500 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY tem which connects Logansport, Ind., and Danville, Ill. When the line was completed he gave up railroad work and removed to Attica, Ind., where for eight years he was engaged successfully in the grocery business. At the end of that time he found opportunity to embark in the wholesale branch of the same business in Toledo, and consequently, in 1865, he disposed of his holdings and came to this city, where, with a Mr. Woodbury, he organized the firm of Woodbury & Benson. Subsequently, Perry Crabbs took over Mr. Woodbury's interest and the firm became Crabbs & Benson, and a few years later the first named partner sold his interest to S. B. Wood, and the name was again changed, becoming Benson & Wood. This last named company remained undissolved until the death of Mr. Benson, July 22, 1872, and then continued by the late W. B. Wood. Mr. Benson was a Republican in his political belief, and his religious ideas were expressed as an attendant at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. In 1865 occurred his marriage to Miss Alta Morse, daughter of Joseph and Ann (Collins) Morse. of Richmond Mills, Ontario county, New York. Four children were the issue of this union. Jay, the first born, is deceased ; Cora lives with her widowed mother ; Mary is the wife of J. F. Baumgardner of Toledo ; and Grant lives in Toledo. The last named was educated in the Toledo schools, completing a high school course, and, March 7, 1894, married Miss Mary Bodman, daughter of Dr. Lewis and Ethel (Ballard) Bodman of Toledo. and of which union there is one child, Helen. Mrs. Benson's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Morse, were natives of Dorset, Bennington county, Vermont, and soon after marriage removed to Ontario county. New York. where they had a farm, a mill and a general store. Mrs. Morse passed away in Ontario county, and her husband removed to Leroy, Genesee county, where he lived retired the balance of his life. Both he and his wife were prominent attendants of the Universalist church. Henry Benson was connected maternally with the Cady family, which played a prominent part in the early history of the country as residents of the central part of the Empire State. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a second cousin of Judge Stanton, and President Fillmore, were the best known members of the family. Mr. Benson's grandfather. Argalus Cady, was a contractor in the early days, during the time of the construction of the Erie canal, and an uncle, Henry Cady, also a contractor, constructed the aqueduct at Rochester, which carries the water of the canal across the river. Rev. Charles V. Chevraux, pastor of the Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, of Toledo, is of French nativity, scion of a family which has been domiciled in Ohio since 1854. His parents, August and Justine (Poinsot) Chevraux, were born in Mandeure, France. where they married and spent a number of years of their wedded life. Their eight children, all born in Mandeure, were : Eugene, deceased ; Rose ; Valentine, a citizen of St. Louis, Mo.; Amos, deceased ; Felicie, in charge of the housekeeping at the parish house of her brother's church ; August, a resident of Canton, Ohio ; Charles V. and Mary, the wife of L. P. Menegay, of Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Chevraux settled in Louisville, Stark BIOGRAPHICAL - 501 county, Ohio, in 1834. Mr. Chevraux was a thrifty and industrious farmer, and in time became the owner of considerable property. He made Louisville his permanent home, and both he and his wife peacefully ended their earthly lives in response to Death's summons, at the old homestead. Father Charles V. Chevraux was born Jan. 22, 1848, accompanied his parents to Ohio, and attended St. Louis College, at Louisville, Ohio, and St. Mary's seminary at Cleveland. He early felt a strong desire to take holy orders, and after completing his educational preparation was ordained in St. Mary s Academy, at Notre Dame, Ind., Aug. 8, 1874. He was appointed assistant pastor at.St. John's Cathedral, Cleyeland ; remained there until January, 1885 ; was then transferred to St. Mary's Church at Norwalk, Ohio, where he was instrumental in causing the erection of a new and handsome church building, and, in November, 1897, went to Fremont, Ohio, as pastor of St. Ann's Church. While at St. Ann's Church, in 1899, Father Chevraux celebrated, with appropriate ceremonies, the silver jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood, and at this time received from his devoted flock and from associate priests many tributes of respect and affection in recognition of his devoted and untiring efforts to promote the work of the church. In November, 1900, Father Chevraux took charge of the parish and Church of the Immaculate Conception in Toledo, much to the satisfaction of the congregation. The affairs of the church, both temporal and spiritual, have prospered wonderfully under his direction ; many needed improvements have been made in the church property, such as a new lighting system, a large and expensive two manual organ, purchased by Rev. McCarty, etc. The church was built in 1892, at a cost of about $65,000, and has a seating capacity of 1,000 people ; the parish house was built in 1907 and cost $17,000. There are 375 pupils enrolled in the parochial school and eight teachers are engaged in that work ; the boy choir has sixty members. Five lots have recently been purchased at the corner of Jarvis street and Courtland avenue, in close proximity to the school, in order to prepare for the future accommodation of the rapidly growing parish. All of the property of the church has considerably increased in yalue since its purchase. The duties of the parish priest have become too onerous for one man to accomplish, so the Rt. Rev. Bishop delegated Father J. P. McCluskey, who was succeeded by Rev. A. J. Dean, as assistant to Father Chevraux in his labors ; and under their joint management the heavy burden of work is successfully accomplished. Father Chevraux inspires sincere devotion and love in the members of his flock, who feel that the parish and people have profited wonderfully by his guidance ; in all their spiritual needs and many material crises, they rely upon his wise assistance and sympathy. The thirty-six years of his labors as parish priest have been crowned' with success, evidenced by the growth in numbers and piety of his congregations and the far-reaching individual results of his spiritual example. Father Chevraux is kindly and benevolent in appearance, his face is lighted with exalted enthusiasm, and he is easily approached by 502 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY and patient with both old and young. The following societies have flourishing organizations within the church : The Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, the Ladies' Catholic Benevolent Association, the Catholic Knights of Ohio, the Catholic Knights of America, the Ladies' Auxiliary (of A. O. H.), the Catholic Ladies of Colum- bus, the League of the Sacred Heart, the Rosary Society, the Young Ladies' Sodality, the Aquinas Club, and the Boys' and Girls' Sodalities. Rev. Joseph P. Wachowski has been pastor of the Polish Church of St. Adalbert, Toledo, since its organization, in 1907. The parish of St. Adalbert was formerly included in St. Hedwig's parish, and the division line between the two parishes is Park street. The church property consists of forty-five city lots, bounded by La Grange, Weber, Warsaw and Oakland streets, and they were purchased for parish purposes in August, 1908. Ground was broken for the new church edifice, Dec. 1, 1908, and the corner stone was laid with appropriate services, May 2, 1909. A distinguished gathering witnessed the ceremonies. At the same time the erection of the parish house was undertaken, and the school and parish house are to flank the church on either side. The chapel will seat 750 persons and the auditorium of the church 1,000. The church property is now valued at $60,000. The buildings are substantial and dignified in architectural effect and present a most attractive appearance. Father Wachowski is a native of Prussian Poland, born Jan. 18, 1879. His parents, John and Louise (Belter) Wachowski, were born in Prussian Poland, emigrated to the United States in 1880, and settled permanently in Cleveland, Ohio. There Mrs. Wachowski still lives, having been a widow for some years past. Father Joseph Wachowski attended the parochial school of St. Stanislaus parish, Cleveland, for six years, studied six years at St. Ignatius College, and the following six years at St. Mary's Theological Seminary at Cleyeland. He was ordained to the priesthood at Cleveland. June 6, 1903. entered upon the duties of his priestly calling at Ashtabula Harbor. Ohio. remained there three months, and was then transferred to Grafton. Ohio. At Grafton he had charge of the parishes of the Immaculate Conception (English) and the Assumption (Polish). He acquitted himself with credit during his four years in Grafton, and upon the preliminary steps being taken for the establishment of St. Adalbert's parish in Toledo his name was prominently mentioned among candidates for the leadership of that work. He early received a call to undertake this arduous and exacting task and has pushed it to completion with unabated energy and zeal. While Father Wachowski is a man of the utmost modesty, it is the feeling of his parishioners that his capable management has been an inspiration to all engaged in the church work, and they willingly accord him full meed of praise for his large share in everything accomplished. The choir now numbers forty-five mixed voices, and the following church societies have been founded within the parish : St. Adalbert's, St. Michael's, St. Casmir's, an altar society. a Young Ladies' sodality. and a dramatic society. Father Wachowski is a BIOGRAPHICAL - 503 Christian in whom burn unquenchable fires of enthusiasm for the work of the Church on earth, untiring in his labors, sometimes far exceeding his strength in his desire to promote the work to which he has devoted his life. He is greatly beloved by his people, to whom he gives himself unsparingly. Charles Herbert Sternberger is a representative of a family which has been closely identified with industrial development in Ohio. His father, Moses Sternberger, was at one time a merchant in Jackson, Ohio, and later engaged in the promotion of the iron industry in the same region. He was an active and progressive man in his commercial enterprises and success accordingly attended them. Politically he was allied with the Democratic party until the Civil war, after which he became a staunch supporter of Republican principles. His ambition did not lead him to any effort to win political honors, but he always stood ready to perform his duty as a citizen and capably filled the offices of county commissioner and recorder in Jackson county. He married Miss Elizabeth Stephenson, who died March 29, 1874 ; Mr. Sternberger passed away Aug. 5, 1896. Both were members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Sternberger was a member of the Masonic order. Charles H. Sternberger was born in Jackson, Jackson county, Ohio, July 29, 1865 ; he was educated in the schools of his native city, and at the age of fifteen years was employed by the Huron Iron Company, as storekeeper and assistant in the office. After one year in this position, in company with his brothers—Edward and Frank—he established a mercantile house in Jackson, which opened for business Feb. 11, 1882. On July 1, 1885, the name of the company was changed to C. H. Sternberger & Co. The death of Samuel F. Sternberger, another son of Moses Sternberger, April 29, 1887, made it necessary for some member of the family to represent his important interests in Cincinnati, the home of the deceased ; this duty devolved upon C. H. Sternberger, who accordingly left Jackson for Cincinnati, June 1, 1887, and remained there until June 1, 1893. Samuel F. Sternberger had entered the employment of Lewis, Wald & Co., in Cincinnati, as a clerk, and in five years had risen to the position of junior partner. After filling his brother's position for six years, and making suitable disposition of his financial interests, Charles H. Sternberger became sales agent for the Superior Coal Company of Jackson. Ohio. In 1908, he was elected president of the company ; on Sept. 1, 1902, he organized the Jackson Coal & Coke Company, and became president of that corporation. As president of these companies, Mr. Sternberger devotes his time to their interests with the whole-hearted zeal and energy which are characteristic of the man, and has been instrumental in giving them the important place they occupy. The offices of the Jackson Coal & Coke Company are located in suite 821-823 Ohio Building. Mr. Sternberger is wide-awake, quick to see and seize advantageous .opportunities, and has been an officer of the greatest value to the companies. He is a loyal Republican in his political affiliations. On June 8. 1892, there was celebrated at Little Hocking, Ohio, the. marriage of Mr. Sternberger and Miss 504 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY Mary Starr Curtis, a daughter of Leroy and Armanda (Minear) Curtis. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sternberger are members of the Collingwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, and they reside at 2263 Robinwood avenue, Toledo. Edwin C. Law merits recognition in this compilation by reason of his standing as one of the successful representatives of the transportation or railroad interests of the city of Toledo, as well as for the reason that he is a citizen of sterling worth and one who enjoys uniform popularity in the community which has been his home during the larger portion of his life: Mr. Law is a native of Clarence, Erie county. New York, where he was born Sept. 3, 1862, and he is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Law. He comes from good old Colonial stock on his mother's side, while paternally he is descended from a sturdy, high-class English ancestry, thus rendering him endowed with a happy combination of the refined and energetic temperaments. It was during the dark days of the Civil war that his father, Robert Law, a successful inventor and manufacturer, foreseeing the difficulties that would beset all business undertakings during such an internecine struggle, disposed of his interests at Lockport, N. Y., where he was then located, and moved his family to a farm twelve miles distant. He had just secured letters patent upon a shingle and heading machine. which has never been superseded or improved upon up to the present time, and had expected to actively engage in the superintendence of its manufacture ; but the lowering clouds of civil war admonished him that the time was unpropitious for any extended business venture, and accordingly he sold his rights in the invention and invested the proceeds in a 300-acre farm. After four years devoted to agricultural pursuits he removed to the city of Buffalo. in order to give his children the advantages afforded by superior educational facilities. A few yeas later, in 1871, the call of the West brought the Law family—consisting of the parents and eight children—to the city of Toledo, and here the members thereof have since resided, the subsequent marriage of seven of the children having added that many families to the community. Robert Law soon became recognized in his new home as a man of integrity and honor, and he ever commanded the respect of all in the locality where he maintained his home for so many years. Edwin C. Law was a child of four years at the time of the family removal to the city of Buffalo and he may be said to have then commenced his career by entering Public School No. 4, one of the old educational landmarks of that city. He was but eight years of age when the family established its residence in Toledo, and he was reared to maturity in the city which is now his home. After the usual course of instruction in the public schools he became a railroad man, as he expresses it "more as the result of accident than intention," but the members of his family recall with interest his early efforts at constructing railroads, with bridges, tunnels and all sorts of engineering feats, that betokened the natural railroader . So far in his career. Mr. Law has been identified only with the traffic department of his railway, but his administrative ability and constructive BIOGRAPHICAL - 505 genius are so constantly called into service in originating ideas and devising plans to further the interests of his company, that it is more than probable that his "day dreams" of childhood may yet be realized in the full fruition of his youthful ambition to become a railroad builder. He first entered the local office of the "Clover Leaf" railroad, when it was in its incipiency, in 1881, and after nine years of such employment was promoted to the position of traveling auditor. Later, he became associated with the Toledo, Findlay & Springfield railroad, which is now a branch of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton, and he has been connected with this road ever since, first as traveling freight agent and then as division freight agent, which official position he now occupies. As has been mentioned in the foregoing, Mr: Law's talent is evidenced in a remarkable constructive ability, and this has contributed in large measure to his efficiency in the position which he so acceptably fills. He has full appreciation of the scientific principles and the judicious methods which must be observed to gain the maximum results in the transportation line of America's industries, and he has directed his forces with enterprise and discernment, so that his success has been cumulative in character ; and the high regard in which he is held, not only by his business associates but also a large circle of devoted friends, speaks eloquently of the high plane upon which he has ordered his life. In November, 1909, Mr. Law was united in marriage with Miss Kathryn Tracy, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tracy, who are among the oldest and most highly respected families in Toledo. A biographical review of Mr. Tracy appears upon another page of this volume. Douglas Norton, deceased, whose sudden death as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage, Sept. 30, 1907, came as a great shock to his many friends in Toledo, was born in Perrysburg, Ohio, May 13, 1858. He was the son of Jesse and Martha Doan (Blinn) Norton, the former of whom was born in Henderson county, New York. The father came west when a young man and entered the employ of a bank at Perrysburg, soon rising to the position of cashier. When the dark cloud of war overhung the horizon of national unity, in 1861. Jesse Norton raised a company of volunteers to help in the suppression of the insurrection, and was made captain. This organization was mustered into the service of the United States as a part of the One Hundred and Forty-first Ohio infantry, and before it had been long in the service Mr. Norton rose through the ranks of major and lieutenant-colonel to that of colonel. While holding the latter office he was severely wounded in one of the early battles of 1863, and, being unfit physically to re-enter the service, received an honorable discharge. Upon his return to civilian life he removed to Toledo and engaged in the hardware business, under the firm name of J. S. Norton & Sons. This firm continued prosperously for some years, and some time before his death Mr. Norton retired, disposing of his interest to his sons and a son-in-law, William T. Cassady. He was a stanch Republican, and his election to the board of county commissioners came as the successful candidate of that party. Both he and his 506 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY good wife were members of Trinity Episcopal Church. Ten children were the issue of their marriage. Charles and Chester are deceased; May is the widow of William T. Cassady, of whom a memoir appears elsewhere in this volume ; Jennie is deceased; Carrie is now Mrs. Robert Lowrey, of Brockport, N. Y. ; Douglas is the subject of this review ; Jesse, Jr., is a broker of Duluth, Minn.; Mattie is the wife of Charles Pheatt, of Toledo, and Kate and Arthur have passed from life. When Douglas Norton had completed the work of the graded and high schools of Toledo he became associated with his father in the hardware business. When the parent disposed of his interest in the concern, Douglas Norton joined the office force of the L. S. Baumgardner Company as a bookkeeper. His exceptional diligence and his habits of carefulness and integrity won him the respect and esteem of his employ- ers, and it was not long before he was made chief .bookkeeper for the immense concern. His services with that company covered a period of twenty-two years, and he was still the incumbent of the position when the death summons came, Sept. 30, 1907. His demise was tragic in the extreme. He had come down early to the office and looked over the mail, and had then started for the postoffice. When near the Madison avenue entrance he was seen to stagger and lean against an electric light pole for support. Passing pedestrians rushed to his side, but before they reached him he had lost consciousness. An ambulance was hastily summoned and he was started for his home, but before the house was reached the spirit had taken its flight. In the many circles where Mr. Norton had been active his death was a source of great and sincere grief. Only the Saturday night before his sudden taking off he was the central figure at the banquet given by the Toledo Veteran Cadets at the clubhouse of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and his rendition of the song, "Sailor Bold," was heartily appreciated and applauded. His other fraternal memberships were in the National Union and the Royal Arcanum. Politically, Mr. Norton's ideas were those of the Republican party, but he never sought nor held public office of any nature. His deeply religious nature found expression in his membership in the Trinity Protestant Episcopal ChUrch. He was an authority on books of various natures, and his private library was one of the finest and most complete in the city. Mr. Norton's marriage to Miss Mary Eloise Driscoll, daughter of Patrick and Katherine Antoinette (Sheehan) Driscoll, of Toledo, was celebrated in Detroit, June 30, 1890. Three sons, all of whom make their home with their widowed mother at-. 2517 Franklin avenue, were the issue of this union. Their names are Kenneth Malcolm, Chester Seymour and Earl Douglas. Two other sons, the first born of the marriage—Jesse Blinn and Douglas Scott—died in infancy. Patrick C. Driscoll, the father of Mrs. Norton, was a native of Oswego, N. Y., born there on Christmas day in the year 1832, and was a direct descendant on both the maternal and paternal sides of a long line of sturdy American pioneers, many of whom saw service in the Continental army during the struggle for American BIOGRAPHICAL - 507 independence. He was the son of Elery Patrick and Eleanor (Tyr11e) Driscoll, and received his scholastic training in the public schools of Oswego. When he was twenty years of age, in 1852, he came west to Toledo and established a wagon and .blacksmithing shop. For some years he did all the iron work for the fire department of the city and the big express companies operating in the city. He was a devout communicant of the Roman Catholic church of St. Frances de Sales, where his marriage to Miss Katherine Antoinette Sheehan was .solemnized by Bishop Rappe. Mrs. Driscoll departed this life July 19, 1884, and less than a year later, March 17, 1885, her husband followed her across the great divide. Seven children came to bless their marriage. John Marcus, Francis G. and William Richard are deceased ; Edward James is now residing in East Toledo ; Mary Eloise is the widow of Douglas Norton; Katherine Antoinette lives in Detroit, Mich., and Frances is deceased. George T. Latcham was born in Wedmere, Blackford parish, Somersetshire, England, May 30, 1829 ; was educated in England, and when he was fifteen years of age came to New York City. He spent only a short time in New York after landing, and then went to Onondaga county, New York, and was employed as a farm hand near Syracuse four years. In 1853 he went to seek his fortune in California and worked in mines there until 1856, with considerable success. Returning eastward, he settled on a farm near Waterville and became a permanent resident of that community. On Jan. 1, 1863, he married Miss Ellen Eastwood, who was born in Waterville. Ohio, Sept. 3, 1839, and three children have been born of this marriage : Lewis Leo, born Oct. 17, 1863, died Jan. 13, 1870: Willie Jean, born Oct. 22, 1873. died Nov. 1, 1873 ; Edna May, born Jan. 16, 1877. died May 24, 1878. Mrs. Latcham is the daughter of Lewis Eastwood, a native of New York, who came to Lucas county about 1830 and taught in the first school established in the district. Mrs. Latcham's mother was an invalid and the daughter's presence at home was a constant necessity ; her ambitions, however, overcame her lack of opportunity and, while assisting her father in managing the old Union House, she learned from a traveling artist the process and art of making daguerreotypes. As a preliminary it was necessary for her to make herself acquainted with sufficient chemistry to make her own developing fluids. etc., but. nothing daunted, she persevered in the undertaking and became very proficient in the art. When the Civil war broke out, photography was in its infancy. Type work came to the front in the form of glass ambrotype, tin-type, malenotype and leather work, so the "boys in blue" could have pictures of loved ones to carry in their pockets. Mrs. Latcham mastered the art and at that time was the only artist between 'Waterville and Toledo. Her war-time experiences were interesting and varied and it is a rare treat to hear her accounts of manners, customs and events of those days. She received an excellent education for the time during her girlhood and retains the courtly dignity of manner which is associated with an earlier day ; she has a real genius 508 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY for narrative, and is also the possessor of a very retentive memory. Her recollections of early associations with noted people are the source of much entertainment and profit to her hearers. Mr. and Mrs. Latcham are devout members of the Presbyterian church and regular attendants upon its services. Mr. Latcham enlisted in the Civil war in April, 1861, as a private in Company I, Fourteenth Ohio infantry ; participated in several battles with the enemy, and was mustered out and honorably discharged from the service with his regiment at the expiration of the term of service. He belonged to the Waterville Grand Army of the Republic Post during the continuance of that organization. He is identified with the Republican party, and is a member of the Masonic Order. The Latcham farm is a beautiful fruit farm of several acres and Mr. and Mrs. Latcham were among the earliest farmers of the district to demonstrate its possibilities as a fruit-grower's paradise. The farm buildings are commodious and attractive, and in this delightful home, Mr. and Mrs. Latcham are enjoying the peace and pleasure of labor successfully accomplished ; they can look back over their long life together and see little to regret but the loss of their children, the sorrow of which even the devotion of countless loving friends can only mitigate. Asa C. Eastwood, who resides near -Waterville, Ohio, is a native of that district, born April 1, 1845. His father, Lewis Eastwoou, was a pioneer settler of Lucas county, where he purchased a farm which he devoted to fruit growing, in 1832. Lewis Eastwood was born in Onondaga county, New York, near Oneida Lake: Jan. 26, 1809. He learned the trade of cabinet-making in the shop of his father, an expert in the craft, but after his arrival in Lucas county he worked very little at his trade, as the agricultural opportunities attracted him and offered better promise of a competency. The lad had no capital but his willing hands and came to Waterville on foot, but he was thrifty and industrious and gradually established himself in a place in the ranks of prosperous and influential citizens. He became an expert and respected agriculturist, and while excellent specimens remain of his work as a cabinetmaker, of much more practical yalue to his family has been the farm lore accumulated by Mr. Eastwood during a long life devoted to that occupation. At the time when the Wabash & Erie canal was being dug, Lewis Eastwood served as constable for seven years, often riding horseback through the Black Swamp after criminals. He was a member of the Maumee Valley Pioneer Society until the time of his death, and also a member of the National Bee Keepers' Union for over twenty years, following that pursuit for thirty years. He built and kept the first grocery boat store on the canal in 1841, and later built the Union House. He married Miss Amanda Hall—born in Waterville, March 5, 1810—on Nov. 1, 1838 ; they resided in Waterville the remainder of their lives and their five children were born there. Ellen, born Sept. 5, 1839, was taught the usual branches of study by her father, who was well educated and had taught school several terms ; she was married, Jan. 1, 1863, to George T. Latcham. John, born Aug. 29, BIOGRAPHICAL - 509 1841, volunteered in Company I, Fourteenth Ohio infantry, for the three months' service ; re-enlisted in the One Hundredth Ohio infantry, in August, 1861, for three years, and served during the entire Civil war ; he was mustered out and honorably discharged from the service at the close of hostilities, returned to Waterville and died there, April 4, 1889. Angeline, born Sept. 25, 1843, married 0. W. Ballou, Sept. 20, 1863, and two children blessed the marriage—Clifford G. and Minnie 0. ; 0. W. Ballou died March 16, 1907, and his widow resides in Toledo ; Clifford G. Ballou was principal of the high school in Toledo eleven years and is now a well-known real-estate dealer. Asa C. is the subject of this sketch. Sarah was born March 30, 1848 ; married Jean Sheffield, June 27, 1869, and has one daughter, Lulu A., who is a teacher in the Department of Art in the Rochester Academy, of Rochester, Ind., and is also an accomplished musician. Lewis Eastwood and his wife were loyal members of the Presbyterian church, active in support of its undertakings and always to be relied upon 'to do their share to assist in any public-spirited attempt to promote the welfare of the community. Mr. Eastwood erected the old Union House, now a historic landmark, and occupied it more than twenty-five years ; he also served as station master for the canal and packet company. He died Dec. 25, 1898, mourned by the entire community. Shortly before his death, he planned all the arrangements for his funeral, even to the choice of a text for his funeral sermon, but the memorandum made by him was not discovered until too late for use. A large concourse of neighbors and friends gathered to pay their last earthly tribute to Mr. Eastwood, almost every one of whom had cause to gratefully remember him for some kind act in a time of trial. Mrs. Eastwood died Sept. 30, 1883. As a young man, Mr. Eastwood displayed a daring and adventurous spirit, characteristic of which was a visit paid to Niagara Falls, in 1832, of which visit a memorial remains in the possession of Mrs. George T. Latcham in the form of the following certificate : "This may certify that Mr. Lewis Eastwood has passed behind the great falling sheet of water to 'Terminating Rock.' Given under my hand, at the office of the General Register of Visitors, at the Falls Rock, on the third day of October, 1832.—J. S. W. Starkey." A noted relative of Mr. Eastwood was Hon. Asa Eastwood, in honor of whom Asa Eastwood, of Waterville, was named. He was born in Allentown, N. J., Feb. 20, 1781. and became a resident of New York City in 1794. In 1800, Asa Eastwood and his brother John volunteered for service on the United States frigate Constellation and remained in the United States navy until the summer of 1801, when they returned to New York City. Hon. Asa Eastwood was a Jeffersonian Democrat and became prominent and influential politically ; in 1821 he was elected a delegate to the convention for the revision of the Constitution of the State of New York ; in 1823 he was elected one of the sachems of Tammany Hall ; in 1832 he was elected a member of the General Assembly from Onondaga county, where he lived from 1825 until his death. At Salina, in Onondaga county, he established a salt manufacturing plant and reaped a large profit 510 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY therefrom. Asa C. Eastwood, the prominent representative of the family in Waterville, was educated in his native place and, Feb. 16, 1864, enlisted in the Twenty-third New York battery and joined his company at Washington, N. C. At the outbreak of the Civil Mr. Eastwood was too young to be eligible for military service, but during his term of enlistment he saw active service at New Berne, N. C., eleven months with General Kilpatrick's cavalry division in what was known as "Kilpatrick's Flying .Artillery." At the time of the assassination of President Lincoln, the battery was on the march with Kilpatrick's cavalry ; it was present at Durham Station, N. C.. at the time of the surrender of General Johnston it was ordered from there to Lexington, N. C.. on guard duty, and remained there until June 23. 1865; and Mr. Eastwood, with the rest of his comrades in arms, was mustered out of the service and honorably discharged at Buffalo, N. Y.. July 14, 1865. Returning to Waterville, the young soldier turned his attention to farming and has made agriculture his permanent occupation and unceasing study. He has been very sucessful and. in 1870, moved to Kansas and lived there nineteen years. farming most of the time. He came back to Waterville in 1889 and has lived on a small farm up to the present time. He was also a beekeeper for fourteen years, having at one time 130 colonies of bees. The property is beautifully located in the heart of. the Lucas county fruit belt, and as Waterville has increased in population it has become really a suburban residence. On Dec. 23. 1869, there was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Eastwood and Miss Amanda Bash, and of this marriage five children were born. William B. is a reporter on the "Toledo Times" ; Charles E. is employed by the American Express Company in Chicago; Florence Belle is the wife of \V. M. Demuth, of Maumee City ; Herbert G. is employed as electrician by the Lake Shore' Railway Company at Toledo ; and Emma D. married J. J. Van Buskirk, a switchman for the Pennsylvania railroad at Toledo. Mrs. Eastwood entered into rest. Tune 10. 1903. On Oct. 19, 1907, Mr. Eastwood married Miss Viola M. Pierce. daughter of Charles C. and Charlotte (Atkinson') Pierce. born in Lorain county, Ohio, March 23, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Eastwood are regular attendants at the services of the Presbyterian church and members of that organization. The former is an enthusiastic comrade in Forsyth Post, No. 15, Grand Army of the Republic. of Toledo. He is a staunch supporter of the principles of the Republican -party, but has never sought political preferment. In business and social relations he is courteous, affable and dignified. and is esteemed by all who have the honor of his acquaintance, for his real worth and merit. John Pray Farnsworth, deceased, a lifelong resident of Waterville, Ohio, was born in that village. March 3, 1829, and entered into rest June 27. 1909. Few if any of the native sons and citizens of Lucas county have enjoyed a larger circle of friends than did Mr. Farnsworth, and no one has been more highly esteemed, both in business and social .life. He was the son of Ralph and Harriet (Pray) Farnsworth, both of whom were of English lineage. In BIOGRAPHICAL - 511 the early sixteenth century, the English ancestors of the Farnsworth family spelled the name Ffarneworth, Ffernworth or Ffernoth ; the name appears on English records as early as 1297, and by 1750 was quite common in England. The first Farnsworth, known to have emigrated to America was Joseph, who settled in Dorchester, Mass., in 1628 ; his descendants were well-known in Vermont, Connecticut and New Hampshire, where they established themselves with their families, and among the more noted of this branch of the Farnsworths were Deacon Andrew, Andrew A., and Dr. Danilla Farnsworth. Thomas Farnsworth, of Bordentown, N. J., was a Quaker and .came to America in 1681. Mathias Farnsworth, born in England in 1612, settled in Lynn, Mass., owned a farm on Federal street in Lynn, married Mary Farr, a daughter of George Farr, of Lynn, and died Jan. 21,.1689. At the same time Richard Pray, another noted ancestor of the present Farnsworth family, resided at Providence, R. I. The children of Mathias Farnsworth were as follows : Elizabeth, born in 1647 ; Mathias, Jr., born in 1649 ; John, born in 1651 ; Joseph, born in 1657 ; Mary, born in 1660; Sarah, born in 1663: Benjamin, born in 1667 ; Samuel, born in 1669 ; Abigail, born in 1671; Jonathan, born in 1675 ; and Joseph, born in 1677. Mathias Farnsworth, Jr., ancestor of the Waterville branch of the family. married Sarah Nutting, lived in Groton, Mass., and served in Major Willard's company at Brookfield, Mass., during King Philip's war. He and his wife were the parents of the following: Joseph, born in 1682 ; Ebenezer, born in 1684 ; Josiah. born in 1687 ; Sarah, born in 1688 ; Mathias, born in 1,690 ; and Rebecca. The children of Josiah and his wife, Mary Pierce, with dates of birth, are as follows : Josiah, 1721 ; Mary, 1722 ; Oliver. 1723 : Ebenezer. 1726 ; Tames, 1727 ; Jemima, 1729 ; Thomas, 1731 : Joseph, 1732; Oliver, 1735; and Mary, 1738. James became a . distinguished general in the Revolutionary war and resided in Charlestown, N. H. He and his wife, Susanna, were the parents of the following children : Anna. born 1753 and Susanna, born 1756. The children of James Farnsworth's second marriage were : Sarah. born 1758 ; Joseph, born 1760: Benjamin, born, 1763 ; James, born 1767: Jeremiah. born 1773; and Dolly, born 1778. Benjamin married Rebecca Wilson. Sept. 7, 1785 ; they were the parents of Ralph, who married Harriet Pray, Oct. 19, 1826, and whose family consisted of the following: Ralph, born May 8, 1827, John P., born March 3, 1829 ; Junius, born Aug. 26, 1831 ; and James, born May 15, 1833. Another son of Benjamin Farnsworth was the father of Lot Farnsworth, a prominent citizen of Whitehouse, Ohio, whose children are : Ralph, Clifford, Delmar, and Mrs. Adah Stevens, of Toledo. Other noted descendants of the original Mathias Farnsworth of Lynn are Gen. Elon John Farnsworth, hero of the famous cavalry charge at Gettysburg; Gen. Jonathan G. Farnsworth, quartermaster and adjutant-general in the Union army, and John F. Farnsworth, brigadier-general and congressman from Illinois. The progenitor of the Pray family in America was Quinton Pray, born in England in 1595, immigrated to Massachusetts in 1643, and resided at Lynn and Braintree, Mass. He was accompanied to 512 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY America by his wife, Joan, and son Richard, born in 1630 ; the latter married in Providence and had one son, John. By the second marriage of Richard, to Sarah Brown, Nov. 14, 1678, there was a son, Hugh, born in Rhode Island, who married Abigail Blake, settled in Providence and became the father of Jonathan Pray, who was born in Rhode Island, July 19, 1726, married Phoebe Aldrich and resided near Foster, R. I. Their son, Rev. John Pray, born at Foster, Feb. 4, 1749, married Deborah Wade, April 23, 1775, and resided in Rhode Island and New York. Rev. John and Deborah Pray had a son, Esq. John Pray, who was born in Foster, Oct. 6, 1783, and married Lucy Dunham at Smithfield, N. Y., March 21, 1809 ; and a daughter, Harriet, who was born at Peterboro, N. Y., Oct. 9, 1810, and married Ralph Farnsworth at Waterville, Ohio, Oct. 19, 1826. John P., born in Waterville, March 3, 1829, the son of Ralph and Harriet Farnsworth, is he whose name heads this sketch. In 1818, John and Lucy (Dunham) Pray settled on a farm at the present site of Waterville ; the village was laid out by Mr. Pray and he resided there until his death, which occurred Oct. 18. 1872. His profession was surveying, and his familiarity with the country around Waterville enabled him to choose land for investment which became very valuable in the course of years and made him one of the richest land owners in Lucas county. During his business career he was active in various enterprises—farming, milling, real-estate, etc. ; he erected the old Columbian Hotel, which has become a noted landmark and is still in good repair. He fought in the War of 1812, was first a Whig and later a Republican, and was most energetic and successful in every matter to which he gave his time and attention. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. John P. Farnsworth was twice married, and Mrs. Joseph P. Miller, of Swanton, Ohio, is the only child of the first marriage. The second wife of Mr. Farnsworth was Miss Annie 'Wales, a talented young school teacher of Bellevue, Ohio, whom he married Dec. 26, 1854. Of this marriage were born seven children : Watson W. ; Mary H., born Feb. 5, 1858 ; John A., born July 22, 1861 ; Willard G., born Nov. 26, 1864 ; Ida F., born Dec. 20, 1866 ; Ralph E., born July 21, 1870 ; Delmar J., born Jan. 6, 1873. John P. Farnsworth was a supporter of Republican national policies and an independent voter in local elections. His most active political efforts were made in support of the Rose bill, by the passage of which the cause of 'temperance -was greatly advanced and it became possible to deprive the liquor interests of all their privileges in the township of Waterville. He was an earnest Christian man and an earnest and thorough student of psychological and theological matters. Mrs. John P. Farnsworth is a woman of education and culture, enjoys excellent health, and finds her greatest interest outside of her family life in reading and writing for various newspapers and magazines, by which her articles are gladly accepted. She resides with her sons and daughter and is very proud of her title of great-grandmother. She is a member of- the Lucas County Pioneer Society, a charter member of the Lucas County Horticultural So- BIOGRAPHICAL - 513 ciety, and a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Waterville. A most delightful conversationalist is Mrs. Farnsworth, whose mind is stored with recollections of interesting historical events and with wisdom gathered from both men and books. Watson W. Farnsworth, the eldest son of John P. and Annis (Wales) Farnsworth, was born at the old homestead near Waterville, Nov. 21, 1835; he has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and has made a special study of horticulture. His early education was obtained in the public school near his home and in the Maumee Seminary, and he early manifested a deep interest in scientific fruit culture, new methods of propagation, of destruction of insect pests, etc. His farm, the Clover Leaf Fruit Farm, is widely known among horticulturists, who visit it for a practical demonstration of successful fruit culture, and also among fruit dealers, who usually contract for the entire output of the orchards in the early part of the season. Currants, strawberries and other small fruits are raised in abundance, as well as peaches, pears, apples, and cherries. Strawberry culture is a specialty of Mr. Farnsworth ; his booklet for 1910 demonstrates his ability to furnish growers with about 3,000,000 plants of varieties of proved value. These plants are grown on virgin soil, are free from insect pest or plant disease, and are shipped to buyers in every section of the United States where strawberries can be grown. An inspection of the farm shows conclusively the value of careful, scientific methods of fruit culture. Every detail of the work is performed with the utmost precision ; Mr. Farnsworth is at the head of his corps of skilled workers, with his able assistant. William E. Young, and nothing is neglected. At certain seasons Mr. Farnsworth's supervision of his 100 acres of fruit is required day and night ; at the spraying season he uses his own demonstrated system of spraying ; and at the harvest season a host of hands is required for the packing and shipping of the fruit. At other times, however, Mr. Farnsworth is free to devote a portion of his time to public affairs and is greatly in demand as a lecturer on horticulture. As a member of the Ohio State Horticultural Society, of which he is also ex-president and ex-secretary, his advice and opinions are sought and heard with the greatest respect ; he advises with the experts of the United States experiment stations, lectures before the farmers' institutes, etc., and endeavors to aid, in every possible manner. the other fruit growers of the State by imparting to them the results of his years of study and experience. In this public-spirited effort, Mr. Farnsworth is ably seconded by his brother, Willard G., whose fruit farm adjoins the Clover Leaf Farm, and who is also a most successful fruit grower. During the winter season, Mr. Farnsworth makes it his custom to feed a herd of cattle for the spring market, in order to give employment to his large force of workers, whose services he wishes to retain the entire year. The apple crop from the Clover Leaf Farm, in 1909, amounted to several thousand bushels of marketable stock, 1.500 bushes of peaches were marketed and a proportionate quantity of pears, plums, cherries, currants, strawberries and other fruits. The marriage of Watson W. Farns- 514 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY worth and Miss Anna Norton was consummated June 16, 1881, and two children were born of the union—Ruth E. and Frank Norton. Ruth E. was born April 9, 1887, near Waterville, graduated in the Waterville High School and also attended Ohio Wesleyan University. During her university course, she became acquainted with a brilliant young 'fellow student, William E. Young. of Columbus, Ohio, whom she subsequently married. The marriage ceremony was celebrated at the Methodist Episcopal church at Waterville, Feb. 11, 1908, in the presence of several hundred friends of the happy couple. One son blessed this marriage—Paul Farnsworth, born May 24, 1909. Frank Norton Farnsworth, born March 12, 1892, graduated in the Waterville High School with the class of 1910. Mrs. Watson W. Farnsworth was a daughter of the late Capt. George W. and Elizabeth (Thompson) Norton, who were residents of the country near Maumee, Ohio. Anna Norton was born near Maumee, Dec. 7, 1860, and was educated in the same locality. She was a leader in the work of the Methodist church and prominent in many charitable organizations. She was highly esteemed socially and her untimely death, June 12, 1908, removed from Waterville one of its most beloved and respected women. Mr, Farnsworth also is deeply interested in the welfare of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a member ; he has been superintendent of its Sunday school for thirty years. He is a member of the Lucas County Horticultural Society and the Toledo Rex Spray Company, a stockholder of the Waterville State Savings Bank Company, the Citizens' Telephone Company, and a local automobile company. Politically, he is affiliated with the Republican party, but is independent in his vote on local affairs. He is a member of Wakeman Lodge, No. 522, Free & Accepted Masons. of Waterville. Joel Wilcox Crane, deceased, who for a great number of years was actively associated with the development of Toledo, was born at Hartford, Conn., Nov. 30, 1809, the son of Elijah Gilbert and Jerusha (Wilcox) Crane. He was a descendant of Jasper and Alice Crane, who came from England in the year 1637 and settled in the New Haven colony. Ebenezer Crane, great-grandfather of Joel, was a private in the militia which was designated as the Lexington Alarm. Elijah Gilbert Crane, the father of the subject of this memoir, was born at Hartford, Conn., in the year 1787, and the mother's nativity was in the same place. The father was a lumberman and cabinetmaker on. a large scale during his active life, but after coming to Toledo he lived retired until his demise. The mother passed away in Cleveland, Ohio, while paying a visit to a daughter. The father was one of the most prominent members of the Democratic party during the earlier days of its history in New York, and during the campaigns of DeWitt Clinton for governor of that State he gave the assistance of his oratorical ability in the cause. In religious matters he was a stanch believer in the creed of the Protestant Episcopal church, of which he served for a number of years as vestryman. During the War of 1812 he served well and faithfully as a. member of a volunteer BIOGRAPHICAL - 515 company recruited in Syracuse, N. Y., to repel the British invasion. N' 1e children were born to bless the union of Elijah Gilbert and Jerusha (Wilcox) Crane, of whom Joel Wilcox was the first born. The others, all now deceased, were the following, in order of birth : Alden Sidney, Obedia. Sarah, Eliza, Christina, Emily, Nancissa and Elijah Gilbert. Joel Wilcox Crane had but the limited scholastic training afforded by the schools of the early days in the vicinity where he spent his boyhood, and while still a youth he left the institution which he was attending in Hartford to go to New York and enter the office of a contractor. After three or four years of training in the work he removed to Syracuse, N. Y., and with his father engaged in the contracting and building business. The industry prospered, but not to that extent which the partners thought it should, and, believing that better opportunities were offered in their line in the then newly located village of Toledo, they removed to this city and established their home. Their journey was made before the time intended, as an epidemic of cholera was sweeping Syracuse and the father was anxious to get his family from the region of the plague. As has been already remarked, the father retired from active participation in the firm after the family's arrival in Toledo, turning all his interests over to his son, Joel. Soon after starting in business, Mr. Crane secured the contract to build the structure known as White's Hall, the first three-story building erected in Toledo, and for years one of the landmarks of the city. He also laid the first sidewalk constructed in the city of Toledo. He built the Lagrange street public school building, which was built of brick, in 1851. This building was replaced several years ago by a more modern structure. He also was interested in the construction of the canal locks for the Miami & Erie canal, in and near Toledo, carrying on the most of the work. For a number of years he was eminently successful in the industry which he had developed, but he later determined to enter agricultural pursuits, and, disposing of his contracting interests. he purchased a farm just outside the city limits, and there resided until his death, which occurred Aug. 28, 1886. The farm is now known as the "Swayne tract," and has greatly increased in value. Mr. Crane was twice married, his first wife being Miss Lydia Pettus, a native of Syracuse, N. Y., and to whom he was united about 1830. Of this Union there were born four children—Sarah Alice, Malipa, Joel W., Tr.. and Hamilton H.—all of whom are deceased, the eldest, who married the late August A. Fleming, a well-known civil engineer who assisted in laying-out Toledo, died in 1908, at the age of seventy-five years. Mr. Crane's second wife was formerly Miss Mary Brown, a daughter of the late William Neaten and Louisa (Barker) Brown, of Ottawa Lake, Mich. Mrs. Crane was born in Rochester, N. Y., and removed to Michigan with her parents while still a child. By her marriage to Joel W. Crane she became the mother of five children—three sons and two daughters. The sons—George Henry, Alden Sidney and Frank—are deceased, Julia Edith is at home with her mother, at 2611 Fulton street, and Mary Agatha is the wife of 516 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY George W. Dennison, the Toledo representative of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Mr. Crane was a staunch adherent of the principles of the Republican party, but, aside from a term of membership on the Board of Education of the city of Toledo, he never held nor aspired to public office. Mrs. Crane's father, William W. Brown, was born in Providence, R. I., and his wife in Rochester, N. Y. In May, 1834, he came west from the Empire State and entered seventy-five acres of land under the homestead law at Ottawa Lake, Mich. With the exception of thirteen years, when he was a resident of Toledo, he continued to operate his farm until the time of his death, which occurred July 15, 1881. His widow survived some few. years. Mr. Brown was a Republican in the matter of politics, and he and his wife were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Archibald B. Pray.-The Pray family has been established in Lucas county, Ohio, since 1831, when Archibald Pray and his wife, Harriet (Myers) Pray, came from Otsego county, New York, and settled in the township of Waterville. The former was born in Otsego county, New York, Nov. 9, 1803, and the latter in the same county, Dec. 18, 1805. Archibald Pray was the son of Richard and Mary (Wood) Pray, who were born in Rhode Island, established a home in New York and died in that State. Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Pray became the parents of nine children : Marmaduke W., born May 12, 1826, resides near Whitehouse, Ohio ; Lavina, born Feb. 23, 1829; Helen, born May 18, 1830, deceased ; Denison P., born April 17, 1832, deceased ; Ambrose R., born March 10, 1836 ; Elizabeth, born Dec. 6, 1838, deceased ; Calista C., born April 6, 1840 ; Lucy Minerva, born Jan. 15, 1842.; and Delight, born Jan. 26, 1844, deceased. This family was reared amid the scenes of pioneer life, and at first their nearest neighbor was at Waterville, four miles distant. Marmaduke W. Pray was an enthusiastic woodsman and hunter in his youth, and relates stirring tales of adventure in the wilds of Lucas county, which he has seen change from a land of deer and wild turkeys to a densely populated and productive region. Archibald Pray died Nov. 9, 1852, and his wife, Dec. 3, 1878. Marmaduke Pray accompanied his parents to Waterville township when he was five years of age, grew to manhood there and, Nov. 18, 1852, was united in marriage to Hetty M. (Mullen) Kimber, daughter of William and Abbie (Craine) Mullen. Two children were born of this union Harriet, born Nov. 14, 1853, and Archibald B. Harriet married George Foncannon, a druggist of Liberty Center, Ohio. Archibald B. was born at the old homestead, near Waterville, Jan. 30, 1856, attended the district school near his home and married Mary Adele Roberts, of Lucas county, Oct. 2, 1879. Mrs. Pray was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 21, 1856, and came to Lucas county with her parents when she was a little maid of five years. Her parents are both deceased ; her father was William Roberts, a native of Kentucky, and her mother was Mary (Hoag) Roberts, a native of Ohio. Mr. Pray is active in local affairs ; he was formerly a staunch Republican, but in recent years has considerably modified his views and casts his vote BIOGRAPHICAL - 517 independently. Although not ambitious for political preferment, he is ready to do what his duty as a citizen may require, faithfully and self-sacrificingly. He devotes the major portion of his time to agricultural pursuits, in which he has been very successful ; but at the present time is most interested in the importation of purebred Percheron and Belgian stallions. His barns are commodious and airy and the comfort of his horses is next in importance to the comfort of himself and wife, in the judgment of Mr. Pray. He owns some beautiful animals, pedigreed prize-winners, and cares for them as only a true horse-lover can. As a business, Mr. Pray has made agriculture and horse-raising both profitable and interesting, and as a man of business he is universally esteemed and respected. Warren B. Gunn, deceased, was born in the town of Waterville, Lucas county, Ohio, in September, 1820, and died at his home in Maumee, Jan. 22, 1898. He was the son of Willard and Elizabeth (Grant) Gunn, who were born and married in Massachusetts and came to Waterville in 1817. They became permanent residents of Waterville and were the parents of eight children, all of whom are deceased—Martin, Alfred B., Warren B., Nelson L., Wealthy S., Asahel, Elizabeth, and Willard. Warren B. was reared among the scenes of pioneer life and aided his father in creating a home in the vicinity of Waterville. He was married Jan. 4, 1844, to Miss Eliza J. Martindale, who was born near Maumee, Oct. 24, 1826, a daughter of Elisha and Clara (Conant) Martindale, the former born in Lenox, Berkshire county, Massachusetts. Feb. 14, 1788, the latter in Vergennes, Vt., Jan. 30, 1788. Mr. and Mrs. Martindale were married in Middlebury, Vt., in 1815 ; made their first home in the township of Waynesfield, Lucas county, residing until 1833 on the spot which is the present site of Maumee, and removed from there to a farm within the present limits of Bowling Green, Ohio. Seven children were born to them : Sarah C., Edward C.. Martha L., Shubael C., Eliza J., Maria A., and Horatio C., of whom Martha L. and Eliza J. are the only survivors. Mr. and Mrs. Gunn lived forty-seven years in Monclova township on a farm, which they improved and operated most successfully. In 1892, they changed their residence to Maumee, where Mr. Gunn lived but six years ; his widow now lives in the comfortable home in which she and her husband established themselves upon their removal to Maumee. Mr. Gunn• took an active interest in local affairs, was not ambitious to hold political office, but was always ready to perform his duty to his fellow-citizens when called upon by them to do so. He was a staunch supporter of Republican policies, was elected justice of the peace and town clerk, and was influential in the advancement of many projects for the improve- ment of the public school system. He was a loyal member of the `Masonic order. In appearance Mr. Gunn was dignified and reserved, in opinions conservative, and in character true to the highest ideals of rectitude. He was familiar with every detail of the history of Lucas county, and was instrumental in furthering various enterprises which became steps in the ultimate progress of that thriving 518 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY locality. His sterling traits of character made him one of the most highly esteemed citizens of the county. William H. Tucker has been the incumbent of the position of postmaster at Toledo for the past decade, and the general satisfaction which his administration of affairs gives is attested by the fact that he is now serving his third term of four years. For more than a third of a century Toledo has been his home, and he has ever taken an active interest in all movements looking to the advancement of the city, while in affairs political he has become one of the best known Republicans in Northwestern Ohio. Mr. Tucker is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born at Laporte, Lorain county, Ohio, Oct. 6, 1849, and he is the son of Dr. John A. and Elizabeth (Brush) Tucker, the ancestry on both sides being traced back to Colonial days. The paternal forebears were Quakers in their religious belief, strongly opposed to the bearing of arms and the participation in warfare, and hence their names do not appear on the roll of Revolutionary soldiers. But the same facts do not exist concerning the ancestors on the maternal side, and there were many members of the Brush family who took an active part as soldiers, not only in the Revolutionary war. but in the Indian wars of that period, and the War of 1812 as well. Following the tide of emigration, the grandfather of Mr. Tucker, on the paternal side, came to the then new state of Ohio in 1816, and his grandfather Brush removed his family to Lorain county, in the same state, in 1832. William H. Tucker received his early education in the common schools of Huron county, Ohio, after which he attended the Normal School at Milan and the universities of Yale and Cornell. He remained at the last named institution one year, and then rounded out his education by a four-years' course of study in the Baldwin University at Berea. Ohio. In 1874, he located at Toledo, where he began the study of law in the office of Haynes & Potter. and he was admitted to the bar as a practicing attorney in 1876. Soon thereafter he engaged in the active practice of his profession, and for a period of ten years was associated in partnership with J. T. Green. building up a very extensive practice. After the dissolution of this partnership, Mr. Tucker continued in the practice alone, making a specialty of real estate and probate business, and his activity in the legal profession only ended when he assumed the duties of his present official position. In politics he has always been a Republican of the unswerving type. and he has rendered many valuable services for the party of his choice. Many times he has been chairman of different- campaign committees, principally the Congressional and County Executive. and as a delegate has represented his county and district in State and National conventions. His interest in political affairs has been wholly that of a good citizen, and his activity has not been prompted by a desire to hold public office. He served as a member of the School Board of the city of Toledo from 1894 to 1898. The position of postmaster, which he has filled so acceptably for a number of years, was given to him by the late President William McKinley, in recognition of his services to the party, and he BIOGRAPHICAL - 519 received his first appointment Jan. 11, 1899. Mr. Tucker was married, April 10, 1884, to Miss Harriet Van Gordon, daughter of George. W. Van Gordon, of Warren, Ohio, and to this union there have been born six children—two daughters and four sons—as follows : Helen, Clara May, John Poag, George Ewing, William H.. Jr., and Robert Brush, all of whom were born in Toledo. The three elder children are graduates of the Toledo High School, Helen in the class of 1903. and Clara May and John Poag in the class of 1908. The children are all at home, and the family resides in a beautiful residence at No. 316 Sixth street, in Toledo. Mr. Tucker is prominent in fraternal circles, having received the Knights Templar degree of the Masonic order, and he affiliates with the Knights of Pythias organization. He is also a member of the Toledo Maennerchor and of the Teutonia Maennerchor. His prominence and activity in various lines of endeavor are evidenced by the fact that he is the president of the East Side Improvement Association, president of the William McKinley Club, president, of the Toledo Settlement Association, president of the Toledo Philharmonic Association. president of the board of trustees of the Euclid Ayenue Methodist Episcopal Church. member of the board of trustees of Baldwin University, president of the board of trustees of Toledo University,. and president of the People's State Savings Bank. Charles J. Sanzenbacher is at the present time occupying the responsible position of auditor of Lucas county, and he brings to the discharge of the duties of that office an efficiency that has been developed by years of experience in a subordinate capacity. Mr. Sanzenbacher was born in Indianapolis, Ind., July 10, 1867, and is the son of John and Mary (Hainbusch) Sanzenbacher, both of whom were born in Germany. The father left his native land in 1853, when but sixteen years old. and upon his arrival in America located in Toledo. which place he considered as his home auring the remainder of his life. He had learned the baker's trade in Germany, and followed that occupation. for about five years after his arrival. He then went south, in which section of the country he remained until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he returned to Toledo. Soon thereafter he enlisted in the Thirty-seventh Ohio infantry, as a private, and served with that organization about eighteen months. Then. procuring his discharge, he enlisted in the Sixth Indiana battery of light artillery, which was organized at Indianapolis. With this battery, Mr. Sanzenbacher was stationed for a time at Memphis, and, Nov. 26, 1862, joined Sherman's forces at Tallahatchie. In June. 1863, the battery took the steamer for Vicksburg, where it was actively engaged until the surrender of the city. It was engaged at the Big Black River and took part in the siege of Jackson until the evacuation of that place. At Oak Ridge, Miss., it was assigned to the Third brigade, Third division, Fifteenth corps, and went into camp at Bear creek. In an expedition to Brownsville, in October. 1863, it shelled the enemy out of a strong position. It then moved via Vicksburg to Pocahontas and went into camp. It was then at Black River Bridge until 520 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY March, 1864, when it moved to Vicksburg and Memphis, thence into Northern Mississippi, and it was engaged at Guntown, in June. Its next battle was that of Tupelo, in July, after which it marched with Smith's command to Oxford, returning the last of August. The battery was then assigned to duty at Fort Pickering, where it remained until ordered to Indianapolis, and it was there mustered out, July 22, 1865. It was while in Indianapolis that the father of the subject of this review met and married his wife, and there he lived for a year or two. He then moved to Toledo, working at his trade of baker, and there he died, in June, 1894. The mother still resides in Toledo, as do all of the children—seven sons and two daughters—as follows : Charles J.; Albert ; William ; John ; Carrie, who is the wife of Frank Foster ; Mamie, who is the wife of Rudolph Ahrendt ; Otto, Louis and Rudolph. All of the children were born in Toledo, excepting the first named, and they were all educated in the public schools of the city. Charles J. Sanzenbacher, whose name introduces this review, began his independent career as an employe in a cigar store, and afterward secured a position as messenger boy for the Wabash Elevator Company. He remained with this concern a considerable length of time, being successively promoted until he was made foreman of the largest elevator. He held this position until the election of Samuel A. Hunter as county treasurer, when that gentleman offered him a position in the treasurer's office. He accepted the place and worked in the office for a period of eight years, during six years of which he occupied the position of deputy county treasurer. Then a change in the administration of the office occurred, and he accepted a position in the county auditor's office under William. M. Godfrey. He became the deputy of Mr. Godfrey, and remained in that position throughout the administration of David Davies, whose term expired in September, 1909, being succeeded by Mr. Sanzenbacher, who was elected county auditor in November, 1908. Mr. Sanzenbacher is a Republican in his political affiliations, and fraternally he has membership in the -Masonic order, having risen to the Commanders degrees, and he is also a Shriner and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also has membership in the National Union, the McKinley and Lincoln Clubs, the Toledo Maennerchor, and the Arbeiter Saengerbund. Mr. Sanzenbacher was married, Feb. 14, 1889, to Miss Anna Folger, daughter of Jacob Folger, one of Toledo's pioneer pork packers and owner of a large packing plant in the city. Of this union there were born, March 21, 1894, twin boys—Walter and Arthur. The Sanzenbacher home is pleasantly located at 2447 Vermont avenue. William Clifton Can is one of the younger generation of business men in the city of Toledo, but already he is recognized as a leader in financial affairs, and his success is the result of superior ability and painstaking efforts in the performance of duties assigned to him. Mr. Carr was born in Toledo, Aug. 18, 1873, the son of Spencer D. and Martha Louise (Richards) Carr, and it might be said that he inherited his aptitude for business, as his father has for BIOGRAPHICAL - 521 years been the president of the National Bank of Commerce, of Toledo. William C. Carr received his education in the public schools of Toledo, including a high school course, and at the Toledo Manual Training School, in which institution he graduated in 1892. As a boy he accepted a position in the Second National Bank, with which he has been connected throughout his business career, and he has been successively promoted until at this time he is the cashier of that important financial concern. As an evidence of his standing among the men of affairs, it may be mentioned that he is the president of the Toledo Business Men's Club, an organization with 800 members. Polticallv, he gives an unswerving allegiance to the men and measures of the Republican party, and his religious faith is expressed by membership in the Collingwood- Avenue Presbyterian Church, of which organization he officiates as deacon. Fraternally he has been a member of the Masonic order for the past twelve years, and socially he has membership in the Toledo Club, the Toledo Yacht Club. and the Toledo Business Men's Club, before mentioned. On July 18, 1898, Mr. Carr was married to Miss Cora Elizabeth Crim, of Bowling Green, Ohio, and to this union there have been born five children : three sons and two daughters. Michael John Skehan, deceased, was one of the influential and successful business men of Toledo in his day. Born in County Tipperary, Ireland, March 5, 1837, he came to the United States with his parents, Michael and Margaret (Cooper) Skehan, while still a youth. Something of the history of the parents may be gleaned from the sketch of John Peter Skehan, another son, elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Skehan attended the parochial school connected with the Church of St. Francis de Sales in Toledo, but at an early age was compelled to abandon his studies in order that he might work and assist in the support of the family. His first employment was with D. Y. Howell & Sons Company, dealers in fish and sea foods, and for some thirty-two years he remained with that firm, being gradually promoted from minor positions to places of trust and responsibility. Subsequently he removed to Louisville, Ky., to act as manager of the Louisville Fish & Oyster Company, and he also served at different periods in the same capacity for the Howell Company and Bethel Brothers, in the same city. When his brother, John P.. entered the business of street sprinkling and horse dealing, Michael Skehan invested a portion of his hard-earned capital in the industry, which gradually grew to such proportions that it required the attention of both brothers, and Michael resigned his position in Louisville and returned to Toledo. During the balance of his active life he continued to devote himself to this new business, with such zeal and earnestness, in fact, that overwork undermined his physical condition, and in 1900 he was compelled to eschew participation in commercial life entirely. But his release came too late, and he gradually failed until, on Dec. 22, 1902, death relieved his sufferings. The funeral exercises were held in St. .Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, in which he and his family were communicants, and interment was in Calvary Cemetery. Mr. Skehan was no party man in his political relations, 522 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY but always exercised his right of suffrage for the person or party he considered best qualified for the positions under vote. Aside from a term of two years as assistant superintendent of the waterworks system of Toledo, he never held nor aspired to public office of any nature. On Jan. 20, 1890, in Toledo, Ohio, occurred Mr. Skehan's marriage to Miss Catherine Carney, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Canon) Carney. A short biography of Mrs. Skehan's parents appears in the memoir of John Peter Skehan, elsewhere in this work, as the brothers married sisters. Two children—a son and a daughter—were born to bless this marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Skehan. Elizabeth, the elder, is attending school at St. Mary's, of Notre Dame, at South Bend, Ind., while Robert, the younger, who also lives with his widowed mother, at 2468 Hollywood avenue, is interested in the industry left by his father. Mr. Skehan was a man with great love for his home, and made of it one of the greatest delights of his wife and children. Jay K. Secor is a worthy scion of a family that has been identified with the financial affairs of the city of Toledo for man years. and by his own activities he is well sustaining the reputation established by his forebears. He was born in Toledo. Ohio. April 28, 1872, and is the son and only surviving child of the late James Secor and Charlotte A. (Steele) Secor. The father is given a more extended mention on another page of this volume, and the widowed mother resides at the Secor residence, 2033 Collingwood avenue. Jay K. Secor received his preliminary education in the schools of Toledo, and later he attended school two years at Andover, Mass. Since first launching out upon his independent career he has been engaged in the banking business, being first connected with the Northern National Bank for a period of seven years. He was then in the oil business for about eighteen months, but for the past ten years has been associated with James Brown Bell, under the firm name of Secor & Bell, in the banking and brokerage business, and located in the arcade of the Gardner Building. is prominently connected with various business enterprises of the city, among which may be mentioned the following: President of the Commonwealth Building Company, president of the Citizens' Ice Company, president of the Naval Stores Company, president and director of the Toledo-Massillon Bridge Company, director of the W. L. Milner Company, the largest department store in Toledo : director of the Toledo Steamship Company director of the Whitney & Currier Company (pianos), Currier Hall ; director of the Toledo Home Telephone Company director of the Toledo Railways & Light Company, and vice president of the Northern National tank. Politically, he gives allegiance to the Republican party, and socially he has membership in the Toledo Club, the Country Club. the Lake Erie Shooting Club, and the Castalia Fishing Club. Mr. Secor very appropriately celebrated his twenty-sixth birthday, April 28, 1898, by being united in marriage to Miss Mary Young Barnes. a native of Colorado and the daughter of C. W. Barnes, of that state. To this happy union there have been born three children—James Jay. George Barnes, and Virginia—and the family resides at the Secor BIOGRAPHICAL - 523 residence, 2033 Collingwood avenue. Among the public enterprises in which the subject of this review has been prominent in promoting is the new Hotel Secor, Toledo's $1,000.000 fireproof hostelry. This is one of the finest hotels in this part of the country, fully equipped in every respect, with a beautiful ball room, convention hall, committee rooms, banquet rooms, and private dining rooms for any number of people. The hotel is conducted and managed by the Wallick Brothers, and it was named in honor of Jay K. Secor, who is president of the company that erected it. The hotel is located at the corner of Jefferson avenue and Superior street, and was opened to the public Aug. 1, 1908. The interior is handsomely decorated, and not the least among the objects of interest are beautifully painted portraits of the late James Secor and Joseph Secor. These paintings are the work of William Funke, the famous artist, whose pictures have been on view at the Toledo Museum of Art, and they were hung by Henry Reinhart, Who came from New York to personally superintend the work. The painting of James Secor was presented by Mrs. James Secor and Jay K. Secor, and that of Joseph Secor was presented by Mrs. Joseph Secor and Arthur Secor. It is eminently fitting that the portraits of the two men who were most actively successful in building up the fortunes of the family should hang in the beautiful hostelry that bears the family name. For many years the name of Secor has been identified with the city's best life, social, literary and philanthropic, as well as commercial. Gilbert Harmon, who for more than forty years was engaged in the practice of law in the city of Toledo, was born at Thorndike, Waldo county. Maine, March 30, 1834. His parents, Elias and Mary (Moulton) Harmon, were both natives of Maine. the father having been born at Standish, Cumberland county, and the mother at Thorndike. Both his grandfathers—Josiah Harmon and Josiah Moulton—were natives of Standish, Me. The former served under Washington in the Revolutionary war, entering the army as a musician at the age of fourteen years and continuing with the Continental forces until he was twenty-one. A maternal ancestor. Col. Jeremiah Moulton, was in command of the Massachusetts Colonial troops at the siege of Louisburg. in 1745, being at that time ninety years of age. He also held the office of sheriff and was judge of the Supreme Court. Elias Harmon, Gilbert's father, was a cooper during the early years of his life, but later engaged in merchandising, which vocation he followed until his death, he and his wife both passing their entire lives in their native State. They reared a family of four daughters and three sons, of whom two sons and one daughter are yet living. George is a professor in Tufts college. Medford Mass. ; Moulton is engaged in mining operations in California ; and the sister is Mrs. Charles Redlon. of Salem. Mass. After suitable preparation. Gilbert Harmon entered Tufts College, where he graduated in 1863. He then entered the.law office of Philip Eastman & Son, at Saco. Me.. with whom he studied for three years. and, in 1866. was admitted to the bar in York county. Maine. For two years he practiced 524 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY at Biddeford and, in 1868, came to Toledo, where he opened a law office and was one of the successful attorneys of Lucas county, until his death, Aug. 17, 1909. From 1889 to 1894 he held the office of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, discharging the duties of that position in a manner that showed him to be well versed in the law and to the satisfaction of the people who elected him to the office. Judge Harmon was one of the men who developed the oil field in Wood county, Ohio-, in which he at one time held a large interest, some of his wells producing as much as 1,000 barrels a day. After being connected with the oil industry for twelve years, he disposed of his holdings and devoted all his attention to the practice of his profession, though the welfare of his clients had never been neglected because of his oil investments. Politically, Judge Harmon was. a life-long Democrat, his first vote having been cast for James Buchanan for President, in 1856, and his name was well known to the Democracy of Ohio and the adjoining states of Indiana and Michigan. On Oct. 11, 1870, Judge Harmon married, at West Topsham, Vt., Miss Lucie C. Watson, a daughter of Oramel Watson of that place. Mrs. Harmon was educated at a seminary for young ladies at Woodstock, Vt., and was a woman of rare culture and refinement. She died March 10, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Harmon were the parents of three children —two daughters and a son. Esther graduated in languages at the University of Michigan, in 1906, and then spent a year at the University of Berlin, Germany. She is a fine German scholar, and is now at Bryn Mawr, a female college near Philadelphia, Pa. Lucie is a graduate of the Toledo High School and the Toledo Normal School, taught for nine years in the public schools of that city, and is now a student in the scientific course at the University of Michigan. Watson G. completed the four years' engineering course in the University of Michigan, in June, 1909, having graduated at the Toledo Polytechnic School, in 1902. Judge Harmon belonged to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, and his wife was a member of the Church of Our Father (Unitarian). General Henry S. Commager, lawyer and soldier, was born in Lancaster, Pa., in 1812, and died at Galveston, Tex., in 1867, of yellow fever, while on a business trip to that city. He was the son of Gerard Jean Commagere, of Huguenot descent, and Abigail Steel. He moved to Lucas county, Ohio, in 1831, and studied law in the office of Young & Waite, being admitted to the Lucas County bar in 1842, in which year he married Hannah Hedges and commenced the practice of his profession in Maumee City, in partnership with Judge Reuben C. Lemmon, under the firm name of Commager & Lemmon. In 1832, the firm moved to Toledo, and soon became the possessor of a large and conspicuous law business. General Commager was twice an unsuccessful candidate for Congress in the Toledo district. On the night of April 15, 1861, upon hearing of the firing upon Fort Sumter by the South Carolina forces, an immense mass meeting was held by the people of Toledo. Morrison R. Waite, Gen. James B. Steedman, and General Commager delivered powerful and eloquent speeches