war, he took part in the battle of Trenton and died when his son James was but nine years of age. After seeing that his parent= 244 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY were comfortably located in their new home in Greenwich, William Mitchell, our subject's grandfather, removed to Macksville, where he worked in the mill and distillery of Ezra Smith, being a miller by trade. He spent seven years in that locality and then came to Greenfield township, where he purchased a farm which at that time was covered with timber with the exception of two acres that had been cleared and a log house erected thereupon. He made that dwelling his home until a more substantial log house could be erected. He continued to reside upon this farm until 1860, devoting his time to clearing the land and cultivating the fields, and then returned to Macksville where he lived retired for some time. He died in Fairfield township in September, 1890, honored and respected by all who knew him. For several years he filled the office of township trustee and was a deacon of the Baptist church, both in Peru and Fairfield township, assisting in removing the church from the former township and donating the land upon which it was located. His son, Elias Mitchell, the father of F. P. Mitchell, has lived in Greenfield and Fairfield townships all his life, carrying on agriculture. He was born on the home farm December 30, 1839, and received his education in the district schools. He became one of the prominent citizens of this locality, served for eighteen years as a trustee of Fairfield township, held several offices in Greenfield township and was one of the directors of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Huron county. He is at present living in North Fairfield, in comparative rest from toil. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Cornelia Place, was born October 26, 1842, m New York city, but was very young when she came here with her mother and her step-father, in 1855. Her own father had died in 1847, and her mother married James L. Coit, Sr. To Mr. and Mrs. Elias Mitchell, have been born three children : Grant, who died at the age of one ; F. P., the subject of this sketch ; and Bertha, who died at the age of twenty-six, leaving a husband, Robert Reeder, of North Fairfield, and three children : Ray, Dana, deceased, and Nelson. F. P. Mitchell has always lived on his present farm, and in his youth, he attended the district schools, from which he gleaned such an education as they were able to impart during the few months they were in session and to lads who were compelled to give their first thought to the farm and its work. However, they would seem to have afforded a good training for life, for Mr. Mitchell has been very successful in the farming he has practiced and in the live stock business,. he has carried on. He is also interested in the wool market. He has had other interests outside his farm, perhaps the principal one being in the schools. For a period of fifteen years, he served as a member of the board of education, is at present president of that body, and has held other offices within the gift of the people of his township. He is the secretary of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, a stockholder and one of the directors of the North Fairfield Savings Bank and of the North Fairfield Telephone Company, of which latter concern he is also treasurer. On the 21st of November, 1888, Mr. Mitchell wedded Miss Catherine Ryerson, a daughter of George M. and Catherine (Edsel) Ryerson, of Peru township. Mrs. Mitchell was born there, whither her parents had come from New York state in the early days. She was one of a family of nine children, the others being : Sarah, the wife of Charles H. Burg, of Patterson, New Jersey ; Price V. and Edsel, of North Fairfield, Ohio ; Esther, the wife of Adelbert S. Roe, of Peru township ; HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 245 George E., of Fairfield township ; Catherine, the wife of our subject ; Delno P., of Norwalk, Ohio ; Dora, the widow of F. M. Mitchell, and a resident of Columbus, Ohio ; and Grace, the wife of Henry T. Graham, of Fairfield township. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have had three children : Donald, born January 2, 1894 ; C. Philip, born October 2, 1896 ; and Cornelia, born January 27, 1900. By hard and diligent labor, Mr. Mitchell has won success in his business operations, and because of the strong qualities of his character, he has won the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. He is one of the men who make for the prosperity and stability of Greenfield township. WARREN SEVERANCE. A man versed in the laws of the country, as distinguished from the business man or politician, has been a recognized power for many years. He is depended upon to conserve the best and permanent interests of the whole people, and without him and his practical judgment, the efforts of the statesman and the industry of the business man and mechanic would prove futile. The reason is not far to seek, for the professional lawyer is never a creature of circumstances. The profession is open to talent, and no definite prestige or success can be attained save by indomitable energy, perseverance, patience and strong mentality. One of the leading representatives of the bar of Huron county is Warren Severance, of Chicago, Ohio, who is a man of long and varied experience and deep learning. He was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, October 9, 1836, being a son of Elisha and Phebe B. (Tracy) Severance. Elisha Severance was born in Shelburn, Massachusetts, while his wife was born in Bridgewater, Vermont. He came to Ohio in 1819, locating at Milan, Erie county, where he lived for a number of years, later removing to Sandusky county, Ohio, and thence to Huron county, where he died October 13th, 1892. He first worked at his trade of coopering exclusively, but later, he began farming m the summer, confining his work at his trade to the winter. His first wife was Martha Bangs, a daughter of Captain Bangs, who commanded a lake boat. She bore him one son, that lived to maturity, Samuel M. The second wife was Phebe B. Tracy and by this marriage, there were the following children : William M., Warren, Byron, and one son that died in infancy. Warren Severance attended the Maxville school in Peru township, Samuel F. Newman being one of his teachers. When he was twenty years old, he left school and like so many young men of his days who cherished ambitions, he began teaching. For nine years he continued as an educator in the schools of Huron county, but never relinquished his determination to enter the legal profession, and in 1876 he was able to begin his law studies. In 1878, he was admitted to the bar and immediately thereafter located in Chicago, Ohio, which has been his home ever since, having firmly established himself in the confidence of the people. On March 16, 1896, Mr. Severance was admitted to the supreme court in Washington, D. C. 246 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Mr. Severance was married February 9, 1860, to Philinda Shepard, a daughter of Israel and Nancy (Brown) Shepard, who were the parents of the following named children : Hannah, who married D. B. Kroh ; Mary, deceased, who married James McDuell ; Israel, also deceased ; Mrs. Severance ; Lucinda, who married j. Z. Woodworth ; and Eva, who married W. B. Keefer. Mr. and Mrs. Severance became the parents of two children : E. W.; and Clara M., who is the widow of C. A. Weatherford. Mr. Severance mourns the loss of his wife, who passed away May t0, 1904. He has been very prominent fraternally, and belongs to Chicago Lodge No. 748, I. O. O. F., at Chicago, Ohio. He is local counsel for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, having held this position since 1891. While a republican, Mr. Severance has not sought public office. A consistent member of the Presbyterian church, he is much interested in its good work, and has been one of its elders since the establishment of the church in Chicago, also acting as one of the church trustees. For many years, he has practiced in all of the courts and has been connected with much of the legal business of his locality, his sound and ripe judgment, conservative views and thorough knowledge of his profession making him one of the best attorneys Huron county has ever possessed. R. M. CHERRY. One of the prosperous young farmers of Greenfield township is R. M. Cherry, who owns the one hundred and forty-five acres of land on which he makes his home. He was born in this township, September 29, 1873, and is a son of Eugene and Augusta (Turney) Cherry. The paternal grandfather, Reuben Cherry, was one of the old settlers of this county. He was reared and married in New York state, but in 1823 came to Ohio alone, settling at Hanvil's Corners, Fairfield township. After working here for a time. he returned home to get his wife, coming back to this state which he made his home until 1857, when typhoid fever caused his death. His widow, who before her marriage was Miss Brilla Snow, lived to be eighty-eight, and until 1893, the year of her death, made her home with her son Eugene, the youngest of her family of nine. Among the others were Eunice, who married M. Taylor, both now deceased ; Eudolphia, the deceased wife of T. F. Hildreth ; and Lucinda, the widow of Philander Mitchell. Eugene Cherry, the father of R. M. Cherry, has spent all his life in this county. He was born March 20, 1846, in Fairfield township, and began his education in the old log school house there. He was not privileged however, to receive much of an education, for his father's early death compelled him to give all his time to the management of the farm. To the cultivation of the soil he devoted himself assiduously until 1905, when he removed to Norwalk to live in retirement and enjoy the fruits of his labor. His wife was born in Connecticut, but came at the age of thirteen to this state to live with an aunt. Later, Mrs. Cherry rementurned to her native home for a while as her father, Cyrus Turney, never became a resident of Ohio. Her mother had died when she was but a young girl. To Mr. and Mrs. Cherry were born three children: Jessie, at home; R. M., of this review ; HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 247 and Floyd, who married Miss Rose Sisinger and lives in Arizona, the father of one child, Carlton E. R. M. Cherry has always lived in this locality, and has worked on the farm from his boyhood. He attended the district school of the township, but could never be said to have received an education for when his father's health failed, as the result of a sunstroke, he was compelled to give up his lessons and devote himself, mind and body, to the conduct of the farm. The hard work he has put into the field tell ; his crops are bountiful ; and the condition of the buildings shows that their owner is thrifty and a good manager. He has found by experience that his soil is best adapted to general farming and the progressive methods he employs bid fair to make him one of the most prosperous men of his township in a few years. On the 19th of April, 1905, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cherry and Miss May Hartman, the daughter of William and Alice (Crebs) Hartman, of New London, Ohio. Mr. Hartman was born in Ashland county, Ohio, July 14, 1851, and his wife in Huntington county, Indiana, July 25, 1854. Both are still living. They had a family of five children Ira ; Charles ; Nina, deceased ; May and Sylvia. Mr. Cherry is a member of the Methodist church of North Fairfield, is in regular attendance at its services and contributes generously to its support. He is a member of the younger generation of farmers, to whom the township will look for her future prosperity and advancement, and her best expectations will not be disappointed, if we are to judge by the past years of Mr. Cherry's life. WILLIAM ERF. William Erf, devoting his time and energies to farming and dairy pursuits m Lyme township, is meeting with a substantial measure of success which entitle him to rank among the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of his township. He was born in Peru township. Huron county, May 7, 1857, a son of Philip and Dorothea (Heymen) Erf, both natives of Germany. The father was born in Freien Dietz in 1821, where he was reared to the age of twenty years. Rumors had come to him concerning the superior opportunities for advancement offered in the new world and he decided to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. Consequently, he sailed for the United States and made his way direct to Huron county, Ohio, settling in Peru township, where he worked by the month for several years. When, by hard labor and careful saving, he had accumulated sufficient money, he purchased a few acres of land in that township and directed his energies toward cultivating and expanding this property. As he prospered, he added to his holdings until at the time of his death, he had become the owner of two hundred and fifty acres in the home farm and about two hundred and fifty acres in other parts of the county. He was well known and esteemed in the community in which he lived and served for several years as trustee of Huron county. His death occurred in 1894, but his wife still survives him at the age of seventy years. In their family were four children : William, of this review ; Lydia, the deceased 248 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY wife of A. P. Horn ; Lewis ; and Oscar, the professor of agriculture at the Ohio State University at Columbus. William Erf has always made his home in Huron county, residing in Peru township until twenty-six years of age, while in the meantime, he attended the district schools of that township and also studied for a short time at Monroeville, Ridgefield township. Having been reared to agricultural pursuits, he wisely chose this as his life work and is now numbered among the prosperous and representative farmers of his county. The year 1883 witnessed his arrival in Lyme township, where he purchased his present farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres from his father in 1893. He has made many improvements upon the place, erecting a fine large residence and commodious and substantial barns and outbuildings. Aside from his farming interests, he is also proprietor of the Chestnut Ridge Dairy and this branch of his business is proving an important factor in his present success. He is president and director of the Star Creamery Company of Monroeville and is also a director of the Hess Hardware Company of that place. His business is conducted with keen discernment and is most carefully managed, so that he receives therefrom most gratifying returns. Mr. Erf was united in marriage March 8, 1883, to Miss Minnie A. Scheld, a daughter of Philip and Wilhelmina Scheld, natives of Germany. Her birth occurred in Peru township and she was the fifth in a family of six children, the others being: Bertha, Lewis, August, Amelia and Lydia. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Erf has been blessed with four children : Norma, Cora, Elzy and W. P.o all at home. Mr. Erf is a member of the Evangelical church and his life at all times has been in keeping with its teachings. He has served as a member of the school board for some time and is at present clerk of the board, while at all times he is deeply and helpfully interested in all matters pertaining to the material, intellectual and moral welfare of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Erf are among the most highly respected and prosperous citizens in the community. F. WILLIAM BISHOP. F. William Bishop, who carries on general farming in Peru township, is one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the community. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of rich farm land, and it was upon this place that he was born May 26, 1859. His parents were Arsineus and Tracy (Schaefer) Bishop. The father was born in Baden, Germany, and when a young man came to the United States, settling in Huron, Ohio, where lie worked at the shoemaker's trade, which he had learned in Germany. He lived there until about 1845, when he bought the farm upon which our subject now makes his home. The improvements upon the place were of a very primitive character. consisting of a log house and log barn, and the land was nearly all covered with timber. With resolute spirit, such as was shown by the pioneers who faced the, hardships and privations of frontier life, Mr. Bishop began clearing the place, cutting away the trees, grubbing up the stumps and clearing away 249 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. F. WILLIAM BISHOP 250 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 251 the brush until he transformed the land into productive fields. From time to time he made substantial improvements and his property became one of the excellent farms of the locality. At all times he was progressive in his citizenship and cooperated in many movements for the general good. He died in 1884 at the age of seventy-two years and the community mourned the loss of one of its highly respected and worthy citizens. His wife in her girlhood days had come to Huron county with her parents, F. W. and Elizabeth Schaefer, and had settled at Monroeville about 1840. Subsequently they removed to Seneca county. Mrs. Bishop died in 1902 at the age of seventy-four years. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children: Frank J., now deceased ; Elizabeth C., a resident of Crawford county, Ohio ; F. William ; J. R., who is also living in Crawford county ; Maggie, deceased ; and Alfred P., likewise a resident of Crawford county. The father had been married twice and by his former marriage had two children : Joseph, who died in the army ; and Thomas, who is living in Fairfield township. F. William Bishop spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of farm lads of the period and locality. He remained on the home place until twenty-six years of age and was then married, after which he removed to Auburn, Indiana, being employed in the shops at that place. He also worked along industrial lines at Garrett, Indiana, securing a situation in the railroad shops at that point, and later he went to Fostoria, Ohio, where he was employed in the glass works. Subsequently he removed to Tiffin, Ohio, and worked in the Stove foundry for about eleven years. During that period his wife died and he returned to Huron county to take care of the farm and of his mother, remaining with her until her demise. Mr. Bishop had wedded Miss Helen Hipp, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Koppler) Hipp, of Seneca county, Ohio. The marriage was celebrated April 29, 1884, and they became the parents of four children: Fred V., Martin J., Isabelle F. and Linus D. Mrs. Bishop, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, in June, 1858, died in Tiffin, Ohio, September 27, 1899, her remains being interred in St. Joseph cemetery at that place. Mr. Bishop is now living alone with his two sons and carries on general farming, working diligently and persistently to secure the success which is the merited reward of all honorable labor. He belongs to the Catholic church of Peru township, and is well known as a representative citizen of the community. ROBERT H. AND BUSHNELL R. REYNOLDS, M. D. Two of the highly esteemed physicians of Greenwich township are Drs. Robert H. and Bushnell R. Reynolds, father and son. Not only are they able practitioners, but they are also public-spirited men, who have contributed their share to the advancement and progress of the community. Robert H. Reynolds was born April 25, 1846; in Greenwich township, in a house constructed for the greater part of walnut timber, that is still used for a dwelling, though it has been moved 252 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY to the village. He is the son of Dr. Henry and Harriet (Marble) Reynolds, both of whom were born and reared in the state of New York, the latter in Oswego county. Dr. Henry Reynolds was married in Cooperstown, New York. In 1839, he went to Tennessee, where he remained a year, and then came to Huron county, Ohio, taking up the practice of his profession, for which he had prepared himself before leaving the state of his nativity. He was the father of nine children: Angeline, Russell N., Esther, Lavilla, Hannah, William B., Harriet E., Cornelia A. and Robert H., all of whom with the exception of Harriet E., who died in infancy, grew to maturity before he was called to his last resting place, at the age of seventy-eight. His wife had died six years before, in May, 1874, and but three of the large family now survives, Russell N., of Chicago Junction ; Cornelia, the widow of Julius H. Hulburt, of Plymouth, Huron county ; and Dr. Robert H. Dr. Henry Reynolds was a man interested and active in public affairs. He was a republican in politics, was an ordained elder in the Methodist Episcopal church, and in the course of his long and busy life, was widely known and highly respected. Robert H. Reynolds was educated in the public schools of Greenwich township, later attending the Maumee City Academy. He received his medical training in the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1872, and he entered upon the practice of his profession almost immediately, coming to Greenwich township, which has been the scene of his labors continuously since, save for the year 1883, spent in Taylor county, Texas. He went there with the intention of establishing himself in profession, but the climatic conditions were so unfavorable, that he was compelled to return to Ohio. While his duties as a physician have kept Dr. Reynolds very busy, he has taken an active interest in public affairs and has found some time to give to the service of the public. At three distinct times, he acted as coroner for the county, was twelve years justice of the peace, and for the space of four years, was a member of the school board, of which he was president for a time. In politics, he is an ardent republican, and in 1900 was given the nomination for state senator from Huron, Erie, Ottawa and Sandusky counties. This is a strong democratic locality, but Dr. Reynolds reduced the majority of his opponent to something less than two hundred, which is a slight evidence of his strength before the people. On the 8th of July, 1873, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Reynolds to Miss Helen M. Washburn, the daughter of Charles A. and Mary E. (Griffin) Washburn. The families 'of both parents came to Ohio from New York, and the father had the distinction of having been the second white child born in Greenwich township. The mother, however, was seventeen year of age when her parents came here, and for two years before her marriage taught in the schools of the township. Both parents have now been dead for a number of years, but in the days of his activity, Mr. Washburn was a successful farmer and stock raiser. Dr. and Mrs. Reynolds have been blessed with a family of five children : James C., who died in infancy ; Bushnell R., a practicing physician of Greenwich ; Rhena H., deceased ; Glide A., a student at the Ohio State University ; and D. Chauncey, still in school and living at home. Dr. Reynolds belongs to several fraternal organizations, and others that are connected with his profession. He is a member of Greenwich Lodge, F. & A. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 253 M.; a charter member of the O. K. Lodge, Knights of Pythias ; Greenwich Lodge, No. 640, I. O. O. F. ; and with his wife belongs to the Eastern Star and the Daughters of Rebekah. In all of these societies he takes an active interest, and has frequently represented the different lodges at the grand meetmgs of organizations. He belongs to the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Association ; is president of the special board of pension examiners located at Chicago Junction. He is very active also on the county pension board, which aims to take care of the needy blind. In the councils of the republican party, he has played some part, having been a member of the republican county central committee and frequently a delegate to district county and state conventions. In matters of religion, he and his wife give their support to the Methodist Episcopal church, in whose work they are both sincerely interested. In short, Dr. Reynolds is a man of great public spirit, who favors public improvements, such as contribute to the credit and material progress and comfort of the community, and has not been averse to doing his share toward bringing these things to pass. Bushnell Ray Reynolds, the son of Dr. Robert H. Reynolds, was born December 1, 1875, in Greenwich village. He was graduated from the Greenwich high school in 1894 and from there went to the Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, remaining there two years. He then went to the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati. and was graduated from that institution with the class 0f 1899, entering the same year upon the practice of his profession in Greenwich. In the ten years that he has ministered to the physical wants of the people here, he has attained for himself a notable success and a high reputation ; for not only is he endowed with the qualities of an able practitioner, but he also makes every effort to keep abreast of the advances made in his profession. He is a constant student by predilection, and in the winter of 1907-8, took a postgraduate course in the school from which he received training. Like his father, he is a republican and interested in public matters, though he has never sought an office at the disposal of the people. On the 28th of October, 1900, Dr. B. R. Reynolds married Miss Elleva F. Stewart, a daughter, of Francis. W. and Phoebe (Mann) Stewart, of Fairfield township. Her father was of Scotch descent, her grandfather, Daniel Stewart, having come from Scotland with his parents at the age of eight years. The latter became famous as a lake captain and followed the lakes for a long period of years. He was a man of singularly powerful frame and robust constitution and was ninety-six years of age when he died, on the 6th of March, 1908. Francis W. Stewart was a farmer of Huron county and was well and widely known. He died December 29, 1898, and his wife two years later, dying on the 14th of October, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart had two daughters : Julia R., the wife of J. W. Muckley, a traveling salesman, who resides in the state of Washington ; and Elleva F., the wife of Dr. Reynolds. Mrs. Reynolds was for years one of the popular teachers of the Greenwich schools and still retains her interest in the subject of public education. She has the distinction of having received her county certificate at the age of fifteen and of having entered upon her vocation before she became sixteen. She is a woman of refinement and intellectual attainments, and under her leadership the Reynolds home has become a factor in the social and literary life of the village. 254 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Dr. Bushnell R. Reynolds, like his father, belongs to several organizations He is a member of the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Association, and the Greenwich Lodge, No. 640, I. 0. 0. F., and the 0. K. Lodge, K. P., of Greenwich include him in their membership roll. He also belongs to the Uniform Rank of Knights of Pythias, of Shelby, Ohio and with his wife is a member of the Daughters of Rebekah. Another means of recreation in which Dr. Reynolds rndulges, are fine horses and a day's hunting or fishing. He is a man of progressive spirit, deeply interested in the welfare of the community m which he lives, and is one who views matters from an optimistic standpoint, and the good will of the people toward him promises well for his future success. CHARLES W. MANAHAN. Few attain the ripe old age of Charles W. Manahan, who has now passed the ninety-sixth milestone on the journey of life. His former years of industry and activity have supplied him with a handsome competence, so that now in the evening of life, he can enjoy all the comforts to be obtained, while at the same time he commands the full respect and veneration of one of his years. Born in the Empire state, May 16, 1813, his parents were Thomas and Violetta (Silcox) Manahan, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of New York. Charles W. Manahan, when but twenty years of age, came to Ohio in the spring of 1833, this being then a frontier district. He addressed himself to the tasks which western life presented and with steadiness and courage met the problems which confronted him: He first engaged in carpentering, but after a short time gave his attention to the manufacture of wagons and carriages on his own account, when all such labor was then performed by hand. After about three years thus engaged, he sold out, taking wagons as payment, and these he traded for horses, which he took to his native county, Cayuga county, New York, where he disposed of them for cash. He then returned to the Buckeye state and discharged his indebtedness on farm land which he had contracted for and also made additional purchases, buying in all one hundred acres. While serving his apprenticeship at Auburn, New York, he assisted in making the first threshing machine ever made in the United States, and later he and his brother constructed three machines in Norwalk, two of which they sold. but abandoned the work on account of the labor required in its perfection. It was in 1840, that Mr. Manahan established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Delana Wheeler, who was born in Massachusetts. Bringing his bride to Huron county, they began their domestic life in true pioneer style in a log shanty on his father's farm, his own newly acquired farm having as yet no buildings thereon. His wife, though born of wealthy parents and leaving a comfortable home in the east, proved herself a worthy helpmate to her husband and at once submitted to the privations necessary to assist him in establishing a good home on the frontier. Having previously worked for a year and a half at the carpenter's trade, he found this knowledge of the trade of material value in building his own home, performing all the work from digging the cellar to plaster- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 255 ing and painting the house. After about three years, he disposed of his one hundred acre tract and purchased an improved farm. For three years, he there engaged in general agricultural pursuits and then, believing money could be made in the sheep industry, he began buying of his neighbors, selecting only the largest and best grades of animals, and in the fall of 1849, he had a flock of two hundred head, which he fed during the winter. In the following spring—1850—he shipped his sheep to New York city, where he disposed of them for eight hundred dollars and with this capital, he purchased a stock of goods and opened a general store in Olena. For twelve years, he was thus engaged, building up an extensive business in Olena and the surrounding country. He took in payment for his merchandise, butter, eggs, wool, and various commodities, which he shipped to the city markets, where he secured cash for them. In the meantime he bought wool for a Boston manufacturer, his annual purchases amounting to between forty and fifty thousand pounds. He also built an ashery on his farm. He secured a team and a man, who visited the farmers and bought their ashes, trading for the same goods from the store. Mr. Manahan then converted the ashes into potash, which he shipped to the New York market. He also bought colts for from thirty to thirty-five dollars each and, putting them on his farm, kept them until they were about three years old, when he would sell them at a good profit and use the money to buy more land. In this way, he accumulated two hundred and thirty- three acres in one body, which cost him at an average of twenty dollars per acre and which he disposed of in 1865 at fifty dollars per acre. It was by these various methods that Mr. Manahan gained a good start in life and his success continued throughout his active connection with business interests. It was while busily engaged with his mercantile enterprise that Mr. Manahan was appointed by the government as inspector of horses, with which to equip the First Ohio Cavalry, their headquarters being at Monroeville. During his four year's service, he bought and shipped more than one thousand head. At the expiration of that period, he turned his attention to buying and improving city property. His first purchase consisted of ten acres on West Main street in Norwalk, for which he paid two thousand dollars, while he spent an additional five hundred dollars in improving the same. He eventually disposed of a portion of this— the portion which had a frontage on Main street—for seven thousand, five hundred dollars. Two years later, he sold one lot to Mr. Jackson, of Norwalk. In the meantime, Mr. Manahan took teams and went into the woods, digging up maple trees, which he transplanted in the streets of Norwalk, this being now one of the molt beautiful residence district of the city. He also planted evergreen trees and other shrubbery on a lot, which he contemplated making a building spot for his own home, but later abandoned the idea and disposed of the lot to W. W. Graham, which is his present place of abode. Eventually Mr. Manahan again engaged in business in Norwalk, becoming a member of the firm which conducted business under the name of Parker, Manahan & Taber. His time was thus occupied for twelve years, when being then a man of seventy, Mr. Manahan decided to dispose of his interests and retire to private life. However, he could not content himself in idleness and purchased a tract of land in Norwalk, opened up a street, now known as Manahan avenue, and here he built eight houses and beautified the street by planting trees on each 256 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY side of the highway, which he himself had dug in the woods. He further improved his property by putting in gas and water, independent of the city system. He still owns this residence property, deriving therefrom a good rental. He, likewise carries four thousand dollars in stock in the Chase piano factory, having been a director in the A. B. Chase Company for thirty-five years. Although he is now more than ninety-six years of age, he is still hale and hearty and manages his own business affairs, takes care of his garden, attends to all repairs made in his houses, and makes frequent trips on foot to the cemetery, a mile and a quarter distant, where his wife and two sons lie buried. In his family were three children, but Charles W., Jr., and William Kendall are both deceased. His daughter, Mrs. David W. Peckham, is now a widow and resides with him. A republican in politics, he still takes a deep interest in public affairs, and from 1862 until 1866, he served as treasurer of Huron county. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church. He is also a member of the Firelands Historic Society. Mr. Manahan arrived in Huron county during its pioneer epoch and when he located here in 1833, he purchased fifty acres of land within six miles of where the enterprising and progressive city of Norwalk now stands for three dollars per acre, while his father, Thomas Manahan, bought two hundred acres in the same district at the same figure. Although he could not see in advance the full importance of the work which he was accomplishing, the result is today seen in the various sections of Norwalk which have been improved and beautified by his own hand, while the income which he now derives from his invested interests, supplies him with every needed comfort. Although he is now necessarily on the declining side of life, he bears his years well and no man in Norwalk and Huron county is held in higher esteem and regard than is Charles W. Manahan. EDWARD DENMAN. There is within the borders of Huron county hardly a man who has remained here as long as Mr. Denman, who for eighty-nine years has resided in this portion of the state. He has lived to see the pioneer log cabins replaced by commodious and substantial homes, the forests converted into rich fields, the wild animals supplanted by high grades of live stock, while churches, schools, . libraries and other evidences of intellectual and moral culture are found on every hand. Edward Denman was born September 4, 180, in Huron county, his parents being John and Miranda (Blackman) Denman. The father, a native of England, was born in the county of Kent, March 25, 1791, and when six years of age came to America with his parents, the family home being established in Sullivan county, New York. He came to Ohio in 1816 as a young man with nothing but his ax as his capital. He possessed firm and determined purpose, however,—qualities which enabled him to overcome the difficulties and obstacles of business life—and he met with undaunted courage the hardships and privations that come to those who locate on the frontier. The Blackman family had been 257 - PHOTO OF EDWARD DENMAN 358 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 259 established in Ohio four years before. Traveling westward by wagon, they had settled in the midst of the green forest, where they had to clear a spot large enough on which to build a cabin. Thus they began life in the west, facing all the difficulties and dangers of pioneer life. John Denman used his ax to good advantage, cutting away the forest trees and working for different pioneers in the locality until he gradually accumulated enough money to enable him to enter a claim from the government. After a few years he married Miranda Blackman, who was a native of Niagara county, New York. They became the parents of nine sons and five daughters, Edward, William, John, Henry, Charles, Roxanna, Ann, Laura, Miranda, Mary P., Amos, Ambrose B. C., Martin and Leverett B. Of these seven are yet living, Edward, Henry, Martm, Leverett B., Amos, Laura and Mary. Edward is the only one who has retained his residence in this state. The father prospered in his undertaking as the years passed by and became a large landowner, his farms comprising about seven hundred acres. He was very active in the development of the county, contributing in substantial measure to its growth and improvement and he was, moreover, a positive and leading spirit in matters pertaining to the public welfare. To his family he gave the best advantages that frontier life afforded and made liberal provision for his children. He was also a charitable man along the lines of practical giving to the worthy poor. He died at his home in Florence, Erie county, Ohio, March 23, 1878, and his wife passed away March 24, 1887, the remains of both being interred in the Birmingham cemetery. Edward Denman, whose name introduces this record, remained with his father upon the home farm until twenty-two years of age, and profited by such educational advantages as were at that time afforded in the neighborhood. The district school convened in a little log building for a few weeks each year and during that period Mr. Denman was instructed in the common branches of learning. At the age of thirteen years he was capable of driving a two yoke ox-team in the logging camp and as his capacity for farm work increased it lessened his opportunity of attending school, his last term being when he was seventeen years of age. At the age of twenty-two he left the old home farm and began earning his living in the employ of others at thirty-seven and a half cents per day, or ten dollars per month. At the end of two years he determined to engaged in business for himself and rented a farm from his father on a cash basis. That year he harvested an immense hay crop, all cut in stumpy meadows with sickles and scythes, but he found that there was no market for the hay after he had had it stacked. He consequently bought several hundred sheep on credit—for he had little capital-that he might feed to them this hay through the winter, and by diligence, perseverance and hard work he met success in this undertaking and prospered from the start. The idea of paying rent, however, annoyed him and he determined to purchase a farm. Carrying out this resolution, he bought one hundred acres of timber land and contracted with some young men to clear thirty acres of this to be ready for fall wheat sowing. This was accomplished and from the thirty acres he threshed over six hundred bushels of wheat the following summer. The product was sold at a good price and with his wool clips and his increase in flocks he began to see success ahead. The second year 260 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY another thirty acres was cleared and put under cultivation and very soon more land was purchased and his acres broadened and his wealth increased. Those were the days in which ox-teams were exclusively used and part of a teamster's equipment was always an ax with which to cut away obstructions that might block the rude roads through the forests. Many discouragements beset the way of the early settler but Mr. Denman possessed a courageous spirit and firm purpose and, undaunted by the hardships and obstacles which he met, he persevered on his way until success attended his labors. When he had secured a farm of his own he felt that he was justified in taking another important step in life and was married on the 13th of October, 1847, to Miss Jane Archer, a daughter of Joseph and Adeline (Kelley) Archer, both of whom were natives of New York city. In 1837 they arrived in Florence, in what was then Huron county, where the father engaged in farming, but he only lived a short time after coming to Ohio. His wife lived to the age of eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Denman became the parents of six children: Joseph A., Adeline, John E., Jennie A., Annabelle and Louise, all living with the exception of the last named. The mother, who was devoted to the welfare of her household and possessed many excellent traits of heart and mind, passed away June 15, 1895. The farm which Mr. Denman originally purchased was located on what is known as Butler road in Wakeman township. It was to that place that he brought his bride and they began housekeeping in a log cabin which he had already prepared. The dwelling, however, was rather pretentious for those times, with its plastered walls, good board floors, brick chimneys and a second story which was divided into bedrooms. The young couple started out happily and .as the years passed Mr. Denman labored earnestly and perseveringly, adding to his acres from time to time. He engaged successfully in general farming and took up sheepraising on an extensive scale, at times having a clip of wool that brought him as high as eighteen hundred dollars. His sheep were of the Delaine variety and of pure breed, some of his animals selling for high prices. He also bred and raised fine thoroughbred hors , which sold for a high figure, and was likewise a successful fruit grower, his orchards producing fine specimens of fruit that brought top prices on the market. On his farm the work of improvement was steadily carried on until it was all under a high state of cultivation and was probably the best improved property in the locality, his fields being most extensive and equal, if not superior, to all others in the quality of crops raised. In the fall of 1903 advancing age decided Mr. Denman to leave the farm and remove to a desirable location near the village of Wakeman, where he has erected a comfortable modern home and all conveniences and there he and his daughter Jennie reside, enjoying the comforts which a well spent and prosperous business life provides them. While always a bu4man, Mr. Denman has yet found time to participate in public matters and though not an office seeker, he has been interested in the election of good men—those who will serve efficiently and well the interests of the community at large. In national and state politics le supports the republican party but at local elections he has voted for the men whom he regards best qualified for the office, without considering their party affiliations. He and his family have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 261 and his entire life has been upright and honorable, in consistent harmony with his profession. He is a man of humane spirit, charitable, kindly and reliable, his many sterling traits of character winning for him the trust and honor of his fellow men and enabling him also to wield a wide and beneficial influence in the community. Few men now living have a clear conception of what this county was seventy-five years ago nor of the self-denial, industry and undaunted diligence which was required to bring it to his present high standard of excellence and progressive development. Mr. Denman, however, has been familiar with the history of the county for eighty-nine years and relates in an interesting manner many of the incidents which shaped its history during its formative period. GREGORY JENNINGS. On the roll of Huron county's honored dead appears the name of Gregory Jennings, a man who in his life displayed many sterling traits of character and won many warm friendships. He was among the worthy citizens that New England furnished to Ohio, his birth having occurred in Fairfield county, Connecticut, in 1832. His parents were Walter and Rhoda Jennings, who had a family of five children, namely : Gregory, Mary, Sarah, Ezra and Nelson. In 1835, when their son Gregory was a little lad of three years, they left their New England home and in the primitive methods of travel at that period made their way to Huron county, Ohio. Comparatively few settlements had been made within the borders of the county at that rime and where are now seen richly cultivated fields at that time uncut forest stood, furnishing shelter for wild game and various kinds of wild animals, There were also seen evidences of Indian occupancy here although the red men had gone to hunting grounds farther west. With the work of development and improvement the Jennings family became closely associated as the years went by and Gregory Jennings, who was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of the frontier, shared with the family in all the hardships of pioneer life and also aided in the arduous task of developing a new farm. It was in the year 1860, that Gregory Jennings was united in marriage to Miss Amanda E. Keeler, who was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, in 1839, her parents being Burr and Mary (Nash) Keeler. Her grandfather was Jonah Keeler and her great-grandfather, Matthew Keeler. Jonah Keeler was united in marriage to Rebecca Raymond and their children were : Burr, George, Raymond, Smith, Rufus, William, Charles, Zalmon and David. Of this family, Burr Keeler, the fatter of Mrs. Jennings, spent his youthful days in the Charter Oak state and having arrived at years of maturity, he wedded Mary Nash, a daughter of .George and Esther Nash and a sister of Henry and Maria Nash. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Burr Keeler were born nine children : Rebecca, Amanda, Mary, Burr, George, Sylvester, Harriett. Louise and Julia. The Keeler family remained in Connecticut until 1857, when they came to Ohio and were associated with the early development of the county. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Jennings took up their abode upon the farm in Huron county and throughout his remaining days, Mr. Jennings diligently 262 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY tilled the soil in the production of crops which proved a generous reward for his labor. In all of his business dealings, he was reliable as well as enterprising and thus made for himself an untarnished name. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and his religious faith was that of the Congregational church. He was ever loyal in the cause which he espoused and in community affairs manifested a public-spirited citizenship that made his cooperation much sought. He passed away in 1893, leaving to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name as well as a valuable farming property. Mrs. Jennings is also a member of the Congregational church and her life has been guided by its teachings. She is well known in Fairfield township and the hospitality of its best homes is freely accorded her. MRS. REBECCA PARK. Mrs. Rebecca Park, well known in Huron county, is the owner of a valuable farm property of two hundred and eighty-nine acres in Bronson township. She is the widow of Robert Park and was born in County Donegal, Ireland, near Londonderry-, on the 11th of April, 1838. She has, therefore, passed the seventy-first milestone on life's journey. Her parents were James and Martha (Calhoun) Park, both of whom were natives of Ireland and came to this country in 1847, settling at Savannah, Ashland county, where James Park followed the occupation of farming. The Parks were reared in Protestant Ireland and James Park was the son of Joseph and Rebecca (Torrence) Park, while his wife, Mrs. Martha Park, was a daughter of William and Ellen Calhoun. Mrs. Rebecca Park spent her girlhood days in her parents' home and was trained to the work of the household so that she was capable of managing a home of her own at the time of her marriage, on the 2d of March, 1859, to Robert Park, who died March 27, 1896. He was born November 26, 1829, and was a son of Joseph and Sarah (McAddo) Park, who were also natives of Ireland and on coming to the new world in 1847, located in Bronson township, Huron county, Ohio. Joseph Park was a son of Joseph and Rebecca (Torrence) Park. Two children were born unto Robert and Rebecca Ark. Carrie, whose birth occurred in 1860, is the wife of William Hall and resides in Huntington, West Virginia. They have two children: Percy and Park. Milton Park, born in 1863, is now a practicing physician located in Cleveland. He married Mrs. Catherine (Smead) Henry. From the time of his marriage until his death, Robert Park followed the occupation of farming and to the work of the fields devoted his energies with good success. He held membership in ,41te Presbyterian church, in which he was an elder for many years. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, but though he never sought nor desired office, he was always loyal to the best interests of the community in which he lived and was a public spirited and valued citizen. His life in all of its relations was honorable and upright and his example may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. Mrs. Park is also a member of the Presbyterian church and a most earnest and con- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 263 sistent Christian woman. She has now lived on her present farm for twenty- three years and the place contains two hundred and eighty-nine acres of rich and valuable land which has been brought under a high state of cultivation and displays all of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. CHARLES ZEHNER. Charles Zehner, as vice-president and treasurer of the Zehner Brothers Packing Company of Bellevue and Toledo, is manifesting in his business career the keen discernment and undaunted enterprise which result in the successful solution of intricate and involved business problems. In his present connection, he is promoting one of the leading productive industries of his part of the state and the policy which he follows is one which makes his example worthy of emulation. One of the native sons of Bellevue, he was born August 26, 1859, of the marriage of Adam and Louisa (Heusner) Zehner, who were among the early settlers of this city. As the name indicates the family is of German origin. The father, who was born in Germany in 1814, there spent the first thirty years of his life and in 1844 crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling first at Sandusky, where he conducted a tannery for about a year. At the end of that time, his plant was destroyed by fire and he removed to Bellevue, where he purchased the building in which his son Charles Zehner now carries on business. There he established a tannery, which he conducted until about 1872, when he retired from active business life to spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. His death occurred in 1888 and his wife died December 0, 1879. Unto him and his wife were born the following children : Christian, the eldest, died in 1882 at the age of thirty-two years. John, president of the Zehner Brothers Packing Company and living in Toledo, Ohio, was formerly one of the directors of the First National Bank of Bellevue and also served as a member of the town council while living here. He married Matilda Hepp and unto them have been born seven children : Adam, Theodore, deceased ; Huldah, Ernest, Albert and Edna and Edgar, twins ; Charles is the next member of the family. The other two died in infancy. Charles Zehner has always made his home in Bellevue and at the usual age, entered the public schools, wherein he mastered the branches of learning that qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. He made his initial step in the business world as an employe in his brother's meat market, being thus engaged from 1879 until 1881. In the latter year, he was admitted to a partnership and they continued as retail merchants until 1890, when they began the packing business. They had established the new enterprise on a paying basis when, in 1893, their plant was destroyed by fire. Not discouraged with this catastrophe, they at once rebuilt and in 1894, organized a stock company with about twenty stockholders, the business being capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars. The original officers were : John Zehner, president ; Charles Zehner, vice-president and treasurer ; and I. R. Felker, secretary ; with J. H. Weber, Willis Vickery and Max Endle, as directors. The present officials are ; John Zehner, president ; Charles Zehner, vice-president and treasurer ; L. P. Oehm, secretary ; and I. N 264 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Humphrey, assistant secretary and treasurer. These gentlemen are all members of the board of directors together with J. P. Ruffing, Martin Gross, J. W. Closs, I. A. Biehl, George Slessman, J. H. Becker, B. A. Becker, Julius Waldo, W. J. Kinker, Robert Villwalk, William Steiflof and Joseph Kest. The firm has had to increase its capitalization from time to time to take care of its rapidly growing business until now it is capitalized at seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. From the beginning the business has proven a profitable venture for it was carefully organized and the work has been thoroughly systematized and the company gives to the purchasing public a just equivalent for money invested. The constantly extending reputation of the house has brought to them a growing trade and renders this one of the important productive industries of Bellevue. Mr. Zehner also figures in business circles of Bellevue as one of the directors of the First National Bank. He purchased his brother John's shares in the institution and has since had voice in the management of this sound financial concern. Mr. Zehner was married on the 28th of March, 1883, to Miss Flora Keller, a daughter of August and Ernestine (Wise) Keller, of Bellevue. They have two children : Carl C. and Louisa A. The former married Jennie Gazley and resides on the old family homestead. He is now associated with his father in business. The daughter is the wife of Walter Raish and also resides in Bellevue. Charles Zehner and his sons are members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and since February 10, 1882, he has been connected with the Royal Arcanum. He is likewise a member of the German Aid Society, has been chairman of the finance committee of that organization for fifteen years and is in hearty sympathy with its purposes and its work. He also belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and to the Lutheran church. His many substantial qualities have won him the favorable regard of those with whom business and social relations have brought him in contact. Having always resided in Bellevue, he is well known here, and his record is as an open book which all may read. The principles of sterling manhood are numbered among his chief characteristics, and his life history proves that success and an honorable name may be won simultaneously. JOHN BAUER. One of the successful agriculturists of New Haven township, Huron county, is John Bauer, who owns the one hundred acres of fine land on which he lives. He was born in Germany, September 27, 1858, and is the son of Henry and Margaret Bauer, who never left their native land, which was also the place of their death. Of their five children, however three came to this country and settled in Ohio. They are William, a resident of Milan, Ohio ; Anthony, who lives in Ashland county, Ohio ; and John, of this review. Catherine is deceased and one died in infancy. John Bauer was twenty-eight years of age when he came to the United States. He had received his education in the land of his birth and there had learned the trade of a furniture maker. When in 1887 he came to this country he made his way almost directly to Ohio, locating first at Norwalk, where he ob- 265 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. JOHN BAUER 266 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 267 tained employment on the railroad. After a year he took up farming, working for the different landholders of the neighborhood. He was a hard worker and an excellent manager, so that in a couple of years he had saved seventy-five dollars, which was sufficient, with his wife's help to buy forty acres of land in Ashland county. There he made his home for about eight years, reaping large harvests from his fields and practicing that sturdy economy that has been one reason for his prosperity. On selling the farm in Ashland county, he moved to New Haven township, Huron county, where in 1903, he purchased his present tract of land from William Childs. In the years it has been his home he has made a number of improvements, greatly increasing its value. The land is best adapted to general agricultural and yields generous returns for the hard work Mr. Bauer puts upon it. On the 4th of February, 1890, Mr. Bauer married Miss Augusta Kimball, who is a daughter of Philip and Caroline Kimball of New Haven township, and came here with her parents in February, 1886. Two sons have blessed Mr. and Mrs. Bauer's union : Carl, born January 11, 1891 ; and William, born November 30, 1892. Both live at home and assist their father on the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are adherents of the Lutheran faith and attend the services of the church of that denomination at Chicago, Ohio, taking an active part in its work, social as well as religious. Though foreign born, Mr. Bauer has participated in the life of the township, and, being recognized as a good citizen and able man, was elected to the office of road supervisor. Lack of familiarity with the English language, however, prevented his serving in .this capacity, but he has the satisfaction of having received a palpable proof of the attitude of his neighbors toward him. SEBASTIAN B. LIEDORFF. No resident of Huron county is more deserving of the proud American title of a self-made man than is Sebastian B. Liedorff, who from the age of twelve years has been dependent entirely upon his own resources and through industry, energy and perseverance, has gained a foremost place among the substantial farmers of this county. He is, moreover, entitled to special mention in this volume from the fact that throughout the pericd of the Civil war, he served his country valiantly and bravely, the story of his military record reading like a romance, with its thrilling adventures and deeds of heroism. As the name indicates, Mr. Liedorff is of German origin, his birth having occurred in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, on the 6th of October, 1840. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Liedorff, also natives of the fatherland, where the mother's death occurred in the early '40s. In 1847, the father brought his family, which consisted of two sons and four daughters, our subject being the third in order of birth to America, settling first in Sandusky, Ohio. The father had followed the occupation of a potter in his native country, but upon his arrival in the United States, he was variously employed at any honest labor which he found to do. He was a sturdy and honest German, whose force of character and excellent traits of man- 268 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY hood won for him the respect and esteem of his fellowmen and made him a valued citizen in any community. He passed away at his home in Erie county at the venerable age of eighty-four years. Sebastian B. Liedorff was a little lad of seven years when he came with his father to America and he resided under the parental roof until twelve years old, at which early age, he left home to make his own way in the world and since that time he has been dependent entirely upon his own resources. He commenced his business career in the employ of N. C. Dildine, of Huron township, Erie county, a broom manufacturer, and in his home, Mr. Liedorff learned the broom-making trade. In return for his labor, he received six dollars per month and the opportunity of attending school during the winter seasons, while he performed various tasks about the place in payment of his board. He resided with Mr. Dildine's family for three years, each year his wages being increased a dollar per month, When fifteen years of age, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, hiring as a farmhand to Thomas Hughes, a farmer of Huron township, Erie county, who paid him ten dollars per month. In the meantime, he had gained an excellent reputation throughout the community for he was energetic, industrious, willing and eager to do whatever was assigned him, while he was at all times actuated by a desire to succeed in the business world, and these characteristics made his services in constant demand. In the spring of 1861, he accepted a position with Mrs. Elizabeth Dale, a widow of Huron township, Erie county, as superintendent of her farm, receiving for his services thirteen dollars per month. The fact that he was called to responsible positions when not yet twenty years of age, is an indication that he not only proved capable and efficient in his work, but also perfectly reliable and trustworthy, enjoying the confidence of his employers. In 1861, when the Civil war broke out Mr. Liedorff sought to enlist at the first call for troops, but was dissuaded, much against his will. When the second call came, however, he laid aside all personal and business considerations and on September 4, 1861, enlisted as a member of Company A, Third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, serving until his term of enlistment ex ed. He then re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, serving until Augus 4, 1865, or until the close of hostilities. He entered the service as a private soldier, but his bravery and loyalty to duty won him promotion and he was mustered out with the rank of first duty sergeant. His regiment became a part of the Army of the Cumberland and engaged in all of the battles of that campaign. Mr. Liedorff participated in every battle where his regiment fought with the exception of the engagement at Perryville, when he was ill in the hospital at Nashville, having contracted typhoid fever. He won an excellent record for bravery and heroism and participated in many thrilling adventures. He was taken prisoner three different times, the first occasion being at the battle of Winchester, Tennessee, in August, 1863. He escaped however, and returned safely to his regiment. He was again taken prisoner at Pulaski, Tennessee, in September, 1863, and after about ten hours, together with some comrades, he again made his escape. His third capture occurred just after the battle of Stone River, while making a cavalry charge. He was wounded in *le Lace and knocked from his horse, and then was taken prisoner by the enemy but was fortunate in again effecting an escape. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 269 When his country no longer needed his services, Mr. Liedorff returned to Huron township, Erie county, on the 6th of August, 1865, and two days later again entered the employ of Mrs. Dale at a salary of one dollar per day. He was thus engaged for about a year, at the expiration of which period, he was employed by various people for about two years. Being desirous, however, that his efforts should more directly benefit himself, in 1867, he entered business on his own account as a manufacturer of brooms at West Huron and was thus actively identified with the industrial interests of that place for three years, or until his marriage, when, in connection with his broom-making, he also engaged in farming in West Huron. He continued to make that his place of residence for eleven years, and then, in 1883, he purchased a farm in Hartland township, Huron county, where he has since continued to reside. The farm consists of ninety-five acres of finely improved land, which is all under an excellent state of cultivation, to the operation of which Mr. Liedorff is directing his entire time and attention. Throughout his connection with agricultural interests, he has been very successful and now enjoys an abundance of this world's goods. He has accumulated a handsome competency, but every dollar he has earned at the cost of indefatigable energy, frugality and economy. A man of unusual business ability, he has combined the sturdy qualities of the Teutonic race with the progressive and enterprising traits of the American, with the result that he is today recognized as one of the foremost farmers and business men of his section of the county. In the midst of his farm, he has erected a fine residence, which is one of the best in the county. It was on the 14th of February, 1872 that Mr. Liedorff was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Coles, a daughter of Isaac and Sarah Coles, residents of Sandusky, Ohio. Unto this union, have been born five children, namely : George S., a farmer of Hartland township ; Henry J., following farming in the same township ; Burt I., a thresher of Hartland township ; Gus W., who is married and operates the home farm ; and Lillie, who passed away in infancy. There are also four grandsons and three granddaughters in the family. The sons are all prosperous farmers and are men highly esteemed throughout the community. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Liedorff has been republican in politics, giving stanch allegiance to that party which was the support of the nation in her darkest hour, and in his citizenship, he has ever been as loyal to her interests as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. He cast his first vote for John Brough for governor of Ohio in 1863, when in line of battle, and his first presidential ballot was cast in favor of Abraham Lincoln in 1864 while a member of the Army of the Cumberland, stationed at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Since his first vote, he has supported every candidate for president and also for governor of Ohio on the republican ticket and although he has been deeply interested in the progress of the party, he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He is a member of Townsend Post, No. 414, G. A. R., and has ever been active in the affairs of that body, having frequently served as delegate to various state and national encampments. With his old army comrades, he delights in recalling the experiences and adventures which occurred during the Civil war, and he also has many interesting experiences to relate concerning his boyhood days. He often tells of how, before he left home, his first em- 270 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY ployer paid him six cents a day for his labor, which consisted of dropping corn in the corn planting season, and in addition, he received his dinners and suppers. His has been a remarkable career, the salient characteristics of which have been indomitable energy, unfaltering perseverance and strict integrity, and he stands today as a splendid example of the power and force of earnest effort, intelligently applied labor and honorable manhood. He has now reached the sixty-ninth milestone on life’s journey, and he can look back over his past without regret and forward into the future without fear. ALMON B. WOOD. Almon B. Wood, a farmer of Greenfield township, Huron county, owns eighty-four acres of land on which he lives and two hundred and ten acres in another farm in the same township. He was born in this township, September 29, 1845, and is the son of Lewis and Martha (Owen) Wood. The father was a son of Jonah Wood, a farmer of New York state, who had served in the American Revolution. He was born in New York December 25th, 1800, and came to Ohio about the year 1833, the days of the pioneers, bringing his wife and four young children with him. The little party made the journey to Huron, Ohio, by boat, and then with a team of horses crossed the country to Greenfield township. What few household effects they had were brought with them to this new land, where they were much needed though they had greatly impeded their progress through the wilderness. Arriving in Greenfield township, Mr. Wood purchased the two hundred and ten acres of land which his son now owns from Jeremiah Cole, paying ten dollars per acre, but as Mr. Wood did not have the full amount and labor would be accepted as part payment, he agreed to thresh four hundred bushels of wheat for Mr. Cole. This was not done in the simple manner of today, but by driving three-year-old colts back and forth over it, thus stamping out the grain from the husks. Having purchased his land, Mr. W0od began building a log house and barn, which were to be their buildings until better ones could be provided, and it was not until 1838, that the frame house was completed which remained his home until his death. He also bought the smaller farm on which his son now lives from a Mr. Patterson. On the 1st of June, 1823, Mr. Wood married Miss Martha Owen, a native of New York state, who was born April 24, 1802, and lived to see eighty-five years of activity pass over her head, her death occurring January 21, 1887, a little less than a year after the demise of her helpmeet. In their family were nine children: Jane, deceased, who was born November 24, 1823, and became the wife of Hiram Tooker ; Samantha and Luantha, twins, who were born January 11, 1825, while the former passed away July 23, 1892, and the latter became the wife of Ransom Mather, who died April 18, 1855 Halsy, who was born November 30, 1828, and died May 14, 1831 ; Mary, born May 23, 1832. who became the wife of George Dean, and died February 10, 1859 Jeremiah C., deceased, born January 10, 1834; Hannah S., who was born January 18, 1838, married Joseph Randall, and died September 2, 1907 ; Halsy, who was HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 271 born November 18, 1840, and died October 12, 1843 ; and Almon B., of this review. Almon B. Wood has spent all his life m Greenfield township, having been reared on the farm and receiving his early education of the district schools, while for one winter he attended Oberlin College. In 1865, at a call for troops he enlisted in Company D of the One Hundred and Ninety-first Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The company was mustered in at Sandusky and sent to Camp Chase, Columbus, where Mr. Wood contracted the measles. Thus the time he might have spent in active service was of necessity passed in the hospital, and when he had sufficiently recovered to be returned home he was mustered out of the army. After this brief experience, he took up farming and identified himself with the affairs of the township, bec0ming in the subsequent years not only very prosperous, but also well known and highly respected by all with whom he has come in contact. He is commonly called "Bud Wood" and the familiarity of this cognomen bears evidence to the good will of his neighbors. On the 6th of October, 1887, Mr. Wood married Miss Frances B. Graham, a daughter of Alexander and Mary (McCammon) Graham, or Greenfield township. Mr. Graham was born in Ireland in 1810 and at the age of eighteen came to this country with his parents. They settled in Huron county which remained Mr. Graham's home until his death. His wife, whom he married October 25, 1832, was born in Pennsylvania, April 22, 1813, and lived until February 11, 1899, having reared the following children : Alex, who passed away June 2, 1887 ; John, deceased ; Samuel, deceased ; Eliza ; Martha ; Mollie ; Robinson ; Jennie ; George; William ; Frances B.; Ida ; and Charles. To Mr. and Mrs. Wood have been born five children.: Glenn A., born June 12, 1890 ; Hazel B., born October 5, 1891 ; Bernice M., born September 14, 1893 ; Martha G., born June 9, 1895 ; and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Wood is a member of the Congregational church of Steuben, Ohio, and is active in its work. Mr. Wood affiliates politically with the democratic party and served as constable for one term. He is a man of education and of wide interests, blessed with the capacity of making and retaining a large number of friends. Those who know him are unanimous in their admiration of him and do not begrudge him the success which has made possible his retirement from the active pursuit of farming. CHARLES E. PARMELEE. Charles E. Parmelee, a well known and successful farmer and dairyman of Ridgefield township, where he owns an excellent farm of eighty-six acres, was born at Kent, Portage county, Ohio, on the 4th of April, 1850, his parents being John F. and Mary E. (Tilton) Parmelee. The father passed away at Kent in the year 1855, leaving a. family of three children, namely : Charles E., of this review ; Frank, who is now deceased ; and George. When our subject was about eleven years of age the mother was again married, her second union being with Allen B. Lindsley, of Huron county, who brought the family to his farm in Ridge- 272 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY field township. The demise of Mr. Lindsley occurred in June, 1877, but his widow still survives, making her home with her son, Charles E. The gentleman whose name initiates this review obtained his education in the district schools and since putting aside his text-books has given his attention to the pursuits of farming and dairying. With the exception of thirteen years, he has made his home on the farm where he resides from the age of eleven years and the property is now in his possession. It is a rich and productive tract of land comprising eighty-six acres and in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he also conducts the Forest Grove Dairy, owning a large number of fine cattle. In all of his business affairs, he is alert and enterprising, meeting with the measure of success which always rewards earnest, persistent and well directed labor. His wife is the owner of a farm of one hundred and thirteen and a half acres in Hartland township. In March, 1877, he removed to that township, where he made his home until 1885, and then on account of ill health, he gave up farming for a time and resided in New London, but in 189o, he returned to the farm which is his home at the present time. On the 1st of January, 1877, Mr. Parmelee was united in marriage to Miss Harriett E. Brightman, a daughter of Pardon B. and Lucretia (Jones) Brightman, of Sherman township, this county. Unto them have been born two children, as follows : Nellie, who gave her hand in marriage to James W. Candler ; and Mildred P., who is attending school. Mr. Parmelee is a valued member of the Congregational church and his many sterling traits of character have won him an extensive circle of friends throughout the community where he has now resided for almost a half century. EPHRAIM ALFORD SMEDLEY, M. D. Dr. Ephraim Alford Smedley, a successful and well known representative of the medical fraternity in Huron county, has continuously practiced his profession in North Fairfield since the fall of 183. He is a native of Brewerton, New York, his birth having there occurred on the 12th of October, 1857. His paternal grandparents, Dr. Chester and Ann (Landon) Smedley, were both natives of Connecticut. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Daniel Light. Lindorf Smedley, the father of Dr. E. A. Smedley, was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, on the 12th of September, 1823, and when three years of age was taken by his parents to Brewerton, New York. On the 29th of October, 1856, in Madison county, that state, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Light. In 1867 he came to Huron county, Ohio, taking up his abode at Townsend on the l0th of March of that year. Here he was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days, being widely recognized throughout the community as a most substantial and respected citizen. It was on the 12th of February, 1903, that he was called to his final rest. Unto him and his wife were born the following children : Ephraim Alford, Chester D., Abbey C. and James, all natives of Brewerton, New York. 273 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. EPHRAIM A. SMEDLEY, M.D. 274 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 275 Dr. E. A. Smedley obtained his preliminary education in the common schools of this county and subsequently entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, pursuing his studies there during the years 1875, 1876 and 1877. Having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he then entered the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which institution he received his degree of M. D. in 1883. In-the fall of the same year he located for practice at North Fairfield, where he has since remained as an active and successful representative of his chosen calling, enjoying a lucrative and constantly growing patronage. On the 11th of August, 1885, Dr. Smedley was united in marriage to Miss Idalia Whitney, whose birth occurred in East Townsend, Huron county, Ohio, on the 5th of May, 1856. Her parents, Charles and Roxanna (Palmer) Whitney, were natives of Wilton, Connecticut, and China, New York, respectively, the former born on the 23d of September, 1812, and the latter on November 12, 1816. Their children were six in number, as follows : Idalia, now Mrs. Smedley ; Palmer ; Ann ; Calvin; John L.; and Richard B. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Smedley were Henry and Lucy (Grummond) Whitney, natives of Connecticut. Their children were as follows : Henry Fitch, Charles, William, Sally Ann, Esther, Hannah, Jeremiah, John, Lucretia and George. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Smedley were Lory and Elizabeth (La Mott) Palmer, natives of the Empire state, who reared the following children : John, Mary Ann, Sarah and Roxanna. Dr. and Mrs. Smedley have two children, namely : Roxanna Palmer, whose birth occurred November 15, 1886, and who is now in the Lakeside Training School for Nurses at Cleveland, Ohio ; and Karl Lindorf, whose natal day was February 23, 1895. Dr. Smedley is now serving as health officer of Fairfield township. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church. His life has been actuated at all times by high and honorable principles, manifested in his professional labors and in his private life. Anything which tends to bring to man the key to that complex mystery which we call life is 0f interest to him, and he has been a close and discriminating student of the science of medicine, realizing fully the obligations that devolve upon him in the practice of his chosen calling. BENJAMIN BARNES. Benjamin Barnes, who has been connected with railroad business for more than thirty years, has, during that time, gained a most creditable record for himself and is numbered among the well known and prominent citizens of this community. One of Ohio's native sons, he was born on the 8th of July, 1855, a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Fields) Barnes. The family has long been represented in this country, members of the name having come from England, in the early part of the seventeenth century. The father of our subject, who was born in 1796, was a native of Virginia and came to Ohio from the District of Columbia in 1828. He was a painter and glazier 276 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY by trade and served as a soldier in the War of 1812, assisting in the defense of the capitol and, after its destruction, aided m its reconstruction along the lme of his trade. After his removal to Columbus, Ohio, however, he was identified with the butchering business, being thus engaged until 1856, in which year he removed with his family to Wakeman, where he operated a mill for a short time. He again entered the butchering business and was thus connected until his death, which occurred in August, 1874. A man of strong convictions, he based his opinions upon his own judgment rather than upon what others thought and, while he possessed a most positive disposition, he nevertheless was quick to forgive when proper apology was offered. He was married twice, Miss Elizabeth Fields becoming his second wife. She passed away July 3, 1905, and they were both laid to rest in the Wakeman cemetery. In their family were seven children, namely : Nimia, Morris P., Benjamin, Robert, Alice, Albert and Anna, the last two passing away in infancy while the other five still survive. Benjamin Barnes, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared under the parental roof and attended the schools of Wakeman in the acquirement of an education. He remained at home until twenty years of age, in the meantime assisting his father in the butchering business. In 1876, he entered the railroad service and has been engaged in this line of work to the present time. He entered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad in 1879, and has been connected with that company for thirty years, operating on the Cleveland & Toledo division. He ha been eminently successful in his relations with railroad business, being promoted from 0ne position to another until he is today serving as passenger conductor, having acted in that capacity since 1890. Throughout his entire connection with the railroad, he has been most careful and has never had a wreck, has never been seriously injured and none of his crews has ever been injured, a record which is indeed most unusual. Mr. Barnes was united in marriage on the 29th of November, 1874, to Miss Sarah M. Flower, a daughter of Isaac and Ann (Stratton) Flower, natives of England. Upon coming to America in 1851, her parents settled in Oswego, New York, where they remained for one year, and then, continuing their westward journey, located at Cooks Corners, in Huron county, in 1852. In 1856, they removed to Clarksfield, four years later to East Townsend and in 1865 came to Wakeman. They resided here until 1870. when they removed to Missouri, where they remained two years, returning to Wakeman in 1872. Throughout these years Mr. Flower had been engaged in the harness business, being a manufacturer and dealer, but in 1874, he became identified with the hotel business in this city, being thus connected until 1894. In the latter year, he retired from active life while his demise occurred on the 13th of January, 1903, when he had reached the venerable age of ninety-three years. His wife had passed away December 8, 1896. In their family were five children, Emma, Alfred, Anna, Sarah and Frederick, all of whom survive with the exception of Anna, who died in infancy. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes has been blessed with one son and one daughter, William 0. and Lulu May. The latter is now the wife of James I. Seybert, of this city, and they have one son, Howard Benjamin. William 0. Barnes is also married and lives in Toledo. He has followed in his father's footsteps and is a conductor on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 277 Mr. Barnes is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership in Gibson Lodge, No. 301, F. & A. M., and belongs to Webb Chapter, R. A. M., of Cleveland, Ohio, while he has taken the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry. He likewise is a member of the Order of Railway Conductors. He is a stalwart champion of the democracy and in former years has been very active and influential in local politics, having frequently represented his party as a delegate at various district, county and state conventions. He is intensely loyal and public spirited in his citizenship, aiding in all movements and measures which have for their object the substantial and permanent upbuilding and improvement of the community. He is a great athlete, enthusiastic in the matter of outdoor sports and takes especial delight in fishing and hunting, frequently enjoying, in the company of other kindred spirits, a ten-days' trip into the woods and along the streams in the pursuit of his favorite pastimes. As a young man, he was particu larly fond of baseball and yet maintains a keen interest in this national game, possessing considerable skill himself in this line and often joining in games with local teams. The Barnes home is modern and attractive in its architecture and surroundings and is a favorite resort with a host of friends to whom its cordial hospitality is freely extended. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are genial, companionable people, who not only understand how to enjoy life themselves, but possess the happy faculty of making others enjoy it also, the influence and good fellowship of their home being a potent factor in the social circles of the community. WILLIAM H. KIEFER. William H. Kiefer is well known not only in Norwalk, but in the surrounding country as well, having been engaged in the undertaking business here since 1897. He is a native son of this city, his birth having here occurred May 2, 1874. His father, Robert Kiefer, was born in Germany and when a young man emigrated to the United States in 1869. He at once made his way to Norwalk and engaged in the undertaking and furniture business, continuing in the same until his death, which occurred in 1889. His wife, Mrs. Mary Kiefer, then succeeded to the business, the firm name being M. Kiefer, and thus continuing until 1896, when the establishment was destroyed by fire. After leaving school, William H. Kiefer was employed in the undertaking department of his mother's business, becoming thoroughly trained in that line of work, and was ready to take charge of the business on his own account after the fire in 1896. He then opened an undertaking establishment and has thus been identified with the business interests of the city to the present time. He is a graduate in embalming of four different colleges and was the first to advocate the law requiring an examination for embalmers. He is a charter member of the National Association of Embalmers, which was organized in 1896, and it was through the efforts of this society, that a state board was appointed for examination of embalmers. Interested in everything that tends to promote his knowledge of the business to which he is devoting his attention, Mr. Kiefer today stands among the foremost undertakers, not only in his home city but throughout the state of 278 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Ohio, and he has secured a very large and lucrative patronage, his services being in demand throughout a vast section. Mr. Kiefer is also a prominent figure in the public affairs, being an ardent supporter of the democratic party. He served on the city council four years, being the youngest member of that body. He has also for the past six years been chief deputy of the Huron county board of supervisors of election, while for several years he has served on both county, central and city committees. He is regarded as a leader in democratic circles and his opinions carry weight and influence among his fellow citizens. Equally prominent in fraternal circles, Mr. Kiefer was one of the organizers of the Knights of Columbus in Norwalk, of which he is a member, and he also holds membership with the Catholic Order of Foresters, of which he has been chief for the past eight years. He is also identified with the Elks, the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Concordia Society. Courteous and affable, he is popular among a wide circle of friends, while as a funeral director, he has won a wide reputation. WILLIAM B. McCULLOW. William B. McCullow, the mayor of Greenwich village who has engineered many Of the noticeable municipal improvements here, was born February 22, 1870, in Fairfield township, and is the son of Joseph Edward and Lucena (Baker) McCullow. The mother was born in Huron county, Ohio, but the father's birthplace was Tuckerton, New Jersey, though he was only four years old when brought by his parents to Ohio, in 1830. His father was a farmer and became prominent and influential in the community in which he lived. Joseph Edward McCullow also followed the life of a farmer and besides owning the old homestead, acquired considerable property in Greenwich village. He was a man active in local affairs and filled many of the offices of township and village with distinction, winning for himself a reputation for sterling integrity. The had a family of two sons, Charles and William B., both of whom are living, the former being a merchant in Greenwich. On the 1st of April, 1901, he completed his earthly course, and his widow, who resides in Greenwich, still survives him. As the family became residents of Greenwich village in 1877, William B. McCullow received his education in the schools there, though he was prevented from graduation by ill health. Upon leaving school, he clerked for his brother Charles in a clothing store for a period of seven years, at the end of which time he took up the trade of watch and clock repairing and investigated the jewelry business. In 1898, he engaged in the latter for himself, succeeding W. B. Burt, of Greenwich, and also offered his services as a graduate optician, for he had completed the requisite course at the South Bend College of Optics. His stock of jewelry is both large and in good taste, comparing very favorably with that of the best firms in larger towns, and in his business dealings has been found both honorable and desirous of satisfying his customers. Besides being a good man of affairs, he is also a public-spirited citizen, and has, among other things, HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 279 been instrumental in establishing several of the flourishing industries of the community. In politics, Mr. McCullow is a republican and is an active representative of the party. For a period of seven years, he served as clerk of the village, and the record of his work was so satisfactory, that in 1907, he was the people's choice for mayor, an office he holds to the present. His administration has been active in promoting public improvements of a substantial kind, in establishing a sewerage system and in inaugurating street paving, which, by the close of 1909, will extend through a full mile of the village streets, and in advancing other matters that make for the material prosperity of the village. On the 29th of March, 1896, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. McCullow and Miss Felicia Mary Kraft, a daughter of John and Barbara Mary (Bauer) Kraft, of Galion, Ohio. Mr. Kraft was a retired business man of that city and never became a resident of Huron county. To Mr. and Mrs. McCullow was born one child, who did not survive the period of infancy. In the O. K. Lodge, No. 616, of the Knights of Pythias, Mr. McCullow is an ardent worker, and in it has filled most of the chairs. He is a popular man who makes friends easily and is present at most of the lodge meetings. His principal relaxation from the cares of business and administration, however, is obtained in the enjoyment of a day's hunting and fishing, when opportunity affords, but he is not a faddist ; on the contrary an enterprising business man and an able executive, fully imbued with the spirit of public progress, which he does all in his power to promote, realizing that a community must keep abreast of the time, or else slip to one side and be wholly engulfed in the world struggle. Under the wise guidance of Mrs. McCullow, who by the way is a member of the German Reformed church, devoted to the performance of good works, and a member of the Twentieth Century Reading Club, the McCullow home occupies a prominent place in the social and intellectual life of the village. A woman of culture and refinement, she is an able assistant to her husband and is fully in sympathy with his plans for the advancement of the community. OLIVER O. UNDERWOOD. Oliver O. Underwood, numbered among the active and prosperous farmers of Fairfield township, owns and cultivates one hundred acres of rich and productive land, which is now highly improved in accordance with the most modern methods of farming. His entire life has been passed in Huron county, for he is one of the native sons, his birth having occurred in Greenwich township, January 14, 1862. He represents one of the old families of this part of the state, his parents being Levi and Catherine (McCullough) Underwood, the former a native of Pennsylvania. Their family numbered three sons and two daughters : Oliver, James, Charles, Ola and Eva. In the usual manner of farm lads Oliver O. Underwood spent his youthful days. As soon as old enough to handle the plow, he took his place in the fields and was there busily employed from early spring planting until crops were harvested in 280 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY the late autumn. He was thus carefully trained in the occupation which he has made his life work. In early manhood, he also learned the carpenter's trade and engaged in that pursuit for a time but gives his entire attention to farming at present. His educational privileges were those afforded by the public schools and reading and observation have also largely broadened his knowledge. On the 24th of December, 1887, Mr. Underwood was united in marriage to Miss Anna Gibson, who was born in Greenwich township, June 13, 1866, and is a daughter of Jerome and Hulda (Healy) Gibson. The father was born in 1840 and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Gibson, whose other children were : Mary, Edward, Lena and Isaac. Having arrived at years of maturity, Jerome Gibson wedded Hulda Healy, whose birth occurred in 1843. She was one of the children of Jacob and Anna (Brooks) Healy, and her sisters are Edith, Elizabeth and Sarah. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Gibson there were born three daughters and two sons : Anna, Samuel, Carrie, Fletcher and Jennie. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Underwood has been blessed with nine children : Clinton, Harry, Arlie, Ruth, Hulda, Eva, Blanche, Charlie and Ralph. The family home is on a farm of one hundred acres in Fairfield township, which is the property of Mr. Underwood. There are good buildings upon the place, furnishing ample shelter to grain and stock and these are surrounded by well tilled fields. The latest improved machinery is used in carrying on the work of the farm and the entire property presents a neat and attractive appearance. Mr. Underwood gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and keeps well informed concerning the leading questions and issues of the day, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, as he prefers to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. In their capable management, he is meeting with success and providing his family with many of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. RUNDELL BEECHER PALMER. Rundell Beecher Palmer, well known as one of the progressive, prosperous and representative agriculturists of Huron county, owning five hundred acres of valuable land, was born August 28, 1832, in Fitchville, Ohio. He represents one of the oldest New England families. The Fortune which sailed for America soon after the arrival of the Mayflower numbered among its passengers the first Palmer in this country, and the family became connected by marriage with the Pilgrims who sailed on the -Mayflower in 1620. It was in 1621 that I) William Palmer left Noddinghamshire, and on the Fortune crossed the Atlantic to Salem, Massachusetts. He afterward lived at Plymouth and Duxbury, Massachusetts. (2) Walter Palmer, who also came from England, landed at Salem in 1629. He went to Charlestown, afterward to Rehobeth, Massachusetts, and finally to Pawcatuck, now Stonington, Connecticut. His descendants are largely found in Connecticut and New York. (3) Abraham Palmer sailed from England in 1628 and landed at Salem, Massachusetts, but afterward removed to Barbadoes. (4) Thomas Palmer, in the vessel Expectation from Ipswich, England, landed on American shores in 1635. He resided at Boston and at Bowby, Massachusetts, and one branch of his 281 - PHOTO OF RUNDELL B. PALMER 282 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 283 descent are found at Norwich, New London county, Connecticut. (5) William Palmer, of Newburg, was made a freeman in 1638. He settled at Hampton, New Hampshire, and his descendants are found throughout New England and New York. (6) John Palmer sailed as a passenger on the Elizabeth in 1634 and settled at Hingham, Massachusetts. (7) Lieutenant William Palmer, who was made a freeman at Varmouth, Massachusetts, July 7, 1636, settled at Long Island. (8) William Palmer went to Virginia and his descendants are scattered throughout the south. The Palmers of the present day are principally descended from Walter Palmer (2), Thomas Palmer (4), and William Palmer (5). Walter Palmer, born in 1598, married Rebecca Short and their children were : John, Grace, Jonas, William, Hannah, Elihu, Nehemiah, Moses, Benjamin, Gresham, Rebecca and Elizabeth. Of this family Nehemiah Balmer married Hannah Stanton and their children were : Lieutenant Joseph, Elihu, Jonathan, Daniel, Nehemiah and Hannah. Of these Lieutenant Joseph Palmer married Frances Prentice and their children were : Deacon Joseph, Hannah, Benjamin, Sarah and Jonathan. The first named, Deacon Joseph Palmer, wedded Mary Palmer and their children were : Sarah, Mary, Joseph, Francis, Amos, Moses, Hannah and Phoebe. The eldest son, Joseph Palmer, married Catharine Coats and to them were born : Joseph, William, Phoebe, Captain Amos, Elijah, Elisha, Jonathan, Hannah, Benjamin, David and Thomas. Of these Elijah Palmer marrred Lucretia Palmer and for his second wife a Miss Powell. His children were : Gresham, Doley, Rebecca, Phoebe, Joseph, Elisha, Lydia, Benjamin, Jesse and Hulda. Hulda Palmer married Stephen Palmer and their children were : Charles H., Lucretia, Sylvanus B., William L., Noyes G., Henrietta, Marietta, Andrew, Priscilla, Martin, George W. and John Jay. At present it is impossible to trace the ancestry down from Hulda Palmer to Seeley Palmer, the father of our subject. He was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, November 24, 1797, and grew to manhood in that state, there learning the carpenter's trade under Levi Palmer. About 1819 in company with his five brothers he came to Huron county, Ohio, where they took up land from the government, and, in following his trade, Seeley Palmer built the first courthouse here and also many of the first buildings it Norwalk and also in Fitchville. In addition to this he also cleared and improved his farm of one hundred and sixty acres awl erected and operated the first sawmill in this part of the state. On the 14th of June, 1826, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Abigail Post, and unto them were born the following children who are still living : Rundell Beecher ; Hubbard Dennison ; Lucy ; Eliza Ann ; Nannie ; and Seeley Burdette. Those of the family now deceased are : Delia ; William ; Hannah A. ; and Julia Blanch. The wife and mother was a daughter of Ashabel Post, whose ancestors came from Holland to America, settling at New York city, then known as New Amsterdam. Ashabel Post was a sea captain in early life and later built a large wharf at Middletown, Connecticut, becoming extensively engaged in the shipping business at that place. He was twice married and by his first union had two children, Ashabel, Jr., and Betsey. There were also two children by the second marriage, William and Nancy A. Mr. Palmer's parents both lived to an advanced age and at their death were laid to rest in Fitchville cemetery. During his youth Rundell Beecher Palmer was engaged in agricultural pursuits. After he had attained his majority he made arrangements for having a home of 284 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY his own through his marriage to Miss Julia Bliss, and they have one daughter, Minnie Palmer, who is now married. Throughout his entire life R. B. Pahner has carried on general farming with the exception of three years spent in the service of his country in the Civil war. He enlisted in the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the First Brigade of the Second Division of the Twelfth and Twentieth Army Corps. He joined the regiment as a private and saw much hard service. His first engagement was at Cross Lane and he was also at Blue Gap. He likewise participated in the battle of Winchester and in others of equal importance, and he was in the telegraph department before and after the war closed. He received many close calls while in the service but never sustained any severe wounds. With the exception of the time spent at the front he has always carried on general farming and he now occupies and owns the old homestead, comprising about four hundred acres of rich and arable land. The place is under a high state of cultivation, responding readily to the care and labor which Mr. Palmer bestows upon it. He follows the most Modern methods in his farm work and still gives active supervision to his place although he leaves the actual work of the fields to others, for he has now reached the seventy-seventh milestone on life's jonrney. His sister, Miss Eliza Ann Palmer, resides with him. In his religious faith Mr. Palmer is a Congregationalist. His political belief accords with the principles of the republican party and he is an active worker in its ranks but has continuously declined to become a candidate for office although often solicited to do so. His long residence in the county has made him widely known and his many substantial qualities have gained for him the high regard in which he is uniformly held. LEONARD A. VAIL. Leonard A. Vail, who is engaged in general farming in Bronson township, lives on the old Vail homestead, comprising one hundred and fifty-two acres of well improved and valuable land. He was born on this farm, January 25, 1850, his father, David Vail having located on this land in 1835, it being then wild and unimproved. He was born in Newfield, Tompkins county, New York, October 8, 1811, and in pioneer times, he made his way to the Buckeye state, locating first in Elyria. Later he came to Huron county and located on a farm, erecting the buildings thereon himself, as he had previously learned and followed the carpenter's trade. He was married December 7, 1845, in Fairfield, Huron county, to Miss Almira Adams, who was born at Symphronia, Cayuga county, New York, and by this union, there were born four sons and one daughter, namely : David W., Leonard A., John J., Alice and Charles W. The wife and mother departed this life January 5, 1887, and on the T0th of April, 1888, Mr. Vail wedded Ellen Jeanette Sweet, by whom he had one son, Adelbert S., who is mentioned elsewhere in this work, and in which connection a more complete record of the father is given. David Vail passed away at his home in Olena, in 1907, when more than ninety-five 285 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. SEELEY PALMER 286 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 287 years of age. He was a highly respected citizen and had made his home in Huron county throughout a long period. Leonard A. Vail was reared to farm life, assisting in the operation of the home farm during the period of his boyhood and youth. He began his education in the district schools near his father's home and later spent one term in the schools at Milan. With the exception of four years spent in the mercantile business in Olena, Mr. Vail has always followed farming and is today the owner of the old Vail homestead, comprising one hundred and fifty-two acres. He is very methodical in carrying on his work and' each year harvests good crops, for which he finds ready sale on the market. He has always taken an active interest in public improvement. In 1873 Mr. Vail was united in marriage to Miss Adelia Robinson, by whom he had one son, William D., and after her death, which occurred May 6, 1878, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Elvira Taintor, who was born in Huron county, March 27, 1850. Her parents were Chauncey and Cordelia R. (Phillips) Taintor, the former born in Brighton, Monroe county, New York, June 21, 1817, while the birth of the latter occurred in Bristol; Ontario county, New York, May 29, 1819. Mr. and Mrs. Taintor were married June 24, 1841, and reared a family of four daughters, of whom Mrs. Vail is the youngest. Mr. Taintor came of Scotch ancestry, while his wife was of English descent. He followed farming in Huron county and died August 14, 1849, while Mrs. Taintor departed this life November 24, 1861. Mr. Vail is independent in politics, supporting only the men whom he deems best fitted to fill official positions, regardless of party ties. He has ever taken a lively interest in all public affairs, lending his aid and 'influence in the cause of every good movement and heartily promoting the progress and advancement of his community. DANIEL C. CLARY. Daniel C. Clary, operating a farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Ridgefield township, where he has continued to reside from his birth to the present time, was born on the 9th of January, 1858, a son of Homer C. and Laura A. (Humphreys) Clary. Colonel Humphreys, the maternal great-grandfather of our subject, served on the staff of General George Washington, and Daniel C. Clary now has in his possession a watch which was presented to the Colonel by Washington. Daniel Clary, the grandfather of the gentleman whose name initiates this review, made his way from the state Of New York to Huron county, Ohio, about 180, being the first man to clear land in this section. His death here occurred when he had attained the age of sixty-six years, the community thus losing one of its most respected and honored pioneer settlers. He had two sons : Homer C., the father of Daniel C. Clary ; and George W., who is deceased. The birth of Homer C. Clary occurred on Christmas day of 1825, in an old log house on the farm where our subject now resides. He continued to make his home 288 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY on this place throughout his entire life and followed agricultural pursuits as a means of livelihood. He was well known and highly esteemed as a worthy native son of this county and his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. It was in April, 1900, that he was called to his final rest. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Laura A. Humphreys and is a native of Guilford, Connecticut, came to this state with her parents in early life, the journey being made by canal boat. They settled in Huron, Erie county, where the marriage of Miss Humphreys and Homer C. Clary was subsequently celebrated. Their union was blessed with six children, as follows : George, who has passed away ; Ella, who is the wife of F. C. Atherton ; David ; Daniel C., of this review ; ancr Edward and Frank, both of whom are graduates of the state university at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Edward is now a civil engineer of Iowa and Frank is practicing law in New York city. The mother' of these children still survives at the age of eighty years and resides on her farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Ridgefield township, which is being operated by her son, Daniel C. In the acquirement of an education Daniel C. Clary attended the district schools and also the public schools at Monroeville. He took up the study of telegraphy in early life but throughout practically his entire business career has given his attention to the work of general farming with excellent success. On the 25th of January, 1884, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary F. Hill, a daughter of John R. and Mathilde (Stephley) Hill, of New York. By this union there is one son, Fred H., at home. Mr. Clary has a very wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the community in which his entire life has been spent and well deserves mention in this volume as a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family that has been identified with the agricultural interests of this county from the period of its earliest settlement to the present time. AUGUST P. HORN. August P. Horn, living on one of the finest farms in Lyme township, Huron county, was born in Peru township, this county, February 6, 1856, a son of William and Margaret (Boehler) Horn, natives of Germany. They crossed the Atlantic in 1849, locating in Huron county, Ohio, where they became identified with the early settlers of this district. At first they rented land and then, in 1856, purchased one hundred and five acres in Peru township. When the land came into their possession it was still wild but with untiring energy and determination Mr. Horn set about to clear the land and erected a house for his family. Here the remaining days of Mr. and Mrs. William Horn were spent, his death occurring in 1883, when sixty-four years of age, while the latter survived until 1903, passing away at the age of eighty-three years. Their family consisted of nine children, namely : Louise and August, both of whom were born and died in Germany ; William, who lives in Topeka, Kansas ; Henry, who died in childhood Emma, the widow of Carl Ohlamacher, now residing in Columbus ; Louise, the widow of Charles Foust, residing in Monroeville ; August P., of this review ; Henry, who HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 289 lives on the old homestead ; and Hermina. Both parents were consistent members of the Lutheran church and passed away in the faith of that denomination. August P. Horn, who has always resided in this county, attended the district schools of his native. township in the acquirement of an education, while the periods of vacation w ere spent in the work of the fields, learning lessons concerning the value of industry and perseverance. He chose as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared and in 1881 he came to this township and located upon the farm which is now his home but was then the property of his father. He operated this place as a renter for some time and subsequently purchased it, directing his energies toward the cultivation of the fields. In the meantime he has made most extensive improvements upon the land, erecting in 1887 a fine, large residence and commodious and substantial barns and outbuildings, the place being equipped with all the accessories of a model. farm of the twentieth century. He has carried on his agricultural pursuits along strictly business lines, has ever been most progressive and up-to-date in his methods, and his farm today is one of the finest to be found in the county. On February 10, 1881, Mr. Horn was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Erf, a daughter of Phillip and Dorothy (Heyman) Erf and a native of Peru township, Huron county, her birth having occurred November 15, 1858. Unto this union were born four children: Dorothy, now a practicing physician of Bellevue, who was graduated from the Homeopathic College of Cleveland and is also a postgraduate of the Philadelphia Hospital ; Lewis, attending the Chicago Veterinary College ; Ella, who is studying at the Providence Hospital at Sandusky, Ohio, for the profession of a trained nurse ; and Mabel, who is at home. All are graduates of Monroeville high school. On May 3, 1906, the wife and mother was called to her final rest, and on the 1st of September, 1909, Mr. Horn was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Louisa C. Winslow, of Ridgefield township, Huron county. Mr. Horn holds membership with the Knights of the Maccabees and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party, although the honor, and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, preferring as he does to concentrate his energies and attention upon his private business interests. He is not remiss, however, in the duties of citizenship, but takes a deep interest in all things which are matters of civic virtue and civic pride. He has spent his entire life in this county, where he has gained a wide acquaintance, and the fact that he is most respected where he is best known indicates that his salient characteristics are in accord with the principles of honorable and upright manhood. THOMAS LEAK. Thomas Leak is numbered among Huron county's retired farmers, his success in former years enabling him now to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He s still the owner of a valuable farm property of one hundred and fourteen acres in Ripley township but he leaves the care and cultivation of this to others and makes his home in North Fairfield. He has passed the seven- 290 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY ty-first milestone on lifels journey, for his birth occurred in Lincolnshire, England, May 8, 1838. He is a son of John and Mary Ann (Westerdale) Leak, in whose family were six sons, the others being John, William, Henry, Edward and George. Thomas Leak spent the first twelve years of his life in the land of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. They were attracted by the favorable reports which they heard concerning. the business opportunities and advantages in the United States and after living for a time in the state of New York they removed to Ohio. Here in the year 1862 Thomas Leak was united in marriage to Miss Ann Atyeo, a daughter of Isaac and Ann (Barrington) Atyeo. The parents had eight children, Ann, John, William, George, James, Charlotte, Isaac and Mary. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Leak has been blessed with two daughters and three sons, Mary Ann, Charles, Edward, William and Alice. Following his marriage Thomas Leak took up the occupation of farming as a life work and through that avenue of business has provided a comfortable living for those depending upon him. He has manifested a spirit of unfaltering diligence and perseverrnce in the development and improvement of his land and year after year through the careful cultivation of his fields he won that success which follows persistent, earnest effort. Prospering in his undertakings he became the owner of a farm of one hundred and fourteen acres in Ripley township, which he still owns and which returns him a gratifying annual income. He is well known as a man of financial responsibility, his name ever being an honored one on commercial paper. In his political views Mr. Leak has always been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and although he has never been an office seeker he has always been loyal in his allegiance to the principles which he espouses. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church, in which he is serving as deacon and their support of the church is generous and their cooperation in its various activities is a valuable element in its growth. WILLIAM B. CLAUS. William B. Claus is the owner of one hundred acres, constituting one of the best farms of Peru township. He is diligent and determined in the prosecution of his business affairs and his close application and energy are bringing to him success which he justly merits. He is a young man but already has made for himself a creditable name in agricultural circles. He was born in Sherman township, Huron county, November 15, 1880, and in both the paternal and maternal lines comes of German ancestry. His parents were Mathias and Josephine (Schank) Claus, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father, who was born October 0, 1834, was a son of Mathias and Mary Claus, who in the year 1852, crossed the Atlantic to America and made their way to Huron county, Ohio, settling in Sherman township, where they purchased forty acres of land. On this place was an old log house, which the father occupied for about five years, when the property was sold and another farm was purchased. On the second place, also in Slier- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 291 man township, the grandparents spent their remaining days. The grandmother was only about forty years of age at the time of her demise, but the grandfather reached the venerable age of eighty-two years. Their family numbered a daughter and three sons : Mrs. Helen Fisher, who is now a widow and resides in Belle vue, Ohio; Martin, a resident farmer of Sherman township ; Mathias ; and George, who is also living in Sherman township. Mathias Claus, the father of our subject, was a young lad in his teens when he accompanied his parents on their removal from Germany to the new world. He had attended school in his native land and for a brief period continued his studies in this country; but his time and attention were largely given to farm work after he reached the United States. He has always carried on general agricultural pursuits and his labors have been attended with gratifying success. He married Miss Josephine Schank, a daughter of Frank and Helen Schank, of Sherman township, the wedding being celebrated January 7, 1867. Mrs. Claus was born in Germany, February 14, 1846, and came to Huron country with her parents when eighteen years of age, the family home being established in Nor, walk township, where her father purchased land and developed a farm. He died there at the age of seventy-five years, but the mother passed away in Germany when forty-two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Claus are still residents of Sherman township and have lived upon one farm for about forty years. He has always been loyal and progressive in his citizenship and in 1864, he espoused the cause of his adopted country, enlisting as a member of Company C, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He joined the regiment at Sandusky and then went to Camp Chase and afterward participated in a number of battles and skirmishes. He was in the engagement at Nashville, Franklin and other places and was mustered out at Nashville in 1865. After the close of the war, he returned home and has since carried on general farming. He has worked diligently and persistently to attain the success which he now enjoys and his honest and upright life have won for him a firm hold on the regard and affections of his fellow townsmen. He has been active in community affairs as a member of the school board and as road supervisor and was called to this office as a candidate of the republican party. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. Unto him and his wife were born nine children : Frank, who is living at home ; Carrie, the wife of Frank A. Heddle, a resident of Monroeville, Ohio, by whom she has four children : Clarice, Loretta, Irene and Walter ; Mary, who is the wife of John Rossman, of Monroeville and has two children : Olive and Lucile ; Josephine, who is the wife of Ed S. Bick, of Peru township, and has one child, Beatrice ; William, of this review'; Louise, at home ; Joe. who is in Pennsylvania ; and Emma and Fred, both at home. William B. Claus was reared on the old homestead farm in Sherman township, where he remained until twenty-two years of age, since which time he has lived in Peru township. In his youthful days, he enjoyed such sports as engross the attention of the children of the neighborhood and improved the opportunities for acquiring an education in the public schools. He also received ample training at farm work and determined to make the occupation to which he was reared his life work. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey, he chose Miss Florence Holliday, who was born in Toledo, Ohio, and is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 292 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY William Holliday, who are now residents of Norwalk, Ohio. In their family were six children, the eldest of whom is Mrs. Claus, the others being: William, Carl, Edward, Esther and Wanda. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Clause occurred April 15, 1902, and unto them have been born three children: Calla, Donald and Josephine. It was in 1905 that Mr. Claus purchased his present farm, on which he has since made a number of substantial improvements. He has here one hundred acres o f rich land which is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences. He studies the demands of the soil, knows what is most needed for the production of various cereals and by the rotation of crops keeps his land in good condition. He has made a number of improvements upon his place, utilizes modern machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and is now successfully engaged in general farming. He belongs to the Catholic church of Peru township and is known as a man of business reliability as well as of enterprise. CHARLES J. BRANT. One of the prosperous farmers of Greenfield township, who has taken an active part in local affairs, is Charles J. Brant, who owns the one hundred and thirteen acres on which he lives. He was born in this township. May 16, 1848, and is the son of John K. and Catherine (Glasford) Brant. The former was of eastern birth but was only a young boy when his parents, Mr. and Mr's. Jabe Brant, came to Ohio and settled near Readtown. John K. Brant lived in Greenfield township the greater part of his life and became one of its well known and highly respected citizens. He devoted himself to farming, acquired two hundred and eleven acres of land and served as township trustee and as member of the school board for a number of years. He was a man who advocated progress and the road on which his son's farm lies was cut as the result of his efforts. His wife was born in New York state and was only a child when her parents, John and Cynthia Glasford, removed to Ohio, casting in their lot with the early settlers of Greenfield township. Four children were born to John K. and Catherine Brant : Cynthia, who married Edwin Wiles, both now deceased ; Charles J. ; Francis, who lives in Kansas ; and George, of Norwalk. The life of the wife and mother was brought to a close in 1899, when she was in her seventy-sixth year, and her husband survived her until December 6, 1906, when he was called to his final rest. Greenfield township has been the home of Charles J. Brant through all his life. At the old log school house of the district he received his training in the fundamentals of English education. It was meager enough equipment for life, even though it was supplemented with good home training in the way of farming. For many years Mr. Brant operated on rented. land, but in the fall of 1893 purchased of George Strimple the farm he now occupies. This he has since greatly improved, both as to buildings and as regards the condition of the land itself. He has studied his soil with the intention of obtaining from it the best results, has practiced a scientific rotation of crops, employs the most 293 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. CHARLES J. BRANT 294 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 295 up-to-date machinery, and in other ways has kept abreast of the progress that has been made in the methods of agriculture as in other branches of business. On the 2d of July, 1873, Mr. Brant was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Boice, a daughter of John and Eleanor (Barlow) Boice. The former was a native of Belmont county, Ohio, and was sixty-five years of age when he died in 1879. In his family were Pour children: Drusilla, deceased ; Elisha, deceased ; Sarah and William, of this township. Mrs. Brant's mother died when she was but five years old and she went to live with her uncle, George Stetson, of New London, returning in later life to live with her father. She has become the mother of six children : Mary, born May 8, 1874, died March 26, 1886 ; Ella is the wife of William Gamble, of Chicago, Ohio, and the mother of three children, Lawrence, Dale and Wilma, deceased; Fannie married George Lindsey, of Toledo, and they have four children, Florence, Gladys, Eulalie and Thelma ; Ethel is the wife of G. Gamble, of Norwalk, Ohio ; Pearl is the wife of Frank Wolfe, of Richmond township ; and Catherine married Ross Keesey, also of Richmond township. A successful farmer and well known, Mr. Brant has on many occasions been the citizens' choice for the several offices at their disposal in the township. Among those he has filled may be mentioned that of road supervisor and of school director, and his administration was distinguished by thought for the public welfare and a commendable spirit of progress. EDWARD L. CONGER. Edward L. Conger, a prosperous farmer of Greenfield township, Huron county, and the owner of ninety acres of land on which he lives, was born in this township and is the son of Lewis L. and Isabelle (Lowther) Conger. The father was born September 8, 1824, at Ludlowville, New York, and in 1833 came with his parents to Milan, Ohio, where his father started a mill, there working until 1850, when the family removed to Greenfield township, and twenty years later purchased the farm which was hrs home until his death and has since been the home of his widow. On his mother's side Mr. Conger is descended from a line of pioneers. His great-grandfather, Henry Lowther, was of Irish birth and came to this country at the time of the rebellion in his home land. He settled in New York state, where he followed the vocation of farming and attained to a prosperity and position among his associates that was above the average. On one occasion, however, he lost a large sum, which was the result of years of toil, when a friend, who had appealed to him for aid, jumped his bond. His son, Edward H. Lowther, was born in New York city in 1800 and was seventeen years of age when he came to Greenfield township, to make it his home. He attained considerable local prominence, was known. as Captain Lowther from his being a captain of the militia, and held several offices in the township. His wife, who survived him but a year, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, but came to Ohio when the fields were covered with forests and Indians were seen almost daily. She died in 1887, after having brought into the world a family of seven children : Thomas, deceased ; 296 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Mariette, the widow of Ira Watterman ; Isabelle, the mother of our subject ; Sarah, the widow of William Graham ; Helen, the deceased wife of Barnett Rowe ; and James. To Mr. and Mrs. Conger were born four children: Edward L. ; Halsy, who died at the age of five months ; Julia, the deceased wife of Charles Palmer and the mother of two children, Florence and Charles; and Lewis, who married Miss Ada Daly, of this township, and has one child, Frances J. Mr. Conger died November 11, 1899, but his widow still lives and conducts the farm he had bought. Greenfield township has been the home of Edward L. Conger during all his life. He was born a deaf and dumb mute and attended the school for mutes at Columbus. While there he learned the trade of a shoemaker but has never worked at that occupation, having followed agriculture instead. Along this line he has been very successful, his fields producing as abundantly and the buildings being in as good repair as if he were not handicapped in the battle of life, and rightly so, for it is industry and hard work that counts, thus being able to surmount obstacles that might otherwise overwhelm one. In 1871, while in school in Columhus, Mr. Conger met Miss Nellie Hall, also a pupil at the mutes' institution and a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Hall, of South Lebanon, Pennsylvania. On the 8th of May, 1879, at her home, was read the service that made the two young people man and wife in the eyes of the law. Their union has been blessed with two children : Mary Bell, born May 13, 1883, and Ray, born August 30, 1887. Mr. Conger is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church and all his life and. actions are ordered by what he believes to be the right and in accord with the teachings of his religion. He is a fine man, imbued with many noble traits of character, and those whcf know him hold him in high regard: CALVIN C. BROOKS. Calvin C. Brooks, successful because of his unfaltering determination and indefatigable industry, now lives on a farm of eighty-eight acres in Peru township, from which property he derives his substantial annual income. He is one of the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Greenfield township on the loth of April, 1860. His parents were William and Sophronia (Parsons) Brooks. The father, who was born in Vermont in 1809, came to Ohio with his parents when a young man and settled ahout three miles north of Chicago Junction. There he developed a good farm property, owning at one time about three hundred acres of land. His wife was a native of the state of New York and she, too, came with her parents to Huron county, the family home being established in Greenfield township. The death of William Brooks occurred in 1869, when he was sixty years of age, and his widow, surviving him for about thirty-five years; died in the fall of 1904. They were the parents of nine children : Francis L., who is now living in Fayette county, Pennsylvania ; Mortimer, a resident of Oklahoma ; Darwin, living at Steuben, Ohio ; Mrs. Lucy France, who is a widow now located at Oklahoma ; Parsons, deceased ; Augustine, residing m Peru township ; Calvin C. ; Kate, the HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 297 wife of Samuel Hall, whose home is in North Fairfield, Ohio ; and one who died in infancy. Calvin C. Brooks was reared in Greenfield township to the age of twenty-nine years and in his youthful days attended the district schools, his time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the home farm. Since putting aside his text-books his entire time has been devoted to general farming. He went to Wisconsin a number of years ago and took up one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he lived for five years, when he sold that Property. He also worked at Spokane Falls, Washington, and after a brief sojourn on the Pacific coast he returned to Ohio and purchased his present farm from George Barman. He has since made a number of improvements cn the property and is busily engaged in the work of general farming, transforming the place into rich and productive fields, from which he annually gathers gcod harvests. Mr. Brooks married Miss Kathryn Sysel, a daughter of James and Kathryn (Extine) Sysel, natives of Bohemia. This marriage was celebrated February 0, 1895, and unto them have been born seven children: Blanch, William, Ralph, May, Gladys, Elsie and Grace. Of this family all are yet living with the exception of Elsie and Blanch. Mrs. Brooks was born in Bohemia and when fourteen years of age came to this country with some relatives, her parents always remaining in their native land. Her father is still living there at the age of eighty years, but the mother died June 28, 1895. They were the parents of seven children : James, who is now in Minnesota ; Mary, a resident of Bohemia ; Anna, who is also in Minnesota ; Jacob, deceased ; Kathryn, now Mrs. Brooks ; and George and Joseph, both of whom are in Bohemia. By a former marriage Mr. Brooks had a daughter, Elizabeth Bell, who is now the wife of Fred Porter and lives in Waseon, Ohio. They have two children, Sylvester and Daniel. By her former marriage Mrs. Brooks had two daughters, Jennie and Agnes, who are now living with our subject. Mr. Brooks is interested in the cause of education and has served as school director for a number of years, doing all in his power to advance the cause of public instruction. His political allegiance is given to the democracy, which finds in him a stalwart champion, but he does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. MARTIN ELLIS. One of the men who has made a success of general farming in Greenwich township, is Martin Ellis, a member of one of the pioneer families of Ohio. He is the son of John and Rachel (Rickard) Ellis, whose parents were originally residents of Onondaga county, New York, and came to Mansfield, Ohio, in the early pioneer days where the father followed the carpenter's trade for some years. At length, having accumulated the necessary funds, he bought one hundred acres in Greenwich township. Huron county, and took up the active life of the general farmer of that day. Game was very plentiful in the earlier years of his residence here and John Ellis secured many a deer with his ever present rifle. Although he 298 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY had but twenty-five cents in cash and a small chest of carpenter's tools when he arrived in Ohio, before his death he became the owner of fully six hundred acres of Huron county land, well stocked and improved. Seven of the eight children of this pioneer family grew to maturity : Sidney, Thirsa, John R., Martin, Leona, Pauline, Hiram and Sarah, but the only ones now living are Martin, Pauline and Sarah. In March, 1890, at the age of seventy-three, the father, noted for his great moral and physical courage, and a respected participator in public affairs, was laid away by the side of the mother, who had died in 1887 and was buried in Ripley cemetery. Martin Ellis was born on the old homestead in Greenwich township, May 13, 1847, and secured his education in the district schools of that township. He served the usual apprenticeship of the farmer lad until he was twenty, when he started out in life for himself. On December 28, 1871, was celebrated his marriage to Mary E. Stotts, who was the daughter of James and Eliza (Titus) Stotts, of Ripley township. To Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have been born two sons : James H., deceased, and Ray. Mr. Ellis settled on his own land soon after marriage and at present holds the title to one hundred and twenty acres of well tilled, well improved and well stocked farm land. He does not need to specialize, as all of the varied interests of the general farmer have succeeded tinder his hand. He has been amply aided by his son, Ray, who bids fair to make as good a farmer as his parent. He was married September 1, 1909, to Miss Lotha McCarty, a daughter of George and Mary (Swope) McCarty of Greenwich township. He is a member of Greenwich Lodge, No. 543, F. & A. M., and also a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. The democratic party claims Mr. Ellis' allegiance, and he has been consistently active in public affairs, serving as road overseer and member of the board of education. While not a member of any church, he yet supports the cause of religion, and is always interested in all matters which are for the benefit of the race. He is referred to as one of the best farmers of the county and is universally respected for his progressiveness. OTTO BOEHLER. An excellent farm of one hundred and forty-two acres in Lyme township, this county, pays tribute to the care and labor of Otto Boehler, who in his business interests is meeting with well merited success. He was born in Peru township, Huron county, September 5, 1869, a son of Phillip and Marguerita (Seibel) Boehler, natives of Germany. The former, who was born November 7, 1824, arrived in the United States in 1848 and settled in Huron county, Ohio, being employed in Peru township for about three years. He subsequently owned property in Lyme township, which he sold, and later purchased a farm in Sherman township, which in turn he disposed of and secured a farm in Peru township. At the time of his death, which occurred. May 3, 1897, in Monroeville, Ridgefield township, he was recognized as an extensive landowner. He was first married to Miss Mary Seibel, a native of Germany, who was born April 1, 1831, and after her death he was HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 299 united in marriage to Miss Jeanetta Knoble. The children of the first union were William, Henry, Phillip, Otto, Minnie and Louise, all of whom still survive. To the district schools of Peru township and also of Monroeville, Ridgefield township, Otto Boehler is indebted for his education, and he also learned many practical and valuable lessons while assisting in the work of the farm during the periods of vacation. He remained at home until 189o, when he began working for G. G. Horn, with whom he was connected for two years. He then began business on his own account, taking charge of the farm upon which he now resides. It was given to him by his father who had, in 1871, purchased the tract from a Mr. Smith. It is an excellent farm of one hundred and forty-two acres, upon which Mr. Boehler has placed many improvements. He is industrious, enterprising and persevering, and his good management of his business interests is bringmg him substantial success. On the 7th of January, 1892, Mr. Boehler was united in marriage to Miss Emma Horn, a daughter of Philip and Catherine (Seel) Horn, old German settlers of this county. She is a native of Lyme township, born March 18, 1871, and by her marriage became the mother of three children: Clarence, born October 25, 1892 ; Alma, born June 11, 1896; and Adolph, born November 2o, 1898. The family is still unbroken by the hand of death, and all are yet at home. The religious faith of Mr. Boehler is indicated in his membership in the Lutheran church, while fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World Camp, No. 4o. He has never sought to figure in a public light, yet his devotion to the public welfare is unquestioned, arising as it does from a sincere desire for the substantial and permanent growth of the community. Honest and upright in all of his business dealings, he has won the respect and good will of his fellowmen, while his sterling qualities have gained for him a wide circle of warm friends. BENJAMIN F. BECK. The rich farming land of Huron county yields ready response to the care and labors of the agriculturist and if the farmer is wise and prudent he may in the course of years gain a substantial competence as the direct result of his labors. Such has been the history of Benjamin F. Beck, who is now living in North Fairfield but in former years was closely associated with general farming. He started upon the journey of life in 1851, his birth having occurred in New Haven township, Huron county. His parents were Jacob and Mary (Berlin) Beck, who were numbered among the pioneer residents of the county, settling here when the work of progress and development seemed scarcely begun. The Becks have always been thrifty people and Benjamin Beck was reared to habits of perseverance, industry and economy. His education was acquired in the district schools of the neighborhood and through the periods of vacation he worked in the fields as he assisted in the operations of the home farm. He was thus well qualified to take charge of a farm of his own when he started out in life for himself. As companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Beck chose Miss Hulda Sothern, a daughter of James P. and Mary Elizabeth (Stiles) Sothern. Her peo-