1200 - LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO. son of Samuel Felton, and a son of Nathan Felton, who was by occupation a merchant and hotel-keeper. He, Nathan, married Mary Hines, a daughter of Dr. Nehemiah Hines (a very prominent physician of more than local reputation), and the children born to this union were; N. H. (subject of sketch); Nathan, who died in Worcester county, Mass.; and Harrison, a farmer and merchant, who died in Northampton, Mass. The parents both passed to their rest in the last named place, and were buried there. N. H. Felton, whose name opens this sketch, received his elementary education at the common schools of his native place, which was supplemented with two terms at Amherst College. When fifteen years old he entered the general store of Clark Bros. at Northampton, Mass., at a salary of forty dollars per annum and his board. At the end of two years he left this position to accept another as salesman in the hardware store of W. A. Arnold, of the same county, and here remained eight years. Some time after his marriage Mr. Felton commenced a hardware business for his own account in Northampton, successfully conducting same three years, at the end of which time, in August, 1856, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he secured a position as traveling salesman for Webster, Spencer & Mellen, wholesale boot and shoe dealers, his route being along the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, between Chicago and Cleveland. After five years experience at this Mr. Felton embarked, in partnership with George W. Cady, in the shoe business on Water street, Cleveland, Ohio, the style of the firm being Felton & Cady, which continued three years, our subject disposing of his interests at the end of that time. Later he was in the same business in Cleveland as manufacturers' agent, afterward, until moving to Lorain county, handling the bulk of the product of the Auburn (N.Y.) State Prison shoe factories. In 1892 he came to Roch ester Station, Lorain county, and in August, same year, purchased the general store of Philip Kessler, which he has since successfully conducted; and during his brief residence here he has, by his courtesy, fair and honorable dealing, surrounded himself with hosts of friends. In July, 1844, Mr. Felton married Miss Eliza J. Hooker, a native of Massachusetts, born in March, 1820, at Watertown, a few miles west of Boston, daughter of Denny P. Hooker, at one time a hotel-keeper, in later life a stone mason and contractor. Two children were born to this union before the removal of the family to Cleveland,, viz.: Clarence H., of Rochester Station, Ohio, and Mary E., wife of H. 13. Chamberlain, of Chicago, Ill. On November 23,1891, Mrs. Fel ton was called from earth, and her remains were interred at Cleveland. In his political associations our subject, as was his father before him, is a stanch Democrat. GEORGE M. BILLINGS, a lifelong agriculturist of LaGrange township, of which he is a native, was born in 1845, a son of Orson Billings. John Billings, grandfather of our subject, was a Methodist preacher, but lived on a farm and was principally engaged in agricultural pursuits. His son Orson was born May 10, 1809, in Smyrna, Chenango Co., N. Y., received a meager education in the common schools, and then attended select school a couple of terms. He learned the trade of wagon maker, but being a natural mechanical genius, also manufactured musical instruments. On September 4, 1831, he married Miss Sophronia Buell, who was born March 20, 1810, in Chenango county,. N. Y., daughter of Darias (a farmer) and Sally (Craw) Buell. Having received five hundred dollars from his father's estate, Mr. Billings was able, with what he had LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 1201 saved, to buy a farm in the Black River country, and he resided thereon for two years, and then traded it for a farm in Ohio, whither he migrated in the fall of 1834. When he traded the farm he owed about one hundred dollars, and this fact delayed his migration to Ohio about a year after leaving the Black River country, but he paid it off by carpenter work, and left New York free from debt. He came to Ohio with a brother, John, who returned to New York after assisting his brother to look up the land, and in September, 1834, the family, then consisting of the wife and two children—Mary Jane (now Mrs. George Staples, of Pittsfield) and William M. (a farmer of Pittsfield township)--arrived here. They came by way of the Erie Canal to Conestoga, and thence to Buffalo, down Lake Erie, where they en; countered a storm which lasted five hours, during which their household goods were all thrown overboard. After the storm abated they proceeded to Erie, Penn., and not caring to continue their journey on the boat hired a conveyance, in which they were brought to Elyria, Lorain Co., Ohio, from which place Orson Billings came on foot to LaGrange township, and hired a man named Kelner to bring the family to their new home. They remained over night at the Kelner home, and the following day Orson Billings attended a town meeting, and found work, moving his family for a few weeks to the center of the township. They next lived in a schoolhouse a short distance north of the farm, and later moved to a private schoolhouse, owned by a Mr. Kellog, where they passed the winter of 1834-35. Mr. Billings had traded for 300 acres, which, with the exception of a small clearing, was a dense forest, through which roamed numerous wild animals - deer, wolves, turkeys, etc. The following year a cabin was erected (which still stands near the present home of the family), and although the floor of this house was but rudely constructed, Mrs. Billings took as much pride in its neatness as she did later in her more modern home. The tablecloth was hung before the window to keep out the wind, and the only ornaments were a pair of brass candlesticks. This place they occupied for ten years, when Mr. Billings himself erected the present residence. While living on the farm Mr. and Mrs. Billings had children as follows: Thomas J., now of Kansas; Sophronia, who married George Baldwin, of Monroe county, N. Y., where she died; Orson B., who died when nearly thirty years old, in Elyria, where he is buried; George M., subject of this sketch ; and Chauncey T., who died in Elyria, and was buried there. Mr. Billings was engaged in various kinds of labor, making musical instruments, among these an organ; he invented a corn planter, the first one to work successfully, and a new mowing machine was also the result of his genius. He had acted as sales agent for a mower, and seeing a chance for an improvement he made it, and also many others for the same class of machinery. Most of his farm work was done by hired hands, as his love for invention and mechanics would not permit him to be contented with the life of a farmer; his workshop still stands. Like most geniuses of his class he did not realize much from his inventions, which are now being successfully and profitably utilized on various kinds of labor-saving machinery. His death occurred March 12, 1875, the result of a lingering illness; he had never been robust, and the incessant activity of his brain undermined his health; he was buried in Elyria, whither he had removed some time before. In politics he was a Democrat, and being a constant reader was well posted on the issues of the day. After his death his widow made her home in Elyria till 1891, and then came to the home farm, where she resided until her death, which occurred February 10, 1894. She was a member of the Church of Christ, Elyria. George M. Billings, the subject proper of this sketch, received his primary educa- 1202 - LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO. tion in the common schools, and later attended two terms at Oberlin. He has always been engaged in agriculture, and remained on the home farm till his marriage, April 24, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Ingersoll, who was born September 28, 1851, in Grafton township, daughter of Edwin and Amelia (Kingsley) Ingersoll. He then came to his present farm, where, with the exception of a year spent on another farm in LaGrange township, he has ever since made his home. Mr. and Mrs. Billings have two children: Pearl A. and Frank C. In his political affiliations he is a stanch member of the Democratic party, and he has served as clerk and director of the school board. B. B. ADAMS, justice of the peace for Columbia township, now serving his sixth term, his first election to the office taking place in 1872, is a native of the township, born in 1846, a son of B. B. and Uranis (Hoadley) Adams. The father of our subject was also a native of Columbia township, and his parents—Benoni and Sally (Twichell) Adams —came to that township in about 1810 from Connecticut, Mrs. Adams being the first white woman to cross the Cuyahoga river. They died here, he on August 1, 1876, she on July 5, 1865. B. B. Adams, Sr., was a farmer all his life, and accumulated a snug competence; politically he was a Whig, and for years served as a justice of the peace. He died in September, 1848, his wife surviving him till 1874. They were the parents of four children, as follows: Sarah, widow of A. S. Slade, an attorney of Cleveland; Mary, wife of W. B. Follansbee, of Wellington; Nellie, wife of C. E. Parmelee, of Lodi; and B. B. B. B. Adams, whose name introduces this sketch, received his education at the common schools of his native place, and also attended Oberlin College six years, after which he commenced agricultural pursuits, and he now owns a fine farm of fifty-two acres (the old homestead), all under a high state of cultivation. In 1884 he was married to Miss Alice Nichols, a native of Columbia township, Lorain county, and .daughter of William and Amanda (Watson) Nichols, of Vermont and Connecticut birth, respectively, who came many years ago to Columbia township, where the father died in May, 1869, and the mother is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Adams have been born two children: Lou and Chauncey. Politically our subject votes the Republican ticket, and has been a delegate to County, Congressional, Senatorial and State Conventions. In addition to his office of justice of the peace, he has served his township as clerk thirteen years. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church. Lemuel and Chloe (Tyler) Hoadley. maternal grandparents of our subject, were natives of Connecticut, whence about the year 1810 they came to Lorain county, settling in Ridgeville township, where they passed the rest of their pioneer lives. WILLIAM HAWKE, a well-known and prosperous citizen of Columbia township, of which he has been a resident since 1864, was born in 1839, in Cornwall, England. He is a son of Richard and Grace (Hugglow) Hawke, also natives of England, the former of whom died in his native country, and in 1856 his widow came to Lorain county, Ohio, subsequently removing to Jefferson county, Wis., where she passed away in 1884. They were the parents of seven children (all of whom came to Lorain county), as follows: John, married, living in Eaton; Richard, married, a farmer in Jefferson county, Wis.; Lavinia, wife of Abram Cornish, of Eaton township; William, subject proper of this LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 1203 sketch; Harriet, who died in Missouri; Elizabeth, wife of Richard . Pivock, of Wisconsin; and Amelia, who died in Wisconsin. William Hawke was reared in his native country, and there received an education in the common schools. In 1861 he married, in England, Miss Margaret Curry, also a native of Cornwall, and in 1864 they left England for the United States, coming at once to Columbia township, Lorain Co., Ohio, where he engaged in farm work. He at first purchased thirty acres of land., which he improved, and in 1873 bought another tract, adding to his possessions from time to time until he was owner of 161 acres in Columbia and Eaton townships. At one time our subject and his brother were joint owners of a farm in Columbia township, which they sold. To Mr. and Mrs. William Hawke were born six children, namely: John, residing in Columbia township, who is married and has one child, Floyd; Mary, who is married to A. Peck, of Ridgeville, and has three daughters; William, married, living in Eaton ; Annie, who is married to K. Perry Bainbridge, of Ridgeville, and has two daughters; Frank and Fred. The mother of these children passed from earth in 1882. In his political connections Mr. Hawke is a Republican, and takes an active interest in the welfare of his party; he is a member of the school board. JOHN LAHIFF, a well-known enterprising and influential farmer and contractor of Carlisle township, is a native of Ireland, born in Limerick April 13, 1839. Lawrence Lahiff, father of subjecf, born in Limerick April 14, 1811, was there married to Mary Cahill, and in 1845 they came to the United States with their family, having their residence in Connecticut till 1849, in which year they moved to Rockport, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. There the father continued to live till the summer of 1893, when, being old and feeble, our subject took him to his home in Lorain county, in order the better to care for him in his declining years. He still owns a farm near Rockport. He was twice married, his first wife dying at or near Rockport, Ohio, in 1877, aged sixty-four years, after which he wedded Mrs. Shea, a widow lady, now deceased. Thomas Lahiff, grandfather of John Lahiff, was also born in Limerick, Ireland, near which city he followed farming. In 1844 he came to the United States, making his first home in the New World in Connecticut. When eighty-five years old he went to California to see his four sons and four daughters living there. He was thrice married, and was the father of twenty-eight children— thirteen by each of his first two wives, and two by his last —and they nearly all lived to be forty or fifty years old. Of fhese children Lawrence Lahiff is the fourth in order of birth. Thomas Lahiff owned forty acres of land in Ireland, and hardly knew what manual labor was till coming to America. He was a remarkably robust, healthy man, a prevailing characteristic in the entire family, and at the age of one hundred and four years he built a stack of hay, from bottom to top, the weight of same being twelve tons, our subject pifching the hay to him. He was a soldier in the Irish brigade that served with the French under Napoleon. He died July 16, 1882, in the one hundred and seventh year of his age, wonderfully well preserved for his years, being able almost to the day of his death to ride horseback, and he never wore glasses. There were three children in his father's family, he being the only son. One of his sisters, Hannah by name, was married, in Schaghticoke, N. Y., to a Mr. Witherick, and she is now one hundred and sixteen years old, but this great age did not prevent her walking three miles in the fall of 1892. One of 1204 - LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO. our subject's uncles was a pioneer of Pittsfield township, Lorain county, but most of the uncles settled in Nevada City, Cal., and a daughter of one of them was the first woman to live in the place. John Lahiff, the subject proper of this sketch, came with his lather to America, and remained in Connecticut while the latter was visiting in California. On his return the entire family moved to Rockport, Ohio, as already related, and here our subject remained till he was eighteen years old, receiving a liberal education. At this time he proceeded to California, where he made the acquaintance of his numerous uncles and aunts. Here he mined three years, and then went to Russian America, where he mined for about six months, after which he returned south to Nevada Territory, via San Francisco, making a stay in Virginia City. For ten months he worked in one shaft in the Utah mine, from the top down 1,800 feet. Leaving there, he set out for Utah Territory, where he wintered about thirty miles from Salt Lake City; then went back to the mountains, thence to British America, to the Courtney mines, in the Courtney Mountains. From there he moved southward to Idaho, tarrying there till the following September, when he went to East Bannack, where thirty-six men were hung in one day, including Judge Hines and Sheriff Plummer, for being concerned in alleged robberies of gold from the miners, who did the hanging. From there Mr. Lahiff proceeded to north of the Salmon river, where he remained about four months, and then started for the United States on horseback with three companions, their route being right across the plains to near Fort Benton. Here they camped, but in the morning they were attacked by some Indians, who had been camping over night near them, and two out of the party of four were slain, our subject's horse being also killed. Mr. Lahiff and the remaining member of the original four, by name McQuade, now employed in the Union Depot, Chicago, Ill., succeeded in effecting their escape, reaching the woods, and were two days in reaching Fort Benton, having nothing to eat in the meantime. Here they procured fresh horses, and at once resumed their journey, going home via Chicago. Our subject was married to Miss Mary Welch, of North Amherst, Lorain county, who was born January 8, 1847, in Albany, N. Y., and they then made their home on the Braman farm, in Carlisle township, five years, at the end of which time he sold that property, buying the Vincent farm of 280 acres prime land, which he still owns. Mr. Lahiff has been farming since his marriage, also engaging in contracting, butchering (first five years), and trading in horses (next twelve years)—having one team that twice took the premium at the county fair. For the past few years he has done an extensive dairying business, keeping from eighteen to forty. cows. He has done contracting on the B. & 0. R. R. and other corporations, including the grading of the road from North Amherst. He has served as trustee for Elyria township twelve years, and was a candidate for the position of infirmary director, but was defeated by a majority of only sixteen votes in a constituency overwhelmingly Republican. The names of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lahiff are as follows: Thomas Francis, Mary Annie, John Edward, Lawrence, Emmet, and Emma M. In religion the entire family are Catholics, and in politics our subject is a Democrat, as his father was before him. JACOB SWARTZ, an upright, highly. I esteemed citizen of LaGrange township, is a native of Wurtem berg, Germany, boru March 15, 1827. His father, Frederick Swartz, came to the United States in 1830, and settled in LORAIN COUNTY OHIO - 1205 Liverpool township, Medina Co., Ohio, on Rocky river. Three years, later, however, he died of typhoid fever, as did also his eldest daughter, and both are buried in Liverpool township. Jacob Swartz was but a young boy when his father died, and he then found a home with Justice Warner, who died after Jacob had lived there five years, and the latter then remained for years with Mrs. Warner. He received but a common-school education, attending school only a few weeks in the winter season, as he was “put into the harness " young, and always had plenty of work to occupy his time. He received a small start in life, and took charge of a farm at the juvenile age of ten years. On January 30, 1864, our subject married Miss Hannah Purdy, who was born October 8, 1837, in West-chester county, N. Y., daughter of Will-iam W. and Olivia (Dean) Purdy, and came to Medina county, Ohio, in 1845, settling in Liverpool township. After his marriage Mr. Swartz pur-chased fifty-five acres of land in Grafton township, Lorain county, going into debt therefor, and on November 15, 1864, came to his present farm, which he bought of James Brown, contracting a debt of six hundred dollars. This place comprises 112i acres of excellent land, upon which he has erected a number of good out-buildings and made many other substan-tial improvements. Though his property and buildings have been several times damaged by lire, he has never allowed this to discourage him, invariably rebuilding 'better than he had before. Mr. and rs. Swartz have children as follows: Don A., a farmer of LaGrange; Jane A., wife of Levi Johnson, of LaGrange; Cora I. and Sarah L. Mr. Swartz has had much success in agriculture, arid for seventeen years carried on in connection. therewith the manufacture of cheese for parties in Wellington, Ohio, milking from eighteen to twenty cows. Mr. and Mrs.. Swartz have accumulated a handsome competence, he by hard work and systematic management on the farm, she doing her share in the supervision of the household affairs. He has acquired among his fellow citizens an enviable repufation for square, honest dealing, which he fully deserves. In politics he is a Democrat, though not active. While not a member of any church, he believes in doing unto others as he would have them do unto him. WELLINGTON VARNEY, a well-known prosperous farmer of Columbia township, is a native of Ohio, born in 1843, in Geauga county. His father, William Varney, a native of Massachusetts, and a wagon maker by trade, came in an early day to Geauga county, Ohio, and married Miss Elizabeth Reed ; he was killed in a mill in 1850, and his widow subsequently married Pardon Wells, and removed to Wisconsin, where she died in 1889. Mr. Varney had four children, two of whom are living, viz.: Wellington, subject of sketch, and Sarah, wife of Reuben Wescott, residing in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Wellington Varney was eight years old when he came to Lorain county, making his first home here in Henrietta township, where he received his education. He was reared to farm life, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. In 1862 he enlisted at Oberlin in Company F, One Hundred and Third O. V. I., for three years or during the war, and was mustered into the service at Frankfort, Ky. His regiment was aftached to the army of the West, and he participated in the battles of Atlanta, Buzzard's Roost, Armstrong Hill and Nashville under Gen. Thomas; he was also in the Carolina. campaign, and in 1865 he was honorably discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, and returned to Lorain 1206 - LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO. county, after seeing three years' active service. After about three years' stay in Henrietta township, he moved to Columbia township, where he has since resided. In 1869 Mr. Varney was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Healey, who was born in Columbia township, a daughter of John and Sarah (Ruple) Healey, early settlers of same, where the former died in 1889; the mother, who is still living in the township, was born there, a daughter of Dr. Boltis and Clara (Osborne) Ruple, the former of whom came from the East, being among the first settlers of Columbia township; he died at the age of ninety-one years; his widow is yet living, now aged ninety-two years. Four children have been born to our subject and wife, viz.: Sarah, wife of Clayton Cooley, of Columbia township; Fannie, residing at home; Frank, and Elbert, married, living in Copopa. Mr. Varney is a Republican in politics, and has served on the school board; he is a member of Richard Allen Post No. 65, G. A. R., at Elyria. He is the owner of a neat and fertile farm of thirty-three acres. GEORGE GILLMORE, a representative and prosperous farmer of Black River township, was born on his present farm February 28, 1837, a son of Truman and Levina (Messenger) Gillmore. The father of subject was born in Berkshire county, Mass., whence when aged about thirteen years he came to Lorain county, Ohio, with his father, Edmund Gillmore, of whom mention is made elsewhere. Truman was married in Lorain county to Miss Levina Messenger, also a native of Berkshire county, Mass., born in 1810, and she is still living in Lorain county. Truman Gillmore before marriage was a sailor, and afterward a ship caulker. Politically he was originally a Whig, and then, on the formation of the party, a stanch Republican. He died December 25, 1888, the father of two children—Angeline (now Mrs. David Wallace, of Black River township) and George. The subject of these lines received his education at the common schools Of Black River township, and was reared to agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, the same one he now owns and lives on, and which is situated on the outskirts of the town of Lorain. Mr. Gillmore is a strong adherent of the principles embodied in the platform of the Republican party, and has always identified himself with the progressive interests of Lorain county. He has never married, but with true filial piety is caring for his mother in her declining years. JOHNSON OGILVIE, a resident of Lorain, comes of ancient Scottish stock, the clan Ogilvie, from which he descends, being one of the oldest in history. Thomas Ogilvie, grandfather of subject, was born in London, England, of Scotch parents, and in boyhood was apprenticed to a London tradesman, but in company with another boy he ran away and got on board a vessel sailing in a few days for America. About the third day after they had effected their escape they saw an advertisement calling for their arrest. On their arrival in the New World young Ogilvie settled in Hampshire county, Va. (now W. Va.), where he worked at his trade as long as health and strength permitted him, and then came to Coshocton county, Ohio, where he passed the rest of his life with his children, dying in 1841 at the patriarchal age of one hundred and two years. He married a Miss Jane Taylor, and nine children were born to them—eight sons aud one daughter—all of whom lived to be over fifty years of age. The mother died at the birth of her youngest. LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 1207 James Ogilvie, father of subject, was born in 1788 in Virginia, on the south branch of the Potomac river, and in 1810 came to Ohio, settling on a farm in Coshocton county, becoming one of the wealthiest agriculturist of those parts. He died in 1883, his death being the result of an accident. Politically he was first a Whig, afterward a Republican and one of the old Abolitionist school. He had married a Miss Justina Johnson, born at Patterson's Creek, Hampshire Co., Va., and they had a family of seven children, three of whom grew to maturity, viz.: Johnson; Thomas, who was a farmer in Coshocton county, Ohio, and died in the spring of 1883, and Eliza, wife of William Courtwright, of Lorain. The mother of these passed from earth at about the age of sixty years. Johnson Ogilvie, the subject proper of this memoir, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, February 7, 1813, and received such education as was then obtainable at the subscription schools. He has been twice married: first time, in Coshocton county, to Margaret Norman, also a native of that county, to which union children as follows were born: William is a farmer in Franklin county, Ohio, west of Columbus (he has three children: Charles, Frank and Daisy); John died at the age of fourteen months; Melond is the wife of Thomas H. Clover, a grain merchant at Jeffersonville, Fayette Co., Ohio; James is in Los Angeles, Cal. (he has one son, Paul, in the real-estate business); Benjamin Harrison went to California, where he died at the age of thirty years; Anna, unmarried, lives in Los Angeles, Cal.; Albert is a resident of Alhambra, Cal. The mother of this family died in August, 1857, and April 12,1860, Mr. Ogilvie was again married, and by this union has one child, Oscar. Up to 1883 our subject carried on a grain and stock farm in Coshocton county, and then retired from active life. In 1884 he came to Lorain county, and has since made his home in Lorain. In politics he has always been a Republican, his first Presidential vote being cast in 1836 for W. H. Harrison, and his last one in 1892 for Benjamin Harrison. He is a member of the M. E. Church. EZRA STRAW, JR., one of the most successful and progressive agri culturists of Black River township, is a native of the State of New York, born in 1831, at the four corners of Chadagee, twenty-five miles from Lake Champlain. Our subject is a son of Ezra and Hannah (Colbath) Straw, both of whom were natives of New Hampshire, and moved to New York State early in life. Ezra Straw's first wife was a Miss Clough, by whom he had two children, and after her death he married Hannah Colbath. In 1833 the family came west to Ohio, and after a residence in Dover moved to Huntington township, Lorain county, whence after a time they proceeded to Vermillion township, Erie county, finally settling in Amherst township, Lorain county, where they died. The father was born Ocfober 11, 1788, and died on Thanksgiving Day, 1855; the mother was born April 21, 1798, and died in 1887. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom are yet living, and the following is a brief record of them: Charles A. died when about seven years old; Isaac S. is in Carlisle township, Lorain county; Emily died February 20, 1848; Ezra, Jr., is the subject proper of this sketch; Selina was born March 17, 1833, and is the wife of. Sylvester Potter, of North Amherst, Ohio; Maria was born July 2, 1834, and is married to W. P. Potter; Hannah S. was born April 13, 1836. The father was a very active man, progressive and successful in his life vocation--farming. He was a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics was a Republican. 1208 - LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO. Ezra Straw, Jr., whose name opens this sketch, was reared from boyhood to manhood in Vermillion township, Erie Co., Ohio, and in Amherst township, Lorain county. After leaving school he learned the trade of blacksmith, and worked in a stone quarry, but for the past seventeen years he has been operating his farm of 135 acres of choice land. In 1855 Mr. Straw was united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Foster, who was born in 1836, a daughter of Elisha and Maria (Mason) Foster, the latter of whom is now one of the oldest residents in Amherst township. Mr. and Mrs. Straw have two sons: Edwin (married to Lizzie Newsbury, and has one child, May) and Parks (farming with his father). A. H. BABCOCK, a prominent representative citizen of Lorain, who 3 has been a resident of that city for the past twentyyears, is a son of. Daniel A. and Harriet (Dubois) Babcock, natives of New York, who in an early day removed to Dundee, Mich. The mother died in 1886, in Nebraska; the father, who was a Baptist minister, is now living in the West. A. H. Babcock was born September 15, 1843, in Dundee, Monroe Co., Mich., where he was reared and educated. In 1861 he enlisted, in Monroe county, Mich., in Company F, First Regiment Engineers and Mechanics Corps, for three years or during the war, being assigned to the army of the West, and was first engaged in building blockhouses, repairing bridges, etc. He was on the march to Atlanta, Ga., and participated in the engagements at Mill Springs (Ky.), Champion Hills, and Murfreesboro. In 1864 he was honorably discharged at Atlanta, Ga., returning to his home in Monroe county, Mich. He then took a business course in Oberlin College, and subsequently embarked in the general merchandise business in Lena- wee county, Mich., continuing in same until 1873, when be removed to Lorain, Lorain Co., Ohio. Here he engaged in a grocery business, which he carried on until elected mayor of Lorain, in which position he served during the years 1889 and 1890. In 1868 Mr. Babcock was married, in Oberlin, Lorain county, to Mary S. Hill, a native of the county. daughter of Uriah and Sarah Hill (both now deceased), who were born in the East, and came westward in an early day, settling near Oberlin, Lorain county. To Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have been born two children: Sadie, wife of Alexander Hodgins, of Conneaut, Ohio, and A. H., who carries on a tobacco and confectionery business in Lorain, in connection with which he also owns a news depot. Socially Mr. Babcock is a member of the K. 0. T. M., in which he is treasurer, and he is past chancellor of Woodland Lodge, No. 226. He is a progressive, enterprising citizen, and has ever taken an active interest in everything pertaining to the prosperity and welfare of his community. Mrs. Babcock is a member of the Congregational Church. DR. C. H. FREDERICK, a rising young physician and surgeon of Lorain, was born in 1868 in Amherst, Lorain county. His father, Peter Frederick, was a native of Germany, and when a young man emigrated to America, settling in North Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, where he married Cassie M. Jacobs, a native of Lorain county. Mr. Frederick, who was a foreman in the stone quarries, at this writing is residing in Michigan; his wife makes her home in Amherst. C. H. Frederick was reared in North Amherst, and received his primary education at the union schools of that place. In LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 1209 1888 he entered the Medical Department of the Western Reserve University, Cleveland, graduating therefrom with the class of 1891, and after graduation received the appointment of house physician and surgeon in the Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland, in which capacity he served for nearly two years. In November, 1892, he came to Lorain, and since his location here has built up quite an extensive practice. Before practicing medicine the Doctor was engaged for eight years as a pharmaceutist, in North Amherst, Cleveland and Lorain, Ohio, and has always been identified with the inferests of Lorain county. Politically he is a Republican, and in religious faith has for the past ten years been a member of the M. E. Church at North Amherst. JOHN COGHLAN, one of the progressive, representative agriculturists of Carlisle township, is a native of King's County, Ireland. James Coghlan, father of subject, and a native of the same county, was married in Ireland to Miss Mary Hector, also born in King's County, and about the year 1835 they came to America with their family, making their first settlement in Sheffield township, Lorain Co., Ohio. From there they moved to Elyria township, and after a residence of some years came in 1867 to Carlisle township, where they opened up a farm and made their final home. Eight children came to them, of whom the following is a brief record: Dora is the wife of John Kenedy; Nora is the wife of William Freeman, of Cleveland; John is the subject of this sketch; Dan, who was married in 1874 to Miss Anna Bowen, resides in Carlisle township. (they have four children: May S., Etta Rose, Mary and Anna. He enlisted in Augusf, 1862, in Company H, One Hundred and Third O. V. I., for three years or during the war, and received an honorable discharge in 1865. He has been township assessor for twelve or thirteen years); Ann is the wife of Eugene Swift, of Marquette, Mich.; Elizabeth is unmarried; Sarah is deceased; James, who married Margaret Dowd, resides in Carlisle township. The parents are yet living on the homestead in Carlisle township with their son John. They are members of the Catholic Church, and in politics Mr. Coghlan is a Democrat. The subject proper of this sketch received his education partly in his native land, and partly in the schools of Elyria, Lorain county, where he arrived when he was yet a youth. After leaving school he went on the lakes as a sailor, a vocation he followed several years, and then returned to Carlisle township and engaged in farming, in which he has met with well-merited success. He now owns the old homestead of 121 acres. Mr. Coghlan follows in the footsteps of his father in both politics and Church association. He has never married. PETER JACOBS. No one of the honest, industrious agriculturists of Black River township deserves betfer place in the pages of this book than the honored old pioneer whose name here appears. He is a native of Saxony, Germany, born February 22, 1822. Having heard and read mach of the vast Western Hemisphere, with its unlimited advantages to the man willing to work, he concluded fo bid adieu to the Fatherland and seek a new home on the boundless prairies of America. Accordingly in 1845 he set out with a light heart but an empty pocket for the land of promise. After landing he came direct to Ohio, and to Black River township, Lorain county, being among the very first German settlers of that section. With naught in the world save a clear head and a willing pair of hands, he now 1210 - LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO. looked about him for work, and it was not long before he secured the friendship of Heman Ely, Sr., who gave him twenty acres of wild land to clear. Here he put up a log house, and by hard labor succeeded in converting the forest wild into a pretty good farm. This he soon succeeded in paying for. Not long afterward he bought one hundred acres more at ten dollars per acre, which he paid for in four installments. The many and varied difficulties Mr. Jacobs had to encounter cannot be appreciated by the present generation, but in spite of all obstacles, and they were not a few, he succeeded by industry and perseverance in becoming a comparatively wealthy and prosperous farmer; having now 150 acres of prime land. Mr. Jacobs was married in July, 1842, to Miss Dora Smith, also a native of Saxony, and six children were born to them, of five of whom the following is a brief record: (1) William lives in Lorain, Ohio, and has one child, Ermie; (2) Maggie is the wife of Elias Baumhart, and they had six children: Della, Benwill, Nelson, Armina, Robert, and Edward, who died when seven months old; (3) Rosa is the wife of George Roth, and has four daughters; (4) Emma is yet living at home; (5) Hattie was killed by lightning July 27, 1887. Mr. Jacobs is a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church. They celebrated their golden wedding in July, 1892. [Since the above was written we have received notice of the death of Mr. Jacobs, which occurred October 28, 1893, when he was aged seventy-one years, eight months and six days.—ED. E. H. ALTEN, junior member of the wide-awake business firm of M. J. & E. H. Alien, merchant tailors and dealers in full lines of gents' furnishings, was born in Avon township, Lorain Co., Ohio, July 10, 1870. Mr. Alten received his education at the parochial and high school, working at times on his father's farm, after which he taught for eighteen months. He then attended the Jesuit College at Buffalo, N. Y., taking a scientific and business course, and graduating June 21, 1890. He next pro- ceeded to Tiffin, Ohio, where he was bookkeeper for the Belgian Glass Works, six months, or till the assignment of the firm, at which time he went to Cleveland and took lessons in merchant tailoring at the Cleveland Cutting School, and graduated therefrom. Then returning to Lorain he entered into partnership with his brother M. J. in their present business. Mr. Alten is a man of superior education, and possessed of good business qualifications. He has an advantage in being able to speak German equally as well as he does English. He is a member of the Catholic Church.W WILLIAM HONECKER, proprietor of one of the leading drug stores in Lorain, is a son of Rev. John Honecker, a retired minister of the German Evangelical. Church, and a native of Germany. He married Miss Christina Jordan, and twelve children were the result of their union, of whom our subject is one of twins, the other (Abraham) being a druggist in Cleveland. It 'is said the twin brothers resemble each other very strongly. William Honecker, whose name introduces this sketch, was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1862, and received his literary education in the public schools. In 1887 he graduated from the Cincinnati (Ohio) College of Pharmacy, after which he at once located in Cleveland, in company with his twin brother, they having established a drug store there, which they carried on till 1888, when William sold out his interest therein to his brother, and removed to Lorain, where he opened his present drug establishment, in the conducting of LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 1211 which he has met with more than average success. To some extent he is interested in real estate. Mr. Honecker was united in marriage with Miss Mary Stone, and he and his wife are members of the German Evangelical Church. In his political predilections our subject is a Republican. MRS. SARA E. GIBSON, a highly respected lady of Ridge respecfed ship, was born in Louisville, N. Y., daughter of Wright and Betty (Holmes) Lewis, who were married in New York State, where they passed the rest of their lives. The Lewis family are of Scottish ancestry. The subject of this sketch was reared in her native State, and attended school at Binghamton, N. Y., where she was married, in 1865, to Henry B. Gibson, a native of Meadville, Penn., where he was educated. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gibson moved to Pittsburgh, Penn., thence Cincinnati, Ohio, where they resided a number of years, during which period he was engaged in the sewing machine business. Later lie became manager of the Hall Safe and Lock Co., and he was also connected with the Chicago Safe and Lock Co. for some time. He was manager of several different companies, being a shrewd business man, and commanded a salary of ten thousand dollars a year. He died March 16, 1891. In politics he was a Republican. A few years ago Mrs. Gibson, while on a visit to Lorain county, Ohio, purchased an improved farm of thirty-six acres, where she now makes her home. WILLIAM KRESS. The beautiful Fatherland, the country of magnificent mountains, rivers, forests and plains, has given to the United States a vast population of honest, toiling, frugal citizens, now the loyal sons and daughters of the greatest Republic on earth. In the state of Ohio there are many thousands, in Lorain county not a few, and prominent among them is numbered the subject of this sketch. William Kress was born July 17, 1826, in Hessia, Germany, where he received a liberal education. In 1855 he set sail for the shores of America, and after arrival at the port of destination proceeded westward at once to Ohio, and to Lorain county, where he commenced farm life in Black River township. In 1875 he `bought his present farm of ninety-eight acres, one of the finest to be found in Amherst township, and he enjoys the distinguished reputation distinguishedf the wealthiest and most successful German agriculturists in his section of the county. Mr. Kress has been twice married: First time, in 1855, to Miss Catherine Voegler, who was also a native of Germany. Slid died in 1889, and Mr.Shdss subsequently married his present wife. He has no children, but he has a stepdaughter. His politicstepdaughter.are with the Democratic party. DAVID CURTICE, who for almost the past sixty years has been a resident of Lorain county, is a native of the " Empire State," born May 4, 1812, in Cayuga county. His father, Hosea Curtice, was born February 13, 1774, in Massachusetts, and was married, in 1794, in his native State to Catherine Moore, who was born May 7, 1776. Shortly afterward they moved to New York, locating near Syracuse, where four children—all sons—were born to them, and from there moved to Cayuga county, where they remained forty-two years on one farm. Here they had eight more children--five sons and three daughters—making twelve daughters— making twelve in all, eleven of whom lived to rear families, and of whom our 1212 - LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO. subject is the oldest one now living. The father migrated to Ohio in 1843, the mother shortly afterward, and here they passed the remainder of their days at the home of their son David, where she died in 1850, he in 1863; they lie buried in Center cemetery. The first of the family to locate in Ohio was a son Joel, who came in May, 1833, and settled in LaGrange township, Lorain county. On July 14, 1839, Joel Curtice was married, in Cayuga county, N. Y., to Malissa Allen, who died in LaGrange township in 1871, leaving four children, viz.: Catherine, now Mrs, Charles Hastings, of LaGrange; David A., a farmer of LaGrange; Morton B., of Florida; and Barton E., a farmer of LaGrange. David Curtice came to Lorain county, Ohio, in October, 1834, and hired out as a farm hand, after working at coal burning near Elyria. Some time later he returned to New York State, where he was married, and in 1839 he and his wife came in a buggy to the home he had prepared in Ohio, where his parents also passed their declining years. On their arrival in Ohio Mr. and Mrs. Curtice had just seventy-five cents with which to begin housekeeping. He had purchased OHO hundred acres, for which he was obliged to go in debt, but he bravely set to work, and from a start of nothing prospered; he cultivated and improved his land, and his hard labor and unceasing industry brought their reward, for he has added to his property until he now has 365 acres of excellent land, besides a pleasant home in the village of LaGrange. On March 16, 1873, Mr. Curtice was married in Kendall county, Ill., for his second wife, to Mrs. Annie Pooler, widow of Otis Pooler, who had moved to Kendall county, Ill. Mr. Curtice is one of the best-known citizens of LaGrange, well-preserved and active for a man of his years. Since 1883 he has lived retired. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served as township trustee, but is not particularly active in party affairs.