BIOGRAPHICAL - 525 for the Union cause, and pledged themselves, their influence and their activities to its maintenance. This great uprising of the loyal people of Toledo was a great and long remembered event. General Commager at once abandoned his law business, entered the Union army, and for more than four years served in its conquering ranks. Upon the organization of the Sixty-seventh Ohio infantry, in the fall of 1861, he entered that organization as captain of Company A, and left Columbus for the field, Jan. 19, 1862, going into western Virginia. His regiment was the first to engage the enemy at Winchester on March 23, and at Harrison's Landing it campaigned with the Army of the Potomac until the evacuation of the Peninsula, when it went to Suffolk, Va. Being then transferred to the Carolinas, for seven months it heroically endured all the hardships, privations, and dangers of the siege of Charleston and took part in the attack upon Fort Wagner. For conspicuous valor in this last named engagement General Commager was called "the hero of Fort Wagner." On July 29, 1862, he had been promoted to major of his regiment, and on Aug. 28, following, was made lieutenant-colonel. Returning to Virginia, the regiment participated in the battle of Chester Station, May 10, 1864, and ten days later, at Bermuda Hundred, it participated in a charge. During the spring, summer and fall of 1864 the regiment confronted the enemy at all times within range of his guns, and it is said by officers competent to judge that in that time it was under fire 200 times. General Commager remained with his regiment until the expiration of the three years' term of enlistment, and he did brave and signal service, being wounded three times. Col. A. C. Voris, commanding at the battle of Chester Station, in his report of the engagement, says : "Col. Cyrus J. Dobbs, commanding Thirteenth Indiana Volunteers, Col. John McConihe, commanding the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth New York Volunters, and Lieutenant-Colonel Commager, commanding Sixty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, are deserving of great credit for their efficiency and example on the occasion and the ability with which they managed their respective commands." Gen. Alfred H. Terry, in his report of the same engagement, says : "Lieutenant-Colonel Commager, Major Butler, and Adjutant Childs, of the same [ Sixty-seventh Ohio] regiment. are especially deserving of notice." After his term of service had expired in the Sixty-seventh regiment, General Commager turned his attention to the organization of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Ohio infantry, of which he was made colonel. This regiment was organized at Camp Chase, in February, 1863, to serve for one year. Immediately after muster-in it was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., where it remained for a short time doing garrison duty. From Nashville it proceeded to Chattanooga, thence to Bridgeport, Ala., which place it reached about March 21, and was engaged in protecting an important railroad bridge over the Tennessee river. It also guarded the track of the railroad between Bridgeport and Chattanooga, a distance of about thirty miles. On July 23, the regiment was ordered to Edgefield for garrison duty, and remained at that place until it was mustered 526 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY out of service, Sept. 20, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn. After his retirement from the service, General Commager returned to his law practice at Toledo and continued so engaged until his death. He was an able lawyer, eloquent, courteous and earnest. and he was emphatically "a gentleman of the old school." To him and his excellent wife there were born four children—Frank, David H., Sophia, and Harriet. Of these, judge David H. Commager and Mrs. Sophia E. Ecker are living and reside at Toledo. Judge David H. Commager was born in Lucas county, Ohio, in 1848, and received his education in the Toledo public schools and at the Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. When a boy of but fifteen years of age, he entered the Union army as a private in Company B. Fifth Indiana cavalry, with which he served in Kentucky and Tennessee and participated in the Atlanta campaign. On March 15. 1865, he was commissioned second lieutenant of Company H, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Ohio infantry (the regiment of which his father was colonel), and served in that capacity until mustered out with his company, Sept. 20, 1865. Judge Commager states that he believes he was the youngest commissioned officer of the line in active service in the Union army, being less than seventeen years old when he received his commission as second lieutenant. There were many boys who enlisted in the army, and it was a very common occurrence for them to give in their age as two or three years older than they really were. Judge Commager states that he gave his age at enlistment as nineteen, and thus was permitted to satisfy his patriotic desire to serve the cause of his country. Such misrepresentations in those days of carnage were considered excusable and but little attention was given to the age of the volunteer soldiers. After returning from the scenes of conflict, judge Commager completed his education and then commenced the study of law with the firm of Lemmon & Seney, both members of which firm afterward became common pleas judges. In 1874, he was admitted to the bar and at once entered into the legal practice. From 1878 to 1883. he was a member and president of the Toledo Board of Elections, which office he resigned to accept that of Judge of the Common Pleas Court for the Toledo judicial district, having been elected to fill a vacancy caused by the promotion of Judge John H. Doyle to the Supreme Court bench of Ohio. At the close of this short term Judge Commager was re-elected judge for a full term and served until 1890. Later he again served four years as a member of the Toledo election board. An unusually able and gallant soldier. in the time of peace he has filled each trust assigned him with ability and integrity. He is a good speaker. a strong lawyer, and is fond of politics and literature. In 1874, judge Commager was married to Miss Elizabeth Williams, and of this union there were born three children : James W., Harry S., and Anna B. The second son, Harry S. Commager, is the partner of his father in the law. firm of Commager & Commager, with offices at 505-6 National Union Building, Toledo. BIOGRAPHICAL - 627 Carl A. Huebner.—The Bavarian Brewing Company, one of the recently established industrial enterprises of Toledo, was incorporated in December, 1906, by the following persons : A. W. Shields, J. N. Koerner, Henry Bayer, H. J. Reitelbach and Henry Wagner, all of Columbus, Ohio. The plant was procured and equipped with the best modern brewing appliances, early in 1907, and July 8, 1907, the first brew was made. The beer was placed on sale Oct. 8, 1907, and is known as Preferred Stock, made on honor. The authorized capital stock of the company is $200,000, which is owned by fifteen stockholders. The present officers of the company are Carl A. Huebner, president, Henry Bayer, vice-president, A. W. Shields, secretary, J. N. Koerner, treasurer, George H. Eiben, assistant secretary and treasurer, and Joseph Hermann, brew-master. The brewery was originally an ale brewery ; its remodelling was undertaken in 1904 by the Gambrinus Brewing Company and completed by its present owners. The establishment is now thoroughly up-to-date in every particular and compares favorably with any brewery in the State. Its capacity is 43.000 barrels annually. Mr. Joseph Herrmann, the brew-master, is a graduate of both European and American brewers' schools, with years of experience in the largest and most celebrated breweries in the United States, among them the Anheuser and Lemps establishments. The plant is kept in a perfect sanitary condition ; the bottling is conducted under the direct supervision of the brew-master, and the purity of the beer is assured by a strict guaranty. The brewery, located at 28-34 South Superior street, is an interesting sight, and with its ceaseless activity and the process of manufacture of "Preferred Stock" is often watched by visitors. The Bavarian Brewing Company is an independent one, relying entirely on the merit of its product for success. The beer has found a ready sale and is highly esteemed by connoisseurs. Mr. Huebner, the president of the company, is an experienced and trusted business man, who now devotes his entire attention to the management of the Bavarian company. He is a man who is thorough in all his undertakings and has his business well organized. He is a good judge of men and is much respected by his employes, being fair and just with all persons with whom he deals. Justice Wilson, A. B., LL. B., one of the younger members of the legal fraternity in Lucas county, with offices in the Nicholas Building, Toledo, is well entitled to consideration in this historical work. He is one of Toledo's native sons. born May 12, 1881, the son of Charles G. Wilson, one of Lucas county's wealthiest men, and Louise (Amsden) Wilson. (A sketch of parents appears on another page of this volume.) Justice Wilson acquired his primary education in the graded schools of the city of Toledo, after which he entered the high school there and completed the courses of study of the freshman and sophomore years. He then attended Lawrenceville School. Lawrenceville, N. J., and was graduated with the class of 1900. In the ensuing fall he matriculated as a student in the classic halls of .Yale University, New Haven, Conn., 528 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY and in June, 1904, the faculty of that celebrated institution conferred upon him his Bachelor of Arts degree. During the following autumn he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where for three years he assiduously pursued the prescribed course of study, in the meantime officiating as a member of the Board of Editors of the Michigan Law Review, and receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws during commencement week, in June, 1907. Later in the same month he was admitted to the bar of Ohio and then established offices for the practice of his profession in the Nicholas Building, one of the largest office buildings in the city of Toledo, where he has since been located. Justice Wilson is admirably qualified for the practice of law. Nature has endowed him with exceptional aptitude, rapid perception, a retentive memory, business tact and shrewdness, and his scholastic preparations for the exacting work of the profession have been of the best. Though he is one of the younger members of the Lucas county bar, having been in active practice less than four years, he has attained to gratifying success and prestige as a practitioner. He has won enviable renown for excellence in every branch of the legal practice, and for the painstaking, thorough and forceful manner in which he conducts his cases. His kindly, courteous demeanor, in his office, on the street. in the court room and elsewhere, has won him hosts of friends in every walk of life, and today he enjoys an extensive and lucrative clientage, extending over Toledo. Lucas county. and portions of the states of Ohio and Michigan. In addition to his work in the law a great deal of his time and attention is devoted to looking after the extensive real estate holdings of his father. In his political affiliations Justice Wilson is aligned in the ranks of the Republican party, though he reserves the privilege of acting independently of party ties when local issues are at stake. Like many other professional men, he is an enthusiastic champion of the game of golf, holding membership in both the Toledo and the Country clubs. On Jan. 30, 1909. Justice Wilson was happily united in marriage to Miss Marian Lee Sneath, daughter of Samuel B. Sneath, of Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, where Mrs. Wilson was born, reared and received her elementary educational training. She later attended Curtis-Peabody School for Girls, at Boston, Mass., and was graduated there with the class of 1905. She is an accomplished young woman in every respect and is active in the social affairs of Toledo. She holds membership in the Collingwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, in the affairs of which she is a conspicuous figure. Mr. Wilson and wife reside in pleasant apartments in the Wilson apartment building, the property of his honored father, situated at the corner of Fulton and Bancroft streets, in the very heart of one of the choice resident districts of Toledo. Lloyd T. Williams, junior member of the law firm of Brown, Geddes, Schmettau & Williams, of Toledo. was born at Jackson, Ohio, May 31, 1874, his parents being William E. and Anna (Hughes) Williams, the father a practicing physician of Jackson. BIOGRAPHICAL - 529 Lloyd T. Williams graduated at the Ohio State University with the class of 1896, with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, and in 1900 he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws from the same institution. During the years 1896-97 he was assistant principal of the Jackson High School. and, in 1900, began the practice of law. conducting his business alone until in 1903, when he became a member of the firm of Brown. Geddes, Schmettau & Williams, with offices at 1103 Ohio Building. Mr. Williams is a Republican in his political affiliations ; is a member of the Presbyterian church, and belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Toledo club. He resides at No. 16. La Florence Apartments. John Frederick Mauntler, deceased. was an influential and well-known figure for many years among the German residents of the city of Toledo and throughout the county. He was born in Hanover. Germany, July 23, 1827, the son of John and Lenora (Lappen) Mauntler. and when but nine years of age he came to the United States with his parents. The 'father, who was an agriculturist by vocation, learned of the opportunities offered in the way of cheap land, adjoining good markets, in Sandusky county, Ohio. and made his way to the vicinity of Woodville, where he established himself as a farmer. Later in his life he disposed of his land at a goodly figure and removed to the village of Woodville, where he lived retired until the time of his death, which occurred in 1864. The mother, who was born in 1786, died in 1878, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. The father was a Democrat in his political affiliations. and he and his wife were devout members of the German Lutheran church, in which faith their children were reared. Four children—Maria, Engeline, Henry and John Frederick. now all deceased—came to bless their union. John Frederick Mauntler, the subject of this memoir, received his scholastic training in the public schools of Woodville, but his advantages were limited because of the fact that it early became necessary for him to earn his own living. Before he had attained his majority he removed to Perrysburg, Ohio, where, under the excellent tutelage of Edward Bloomfield, he spent two years as an apprentice in the wagon-making business. Having thoroughly mastered every detail of the trade, he returned to Woodville and established himself in the same business. Within a few years he had prospered to such an extent that he was enabled to purchase a small farm adjoining the village, and for some years operated it in connection with his other business. In 1874 he disposed of all his interests in Woodville and removed to East Toledo, where, on the present site of the East Side Bank, he established a wagon-making shop and invested the money he had saved and made from the sale of his Woodville property in various tracts of real estate. In 1890 his holdings in realty had so appreciated in value that they demanded all his attention. and he sold his wagon-making business to look after them. This labor occupied him until the time of his demise, which occurred June 21, 1900. Mr. Mauntler, in his earlier life. was a stanch supporter of the principles of Jeffersonian Democracy, but during the admin- 530 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY istration of President Hayes he became convinced that the party was growing away from its ideals and severed his connection with it. From that time on until the end of his days he never felt the yoke of party fealty, but exercised his right of franchise for the men and measures which his conscience and better judgment advised him were for the betterment of the community, the State and the Nation. Shortly after coming to Toledo he became affiliated with the Erie Street Lutheran Church, of which for a period he was one of the deacons, and up to the day of his passing he remained loyal in his relation to it and devout in his attendance upon its services. On Oct. 29, 1851, occurred Mr. Mauntler's marriage to Miss Maria Elizabeth Seabert, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Solman) Seabert, of Woodville. Seven children were the result of this marriage. Helen, Carrie Louise and George Henry, the three eldest, are deceased ; Charles Frederick is a resident of Atlanta, Ga. ; Henry lives in Chicago, Ill. ; Ella Lenora is deceased, and Edith Maria makes her home with her widowed mother at 611 Second street. Mrs. Mauntler's parents were both born in Hanover, Germany. Mr. Seabert was a farmer by vocation, and in 1831, the year of his arrival in the United States, he acquired, under the homestead law, a tract of land in Sandusky county, Ohio. Industry and thrift made of this wooded tract a finely improved farm within a few years and enabled Mr. Seabert to dispose of it to good advantage. He then opened a saw and grist mill in Woodville. and in this labor met with the same success which had attended his efforts as a farmer. Upon the disposal of this industry he removed to Stony Ridge, where he purchased another farm and the controlling interest in a modern hostelry. Some years later, feeling that he was entitled to a respite from the dull routine of every-day business life, he sold all his holdings in and around Stony Ridge and removed to Perrysburg, to live retired. His hours in that village were devoted to public questions, and it was not long before he was honored by his fellow citizens with offices of public trust. For various periods he was a member of the school board of the village, and mayor, and he held other offices. His election to these positions of responsibility always came to him as the candidate of the Republican party, in which he bore one of the leading parts in his section of the State. His religious relations were with the German Methodist church. and at different times he was the recipient of all the honors to which a lay member of the body is entitled. Mr. Seabert's death occurred Nov. 20, 1874, and several years later, on Aug. 21, 1898, his grief-stricken widow passed away at the advanced age of ninety years, eight months and two days. Ten children were born to bless this union—seven daughters and three sons. Anna Maria and Maria are deceased ; Maria Elizabeth is the widow of John Frederick Mauntler, the subject of this memoir ; Louisa, the widow of Doan Blinn, lives in Toledo ; Caroline is the wife of Leonard Blinn and lives in the State of Iowa ; Amelia is the widow of Arthur Graham, of New York ; and Helen, Henry. John J. and Gerhardt are all deceased. BIOGRAPHICAL - 531 Aaron Slagle, of the law firm of Kountz, Slagle & Cole, with offices at 303 Gardner Building, Toledo, was born at Springfield, Ohio, Jan. 20, 1880, his parents having been John W. and Selinda (Hanks) Slagle. The father was a farmer by occupation and died at Springfield, May 22, 1905, and the mother is now living with the subject of this sketch, at No. 8, Eastman Flats, corner of Empire and Vermont streets, Toledo. Aaron Slagle received his general education in the schools of his native city, after which he entered the Detroit College of Law, where he graduated in June, 1903, and the same month was admitted to the Michigan bar. Having a desire to see something of the world, he traveled for a time, thus gaining knowledge of men and affairs before settling down to the practice of his profession. He began practice at Los Angeles, Cal., with the law firm of Lawler, Allen & Van Dyke, with whom he remained until in July, 1904, when he returned to Detroit and practiced there until Jan. 1, 1905. He then traveled for the American Telephone & Telegraph Company until Jan. 2, 1906. In the meantime, he had been admitted to the Ohio bar, in December, 1904, and upon severing his connection with the telegraph and telephone company he located in Toledo, where he resumed the practice of law, having an office alone until February, 1907. when the firm of Kountz, Slagle & Cole was organized. It is composed of Charles D. Kountz, Aaron Slagle and William C. Cole. all three young men, active and energetic, careful and painstaking in their business, and with brilliant prospects for the future. Mr. Slagle was appointed assistant city solicitor, July 5. 1909. He belongs to the Lincoln Republican Club and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, both of Toledo. Joshua Robert Seney, one of the ablest judges that ever graced the Ohio bench and one of the most eloquent and convincing lawyers that ever practiced at the bar, came from a family noted for their legal attainments. His father's people came to this country from England. though they were originally of Norman-French stock. John Seney, his great-grandfather, was a lawyer by profession and was for many years a member of the Maryland Assembly and chairman of what is now known as the Committee on Judiciary. He was also a member of the convention that ratified the Federal Constitution, in 1787. and of the Electoral College which unanimously chose General Washington for President. He entered the Revolutionary war as a captain of Maryland volunteers and, after nearly seven long years of service, was mustered out as colonel. Joshua Seney. the grandfather of the, subject of this memoir, was graduated in the Literary Department of the University of Pennsylvania, in 1773. receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. On his diploma are the names of Benjamin Rush, Professor of Chemistry and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and Doctors Morgan and Shippen, the latter not only distinguished as a great scholar, but as the father-in-law of Benedict Arnold. Joshua Seney afterward served as a member of the Maryland Assembly, with his father, and was for four years a member of the Continental Congress. having, as a colleague, his 532 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY old instructor, Benjamin Rush. He served upon the judicial bench as Chief Justice of his native State, having Will, Russell, Will, and Owens, as his associates. He was a member of the First congress after the Government was formed, and was re-elected to the Second congress, serving from March 4, 1789, to May 1, 1792, when he resigned. He was a presidential elector in 1792, voting for Washington and Adams. In 1798, he was again elected to Congress, defeating Hon. William Hindman, but he never lived to take his seat. He is buried in Queen Anne's county, Maryland. where a stone is erected to his memory bearing the following simple but sincere inscription : "Beneath this Stone are interred the remains of JOSHUA SENEY, Who was born near the spot which now contains his ashes, March 4th. 1736, and died October 20, 1798. From the commencement of the American Revolution, at various periods of his life, he filled with ability some of the highest stations. and discharged with integrity some of the most important duties to which his native State could appoint him ; Preserving through the whole a character, both private and public, untainted by a single vice. In 1776, a Whig. a Democrat in 1798, he zealously and unceasingly maintained the liberties of his country, and died as he lived An Honest Man and A Christian." The paternal grandmother of Joshua Robert Seney was the daughter of Commodore Nicholson. who. at one period of the Revolution, had chief command of the Navy. His father. also Joshua Seney by name. was born in New York. in 1793. and was graduated at Columbia College. in the Classical Course. and also in the University Law School. He was private secretary to Albert Gallatin (his uncle by marriage) while the latter was Secretary of the Treasury. under President Jefferson. After practicing law for ten years in Uniontown. Pa.. he came to Tiffin. Ohio. He was BIOGRAPHICAL - 533 elected Clerk of the Supreme Court, and President Jackson appointed him United States District Judge for Pennsylvania, which position he subsequently resigned, preferring the freedom of the practice to the exactions of the bench. In 1840, he was one of the Presidential electors. He died in 1854. Anna (Ebbert) Seney, the mother of the subject of this memoir, was born in 1803, of Holland extraction, her grandfather, William Wood, having been one of those Dutch merchants who early migrated to America ; her father, George Ebbert, was also a merchant and Mr. Wood's business associate. She was graduated at Brownsville Female College and shortly afterward met her husband, at Uniontown, Pa., where he came with Albert Gallatin on a business mission. After a short courtship they were married. She was a woman noted for her charitable and kindly acts. She died in 1879. Joshua Robert Seney attended Antioch College during the presidency of Horace Mann, and later graduated at Union College. receiving the honors in languages out of a class of 150 members, in 1860. He was master of seven languages and had the. scholastic honor of belonging to the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity. Early in the Civil war. he offered himself as a private and, though of an early age, was recommended for a major's commission, but being in poor health at the time, the Government refused to consider his services. He was one of the organizers of the One Hundred and First infantry and served a short time as a sutler. Judge Seney studied law with Judge Pillars. of Tiffin, Ohio, and upon being admitted to the bar came to Toledo to practice his profession. He formed a law partnership with Hon. R. C. Lemmon, which partnership was dissolved when he was elected judge of the district—or Common Pleas—bench, when but twenty-nine years of age, and in a Republican stronghold. As a judge he made an enviable record. He was careful, painstaking and just. He was the first judge in the State and one of the first in the Nation, to permit a negro to sit on a jury ; and in one of many trying cases that came before him he decided. "that a clerkship is not an office within the meaning of the Constitution. and that a woman is eligible to fill it." This decision was sustained by the Supreme Court and threw open the doors to the employment of women in clerical capacities, in State, county and city offices. The brilliant career of Judge Seney was cut short by ill health, which originally resulted from la grippe, and for over ten years prior to his death he was deprived of those privileges that health gives ; but he bore his affliction uncomplainingly and with patience; resignation and fortitude—he was great in his misfortune. Before his illness, friends frequently endeavored to induce Judge Seney to run for office, and several times he was nominated by acclamation for important trusts, but he always refused these honors, as his highest aim was to excel in his profession. He had an exhaustless generosity—his greatest fault, if it can be called a fault. He was endowed with a sterling integrity, broad-minded. and public-spirited, and he was absolutely fearless in doing what he thought was right. While Judge Seney was known as a classical scholar, a graceful writer, and a good 534 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY attorney in the general field of law, yet his strongest forte was at the trial table. His logical arguments, couched in eloquent and forceful rhetoric, made him a peer in the conduct of court work, and in the examination of witnesses he would be hard to excel. While in politics he was a Democrat, yet he was an enemy to any set, no matter in what party, who opposed the fundamental principles of liberty and constitutional law. He was one of the three men, then young lawyers, who laid the foundation for the splendid law library of Toledo. Soon after locating in Toledo. he was married to Miss Julia Rice, of Ottawa, Ohio, daughter of Hon. C. H. Rice, president of the Ottawa Banking House, and a sister of the late Gen. Americus V. Rice, member of Congress and United States pension agent under President Cleveland. judge Seney was a brother of the late Judge George E. Seney, of Tiffin, Ohio : of the late Judge Henry W. Seney. of Toledo, Ohio: of Mrs. Harvey Reddick, and of Mrs. Frances Crum, the well known and accomplished artist, of Toledo. He was a cousin of George I. Seney, of New York, financier, philanthropist and art connoisseur. When Judge Seney was taken ill, by reason of his sickness he became .financially involved and the support and maintenance of his family devolved upon his wife. Mrs. Seney. who is a graduate of Vermillion College, prior to her husband's illness, had achieyed recognition by reason of her meritorious literary productions, and she immediately turned her efforts in that direction, doing magazine and special newspaper work. On the recommendation of Gov. James E. Campbell, the Ohio World's Fair Commission appointed Mrs. Seney hostess for Ohio at the Chicago World's Fair, which position she gracefully and ably filled. After the fair, she was associate editor on Toledo newspapers. Miring the Cleyeland administration, she was appointed superintendent of the registry division of the Toledo postoffice, being the only woman to hold such a position in a first-class postoffice. This position she ably filled for five years, and then resigned it. The inspectors in their reports placed Mrs. Seney's office "at the top" on account of its marked efficiency. Mrs. Seney is also known as an accomplished Shakesperean scholar. Since leaving the postoffice she has deyoted herself largely to business interests and home duties, pausing occasionally to favor her friends with some products of her pen. George E. Seney, Jr., the son and only living issue of the above Joshua R. and Julia (Rice) Seney, is a native of Toledo. Ohio. He was graduated at the Toledo High School and Manual Training School. in both courses, in 1897. He attended the literary departments of the Ohio State University and the University of Michigan, after which he entered and was graduated in the College of Law of the Ohio State University. He was admitted to the bar in 1900, and thereupon entered upon the practice of law. In 1902, he was the Democratic nominee for prosecuting attorney of Lucas county and, while defeated, he ran markedly ahead of his ticket, against a strong opponent. When Judge Wachenheimer was elected county prosecutor, he offered Mr. Seney the position of first assistant. which position he declined, as it would necessitate his leaving a BIOGRAPHICAL - 535 well established practice. For seven years preceding the death of Capt. Wesley S. Thurstin, he was engaged with that distinguished lawyer and his son, Wesley S. Thurstin, Jr., in the practice of law. At present he is a member of the firm of Seney & Thurstin, which firm is composed of George E. Seney, Wesley S. Thurstin, Jr., and I. E. Austin. George E. Seney married Miss Adah B. Kuhlthau, a woman of high accomplishments as a musician, poet and linguist, and the daughter of C. E. Kuhlthau, now residing in Delaware. Ohio. A daughter, Julia Rice Seney, Jr., is their only living child. Ira C. Taber, senior member of the able firm of Taber, Longbrake & O'Leary, attorneys, and legal counsel for some of the most important corporations in Toledo, has practiced with marked success in the various courts for more than twenty-five years. He was born near New Rochester, Wood county. Ohio, Oct. 4, 1860, son of Nelson D. and Samantha (Skells) ) Taber. both natives of New York. The Skells family settled in Seneca county, Ohio, in 1832, and the Taber family in Fulton county a few years later. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Taber were married in Seneca county and became the parents of three children, of whom Ira C. is the only survivor. Mary, who was a teacher in the public schools of Bowling Green, Ohio, died there in 1886, twenty-four years of age ; Nellie was born in 1864 and died in 1863. Mr. Taber became a prosperous farmer and the owner of considerable property, and from the year 1882 made his home in Bowling Green. There Mrs. Taber died Feb. 27, 1902; after her death Mr. Taber resided in Toledo a few years and passed away June 13, 1905. Ira C. Taber graduated at the Bowling Green public school, in 1882. and was one of the first graduates of the Bowling Green High School ; he immediately entered the Cincinnati Law School and graduated in that institution and was admitted to the bar, in May, 1883. Upon his return to Bowling Green. Mr. Taber opened an office for the practice of his profession and practiced alone until 1895, with the exception of a period of ten months, during which he was associated in partnership with Mr. James and Mr. Beverstock, the firm being known as James, Taber & Beverstock. In 1893. Mr. Taber entered into partnership with C. R. Painter. an association of one year's duration. On Jan. 1, 1896, he went to Toledo and practiced alone for some months. The firm of Taber & Clapp was then organized and lasted until Feb. 15, 1908: from that time until Dec. 1, 1908, Mr. Taber was alone, and on the latter date, the present firm was organized, which has taken its place among the strongest in the city of Toledo. The Taber. Longbrake & O'Leary offices are located in the Nicholas Building. suite 1112. and there a large general practice is attended to with the greatest thoroughness and efficiency. In addition to their duties as active practitioners at the bar, the firm members manage property interests, adjust cases in their offices, and act as legal advisers for the National Supply Co., the American Wheel. & Auto Co.. and many of the city and county banks. All the Members of the firm are held in the highest esteem by the bar and business men, and the people generally. Mr. Taber's many years of experience in active practice. added to his well- 536 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY known legal attainments, give his opinions great weight among the leaders of the profession. Mr. Taber is a consistent Republican in his political belief, and during his residence in Bowling Green served four years as city clerk, two years as city solicitor, six years as school examiner, and six years as a member of the board of education. His time in Toledo has all been devoted to the interests of his clients, and he has refused any active participation in public affairs of a political nature. He is a member of the Business Men's Club, of Toledo. On Jan. 18, 1888, in Haskins, Ohio, the marriage was celebrated of Ira C. Taber and Miss Adelia J. Thomas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome B. Thomas, pioneer settlers in that region. Mrs. Taber was born in Haskins, attended schools in that vicinity and at Ada, and spent her early youth on the farm which was the family home ; her father, Mr. Thomas, is since deceased, but Mrs. Thomas resides at the old homestead. Four children blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Taber : Merl D. and Maria F., both born in Bowling Green, were graduated from the Toledo High School in 1909; Melvin, also born in Bowling Green. is at present a high school student ; Esther V.. born in Toledo, is the youngest and attends the ward school near the family home, at 2040 Glenwood avenue. The family attends St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Taber is a devout member and in whose undertakings he is prominent. John A. Dunn, one of the most prominent members of the Lucas county bar, was born at Findlay, Ohio. Dec. 29, 1868, and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elijah T. Dunn. The father is one of the influential barristers of Findlay. John A. Dunn. after finishing, his preparatory education, took his collegiate work At Oberlin College and DelaWare University. and after graduation became a student of law in his father's office. Four years after starting the study of law he successfully took the examination for applicants for admission to the bar and, at Columbus, Ohio, in June. 1893, before the Supreme Court of the State, was granted all the privileges accorded to the members of the profession. For a year after his admission, until 1894, he continued to reside and practice in Findlay, and then, believing that better opportunities were afforded the members of his profession in Toledo, he removed to this city and opened an office. After a time he entered a partnership with Andy Farquharson. under the firm name of Farquharson & Dunn, a partnership which was dissolved after three successful years of business, by the death of Mr. Farquharson. Subsequently, he occupied an office with Joseph R. W. Cooper, in the .Empire Arcade, for about a year. but more recently has been taken into the law firm of Millard, Boyer & Seney, as a partner. The offices of the last named concern are in the Gardner Block. Mr. Dunn's first large case in his practice after coming to Toledo was connected with the failure of the newly built Findlay, Fort Wayne & Western railway. C. N. Haskell, now the governor of Oklahoma, then a resident of Putnam county, Ohio, and Matt Smalley, afterward one of the United States marshals for Ohio, had organized and were building the road. Subsequent events necessitated the turning over BIOGRAPHICAL - 537 of the road to a receiver, and Mr. Dunn was retained to represent the laborers in their cause of the proceedings. By skillful handling of the case he managed to have all the claims paid, while other lawyers, representing other interested parties in the proceedings, got nothing. Mr. Dunn has various other interests besides his law busines, among them several valuable realty holdings in the city. He holds the title to lots on Locust and Frederick streets, on which have been. erected four cottages and a two-family flat building. From these he derives a goodly monthly income. Fraternally, Mr. Dunn is allied with the Rubicon Blue Lodge of the Masonic order, and the Sons of Veterans, at Findlay. On March 20, 1889, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Sarah D. Bookmiller, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Bookmiller, of Findlay. Two sons have been the issue of this marriage. Harry, the elder, is now a resident of Los Angeles, Cal.; and Ralph is living in Hot Springs, Ark. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn have their apartments at 304 Majestic Apartments, on Cherry street. Horace Coleman Thacher, deceased, a prominent figure in the engineering world and one of the influential citizens of Toledo, was born in Lucas county, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1844. He was the son of Horace and Susan Thacher, both of whom were born in the State of New York, the former, June 14, 1801. When a young man the father learned the trade of cabinet making, and was thus successfully engaged until his migration to Lucas county in the early thirties. After his arrival here he took up the study of law and was successful in the practice of- it all the remainder of his life. For a time he served as a local judge in Maumee ; subsequently, as the successful candidate of the Whig party, with which he allied himself, he served two terms as recorder of Lucas county ; and in 1854, as the candidate of the "Anti-Nebraska" movement, he was elected probate judge and served three years in that capacity. He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally was associated with the Masonic order. The mother passed away in Toledo, in November, 1871, and her husband survived her some nineteen years, his demise occurring in the same city, in February, 1891. Three children were born to the parents. Elizabeth, now deceased, became the wife of Edward Hayes, now also deceased, when she grew to young womanhood ; Mary M. is the wife of John Daber. of Toledo ; and Horace Coleman is the subject of this review. The last named received his first educational training in the public schools of Toledo, terminating his scholastic work with a course in the Toledo High School, in which he was graduated. Endowed with a natural liking for engineering, he determined to make of himself a civil engineer, and with that idea in mind he began a course of study under Jerome Stratton. Making the most of his opportunities, he soon familiarized himself with every detail of the science ; and under the excellent tutelage he received it was not long before he became recognized as a leader in his profession. Branching out for himself in the business, he gained experience and. goodly remuneration. A recognition of his standing in the community first came when he was 538 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY elected city engineer of Toledo, a position of which he was the incumbent for nine years. When he severed his connection with the municipality it was to establish, with George H. Bryman, an enterprise designed for marine work in all its phases. In this work, as in the other labors which he had undertaken, Mr. Thacher met with eminent success. The firm became known in all the Great Lakes ports and took many contracts from other cities. Up to the time of his demise, which occurred Feb. 18, 1897, he kept active hold of the management of the company and left it well established and in successful operation. In the matter of politics, Mr. Thacher gave stanch support to the principles of the Republican party, but never would become a candidate for public office, despite the urgent solicitation of his many friends. His religious nature found expression in the advocacy of the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal faith, and St. Paul's Church of this city was the edifice of that denomination in which he was a devout communicant. When the dark cloud of war overhung the horizon of national unity, Mr. Thacher, fired with a commendable patriotic zeal, enlisted, in 1862, as a private in Company E of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Ohio infantry. The hardships and privations of the soldier's life proved disastrous for his not too strong physique, and at the end of three months of service he was honorably discharged. Fraternally he ranked high in the Masonic order, having attained to the Thirty-second degree of that society. Mr. Thacher was united in marriage, Dec. 25. 1866. to Miss Arabella Amy Dando, the daughter of Henry H. and Frances (Chase) Dando, of Cleveland. Ohio. Six children were born to bless this union. Horace C., the eldest, is deceased ; Alice S. is the wife of William Lyons. of Toledo ; Addison O.; George B., on June 10. 1900. married Miss Mabel Winters, of Toledo ; Mary A. is the wife of Stace McNary, of Toledo ; and Clarence C. was married to Miss Edna Slater, Nov. 26, 1908 ; all reside in the city of Toledo. Addison 9.. who took up his father's work after the death of the parent, is a Mason of the Thirty-second degree, and also an Elk. George is an influential member of the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Thacher's father, Henry Dando, was a native of Boston, Mass., born July 2, 1822, and his wife's natal day was July 21. 1824, at Burlington, Vt. Mr. Dando was a tailor by vocation. He mastered his trade in the East. and when but twenty years of age he came west to Cleveland. For a time he labored as a journeyman in the craft, but subsequently, having. gained a sufficient competence to enable him to establish a business of his own, he opened a shop in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1893, feeling that he had earned a respite from the daily routine of business affairs, he retired and lived quietly for the rest of his days, with his daughter. Mrs. Horace Thacher. His death occurred March 19. 1900. Mrs. Dando succumbed some years earlier, the date of her demise being July 18, 1884. Mr. Dando was a Republican in his political belief and gave stanch and unswerving allegiance, to the party. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Ten children were the issue of their marriage. Cordelia. -the first born, is the widow of Shira G. Rogers, of Cleveland, Ohio ; BIOGRAPHICAL - 539 George and Warren B. are residents of Orland, Ind.; Mrs. Thacher is the widow of the subject of this memoir; John P. is deceased; Eva married Henry Bunnell, of New London, Ohio, where they now make their home ; Emma and Emory are twins—the former is deceased and the latter is a resident of Lorain, Ohio—and Hattie and Ella are deceased. William J. Walding is numbered among the progressive business men and representative citizens of the thriving city of Toledo, where he is engaged, as senior member of the firm of Walding. Kinnan & Marvin-Company, in the wholesale drug trade, the business of the firm being confined exclusively to the purchase and wholesale distribution of drugs. Mr. Walding finds a. due measure of satisfaction in reverting to the old Buckeye State as the place of his nativity, and. in connection, it may be recalled that in one of his characteristic speeches Senator Chauncey M. Depew made the following amusing paraphrase of a familiar quotation : "Some men are born great. some achieve greatness, and some are born in Ohio." Mr. Walding was born at Fostoria, Seneca county, Ohio. Jan. 22, 1853, and he has always been a resident of his native State. After receiving his preliminary scholastic training in the schools of his vicinity, at the early age of fourteen years. in 1867, he took his first steps in what eventually became recognized as a very successful career in the drug- business. He first secured a position as a clerk in a drug store at Fostoria and there remained four years. during which time he was enabled to absorb considerable information anent the intricacies of the business. At the end of that time he was considered far enough advanced to accept another position. which he did in 1871, his new employment being with the firm of Strong. Cobb & Company. who were also retail druggists. Three years later. in 1874. Mr. Walding came to Toledo to enter the employ of Plain, Williams & Company, and he remained with that firm, until it went out of existence on account of a dissolution of partnership. in January. 1877. A few months later—in May of the same year--Mr. Walding organized the firm of W. J. Walding & Company. dealers in druggists' supplies. sundries, etc.. and under this firm name transacted business until 1888. when the company was reorganized and the name became Walding, Kinnan & Marvin. Four years later. in 1892. the business passed into the hands of a stock company. duly incorporated. a few of the employees of the older concern becoming stockholders in the new, and the corporate name became The Walding, Kinnan & Marvin Company. For nearly a score of years the business has been carrred on under the last-mentioned name, and during that time the patronage- has rapidly developed. the concern being the only wholesale drug house in the city of Toledo. It is housed in a spacious and commodious building, 226 by 40 feet in dimensions, five stories in height. with a large cellar and subcellar in addition, and every convenience that could be desired is at hand for the prompt attention to business. The place is located in the very heart of the business district of Toledo. and there the firm carries on the wholesale drug business in the strict sense of the term, neither manu- 540 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY factoring drugs on the one hand nor retailing them on the other. In commenting on this feature of the business, Mr. Walding recently said : "We do a strictly legitimate wholesale business. We furnish our customers with anything they desire and always give them precisely what they have ordered. We handle all of the standard brands of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. If a customer orders a brand that we do not happen to have in our place of business at the moment, we obtain it for him immediately, regardless of expense. It sometimes costs us twice as much to provide a customer with a small article or package of some particular brand of goods as we receive for it, but I believe that this is an insignificant matter when compared to the advantages derived from having pleased a customer. There is plenty of room for the wholesale druggist who keeps strictly within the bounds of his own legitimate sphere." Mr. Walding has always been active in organizing druggists' associations. having been very instrumental in founding the Ohio-Kentucky Association of Jobbing Druggists and the Lake Erie Jobbers' Association, and he has acted as president of both these organizations. In 1902 he was elected president of the National Wholesale Druggists' Association, and he is an excellent type of that class of druggists whose business interests should be paramount in an association of this nature. He is very popular in his home city, being held in particularly high esteem by those with whom he is most intimately acquainted. He resides in a beautiful home at 2237 Collingwood avenue, Toledo, in one of the most beautiful residence districts in the city. Harold W. Fraser, one of Toledo's foremost attorneys and counsellors-at-law. first beheld the light of day at Woodstock, Ontario. Canada, Oct. 26, 1872. His father, George Fraser, was born of Scotch parentage, at Windsor, Canada, and now lives retired in California, while the mother, Sarah (Shephard) Fraser, a native of Woodstock. Canada, and of English lineage, passed away in Toledo, in 1905. Six children blessed the union of this worthy couple, and five of them are now living, of whom Harold W., of this sketch, is the second oldest and the only member of the family now residing in Toledo. He attained his preparatory educational training at Upper Canada College. of Toronto, graduating with the class of 1886, after which he secured employment in the train service of a railway company, at the same time studying law while off duty. In the year 1891, he came to Toledo and entered the law office of E. W. Tolerton, being admitted to practice before the bar of the State of Ohio, in October, 1894, after nearly three years of study. For upwards of a year and a half he practiced his profession by himself, and in February, 1896, established a partnership with Edwin J. Marshall, with whom he is still associated, their offices being at 1034 Spitzer Building. Toledo, where they enjoy an extensive and lucrative practice. In politics, Mr. Fraser is closely identified with the Republican party, and in the year 1901 was elected on his party's ticket. to represent Lucas county in the Ohio legislature, serving one term. Besides his work in the legal profession he has other business affiliations, BIOGRAPHICAL - 341 being president of the Holmes Snow Flake Laundry Company, president of Kirk Brothers' Automobile Company, and secretary of the Equitable Building Company. Fraternally, Mr. Fraser is affiliated with the Masonic order, being past-master of Toledo Lodge, No. 144, and is also a member of the Toledo Club and the Chamber of Commerce. On Sept. 30, 1896, he was united in holy wedlock to Miss Helen Burnep, of Toledo., Mr. and Mrs. Fraser reside at 2324 Robinwood avenue, in one of the most fashionable residence districts in the city of Toledo. Edwin J. Marshall, a prominent young lawyer of Toledo, was born there, June 28, 1873. the son of John W. Marshall, the highly esteemed and retired business and club man of Toledo (a sketch of the career of whom appears elsewhere in this work), and Margaret (Baker) Marshall. He attended the public schools of Toledo in his early days, graduating at the high school with the class of 1892. In the ensuing fall, he matriculated in the Law Department of Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y., and graduated there in June, 1894, with the degree of Bachelor of Law. During the following year he pursued post-graduate work in the same department of study, receiving the degree of Master of Laws in June, 1895. In February of the ensuing year, he established a partnership for the practice of the legal profession with Harold W. Fraser (a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work), with whom he is still associated, occupying a pleasant and very commodious suite of offices at 1033-34 Spitzer Building, Toledo, and enjoying an extensive and lucrative practice. Politically, Mr. Marshall is a Republican, though not an adherent of the old school. Fraternally. he is affiliated with the Masonic order ; and he is closely identified with the two principal golf clubs of the city—the Toledo and the Country clubs. He is also a member of the Castalia Club. of Castalia. Ohio. On Oct. 8, 1899, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen B. Boardman. daughter of Joseph H. Boardman, of Lowell, Mass., where she was born and educated. and where her parents still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall live at 2347 Robin-wood avenue. Toledo. in a large and splendidly equipped residence, in the very heart of one of the city's finest residence districts. Frederick Clark Averill, senior member of the well known law firm of Averill Johnson. of Toledo. and a native of St. Louis, Mo.. was born Dec. 25, 1875, a son of Henry E. and Julia M. Averill, the former of whom is affiliated with the Society of the Sons of the Revolution, of Connecticut. Frederick Clark. of this review, received his preliminary scholastic training in the public schools of his native city, and in the fall of 1892 matriculated at the University of Michigan. at Ann Arbor. where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, in June, 1898. Later, he went to New York City and entered Columbia University, receiving the degree of Master of Arts. in the spring of 1900. and the Bachelor of Laws degree, in June of the ensuing year. Mr. Averill subsequently opened a law office in the city of Toledo. where he commenced the practice of the legal profession, and he has acquired the reputation of being an able and learned 542 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY practitioner. On Nov. 1. 1908. he became a member of the firm of Averill & Johnson. which has rapidly acquired a large and profitable practice, and is one of the most prominent legal partnerships in the city of Toledo. It occupies a pleasant suite of offices at 859 Spitzer Building, while branch offices are maintained at Perrysburg. Wood county, and Monticello, Van \Wert county, this State. Mr. Averill resides at Perrysburg during the summer months and at Monticello in the winter time, and has never married. Edward J. Grasser, manager of the Findlay branch and a member of the board of directors of the Huebner-Toledo Brewing Company. of Toledo, is a native of that city, having been born Sept. 4, 1874. His father, the late Joseph Grasser, one of Toledo's pioneer settlers, and founder of the Grasser & Brand Brewing Company, was born Feb. 14, 1828. at Lennan, Ohio, and came to Toledo while still a young man. Under his capable and efficient management the Grasser & Brand Brewing Company grew to vast proportions and yielded him a large fortune. He retired from active business several years ago, when the brewery was merged with the Huebner-Toledo Brewing Company. and died suddenly at about 4:30 o'clock on the afternoon of April 29, 1908, while reading a newspaper at his home, 2630 Broadway. Toledo. On the Tuesday preceding his demise he had celebrated the thirty-eighth anniversary of his wedding. and his sudden death, following so closely the merry festivities of this occasion. came as a great shock to the family and the community in which he lived. He was survived by his beloved wife and seyen children—four daughters and three sons : Christina ; Catherine, residing at the parental home ; Mrs. Joseph Hoffman. a married daughter ; 'Edward. of this sketch ; Anton and Joseph, Jr., all of Toledo. During his long residence in Toledo he was very prominent in the German-American circles of the city. being an active- member of the German-Pioneer Society and the Toledo Mannerchor. Edward J., of this reyiew. attained his early educational training in the public schools of Toledo and was later a student at Hillsdale College, Mich.. Oberlin College. Ohio, and the State University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, in 1898, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and for his active participation in the battles of Guantanamo, June 11, 12 and 13, 1898. and Manzanillo. Aug. 12, of. the same year. in the Cuban campaign. was awarded a handsome medal and bar. He first became familiar with the brewing business while an employee of the Grasser & Brand Company, when his father was in charge of this concern, and since its merger with the Huebner-Toledo Company he has been a member of the board of directors and general manager of the branch at Findlay, Ohio. In politics, Mr. Grasser is an adherent of the Democratic party. and fraternally is affiliated with the Elks, of Toledo. On Oct. 24. 1900, he was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Martin, daughter of Thomas Martin. of Toledo, and a native of Providence, R. I., where she received her educational advantages. But one child has been BIOGRAPHICAL - 543 born of this union—a daughter, Irene. given birth in Toledo, June 24, 1902. and the family resides at 2665 Broadway. Toledo. The mother of Mr. Grasser is still living, and resides at 2630 Broadway, in the same city. John F. Courcier, secretary-treasurer of the Grain Dealers' National Association, with offices at 320-321 Gardner Building, Toledo, was born at Leopold, Perry county, Indiana, June 17, 1874. His boyhood was spent on a farm and in attending the common schools, after which he became associated with his father, C. F. Courcier, in the grain business at Chrisney, Ind. In 1890, he attended the Jasper Business College for five months, and the following year he took a three months' course in the Perrin Shorthand Institute. at Detroit. Mich. He then continued in business with his father until 1896. when he accepted a position with the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, as traveling agent, and later entered the office of the general agent of that company, at Evansville; Ind. There he remained until November, 1898, when he became chief clerk in the wholesale grain and hay house of William Field & Co., where he secured a one-fourth interest and remained until Mr. Field's retirement, in 1901. Mr. Courcier then engaged in the brokerage and commission business on his own account until February, 1902. when he accepted the position as manager of the grain department of W. H. Small & Co., of Evansville, Ind., which place he continued to fill until July 1, 1905. While a resident of Evansville. Mr. Courcier was an active factor in contributing to the commercial interest of the city, especially in the way of improying the market facilities. He belonged to the Business Men's Club of that city, vas secretary of the Southwestern Indiana Grain Dealers' Association, and also of the executive committee of the Evansville Traffic Bureau. In 1905, when the executive committee of the National Grain Dealers Association began to canvass the field for a suitable man for the office of secretary-treasurer. Mr. Courcier was highly recommended for the position by the commercial organizations of Evansyille and a large number of men engaged in the grain trade. and he was finally selected. He immediately changed his residence to Toledo. and since that time has been actively interested in the upbuilding of the association. He has been re-elected each. year at an increased salary, which is evidence that he is the right man for the place. In addition to his duties as secretary-treasurer, Ile is a member of the executive committee of the association, and, with the other officials of the organization, he has an abiding confidence in its future as a potent factor in the elimination of unbusinesslike mehods now existing in the grain trade. He realized the evil influence of politics in associations of this character, and it has been and will be his earnest endeavor to keep the National Grain Dealers' Association free from such influences. In his political convictions, Mr. Courcier is an uncompromising Democrat. but he never permits his party predilections to govern his conduct in the discharge of his business functions. Fraternally, he belongs to the Evansville Lodge, Benevolent and Protective 544 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY Order of Elks, with the members of which he is regarded as a "good fellow." Mr. Courcier's parents still reside at Chrisney, Ind., where his father is in the grain business. Manfred Milton Stophlet, one of Toledo's well know. architects, with offices at 606-8 Nasby Building, was born June 20. 1877, at Ft. Wayne, Ind.. which city had been the home of his father and grandfather. His father, John Walpole Stophlet. was the second son of Samuel Stophlet and Mary (McMaken) Stophlet. and was born at Ft. Wayne, Ind., April 25. 1845. His early life was passed in his native city, where he received his education and where, in 1872, he married Miss Lizzie Underhill. a daughter of Phineas Strong Underhill and Harriet Boynton Underhill. Five children were born of this union. four of whom are living: Alonzo B., Manfred M., Mark B. and Harry S. Stophlet. all residents of Toledo. In July, 1886, J. W. Stophlet, with his family, remoyed to Toledo, where for nearly a quarter of a century he was one of the best known of Ohio's traveling salesmen. He was a member of the Toledo Traveling Men's Association, being' president for one term. He served as a private in the Ciyil war. in the One Hundred and 'Fifty-first Ohio infantry, one of the "Hundred-Day" regiments called out in 1864. He was a member of Rubicon Lodge, No. 237, Free & Accepted Masons. which organization had charge of his funeral, escorting the remains to Ft. Wayne for burial after his death, which occurred at his home on Maplewood avenue, Jan. 20. 1905. The earliest record of the Stophlet family is found in the history of the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine. which were for many years in dispute between the governments of France and Germany. Samuel Stophlet. the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch. was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ft. Wayne very early in the history of that city. where he filled many positions of honor and trust. He was postmaster at Ft. Wayne for many years and also a member of the State legislature. "Judge Stophlet." as he was called, was married to Mary McMaken, a daughter of a pioneer resident of Ft. Wayne, whose early recollections extended back to a residence in the old block house of the fort. built by Anthony Wayne in 1794. Phineas Strong Underhill and Harriet Boynton Underhill came from New England and were associated. with the early history of Ft. Wayne. Mr. Underhill was a prominent business man of that city at the time of his death. and Mrs. Underhill lived there for more than half a century. Manfred M. Stophlet received his early education in the public schools of Ft. Wayne and Toledo. After three years in the Toledo High and Manual Training schools, he entered the office of Harry \Yachter. spending three years. in practical work, preparatory to a special course in architecture in Columbia University, at New York City. in the year of 1901, he returned to Toledo and has since been successively with Harry C. Wachter. E. 0. Fallis, Bacon Huber. and George S. Mills, architects of Toledo. remaining in the office of the last named for six years. While thus employed. Mr. Stophlet designed a number of the large public and commercial buildings of Toledo BIOGRAPHICAL - 545 and surrounding territory. In May, 1909, he opened an office of his own at 606-8 Nasby Building, and, in the short time he has been in business, he has received a number important commissions. He is the architect for the Flower Hospital of Toledo, including the entire group of buildings contemplated as a part of that institution, and is in charge of their construction. Other buildings planned by him are the Masonic Temple, at Defiance, Ohio ; and a number of churches, commercial buildings and residences in Toledo. He holds the commission for designing the group plan and buildings for the Defiance College, at Defiance, Ohio, and the passenger station at Cadillac, Mich., for the Ann Arbor railroad. Mr. Stophlet belongs to the Toledo Traveling Men's Association, the Business Men's Club, the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a life member of the Maumee River Yacht Club. He is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Rubicon Lodge, No. 237, Free & Accepted Masons ; Fort Meigs Chapter No. 29. Royal Arch Masons ; and Toledo Council No. 33, Royal & Select Masters. On July 3. 1902. Mr. Stophlet married Miss Agnes Ruth Tower, a native of Toledo and a daughter of the late Benjamin Tower, who for many years was connected with the Wabash railroad. Mrs. Stophlet is a graduate of the Toledo Normal Training School and, prior to her marriage, was for eight years a teacher in the city schools, having been the principal of the Broadway School at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Stophlet have two sons : Robert Tower, born in 1904, and Richard Boynton, born in 1906. Mr. Stophlet resides at 2537 Fulton street. Thomas F. Delaney, deceased, one of the most prominent and influential men connected with the development of the oil industry in Ohio, was born in Java, N. Y., June 4, 1854, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Delaney. The father, who was a native of Ireland, was for many years prior to his death a successful farmer near Java. N. Y. For some months before his demise, which occurred. in 1892, he lived retired. The mother, who was born in Canada, is living on the old homestead. The father was a stanch Democrat in his political belief, and early in his life became a communicant of the Roman Catholic church. Ten children were born to the parents. Thomas F., the third in order of birth, received his educational training in the schools of Java, but early in his youth he left school to make his own way in the world. Before he had attained his majority he migrated to Pennsylvania, and in the oil fields of that State secured employment which enabled him to become thoroughly familiar with every detail of the industry. He remained in the Keystone State until 1886, and then, believing that better opportunities were afforded in the newly opened oil fields of Ohio, he came to Findlay. There he leased a tract of land and established himself in the business of producing oil. For seven years he continued successfully in the business at Findlay and then removed to Toledo to engage in the same industry. In this city he was prosperously engaged until the time of his demise, which occurred Aug. 21, 1898.. Thrift and industry, together with 546 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY a thoroughly intimate knowledge of the business, enabled him to gain rich rewards in a field where men of less ability had made a dismal failure. He was one of the charter members of the Oil Men's Association, an organization which played a large part in the proper development of the business in Ohio and elsewhere. Although he was a stanch and zealous adherent of the principles of the Democratic party he never held nor sought public office of any nature. While a resident of Toledo he worshiped at the St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church, with which he was allied as a member. On Jan. 13, 1889, Mr. Delaney was united in marriage to Miss Mary Frances Nisell, the daughter of William and Helen (Neylon) Nisell, of Buffalo, N. Y. One daughter, Pauline Henrietta, who now makes her home with her mother at 2464 Glenwood avenue in this city, was born to bless this union. Mrs. Delaney's father. William Nisell, was a native of Ireland, and after settling in the United States was engaged in the iron milling business, in which he remained until the time of death. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church, and a Democrat in his political relations. Mrs. Nisell passed away Feb. 20, 1907. The funeral of Mr. Delaney, which was held in Toledo, was attended by a host of sorrowing friends, and the remains were sent to Buffalo, N. Y., for interment. Stimpson G. Harvey, one of the best known railroad men in the city of Toledo, was born on a "farm in the woods," at Palmyra. Lenawee county, Michigan, Oct. 20, 1836. His early life was spent there. working on the farm during the crop seasons and attending the district schools for three months each winter. In the spring of 1857, he joined the tide of immigration to .Kansas. then a territory, but upon arriving there he failed to find employment to his liking, and he hired out to the United States government to assist in driving a herd of 600 cattle to the army in the Salt Lake valley. Utah. The party left Fort Leavenworth. Kan.. April 16. and arrived at Salt Lake, Sept. 28, having been more than five months on the road. Not caring to remarn among the Mormons. Mr. Harvey joined a party going to California and, Nov. 5, 1857. he reached Sacramento. He remained in California until June, 1859. driving a stage a portion of the time. and engaging in various other occupations. and then started on the homeward trip by way of the Isthmus of Panama. In September, he arrived home, was married in March, 1860. and continued on the farm until July 13, 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, Eighteenth Michigan infantry, for three years. With this regiment he left the State, Sept. 4, reported at Cincinnati. and was stationed at Lexington. Ky., from Nov. 1, 1862. until Feb. 21. 1863. It then moved to Danville and was with the forces that retreated from that place on the 24th, skirmishing with those of Pegram as they left. On the 28th the regiment joined in pursuit of Pegram making a long. rough march to Buck creek. It returned to Stanford, then moved to Lebanon, and thence to Nashville, where it was employed as provost guard from Nov. 1, 1863. to June 11. 1.864. During this time Mr. Harvey served as chief clerk in the provost-marshal's BIOGRAPHICAL - 547 office, at Nashville. Ordered south, the regiment reached Decatur, Ala., in June, and was placed on garrison and scouting duty. It was a part of the force which surprised Patterson's brigade of cavalry at Pond Springs. capturing its camp equipage, wagons and commissary stores. and in July it assisted in routing the same brigade at Courtland, being the only infantry engaged at either time. It left Decatur in September to reinforce the garrison at Athens, reaching there just in time to repel Roddey's command. It joined in pursuit of Wheeler, overtaking and skirmishing with his rear guard at Shoal creek, and then returned to Decatur. It participated in the successful defense of Decatur against Hood's army. and remained at that place until Nov. 25. when it moved to Stevenson, where it was engaged in building fortifications until Dec. 19. It was then ordered back to Decatur, where it was on garrison duty until Jan. 11, 1865. when it proceeded to Huntsville for post duty. It was ordered to Nashville in June and was mustered out, June 26. 1863. After the close of the war, Mr. Harvey followed farming until October, 1870, when he entered the service of the United States postoffice department as a railway mail clerk. running between Buffalo and Chicago, on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. He had charge of the first "White Mail" train, which left New York, Sept. 17. 1875. In 1883. he resigned his position in the railway mail service to assist in organizing and putting in operation the Merchants' Delivery Company, of Cleveland, Ohio. Subsequently, he was with the Big Four railway for a year, in the car accounting department, and he was then with the Erie railroad in the claim department at Cleveland five years. In June, 1892, he accepted his present position with the passenger department of the Ohio Central lines. and since then has been a resident of Toledo. Mr: Harvey is an unswerving Republican in his political belief, having cast his first yote for Abraham Lincoln. in 1860. He is a member of the Lincoln Republican Club, of Toledo ; belongs to Forsyth Post. Grand Army of the Republic ; is a :member of Anthony Wayne Chapter. Sons of the American Revolution, and is the treasurer of the Ohio State Society of that organization. In his Grand Army of the Republic relations, he has been commander of Forsyth Post three terms, and is now the chief of staff of the Department Commander of Ohio. As before stated. Mr. Harvey was married in March, 1860, and he selected as his helpmate, Miss Deborah F. Wilder, a native of Utica, N. Y. Of this union there was born a daughter, who is the wife of Frank T. Baldwin and the mother of three children—a son and two daughters. Mr. Harvey is never contented unless he is busy at something, and his efficiency as a railroad man is attested by the fact that he has held his present position for eighteen years. He is a man of genial and sociable disposition and has many warm friends in Ohio railroad circles. He resides at 650 Oakwood avenue, Toledo. Cyrus S. Coup, vice-president and general manager of the Northwestern Elevator & Mill Company, was born at Orrville, Wayne county, Ohio, May. 10, 1864, a son of William M. and 548 - MEMOIRS OF LUCAS COUNTY Rebecca (Rice) Coup, both natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married, but later removed to Ohio. The father was a miller for many years and was for a long time associated with A. A. Taylor, of Loudonville, Mount Vernon, and Toledo, Ohio. He died at Mount Vernon, in 1896, and the mother passed away at the same place, in 1904. They were the parents of eight children —four sons and four daughters—all of whom are living, Cyrus being the second child of the family. Cyrus S. Coup was educated in the Loudonville schools and began his business career there as a clerk in a general store, subsequently following the same occupation at Mount Vernon. Since 1889, he has been connected with the Northwestern Elevator & Mill Company, starting with this concern as assistant manager at Mount Vernon. After a time he was promoted to the position of manager and finally to his present position. The other officers of the company are Rathbun Fuller, president, and John H. Taylor, secretary and treasurer. The main. offices of the company are located at 44-45 Toledo Produce Exchange. It operates the Manhattan Mills, of Toledo, the Kokosing Mills, of Mount Vernon, and the Loudonville Mills. at Loudonville, being one of the largest merchant milling concerns in the State. Mr. CoUp and Mr. Taylor are both members of the Toledo Produce Exchange and the former is a member of the Chicago Board of Trade and a director of the Ohio Millers' Mutual Fire .Insurance Company, of Canton. He is also a member of Sanford L. Collins Lodge. Free & Accepted Masons. of Toledo, and the Toledo Yacht Club. Mr. Coup is a Republican in his political affiliations, though he is by no means an active politician. On Nov. 6, 1894, Mr. Coup married Miss .Fanny Blair, daughter of the late Charles Blair, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, where Mrs. Coup was born and educated. They have one daughter—Margaret B.—who is now a pupil in the Toledo public schools. The family resides at 2119 Park place. Emery R. Hiett, secretary and manager of the People's Savings Association of Toledo, was born at Sugar Grove. Ind., Nov. 14, 1852. He was educated in the public schools and at De Pauw University, Greencastle. Ind., and in 1877 was admitted to the Indiana bar. He began practicing at Lafayette, Ind., and later became a member of the law firm of Thomas & Emery R. Hiett. of Toledo, having been admitted to the Ohio bar in 1884. In connection with Judge Winters, Mr. Hiett codified the building association laws of the State of Ohio, which has since been used as a model in other States. Mr. Hiett was one of the practical organizers of the People's Savings Association, which was incorporated in 1887. From 1889* to 1895 he was secretary of the Ohio Building Association League, and was then elected to the presidency, holding that office until 1902. The twentieth annual statement of the People's Savings Association shows assets of over $2,000,000, the greater part of which consisted of first mortgage loans on real estate. The association has erected a fire proof building for its uses. which building was recently completed and occupied. Mr. Hiett is a Republican politically, belongs to St. BIOGRAPHICAL - 549 Paul's Methodist Church, the Masonic fraternity, and the Inverness Club. He resides at 2211 Parkwood avenue. Joel W. Kelsey, deceased, was for about sixty years a prominent citizen of Toledo. He was one of the city's pioneer business men and for a long time was prominent in political, social and civic affairs. He was born in Guilford, Piscataquis county, Maine, Dec. 17, .1819, and in 1840 came west, locating at Port Huron, Mich. He there became associated with his eldest brother in the lumber business. In 1844, he came to Toledo and opened a lumber yard where St. Clair street crosses Swan creek, and he continued in this business until the beginning of the Civil war. In 1861, he formed a partnership with Jabez True, and together they engaged in pork packing, which industry they carrred on until the close of the war. After several years devoted to farming, Mr. Kelsey again engaged in pork packing, with C. A. and F. J. King, and this firm was succeeded by Kelsey & Beatty, which was in turn succeeded by J. W. Kelsey & Sons. In politics, Mr. Kelsey was a Republican, and at different times he held the offices of county commissioner and county treasurer. He was also a member of the old volunteer fire department, about 1854 or 1855. In 1849, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Ryder, and as a result of this union four children were born : Joseph R., Edward W.. Harry M., and John M. Mrs. Kelsey died in 1891, and the eldest son. Joseph R., in 1902. At the advanced age of eighty-four years, Joel W. Kelsey died, Nov. 13, 1903. Harry Mitchell Kelsey is prominently identified with the business interests of Toledo, as treasurer of the Bostwick-Braun Company, and his efficiency in this establishment has been demon- strated by his long service and his rise from the position of "Order Boy" to that which he now so acceptably fills. Mr. Kelsey was born in Toledo, April 13. 1859, and is the third son of Joel W. Kelsey, an honored pioneer business man. of whom more extensive mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Kelsey was graduated at the Toledo High School, with the class of 1877r after which he worked for his father, in the pork packing business, until 1878. On Jan. 14. 1878, he entered the employ of the Bostwick-Braun Company, and. with the exception of nine months (during which time he was associated with the Wabash railroad) he has been continuously in the services of the aboye named establishment. He started in as an order boy. but. by faithful attention to the duties assigned him he won successive promotions, and, in 1883, he went on the road as a traveling salesman for the firm. He spent the ensuing three years "on the road," and then accepted a position in the office as assistant bookkeeper. In 1895 he was elected treasurer of the corporation. and he has held the position continuously since. In politics,. Mr. Kelsey gives his support to the platform expressions of the Republican party. and fraternally he has membership in the National Union, the Royal Arcanum and the Toledo Traveling Men's Association. He served as financial secretary of Ideal Council, No. 231. of the National Union for a period of nine years. He is also a member of the