300 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY ple, too, arrived in Huron county in pioneer times and her. father was active in the early development of this part of the state. Mr. and Mrs, Beck began their domestic life upon a farm and as the years passed Mr. Beck diligently and persistently carried on his work. He studied the matter of rotating crops, came to know the properties of the soil and what was needed for the production of different cereals. His farm work was thus intelligently directed and brought to him the prosperity which now enables him to live retired. WILLIAM S. RUGGLES. William S. Ruggles, who is the owner of a sawmill and one hundred and thirty-two acres of land in Peru township, on which he lives, was born on this farm, March 31, 1853. He is a son of George W. and Mary Elizabeth (Snyder) Ruggles. His grandparents, Joseph and Mary Ruggles, came to Huron county from the state of New York, traveling overland with a yoke of oxen in 1815, bringing with them the several children who had been born unto them in the east. They resided about a half mile east of the place on which William S. Ruggles now makes his home, and for a few years they lived in a little barn on the Henry Adams farm, which they converted into a rude dwelling, occupying it until Joseph Ruggles purchased the place which is now the home of our subject. It was a tract of timberland when it came into his possession but he at once began to clear away the trees and the brush and, in the midst of the forest, built a log house. It was about 1817 that he established his home there and as time passed he vigorously prosecuted the work of the farm, transforming the tract of forest land into richly cultivated fields. Subsequently he built and operated the first cider mill in the county and was closely associated' with the work of early development and improvement. He died in 1849 at the age of sixty-nine years, while his wife passed away in 1850. George W. Ruggles, the father, also lived in Peru township and for many years made his home above the old cider mill. In the early days he pursued his studies in one of the log schools of the township wherein but a few branches of learning were taught. Although his educational opportunities were limited his training sin farm work was not meager and throughout his entire life he continued to actively till the soil. His lack of early educational advantages was obviated by the fact that he remained throughout his entire life a great reader and thus added continuously to his knowledge. His wife was born in Milan, Ohio, a daughter of William and Mary (Norris) Snyder, who were early settlers of Huron country, coming to Ohio from Pennsylvania. The death of Mrs Ruggles occurred July 1, 1905. She was the mother of five children, namely: Mary B., the wife of James Clifford of Findlay, Ohio ; William S., of this review ; Walter and Charles, both deceased ; and Loretta E., the wife of Frank Schlagater, of Bronson township. William S. Ruggles has always lived upon the home place, the district being known as Ruggles Corners. He attended the schools of the neighborhood in his early days and throughout his entire life has carried on general fanning and 301 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. W. S. RUGGLES 302 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 303 has also operated a sawmill for about twenty years. He married Miss Alice J. Owen, a daughter of Lafayette and Mary J. (Clark) Owen, of Greenfield township, the wedding being celebrated on the, 3oth of August, 1876. Mrs. Ruggles was born in Greenfield township, where her parents lived until they were called to their final rest. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two children: J. C., whose birth occurred February 2, 1885, and who married Ethel Baxter, their home being now in Peru township and Harry, who was born February 19, 1889, and is still under the parental roof. As he prospered in his undertakings William S. Ruggles purchased the old homestead from his father and has since made many substantial improvements upon the place. He has built a fine barn, has remodeled the house and has added all of the accessories and conveniences known to the model farm of the twentieth century. In 1892 the sawmill which he owned near his home was destroyed by fire and he then built a steam sawmill on his farm, which he operated until 1902. In that year he sold out and two years later installed a gasoline engine and again entered the business of sawing lumber, which proves a profitable source of revenue to him. His fields, too, are carefully cultivated and return rich crops, which find a ready sale on the market. Mr. Ruggles has been somewhat prominent in community affairs. He served as township trustee for five years, having been elected on the republican ticket by a majority of twenty-nine in a township which usually gives over one hundred democratic majority, his election, therefore, plainly indicating his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. He has also served as school director and as road supervisor, and he withholds his cooperation from no measure or movement which he deems essential to the public good. He is a trustee of the Universalist church of Peru township and for twenty years has been a member of the Royal Arcanum of Norwalk. He represents one of the oldest families of the county, the name of Ruggles having ever stood in this community for progressive citizenship and for enterprise in business. The record of William S. Ruggles is in harmony with that of the others of the name and he is now numbered among the representative and valued citizens of Huron county. LOUIS P. HEYMAN. Louis P. Heyman, who has but recently retired from the active cultivation of the hundred and forty-five acres he owns in Lyme township, Huron county, was born on this farm, March 10, 1857, a son of John P. and Jeanette (Scheide) Heyman. Both parents were born in Germany, the father July 9, 1833, the mother April T9, 1837, but both came to this country so early in life that they are numbered among the pioneers of this county. The mother was but fifteen when she came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Scheide, to Peru township. John P. Heyman came to America in 1848, with his father, settling at Hunts Corners, Ohio, where his brother Philip had located the year previous and had 304 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY bought about fifty-five acres of land. There the old people died, the grandfather in 1881, though not until after he had made a name for himself in the community, for he and his two sons, John and Philip, together owned about three hundred acres and were among those who contributed largely, both in gifts of land and money, to the establishment of the Reformed church. In fact the edifice was erected on part of the fifty-five acres which Philip had bought on coming to this county. John P. Heyman was a prominent farmer in his locality. He was also interested in the Heyman Milling Company, of Monroeville, and as a school director and road superintendent served the people well for a long term of years. Likewise he was prominent in the Reformed church he had helped to build, having been an elder for a number of years and a deacon at the time of his death. When his earthly course was done, on the 19th of October, 1899, he was accounted one of the most prosperous farmers in his locality, being possessed of about four hundred acres. In April, 1856, he married Miss Jeanette Scheide, who bore him nine children: Lewis P. ; Frank, deceased ; F. D.; William 0.; Jennie, deceased ; Julia, the wife of William Kern ; Flora, the wife of Calvin Heyman; Lillian, who married James Clinton ; and one who died in infancy. Louis P. Heyman has always lived in Lyme township. He attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and worked on the farm with his father during his youth. In 1898 he bought the place from his father, making it his own home to the present time. Since his acquisition of the property he has made many extensive improvements, one of them being the erection of a large and. handsome residence. Although he has devoted himself with such diligence to the demands of his farm and is accounted one of the most successful agriculturists of this township, he has yet found time to serve the people as justice of the peace for a period of ten years, as constable, besides filling some other minor offices. He is vice-president and a director of the Heyman Milling Company, of Monroeville, and also a director of the Sherman Gas & Oil Company. Being very fond of good horses, one of his chief delights is in driving. On the 18th of November, 1885, Mr. Heyman was married to Miss Elizabeth Hartman, a daughter of George and Cornelia (hook) Hartman, of Bellevue, Ohio. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in 1828, the mother in 1831, and they were among the early settlers here, arriving long before anything approaching the present conveniences of travel came into vogue the journey being made from their old home to Black Swamp, Sandusky county, in an ox cart. Mr. Hartman died in 1900, and his wife survived him but two years. In their family were three children, Isabelle, Frank and Elizabeth. The last named, who is now Mrs. Heyman, was graduated from the Bellevue high school and for several years successfully engaged in teaching. She and her husband still take an active interest in educational affairs and are giving their children the best possible advantages along that line, while Mr. Heyman is also doing effective service as a member of the board of education. They have two daughters, Mabel and Ruth, and the former is a graduate of the Bellevue high school and also of Heidelberg University at Tiffin, Ohio, of the class of 1908, receiving the degree of L. B. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Heyman were also born two sons, but Floyd, who was born April 25, 1891, died on the 21st of the following August HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 305 and Gordon, born November i 1, 1898, died March 27, 1899. They now have an adopted son. Mr. Heyman is prominent in all the work of the Reformed church, of which he has been an elder and trustee for a number of years and his wife is also an active church worker, serving as assistant superintendent of the Sunday school and devoting some time every week to instructing a class in Bible study. In short, Mr. Heyman and his family are well and favorably known... He has now laid aside the active duties of life, but the record of his past, both as a private citizen and as a servant of the people, is an enviable one. CHARLES H. WHEATON. A history of Norwalk township would not be complete without mention of Charles Wheaton, who for many years has been known as one of the best judges and successful buyers of stock in Huron county. He was born in England on the 5th of February, 1840, and is a son of Daniel Wheaton, who came to America in the early '50s and first took up his residence in Monroeville, while a few months later he removed to Norwalk. He was a butcher by occupation, and after his arrival in Norwalk he rented a building of Lester Clark, where he started in the meat business, continuing in this line of activity for many years, when the business was taken Charge of by his two sons, Charles and Dennis. He was known as one of the best judges of stock, not only in England, but also in this country. Ere coming to America he had conducted a market in Cambridge College Place, where he engaged principally in supplying the colleges. He was eminently a business man, possessing keen sagacity and good management, and he became identified with various enterprises, all of which became factors in his subsequent success. About a year after his arrival in Norwalk he purchased the farm of ninety-six acres upon which our subject now resides, this property having been in the family since 1852. Later he purchased the De Walt property, where Harkness and surrounding buildings now stand, including the row of brick cottages extending to Seminary street. He bought from Mr. Underhill the old American Hotel property, which site is now covered by the three stores commencing at Frazier's and extending east. This property is now owned by the estate. He also invested in three stores in Huron, which are now in the possession of his son Dennis E. Wheaton. He was a member of the Baptist church and affiliated with the democratic party, and was considered one of the alert and progressive citizens of his community. He passed away in 1898, leaving a very handsome estate. Charles H. Wheaton, whose name introduces this review, was a lad of eleven years when he accompanied his father to the United States, and his education, which was begun in England, was completed in this country. He continued under the parental roof until the year 1861, when, in response to President Lincoln's call for troops, he enlisted for three months' service as a member of Captain Sawyer's independent company organized under the laws of the state of Ohio. At the expiration of his term of enlistment he returned home and, in connection with his brother, Dennis E. Wheaton, took charge of his father's meat business, which 306 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY they carried on for many years, or until the block was destroyed by frre. The brothers then went to Cleveland, where they were engaged in a similar enterprise for seventeen years, and at the end of that time our subject returned to the old homestead to take care of his father and his father's estate. The fine brick house which the latter erected still stands upon the place and is in excellent condition. Mr. Wheaton is engaged in the stock business and, like his father, is one of the best judges and one of the most successful buyers of stock in Huron county. He has purchased cattle since he was a boy of fourteen years and has the reputation of .having bought more stock than any other buyer in this county. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which his industry and energy, have been salient characteristics. While engaged in the meat business he was recognized as one of the leading men in that line, and that he prospered and won a goodly amount of success is indicated by the handsome competence which he has acquired as the result of well directed energy. In November, 1860, Mr. Wheaton was united in marriage to Miss Anna Lydia Hoyt, who was born in March, 1834, a daughter of Acrebeach Hoyt. Unto this union have been born the following children : Minnie, who wedded George Crumm and later married Fred Smies ; Dora, the wife of Edgar Lee ; and Mary, the wife of Walter E. Bateles, by whom she has two children, Elmer Darwin and Mary Mehn. In politics Mr. Wheaton is independent, reserving the right to vote for the men and measures which, in his estimation, are best adapted to conserve the public good. Although born across the water, Mr. Wheaton is as loyal to the interests of his adopted country as any American-born citizen, and he has gained high rank among the representative men of Norwalk township, not only by reason of the gratifying degree of success which he has attained but also because of his honorable manhood and true personal worth. HYATT TRAVIS. Hyatt Travis, now living retired from the duties of business life, has for many years been actively and helpfully interested in the public affairs of Greenwich township and is, moreover, a well known and prominent figure in the political circles of his community. He was born on the loth of August, 1839, in New York city, a son of Jacob and Sarah (Hyatt) Travis, and remained in his native city until fourteen years Of age, when he accompanied the family on their removal to New Rochelle, New York. They remained there for one year, when the father took the family to Yorktown, New Yotk, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for eight years. The education of Hyatt Travis had been commenced in the public schools of New York city and after the removal of the family from that city he pursued a course of study for several terms in the district schools, remaining with his parents until 186o. In December of that year he came to Greenwich, where his brother Oscar had arrived six years previously, while the parents and the remaining members of the family followed him in 1862. On reaching this city he associated with his brother in the operation of a farm until the following September HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 307 when, in response to his country's call for troops, he enlisted as a member of Company I, Third Regiment of Ohio Cavalry for three years. He served two years, however, when he veteranized and continued with the same company and regiment until the close pf the war, his entire service covering a period of three years and nine months, being mustered out in August, 1865. During this time he saw much hard service under General Thomas, General Wood and later under General Wilson. He participated in many of the hotly contested battles of the war, in the meantime having tWo horses shot from under him. The first occasion was just after the battle of Stone River while engaged with his company in a slight skirmish. His horse was killed and he was taken prisoner and sent to Libby prison at Richmond, Virginia. After three weeks spent in that place he was paroled and sent home, where he remained until exchanged about four months later, when he returned to his regiment. He again had a horse shot from under him during the battle of Chickamauga but on this occasion escaped capture. Throughout his entire service, during which time he was often in the thickest of the fight, he was never wounded although he returned home very much broken in health. After the close of the war he entered the service of the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad Company as brakeman but severed his connection therewith after eleven months, owing to the state of his health. He was then married in 1868, after which he engaged in farming in Greenwich township for eight years. At the expiration of this period, however, he was compelled to give up agricultural pursuits, as his health would no longer permit of the strenuous duties that devolved upon him in that connection. He then came to Greenwich and became identified with general mercantile interests, being thus engaged for nearly four years. Again he attempted farming but found that the state of his health had not improved and was one more compelled to give up that pursuit. Consequently he sold his farm and returned to Greenwich, where he has since lived practically retired. He has, however, been very active in public affairs, becoming well known in the political circle of the community, while since his retirement from business life he has been almost continuously before the public in an official capacity. He votes with the republican party and for several terms served as village and township treasurer. Something of his personal popularity was shown in the fact that he was elected mayor of his town and served as chief executive for two terms. He is now acting as justice of the peace, which position he has filled for several years, while from 1889 until 1893 he was postmaster of Greenwich. He has been clerk and also president of the school board, the cause of education at all times finding in him a stalwart champion. Active in the interests of his party, he has several times acted as a delegate to various conventions and has frequently been a member of the county central committee, being a prominent figure in the party councils. His career as a public official has ever been an exemplary one, performing his duties in every instance in a manner that gained for him the favorable commendation and the endorsement of his constituents. His position has never been an equivocal one for he has ever stood on the side of truth and right in all things. On the 1st of September, 1868, Mr. Travis was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Hoag, a daughter of Jesse and Mary (Watson) Hoag, the former a prom- 308 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY inent agriculturist of Greenwich township. Unto this union have been born seven children, namely : Ella, the wife of Frederick Miller ; George, deceased; William ; Charles, who has also passed away ; Ira J. ; Elmer, residing in Youngstown ; and Hazel. The family, although not members; attend the Methodist Episcopal church. while Mr. Travis maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Greenwich Post, No. 279, G. A. R., in which he has filled all of the offices. He has also been a delegate several times to the state encampments of this organization. He has ever been an advocate of public improvement and exerts his influence toward the adoption of all those measures which have for their object the welfare and upbuilding of the community. He has now completed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten and in the evening of life he enjoys the full respect and confidence of all who know him. W. B. KEEFER. W. B. Keefer is numbered among the men to whom Chicago Junction owes its growth, its development and its prosperity. His efforts have been of a practical nature, far-reaching and beneficial. He acted as the first postmaster of the new town and since that time has been most closely associated with its progress and improvement, figuring prominently now in its business circles as a representative of its banking interests. His birth occurred in Greenfield township, Huron county, September 9, 1848. His father, Walter Keefer, was a native of New York and in 1834 removed westward to Sandusky county, Ohio, residing in the vicinity of Bellevue, for a number of years. He afterward came to Huron county, but in a short time returned to Erie county, taking up his abode there in 1849. Five years later—in 1854—he again came to Huron county and settled on a farm one-half mile from Chicago Junction, where he made his home until his death which occurred in 1896, when he was eighty-six years of age. In politics, he was a stanch republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party and he was a splendid type of the pioneer citizen who recognizes and utilizes the opportunities for the county's development as well as for the attainment of his own success. His wife 'bore the maiden name of Lydia Wiles and was a representative of a family that was established in Sandusky county, at an early epoch in its development. Later, her father, Storey Wiles, removed with his wife and children to Huron county, taking up his abode north of Chicago Junction, where he spent his remaining days, his death there occurring. Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Keefer, there were born four sons and one daughter, who are yet living—all residents of Huron county—and three sons who died in infancy. At the usual age, W. B. Keefer began his education as a pupil in the common schools and later, he continued his studies in Norwalk, being thus well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. After putting aside his textbooks, he learned telegraphy and was employed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company for two and a half years. In 1875, when the subject of estab- 309 - PHOTO OF W. B. KEEFER 310 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 311 lishing a postoffice was under discussion he wrote to the postmaster general, urging the claims of this village and suggesting the name of Chicago for the new office. His suggestion was acted upon and he was appointed the first postmoster of the new town, entering upon his duties in 1875. He continued to fill the office until 1888 and during that time he opened and carried on a jewelry store. In the latter year, realizing the possibilities for business development here, he opened a private bank which he conducted successfully until 1905. It was then reorganized as a state bank under the name of the Commercial Bank Company, of which Mr. Keefer was elected president, with E. W. Severnance as vice-president ; W. K. Southard, cashier and W. M. Griffin, assistant cashier. Mr. Keefer now devotes his entire time to the bank. A general banking business is conducted and he has familiarized himself with every department of the work and makes the enterprise one of 'success. It has enjoyed a continuous growth from the beginning and well merits the liberal patronage which is accorded it. In 1883, Mr. Keefer completed his arrangements for having a home of his own in his marriage to Miss Eva L. Shepard, a native of Seneca county, Ohio, who in her girlhood days accompanied her parents, Israel and Nancy Shepard, on their removal to Hillsdale, Michigan. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Keefer was born a son, W. Dale, whose birth occurred July 9, 189o, and who died June 6, 1894. Mr. Keefer is well known in Masonic circles, taking the degrees of the lodge, chapter and commandery. His life record may well constitute an example and a source of inspiration to his fellow men. He has made for himself a splendid name by reason of his industry and integrity, which have brought him success and the respect of his fellow citizens. The town of Chicago Junction is largely a monument to his business ability and enterprising spirit for, with several associates, he has been closely identified with its upbuilding and progress from the outset to the present time. JACOB SCHREINER. Jacob Schreiner, a general farmer and stockman of Greenfield township, Huron county, owns the one hundred acres of land on which he lives and fifty-six acres in another part of the township. He was born in Seneca county, Ohio, October 19, 1862, and is the son of Michael and Mary (Koby) Schreiner, both of whom are of German birth. Michael Schreiner was fourteen when he went to Seneca county to fight the battle of life for himself. In the company of a few friends he worked around for different farmers in Seneca county for some time and then sent for his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schreiner, to come to the new world and make their home. This they did and passed the remainder of their days in the county to which their son had become attached. Michael Schreiner, Jr., always followed farming in Center township, in Seneca county, where he owns one hundred and twenty acres of land. Of late years he has retired from the active pursuits and at the age of seventy-seven enjoys the comforts and rest he so well deserves at the home of his daughter in Norwalk. He was prominent in local af- 312 - HISTORY OF HURON. COUNTY fairs, held several township offices and has ever been a devoted adherent of the Catholic religion. His wife was one year old when her parents removed to Seneca county, where she continued to live all her life, dying there in 1906 at the age of sixty-two. She was a dutiful wife and a mother of the following children: Joseph, who lives at Chicago Junction, Ohio ; Mary, who married Anthony Scheibley of Seneca county ; Jacob, of this review ; -Peter, a resident of Fostoria, Ohio ; Addie, deceased; Rose, the wife of Tony Hasselbauch, of Bellevue, Ohio; Philomina, the wife of Louis Schwartz, a prominent business man of Chicago, ,Ohio ; Elizabeth, the widow of Andrew Nejedly ; Martin, who lives at Akron, Ohio ; Catherine, the wife of Lewis Steinmetz, of Fostoria, Ohio ; Thresia, who married Andrew Adelman, of Norwalk, Ohio ; Louisa, the wife of William Huffman, of Tiffin, Ohio ; and Aggie, who married a Mr. Smith of Iowa. Two children died in infancy. Jacob Schreiner lived in Seneca county until 1884, and received his education in the schools there. He early devoted himself to farming and until he was twenty-two years of age continued in that occupation, after which he was engaged in the hotel business at Bellevue, Fostoria, Zanesville and Chicago Junction. His operations met with success but in the spring of 1907 he sold his interests, in the hotel and cafe at Chicago Junction and came to Greenfield township, Huron county, where he purchased from Jennie Wheeler his present farm. Since he has assumed possession of this land he has greatly improved it, adding many modern conveniences to his fine house, making the barns more up-to-date and instituting many changes in the methods of farming which will increase the productiveness of the soil. His farm is well stocked with all things necessary for the prosecution of a successful business, and his animals are of the finest. Mr. Schreiner has been married twice, his first union being with Miss Josephine Ball, and they had three children: Mary, Peter, deceased ; and William. Mrs. Josephine Schreiner was divorced, and Mr. Schreiner afterward married Mrs, Flora Huntington, who by' her former marriage had one daughter, Sadie, now the wife of William G. Ramsey, by whom she has a son, Russell Jacob, Mrs, Schreiner is en daughter of Emanuel F. and Sarah (Thompson) Grames, of Chicago Junction, who were old settlers of this county but are now deceased. They had five children who lived to-maturity : Frank, William, Flora, Henry and Minnie, and others who did not survive the period of infancy. In politics Mr. Schreiner gives his support to the democratic party and in religious matters to the Catholic church of Chicago Junction. Though so recently a citizen of Greenfield township, he bids fair to be one of her prosperous farmers and one of her most public-spirited men. ADOLF P. ERF. Adolf P. Erf, successfully engaged in agriculture in Lyme township, Huron , county, comes from an old and prominent family of this county. He was born upon the farm which is now his home June 22, 1867, a son of Anthony and Marie (Maurer) Erf. He comes of German and Swiss lineage, his father having been born in Freien Dietz, Germany, June 20, 1843, while his mother was a native of HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 313 Switzerland. The paternal grandparents of our subject, Jacob and Katherine Erf, sailed for the new world from lGermany about 1859, and, coming direct to Ohio, settled in this county, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of this district and aiding in reclaiming the wild land for agricultural purposes. Mr. Erf at once started to clear the land, built a dwelling for his family, and here he and his wife resided until they were called to their final rest. Their son Anthony Erf, the father of our subject, was sixteen years of age when he accompanied his parents on their journey to the United States and was thus early identified with the work of improvement and cultivation which was going on at that time in the section of Ohio where they settled. He assisted his father in establishing a home here, where the remaining years of his life were spent, for after his father's demise he took charge of the home farm and continued the work of improvement. He became a well known and respected citizen of this county, having served for several terms as trustee of Lyme township. He was a faithful and consistent member of the Evangelical church of Monroeville, honorable and upright in his relations with his fellow men. He met his death by drowning in a creek near his place while returning home after attending to a little matter of business. When he failed to appear at his home a search was made for him and his body found several days later. He had fallen into the water and it was thought that, owing to an injury to one of his arms, which he had sustained shortly before, he was unable to rescue himself, after having vainly attempted to do so—a fact which was manifest by certain marks left on the bank where he had endeavored to pull himself out of the water. He had gone to pay a threshing bill and still had ten dollars in his pocket after paying the bill. His wife had previously passed away in 1871, leaving, besides her husband, five children, Edward, William, Gustave, Adolf and Albert, the last named having since passed away. After the death of his first wife Mr. Erf was again married, his second union being with Miss Minnie Frenz, who, by her marriage, became the mother of five children, Hiram, Otto, George, Amelia and Louise. On the old homestead which had been the property of his grandfather, Adolf P. Erf was reared amid the scenes and environment of rural life, devoting the days of his boyhood and youth to the acquirement of an education as a pupil of the district schools of Lyme township and of Monroeville. He early became familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the farm lad and as the years passed and his strength increased he aided more and more fully in the work of the fields, becoming familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. He remained at home until twenty-six years of age when, on the 28th of December, 1894, he was united in. marriage to Miss Emma Beiler, a daughter of Henry and Philibina Beiler. Mr. and Mrs. Erf began their domestic life in Richfield township, this county, where they resided for five years on a farm of sixty acres near Bellevue, which Mr. Erf purchased and operated. He then sold this property and in 1906 bought from the estate his present farm, which was a part of the original homestead. He later acquired forty additional acres from Robert Truman, his holdings now aggregating one hundred and sixty-five acres, fourteen acres of which are located in Sherman township. He has directed his energies to the improvement of this place and 314 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY his good management and modern methods have combined to make of it an excellent farm, returning to him abundant crops. As the years came and went three children were added to the household of Mr. and Mrs. Erf, but the first two died in infancy. The third and only surviving member is Olga, born November 20, 1901, who is the light and life of the home. Mr. Erf is connected with the Lutheran church of Pontiac and at all times holds to high and manly principles. He has been most successful in his agricultural pursuits, this success being but the visible evidence of well directed energies and good judgment combined with strict business integrity. Having passed his entire life in this district, he has become widely known throughout the county, and that he is most respected and honored where he is best known is indicative of the fact that at all times his salient characteristics are such as win esteem, trust and good will from all classes. WILLIAM GRAHAM. Through the years of an active and useful life William. Graham was identified with carpentering and farming, being recognized in Huron county as one of its worthy and respected citizens, arriving here in the period of early manhood. He was born in England, in January, 1835, and was a son of John Graham of that country. He spent the first nineteen years of his life in the land of his birth and during that period acquired his early education in the public schools. The favorable reports which he heard concerning America and the business opportunities here afforded led him to the determination to seek his fortune on the western side of the Atlantic, and acting on this resolution he came to the United States making his way at once to Huron county, Ohio. In early life he learned and followed the carpenter's trade, being identified with building operations here until soon after his marriage, when he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. In November, 1859, Mr. Graham was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Lowther, who was born in Huron county in February, 1839, and is a daughter of Edward and Martha (Lovell) Lowther. Her paternal grandparents were Henry and Sarah Lowther, in whose family were three children, Edward, Thomas and William. The Lowthers were among the early settlers of Huron county, establishing their home here in pioneer times when much of the land was still undeveloped, being covered with the native forest growth. Edward Lowther assisted in the arduous task of transforming the wild timber region into cultivated fields and for a long period was closely identified with agricultural interests. Having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Martha Lovell, a daughter of David and Mary (Chilcott) Lovell, in whose family were three daughters and a son, Martha, Rachel, Eleanor and Ethan. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lowther was blessed with nine children, namely : Sarah, Mariette, Isabella, Jackson, David, Helen, Martha, James and Thomas. Of this family Sarah gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Graham in 1859, and as the years passed they became the parents of a son and daughter. Lewis, the elder, born in 1865, married Jessie Watts, and they have two sons, William and Bruce. Martha, born in 1869, is the wife of Mor- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY   315 ris Tilson, and the mother of five children, Maud, Irving, Graham, Gardner and Murray. Soon after their marriage Mr. Graham ceased to engage in carpentering and turned his attention to the task of tilling the soil, becoming owner of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Fairfield township. Year after year he diligently carried on the work of the fields, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. That his methods were practical and progressive is indicated in the large crops which he gathered and also in the well kept appearance of his farm. In all of his business affairs he was thoroughly reliable and his integrity stood as an unquestioned fact in his career. He was a member of the Universalist church and gave his political allegiance to the democracy but did not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He died May, 1907, and is still survived by his widow, Mrs. Sarah E. Graham, who yet makes her home in Fairfield township. She has always lived in this county and has a very wide acquaintance, while the warm friendship of many with whom she has come in contact is freely accorded her. JOHN LAWLER. John Lawler, devoting his time and energies to the cultivation and improvement of his farm of one hundred acres in Lyme township, is a worthy native son of this county, his birth having occurred in Lyme township on the 25th of December, 1857. His parents, Thomas and Sarah (Lawler) Lawler, were both natives of Ireland, born in the years 1825 and 1834 respectively. It was about 185o that Thomas Lawler crossed the Atlantic to the United States and took up his abode in Huron county, working as a farm hand in Lyme township for a time. Subsequently he purchased a tract of ninety-one acres of land in the same township, in the cultivation and improvement of which he was successfully engaged until the time of his demise in 1882. In religious faith he was a Catholic and his honorable, upright life won him the warm regard and esteem of many with whom he came in contact. His widow still survives and is well known throughout the community as a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind. Unto this worthy couple were born nine children, namely : John, of this review ; and Edward, Thomas, Patrick, Michael, Joseph, Mary, Margaret and Sarah, all of whom are deceased, with exception of Mary. John Lawler obtained a good practical education in the district schools of his native township and has always continued to reside here, following the occupation of farming as a life work. In 1905 he bought his present place of one hon. dred acres from his father-in-law and has met with a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity in his agricultural interests, the fields annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. On the 7th of April, 1891, Mr. Lawler was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Winzerl, who was born in Lyme township in April, 1'864. Her parents, John and Eliza (Kehoe) Winzerl,' were natives of Germany and Ireland respectively, the former having come to America in 1848, while the latter crossed the Atlantic 316 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY in 1851. Both were employed on farms for some time, but after their marriage, in 1861, Mr. Winzerl purchased a farm of one hundred acres in Lyme township, where they continued to make their home until called from this life. They were Catholics in religious faith and were the parents of three children, namely : John; Catharine, wife of our subject ; and Julia, deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lawler have been born five children : Joseph, John, Sadie, Wilfred and Loretta, all at home. The parents are devoted and faithful members of the Catholic church and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the county in which they spent their entire lives. FRANK B. GANNETT. Frank B. Gannett, a well known, successful and enterprising agriculturist of Fairfield township, was born in the state of New York on the 15th of February, 1869. When a little lad of six years he was adopted by Thomas Gannett, who had no children of his own and whose farm he inherited at the time of Mr. Gannett's death in 1901. Thomas Gannett, whose birth occurred in England in September, 1845, devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. It was in 1866 that he took tip his abode on a farm- in Fairfield township, Huron county, Ohio, having purchased the property from James Buck, of Norwalk. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Emma Sweet, was born in England in 1834. They were well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth and upright, honorable lives. Frank B. Gannett attended the schools of North Fairfield in the acquirement of an educaon that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life. Since putting aside his text-books he has given his attention to the work of general farming, in which line of activity he has won a gratifying and well merited degree of prosperity, being the owner of one hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land in Fairfield township. This is the oldest farm in the township and on it was erected the first frame house in Fairfield. The place is now equipped with a number of substantial buildings, which are kept in a state of excellent repair, and in addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate Mr. Gannett also feeds sheep, hogs and cattle on quite an extensive scale. He likewise engages in the sale of machine oils and all lubricating oils, which he supplies through three townships, disposing of about one hundred and fifty barrels annually. 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. In September, 1898, Mr. Gannett was united in marriage to Miss Georgina Duncan, whose birth occurred in Ontario, Canada, on the 4th of April, 1862. Her father, Robert Duncan, who was born on the loth of May, 1828, passed away June 10, 1903. He was of Scotch descent and made his home at Bluevale, Ontario, of which town his father was one of the first settlers. The mother of Mrs. Gannett was born in 1829 and was a second cousin of Sir John A. Mc- 317 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. FRANK B, GANNETT 318 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 319 Donald, the premier of Canada. Her demise occurred on the 7th of April, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Gannett now have two children, namely : Norman Thomas, born February 28, 1902 ; and Robert Duncan, who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 18th of March, 1904. A resident of this county for more than a third of a century, Mr. Gannett is widely known within its borders and the substantial qualities which he has displayed in his citizenship and in his business relations have gained him a high place in the regard and good will of his fellow townsmen. C. E. WARD. Success is not a matter of genius, as held by some, but is the outcome of clear judgment, experience and indefatigable energy. This truth is manifest in an analyzation of the life record of all those men who are pushing their way to the front and seeking their advancement in the legitimate lines of trade. It is proven again in the history of C. E. Ward, a prominent regalia manufacturer of New London, where he has developed a business of large and profitable proportions, utilizing every advantage that has come to hand and carefully watchful of all details pointing to success. Ohio numbers Mr. Ward among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Sullivan, Ashland county, on the 9th of January, 1873. His parents were Jacob and Ellen (Hubler) Ward, who were also natives of this state, the Hubler family coming from Pennsylvania at an early day. C. E. Ward was one of three children and an only son. He lost his mother when five years of age and in early life was thrown upon his own resources. His educational opportunities were those afforded by the public schools of New London but the necessity of providing for his own support prevented him from obtaining a higher education. He is essentially a self-made man, one who has risen from the humble position of a clerkship in a grocery store to the head of an extensive, prosperous and growing manufacturing concern at the age of thirty-six years, an accomplishment which speaks for itself. He made his initial step in the business World as a grocery clerk. being thus employed for a few years when as a result of his industry, integrity and foresight, he was enabled to engage in business on his own account as a dealer in furniture. The Regalia Manufacturing business which "has made New London famous" was established in a very modest way by W. S. Bellville and R. B. Powers in 1889 and after a short time, they sold out to W. E. Clemmons and S. O. Curtis. On the 13th of July, 1895, Mr. Ward purchased the interest of Mr. Curtis and carried on a business in partnership with Mr. Clemmons. The manufacturing department was conducted upstairs in connection with the furniture business below. In January, 1904, Mr. Clemmons was about to sell his interest to Mr. Powers, but before the deal was consummated, Mr. Ward induced him to sell to E. R. Stillson and in connection with the latter carried on the business as Ward & Stillson, until September 19, 1905, when Mr. Stillson bought out Mr. Ward's interest and organized an incorporated company under the title of the Ward Stillson Company. Mr. Ward then erected his present manufactory and organized the C. E. Ward 320 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Company, of which he is president while his father is vice-president. He commenced business under this style October 1, 19(35, in the manufacture of regalia and the enterprise has grown enormously, the rapid development of the trade being indicated in the fact that this year's business will reach over a quarter of a million dollars. They employ a superior class of help, both male and female, and the firm is represented on the road by seven traveling salesmen while the business extends throughout the United States and Canada. Mr. Ward is a bright, genial man, energetic, far-sighted and progressive and while his success is notable it is equally well deserved. In 1895, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ward and Miss Daisy E. White, a daughter of Daniel White, an old resident of New. London and a Civil war veteran. Mr. Ward's father was also a Union soldier, serving with the Twenty- fifth Independent Battery of the Light Artillery. Two children, Sterling and Virginia, have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Ward and with the parents constitute the members of the household. Mr. Ward is a valued representative of the Masonic fraternity in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also connected with other orders and while he is no office seeker, his business interests preclude the possibility of active participation in public affairs as an office holder. He is an ardent republican, stands for clean government and is opposed to anything like misrule in municipal affairs. He concentrates his energies upon his business, which demands his entire time and in its control, he displays marked executive ability, keen discernment and a power of wisely co-ordinating forces so as to produce an unified and harmonious whole. His business has been notably successful for within a brief period he has built up an enterprise second to no productive industry in New London or this part of the county. S. J. RUMMELL. S. J. Rummell, carrying on general agricultural pursuits, his time and energies being devoted to the further development, cultivation and improvement of a farm of sixty-three acres of land, is numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Ottawa county on the 1st of March, 1856, a son of Sebastian and Applelona (Diehl) Rummell. As a boy he was reared amid the wholesome influence and environment of rural life and later his time was largely divided between the work of the schoolroom and the duties of the fields. Arriving at years of maturity, he wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared and has largely devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He has, however, in the past given some attention to painting and butchering but is now engaged in general farming. His place of sixty-three acres has a well kept appearance and the fields, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, annually bring forth rich harvests. He practices rotation of crops. while the work of plowing, planting and harvesting is systematically done, due attention being given to the condition and quality of the soil. In 1880 Mr. Rummell was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Vogus, a daughter of Fred Vogus, and unto this union have been born the following children : Mandy, HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 321 Fred, Anna, Nettie, Ida, Laura, Albert and Albertina. In politics Mr. Rummell is a stanch democrat, giving loyal support to the principles of that party and doing all in his power to extend its influence in the community. Both he and his wife are members of the Catholjt church and are highly respected for their many good traits of character. Mr. Rummell has never sought to figure prominently in a public way, preferring always to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs which, carefully conducted, are bringing to him gratifying returns. Although he has lived in this locality only nine years, he nevertheless has gained a wide circle of friends who entertain for him warm regard. CHARLES W. ABBEY. Charles W. Abbey is cultivating a farm of ninety-three acres in Norwalk township and is a farmer whose well directed energy and keen foresight are bringing to him a creditable measure of prosperity. He was born in the northern peninsula of Michigan on the 24th of August, 1849, a son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Todd) Abbey. On the paternal side he comes of Welsh lineage, the line of descent extending down from John Abbey, through his son Shuble, who married Sarah Sanford and in turn became the father of Aaron Abbey, who was born September to, 1825, in Ashtabula county, Ohio. The mother of our subject was born in Buffalo, New York, November 14, 1829, and is a daughter of Augustus and Arna (Cole) Todd. On bofh the paternal and maternal sides the men have been long lived, Shuble Abbey, the grandfather of our subject, having lived to the venerable age of ninety-six years. He was extremely active during his entire life and when eighty-five years old climbed a chestnut tree and shook down the nuts. Henry Francisco, the great-great-grandfather, lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and thirty-four years. He was of French descent and resided in New York. When one hundred years old he plowed with a yoke of oxen, and at the age of fourteen years he played the bugle at the coronation of Queen Anne. In the family of Aaron Abbey and his wife were five children : Henry A., Albert A., Charles W., Edward A. and Walter S. . As a farm boy Charles W. Abbey spent the days of boyhood and youth and in the public schools he acquired a fair education that qualified him to take up the more responsible duties of life when he put aside the tasks of the schoolroom. He remained at home until about eighteen years of age, when he purchased the farm upon which he now resides and started out in business on his own account. He has made this farm ibis home for forty-two years arid in the meantime has brought it under a fine state of cultivation. He is up-to-date and progressive in his methods and his well directed energy and close application to business have been the means of bringing to him a most gratifying degree of success. Mr. Abbey was united in marriage on the 1st of May, 1872, to Miss Matilda Florence Lockwood, a daughter of Eli and Anna (Howarth) Lockwood, of Huron county. Their home has been blessed with one son, Bernard, who was born February 3, 1875, and married Miss Orpha Allman. Fraternally Mr. Abbey is a Mason and holds membership in a Michigan lodge, while his son, Bernard, belongs 322 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY to the Elks and the Maccabees of NorWalk. He is independent in politics and is governed by the character of the candidates rather than by any feeling of partisanship. He is not neglectful of the responsibilities as well as the privileges of citizenship, but at all times lends his aid to further any measure which has for its object the substantial and permanent upbuilding and welfare of the community. As he has made his home for many years in Huron county, he has a wide acquaintance here and his friends know him as an enterprising agriculturist and a man of genuine personal worth. E. W. SMITH. E. W. Smith, a well known and prominent farmer and horse dealer of Ripley township, may well claim the proud American title of a self-made man, inasmuch as the prosperity which he now enjoys has been won entirely through his own efforts and has come as the result of indefatigable industry and well directed energy. Born on the 16th of February, 1865, in this township, he is a son of Otis and Mary Jane (Welsh) Smith, the former born in Onondaga county, New York, in 1832, while the latter's birth occurred in Ripley township, Huron county, in 1838. The paternal grandfather, Henry Smith, was born in New York in 1800 and came to Ohio at an early date, purchasing the farm upon which our subject now resides in 1840. He married Caroline Redfield, and in their family were the following children : Otis, Henry, Jane and two who passed away in infancy. The mother of our subject was the daughter of Nicholas V. and Susan (Styles) Welsh, and was the eldest in a family of four children, the others being Peter, John and Rachel. Nicholas Welsh was born in 1819 in Maryland and is a son of John Welsh. His grandfather, John Welsh, Sr., was the founder of the family in America, coming from Wales Mien nineteen years of age and locating in Maryland. The family was numbered among the slave traders of that state at one time, but upon their removal to Ohio they freed all of their slaves. Mr. Welsh, like many other southerners, was raised by an old black mammy. The family of Otis Smith and his wife consisted of five children, namely, Warren, Charles, Ralph, E. W. and Verna. Amid the scenes and environments of agricultural life E. W. Smith was reared 'to manhood, acquiring his education in the district schools, and when not engaged with his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the fields, his training in general farming being most thorough and comprehensive. He remained at home until lie attained his majority and then started out in business for himself. Most of his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits and he now owns a fine farm of one hundred and ninety-eight acres of land which, in its well improved and attractive appearance, indicates the thrift and progressiveness of its owner. For ten years, however, he operated a livery and sale stable in Plymouth, and he now deals in horses, making a specialty of breeding trotters. He has been very successful in his various undertakings and is now ranked among the substantial and representative agriculturists of Huron county. It was on the 19th of August, 1885, that Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Ella Watts, who was born in East Cleveland, Ohio, in January, 1866, a daugh- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 323 ter of Frank and Elizabeth (Lester) Watts. She was the sister of Hattie, Sarah, Grace and Alberta Watts, and by her marriage to Mr. Smith became the mother of two sons : Forest, born in December, 1888 ; and Charles, born in May, 1897. The eldest son, who is a graduate of the Plymouth high school, taught school for several years and in the fall of 1909 entered the Ohio State University. The family are members of the Methodist church of Plymouth, and are people of high repute in the community in which they reside. Mr. Smith holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in politics is a stalwart republican, giving his unwavering support to that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Although he has confined his attention closely to business, yet he has found time to interest himself in those affairs which should always claim the attention of every good citizen, and his influence is ever on the side of progress, improvement, reform and advancement. His has been a life of continuous activity in which has been accorded due recogmtion of honest labor, and in this community, where he has resided throughout his entire lifetime, he has gained an extensive circle of warm friends, who entertain for him high regard, while the fact that he is most liked where best known indicates that his salient characteristics are in accord with the principles of honorable and upright manhood. HORACE B. SILLIMAN. One of the prosperous fainters of Ripley township and one of the extensive landholders, is Horace B. Silliman. Although not one of Ohio's native sons he early saw the great agricultural possibilities of the state and for more than half a century, has made it his home. He was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, September 13, 1832, and is the son of Joseph and Lucinda (Banks) Silliman. The Silliman family is of Dutch and English descent, but has for several generations been connected with the life of this country. The father, Joseph Silliman, was born in 1790 in the county that was later the birthplace of his son and was the eldest of the family of nine that were born of the union of Justice Silliman and Miss Ruth Jennings. The other children were : Abijah, Daniel, Stephen, Sarah, Ruth, Abigail, Marinda and Isaac. Mrs. Lucinda Silliman was also born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, but was two years younger than her husband, her birth having occurred in the year 1792. She was the daughter of Thomas Banks and his wife and the sister of Jane, Amelia, Sarah, Esther and Rachel. Through her marriage with Joseph Silliman she became the mother of three children : Horace B., George and Sarah Eliza. Horace B. Silliman first came to Ohio in 1849, when he was but seventeen years of age and remained but ten months staying with his brother George who was a resident of Fairfield. The impressions formed on this visit, however, were so favorable, that he returned to his home with the intention of disposing of his property as quickly as possible and coming again to this state, which though not as well developed as at present, seemed to offer great opportunities, especially to the man who was willing to work. In 1855, he sold his property in Connecti- 324 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY cut and came to Ripley township, where he purchased the one hundred and eighty-four acres on which he now lives. The years have proved the wisdom of his decision. He has been more successful than he had even dared to hope; the land brought him rich harvests, and when he engaged in the stock business, it too prospered, so that he has been able from time to time to add to his original land holdings until he now has three hundred and forty acres in Ripley township. In the April of the year preceding his advent to Ohio, that of 1854, Mr. Silliman married Miss Abigail Hawkins, who was born August 20, 1833, in Fairfield county, Connecticut, and is a daughter of Eben and Clara (Wakeman) Hawkins. The parents had a family of eight children, of whom Mrs. Silliman is the youngest. The others were Burr, William, Elihu, Arella, Sarah, Mary and Adaline. To Mr. and Mrs. Silliman have been born eleven children : Georgiana, William, Frank, Dwight, Edward, Clara, Mary, Ella and three who died in infancy. In politics, Mr. Silliman affiliates with the democratic party and has taken a vital interest in the affairs of the township, having served for a number of years as trustee and at several different times as assessor. He is also responsible to some degree for the financial stability of the county, for he was one of thelfounders of the People's Bank at Plymouth and the Farmers Bank at Greenwich, and since their establishment has been upon their boards of directors. Yet the position of esteem which he holds in the community is due entirely to his own efforts, because he seized opportunities when they presented themselves and made others whenever he saw the slightest pcssibility of gaining and advancing by them. Fraternally, he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows"and with the Royal Arcanum. ISABELLA CONGER. Isabella Conger, of Greenfield township, who is conducting the farm on the one hundred and fifty-one acres of land left by her husband, was born in this township, June 2.5, 183f, and is a daughter of Edward and Martha (Lovell) Lowther. Her paternal grandfather, Henry Lowther, was born in Ireland and came to the United States at the time of the rebellion in his home land. He settled in New York state, became a farmer and acquired considerable property, which he lost by going bond for a friend. His son Edward Lowther, the father of Mrs. Conger, was born in New York city in 1800. At the age of seventeen he came west to Ohio, locating in Greenfield township, Huron county, where he purchased land and lived the remainder of his days. Captain Lowther he was generally called, for he was at one time captain of the militia and was otherwise prominent in his section of the county, for he held many township offices during the period of his residence here and was a conspicuous figure in the Universalist church. His life was brought to a close in 1886. His wife was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and came with her parents to Ohio when it ,was a dense forest and when Indians were frequent visitors to the homes of the white settlers. Quite a different county did she leave in 1887, when her eighty-one years of activity were ended by death. She 325 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. LEWIS L. CONGER 326 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 327 became the mother of the following children : Thomas, deceased ; Mariette, the widow of Ira Watterman ; Isabella, of this sketch ; Jackson, of Sherwood, Ohio; Sarah, the widow of William Graham; Helen, the deceased wife of Dexter Mason ; Martha, the wife of Barnett Rowe ; and James. Greenfield township has always been Mrs. Conger's home. She was born here in a little log house and in the district schools received such an education as they were able to give. She took part in the work that was carried on at the home farm, such work as a girl could do, and was about twenty years of age when she was sought in marriage by Lewis Conger, the son of Elijah and Hannah (Ludlow) Conger. Mr. Conger was born September 8, 1824, at Ludlowville, New York, and in 1833, came with his parents to Milan, Ohio, where he worked with his father in a mill until 185o, when the family moved to Greenfield township. In 1870 Mr. Conger bought the farm on which his widow now lives from Jacob Noggle, and as it was in an almost rude state, the many improvements that it now possesses are to be laid to Mr. Conger's credit. On the l0th of February, 1853, Mr. Conger and hiss Lowther were united in the holy bonds of matrimony, and the forty-four years during which they were permitted to travese life's pathway together were blessed with four children. Edward L., who lives in Greenfield township, married Miss Nellie Hall and has two children, May and Ray. Halsey died at the age of five months. Julia, now deceased, was the wife of Charles Palmer and the mother of two children, Florence and Charles. Lewis, who lives on the farm with his mother, was married to Miss Ada Daly, of Greenfield township and is the father of a daughter Isabelle. Mr. Conger was called to his final rest November 11, 1899, and during the subsequent years the son Lewis has taken full charge of the farm, has conducted its work and managed its finances. DANIEL JAY MORSE. Daniel Jay Morse is now living retired in North Fairfield but for many years was closely associated with farming interests in Huron county. Prospering as the years went by he acquired a handsome competence and when relieved of the necessity of further labor to provide a means of living, he took up his abode in town, there to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. He is not actively engaged in any business at the present time, save in loaning money. Few men have longer resided within the borders of the county than Mr. Morse, who is one of the native sons, his birth having occurred in Bronson township, on the 23d of March, 1836. There were still many evidences of pioneer life here at that time, for the railroads had not been built, much of the land was still uncultivated and through the dense forests roamed wild animals, while various kinds of wild game were to be seen. Great changes have since occurred and with the work of general progress and improvement Mr. Morse has been identified. He comes of a family of English lineage. The first of the name of whom we have authentic record was John Morse, who was commissioned a captain in the Colonial army before the Revolutionary war by King George III, and the commission is still in possession of his descend- 328 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY ents. At the time the colonies attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression he became allied with American interests and participated in the war for independence holding the rank of captain in the Continental army. His grandfather, Ezekiel Morse, was born in Massachusetts and went from New England to Rochester,. New York, during the war of 1812. He fought with the American troops throughout the war and took up his abode in Rochester when it was a mere hamlet, he and his brother Enoch laying out the main street of the city. He was also one of the first aldermen of Rochester and was closely and prominently connected with the work of development and upbuilding during the formative period. At his death he was taken back to Rochester, where he was accorded a public burial by the city. Daniel S. Morse, the father of Daniel J. Morse, was born in Washington, Massachusetts, and came to Huron county, Ohio, about 182o or 1822, making the journey by way of the lake to the town of Huron, where he hired an ox team and in that manner proceeded to Grtnwich. He remained there for only a year, however, after which he settled upon a farm in Bronson township, where he remained until called to his final rest. This is the only farm in Bronson township that has never passed out of possession of the family nor never had a mortgage upon it. He diligently pursued his work in developing and improving his property and became recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the community. Moreover, he was a prominent and influential citizen and filled various positions of public trust in his township: He acted for at time as justice of the peace, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial and for twenty-six years prior to his death he was the trusted and reliable treasurer of the township. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Congregational church, in the work of which he took an active and helpful part, serving for many years as one of the deacons and doing everything in his power to promote the growth and extend the influence of the society. In early manhood he had married Lucy Jeffords, also a native of Washington, Massachusetts, and they became the parents of nine children, Lois, Mary L., Edward, Daniel Jay, Laura, Theodore, Martha, Jacob and Ellen. Of this family Edward, Daniel and Jane are the only ones now living. The homestead of one hundred and twenty acres, which the father long owned and which he left at the time of his death, still remains undivided. Daniel Jay Morse was reared on the old home farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lost of the agriculturist in his efforts to profitably till the soil. When but a boy he took his place in the fields as soon as old enough to handle the plow and continued to engage actively in general farming until he retired from business life. His education was acquired in the public schools and in the school of experience he has also learned many valuable lessons, That his methods, of farm work were practical and brought substantial results is indicated in the position to which he has `attained among the men of affluence in the county. In 1859 Mr. Morse was united in marriage to Miss Orpha Watrous, a daughter of Cyrus and Emily (Barber) Watrous, of Erie county, Ohio. Three children were born of that marriage : Charles Watrous, who was born in 1861 and is a railroad man ; William S., born in 1865 ; and Emma, who was born in 1874 and is now deceased. Having lost his first wife, Mr. Morse was again married on the 22d of HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 329 September, 1907, to Eva Belle Tremley, a daughter of William and Sarah Ann (Hoffmire) Tremley. Mr. and Mrs. Morse are now living in North Fairfield, he having sold his farm and taken up his abode in town, there to enjoy well earned rest. His money is now loaned out and he derives from his investments a good income. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist church. His life has always been honorable and upright and has ever been in conformity to a high standard of business principles. Neither has he been indifferent to good citizenship but has sought the good of the community through his cooperation in many public measures. He has lived to witness remarkable changes in the county, including the building of railroads,, the introduction of the telegraph and the telephone, the adoption of all modern farm machinery and the employment of all modern means for intellectual, aesthetic and moral progress as well. He rejoices, in what has been accomplished and has given stalwart support to many movements which have been directly beneficial to this section of the state. FRANKLIN C. WOOD. Among the men of Greenwich village, distinguished for exceptional bravery is Franklin C. Wood, the town marshall, who was born November I, 1877, in Cass township, Richland county, Ohio, and is a son of John W. and Mary E. (Darling) Wood. Both parents were also natives of that township, to which the paternal grandfather, James. C. Wood, had come from New York state. He was among the early settlers there and cleared the land of the heavy timber with which it was covered. As the township grew he became prominent in its affairs, and was one of the four that organized the republican party in. Cass township. He himself did not serve in the Civil war, but he sent four sons to fight for their country, two of whom died in the service. Kellum succumbed to disease while with his regiment ; William died from the effects of a wound received in the battle of Bull Run ; Charles served four years and after the war went to Kansas, where he died; and Andrew was in the one hundred days' service, and still lives in Shiloh, Ohio. John W. Wood, the father of Franklin C. Wood, was too young to enlist. For many years, he was a farmer of Richland county and later of Huron county, and in the year 19̊6, removed to Greenwich village, where he has since resided with his family, pursuing the carpenter's trade. His wife's father, William E. Wood, was also an early settler in Cass township, Richland county, and was one of the four men who organized the republican party there. He was accidentally killed many years ago, by having his clothing caught in the tumbling rod of the old horse-power thresher. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Wood, became the parents of two children: Florence, who died in infancy ; and Franklin C., the subject of this sketch. As a young lad and into the period of his young manhood, Franklin C. Wood lived and worked on his father's farm, receiving his education at the district schools of the county. He later entered upon the life and work of farming, which he pursued for several years after his marriage, until 46, when he came to 330 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Greenwich village. In August of the following year, he was appointed marshall to fill an unexpired term and in November was duly elected by popular vote to the same office for a term of two years. On more than one occasion, the people have had lreason to congratulate themselves on the wisdom of their choice, for Mr. Wood has proved a most valuable officer, but perhaps never more than upon the morning of December 16, 1908, a day that has gone into the annals of the village, when Mr. Wood proved himself a man of stupendous courage and iron nerve. Even as he with all modesty recounts the occurrence, it is one that excites our admiration and wonder. In the early morning of December 16, 19o8, while going upon his rounds, Mr. Wood encountered four men in the street, evidently intent upon robbing the banks of the village. Upon accosting them, he was led into a trap between some box cars standing on a side track, and then suddenly found that he was facing a brace of revolvers. He was ordered to throw up his hands, which he did, but his own revolver came up with them and one of the men fell dead from the shot which he pulled. This of course brought the remaining men upon him with renewed force; they fired on him and then engaged in a hand to hand struggle, in the course of which he was overpowered and left for unconscious, the men retiring to some distance to look after their fallen comrade. He was not so much used up as appeared, however, but managed to get his guns into working order again, and doubtless would have ended the life of another man, had they not discovered his activity and pounced upon him with increased vindictiveness, jumping on him, kicking him and literally trampling him into the ground; where they left him to make their own escape. Unconscious he was indeed this time, but with the passage of the hours soon gained sufficient power to drag himself to a pool of water from which he revived himself sufficiently to call for assistance. There was immediately great commotion, the wounded marshal was put aboard a fast Big Four train, flagged for the purpose, and hurried to the hospital at Galion, where for many days his life hung by a slender thread. After six weeks, he was pronounced to be able to leave the physician's care and to go to his home in Greenwich, but even there the period of his confinement to his bed was prolonged for three months longer. He is now able to be about town, though he is still very weak from the many thrilling experiences through which he has passed the last being the fourth that almost resulted in death to him, though the three preceding ones were merely accidental. On the occasion of the first, he was kicked severely by a horse, the second time a tree fell on him, and on the third, he was caught in some machinery. In each case, he was so badly injured, that his life was despaired of, but on each occasion, as on this most recent, he has pulled through. It is needless to say that the three assailants on the night of December 16, escaped, but he who was killed was identified by the Pinkerton Detective Agency, as Edward Quinn, a criminal with a long record, who was sought for in many cities. It is believed that it was the intention of the men to rob at least one of the banks of Greenwich, and in recognition of the marshal's bravery and opportune frustration of the robbers' operations, a purse of substantial size was presented to him. The Casualty and Security Company,. which carried burglar insurance on the banks, and the Ohio Bankers' Association each contributed one hundred dollars, and the subscriptions of the other banks and from the citzens of the village brought the sum up to twelve hundred and fifty- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 331 four dollars, which was paid him as a slight appreciation of the value of his services. On the 12th of December, 1902, Mr. Wood was married to Miss Myrtle G. Martin, a daughter of Joseph and Julia (Weygant) Martin, of New London, where the father is living in retirement after an active life as a farmer. One child, Thelma G., has been born of this union. Mr. Wood and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and she is also a member of the Ladies of the Maccabees. To the Knights of the Maccabees, Mr. Wood belongs and to the Greenwich Lodge, No. 640, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics, he is a republican and is an effective party worker. After the incident narrated above, it is but repetition to say that he is a man of unflinching nerve, of fixed determination, and one who believes in doing right, because it is right, and while these qualities are inestimable they are fully appreciated by Mr. Wood's fellow citizens, a knowledge and satisfaction that is afforded to but comparatively few persons. WILLIAM FRANKLIN DARLING. A well improved farm of ninety acres pays tribute to the labor and care bestowed upon it by William Franklin Darling, one of Ohio's native sons, whose birth occurred in Richland county, January 2, 1856. He is a son of William and Lydia (Shoup) Darling, both natives of Richland county, Ohio, the former born in 1811. The father, who vas the second white child born in that county, spent his entire life within its borders, passing away in 1874. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Lydia Shoup, while for his second wife he chose Miss Leah Wagner, a native of Crawford county. Two children were born unto the first union, Mary and William F. No event of especial importance came to vary the routine of life for William Franklin Darling during the period of his boyhood and youth, which were spent on his father's farm amid the scenes and environments of rural life. He attended the district schools in the acquirement of his education, and under the capable direction of his father received thorough business training which well equipped him for the practical and responsible duties of life. He remained at home until his marriage and in the year following that event, he purchased the farm upon which he now resides and which has been in his possession for the past thirty-two years. He has directed his entire energies toward its further improvement, has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and has erected substantial, modern buildings, while upon the place are found all of the conveniences and accessories that go to make up a model farm. In the management of his affairs, he manifests excellent business ability, and his close application and untiring industry are the salient elements in the prosperity which he now enjoys. Mr. Darling was united in marriage on the 3oth of December, 1876, to Miss Catherine Wentz, who was born November 27, 1854, in Richland county, Ohio, her parents being Solomon and Catherine (Firewood) Wentz. She had three sisters and two brothers all younger than herself, namely: Mary, George, Anna, 332 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Clara and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Darling became the parents of three children, as follows : Effie, who was born in 1877, and married Joseph Hodge, by whom she has three children : Adon, Alice and Martha ; Pearl, whose birth occurred in 1884; and Mary, born in 1890. The family are members of the Lutheran church at Shiloh, Ohio, in the work of which they are interested and to the support of which they are generous contributors. Mr. Darling gives his political allegiance to the republican party, but has no desire for office, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business interests in which he is meeting with signal success, being now ranked among the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Ripley township. CALVIN WHITNEY. The life record of Calvin Whitney was beautiful in its symmetry, in its purposes and its accomplishments. in him keen discernment and powers of management were well balanced with a charitable spirit and broad humanitarianism. Because of this his work was of the utmost value in the public life of. Norwalk and his history constitutes an important chapter in the annals of the city. He was born in Townsend, Huron county. Ohio, September 25, 1846, and was one of the six children of Charles and Roxanna (Palmer) Whitney. The father's birth occurred in Shelby, Richland county, Ohio, on the 23d of September, 1812, and his father was Henry Whitney. who was born in 1791 in Norwalk, Connecticut. There he married Miss Lucy Grumman and in 1819 they made their way to the western border of civilization—for so it then seemed—and settled in Shelby, Richland county. The family is of English origin and was founded in this country by Henry Whitney. who emigrated from England, where he was born, about 1620. He became one of the early residents of New England where his family was represented for successive generations in the vicinity of Norwalk, Connecticut, until the removal to the west was made by Henry Whitney, who was the first of the name in Ohio. Calvin. Whitney in his boyhood days worked on the home farm and attended the country schools. He was apt and diligent in his studies, manifesting special fondness for mathematics and, encouraged by a loving mother, he mastered the elements of An English education and at the age of fifteen was much better equipped by mental training for the duties of life than most boys of his age. Lessons of industry, perseverance and integrity were also impressed upon his mind and in the course of years bore rich fruit. He was but eighteen years of age when he started out in life on his own account, undertaking the task of operating a small farm on the shares, but a hail storm ruined his crops and he concluded that Providence did not intend him to follow farming. Therefore, in 1865 with his capital amounting to about four hundred dollars, he embarked in the hardwood lumber business, in which he soon established a credit and by which he won success from the start. His patronage grew rapidly until his sales aggregated about two hundred thousand dollars annually. He possessed superior ability for judging and 333 - PHOTO OF CALVIN WHITNEY 334 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 335 buying lumber and because of this was enabled to make judicious investments and profitable sales. In the fall of 1875 the A. B. Chase Company was organized in Norwalk and on account of Mr. Whitney's superior knowledge of the lumber business, his record as an executive and the fact that he was a rising young business man of keen discrimination, his cooperation was sought as one of the incorporators of the company, which was organized for the manufacture of reed organs with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. .Mr. Whitney became one of its first directors and so continued until April, 1877, when on the death of A. B. Chase, he was elected the president of the A. B. Chase Company and continuously occupied that position until his demise. He saw the business grow from a comparatively small beginning to one of extensive proportions and in foreign lands as well as in America its product has a large sale. In what manner Mr. Whitney filled the presidency and caused a newly organized business company to be recognized as among the responsible, respected and prominent industries of the United States, is history with which nearly every one in Norwalk and every piano man in the country is familiar. A man of great versatility he readily adapted himself to changed conditions and to widely different lines of business—and always with success. The word fail had no place in his vocabulary. He knew that when one avenue of advancement seemed closed there were other paths which might be sought out and followed and he never relinquished an honorable purpose. On the 5th of November, 1868, occurred the marriage of Calvin Whitney and Miss Marian Dean, a daughter of Royal Cady and Marian (Smith) Dean, of Townsend, Huron county, Ohio. They became the parents of four children: Marian Daisy, the wife of E. B. Dillon, of Columbus ; Ruby L., of this city ; Ida C., now the wife of Amos W. Gardiner, of Houston, Texas ; and Warren Calvin, who is a prominent representative of the A. B. Chase Company. He was born in Norwalk, October 9, 1882, was educated in the schools of this city, in Ohio University and in Princeton University, in which he was graduated with the class of 1906. He then entered into active relations with the A. B. Chase Company and now spends much of his time on the road in looking after the interests of the firm. He is a bright young man, fitted by education and training to follow in the footsteps of his father. The wife and mother died November 4, 1901, and on the 25th of August, 1904, Mr. Whitney was married to Mrs. Urania A. Todd, who with the four children survives the husband and father. Some time prior to his demise Mr. Whitney underwent a severe operation, from which he never fully recovered and after an illness lasting more than a year he passed away on the sixth day of June, 1909. His parents were members of the Baptist church for fifty years and he was reared in a religious atmosphere and became thoroughly in sympathy with work along moral lines. For many years he held membership in the Methodist church and his religion was always of the cheery kind, his life and his example being its exponent. It is not likely that the amount that he has given for charities and the cause of religion will ever be known because of his desire to give of himself and his money without the plaudits of men. However, his contributions to all branches of church work were most gen- . erous and he donated ten thousand dollars to the extension fund of the Methodist Episcopal church for the building of houses of worship in the far west and, 336 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY giving this in honor of his wife, it is known as the Marian Whitney fund. No tale of sorrow or distress made appeal to him in vain and not only his substantial assistance but also his words of encouragement brought hope into the lives of many who fared forward the better for it. He possessed a marvelous memory and superior intellect which were undimmed during his long illness and though he retired from the active management of the Norwalk business he kept in touch with the piano trade of the country and to within a month of his death continued his correspondence with his contemporaries in that field Of labor. The. community at his death felt that a priceless possession had been taken, for he was a dominating factor in commercial and manufacturing circles and was equally prominent and honored in all of his relations to the public life and its intellectual and moral progress.. He left the impress of his individuality for good upon the community in such a way that will cause his memory to be enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him for years to come. MADISON M. FAST. Madison M. Fast belongs to one of the, old and substantial families of Huron county, Ohio, and during his busy life has proven himself worthy of his forebears who were brave, self-reliant men. He was born March 26, 1857, on the farm adjoining his present one in Richmond township, and is a son of E. W. and Hannah (Roberts) Fast a grandson of Jacob and Catherine (Rex) Fast and Jacob and Lucinda Roberts, and great-grandson of the redoubtable Christian Fast, Revolutionary soldier and Indian fighter. Christian Fast had many remarkable adventures among the Indians, being one of five white men captured by the savages. They camped on the banks of the Maumee river, and shot three of their prisoners, and burned one of them, Colonel Crawford at the stake. Fortunately Christian Fast was able to arouse their superstitious fears and so they spared his life, staining his skin to resemble their own and putting rings in his nose and ears. They tried to induce him to marry a squaw and become one of them, but the valiant white man watched his opportunity and after six months' captivity, managed to escape one night, swimming across the Maumee river. His captors missed him and tried to stop his escape by firing at him, but although the shots fell all about him in the water, he reached the opposite bank unhurt and was able to reach a white settlement three miles distant, although closely pursued by the Indians. E. W. Fast, father of Madison M. Fast, is now living on the homestead south of that of Madison M. Fast, who operates it for him, the father having retired from active life after many years, spent in farming. While not enrolled as a member of the United Brethren church, he has always been much interested in its work and a liberal contributor to it, and he donated the land on which stands the present church of the denomination in Richmond township. The church edifice adjoins his house. He and his wife became the parents of the following children: Jane, who married Jacob Walker ; Mary, who married Scott Sewalt; HISTORY OR HURON COUNTY - 337 Madison M., who is mentioned below ;. Elmer ; Leroy, who is deceased ; and Ida, who married Weadel Skidmore. Madison M. Fast was married October Jo, 1882, to Susan Resh; a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Thomas) Resh, both natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married, but later removed to Richland county, Ohio, and later to Huron county. Their children were Henry ; Catherine, who married Wesley Sparks; Jacob, who went west and was never heard of afterward ; Joseph, who is decease ; Samuel ; Mary Anne, who married George W. Ritz ; Sarah, who died, married Isaac Snavley ; William ; and Mrs. Fast. Mr. and Mrs. Fast had six children : 011ie M., who married Joseph Mann; Orin ; Leroy ; Russell ; Effie, who is deceased, and Daisy. Mr. Fast owns ninety-six acres of fine farming land in Richmond township, which he has brought to a good state of cultivation, and he operates it in conjunction with the farm of his father. He has been road supervisor and school director, and in in his political views; he is a democrat and is earnest in the support of his party. His family belong to the United Brethren church. The standing of Mr. Fast in his community both as a farmer and citizen is high, and he has attained it through honorable methods and close attention to his work. HUBBARD D. PALMER. Hubbard D. Palmer occupies one of the most beautiful country homes of Huron county, situated in the midst of two hundred acres of valuable land in Fitchville township. He has other desirable property elsewhere and as the result of his well directed business affairs in former years, is now numbered among the men of affluence in his community. He was born in Fitchville township, this county. His father, Seeley Palmer, was one of the earliest settlers of the county and aided in building the first frame house in Norwalk. Spending his youthful days' in the place of his nativity, Hubbard D. Palmer pursued his education in the public schools, continuing his studies in the Fitchville high school of which Colonel De Wolff was then the superintendent. He entered business life in connection with the construction of the Western Union Telegraph lines at the age of sixteen years, gaining practical experience that was of the greatest benefit to the government when he became connected with the Union army in the Civil war. He was nineteen years of age when he started for California by way of the isthmus. They were about ten days in making the trip across Panama and it required more than forty days to complete the journey to San Francisco. On reaching the Golden state, Mr. Palmer turned his attention to mining and located and bought several claims. He followed hydraulic mining in the mountains and met with fair success, the largest pure nugget which he took out weighing sixteen and a half ounces. He wears a solid plain gold ring made from gold which he took out of the mines himself and cherishes it with much pride. Altogether, he was quite successful while in California and, well pleased with his trip, he returned to Huron county, Ohio, after a sojourn of three years in the far west. He spent three weeks in visiting with his parents and 338 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY relatives and then went south to visit his brother-in-law, Dennis Doren, who was located at the general headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, holding the position of general superintendent of construction of heavy and field telegraph wires for the army. At that time, General Thomas T. Eckert was the general superintendent of the telegraph department and of the quartermaster's office in the general war department, and immediately after Mr. Palmer's arrival in the south, learning that he had been trained in the business of constructing telegraph lines, General Eckert influenced him to become the assistant of Mr. Doren. He consented and remained at such work until the close of the war. When the war was over, General Eckert was made president of the Western Union Telegraph Company, remaining as its chief executive until about two years ago, when he was elected president of the board of directors, which position he still holds. Mr. Doren became superintendent -of construction of the Western Union Telegraph Company in the United States and Canada, and was also made president of the Cable Construction Company, continuing in that capacity until his death. Mr. Palmer's duty while in the army included the laying of lines from the corps to the general headquarters. The heavy wires were laid on poles and the field wires were strung on light socket poles and could be taken down and removed almost instantly. The manner in which they were put up enabled one to construct from twenty-five to thirty-five miles per day. They were strung from a reel fastened to the back of mules and were taken in by a similar method. The corps wires were all connected in a wagon expressly constructed for that purpose containing a battery and if necessary the message could then be repeated from the wagon, over the heavy wire to Washington. Mr. Palmer was a witness of every important battle in the east fought from the time that General Burnsides took charge of the Army of the Potomac until the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. Mr. Palmer was always at general headquarters except for the time he was out building lines to the general headquarters. A large number of their corps were captured and several died at Andersonville prison. After the war, Mr. Palmer remained with the Western Union Telegraph Company for about two years, repairing its lines which had been destroyed during the period of hostilities. He afterward had full charge, under Mr. Doren, of the construction of overland cable lines from Bangor, Maine, to St. Johns, New Brunswick, through Halifax and Nova Scotia to Plastacove, Great Britian, connecting there with the cable. Thus he was busily engaged for several years, but at length his health failed him and since then he has spent most of his time in Missouri and Ohio. For a period he was engaged in the grocery business and was also busy in looking after his landed interests. He is the owner Of more than three hundred acres of rich and productive land. His home place is a farm of two hundred 'acres in Fitchville township, supplied with all modern improvements, including a beautiful residence which he erected and which is one of the fine country homes of Huron county. He is also a director of the Huron County Bank and his investments have at all times been judiciously placed, so that he is deriving therefrom a substantial income. Mr. Palmer has been twice married. In 1865, he wedded Miss Euphronia Knapp, who passed away about the year 1878. In November, 1906, he was again married, his second union being with Miss Mina Waterhouse, a daughter of HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 339 Israel L. Waterhouse, who was born in Schoharie county, New York, in 1819. His mother bore the maiden name of Miss Hannah Davis and was a daughter of Aaron Davis, one of the heroes of Bunker Hill and a cousin of Commodore Perry. She had a great-uncle who preached a sermon in a Quaker church in Pennsylvania at the remarkable old age of one hundred and four years. She lived to the very advanced age of ninety-four years. The Davis family was of English lineage. Israel L. Waterhouse, the father of Mrs. Palmer, came to Ohio in 1848. He Was a well educated man and in his younger years taught school. Later he took up the occupation of farming which he continued to follow until his retirement from active business life in the '80s. He then removed to New London, Ohio, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest, save for the active participation which he took in the public life of the community. After his removal to New London, he was elected mayor of the town, also served as a member of the city council and in other offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. He assisted in building the numerous churches in New London and, although not a member of any, was always a strong supporter of and a liberal contributor to all. His death occurred October 16, 1897, when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years. On the 4th of November, 1849, he had married Hannah M. Stowe, who was born in Skaneateles, New York, September 7, 1828. They had a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters, all of whom are yet living. Among this number is Mrs. Palmer. In his political faith, Mr. Palmer is also a republican and has always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day although not a politician in the sense of office seeking. His religious belief accords with the teachings of the Congregational church. His has been an interesting and eventful life and if written in detail this history would contain many thrilling chapters covering his California experiences in the early mining days, his duty on the frontier in the Civil war and his connection with the construction of telegraph lines in the United States. While in later years he has lived more quietly he has manifested the same sterling qualities which have always been characteristic of him and which have gained him the high position which he occupies in the regard of his fellowmen. MRS. EMALINE McFARLAND. Mrs. Emaline McFarland is numbered among Huron county's residents who have long lived in this section of the state, and she has a very wide and favorable acquaintance, many who know her entertaining for her warm regard. She was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, August 20, 1836, and is a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Brubaker) Truxell. They, too, were natives of the Keystone state, where they lived until after their marriage and, on removing westward, they took up their abode in Ripley township, Huron county, Ohio, and became identified with the farming interests of the locality in which they settled. 340 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Their daughter, Emaline Truxell, was reared under the parental roof and was educated in the public schools and was early trained to the duties of the household so that she was well qualified to take charge of a home of her own at the time of her Marriage. In early womanhood, she gave her hand and heart to Archibald McFarland, who was born in Greenfield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 31st of October, 1822, and was a son of Archibald and Anna (Easter) McFarland. Following their marriage the young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in this county and throughout his remaining days Mr. McFarland carried on general agricultural pursuits. He was, a man of industry and his diligence and determination, which w ere among his salient characteristics, brought him a comfortable living and enabled him to leave his family in pleasant circumstances. Unto Mr. and. Mrs. McFarland were born two sons and a daughter, but the eldest, Frank Easter, who was born in 1858, is now deceased. The others are: Julia A., born in 1861 ; and Archibald Kent, born in 1863. At his death Mr. McFarland left to his family seventy acres of rich and productive land and through the careful management of their property and wise conduct of their business affairs they have increased their holdings until the farm now comprises one hundred and eight acres of rich land together with a lot of two and a half acres at North Fairfield, whereon Mrs. McFarland now makes her home. She has passed the seventy- third milestone on life's journey and as she has spent the greater part of her time in Huron county she has a., very wide acquaintance here, while her many good traits of heart and mind ,have endeared her to those with whom she has been brought in contact. CLAUDE L. LATHAM. Claude L. Latham, an energetic, enterprising and progressive agriculturist of Ridgefield township, is devoting his time and energies to the cultivation of his farm sixty-one acres. He was born in that township on the 13th of October, 1881, his parents being Hardica L. and Ida (Fish) Latham. William Latham, the paternal grandfather of our subject, made his way westward at an early day, becoming a pioneer settler of Lyme township, Huron county, Ohio. His family numbered eight children, those still living being Ortive, Clayton, Bretna and Ionia, while the deceased are Zahm, Hardica L., Delilah and Hilda. Hardica L. Latham, the father of Claude L., was born in Lyme township, this county, in 1849, was educated in the public schools of Monroeville and when a youth of eighteen years went west, traveling quite extensively over that section of the country beyond the Mississippi. Finally he arrived in California where he remained for two years. He was also at sea for a period, sailing between California and South American ports. Returning to Ohio he went upon the farm where his son, Claude L , now lives, in Ridgefield township, Huron county, and was successfully identified with agriculture throughout the remainder of his active business career. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was quite prominent politically, being recognized as one of the leading local representatives of the democracy. He capably served in the position of township trustee for several years and was well known and highly esteemed throughout the community. He was a 341 - PHOTO OF HARDICA L. LATHAM 342 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 343 lover of fine horses and owned a number of them. In manner he was genial, courteous and sociable, and these qualities made him very popular so that his death was greatly deplored by many friends when in 1904 he was called to the home beyond. His wife, who was born in Ridgefield township in 1852, was a daughter of Major John Fish, who won his tttle by service in the war of 1812. He was born March 6, 1786, In New York, and served all through the second war with England. In 1815 he removed to Licking county, Ohio, and ten years later came to Huron county, where he made his home until called to his final rest on the '13th of September, 1866. Mrs. Latham still survives her husband and is yet a resident of this county. Their union was blessed with two children, Claude L. and Goldie C. The latter now makes her home with her mother. Claude L. Latham attended the district schools in pursuit of an education and was also a student in Monroeville for a time. He was trained to farm work, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and this line of activity has since claimed his attention. He now owns an excellent farm of sixty-one acres in Ridgefield township, on which he has placed many substantial improvements. It is a well developed tract of land which is naturally rich and productive and the alluvial soil brings forth bounteous harvests in reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. On the 3rd of January, 1905, Mr. Latham was united in marriage to Miss Ada Lockwood, a daughter of James C. and Sarah Lockwood, who were early settlers of this county. The Lockwood family, originally from England, settled at Norwalk, Connecticut, while this country was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great Britain, and several members of the family participated in the Revolutionary war which brought independence to the nation. Mrs. Latham's great-grandfather, George Lockwood, built what is known today as the Lockwood road, extending from Norwalk to Milan, Ohio. Her grandfather, Stephen Lockwood. was a native of Allen's Corners, Huron county. He was the first white male child born in Huron county, his natal year being 1821. He served as a soldier of the Civil war, defending the interests of the Union. He became a prominent farmer and stock dealer of this part of the state and was engaged in general merchandising in Milan at the time of the disastrous fire there, which caused him losses amounting to thirty-three thousand dollars. His wife, Mrs. Sarah Lockwood, was a native of Norwalk, Connecticut, born in 1827 and came to Huron county with her parents. James C. Lockwood, the father of Mrs. Latham, was born in Huron county in September, 1854. Having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Miss Sarah Beekley, who was born in Milan, Ohio, in 1853. Her father, Anthony Beekley, was a native of Baden, Germany, and came to America when sixteen years of age. He devoted his life to carpentering and to school teaching and was also a musician of considerable note. For eight years he engaged in teaching in the Catholic school at Milan. He, too, was a veteran of the Civil war and died in 1906. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Barbara Kellar, was a native of Switzerland and unto them were born six children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Claude L. Latham have been born two children, Ida L. and Howard L. Fraternally Mr. Latham is identified with the Masonic lodge at Norwalk and is a worthy exemplar of the craft. He has always made his home in Ridgefield township and, though still a young man, has also attained a creditable 344 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY measure of success in the conduct of his farming interests. The name of Latham has figured prominently in the annals of this county from pioneer times down to the present and the subject of this review has ever fully sustained the honorable reputation borne by his father and grandfather. LOUIS W. WICKHAM. The name of Wickham is well in Norwalk in connection with the practice of law, to which profession Louis W. Wickham, gives his attention. He was born in this city, November 30, 1866, and is a son of Judge C. P. Wickham, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this work. His grandfather was Judge Frederick Wickham, a representative of an old New England family of Puritan ancestry. The first of the name to come to the west was William Wickham, a native of Rhode Island, and the grandfather of Frederick Wickham. In the public schools of this city Louis W. Wickham pursued his early educa tion and afterward attended the preparatory school of the Western Reserve University, while later he became a student in Princeton University. He then studied law with his father and was admitted to the bar in 1889, after which, he began practice in Norwalk. He has served for five years as prosecuting attorney of Huron county, being elected in 1903 and again in 1906. He was in partnership with his father until September, 1908, since which time he has practiced alone. In 1892, Mr. Wickham was married to Miss Ellen E. Benedict, a daughter of David D. Benedict, of an old Huron county family. They have four children: Susan, Cora, Fred and Annabelle. Mr. Wickham is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Mount Vennon Lodge, F. & A. M.; Huron Chapter, R. A. M. ; and Norwalk Comrnandery, K. T., of which he is at present eminent commander. FRED D. PIERCE. Fred D. Pierce, a native of Wakeman township, his birth having occurred April 22, 1859, is a representative of a family long and prominently connected with the annals of this township. His grandfather, Amile P. Pierce, brought his family from South Britain, Connecticut, in 1817, arriving in this locality about the same time that C. C. Canfield and Samuel Bristol, accompanied by their families, settled here. These three families constituted the first while settlers in Wakeman township. The district was then wild, its lands unclaimed and its resources undeveloped and Mr. Pierce was obliged to clear the land, then. covered by a dense forest, in order to build a cabin for the shelter of his family. Men of the present period can scarcely realize the struggles and dangers which attended the pioneer settlers, the heroism and self-sacrifice of lives passed -upon the borders of civilization, the hardships endured, the difficulties overcome. Mr. Pierce, with characteristic energy, participated in the slow, persistent work of development HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 345 which was necessary to reclaim this land for the purposes of civilization and, permitting no obstacles to overcome his determination and undaunted courage, eventually gained a gratifying measure of success in his agricultural enterprise, becoming a prosperous farmer and extensive land owner. He was a man of strong, sterling character, his help and counsel being sought by many of the early settlers. He married Miss Electa Blackman ere his removal west and in their family were six children, all of whom attained maturity, but have now passed away. This number included : Minott ; Lemuel ; David S.; Bennett, who was drowned in the Defiance river, leaving a family to mourn his loss ; Fanny, who became the wife of Horace J. Beecher of Wakeman and both are now deceased ; and Ann, who became the wife of Dr. Johnson, of Oberlin. Of this family David S. Pierce became the father of our subject. He was reared upon the old homestead farm, which he later continued to operate, and was also very successful in his business affairs. A fine specimen of American manhood, he became actively and helpfully identified with the public affairs of the locality, also championing any causes that tended to better the conditions or further the development of the community. He was frequently called to fill various township offices and was always faithful and loyal to the trust imposed in him. He married Miss Julia A. Dunce and their family consisted of two children : Fred D., of this review, and Jennie I., now Mrs. Edward P. Canfield. The father passed away October 22, 187o, his remains being interred at Wakeman, while his wife is still surviving and in her eighty-fourth year is in good health and vigor. Fred D. Pierce, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared upon the old homestead, his time being passed. in the pursuits common to the country lad. He attended the schools of Wakeman in the acquirement of his education and remained upon the home farm for a number of years, cultivating the fields and making a specialty of raising thoroughbred Hereford cattle. In 1895, however, he sold the place and removed to Wakeman, where he engaged in the hay and grain business and became a very extensive dealer in those products. He is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him a gratifying degree of prosperity. Throughout the years of his residence in Wakeman, Mr. Pierce has taken a deep interest in public matters. He is a stalwart republican in politics and served several terms as township trustee, while in 1897, he was appointed postmaster of Wakeman under President McKinley, and is still incumbent in that office, now serving in his third term and performing his duties therein in a way that has gained the approbation and approval of his fellowmen. At the time of his appointment the postoffice at Wakeman was a fourth-class office, but during his terms of service, the business has greatly increased, causing the office to be advanced to the third-class, the incumbent becoming a presidential appointee. Four rural routes have been established, thus supplying free mail delivery to every point in the township. Mr. Pierce was united in rrtarriage on the 18th of October, 1880, to Miss Ida E. Barnes, a daughter of George A. and Elizabeth (Sherman) Barnes. Both the Barnes and Sherman families are old residents of Wakeman county, engaged in agricultural pursuits and prominent in the affairs of the community. Mr. Barnes 346 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY passed away in February, 1888, and is still survived by his wife. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce has been blessed with two sons, David E. and Idane B. The former is in business in Elyria, while the latter is associated with his father in his hay and grain enterprise. After nine years of happy wedded life, Mr. Pierce was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 16th of April, 1889. Mr. Pierce is public-spirited in his citizenship, advocating all measures which tend toward the general welfare of the community, while the matter of public improvements is a cause dear to his heart. Honest and loyal in all relations of life, he has gained jhe high regard and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact and the consensus of public opinion accords him a high place among the representative and prominent citizens of Wakeman. SHERMAN O. NOBLE. Sherman O. Noble, one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Ripley township, owning and operating an excellent farm of three hundred and ten acres, was born October 8, 1867, in this township, his parents being W. P. and Eliza (Starkey) Noble. The former, who was born in Richland county in 1839, was a son of Harvey Noble and a brother of William, James, John, Margaret, Minerva and Mary Noble. Throughout his active career, he followed the occupation of farming but is now living retired in Greenwich, in the enjoyment of well earned rest. In early life, he was a prominent figure in community affairs, serving as .county commissioner for six years while he likewise filled the office of township trustee and also of land appraiser. He married Eliza Starkey, a daughter of James Starkey of Virginia and the eldest in a family of seven children born unto her parents, the others being Wesley, Reuben, Abraham, Anderson, Jane and Levina. Unto W. P. Noble and his wife were born eleven children, three of whom died in infancy. Those who survived were: Theodore, Sherman, Mina, Elmer C., Allen, Hayes, Winnie and Nellie. Sherman O. Noble spent the period of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm and is indebted to the district school system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. When not engaged with his text-books, he assisted his father in the work of the fields and early became familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, when, entering business life on his own account, he wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. He has since that time directed his energies toward agricultural pursuits, being the owner of an excellent farm of three hundred and ten acres, situated in Ripley township, which, under the care and labor bestowed upon it, has become one of the valuable and desirable properties of the township. In addition to his general farming, he devotes much time to stock interests, being an extensive buyer and shipper of general stock, while he makes a specialty of breeding heavy draft horses and also thoroughbred short-horned cattle. He is a stockholder in the Clinton Air Line Telephone Company, and his various business, interests, which are capably con- HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 347 ducted along modern and progressive lines, are proving a source of gratifying and substantial income. It was in July, 1893, that Mr. Noble was united in marriage to Miss Alice Cherry, the youngest daughter of William and Emma (Hester) Cherry, her sisters being Lina and Rose. As the years have come and gone the home of Mr. and Mrs. Noble has been blessed with three children, namely : Paul, who was born in 1895 ; Norm, whose birth occurred in 1897 ; and Thelma, born in 1898. At the polls Mr. Noble gives his allegiance to the republican party, which organization he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is now serving his fourth term as township trustee, which office he is filling with entire credit, to himself. He is public-spirited in his citizenship, lending his aid to all measures which have for their object the growth and welfare of the community. He is a man of excellent business ability and sound judgment, and the success which he today enjoys has come to him as the result of his own labor, economy and indomitable energy. MATHIAS CLAUS. Mathias Claus, a retired farmer of Sherman township, Huron county, and the owner of one hundred and thirty-three acres of fine land, was born in Germany, October 20, 1834, and is the son of Mathias and Mary Claus. The parents came to this country with their family in 1852, and settled in Sherman township, where they bought forty acres of land, on which was a log cabin. In this, they made their home for about five years, and then sold that land, buying a larger tract in the same township, which was their home until they were called to their final rest. The father attained the advanced age of eighty-two, but the mother was granted only forty years. By their union, were born five children: Helen, the widow of .a Mr. Fisher, and a resident of Bellevue, Ohio; Martin, a resident of Sherman township ; Mathias ; and George, of Sherman township. Mathias Claus was but fifteen years of age when his parents came to this county and here he has made his home ever since. He received the greater part of his education in the land of his birth, but after locating here attended night school for a time to become proficient in the English language. He began to learn agricultural pursuits in his early youth and has devoted his life to that calling. On his presenf farm, he has lived for a period of thirty-seven years and during this time has greatly improved its condition and increased its value beyond what it was when he purchased it from John Strupe. For a short period, however, he left the quiets life on the farm for the noise and danger of the battlefield, for in 1864', he enlisted in Company C, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He joined his regiment at Sandusky, Ohio, and went to Camp Chase, from there going to Nashville, Tennessee. He was in a number of battles and skirmishes in and about Nashville, and at the battle of Franklin, was severely injured by jumping over Areastwork. In 1865, he was mustered out at Nashville, after which he returned to his home and has engaged in farming ever since 348 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY though at present he has resigned the active duties of life and has consigned the management of the place to his able sons. On the 2d of January, 1867, Mr. Claus married Miss Josephine Shank, a daughter of Frank and Helen Shank, of Sherman township. Mrs. Claus was born in Germany, February 14, 1846, and came to this country with her father at the age of eighteen. They settled in Norwich township, where the father died at the age of seventy-five. The mother had passed away many years before in Germany, being only forty-two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Shank were the parents of six children, four of whom are living, the two oldest sons, Frank and Benjamin, having passed away. Of the others, Elias lives in Norwich township ; Josephine is the wife of our subject ; Carrie is living in Fremont and Agnes in Tiffin, Ohio. Mr and Mrs. Claus have been blessed with nine children : Frank, living at home ; Carrie, the wife of Frank A. Heddle, of Monroeville and the mother of four children : Clarence, Loretta, Irene and Walter ; Mary, the wife of John Rossman, of Monroeville and the mother of two children: Oliva and Lucien; Josephine, who is the wife of Ed. G. Bick, of Peru township and has one daughter, Beatrice ; William, who married Miss Florence Holliday, lives in Peru township, and has three children: Colletta, Donald and Josephine ; Louisa, living at home; Joseph, who lives in Peru township ; and two youngest, Emma and Fred, both at home. The family are all members of the Catholic church at Bismarck. Mr. Claus has taken an active part in local affairs as a strong republican and has served as road superintendent as the choice of his party. He has also for several terms been a member of the school board, giving his aid to any progressive movements in the cause of local education. After having put aside the more onerous of his life's duties and responsibilities, he lives in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil and in the good will of those who know him, for he is a man who has made and retains many stanch friends. WILLIAM T. SILSBY. One of the notable places of Greenwich township is the Fairmount Stock Farm, not only because of its old rural beauty and completeness but for the public-spirited character of its proprietor, William T. Silsby. He was born on the 15th of April, 1868, in East Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and is the son of Sylvester and Beulah (Brockway) Silsby. The mother was a native of Utica, New York, but the father was born in Ackworth, Connecticut, and was a direct descendant of one of the pilgrims who came to this country in the historic Mayflower. During their childhood Mr. and Mrs. Silsby were brought to Ohio by their respective parents, the families locating in East Cleveland, the father becoming the owner and . operator of stone quarries but later in life turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He died in August, 1894, honored and respected by all who knew him, and his, wife passed away in December, 1898. William T. Silsby was liberally educated in the public schools of Cleveland and was reared among the busy activities of a farm near that growing city. Here he 349 - PHOTO OF WILLIAM T. SILSBY AND FAMILY 350 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 351 laid the foundation stone of all successful life—the power and spirit of work. After his marriage he located in Dawson, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where for one year he was employed as foreman of the works of the W. J. Raney Coal & Coke Company but at the end of that.time he returned to Cleveland and the following six years were devoted to farming and to the dairy business. Selling his interests in that city in 1899, he came to Huron county and purchased the old Cyrus Mead farm of three hundred and twenty acres of excellent land in Greenwich township. This is a well improved place and to its further development and cultivation he has since devoted his energies, being successfully engaged in both general farming and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of breeding fine draft horses and short horned cattle and the products of the Fairmount Stock Farm have become widely known for their excellence. One of his sons, Charles W., is devoting considerable attention to the raising of rose comb white Leghorn chickens. In the midst of the farm stands a fine country home equipped with all of the modern appliances, the house and barns being lighted by a private electric plant and supplied with water by their own system of waterworks. Here hospitality is dispensed and friends served unstintedly, the Silsbys being noted for much graciousness the countryside over. It was on the 3ist of March; 1891, that Mr. Silsby was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Stoltzenberg, a daughter of Christian and Fredrika (Yurand) Stoltzenberg, of Cleveland. Her father, who was a well known farmer and hotel-keeper, and was highly respected, died some years ago, but her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Silsby have become the parents of seven children, all sons, namely : Ralph H., deceased ; Christopher C.; Charles W. ; Oliver P.; Harry Z. : Valentine T.; and Lincoln W. All have been provided with excellent educational privileges, Mr. and Mrs. Silsby taking an active interest in educational affairs and realizing the value of good school privileges. Christopher C. is attending the Greenwich high school and is an enthusiastic ball player and all around athlete. In addition to his other business Mr. Silsby was one of the promoters of the Clinton Airline Telephone Company, of which he is now president and which makes a specialty of rural service. This company has only been in existence for the past four years but already has about five hundred patrons and is connected with other rural lines, giving free service to more than one thousand patrons. At this rate of rapid growth the Clinton Airline bids fair to become one of the leading telephone companies of the state. A man who attends successfully to his own private interests is generally willing to lend his talents to the prosecution of public interests. With fine public spirit Mr. Silsby has always entered actively into the public life of the community in which he has happened to reside. The late movement for good roads has found in him an especially active friend, and he was sincere and successful in his advocacy of the forty thousand dollar bond issue to improve Greenwich township roads. Having reared a family of bright children, he naturally has always been a great friend of education and the idea of the centralized school has appealed strongly to him. But it is useless to further enumerate the public improvements which have at different times secured his support, for Mr. Silsby has always been in the forefront in the battle for Lhe uplift of society. A democrat in politics, Mr. 352 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Silsby is active in the interests of his party. He is a member of the county board of elections and while 2 party man, he has the name of being fair to the opposition, Socially he is a member of 0. K. Lodge, No. 616, K. P., and is also identified with the Greenwich Lodge, No. 640, I. 0. 0. F. In the former he is a past chancellor and is at present a member of the board of trustees of the lodge. He is a great worker while he works, but he believes in the maxim "All work and no play makes Jack -a dull boy." In season therefore he indulges in hunting and fishing and is known as one of the best sportsmen in the township. LEWIS WOODRUFF. Lewis Woodruff is an active factor in business circles in Fairfield township, where he owns and occupies a farm of one hundred and thirty acres. His attention, however, is not all given to the tilling of the soil for he also devotes some time to carpentering and is leading a very busy and useful life. He is numbered among the native sons of the county, his birth having occurred in Peru township on the 7th of Arpil, 1852. His parents were Chancey and Juliet (Sanders) Woodruff, the former born in Huron county. in 182o and the latter in Peru township in 1827. The paternal grandfather of our subject was George Woodruff, while the maternal grandparents were John and Maria (Cleary) Sanders. Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Chancey Woodruff were born two sons and a daughter : Lewis, Stanley and Nellie. The youthful days of Lewis Woodruff were quietly passed in the pursuits of the home farm. He obtained his education in the public schools and through the periods of vacation worked in the fields, assisting his father in their development. lIe was early trained to habits of industry and economy and learned valuable lessons concerning persistency of purpose and unfaltering diligence. On the 19th of January, 1876, Mr. Woodruff was married to Miss Addie Felton, who was born in Norwich township, Huron county, February 13, 1855. Her father, Ephraim Felton, was a son of James and Eunice (Wheeler) Felton, and, having arrived at years of maturity, he wedded Mary Gilson; by whom he had three children:. Asa, Celia and Melissa. For his second wife he married Mary Ann Fitch, who was born in Huron county, Ohio, in 1810 and was a daughter of Berlin and Susanna (Hawks) Fitch. The children of the second union were : Addie, Mary, Lillian and Emma. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff has been blessed with five children: Marion, who was born in 1877; Stanley, in 1878 ; Anna, in 1880; Myrtle, in 1886; and Harry, in 1889. Since attaining his majority Lewis has resided upon a farm and is the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of productive land Which is well improved and returns to him a gratifying income because of the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields. He is now working at the carpenter's trade and in that department of business displays skill and ability, possessing much natural mechanical ability and ingenuity. In community affairs, he is interested, co-operating in many measures for the general good. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for six years, he served as a trustee of Fairfield township. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 353 Fraternally he is connected with the Maccabees and the Grange. Having spent his entire life in this locality, he has a wide acquaintance and his record as a business man and citizen entitles him to the friendly regard in which he is uniformly held. ALBION D. MAYNARD. Albion D. Maynard, who for a number of years combined the occupation of farming with his trade as a blacksmith, is now conducting a blacksmith and repair shop in Boughtonville. He was born in Ripley township, January 12, 1848, and is a son of Deranzil and Annis (Ingersoll) Maynard. The father was born in the state of New York in 1812 and was a son of David and Nancy Maynard, who were the parents of. nine children: David, John, Deranzil, George, Ira, Mary, Laura, Lucy and Thomas. The mother was born January 19, 1816, and was a daughter of Ralph Ingersoll and his wife. To them were born seven children: Luther, Lewis, Darius, Harriet, Amanda, Annis and Polly. To Mr. and Mrs. Deranzil Maynard have been born six children: Nancy F., David A., Albion D., Robert A., Lucy L. and Mortimer I. The father followed the life of a farmer and was active in the public affairs of his township, not shunning the duties of office when the people wished so to honor him. He has been a stanch republican since that party was organized to supplant the old line Whigs, and to support the nation in its hour of need. The son of a farmer, it was but natural that Albion D. Maynard should follow the same kind of work. In his youth, however, he learned the trade of a blacksmith and finding it profitable has from time to time engaged exclusively in practicing it. For twenty years, he lived in Michigan, farming and working at his trade. Ohio proved to, be the state with the stronger attractions and Mr. Maynard returned to his home where he has remained since. His reputation as a skilled workman having been made, the Rinehart & Dennis Construction Company engaged him several years ago to act as foreman over those engaged in their carpenter and trestle work. He was employed by that firm for four years but since the expiration of that time he has not sought other positions as he finds he has all he can do with the work that is brought into his shop. Mr. Maynard was still in the first years of his young manhood when, on the 28th of August, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Downey. She was born in Lorain county, Ohio February 4, 1852, and is a daughter of David L. and Ann (Wilkinson) Downey, the former a native of New York, the latter a Canadian. They were the parents of Orilla, Elizabeth, Priscilla, Elizabeth, Doris, Catherine, Sarah,- Flora and Lorenzo. Mr. and Mrs. Maynard's union has been blessed with three children, all of whom have married and established homes of their own. Clifford, born September 23. 1873, married Miss Bertie Cleverly and they have one child, Donald. Iva, born in 1875, married Frank Gleason. Annis, born September 20, 1878, married Cortland Miller, who is a minister and is located at Walton, Indiana. The family were reared in the Christian church and still live up to its teachings in so far as they are able. Though not a politician nor active in public affairs, 354 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY Mr. Maynard never misses an opportunity to cast his vote for the republican candidates, feeling that it is the duty of every citizen to exercise his right to ballot and believing that that party makes for the stability and progress of the nation's government. A hard working man and conscientious, he has made firm friends among his fellow members of the Tribe of Ben Hur. DOWNING H. YOUNG, M. D. Dr. Downing H. Young, whose ability is manifest in the large practice which is accorded him in Wakeman and throughout the surrounding country, was born October 7, 1842, in Mansfield, Ohio, his parents being Downing H. and Angeline (Marvin) Young. The grandfather Lemuel Young was a Virginian and came to Ohio at a very early date, settling in Holmes county, near Millersburg. He devoted his entire life to the occupation of farming. His son Downing H. Young was born in Virginia, August 6, 1816, and left home when sixteen years of age. He then went to Shelby, Ohio, where he remained for two years, after which he went to Peru, Ohio, and learned the trade of blacksmithing. He followed that' for only a brief period, however. Subsequent to his marriage, which occurred on the 6th of September, 1836, he engaged in merchandising and while devoting his attention to the conduct of his store he also took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar. He practiced both in Shelby and Mansfield, becoming a resident of the latter city and as the years passed he attained eminence in his profession. He was very active in the days of the Civil war, doing much toward raising troops and giving four sons to the service. Throughout his entire life his citizenship was of a most loyal and progressive character, his cooperation being always counted upon to further any movement for the public good. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Angeline Marvin, was the eldest of fourteen children and the first white child born in Sharon township, Richland county, Ohio, on the site of what is now the city of Shelby. Her parents were Stephen and Sarah (Moyer) Marvin, Connecticut people, who came to Ohio about 1814. Her maternal grandmother in her maidenhood bore the family name of Burr and was a close relative of Aaron Burr. Her family had from the government some of the "Fireland Land Script" for property destroyed by the British. This brought the Moyer family to Ohio and they located land on Blackfork at Shelby, developing there a homestead property which is still in possession of their descendants. Downing H. and Angeline (Marvin) Young had a family of eleven children: Hercelia J.; Mary A.; Elmira A. ; Samuel Hinkley ; Henry St. John ; Andrew Jackson ; Downing Howard; Stephen Marvin ; Daniel Sherwood; Sarah Angeline ; and Grace. Of these Hercelia J., Elmira, Downing, Stephen and Sarah are still living. One son, Samuel H. Young, was a member of Company C, First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Captain John McLaughlin, enlisting in response to the first call for three months' troops. He participated in the first battle of Bull Run and on the expiration of his term of enlistment he rejoined the army as a member of Company C, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to Sherman's brigade. He participated in a number HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 355 of contests with the enemy and was injured at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. He bore a lieutenant's commission, but his injury necessitated his resignation from the service. Later whet?' he had sufficiently recovered he joined Company H, of the One Hundred and Twenty-eight Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to garrison duty on Johnsons Island. He was also a lieutenant in this organization and at the do- se of the war received a lieutenant's commission in the regular army. He was relieved from duty in 1866 and, returning home, took up newspaper work as editor and publisher of the Shelby Chronicle, continuing in active connection with that paper until his death in 1869. Another son, Henry St. John, was a member of Company C, Sixty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was a sergeant and was killed at the battle of Stone River. A third son, Andrew Jackson, was a member of Company C, Sixty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Infantry and died in Danville, Kentucky, from pneumonia contracted while on the line of duty. Downing H. Young, of this review, was also a soldier, enlisting in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-eight Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, doing post duty at Johnson’s Island. A son-in-law, Jerome B. Howard, who was the husband of Elmira Young, was a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Regiment and while on his way from Columbus-, where he had been on detailed duty, to join his command, he was captured and sent to Andersonville prison, where he died. He was a man of fine education and high attainments. After her husband's death his widow studied medicine, winning her degree in the Womans' College in New York in 1868. She then located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she practiced for many years and was eminently successful. She chaperoned a company of young ladies from Cincinnati to the Vienna exposition and during that time took a post-graduate course at the Vienna Hospital. She has now retired from active practice, however, and resides with her son Hiram M., who is an electrical expert, at Palmyra, Illinois. Another son, Jerome B., an editor of the Phonographic Magazine of Cincinnati, is also proprietor of the Pitman shorthand system and likewise a musician of much renown. The military record of this family is certainly a remarkably one and their history in other directions is that of successful achievement. With his family Downing H. Young, Sr., removed to Toledo, Ohio, in 1857, and there engaged in the practice of law until June, 186o, when he established his home at New Haven, Huron county, where he resided until his death and where the family home it yet maintained. For many years, they have been valued and respected citizens of that district. Downing H. Young, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the schools of Mansfield, Toledo and New Haven, Ohio. His time was largely spent in school tip to the outbreak of the Civil war and following the close of hostilities he entered the medical department of the University of Wooster at Cleveland in 1865. He was graduated in May, 1871, and in the intervening years has since given his time, energies and attention to his profession and duties. On the 31st of December, 1868, Dr. Young was married to Miss Elizabeth Merrihew, a daughter of Jesse and Charlotte (Lyon) Merrihew, of Knox county, Ohio. They became the parents of two children: Andy Jason and Charlotte M., both of whom still survive, but the mother died in April, 1898. The son is mar- 356 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY ried and resides in Winfield, Kansas, while the daughter is now the wife of Wal¬lace Wyandt, of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Young was married a second time December 5, 1900, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Anna Bunelle, of Wakeman. Dr. Young began the practice of his profession in Steuben, Huron county, where he remained for three years and then went to Delaware county, Ohio, where he spent three and one-half years. He was afterward located at Chicago Junction .until 1901, when he came to Wakeman, where he has since practiced. He has always been a close student of everything bearing upon his chosen line of work and reading and investigation have kept him in close touch with the advance of the profession. For four years, he was the coroner of Huron county and was emergency surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad from 1887 until 1901. At the present writing, he is the presdent of the Huron county board of pension examiners, of which he has been a member for twelve years. He has also been a member of the Chicago Junction school board for a number of years and health officer for four years. Always active in public affairs, he believes money invested in public improvements is for the general good and does much for the betterment and uplift of the people. Citizenship is to him no mere idle term. He feels that every true American citizen should keep well informed on the political questions and issues of the day and support the principles which he deems most beneficial to the nation at large. He believes also that an intelligent discussion of public issues cannot result but in public benefits and he is ever ready to give a clear and comprehensive exposition of his views and the reasons therefor. The republican party finds in him a stalwart champion because of his firm belief in its platform. Fraternally he is connected with Wilson Todd Post, No. 359, G. A. R., and in specifically professicr,rl lines he is associated with the Huron County Medical Association} and also with the Ohio State Medical Association. The Young home is one of the most attractive in the village. Mrs. Young is a refined and cultured lady and both Dr. and Mrs. Young are prominent in the social and intellectual life of the community. Their library is well supplied with current literature and the works of the best authors, while the Doctor's volumes treating of professional subjects, are very numerous, giving him light upon the intricate and involved questions that continually arise in daily practice. JOSIAH LAWRENCE. Prominent among the pioneers and substantial citizens of Bronson township and Huron county, we present the name of Josiah Lawrence, whose parents, Timothy and Calista (Todd) Lawrence, came to Huron county in early pioneer times and entered the tract of land which is now the home of the subject of this review. Timothy Lawrence was born in Stanford, Connecticut, in 1800, and in 1832 made a permanent location in Huron county. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and, coming here as he did when the work of development, improvement and building was at its height, he found ample opportunity to put 357 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. TIMOTHY LAWRENCE 358 - BLANK HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 359 into practice his knowledge of the builder's art. This proved of great advantage to him, as he was thus able to earn a good living ere he could realize a profit from his farming operations. For several years he also did auctioneering, being engaged in the sale of farm property. In early times he was a whig, later an abolitionist and eventually gave his support to the republican platform. He was a man of much influence in his community, ever ready to assist in any movement or measure calculated to benefit his locality or prove of help to his fellowmen. He was an expert with the sword and in 1830 commanded a company of light artillery at Auburn, New York. His children were: Josiah, of this review ; and Delia. Mr. Lawrence departed this life January 30, 1882, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-two years, and thus the community lost one of its most highly respected pioneer men. His wife survived for a number of years, her death occurring in February, 1899, when she, too, had reached a very advanced age, being eighty-six years old. Josiah Lawrence received his education through the medium of the common schools and was reared to the duties of the home farm, assisting his father from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn. He has always lived on the farm which is still his home, it being the place of his birth. The tract consists of one hundred and thirty acres, located in Bronson township. It is improved with substantial 'buildings and everything about the place is kept in good repair. The only interruption to his farm work was at the time of the Civil war, when Mr. Lawrence served one hundred and thirty days as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Colonel Blake of Medina county and Captain Martin. The company was engaged during this time principally in guard duty. After returning from the war Mr. Lawrence resumed his farm labors and as time passed and his financial resources permitted he increased his holdings until he now owns altogether three hundred and ten acres of as good land as can be found in Huron county. He has always been a noted wood chopper and yet chops several cords of wood each winter. In October, 1867, Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage to Miss Alice Newman, and the children born to them were : Even, who was born in 1868 and married Charlotte Hinely ; and Mary, who was born in December, 1869, and is now engaged in teaching in the Benedict school of Norwalk. The mother of these children died in June, 187o, and in March, 1871, Mr. Lawrence was again married, his second union being with Miss Maggie Baird, by whom he had one child, Levinia, now the wife of Daniel Stone. Her mother passed away in June, 1878, and in December, 1879, Mr. Lawrence married Miss Nancy Rowland, who died on the 12th of May, 1909. Mr. Lawrence has always given his political support to the republican party and for the past twelve years has served as township trustee. He is also a member of the board of health and was real-estate assessor in the year 1900. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church and he belongs to the Grand Army post. Fond of travel, he has visited twenty different states of the Union and contemplates a visit to California in the winter of 1910-11. Having spent his entire life in Huron county, in the years which have passed, Mr. Lawrence has seen wonderful changes as the county has taken on the evidences of an ad- 360 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY vanced civilization, and he has not only been a witness of this transformation but has largely aided in the labors which have transformed the wild tract into a splendid agricultural district, while thriving and enterprising cities and villages have grown from mere hamlets. Now at the age of seventy-five years he is surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life and can look back over his long and honorable business career without regret. He has ever lived at peace with his fellowmen and all who know him esteem him for his genuine personal worth. SEBASTIAN PURCELL. That the farms of Ohio are valuable investments, furnishing a substantial means of subsistence to those who have thereon settled, has been proven again and again in the fact that Ohio's native sons remain within her borders. To this class belongs Sebastian Purcell, who was born December 17, 1847, on the farm where he has spent his life and which is his present place, of residence. His parents, John and Margaret Purcell, were both born in Germany and on coming to America in 1846, settled in Huron county, Ohio, having purchased the farm, then containing one hundred and seventeen acres, which has since been in possession of the family. It is situated in Peru township, and to the original purchase has been added some twenty-three acres. In the family of John and Margaret Purcell, there were four children ; John, now deceased ; Kathryn, who married Peter Wallrath and resides at Logansport, Indiana ; Anna, who married Mat Grimmer and resides in Peru township ; and Sebastian, the subject of this review The father of this family passed away in 1861, when only forty-two years of age, while the mother, long surviving, died in 1881, when seventy-three years old. John Purcell was greatly interested in the work of general improvement in his own county and in addition to his farming operations, built a number of bridges and for some time held- the position of road supervisor of Peru township, giving his time and service in the building of good roads in this locality. Sebastian Purcell was reared under the parental roof, assisting his father in the fields during tile summer seasons, each fall looking forward to an abundant harvest as the reward of the summer's toil. In the winter months, he sought an education in the district and Catholic schools and in this way spent the day of his youth. In early manhood took upon himself the responsibilities of the agriculturist, following this occupation as a life work. Carefully saving his earnings each year, at length he was enabled to make the old homestead his own, having purchased the farm from his father and, taking great interest in the place, from time to time he has added needed improvements and in the fall of 19o9, he expects to erect a modern residence on his property. On the 17th of February, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Purcell and Miss Margaret Brown, who was born in Sherman township in 185o, her parents being Fred and Margaret (Pirring) Brown. Unto this union have been born seven children, namely: Albert and Edward, who are yet at home with their parents ; Tracy, who married Martin Habenmeier and is living at Norwalk; Theodore, of Chicago Junction, Ohio, who married Anna Bishop and has one HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 361 child, Anna ; Olive, living at home; Tillie, of Norwalk, Ohio, who married Mat Zurcher and had two children, Edward and Robert, who died when five months old, August 8, 1909, and Alfonse, who is living at home. Mr. Purcell has followed general agricultural pursuits all his life and is now ably assisted in this field of activity by his sons, Albert, Edward and Alfonse. In religious faith, he is a Catholic and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, firmly believing in the principles of its platform as conducive to the best forms of government. His son Alfonse is a member of the Knights of Columbus of Norwalk, but Mr. Purcell devotes his time and energies exclusively to his business, and success has been the reward of his labors. DWIGHT M. BARRE. Industry, energy and thrift have characterized the labors of Dwight M. Barre, who is today the owner of eighty acres of well improved and valuable land situated in Ripley township, Huron county, in which township he was born on the l0th of July, 1848. His parents were John and Amy (Stout) Barre, natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively, the former born in 1805, while the latter's birth occurred in 1809. John Barre was the son of John Barre, Sr., whose family consisted of the following children: Dwight, David, Herman, Jonathan, Wellington, Henry, Ora, Lyman, James, Corvis, Cornelia, Jane, Marietta, Josephine and Jessie. T11 maternal grandparents of our subject were Jonathan and Lydia (Mitchell) Stout, whose family of six children included: Amy, Jonathan, David, Eliza, Emily and Hannah. Dwight M. Barre was reared on the old home farm, his youthful days being passed in a manner similar to that of most farm boys who assisted in the work of the fields and at the same time had the opportunity of acquiring a fair English education in the district schools. After laying aside his text-books, he continued to devote his attention to agricultural interests and has made this occupation his life work. His well kept farm of eighty acres is one of the valuable farming properties of the township and in its neat and attractive appearance indicates the thrift and industry of its owner. Close application, systematic methods and intelligently directed energy have been the salient characteristics in the success which he now enjoys and he occupies a foremost place among the progressive and influential agriculturists of the community. He is also known in the financial circles of Greenwich as a stockholder in the First National Bank of that city. Mr. Barre laid the foundations for a happy home life in his marriage on the 22d of December, 1876, to Miss Ella Wolcott, a native of Massachusetts, her birth occurring in that state in 1855. Mrs. Barre is a daughter of Renseller and Augusta (Miller) Wolcott, both natives of the old Bay state, the former's birth occurring in 1830 while the latter was born in 1837. She was a sister of George and Esther Wolcott and her grandparents on the paternal side were Thomas and Sally (Williams) Wolcott. Her mother was the daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Olds) Miller, in whose family were the following: Augusta, Alfred, George, Frank, Emma, Susan and Hattie. On the paternal side, Mrs. Barre comes from 362 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY a family which was founded in America in 1620, representatives of the name having been active in the affairs of this country in early colonial days. Several members of the Wolcott family were governors of Connecticut, one was secretary of the treasury under Washington's administration while still another was numbered among the signers of the Declaration of Independence. To the union of Mr. and Mrs! Barre have been born two children, Walter and DeWitt. The family are members of the Congregational church, in which Mr. Barre is serving as treasurer, and he and his wife occupy a high place socially in the community in which they reside. Fraternally, Mr. Barre is a Mason, while in politics he gives stalwart support to. the republican party, being in hearty, sympathy with its principles and purposes. Having passed his entire life in this township, his life record is well known to his fellow citizens, whose respect, confidence and good will he enjoys in no limited degree. FRANK O. BRIGGS. representative of the worthier agricultural class of Huron county, Frank 0. Briggs cultivates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres in Greenwich township. He was born December 7, 1857, on this property, though his has not been a continuous residence there and he is a son of George W. and Joanna (Kniffin) Briggs and grandson of David Briggs. The grandfather was one of the very early pioneers of the county, a justice of the peace for many years, and a great hunter ,and trapper, following this business all over northern Ohio am Michigan. He dealt largely with the Indians and secured their friendship b3 his kind and honorable dealing. George W. Briggs was the first white child borl in Greenwich township. He accompanied his father on his long hunting trips an experienced the fidelity and •medical skill of the Indians. On one of the trips the boy took a severe case of the measles and the father, not knowing what to do finally took him to an Indian camp where he left him. When he returned the boy had completely recovered. David Briggs finally settled down in Huron county where he died in 1864. George W. married, as stated, and lived for a time ii Huron, but the inherited spirit of adventure caused him to listen to the siren of the gold fields in the great west, and in 1864 he crossed the plains to Idaho City, th many thrilling experiences being to him like the smoke of battle to the war hors( Mr. Briggs remained in the west until 1876, his wife and children staying Huron county. The whole family then spent three years in Idaho, at the end o which time the mother returned. In 1882, Frank and his father also came bad giving up frontier life permanently and settling on a farm in Greenwich township. George W. Briggs died here in 19o1, aged eighty-one years, the wife having preceded him the year before at the age of eighty. The daughter, Jennie, is now Mrs. T. A. Jenney, residing in California. Frank O. Briggs, of this review, was reared in Greenwich township and received a good district school education before going west. Just before returning he married Miss Eliza Stierman, of Idaho City, June 22, 1882, a daughter c William and Anna (Otter) Stierman. Mr. Stierman was one of the California HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 363 "49ers," and there his children were born. Two children form Mr. Briggs' family : William and Gladys, both still at home. The later life of Mr. Briggs is briefly told. He engaged in farming for a few years, after his return from the west, then handled agricultural implements at Greenwich village in company with W. J. Richards, under the firm name of Richards & Briggs. Again the call of the west was heeded, and in 1886, the family went back to Idaho, engaging in the dairy business at Rocky Bar. After five years there, they returned to their Greenwich farm, where they have since held continuous residence. However, the spirit of the grandsire is strong, and in 1906 Mr. Briggs returned to Idaho, taking his family, where they spent some eighteen months in hunting and tramping, his son showing his prowess by killing three of the five bears secured, together with numerous other large game. Frank 0. Briggs is alert and active in the life of his home community, serving the public at times in the different offices of township trustee, assessor and member of the school board. ASS the present trustee of the township, he is pushing the good roads idea and with much success. He is an active standpatter in republican politics and as a delegate in the conventions of his party is forceful and judicious in outlining party policies. CALVIN A. HEYMAN. Calvin A. Heyman, a prosperous young farmer of Sherman township, and the owner of one hundred and ninety-two acres of fine land, in two different farms, was born at Weavers Corners, this township, January 11, 1871, and is a son of Jacob and Clara (Longscheid) Heyman. Both parents were born in Germany, but came to this country at an early age with their respective parents. Jacob Heyman, who is still living on two hundred and fifty acres of land at Weavers Corners, was born December 26, 1836, and was sixteen years of age when his parents William C. and Margaret (Upperman) Heyman came to this country. The latter settled at Hunts Corners, where they lived for about one year, moving then to Sherman township, where they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. This was only partly cleared and the house on it was an old frame building. Here they lived until 1862, when they bought land in this locality of Mr. Weaver, which was their home until death called them, the grandfather at the age of eighty-six, the grandmother at seventy-six. They had ten children : William, deceased ; John, killed by a barn door falling on him during a storm ; Charles, who lives in Huron, Ohio; Jacob, the father of the subject of this sketch ; Jeanette, who married Philip Stutz, of Three Rivers, Michigan ; Philip, deceased ; George, of Sherman township ; Henry, of Paulding county, Ohio; Fred, of the same place ; and Elizabeth, the wife of William Horn, of Topeka, Kansas. Jacob Heyman, the father of Calvin A., has lived in this county since he was sixteen years old. He had attended school in Germany, but after coming here was in the employ of various farmers by the year. On the loth of October, 1861, he was married to Miss Catherine Longscheid, who had come to this county with her parents when fourteen years of age. Her family settled in Sherman town- 364 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY ship, where the parents both died. They had six children : Elizabeth, deceased; Margaret ; William, deceased ; Anthony ; Clara, the mother of our subject, and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Heyman had a family of thirteen children, nine of whom died before they were seven years old. Those living are: Calvin A., of this review ; Clara, the wife of George Setchel, and the mother of one son, Russell; Edward, who was killed in a street car accident at the age of thirty-four; and Amelia, who lives at home. Jacob Heyman is a man who has been prominent in local affairs. He has been a farmer all his life and has filled several offices within the gift of the people, having served as township trustee, justice of the peace, real estate assessor, treasurer, road supervisor and school director. He has always voted the democratic ticket and these offices have been bestowed by the voters of that party. He has been a member of the Reformed church at Hunts Corners and has held office in the congregation the greater part of his life, being the only member now living who helped organize and establish the church in 1865. In short, he is a man, who, possessed of strong qualities, has not hesitated to exert them for the good of the community and the fair name of himself. Calvin A. Heyman, his son, received his early education in the district schools, after which he attended the Ohio Normal College at Ada. Upon finishing his schooling, he entered upon a period of teaching of perhaps seven years, but he has followed farming the greater part of his life, having been reared under the guidance of a successful farmer and in a farming community, and when he thought of making a home for himself, it was this vocation that he chose. In 1895 he bought his present place from Jacob Hass and immediately set about improving it and increasing its productiveness. Among the other buildings which he has erected is a fine, large barn. On the 18th of November, 1897, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Heyman and Miss Flora Heyman, a daughter of John Paul and Jeanette (Scheid) Heyman, who were among the early settlers of Lyme township. She is the sister of L. P. Heyman, of whom mention is made in another part of this volume. One child, a daughter, Ethel, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Heyman. Mr. Heyman and his family are members of the Reformed church of Hunts Corners, in which he has been superintendent of the Sunday school for about eleven years. He is a young man of industry and ability, whose efforts have so far been crowned with well deserved success and for whom the future seems to hold much in store. FRANK E. WEEKS, M. D. Among the notable citizens of Clarksfield township, who have not only achieved distinction in the particular work which they mapped out for themselves but have entered other fields and have devoted themselves to promoting the interests of the community in which they live, is Dr. Frank E. Weeks, a physician. He was born in a log cabin in Henrietta township, Lorain county, 365 - PHOTO OF DR. FRANK E. WEEKS, M.D. 366 - BLANK HISTORY OF OF HURON COUNTY - 367 Ohio, and is the son of Henry H. and Cora L. (Van Camp) Weeks. He is of remotely Dutch descent, for one of his ancestors, Jacobus Kipp, was born in Holland in 1632, and on the 8th of March, 1654, married Miss Maria de la Montaine, in the old Dutch fort in New Netherlands that is now New York. His wife was born near the Maderia islands, January 26, 1637, while her parents were on their way to the new country. Sarah Kipp, daughter of Benjamin and Dorothy (Davenport) Kipp, the latter a grandson of Jacobus Kipp, was married to James Weeks in Newcastle, Westchester county, New York, in 1766. The son of this union, Benjamin Kipp Weeks, was born March 22, 1773, and married Sarah Thorn, the daughter of Thomas, Jr., and Hannah (Sutton) Thorn. Thomas T. Weeks, a son of Benjamin, came with his family to Ohio in 1837 and settled in Florence township, Erie county, where he engaged in farming. The first piece of land he purchased was heavily covered with timber, and later he bought another tract on which the work of clearing had already been begun and which boasted a double log house. In this the family lived for eight years, while their frame house was building. He had followed the life of a farmer, and his son Henry H. took up the same line of work in Florence township, Erie county. In 1883, Henry H. Weeks removed to Kipton, Lorain county, where he has since resided, living in retirement upon his farm. One son only was born to him and his wife, Dr. Frank E. Weeks. In the district schools of the county Frank E. Weeks received the fundamentals of a broad education. On leaving these he spent three terms in study at Oberlin University, after which he taught for three winters, working on the farm during the summer months. In 1880 he took up the study of medicine, entering the medical department of the Western Reserve University at Cleveland, from which he was graduated with the class of 1883. Dr. Edwin E. Beeman, who was at that time practicing in Wakeman, was his preceptor. After receiving his physician's license, Dr. Weeks began the practice of his profession in Kipton, Lorain county. In 1885 he removed to Vermilion, Erie county, and the next year came to Clarksfield, where he has remained ever since and enjoys a large and remunerative practice. An able physician, Dr. Weeks is also an exemplary citizen, whose public spirit is an inspiration to many. In politics he is a republican and has ever been active in the affairs of the party, having been for years the Clarksfield member of the republican county committee, and almost invariably the township delegate to the county, district and state conventions. During one term he served the county as coroner, was township clerk for eighteen years and clerk of the school board for twenty years, and is at present a member of the latter body. His literary and historical interests are also extensive, biography and genealogies receiving much of his attention. The Firelands Historical Society appointed him biographer for Huron county, a position he holds to the present. In 1908 he compiled The Pioneer History of Clarksfield, a very complete work, comprising both historical and biographical data, and is now engaged on similar work, which he hopes to publish soon. Perhaps, however, the measure of his public spirit can be estimated in no better way than by the fact that it was through his efforts that the Clarksfield Telephone Company was organized and incorporated, a concern which has now one hundred and fifty subscribers with long distance connection. 368 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY On the 5th of June, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Weeks to Miss Cynthia A. Judson, the daughter of Albert W. and Mary Ann (Fish) Judson, of Berlin Heights, Erie county, where for a number of years Mr. Judson was civil engineer and surveyor. He died April 22, 1904, but his wife, who survives, lives in Sandusky, Ohio. Dr. and Mrs. Weeks are the parents of three children : Charles J., who is married and is a resident of Oberlin, Ohio; Lucy M., a teacher in the Clarksfield schools, who entered Oberlin College in the fall of 1909; and Paul T., also a student at Oberlin. In all that he has undertaken Dr. Weeks has achieved success and a fair fame, and the results of his labors have been far-reaching. As a physician he enjoys an extensive practice and the confidence of those to whose wants he administers. In the councils of the republican party his opinion is ever regarded highly. In Clarksfield the interest he has evinced in public matters, especially in educational affairs, has met with unswerving good will and loyalty. His literary efforts, too, pave been successful, for he is a graceful and fluent writer, endowed with the power of expressing what he has to say in an interesting and attractive manner. Before the meetings of the Huron County Medical Society he often reads papers on important subjects, for he stands high in this organization, and his opinions on matters in dispute is eagerly sought. In short he is a man who has improved upon the many opportunities afforded him, has used them for his own advancement and the welfare of his fellows. C. A. PAUL. C. A. Paul needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for he is a lead ing and representative business man the story of whose life is that of orderly pro gression under the steady hand of one who, is a consistent master of himself am who possesses a well balanced organism. Capable of mature judgment of his owl capacities and of the people and circumstances that make up his life's contacts am experiences he is eminently a man of business sense and easily avoids the mistake and disasters that come to those who are liable to erratic movements resulting it unwarranted risk and failure. He has been identified with manufacturing interests, but for a long period his investments have been represented by banking and agricultural interests and he is now vice-president of the Citizens Banking Company of Norwalk. A native of Erie county, Ohio, C. A. Paul was born December 12, 1860, and represents a pioneer family of that county. His grandfather, Loren Paul, set tled in Erie county at a very early day, having driven westward to Ohio from thy state of New York with a yoke of oxen. In the midst of the wild forest he es tablished his home, securing a large tract of land which he converted into rich am productive fields as the years passed by. His son, James L. Paul, was also a native of Erie county and having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Eliza A. Delamater, a native of New York. He also devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits, being still identified with farming interests. His wife passed away on the 11th of April, 1908. HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 369 C. A. Paul acquired his early education in the district schools and afterward attended the Normal high school and also the Ohio State University. He was a youth of thirteen years when in 1874 his father removed with the family from Erie to Huron county and established his home upon a farm in Bronson township, where he is still living. He is numbered among the extensive and successful farmers and stock-raisers, making a specialty of the raising of fine cattle. His son, C. A. Paul, is an only child. His youthful days were passed under the parental roof but, not desiring to follow agricultural pursuits as a life work he turned his attention to manufacturing interests, with which he was connected for two years after leaving school. He then took up the banking business in which he has since continued and is now vice-president of the Citizens Banking Company. He also owns two farms in Huron county and from this property derives a substantial annual income: In 1893 Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Clara Cannon, a native of Cleveland and a daughter of Captain Thomas Wilson, an extensive ship owner. Mr. Paul is identified" with the Congregational church. He is preeminently a man of affairs with large and varied interests and wields a wide influence. As a business man and financier he ranks prominent among the men of force in the community because of his ready recognition and utilization of opportunities. He has made no backward steps in his life, his course being characterized by continuous progress toward the goal of prosperity. His business affairs, although extensive, have not hurt his active participation in movements relative to the public good and throughout the community he is known as a public-spirited citizen whose interest in the general welfare has been manifest in many tangible ways. JOSEPH H. POST. Joseph H. Post, whose name is known throughout Ohio and other states in the Union in connection with thoroughbred Delaine merino sheep, now owns a farm of eighty-three acres in New London township, in the operation of which he is meeting with most gratifying success. He is numbered among the native sons of Huron county, his birth having occurred in Hartland township on the 18th of January, 1859. Reared to agricultural pursuits, he attended the public schools of his native township in the acquirement of his education, and during the periods of vacation he assisted in the work of the home farm.. He continued to devote his time to his text-books until eighteen years of age, when his father's feeble health made it necessary for him to take charge of his business affairs. The father passed away when Mr. Post was twenty-one years of age, and he continued to reside upon the homestead, directing his efforts to its management, until 1903, when the property was divided. He then purchased eighty-three acres of fine farm land in New London township, upon which he has since made his home. Here he has engaged in general agricultural pursuits, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation, while for many years he was identified with sheep-raising interests, making a specialty of thoroughbred Delaine merino sheep. He was eminently suc- 370 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY cessful in this branch of his business, gaining the reputation of having one of the best breeding flocks of sheep in Ohio. On account of ill health, however, he was obliged to give up his stock interests, since which time he has confined himself to general farming. The Post sheep, however, are still well known and are a very popular breed throughout Ohio and adjoining states, while their reputation has even extended as far west as the state of Washington, where they are handled by the Baldwin Sheep & Ranch Company. Mr. Post has enjoyed a substantial income from the fact that both branches of his business—the raising of grain and the breeding of sheep—have proved profitable, while his indefatigable industry, his intelligently directed labors, his close application and his good business ability have been salient characteristics in his success. It was in 1885 that Mr. Post was united in marriage to Miss Minnie E. Miller, a native of Hartland township, born on the 1st of November, 1868, and a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Miller, residents of Hartland township. Mr. Post gives loyal support to the republican party and is now serving as township trustee, while he has also been township appraiser, at all times performing the duties of these offices in a prompt, efficient and highly satisfactory manner. Having spent his entire life in Huron county, he has gained an extensive circle of friends within its borders, and the fact that he is most liked and respected where best known is an indication that the principles which actuate him in his relations with his fellow men are in harmony with those which govern honorable and upright manhood. JOSEPH H. COUTANT. The Coutant family of Greenwich township is known as one of the early pioneers of the county. Several of its members still reside here at advanced age, and all are respected for their integrity and uprightness. Four of the original family of eleven children born to Jasper and Phobe (Burdsell) Coutant are still living: Gideon, Joseph H. and Benjamin, of Greenwich township, respectively aged ninety, eighty-eight and eighty-five years and Burdsell, aged eighty, residing in Wood county, Ohio. The parents of these children lived in Monroe county, Pennsylvania, the father dying there at a comparatively early age. The grandfather Burdsell and family moved to Ohio in 1833, together with other relatives. After the death of Mr. Coutant, the widow, in 1856, followed her sons and relatives and passed the remainder of her life in the Buckeye state, dying in 1896, at the extreme old age of one hundred years and one hundred days. Joseph H. Coutant, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in what is now Monroe county, Pennsylvania, September 19, 182o. Ten years after the emigration of the Burdsells, Gideon and Joseph H. Coutant decided to come to what was then referred to as the "Great West." They made the journey in the usual manner of the times—overland by horses and wagon. Upon arriving they settled in the forest and carved out of nature's bounty a log-cabin home. Four years passed before Joseph was ready to take upon himself the responsibilities of married life, but on October 18, 1847, he brought to his cabin home a wife, formerly Miss Mary Jane Hoyt. She was a member of a pioneer family also, who had HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY - 371 emigrated to Ohio from New York, being originally from Connecticut. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Coutant : Ella Gertrude, Edward H. and Charles, the last dying in infancy. Ella and Edward are unmarried and reside with their father on the old home farm, the mother having died in November, 1883. After marriage, Joseph H. Coutant settled on his present farm and has continued his residence thereon to the pt sent time. As prosperity came he invested in land and has for many years been known as one of the largest real-estate holders in the county ; hid present holdings comprising three hundred acres of highly improved land. Mr. Coutant has been a model citizen, taking up such duties as came to him and performing them in an intelligent and efficient manner. He served many years on the school board of his township, as township trustee, and in other public matters his voice has always been raised in support of that which would elevate the moral tone of the community. A whig in his early manhood, voting first for "Tippecanoe and Tyler too," he took part in the evolution of affairs which produced the republican party. His vote is now cast in that party's favor and he is proud to claim a charter membership therein. His religious life has been passed in the Society of Friends, having had a birthright membership. He has been active in the work of the church and still loves "the precincts of the sanctuary." Although of advanced age, Mr. Coutant is vigorous and active and is passing his closing years in the cheerful habits of industry formed in his youth, surrounded by friends who esteem him for his unquestionable worth. ANDREW MISSLER. Andrew Missler, carrying on agricultural pursuits in Sherman township, is one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of this section of the county, who has, moreover, been an extensive landowner in the past, but has given away considerable property to his sons. He still owns a farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres upon which he resides and which he continues to operate. A native of Germany, he was born June 27, 1848, a son of Andrew and Frances Missler. The parents, who were reared and married in the fatherland, brought their family to the United States in 1854, settling first in Adams county, Ohio, where they remained for one year. A removal was then made to Huron county, and here their remaining days were passed, the father passing away March 19, 1871, while the mother's demise occurred six weeks later. In their family were the following children : Anna, deceased; Joseph ; Margaret, Elizabeth and Caroline, who have all passed away ; Catherine ; Anthony, a soldier of the Civil war who is now deceased ; Peter, who is also dead ; and Andrew, of this review. In the district schools of Huron county Andrew Missler acquired his education, and remained a student up to his fifteenth year, when, setting aside his textbooks, he shouldered his ax and went into the woods to assist in clearing the land. At that time much of the district was covered with native timber and the trees had to be removed ere the work of improvement could be begun. From an early age he assisted in the work of developing a new farm, and he has since 372 - HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY continued to make agriculture his life work. Upon attaining manhood he embarked in business on his own account and purchased ninety acres from his father, for which he paid four thousand dollars. He later acquired fifty-three and a half acres from Worthington Imps, which cost thirty-five hundred dollars, another tract of fifty-five and a half acres from Anthony Gerhardstein, for which he paid twenty-five hundred dollars, and he paid thirty-five hundred dollars for eighty-one acres purchased from Frank Ruffing. The farm upon which he now resides includes one hundred and twenty-three acres bought from Joseph Ruffing for nine thousand dollars. He became known as one of the extensive land owners of Sherman township, but he has since given three different farms to his sons and contemplates giving another one next year. This continuous and steady accumulation of property is but the visible evidence of the prosperity that came to him as the years went by, for he is a practical, progressive and successful farmer, who possesses also the ability of keen judgment and good business management. On the 13th of September, 187o, Mr. Missler was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Meyers, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann Meyers, farming people of Seneca county, Ohio. She is one of a family of six children, the other members of the family being Benjamin, Mary, John, Jacob and Catherine. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Missler has been blessed with nine children, as follows: J. Andrew; Catherine ; Mary ; Joseph ; John; Jacob, deceased; Fred ; Otto; and Clara, who died December 14, 1907. The family attend the Catholic church and Mr. Missler gives his support to the democracy where national issues are concerned. However he reserves the right to vote independently in local matters, casting his ballot for the men and measures which in his judgment will best conserve the public good. He has served as road supervisor and is always interested in all matters pertaining to the upbuilding and growth of the community. He has attained success in his chosen field of labor, but his prosperity has come to him as the direct result of industry, energy, perseverance and well directed efforts. He stands high in the honor and esteem of his fellowmen and is recognized as one of the valuable and representative citizens of Sherman township. GEORGE W. BAKER. George W. Baker, one of the younger farmers of Greenfield township, who with his brother August manages the one hundred and sixty-five acres of land owned by their mother, was born in Peru township, Huron county, August 27, 1874.. His parents, George P. and Elizabeth (Miller) Baker, were both of German birth, but spent the greater part of their lives in this country. The father was twenty-eight when he started life in the United States. He came direct to Ohio and settled in Sandusky, where he found employment during the winter months in the boiler shops, and during the summer on the lakes. About 1870 he came to Huron county, locating in Peru township, where he first worked for Philip Erf for a number of years, and then bought one hundred acres of land, on which he lived and farmed until 1902, when he sold it and removed to Greenfield township. The Peru township farm was largely covered with tim- 373 - PHOTO OF MR. AND MRS. GEORGE P. BAKER 374 - BLANK