REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
MARION COUNTY, OHIO
1907 HISTORY
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BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SAGER, (SAGER) vice-president of the Campbell National Bank at LaRue , is one of the leading citizens and capitalists of Marion County, where he owns 1,200 acres of valuable land. Mr. Sager enjoys the distinction of being the first white child born in Bowling Green township, where he has always; made his real home. His birth occurred August 12. 1833, in a little log cabin on the banks of Rush Creek, in Bowling Green township. two miles southeast of his present home. He is a son of Benjamin and Deborah (Duvall) Sager.
Benjamin Sager, father of Benjamin F., was born in 1800 in Loudoun County, Virginia, and was about four years of age when, his parents, moved to the southern part of Union County, Ohio, and settled on Darby Creek He had three sisters, namely: Mary, who married a Mr. Simpson and settled in Illinois near the Mississippi River: Elizabeth, who married William Reed and lived on the home place until her death, at the age of 101 years. leaving a large number of descendants; and Margaret, who married Lucas Low and resided in Union County, dying in the town of Raymond. Benjamin was the only son and the second child. It is probable that the German language was used in his father's family from his youth, as he was so well acquainted with it in later years that he was chosen as interpreter for German colonists. He remained in Union County until after the birth of three children, moving to Bowling Green township, Marion County, in February, 1831, and settling in the deep forest. It was then a part of Grand township, and Benjamin Sager was the first settler. He purchased land of the old General Taylor military reservation. John Dixon, his brother-in-law, is said to have brought $400 in silver for Mr. Sager to turn over to General Taylor, but did not make the purchase. The latter held 87,000 acres of land in Marion, Logan, Hardin and Union counties for sale.
Benjamin Sager acted as interpreter for the German settlers who formed what is known as the Kersey settlement. Samuel Kersey, of Muskingum County, came to, Marion County and purchased a large body of land in the southwestern part of Green Camp township. The Germans became dissatisfied and all left except a Mr. Cooper, whose descendants still reside in that section. While Benjamin Sager was the first settler in Bowling Green township, others soon came, among whom were Jonathan Johnson, Abraham Kitelinger, Aaron Bell, Edward Williams, William Graham and others whose names appear in the local records. Mr. Sager was a minister in the Christian Church and traveled over a great extent of country as a missionary, being at home only for short intervals. His farm was situated two and a half miles south of what was known as the "Windfall" and was a wild tract of land.
Benjamin Sager was thrice married. His first marriage was to Deborah Duvall, of French descent. who, died August 2, 1842, aged 44 years, 8 months and 10 days. Benjamin Sager married (second) Mrs. Sarah Gale, a widow. They had one child. Elijah, who married Sarah Duvall and resides at Marion. Mr. Sager married (third) Mary Ann Stiner, and they had two children: Marcus, who married Ella Temple and resides at LaRue; and Elizabeth, also a resident of LaRue.
The children of the first marriage were: Sarah Ann, Malinda, Louisa, Minerva, Benjamin F., Mary, Lucas L., Henry and Eveline. Sarah Ann married (first) Samuel Marks and they moved to Kosciusko County, Indiana, where Mr. Marks died and she married (second) Capt. Wales Wilber, who was killed at Petersburg in the Civil War and was interred in the Bonner Cemetery near LaRue; Mrs. Wilber is also deceased and her remains rest by his side. Malinda died at the age of 18 years. Louisa, who is the widow of William Comstock, resides in White County, Indiana. Minerva, who is the widow of Stewart Tonguet, resides at Indianapolis. Mary, residing in Illinois, is the widow of Julius Baker, who was a member of the Fourth Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., during the Civil War, and was killed in Franklin County, Virginia. Lucas L., who has resided on his farm in White County, Indiana, for the past 18 years, was reared in Bowling Green township and here married Lydia Godfrey. Henry, who died in the army in the Civil War, was a member of the 64th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. he had previously married Emma Johnson. Eveline died soon after her marriage to Samuel Johnson. Benjamin Sager, the father of the above named family, died June 9, 1889.
Benjamin F. Sager, our subject, can remember when the Wyandot Indians would come to his father's farm to trade for salt and how he would hide from them. Until the age of 11 years he worked on the home farm as hard as his boyish strength would allow, occasionally attending the Bell school which was built on his father's land and was the first in the township. In 1844 his father broke up housekeeping and hired his soil out to David Bibler, in Wyandot County. This employer worked the boy very bard and as he paid him only in homespun clothing, the latter left him and engaged with Jonathan Neal, in Grand township, Marion County, where he attended a school taught by a Miss Parrish, through a winter, which was the longest single period he had ever enjoyed in school. In the spring of 1845 Mr. Sager assisted Daniel Sorden to clear some land on the Ridgway farm and after harvest that year he worked for other farmers, receiving 25 cents a day. The winter of 1845 was that of the great flood in the Scioto River; he worked on the old home farm and went to school on the days when the water was too high to permit of labor. In the following year, with the loss of but three days, he worked for eight months for Isaac F. Guthery, of Bowling Green township, and worked also for him through the succeeding summer, for $8 per month.
In the following fall, Mr. Sager with Durias Williams, started for Iowa, on foot, taking in Lima, Delphos and Van Wert on the way and passing through a body of woods that then stood nine miles across. By the time the youths had reached Fort Wayne, Mr. Williams had given out and they took a canal boat from there to Logansport, 80 miles farther west. There they secured work at cutting timber for Green & Baker, who conducted iron works in that vicinity, and remained until the following spring, when Mr. Sager hired out as a driver on the canal and made his home at Logansport. He remained on the boat three years, in various capacities, managing to save some money from his salary. He was on the boat on one occasion when its freight out of Toledo was valued at $60,000. During all this time the youth had never had even one letter from home and considering everything it was very creditable that he could have accumulated, with no
encouragement or help, the sum of $600, in addition to a horse, saddle and bridle. he was 19 years old when he returned and took charge of his father's farm and ran the sawinill. The father gave him a half interest and he made money both for himself and his father. While contemplating a trip to Minnesota, about this time, Isaac F. Guthery prevailed upon him to work for him for the next year and in the summer of 1856 he farmed on shares with this employer. A serious illness came upon him and he was under the care of Dr. Ross at Richwood, but after recovery returned to Guthcry's employ. After his marriage in the following year, he rented land from the Guthery
brothers for two years and in the spring of 1859 purchased 125 acres of land, to which he has been adding ever since. He now owns over 1,200 acres, more than 1,000 acres being in one body. He started out in life entirely dependant on his own resources and has never received one dollar except what he has earned through industry, good judgment and foresight. For the past 40 years he has been In the banking business and holds thousands of dollar's worth of notes. He loans money throughout Marion, Hardin and Logan counties and never without good collateral. His land is all cleared and he has made all the improvements. For many years he has been one of the largest stock-raisers in the county.
On February 8 , 1857, Mr. Sager was married to Sarah C. Cowger, who was born in Pendleton County, Virginia (now West Virginia), and is a daughter of Abel and Phebe Cowger, and a niece of Noah Cowger, Shobe Judy and Emanuel Trumbo, who owned 1,100 acres of land. The father died when Mrs. Sager was 11 years of age and the mother some years later. Mr. and Mrs. Sager have had the following children : William Alden, Abel Franklin, Henry Wilber, Edward Truman, James Delmar and Minnie Elzina. All the sons were educated in the public and normal schools.
William Alden Sager, the eldest of the family, was born May 13, 1858, attended school at Delaware and Ada, and commenced teaching school when but 16 years of age. He married Flora Gump a daughter of Philip Gump, of Waldo township, and has three children living-Earle, Maud and Prudence; Carl aged 13 years and Marion died aged 11 months Abel Franklin Sager, born May 29, 1860, is engaged in a coal and real estate business at Gladwin, Michigan, where he taught school three years. He married May Harris, of Union County, Ohio, and has had six children, of whom two are now living-Dwight and Kenneth. Dr. Henry Wilber Sager, proprietor of a private sanitarium at Marion, graduated at the National Normal University at Lebanon, and attended Starling Medical College for two years. He is a prominent physician and surgeon at Marion. He was born July 4, 1862, and married Flora Longstaff. Edward Truman Sager was born November 13, 1866, attended school at Ada and Valparaiso and both he and his wife are graduate physicians of the Ohio Medical College. He owns property on Mount Vernon avenue, Columbus, and practices in that city. He married Ora Parrish, a daughter of Thomas Parrish, of Union County. They have two children: Opal May and Stella Daisy. James Delmar Sager, born February 8, 1869, was educated at the Ohio Normal University at Ada and took a commercial course at Fowler's College of Phrenology, at New York City. His death occurred October 20, 1895. He married Ida Jones, a daughter of A. J. Jones; she still survives, with their one child, Marjorie. Minnie Elzina, born May 13, 1872, attended the public schools, the LaRue High School and then entered the Ohio Normal University. She married John Zieg, then of Green Camp township; they now reside four miles southwest of Bellefontaine. They have four children: Wilber, Benjamin, Vernon and Leon.
Mr. Sager is a Democrat in his general political views, but he exercises the right of supporting the best man for any office. He belongs to LaRue Lodge, No. 463, F. & A. M. He has always been an active supporter of the public schools and is a member of the School Board of Bowling Green township. For nine years he served as justice of the peace and takes pleasure In the fact that he never had a case reversed and that many cases of litigation were settled by him without court fees. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, but has always been liberal to all religious bodies.
FRANK R. SAITER, (The original spelling was Seiter) one of the pioneer business men at Marion, dealer in stoves, house furnishings and general hardware, is also one of the honored survivors of the great Civil War. He was born at Marion, Ohio, in 1840, and is a son of Samuel and Lydia, M. (Madison) Saiter.
Samuel Saiter was born in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany, in 1819, and came to America in 1831, when a boy of 12 years. About nine years later he embarked in a furniture business, which he conducted until 1860, when he moved to Lima., where he carried on a furniture business for nine years. He was a chair maker by trade. After he returned to Marion, he embarked in a stove and house furnishing business in partnership with his son, under the firm name of S. & F. R. Saiter, Which continued until 1893, when he retired. His death, occurred in 1898. He married Lydia M. Madison, who has just passed her 83rd birthday and is in the enjoyment of good health and all her faculties. They reared a family of three sons and one daughter, namely: Frank R.; Martha L., widow of T. H. Hodder, residing at Marion; Warren S., who has been in business at Chicago for some years; and Otto B., residing at Toreon, Mexico, who is a retired railroad man.
Frank R. Saiter secured his educational training in the schools of Marion. He was one of the first to offer his services in answer to the President's call for defenders of the Union, enlisting as a private on April 17, 1861, in Company K, Fourth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and was mustered into service at Camp Dennison. The Fourth Ohio gave a very good account of itself on many a fiercely fought field. Mr. Saiter participated in the battle at Rich Mountain, July 12, 1861, and the engagements following, including: Romney, Front Royal, Harrison's Landing, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristol Station, Mine Run, Martin's Ford, North Anne, Prospect Hill and Cold Harbor. During the battle of the Wilderness, Mr. Saiter was away from his regiment on detached duty, engaged mainly in recruiting. During the three years and three months of his service, he was frequently promoted for efficiency, rising from a private to the rank of 2nd lieutenant. He was mustered out at Columbus with a record that reflects the greatest credit on him as a loyal, faithful and brave soldier.
Upon his return to Marion, Mr. Saiter began work in the G. B. Smith hardware and tin shops and within a year acquired an interest in the latter. In the spring of 1866 he bought Mr. Smith out and has been in the business ever since. He is also concerned as a stockholder in other prospering enterprises at Marion, but his main business is in stoves, house furnishings, general hardware and in roofing, tinning and slating, being proprietor of the Marion Roofing Works. He has the contract for the steel and copper work for a number of railroads and for the past 17 years has done work for the "Big Four."
In 1865 Mr. Saiter was married to Sarah Wilson, a daughter of Richard Wilson, who served for 30 years as county treasurer. They have two daughters, May and Florence, both residing at home.
Politically, Mr. Saiter is identified with the Democratic party. For 30 years he was trustee of Marion township and has been a member of the City Council. He is a prominent Mason and assisted in the organizing of Marion Commandery, No. 36, K. T., of which he has been eminent commander. He belongs also to Owen Gray Post, of the Grand Army of the Republic, at La Rue.
CHARLES E. SAWYER, M. D., president and general manager of The Ohio Sanatorium Company, which conducts the Dr. C. E. Sawyer Sanatorium, at Marion, of which he is the founder, as well as the Park View Sanatorium at Columbus, is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Marion. He was born January 24, 1860, near Wyandot, Ohio, and is a son of Alonzo N. and Harriet M. (Rogers) Sawyer.
The father of Dr. Sawyer was born in New York and the mother in Connecticut, both being of English extraction. Both came to Ohio in youth. They had a family of six children, Dr. Sawyer being the only survivor.
Until about 17 years of age, Charles E. Sawyer resided at Nevada, Ohio, obtaining his literary education in the village schools. He then began the study of medicine and subsequently entered the Cleveland Medical College, where he was graduated in 1881. He entered into practice at Larue, Ohio, where he remained until 1893, when he located in Indianapolis. Two years later he came to Marion, bringing with him testimonials of the highest character as to his professional skill. The sanatorium of which he is proprietor, a sketch of which will be found in Chapter XV of this volume, is a medical institution which is well known all through this section of the State.
On August 11, 1879, Dr. Sawyer was united in marriage with May E. Barron, a daughter of Rev. James H. and Abbie J. (Walker) Barron. They have one son, Dr. Carl W. Sawyer, who is first assistant of the sanatorium. Mrs. Sawyer belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Dr. C. E. Sawyer is a prominent Mason and has for four years been president of the Marion Masonic Temple Company, during which period the Masonic Temple, situated at the corner of Church and Main streets, has been constructed and equipped. He is a director of the Marion National Bank and the City National Bank of Marion. Dr. Sawyer was the originator of the bill for the Home of the Crippled and Deformed Children of Ohio, which was passed by the last Legislature; a favorable location is now being sought.
FRANCIS B. SAWYER, M.D., a prominent physician and surgeon at Marion, was born in 1870 in Richland County, Ohio, and is a son of George A. Sawyer, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio.
The parents of Dr. Sawyer moved from Richland to Wyandot County when he was one year old, and to Crawford County when he was six, and he was reared and educated at Galion. He studied medicine at Starling Medical College, Columbus, and when but 21 years of age was graduated with his degree, and later was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, completing his course there in 1901.
In 1892 Dr. Sawyer located at LaRue, where he was associated in medical practice with his cousin, Dr. C. E. Sawyer, for one year, and then came to Marion and, with Dr. C. E. Sawyer, established The Dr. C. E. Sawyer Sanitorium, which is now conducted by The Ohio Sanitorium Company. Of this institution, Dr. F. B. Sawyer remained house physician until 1900, since which date he has been established in private practice on West Center street, Marion.
In 1896 Dr. Sawyer was married to Mrs. Jennie (Patterson) Gurley, who is a daughter of the late Thomas Patterson.
Fraternally Dr. Sawyer belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Pathfinders. He is a member of the Marion County and the Ohio State medical societies. Dr.Swayer is medical examiner for the America Central Insurance Company and the Pathfinders
WALTER MARION SCHAAF, one of the leading and prosperous farmers of Waldo, township, and part owner of his late father's estate of 411 acres of land located in section 22, Waldo township, was born January 7, 1870, in the old house on his present farm, and is a son of Jacob A. and Susan Ann (Coleman) Schaaf and a grandson of Henry Schaaf.
Henry Schaaf and his wife, who were both natives of Germany, came to this country and located at an early period on a farm in Waldo township, which became the property of the late Henry Eppert. Henry Schaaf was the father of six children, namely: Peter, deceased; Mrs. Peter Hauk, deceased; Jacob; Henry, deceased; Elizabeth, who married Joseph McBane; and Mrs. Mary Ann Stitch, deceased.
Jacob Schaaf, father of our subject, was born in August, 1835, on the farm where his father first located in Marion County. He was reared on this farm and his education was obtained in the district schools of the township. He began at an early age to assist his father in the clearing and cultivation of the farm and after attaining manhood went to Marion, where he learned the trade of a plasterer, in which he became very proficient. Many of the houses which he plastered when a young man are still in a good state of preservation. He always followed his trade in connection with his farming until past 50 years of age, employing men to do the farm work. After his marriage, he began housekeeping on his father-in-law's farm which he subsequently bought and which is now the property of his son, the subject of this sketch. He later added another tract of 85 acres and in 1897 he and his son Walter bought the Harvey Kenyon farm of 155 acres. Jacob Schaaf was a stanch Democrat but had many good friends among both parties, as was shown by his election as county commissioner. He was first appointed and was subsequently elected twice to that office. He also served several terms as township, trustee and assessor. Mr. Schaaf was married January 17, 1856, to Susan Ann Coleman, who was born near Bucyrus, Ohio, and when two years old came to Marion County with her parents, who located on the farm now owned by our subject. Her father, John Coleman, came from Pennsylvania with his wife and family and located on what was then considered one of the poorest farms in Marion County, but which soon proved the contrary under the good management of Mr. Coleman, who was thrifty and industrious like all of the farmers who came from the State of Pennsylvania. There were no fences on the farm and nothing but a log house at the time of his purchase, the latter of which was immediately replaced by a larger and better one, and in 1874 the large, nine-room frame house which our subject now occupies was erected. Mr. Coleman continued to live on this farm until his death in 1872, at the age of 80 years. He was twice married, the first wife dying in Germany; Susan Ann, the mother of our subject, was the youngest child born to the second union.
Nine children were born to Jacob Schaaf and his wife, as follows: Emma E., who married A. P. Wintermute; Frank Edward; John Henry; Charles Wellington; Sarah Lydia; Cary M., who married Thomas Cole; Walter Marion, the subject of this sketch; and Dora and Wesley, deceased. Jacob Schaaf enlisted in the 100-day service during the Civil War but became ill and was discharged. During the time he was sick he was drafted; being bedfast, he hired a substitute for $700. He died March 30, 1906, and his wife, May 8, 1905, at the age of 70 years.
Walter Marion Schaaf was four years old when his father moved from the old house in which he was born, to the new one in which he is at present residing. Here he was reared, his boyhood days being spent in attending school and also, in assisting with the work on the farm. He has spent his entire life on this farm, engaged in general farming and raises and feeds considerable stock, making a specialty of hogs and horses. He has never resided on the farm which he and his father bought in 1897, but has it leased,
Mr. Schaaf was married October 23, 1895, to Eva Richardson, who was born December 9, 1869, in Westfield, Morrow County, Ohio, and there was reared and educated. She is a daughter of Oliver E. and Evelyn (Drake) Richardson, residents of Westfield. Her father, who conducts a store at Westfield, was born on a farm in Marion County and is a son of Enos Richardson, who came here from Connecticut during the early days of this county's development. Mrs. Evelyn (Drake) Richardson is a daughter of Daniel S. Drake, and a granddaughter of Col. William S. Drake, who came to Marion County in 1807. "Drake's Defeat," with which he was connected, in the War of 1812, is described in one of the chapters of this history.
Children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, as follows: Mrs. Flora Linzey; Clermont; Mrs. Clara Torrey; Eva, wife of our subject; Fred; and Mrs. Josie Faust, who died in January, 1904.
Walter M. Schaaf and his wife have one child, Hugh Richardson, who was born January 22, 1900. In politics Mr. Schaaf is identified with the Democratic party.
FREDERICK SCHABER, who for many years was one of the most prominent and highly respected agriculturists of Green Camp township, was born in Germany, November 17, 1837, and passed out of this life on October 8, 1900.
Mr. Schaber came alone to America when a boy of 16 years and located in Crawford County, Ohio. He subsequently settled in Marion County, purchased the farm where his widow now resides and engaged in farming. He was recognized as one of the most practical, energetic and prosperous farmers in his locality. The farm, which he purchased shortly after the Civil War, consisted at the time of the purchase of timberland; it lies three miles south of Agosta on the Sager and Irey turnpike directly on the line between Bowling Camp, townships. At the time of his death, Mr. Schaber was the owner of 235 acres of land situated in these two township. His widow has sold part of this land, retaining but 146 acres, of which 56 are in Green Camp township, and 90 acres directly opposite in Bowling Green township. Mr. Schaber raised considerable stock, making a specialty of cattle and hogs.
Mr. Schaber was first married in Crawford County, in 1860, to Mrs. Mary Winslager, by which union he became the father of five children: Mrs. Mary Minehardt, Frank, Jacob, David and Eva. On May 8, 1884, Mr. Schaber was married to Lena Eckart, a daughter of George and Ernestine Eckart, both natives of Germany, who came to America, and were married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Seven children were born to this second union, namely: Frederick, born June 27, 1886, who lives on the home place and manages the farm; Ernestine; Clarence; Gladys; Edward, who died aged nine months; and two infants who died unnamed.
Mr. Schaber was a man of public spirit and, enterprise and was highly respected by all who knew him for the qualities which made him a good neighbor and a first-class citizen. he was a member of the German Reformed Church, while the others of his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Agosta.
CHARLES D. SCHAFFNER, cashier of the Marion County Bank, at Marion, and a business man of acknowledged standing, was born in 1869 in this city and is a son of Henry Schaffner, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. He was reared in Marion and received his education in the public schools. Early in life he worked for one year in the furniture business and in 1887 entered the Marion County Bank as collector, from which position he was gradually promoted to that of assistant cashier, in which capacity he acted for 12 years, until April 8, 1907, when he was elected cashier by the board of directors. He also has other business interests in Marion, having invested to a considerable extent in real estate.
In 1894 Mr. Schaffner was married to Bertha Muntsinger, a daughter of William Muntsinger of Marion, Ohio. They have one child, Walter. Mr. Schaffner is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery at Marion and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HENRY SCHAFFNER, proprietor of the leading furniture and undertaking establishment at Marion, which is one of the oldest established business enterprises of the city, is a pioneer of Marion where he has had a continuous residence of over half a century. The house of which he is the head was founded over 40 years ago. Mr. Schaffner was born May 31, 1831, at Effingen, Canton Aargau, Switzerland, of which place his parents, Daniel and Barbara (Weibel) Schaffner, were also natives.
Mr. Schaffner's parents were married in 1827. His mother died at Effingen in 1846. Daniel Schaffner, after the death of his first wife, contracted a second marriage and shortly afterward, in 1848, came to the United States, arriving at Mansfield, Ohio, in September. The following year Mr. and Mrs. Schaffner removed to Gallon, Ohio, where Mrs. Schaffner died the same year. In 1862 Daniel Schaffner came to New Bloomington (now Agosta), Marion County, where he lived seven years, removing in 1869 to Dyer County, Tennessee, and thence to Clay County, Kansas, where his death subsequently took place.
Henry Schaffner came to the United States with his father and step-mother in 1848 and in the spring of 1849 became a resident of Marion County. On December 17, 1849, he moved to Marion and on April 1, 1850, started in to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, entering upon an apprenticeship under Peter Durn, which continued for two years at Kenton, Ohio. After working at his trade for firms in Indianapolis and LaFayette, Indiana, for a short time, he returned to Marion and for some three or four years was employed as a cabinet-maker by Samuel Saiter. At that time the work of a cabinet-maker included the making of coffins to order. He was kept especially busy at his work when the cholera epidemic of 1854 raged in this section. He also worked as an expert cabinet-maker for David Jameson and Frederick Kowalke until 1866 when, in partnership with William Fies and Albert Dreyer, he established a furniture and undertaking business at Marion. This partnership continued until the spring of 1877, when it was dissolved by mutual consent. Henry Schaffner then opened up an establishment of his own, where he carried on cabinet-making until 1882 when he added undertaking. His first location was on East Center street; in 1880 he moved to Main street and in 1886 took up his present quarters at No. 206 South Main street. For the past 30 years his son Frank has been associated with him in business.
Mr. Schaffner was married in 1856 to Margaret Schultz, who was born in Germany and came to this country with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Schultz, when three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Schaffner have three sons-- William H., who is president of the Marion County Bank; Frank, who has charge of his father's furniture and undertaking business; and Charles D., who is cashier of the Marion County Bank. All three sons are successful business men and prominent in the commercial and social circles of the city. A daughter, Mary Anna, died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Schaffner have four grandchildren. Mr. Schaffner enlisted for service in the Civil War as one of the 100 day men in 1864 and served nearly four months. He is a Democrat in politics and belongs to the Royal Arcanum. He and his wife are members of the Protestant Evangelical Church of Marion.
FRANK SCHAFFNER was born at Marion, Ohio, in 1860, and was reared and educated in his native city. Upon leaving school, he immediately entered his father's business establishment, the entire management of which is now in his hands.
On January 22,1891, he was married to Mary Glick, a daughter of John Glick, of Marion, and they have one son, Wilfred. Mr. and Mrs. Schaffner are members of the Protestant Evangelical Church. Fraternally, Mr. Schaffner is a Knight of Pythias, an Odd Fellow and a Druid.
WILLIAM H. SCHAFFNER, president of the Marion County Bank at Marion, is a representative citizen, whose business interests have always been centered in this city, where he was born February 12, 1857. He is a son of Henry and Margaret (Schultz) Schaffner, whose wedded life of over half a century has been spent in Marion. Elsewhere in this work may be found a sketch of our subject's father.
William H. Schaffner obtained his education in the Marion schools, graduating in 1874 from the Marion High School, being, a member of the second graduating class. He then entered the business house of Fies, Schaffner & Dreyer and served an apprenticeship to the cabinet-maker's trade, remaining with that firm for three years. At that time the late Harry True was conducting a drug-store in the Masonic Block, on East Center street, and on January 1, 1877, Mr. Schaffner entered his employ in the capacity of clerk. The store was destroyed by fire on May 1, 1877, and then Mr. Schaffner entered the employ of his father, in the cabinet-making business, and remained so engaged for three more years. Since that time Mr. Schaffner has been almost entirely identified with the city's banking interests. On March 21, 1881, he became bookkeeper for the Marion County Bank, and in 1894 he became cashier, which position he filled until he was elected head of the institution, April 8, 1907, succeeding the late Harry True. From the date of Mr. True's death until his own election to the presidency he was acting president, as well as cashier. His standing in banking circles is unassailable and his whole business record is one of ability and integrity.
On May 1, 1881, Mr. Schaffner was united in marriage with Mary Hecker, who is a daughter of John and Magdalene Hecker. They have two children, Edna and Harry Reed.
LOUIS SCHERFF, who fills the honorable office of mayor of Marion, and as such commands the respect and enjoys the confidence of his fellow-citizens, has been a resident of this city for the past 35 years. He was born in Germany, April 1, 1855, and is a son of Christopher and Charlotta Scherff.
Mr. Scherff was educated in the excellent schools of his native land and was a well-informed youth of 16 years when he came to the United States, in 1869. He lived at Ashland, Ohio, until 1871, when he came to Marion. Having his own way to make in the world, he learned a trade and continued to follow it for a number of years. When he attained his majority, he identified himself with the Democratic party, to which he has been faithful ever since. This party chose him for mayor and in 1905 elected him to the office he now holds, with a majority of 225 votes over the Republican candidate, John Bain. His administration has been of great benefit to the city and he has made many political as well as personal friends
Mr. Scherff was united in marriage to Martha Mayer, who is a daughter of Charles Mayer, and they have three children, namely: Gertrude, who married Charles Peadon, a wellknown baker of Marion, and has one child-- George Louis; Harry, employed as bookkeeper by The Marion Steam Shovel Company, who married Byrel Lincoln, of Marion; and Frederick, a clerk in the freight office of the "Big Four" Railroad at Marion, who resides at home. The family home is situated at No. 120 Columbia street, Marion. Fraternally, the subject of this sketch is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. With his family, he attends the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JACOB SCHOENLAUB, the only veteran of the Mexican War residing in Marion County, nd on of the most highly esteemed citizens of Marion township, where he owns and resides upon a farm of 109 acres, was born March 5, 1830, in Bavaria, Germany. He is a son of Christopher and Phoebe Schoenlaub, natives of Germany, who came to this country when their son Jacob was about two years old and settled in Marion County, Ohio, upon the farm of 80 acres in Richland township, where they death subsequently took place, the father dying at athe age of 51 years and the mother at the age of 50. One son was born to them after their arrival in this country; the others were all born in Germany.
Jacob Schoenlaub was reared on the farm in Richland township. Upon the outbreak of the Mexican War, at the age of 17 years, he enlisted in Company B, Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Brough. He left Marion County in April, 1847, for Columbus, Ohio, where Company B. was formed, and there proceeded with the other members of the company to Cincinnati, where the Fourth Regiment was made up, after which they went down the Ohio River to New Orleans, where a boat was taken across the Gulf of Mexico to Brazos Island. From there they went to Matamoras and were stationed on the Rio Grande for two months. They were then ordered to Vera Curz, under the command of General Lane. Mr. Schoenlaub passed through a number of small battles and engagements without injury and was not even sick during the whole of his service. He returned home after peace was declared, in the latter part of July, 1848. After the war Mr. Schoenlaub engaged in farming in Richland township and after his marriage lived for 15 years on a farm of 50 acres in that township that he owned, which he had entered on a soldier's land warrant, given him by the government as a reward for his services in Mexico. When he sold this property, he bought his present 109 acre farm in Marion township, where he has lived since 1866 and upon which he has made most of the improvements, including the house and barn.
Mr. Schoenlaub was married in July, 1851, to Mary Dorothy Dietsch, and they have had nine children, of whom seven are still living, namely: Jacob J., a resident of Marion who served two terms as county treasurer and for the past four and a half years has been deputy county treasurer; George, who is engaged in the grocery business in Marion; Sallie, who is the wife of George Fetter, of Marion; Henry, a machinist, living in Marion; Kate and Arny, who live at home; and David, who lives in Marion. Those deceased are: Elizabeth (twin sister of Sallie), who married George Heineman and died at the age of 37 years; and John, who died in young manhood. Mrs. Schoenlaub died in 1900.
Mr. Schoenlaub's first vote was cast for Gen. Winfield Scott for president; ever since he has voted the Democratic ticket. He served at one time as trustee of Richland township, but when he was elected township clerk he declined to accept the office. His popularity in the township was duly attested when he was elected township trustee, on which occasion he received 180 votes. out of a possible 186. He has been a member of the Lutheran Church in Marion County for many years, and for the past 30 years has held various offices in this church, of which he is now an elder.
JACOB J. SCHOENLAUB, one of the leading business men of Marion, who has been connected with the finances of Marion County for the past eight and a half years, four years as county treasurer, and the past four and a half years as deputy county treasurer, was born in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, May 8, 1852, and is a son of Jacob Schoenlaub, of Marion township, the only veteran of the Mexican War residing in this county, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this book.
Mr. Schoenlaub was educated in the county schools and assisted on his father's farm until he was 10 years of age, when he moved to Marion. He received his business training with the firms of Dennig & Dietsch, Reed & Yake and Yake & Uhler. In October, 1881, Mr. Schoenlaub became a member of the mercantile firm of Markert, Schoenlaub & Company.
Mr. Schoenlaub is a Democrat in politics as is his father. In 1897 he was elected county treasurer on the Democratic ticket by 172 votes and two years later he was honored by being elected for another two-year term, this time having a plurality of 184 votes. Upon the conclusion of his second term, he was retained as deputy by the new county treasurer, P. F. Foreman, and four years later became assistant for W. C. Wottring during his first tax collection, who was elected county treasurer in 1905 and is the present incumbent.
On September 5, 1876, Mr. Schoenlaub was married to Martha C. Graham, who was born December 5, 1852, in Marion township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Thomas and Maria Graham. They have had tree children: Thomas J., who is a civil engineer, serving the State of New York at AIbany; William Emerson, a law student at the Ohio State University; and James Clifford, who is attending the Marion High School. Mr. Schoenlaub is a member of the Lutheran Church. The family home for the past 30 years has been at No. 307 South State street, Marion.
JOHN A. SCHROETER, purchasing agent of The Huber Manufacturing Company and a member of the directing board of this company as well as of other large manufacturing and commercial concerns of Marion, was born February 12, 1860. in Delaware County, Ohio.
The late Joseph Schroeter, father of our subject, was a native of Germany and an early settler in Scioto township, Delaware County, Ohio, where he died July 14, 1901, in his 70th year, honored and respected by all who knew him His worthy wife, whose maiden name was Sophia Deerwachter, was also a native of Germany and died at Greenville, Darke County, Ohio, in 1872, aged 37 years. They were the parents of 10 children, namely: Emma, deceased; Joseph, deceased; Mary, wife of Luther D. Artz; John A.; Charles A.; Julia, deceased; Wilhelmina, wife of Hosea Warren; Frank A.; Frederick, deceased, and Sophia, deceased-all the children living being restdents of the city of Marion.
John A. Schroeter was reared in his native county and attended school at Millsville, now Warrensburg. When about 15 years of age he served an apprenticeship as carriage-maker and wood-worker and followed his trade for five subsequent years. He then became a salesman in a clothing store at Delaware and in 1886 came to Marion. securing employment here in the same capacity. Early in 1888, he became associated with The Marion Malleable Iron Company, with which concern he remained nearly two years, until late in 1889, when he became connected with The Huber Manufacturing Company, still later becoming associated with a number of other important business organizations. He is a member of the board of directors of The Marion Steam Shovel Company; of The Fahey Banking Company; of The Marion County Telephone Company; of The Prendergast Company; of The Wollenweber Lurnber Company; of The Meredith Band Instrument Company; of The Citizens' Building and Loan Company; of The Implement Manufacturing Company and of the Marion Commercial' Club. These companies represent a large amount of capital and many trade connections.
On October 30, 1890, Mr. Schroeter was united in marriage with Catherine C. Huber, a daughter of the late Edward Huber. They have an interesting family of three sons and two daughters, as follows: Edward Joseph, Mary Gertrude, Robert Huber, Mary Josephme and John Charles. Mr. Schroeter is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus.
CHARLES FREDERICK SCHROTE, a prosperous farmer of Pleasant township, residing on a well improved farm of 172 acres located, in section 10, was born in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, March 28, 1855, and is a son of Frederick and Lydia (Reeley) Schrote.
Frederick Schrote was born in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany and when 10 years of age came to this country with his mother and brother Jacob, his father and sister having died of cholera during the voyage. Mrs. Schrote located in Marion County, Ohio, purchasing the farm in Pleasant township where John Schrote now lives. The land was almost wholly covered with timber; only a very small portion of it had been cleared. The family occupied for a time a little log cabin on the place. Wild game was plentiful and Indians were still inhabitants of this part of the country.
After the death of his mother, Frederick Schrote became the owner of the farm and was later married to Lydia Reeley, who came from Pennsylvania to Marion County, with her parents. Eleven children were born to Frederick Schrote and his wife, as follows: Caroline, who is the widow of George Dietsch; Catharine, who is the widow of Daniel Kaufman; Hannah, who is the widow of John Dietsch; Jacob, who married Mary Ruth and lives in Richland township; Christina F., who married David Kaufman, of Pleasant township; Charles Frederick; Lydia, John and Clara, all single, who live on the home place in Pleasant township, where the parents both died; Henry deceased in childhood; and an infant, deceased.
Charles Frederick Schrote obtained 80 acres of his present farm from his father, and in 1893 bought another tract of land from Charles Berry, to which he subsequently added 42 1/2 acres, which he purchased' from Christopher Watheberk.
Mr. Schrote was married in 1895 to Mary Seiter, who was born January 22, 1864, in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a daughter of William and Louise (Bower) Seiter, well-known residents of the township. Mr. Seiter was born in Pleasant township, on the farm where Henry Seiter now resides, but Mrs. Seiter is a native of Germany and came America when a child, with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Seiter had nine children, as follows: William, Mary, Caroline, John, Emma, Clara, Henry, Wesley and Anna. Mr. Seiter and his sons run two sawmills and also operate a threshing machine.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schrote, namely: Anna, Alice, Henry and Roy. Politically Mr. Schrote is a Democrat. He is a member of the Methodist Church.
JACOB SCHROTE, who owns and resides upon a well-improved and highly cultivated farm of 96 acres, situated in section 18, Richland township, is a substantial and prosperous agriculturist. He was born on the home farm in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, April 27, 1851, and is a son of Frederick and Lydia (Reeley) Schrote.
Frederick Schrote was born in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany and at the age of 10 years came to America with his mother and brother Jacob, the father and sister dying of cholera on the voyage. They at once located in Marion County, Ohio, where the mother bought a small farm in Pleasant township, covered with standing timber, except a small portion that was cleared. The country was still in a wild, unsettled condition, and game of all kinds was very plentiful. The family for a time occupied a small log house on the land. It was here the two boys grew to manhood, clearing the land and placing it under cultivation, and enduring many trials and hardships. The mother died on this farm at an advanced age. After her death, Frederick took the home place and Jacob, who is now deceased, bought a farm in Marion township. Frederick added more land to the original tract and at the time of his death owned 300 acres. He married Lydia Reeley, a native of Pennsylvania, and 11 children were born to them, namely: Caroline, who is the widow of George Dietsch; Catherine, who is the widow of Daniel Kaufman; Hannah, who is the widow of John Dietsch; Jacob; Christina F., who married David Kaufman, of Pleasant township; Charles Frederick, who married Mary Seiter; Lydia; John; Henry, deceased; an infant, deceased,; and Clara. Frederick Schrote died on the home place at the age of 72 years, his wife having previously passed away in her 62nd year.
Jacob Schrote was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Pleasant township, and remained on the farm assisting with the work until his marriage, when he moved to his present farm of 96 acres in Richland township, which he bought from his father's estate in 1892. Mr. Schrote has always followed farming and is one of the most successful and enterprising agriculturists of the township. The larger number of the improvements on the farm were on the place when he took possession, but the barn, which is one of the largest in Richland township, he built in 1904.
Mr. Schrote was married March 20, 1884, to Mary Ruth, who is a daughter of Charles and Caroline ( Seiter) Ruth. (Charles was born in Wuerttemberg) Charles Ruth was born in Germany and came to this country when a young man, locating in Marion County, Ohio, where he married Caroline Seiter, who was a native of this county. Mr.. and Mrs. Ruth had a family of 10 children, namely: Caroline, Mary, Christina, Charles, Elizabeth, William, Sarah, John, Christian and Moses.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schrote, as follows: Moses,William,John, Harvey, Noah, Ruth and Herman, all of whom are at home. Mr. Schrote is a Democrat. He belongs to the Methodist Church.
ALFRED DAVID SCHULTZ, who conducts a general mercantile business at Cochranton, was born June 9, 1859, in this town and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Rhine) Schultz.
Jacob Schultz was born in Obermodern, Alsace Lorraine, Germain, and came to this country with his parents when a small boy, his father, Jacob Schultz, Sr., having been one of the early settlers of the county. The father of our subject came to Marion County at the age of 14 years and was a resident of the county for 63 years, his death occurring in 1904, when 77 years old. Hiw wife died in 1890 when in her 59th year. They had 13 children, as follows: Ellen Mary, who married John Johnson, a farmer, residing one mile from Green Camp village; Emma, married Ernest Bricker and resides two miles southeast of Green Camp, on a farm; Catherine, who married C. L. Wilson, of Agosta; Clara, who married Charles Williams, of Agosta; Franklin J., who resides in Marion; Alfred David; Charles, a merchant at Morral; William, who resides in Marion; Edward, who, resides in Agosta, where he is engaged in a mercantile business; Harry, who died in 1904; and George, Albert and an unnamed child, all three of whom died in infancy.
Alfred D. Schultz was reared in Cochranton and educated in the local schools. After reaching manhood, he worked on a farm and at various occupations until 1886, when he engaged in a mercantile business, at Cochranton, which he has successfully conducted ever since, a period of 20 years.
Mr. Schultz married Mrs. Anna Forry, a daughter of C. Milton and Margaret (Carroll) Stockwell, of Agosta. One child was born to this union, Alfred D. Mr. Schultz is a Democrat. His brother, Frank J. Schultz, was formerly probate judge of the county. Our subject is a member of Marion Lodge, No. 402, K. of P., of Marion and is perhaps the oldest member of the order living at Cochranton.
CHARLES J. SCHULTZ, who conducts the largest general merchandise store at Morral, was born in Scott Town, Montgomery township, Marion County, Ohio, October 17, 1864, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Rhine) Schultz.
Schultz passed his boyhood days in Scott Town and attended the schools there until 19 years old, when he went to La Rue and entered the employ of the mercantile house of Knapp & Schultz, the junior member of this firm being his older brother. For over four years he continued there, but in the fall of 1899 he came to Morral and opened a general store, in partnership with his brother, under the firm name of F. J. & C. J. Schultz. They continued in this business until May 23, 1898, when Charles J. Schultz bought out F. J. Schultz interest, and since that time the business has been solely under his management. He has the largest and the oldest store at Morral.
Mr. Schultz was married during his last year's residence in La Rue, October 17, 1888, on his 24th birthday, to Jessie E. Handchey, who is a daughter of Henry and Elmira (Haner) Handchy. Two children have been born to this union: Hazel D. and Harrold C., the former of whom is an attendant of the Morral High School, class of 1907. Mr. Schultz is a member of the School Board.
PHILIP SCHWADERER , who is engaged in farming and stock-raising on a fine farm of 160 acres located in Green Camp township, was born May 7, 1848, in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Barbara (Pfromer) Schwaderer, both, natives of Germany.
John Schwaderer was reared in Marbach, Wuerttemberg, Germany and came to America at the age of 17 with his father, Job Schwaderer, who settled in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, as one of the earliest pioneers. Job Schwaderer and his wife both died on the farm in Pleasant township. Jacob was married to Barbara Pfromer (born in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany) and lived on the home place until death Eight children were born to him and his wife, as follows: John; Philip; Samuel; Mrs. Mary Neidhardt; Mrs. Caroline Gresser, of Marion; Mrs. Kate Firstenberger; and two children deceased. Mrs. Schwaderer, who lives with her daughter, Mrs. Neidhardt, will be 89 years old in April, 1907.
Philip, Schwaderer was reared on his father's farm of 160 acres in Pleasant township, which is still owned by his mother. He remained on the farm until a short time after his marriage, when he bought 100 acres of his present farm in Green Camp township; after his father's death he bought 60 acres of adjoining land which had been owned by his father. The greater part of his original 100-acre tract was covered with timber, which has been removed and the land placed in an excellent state of cultivation. When Mr. Schwaderer moved to the farm in 1872, his father erected a hewn-log house for him, which is still standing; in 1901 Mr. Schwaderer erected a fine, large, frame house; the large barn, which is 36 by 87 feet in dimensions, was erected in 1883. Mr. Schwaderer is greatly interested in raising fine stock and makes a specialty of French draft horses, Shorthorn cattle and Chester White and Poland-China hogs. He takes great pride in his live-stock, especially his cattle and horses, which have taken many prizes at various fairs. He has one stallion that he raised from a colt, which is worth $2,000.
Mr. Schwaderer was married February 8, 1872, to Sarah Meinhardt, who was born at Canal Dover, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John Meinbardt (born in Huttengesass, Hessen-Nasau, Prussia). They have had eight children, of whom six are still I living, as follows: Samuel, living in Green Camp township, who married Della Carey; John Wesley, residing upon his farm of 120 acres in Green Camp township, who married Stella Imbody and has one child-Lucille; Harvey B., residing on his farm of 100 acres in Green Camp township, who married Grace Cook and has two children-Clifford and Evadell; Bertha who married Jesse Uncapher, of Big Island township, and has one child, Fern; and David and Lydia Sarah, who reside at home. Mr. Schwaderer is a member and trustee of the German Methodist Episcopal Church.
JACOB SCHWEINFURTH, of the represent native citizens of Waldo township, residing on his well-improved farm of 150 acres located in section 33, ,vas born March 26, 1832 in Wiesloch, Baden, Germany, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Lumerdean) Schweinfurth.
Jacob Schweinfurth, the grandfather of our subject, was a cooper by trade and conducted a cooper shop, making a great many barrels, as he was located in a great wine-producing country. He was also a well-to-do farmer and made a great deal of wine, the family attending to the work in his extensive wine-cellar. At his death he left his land business to his children, who continued to operate the business for some time.
Jacob Schweinfurth, the father of our subject, who was one of a family of nine children, was reared in Germany, received a good education and learned the cooper's trade. He came of one of the best families of Wiesloch, which is a county-seat located on the Rhine, near Heidelberg, One of his brothers was quite prominent and served in many public offices of Wiesloch and also in the church. Jacob Schweinfurth married Catherine Lumerdean, who was also born of a good family and had an excellent education. He died about 1840, leaving the following children: Peter, who died in America; Philip, whose death occurred in Germany in 1904; John, who died at Toledo, Ohio, in 1904-he was minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Marion for many years, and built a church there; Catherine, who married E. Lauer and died at Prospect, in 1905: Susanna, who, married Dr. J. Hecker and died in Pleasant township; Barbara, who married her cousin, George Schweinfurth, and died in Germany; and Jacob.
Jacob Schweinfurth, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in Germany and when about 18 years old (in 1850) came to America with his mother, two sisters and his brother-in-law, E. Lauer. His brother Peter had settled in Prospect township some time before and this township Jacob and his mother located in. Jacob worked for a short time for Mr. Thew as a shoemaker, having learned the trade in Germany, after which he worked for one summer in a brickyard, receiving for his services from $9 to $10 a month and being often obliged to take his wages out in clothing and trade. He then went to Toledo, Ohio, where his brother was preaching and there engaged in his trade as a shoemaker. Toledo was then preparing to build her first railroad; the canal was then the only means of transportation outside of the stagecoach lines. Marion was then a small village with but a few scattered log houses, Mr. Gardner, a lawyer, having the finest residence in, the village. From Toledo, Mr. Schweinfurth came to Marion County and lived for about three years with his sister Susan and her husband, Jacob Hecker, who had bought an 80-acre timber tract in the southern part of Marion County. During this period of residence with the Heckers, he made shoes and conducted a small shoe-store.
After his marriage, he bought a small farm of 30 acres in Pleasant township, upon which he built a house of hewed logs, in which he lived for a number of years, finally selling the farm and buying the nucleus of his present farm, the original purchase consisting of but 50 acres. He continued to add to his estate until at one time he had nearly 360 acres, of which he has given 210 acres to his children, retaining only the home place of 150 acres for himself. Mr. Schweinfurth has been engaged in farming since about 1865 and has met with very successful results. He has been retired from business activity for the past few years and his sons now operate the farm.
Mr. Schweinfurth was married March 31, 1857, to Mary Wells, who was born February 15, 1840, in Waldo township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Adam and Catherine (Wensen) Wells. Adam Wells was born in Hessen, Germany, where be learned the shoemaker's trade. He married Catherine Wensen and they came to America and located in Waldo township, Marion County, in the pioneer period of the county's development. Adam erected a log cabin on the property he secured and here after many years of hardships his death occurred. He and his wife had a large family of children, as follows: Catherine, who married John Cope-both now deceased; Adam, deceased: Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Joseph Saffel; Laura, deceased, who was the wife of William Dunbar; Susan, deceased, who was the wife of Fred. Richard; Anna, the widow of John Shandollar: Wesley, deceased; Mary; and two children that died in infancy. Mrs. Wells survived her husband many years and lived with her daughter in Delaware, Ohio.
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schweinfurth, namely Laura, who married Henry Knickel and died about four weeks after her marriage; Herman, who married Catherine Hecker and has three children-Sarnuel, Mary and Nora (who married Joseph Almendinger) John, who married Barbara Hecker and has two children-Edwin and Margaret; Ferdinand, who married Emma Romoser, lives in Marion and has two children-Wilbert an Gladys; Jacob, whose wife, Gerry Armendinger, left at her death three children Walter, Clifford and Mabel, who, live with their grandfather, Mr. Schweinfurth after his first wife's death he married Catherine Augenstein and by this marriage has one child; George who married L. Bazler; Arthur H, unmarried who lives out West; and Lydia May, who married Walter Reishner and lives in New York State.
During his younger days Mr. Schweinfurth was a Democrat but for many years past he has been a Republican. He has served as school director in Pleasant and Waldo townships. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over 50 years, during the greater part of which time he has been church treasurer.
WILLIAM E. SCOFIELD, senior member of the law firm of Scofield, Durfee & Scofield, is one of the leading members of the bar at Marion. He is also president of the Marion Commercial Club Company, and in every way is a prominent and representative citizen. He was born September 3, 1860, in Marion, Ohio. Mr. Scofield spent his boyhood and youth in this city and received his education in the Marion schools, graduating from the High School in 1877. He served as deputy county clerk for two years. His natural inclination led him to desire a professional life and after several years of careful preparation in the law office of his father, Capt. William E. Scofield, he was admitted to the bar on November 1, 1881. He became a member of the firm of Scofield & Scofield, which was dissolved by his father's death, July 3, 1883. In 1884 he formed a partnership with Charles Garberson, which continued for a short time. When George B. Scofield was admitted to the bar in 1888, the firm of Scofield & Scofield was formed; in 1894 E. B. Durfee became a member of, the firm, which ever since has been known as Scofield, Durfee & Scofield.
By his industry and faithfulness to his clients, Mr. Scofield soon won success. His ability as a trial lawyer has placed him abreast of the eminent men of the law in this part of the State. His law firm has become noted for its successful prosecution of personal injury cases. It is considered a strong combination and has much important litigation in Marion County.
Mr. Scofield was elected solicitor of Marion in 1884, continuing in that important office until Marion became a city in 1884, when he was elected the first city solicitor.
Mr. Scofield was married July 7, 1886, to Martha L. Johnston, the estimable daughter of the late Joseph Johnston. Their beautiful home is situated at No.604 Bellefontaine avenue.
Mr. Scofield, besides excelling in his profession, is one of the city's public spirited business men. He is a prominent Elk and is identified politically with the Democratic party.
JAMES W. SCOTT, formerly surveyor of Marion County, has been a resident of Marion for the past 20 years. He was born in Union County, Ohio, in which county he cornpleted his primary education. He then entered the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, where he took a course in surveying and civil engineering. Immediately afterward he came to Marion County, and in 1887 was elected county surveyor; he was reelected in 1890 and served until 1894; in 1897 he was appointed by the Common Pleas Court to fill out the unexpired term of Surveyor Hill and served to 1899. From 1888 to 1890 and from 1896 to 1900 he was city engineer of Marion. Since 1900 he has been engaged in a general contracting business; but for the last year he has been deputy county surveyor of Delaware County, Ohio. He was one of the organizers
of the Marion County Telephone Company, and since the organization has been a director in the company.
Politically Mr. Scott has always, been identified with the Democratic party. He is known as one of Marion's good citizens, being at all times ready to forward movements promising to be of general benefit to this section.
DANIEL SEITFR, a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Marion County, who resides on his excellent farm of 117 acres in Richland township, was born May 14, 1859, in Marion Countv, Ohio. He is a son of Daniel (born in Ellmendingen, Baden) and Margaret (Klingle) (born in Ersingen, Baden) Setter.
The father of Mr. Seiter located in 1830 in Marion County where he became a successful farmer and a well-known citizen. His death occurred in 1903. He married Margaret Klingle and they had 10 children, six of whom survive. Two of his sons laid down their lives while in the service of their country, during the Civil War.
Mr. Seiter spent his boyhood on his father's farm and his education was obtained in the public schools in that Vicinity. Since he attained manhood he has been engaged in farming in Richland township, where he has become one of the representative citizens. In 1904 he was elected county commissioner by the Republican party, and secured the office by a majority of 181 votes over his Democratic opponent, Frank Epley. He has a record which shows that he is a most efficient and faithful public official.
Daniel Seiter was married to Matilda Seiter, who is a daughter of Jolm Seiter, and they have three chilclren: Harry D., Nora M. and Roy H. Mr. Seiter and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are liberal supporters of its missionary work.
HENRY SEITER, a prominent farmer and representative citizen of Pleasant township, residing on a farm of 160 acres, situated in section 2, owns a second farm containing 76 1/2 acres, which is located on the Delaware turnpike. Henry Seiter was born on the farm he now occupies, April 10, 1867, and is a son of John and Anna Mary (Reckley) Seiter.
John Seiter was born and reared in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany, and was 17 years old when he accompanied his uncle to America. He worked for some time in a hotel at Marion, Ohio, and later was engaged in the the same work in a hotel at Delaware. Subsequently he sent for his parents to come to America, but on the voyage his father, mother and grandfather all died. He returned to Marion and bought land from the government, walking from .Marion to Lancaster in one day, in order to enter the land. Another man from Marion also wished to enter this land, and was making the trip on horseback, but fortunately for Mr. Seiter, made a late start and was beaten in the race. Mr. Seiter finally purchased the land, which is now owned by his son, Henry. John Seiter then married Mary Schwatter(born in Maubach, Wuerttemberg) (Schwaderer), and they went to reside on the farm, and for a time were obliged to live in an old log schoolhouse which stood on Mr. Seiter's brother's land. They had few household goods, used a trunk for a table and had but one chair. Mr. Seiter finally built a little log cabin of his own which is still standing and is part of the home where his son lives. Seven children, all of whom are living, were born to John Seiter and his first wife, namely: Caroline, who married C. P. Ruth; William, John, Christopher, Jacob, Philip and George. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Seiter married (second) Anna Mary Reckley, who came from Germany. Six children were born to the second union as, follows: Mary, deceased; Henry,: Margaret, deceased; Polly, who married John Rentschler; Matilda, who married Daniel Seiter; and Mary, who married John Roush. John Seiter died August 21, 1878, his death being the result of an accident caused by the caving in of a sand bank where he had gone for a load of sand. His widow is still I living on a farm near that of her son Henry.
Henry Seiter was reared and has always lived on the home farm, which he bought from his mother in 1892. He received but little schooling, as he was the youngest son and was left on the farm to do the work. He was married December 27, 1877, to Sophia Almendinger who was born March 10, 1853, in Pleasant township. is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Abel) Almendinger, who were natives of Horrheim, Wuerttember, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Almendinger had 13 children, as follows: Caroline, Rachel, Minnie, Christina, Jacob, Elizabeth, Sophia, Charles, Mary, Lewis, Andrew and two children that died in infancy.
Three children were born to Henry Seiter and his wife, namely: Edna , who married C. L. Miller and lives on the Delaware turnpike; Hattie, who married Moses Ruth and lives on the farm with her father; and Cora, residing at home.
The large, seven-room house, which Mr. Seiter and his family occupy, is partly the old log cabin which was built over 70 years ago. In 1904 Mr. Seiter bought a farm of 76 1/2 acres on the Delaware pike from Evelyn Cromer, and besides cultivating his own two farms he also operates his mother's farm, carrying on general agriculture and raising all kinds of stock, including thoroughbred French Draft horses. Besides his farming interests, he is also concerned in a great many other business enterprises of his section of the country. He is vice-president of the Howard Oil Company, of Auglaize County, which has a capital stock of $40,00.0, and has at present over 700 acres leased, with 19 oil wells in operation. He is a stockholder in The Marion County Telephone Company; The Miller Manufacturing of Marion, and The Marion Manufacturing Company. He is a Democrat politically; he was for a period of six years trustee of Pleasant township, and in 1900 was appointed land appraiser of the township. He is a member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has served as steward and as superintendent of the Sunday-school.
JACOB SEITER, whose home is situated on a well-improved tract of 60 acres, in section 15, Pleasant township, owns also the 80 acres across the road and an additional 67 acres among the hills of Vinton County. Mr. Seiter was born October 12, 1846, on the old home farm in Pleasent township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Mary (Schwaderer) Seiter.
John Seiter, father of Jacob, was born in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany, and came to America at the age of 16 years, finding work as a hostler at Marion, Ohio, where he remained for a few years and then bought 160 acres of wild land, paying for this the sum of $300. Later he added 50 acres to his first purchase. All this land was heavily timbered. Wild animals were still hiding in the forest depths on every side and Indians were his frequent visitors. With the latter he never had any trouble as he was wise enough to keep on friendly terms with them, and he was wont to say that a good basket of turnips would usually satisfy their demand,,. He saw much hardship, however, and must have been a young man of great courage and strength of character to have persevered, almost alone, until he had acquired what he desired. In Mary Schwaderer, who was also born in Marbach, Wuerttemberg, Germany, he found a cheerful companion and an admirable wife. They had seven children, as follows: Caroline, deceased, who was the wife of Charles Rutt: and William H., John, Christian, Jacob, Philip and George. Mr. Seiter was left with a motherless family of little children, his first wife dying when but 36 years of age. He was again fortunate in the selection of a life companion, marrying Anna Beckley, a most estimable woman, who was also born in Germany and still survives. Mr. Seiter died in September, 1886, at the age of 66 years. The children of the second marriage were: Henry; Pauline, who is the widow of John Rentschler; Matilda, who is the wife of Daniel Seiter; and Mary, who is the wife of John Roush.
Jacob Seiter assisted his father on the home farm until he was 21 years of age, in the meantime obtaining his education in the district schools. In 1869 he purchased his present farm, which was formerly owned by Adam Morrows, where he carries on general farming and operates a sawmill a business in which he has been engaged more or less ever since attaining his majority. Formerly he was in a sawmill business with his brother William, whom he later bought out, and also owned a threshing outfit which he operated a number of years. His house he erected in 1877, having learned the carpenter's trade when a young man. Mr. Seiter is a man well equipped for business in almost any direction and has led a busy life. He has taken time to show his interest in public matters also, and has been one of the hardest workers in his township in all affairs calculated to advance its interests. Although he is a Democrat by preference, he has never allowed politics to interfere with his voting for the man he deemed best fitted for office. He has served for a number of years as road supervisor, for seven years was constable and at present is health officer of Pleasant township. He has warm friends in both political parties.
On July 29, 1867, Mr. Seiter was married to Mary Hersel, who came of an old German family, and is a daughter of Gottlieb Hersel. Mr. and Mrs. Seiter have had 10 children,, as follows: Jacob H., who married Perty Fasen; Charles, who married Elizabeth Hoyle; Pauline, who married George Blatz; Benjamin, who married Bessie Rider; Albert; Bertha; Otto, who married Emma Dutt; Harvey; Fronia, and Samuel, who died in infancy.
Mr. Seiter has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1859, and has consistently lived in its light all these years, being now one of its oldest and, most valued members. For the past 40 years he has started the singing at the church services and he has served the church in official capacities at various time. He is a man who like all his family, is well fixed in a material way. He has acquired all ample competency through his own industry and he can enjoy it without feeling that he has climbed to success on steps made by the failure of others
HENRY SEITTER, one of the reprepresentative farmers of Waldo township, residing on a well-improved farm of 84 acres located in section 35, owns also a tract of 67 1/2 acres in Pleasant township. He was born in Horrheim, Wuerttemberg, Germany, on his father's farm, February 23, 1856, and is a son of John Gottlieb and Caroline (Pfeil) Seitter.
John Gottlieb Seitter was the only child of Christian Seitter, and was educated in Germany and reared on the paternal farm. Afterwards he engaged in farming on a large farm of his own, and was also an extensive winemaker. He died in 1893. He married Caroline Pfeil who, was also born and reared in Germany, and who died in 1892. To, them were born six sons; Ferdinand, G. Henry, Ernest, Henry Fred, Frederick (deceased), and Henry (deceased).
G. Henry Seitter was reared on his father's farm in Germany and attended school for eight years, in the meantime assisting with the farm work and wine-making. Having beard favorable reports of America, he decided to emigrate and July 19, 1882, took passage for New York, where he landed safely and immediately proceeded to Cincinnati, Ohio. There he worked for three months in a brewery but an accidental injury to his hand made necessary a stay of over two months in a hospital. He subsequently went to Kentucky where he worked for some months on a farm, receiving $20 a month for his services, working about 10 hours a day. Upon the advice of a friend, who informed him better wages were paid in Marion County, he came here and engaged in farm work, at which he continued but a short time, as he was give but $15 a month for working nearly 16 hours a day. Possessing considerable money, having some capital lent at good interest. and wishing to see some of the country, he went West for a time and worked for about a year on a farm in the northeastern part of Kansas. His parents desired him to return to. Germany, and as he had been offered a ticket from Kansas to Germany for $35 he thought seriously for a time going back to his native land. Subsequently he found the trip would cost him considerable more than he expected, so he decided to remain in Ohio, and shortly afterward bought a sawmill in partnership with David S. Grube, which they conducted about one year, when Mr. Seitter sold his share to his partner. Later he bought another sawmill, in partnership with Edward Baseler, which they operated most successfully for five years, when Mr. Seitter again sold his interest to his partner. He had previously bought a farm of 40 acres from the Gabler heirs, and since selling the sawmill interest has been engaged in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of hogs and cattle. He sells none of his grain except his wheat, feeding the rest.
Mr. Seitter was married July 21, 1888, to Minnie Meiley, who was born May 20, 1867, and is a daughter of Michael and Mary (Reiter) Meiley.
Michael Meiley came to America with his parents when young, and in Marion County, Ohio. married Mary Reiter, also a native of Germany, who had been brought by her parents to Marion County in youth. They had eight children, as follows: John; Michael: Catherine, who married G. Pfleider; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of R. Frayer; Caroline, who married Charles Faust; Rose, who married Gottlieb Meiley; Minnie; and Christian, who resides at Marion.
Mr. and Mrs. Seitter have nine children, namely: Emma. Mary Rosena, Ferdinand Frederick, Ottilie Irene, Elsie Edna, Homer Harvey, Roy Roscoe, Milton Merton, Mabel May and Iva Caroline. Mr. Seiter and family belong to the Lutheran Church, of which he is secretary.
In addition to his farming interests. Mr. Seitter is connected financially with the Howard Oil & Gas Company of Marion. In politics he is a Democrat.
CHARLES R. SELANDERS, mayor of the village of Prospect, where he carries on a successful black smithing business, was born September 20, 1868; at Waldo, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Mary (Brown) Selanders.
William Selanders was born in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, and was a son of Samuel Selanders, who came from Pennsylvania at an early period and located in Marion County. William moved to Waldo with his parents in childhood and here learned the trade of a blacksmith from his father, who, had been taught by his father, Valentine Selanders, the great-grandfather of our subject. William Selanders married Mary Brown, a native of Delaware County, Ohio, and they reared a family of six children, namely: Henry; Charles R.; Elmer: Lillian, who married W. L. Wheeler; Otto, deceased; and Vinnie. William Selanders died June 4, 1885; his widow is a resident of Waldo.
Charles R. Selanders was reared in Waldo and attended the village schools. When about 16 years of age he started in to learn blacksmithing from his father, who died shortly afterward. On April 11, 1887, our subject removed to Prospect and learned his trade in the shop of his great-uncle, Joseph Cope, for whom he worked about three years. On February 7, 1890, he opened a shop of his own, which he has since conducted at the original location. he carries on an extensive business, does all kinds of repair work and employs one assistant.
Mr. Selanders was married November 26, 1890, to Mattie Biggerstaff, a daughter of Michael and Levina (Welsh) Biggerstaff, of Prospect township.
Mr. Selanders has always been a Republican. He served two terms as a member of the Village Council of Prospect, and was elected mayor of the village in 1905, in which office he is still serving. Fraternally, he is an Odd Fellow, being a member of the subordinate lodge, encampment and the Rebekahs; he is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the National Union.
PETER OLIVER SHARPLESS, a well known citizen of Marion, who owns a fine farm in Marion County and for many years was very active in business in this city, now lives retired in the home which he erected, in 1867, at No: 520 East Center street. He was born May 16, 1834, at Cattawissa, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Edward and Ann (Pancoast) Sharpless, natives of the same county.
John Sharpless, the progenitor of the family in America emigrated from England with William Penn's colony, and arrived at Chester, Pennsylvania, August 24, 1682; his descendants are now residents of many States of the Union. The coat of arms of this family has been preserved and handed down from 1644. P. O. Sharpless is in the sixth generation from this progenitor.
The parents of Mr. Sharpless, both of whom were of Quaker stock, came to Ohio in 1834 and to Marion in October, 1844, after living some years in Wayne and Franklin counties. Marion was a village of about 600 population at that time. The family first resided on the present site of the Novelty saddlery works, and the father afterwards purchased the residence where Davidson McWilliams now lives.
Peter 0. Sharpless attended the Marion schools and the Marion Academy until the age of 14, when he entered the general mercantile store of T. Search, Jr., where he remained two years. In the fall of 1853 he engaged in a general mercantile business with T. Search, Jr., under the firm name of Search & Sharpless. In the fall of 1855 he sold out his interest in the above firm and formed a partnership with Davidson McWilliams, under the firm style of Sharpless & McWilliams. About 18 months later, he purchased the McWilliams interest and continued until 1863, when Mr. McWilliams bought him out. In the fall of the same year, Mr. Sharpless bought Peters' drugstore and conducted the same until 1901, having had for several years H. C. and William Hoberman associated with him. He permanently retired at this date from active interest in business, being at that time the oldest business man at Marion in point of continuous service. He finds employment in looking after the Marion cemetery, of which he has been a trustee for 40 years, and his farm, over which he still has supervision, where he has for years raised Jersey cattle and standard-bred horses.
In 1857 Mr. Sharpless was married to Martha McIntyre, of Charlestown, Massachusetts, who died in 1898. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Marion.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SHOOTS. There are many old residents and large land-owners in Grand Prairie township, but few own 1,000 acres as does Benjamin Franklin Shoots, and none has reached his advanced years. Mr. Shoots was born in Laurel township, Hocking County, Ohio, August 14, 1827, and is a son of Landry and Mary (O'Neil) Shoots,
The great-grandparents of Mr. Shoots were born in Germany, came from there to Virginia and founded this long-lived family on American sod. The grandfather, Joseph Shoots, was born in Fauquier County, Virginia and removed from there with his family to Ross County, Ohio. Landry Shoots, father of our subject, was five years of age when his parents left Virginia and was 12 years old when they removed to Pickaway County, Ohio where they died. Landry Shoots resided in Pickaway Comity until he reached maturity and then started out for himself, purchasing land in Hocking County. This land was hilly and during his nine years of residence on it he proved that it was not well adapted to farming. In the meantime he had found fertile land for sale in Grand Prairie township, Marion County and in order to secure it he had to sell his Hocking County land for about one-half of what he paid for it. Although this did not look like good business, Mr. Shoots soon proved that the removal was a wise one. In his new home he engaged in clearing the land and building houses and barns on his property. In December, 1828, he entered his farm in Grand Prairie township-a strip one mile long, 160 acres in extent- which is a part of. the present farm of George W. Walters, who married one of Mr. Shoots' daughters.
A family of nine children was born to Landry Shoots and wife, eight of whom reached maturity and four of whom still survive, Benjamin Franklin Shoots being the eldest of the latter number and the fourth born in the family. The parents lived into good old age and died in Grand Prairie township.
Benjamin Franklin Shoots was a babe of 17 months when his parents settled in Grand Prairie township, and this section of Marion County has remained his chosen home for all the subsequent years. In early life he became accustomed to the hard work which falls to the lot of a boy on an uncleared farm, and possibly to this early physical training, much of it in the open air, which both developed his mind and hardened his body, Mr. Shoots may attribute his extended period of enjoyable life. He went to school, for the early settlers combined to build schoolhouses as soon as they had completed their own dwellings, both schoolhouses and dwellings being built of logs, with. puncheon floors. Often snowdrifts almost blocked the way between Mr. Shoots' home and the Van Meter school, a mile and a half distant, where young Shoots' first teacher was the father of George W. Hill, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume.
In recalling his school days, Mr. Shoots tells of frequent meetings with deer and other animals in the woods and very often wandering Wyandot Indians were encountered. Mr. Shoots made the old homestead his residence until he was 35 years of age.
In young manhood he married Catherine Retterer, a daughter of Philip Retterer (born in Rittershoffen, Alsace-Lorraine), and they have had eight children, as follows: Mellie, a beautiful young lady whose health failed when she was about 23 years of age and whom a visit to the warmer climate of California did not cure, in which State she finally died; Ida A. who resides at home; Landry, who resides near Rarden, Ohio; Orlie P.; Mrs. Emma Kate Smith; Earl, deceased; Perry G., of Grand. Prairie township, and Maud May, who died in infancy. As the oldest man living in Grand Prairie township, Mr. Shoots has witnessed its wonderful development and has done his part in making it one of the most desirable sections of the county in which to own a home. He is widely known and is held in very great esteem.
JOSEPH W. SIFRITT, a well-known and highly respected resident of Green Camp township, residing on his farm of 85 acres, was born December 18, 1853, in this township and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Powers) Sifritt, both natives of Madison County, Ohio.
The Sifritt family was the first established in this country by Michael Sifritt, the great great-grand father of our subject, a native of Germany, who came to America. about 1750 and settled near West Winchester, Virginia. The great-grandfather of our subject , Andrew Sifritt (sometimes called Syfritt, Cypress or Cyprus), served the entire period of the Revolutionary War. He enlisted in Frederick County, Virginia, as a private in Capt. Andrew Waggoner's company, Col. James Wood's 12th regiment of Virginia troops, on the Continental establishment. He served in several campaigns with the Northern Army, was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, Stony Point and Paulus Hook; was taken prisoner at the siege of Charleston and after a period of imprisonment was exchanged at Jamestown, Virginia; and was at the capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army at Yorktown in 1781, afterward marching under Captain Alexander Parker to Richmond, Virginia, where he was discharged June 28, 1783, by General Lincoln. He was twice married; first, to Susan Schrock, who bore him nine children, of whom five grew to maturity-Catherine, Mary, James, Elizabeth and John. On August 20, 1801, in Frederick County, Virginia, he was married to Hannah Marrel and two years later removed to Ross County, Ohio. In 1804 he moved with his family to Paint township, Madison County, settling on a farm that he received from the government for his services in the Revolutionary War. He was allowed a pension on an application executed April 6, 1818, at which time he was 63 years of age. Mr. Sifritt died in Madison County, October 16, 1847. His widow was allowed a pension on an application executed February 23, 1853, at which time she was 73 years of age and a resident of Franklin County, Ohio. Eleven children were born to the second marriage, of whom time grew to mature years, as follows: Susan, Nancy, Julia, Jacob, Rebecca, Lawrence, Maria, Michael and George.
Thomas Sifritt, the father of our subject, was born in Madison County, Ohio, and in 1836, when a boy of four years, came to Marion County with his father, John Sifritt, who purchased a tract of 200 acres in Green Camp township, to which he later added another tract of 60 acres. John Sifritt died in Green Camp township in 1850. Thomas Sifritt was reared to manhood in this township and married Elizabeth Powers, a daughter of Joseph Powers, who was a soldier of the War of 1812, in which he was stationed at the old blockhouse situated on the banks of the Little Scioto River, just east of the village of Green Camp. Joseph Powers lived many years in Madison County; he died about 1863 in Union County, near Marysville, where he had lived with his son since the death of his, wife. Thomas and Elizabeth Sifritt were the parents of seven children, namely: William, deceased at the age of two years; Joseph W., the subject of this sketch; Mary, the deceased wife of Joseph Petty; John, deceased; Harriet, deceased; Nancy, the deceased wife of Marcus Sager, and Evelyn, the deceased wife of Edward Rand, of South Dakota. Thomas Sifritt died November 19, 1865, in McLean County, Illinois, whither he had moved his family in 1864. Mrs. Sifritt died in 1881.
Joseph Sifritt, our subject, spent his early boyhood days in Green Camp township and at the age of 11 years accompanied his father to McLean County, Illinois. After the death of the father, the family returned to Marion County, but subsequently the subject of this sketch returned to the West on two different occasions and lived there for a considerable period. In 1887 he purchased his present farm of 83 acres, which is 13 miles west of Marion on the line between Bowling Green and Green Camp townships, being located on the Sager and Irey turnpike, four miles south of Agosta. Mr. Sifritt has always followed farming and has made the greater part of the improvements on his farm, which is one of the best in the township.
Mr. Sifrit was united in marriage in 1876 with Calista J. Wells, a daughter of William and Jane Wells. Six children were born to this union, as follows: Lauren G., a resident of Delaware, Ohio, who is married and has one child living, Robert, and one deceased, Ruth; Carl, a teacher in the Marion County Schools; Laurel and Claude, who live at home; and two children who died in infancy. Mr. Sifritt is a member of the Masonic order and also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
NEWMAN SIFRITT, M. D., a leading physician at La Rue, was born in Bowling Green township, Marion County, Ohio, April 10, 1871, and is a son of Joseph, H. and Mary (Bell) Sifritt
John Sifritt, the grandfather of Dr. Sifritt, son of John Sifritt, a soldier of the American Revolution, who was twice married and reared a family of 21 children. The grandfather was of the first marriage. There is one survivor of this large family, Larry Sifritt, who has just retired to Columbus, after having conducted a general store at Harrisburg, Franklin County for more than 50 years. Our subject's grandfather was born in Madison but died in Marion County. His children all died between the ages of 21 and 56 years. They were as follows: John, Thomas, Andrew, Joseph, William, Jacob, Mary Ann, Harriet and Ellen.
The father of Dr. Sifritt was born in Madison County, Ohio, in 1836, and died in Marion County, ill 1892. He was six months of age when his parents moved to Marion County, where they were among the very early settlers. They settled in Green Camp township and passed through the phases of pioneer life. The mother of Dr. Sifritt was born in Jackson township, Union County, Ohio, and died in 1895, aged 54 years. She was a daughter of Jesse and Margarette (Sanders) Bell,. the latter of whom was born in Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Bell had seven children, namely: Samue], William, Jonathan, Nancy, Elizabeth, Hannah and Mary, the only survivor being Hannah, who married a Mr. Hinton and now resides in Michigan.
Dr. Sifritt is one of four children born to his parents. The only sister, Addie, died in childhood. Truman, twin brother of our subject, died when 18 months old. The one surviving brother, James W., resides at Marion.
Like many of his contemporaries, Dr. Sifritt secured his primary education in the district schools. Later he was a student at the La Rue High School, and in 1888 he entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, where he took a course of two years in literature and spent one year in the school of pharmacy., being graduated in the class of 1891. Following the close confinement of three years at his books, the young man varied his experiences by engaging for a time in clerking, at Richwood and at Lima, Ohio, before entering the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, in 1894. He was graduated in the class of 1896, deriving the benefit of one year from his having graduated previously in pharmacy.
Immediately after leaving college, Dr. Sifritt located at La Rue and entered upon the practice of medicine, to which he has devoted himself continuously to the present time. For five years he has been engaged also in the drug business. He has met with unusual success in his practice and enjoys the entire confidence of his fellow-citizens.
Dr. Sifritt was united in marriage with Princess Crattv, who is a daughter of the late Thomas P. and Anna (Fish) Cratty, of Union County, Ohio, where Mrs. Sifritt was born.
ALBERT L. SLACK, one of the representative business men of Green Camp, who for many years has been engaged in operating a sawmill in this village, was born December 12, 1841, in Delaware County, Ohio, and is a son of Seth and Sarah J. (Dodd) Slack, who always resided in Delaware County.
Albert L. Slack was reared on his father's farm in Delaware County and was educated in the district schools of that county. At the age of 21, on August 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, 121st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served throughout the remainder of the war. He fought in a great many battles and engagements, including the battles of Perryville and Mission Ridge and all the engagernents around Chattanooga: he was at the siege of Atlanta and took part in the "March to the Sea". He came through it all without receiving very serious wounds, but suffered from concussion at the battle of. Kenesaw Mountain, producing deafness, from which he has never recovered. he was discharged and mustered out at Columbus at the close of the war. He then returned to Delaware County, Ohio, and engaged in the sawmill business from 1868 to 1878, when he removed to the village of Green Camp, Marion County. After locating in Green Camp, Mr. Slack again engaged in the sawmill business, in which he has been most successful, and is recognized as one of Green Camp's substantial and enterprising business men. Mr. Slack is a Republican and has served as town assessor for three years and was president of the School Board for a period of 15 years. He was a candidate for county commissioner in 1891 but was defeated.
Mr. Slack was united in marriage in 1866 to Purlyett Marsh, a native of. Delaware County, Ohio, and a daughter of Alexander Marsh. They have five children: Cora, who married J. J. Bebout and resides in Oklahoma; Ida, who married J. M. Lanius, of Green Camp; Lenora, who married Matthew Douce; Jerry A., who resides in Green Camp; and William G., who resides in Marion, where he is engaged in the offices of The Marion Steam Shovel Company
THOMAS F. SLAGLE, a prosperous farmer of Scott township, was born in this township one mile and a half west of Letimberville, November 24, 1845, and is a son of Jacob and (Zuck) Slagle.
Jacob Slagle was born in Maine near Fort Cumberland, April 8, 1811, and was a son of Joseph and Margaret (Monette) Slagle, who were of German and French descent, respectively. His mother died at his home September 12, 1863, aged 81 years, 1 month and 7 days. With his four brothers and three sisters , Jacob passed his youth on his father's farm and when a lad of 10 years went to Pickaway County, Ohio, where be lived for five years. He then went to Hocking County where he grew to man's estate, after which he began working for himself. He engaged as a farm hand and the first month received $10 and board, which was a large sum for those days. He continued with the same employer until 1840, when be bought 60 acres of land until in Scott township, Marion County. He erected a log cabin, consisting of one room, 18 by 20 feet, but some years later built a more modern home. He was first married in 1835 to Annie Linten, and had three children: Isaac B., deceased; Andrew, who resides in Morrow County; and Jacob, deceased. He subsequently married Dinah Zuck, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 26, 1818, and was a daughter of Joseph Zuck. She was 14 years old when she came to Claridon township, Marion County, with her father, who obtained government land and built a cabin. She died in Scott township, October 6, 1900, at the age of 82 years, 1 month and 10 days. Eight children were born to, this second union: John, who lives in Crawford County, Ohio; Joseph, who died at the age of 40 years; Thomas F., the subject of this sketch; Margaret, who married Lewis Hummer, of Tully township; Wesley, who, died young; Lydia J., wife of John Owings, living near Morral; and two. children that died in infancy. Jacob was a helpless invalid during the last 17 years of his life as the result of inflammatory rheumatism, and required the services of a man to care for him during all this time. He died in Scott township, December 29, 1898, aged 87 years, 8 months and 21 days. Politically, he was originally a Whig and cast his first vote for Henry Clay, but later became a Republican. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Thomas F. Slagle was reared on the home place and attended the Monnette school. He has always followed farming. He remained on the home farm until about 24 years old, when he married and went to Crawford County, where he lived for two and a half years. He then returned to Scott township and located on a farm of 34 1/2 acres just across the road from his present farm. He lived on this farm about 22 years and then purchased his present farm of 95 acres, subsequently selling the old place to his son.
Mr. Slagle was married October 14, 1869, to Lucy Ann Werts., who was born August 4, 1852, in Morrow County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Rev. Samuel and Mary Ann (Jaggers) Werts. Rev. Samuel Werts, who was a United Brethren minister, was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1827, and came to Scott township about 1862. He resided for some time on a farm adjoining that of our subject's, and later moved to Gurley station, where he died January 13, 1892. His widow, who was a widow of Charles Jaggers, was born in Licking County, Ohio, and is now about 75 years old. Four children were born to Samuel and Mary Ann Werts, namely: Lucy Ann (Mrs. Slagle); Arkison, who resides at Los Angeles, California; James Whitfield, a resident of Marion; and William Davis, who resides at Los Angeles, California. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Slagle, as follows: Nora L., born July 9, 1870, who married Peter Jacoby and lives at Martel; Burt Orr, born February 23, 1875, who married Ida Croft, a daughter of John Croft, and has two children-Edith Alberta (born March 26, 1899) and Melvin Millard (born August 6, 1903); and Lulu Mae, born April 19, 1889, who lives at home. Our subject's son, who is a trustee of Scott township, is engaged in farming, his property being located across the road from that of his father. Politically, Mr. Slagle was for many years a Republican, but for the last 20 years has been a Prohibitionist. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOSEPH A. SLANSER, manager of the Slanser Lumber Company, a large business enterprise at LaRue, is a leading business man of this place and is one who is wide awake to its possibilities. Mr. Slanser was born in Dudley township, Hardin County, Ohio, August 15, 1872, and is a son of Joseph and Catherine (Ehrenfried) Slanser.
Joseph Slanser, now deceased, was born in Switzerland and came to America when 14 years of age. His parents had died in Switzerland. In 1848 he assisted his step-mother and two half-brothers to also come to this country. For some years he worked at the carpenter's trade and then entered into the sawmill business which he followed until he came to Larue, in 1880. Here he became interested in the lumber firm of Allen & Rush, which had been, established in 1878, and subsequently entered into the partnership. For several years the old name was continued and then a change was made to Allen & Slanser, which remained until 1890, when Mr. Slanser purchased Mr. Allen's interest and conducted the business alone until his death, November 15, 1902. Since that time the management has been in the hands of our subject, and he and his sisters continue the business as heretofore. The father was an honorable, upright man of large experience and he built up a business which became known all over this section. He married Catherine Ehrenfried, who died when our subject was two years old, at which time the family resided at Kenton, Ohio. Our subject is one of six children and three of his sisters survive, as follows: Alma, wife of Harvey Johnson, of La Rue; Rosa, wife of David Miller, of Detroit, Michigan; and Josephine, wife of Edward Meiley, of Marion.
Joseph A. Slanser was educated in the LaRue schools and he went into business at first as his father's assistant in the office of the mill, later becoming manager and on the death of his father taking entire charge, looking after his own and his sisters' interests. This mill has a very large amount of patronage and does a business of, from $40,000 to $50,000 per annum. It now furnishes light for the village.
Joseph A. Slanser was married, in 1900, to Lena R. Loudon, who is a daughter of George and Clara Loudon, of LaRue. Politically Mr. Slanser is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a Mason and belongs to LaRue Lodge, No. 463, F. & A. M. He is one of the directors of the Campbell National Bank, of LaRue.
JOHN J. SLOAN, architect, at Marion, with office conveniently located at No. 120 Jefferson street, has been identified with the interests of this city for the past 22 years. He was born at Kenton, Hardin County, Ohio, in 1854, and is a son of Thomas and Eliza Sloan.
The late Thomas Sloan was one of the prominent farmers of Hardin County, where his widow still resides, on the old homestead, owning, with her children, some 1,200 acres of land.
John J. Sloan was reared and educated in his native county and very early evinced a talent for architecture. In 1884 he came to Marion and made a practical study of the same and then entered into a general contracting business, for some 10 years. After a protracted period of traveling, during which he studied the best architectural designs shown in the finest structures through Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, he returned to Marion with many new ideas, which he immediately began to put into form. Subsequently he has visited Tennessee, Alabama, North and South Carolina, the Virginians, Georgia, Maryland, District of Columbia, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Colorado. He now controls a large amount of business in his line, and all over the State he furnishes designs for buildings of all kinds, plain or ornate, but built along conceptions of beauty as welt as utility.
On October 26,1880, Mr. Sloan was united in marriage with Jennie Mable Walter who is a daughter of Cap. J. C. Walter, who was an officer in the Civil War and, prior to his decease a resident of Logan County, Ohio, until his removal to Marion, Ohio, where he died in December, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan have two children, viz; Thomas Walter, who is connected with the firm of Leffler & Bland, at Marion; and Henrietta Alexandria. The family belongs to the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally, Mr. Sloan is affiliated with the Elks, the National Union and the Tribe of Ben Hur.
JACOB H. SMELTZER, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on his fine farm of 134 acres in Green Camp township, was born August 14, 1866, just south of Marion in Marion township. He is a son of Daniel J. and Lucy (Sherman) Smeltzer and a grandson of Jacob Smeltzer, a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, who was one of the early settlers of Marion County, Ohio.
Daniel J. Smeltzer was born and reared in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania when 20 years of age came to Marion County, Ohio, where his father bought a farm south of Marion in Marion township on which he resided until his death. Daniel J. Smeltzer was married, after locating in Marion County, to Lucy Sherman, a daughter of Eber Sherman, who was born in Rochester, New York, and came in childhood to Marion County, Ohio, with his parents. He entered land in Pleasant township and was one of the early settlers of the county. Three children were born to Daniel Smeltzer and his wife: Jacob H.; Cora F., who married David Kirts; and Perry, who died aged 16 months. Daniel Smeltzer moved to Green Camp township, when our subject was about two and a half years old and bought a farm which adjoins that of his son. Here he remained until 1903, when he and his wife moved to the village of Green Camp, where they still reside.
Jacob H. Smeltzer was reared in Green Camp township on his father's farm, and with the exception of three years, when he resided near Owens station in Pleasant township, has always lived in Green Camp township. His educafion was obtained in the district school of the township, and in the Ohio Normal University at Ada, after which he taught school for eight years, three of which were at Owens station. He also worked for about 18 months in the John D. Owens store at Owens. After his marriage, he lived for three years at Owens station, when he returned to Green Camp township and, after selling a tract of land that he owned in Pleasant township, bought his present farm, which joins his father's. He has since been engaged in general farming and stock-raising and also operates his father's farm in connection with his own.
He married Julia Moloney, a daughter of Bryan and Margaret (Dean) Moloney, both of whom were born in Ireland and came to this country when children with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Smeltzer have two children: Margaret Rhea and Lucy Lena. Mr. Smeltzer has served three years as a trustee of Green Camp township and is one of the most successful and enterprising farmers of the locality.
ELMER C. SMITH, senior member of firm of E. C. & C. W. Smith, at Marion, general agents of the Union Central Life Insurance Company, of Cincinnati, Ohio, has been identified with life insurance since 1886. He was born at Claridon, Marion County, Ohio, on October 2, 1853, and is a son of William J. and Martha (McClure) Smith.
The parents of Mr. Smith were farming people for some years, but subsequently both became successful teachers. The father still survives and is in his 79th year. Of his eight children, six grew to maturity and three are now living.
Elmer C. Smith was reared on the home farm and prepared himself for the profession of teaching. which he followed until 1886, when he entered into the insurance business, subsequently becoming connected with the Union Central Life Insurance Company.
Mr. Smith was married (first) to Maria Jacoby, who died in 1886. In 1889 he was married: (second) to Adelia E. Myers. He has one son, Clarence W., and one, daughter, Mary Gertrude. The pleasant family home is situated at No. 219 South Vine street. With his family he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Smith is a Republican. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.
J. R. SMITH, proprietor of the Star Bottling Works, at No. 1015 East Center street, Marion, is one of the city's progressive business men. He was born in 1868 at Waldo, Marion County, and is a son of John S. Smith.
The father of Mr. Smith came to Ohio from Pennsylvania and has been engaged in farming and stock-raising in Marion County for a protracted term of years. He is also prominent in politics in his locality.
J. R. Smith completed his education in the schools of Waldo township and assisted on the home farm until 1890, when he went to Fort Wayne, where he spent two years in the big bottling works there of H. L. Studer. In 1892 he returned to Marion and in the fall of 1894 established the Star Bottling Works. He has made a complete success of his enterprise. He manufactures all kinds of mineral waters and soft drinks and not only supplies the trade in Marion but ships a large amount of goods and also delivers to the surrounding country by wagon.
In the fall of 1892, Mr. Smith was married to Mina R. Schencks, who was born at Waldo and is a daughter of William Schencks, of Norton, Delaware County. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children: Rena Ruth, and Vera and Verance (twins). The family belong to the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Smith is interested in local politics to some degree. His fraternal connections are with the Eagles and Knights of Pythias, of Marion, and to the United Commercial Travelers and the Illinois Commercial Men's Association.
JOHN J. SMITH, a substantial citizen of Caledonia, who for a number of years was successfully engaged in farming in Claridon township, is also a survivor of the Civil War. Mr. Smith was born in Huron County, Ohio, April 27, 1837, and is a son of William and Eliza (Miller) Smith.
William Smith was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1799, and was brought to Canada in childhood, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He married Eliza Miller, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, May 21, 1811, and was a daughter of John and Alice (Priddon) Miller. John Miller and wife resided in England until after the birth of their nine children, and then started for Canada, on a sailing vessel. They reached the quarantine station below Quebec in safety, but in the landing there was an accident to the boat which threw Mrs. Miller and her two youngest children into the sea, where they were drowned. Mrs. Miller had the family money concealed on her person and this resulted in the Millers landing at their destination almost destitute. There were nine children in the family, namely: William, Elizabeth, Eliza, Ann, John, Obadiad, Samuel, Azubah and James.
William Smith died three years after his marriage, at the age of 38 years, leaving three children, namely: James J., who died in Iowa, in June 1892; Alice, who was the wife of Monroe J. Simons, residing at Fredericktown, Knox County, Ohio and John J. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Smith moved to Huron County, Ohio. She was married (second) to James Fridlington and later moved to Marion County, Ohio, where she purchased the farm inl Claridon township that is now owned by David Miller. On this farm her death took place, June 17, 1892, at the age of 81 years.
From childhood to the age of 22 years, John J. Smith was a member of the household of Josiah Boyce, to whom he had been indentured. The Boyce family lived at Caledonia until he was seven years old and then moved to Marion. In 1859 he moved to, his mother's place in Claridon township, where he farmed for her and subsequently bought a farm in that township which he still owns. Since April 8, 1902, he has resided at Caledonia.
On October 6, 1862, Mr. Smith enlisted at Marion in Company I, 64th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for service in the Civil War. The regiment was stationed at Camp Mansfield and Camp Dennison, later was located at Cincinnati and at Louisville and Bowling Green, Kentucky, it being the regiment's duty at the last named place to keep the line open so that provisions could be sent through to the army in the South. On February 6, 1863, Mr. Smith accompanied the command to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, then to Stone River, and through the Tullahoma campaign under General Rosecrans. He was honorably discharged August 5, 1863, having covered about 1,304 miles in marching and counter-marching. Mr. Smith has prepared a very interesting paper relating to the experiences of the company, of which he was a member.
On April 7, 1864, Mr. Smith was married to Rebecca Geyer, who was born in Morrow County, Ohio, January 18, 1842, and is a daughter of Andrew and Cassandra (Linder) Geyer. Andrew Geyer was in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, October 16, 1811, and was a son of George Geyer, who was born in Germany and emigrated to America. On material side, the grandfather of Mrs. Smith came from Wales to Muskingum County, Ohio. The father of Mrs. Smith died January 8, 1882, at the age of 70 years, 2 months and 23 days, and Mrs. Geyer died December 25, 1888, aged 73 years, 2 months and 11 days. A brother of Mrs. Smith was killed during the Civil War; two of her sisters survive, namely: Mrs. Sarah Smith of Morrow County, arid Mrs. Ruth Sellers, of Marion, Marion County.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have the following children: Elenora A., born February 22, 1865, who married Amos Klinefelter has one daughter, Pearl, and lives on the home farm; William Andrew, born July 21, 1866, who died January 14, 1874; Josiah Monroe, born August 5, 1869, who died May 4, 1871; Ada Andre, born November 14, 1874, who married Elmore Underwood, has four children-Fern, Irma, Sylvia and Leroy J.-and resides in Morrow County, and Marion John Wallace, born February 10, 1878, who married Mary Pfeifer and resides on the home place.
Politically, Mr. Smith is a Republican. He has served as a member of the Village Council and as school director. He belongs to Daniel Linder Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Denmark, arid is also a member of Oliver Lodge, No. 447, F. & A. M., and the Eastern Star Chapter at Caledonia, Mrs. Smith also being a member of the latter body
JOHN SNIDER SMITH, a prosperous farmer of Waldo township, residing on a well-improved farm of 185 acres located in section 19, was born May 13, 1838. in Franklin County, Pennsylvania and is a son of Frederick and Mary (Snider) Smith.
Frederick Smith was born and reared in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, where his father, Frederick Smith, who was a native of Germany, located at an early period and reared a family of eight children: David, Adam, John, Frederick, Elizabeth, Nancy, Mary and Rebecca, all of whom are now deceased. Frederick Smith, father of John S., was married (first) to Mary Snider a native of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of six children, as follows : David, John Snider, Adam, Frederick, George and William. After the death of his first wife, Frederick Smith married (second) Catherine Mullen, also of Pennsylvania, and three children were born to the second union Carson, Lora and Anna. Frederick Smith and his wife always lived in Pennsylvania and ended their clays on the old home place.
John Snider Smith was reared on his father's farm in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and his education was obtained in the district schools. Early, in life he began assisting his father with the work on the farm. He bought the first threshing machine, equipped with a separator. ever used in Franklin County, for which he paid $500. This machine which was manufactured in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, was run by horse power and was such a novelty that it brought people from all parts of the country to see it, wherever Mr. Smith was operating it. Mr. Smith continued to live with his father for about two years subsequent to his marriage, after which he resided for two years in Loudon, Pennsylvania. In 1866 he moved to Ohio and located on a farm in Waldo township, Marion County, adjoining his present farm, and has ever since continued to, reside here. At that time he took his grain to market at Marion which was then a small village, and there were but few houses in Waldo. Since coming to Waldo township, Mr. Smith has been engaged in general farming and raises thorough-bred stock.
Mr. Smith was united in marriage March 13, 1862, with Elizabeth Hoke, who was born August 25, 1839, on her father's farm in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, being a daughter of William and Mary (Shearer) Hoke, who located in Marion County in 1865, coming from the State of Pennsylvania. She was one of a family of five children, namely: William Hain, deceased: Barbara, who married A. J. Unger; Charlotte, who married Alfred Donithen; Michael; and Elizabeth. Mrs. Hoke died in Waldo township, after which Mr. Hoke moved to Kansas. His second marriage was with Nancy Rhinehardt, of Ohio; they had one child, John.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had children, viz. Minnie, who married John Denman and has seven children, Arthur who married Mary Homan and has 10 children; Rush, who married Mina Skant and has three children; William A., who married Ida Foust and has six children ; Clarence, who married Christina Hickel and has three children; and Harry, who died in 1891, aged 18 years.
Mr. Smith is a Democrat and was serving as township trustee when the Township House was erected. He has also served on the school Board.
JOHN W. SMITH, a representative citizen and substantial farmer of Big Island township, residing on his well-improved farm of 89 acres, was born July, 16, 1856, in Marion township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry B. and Eliza J. (Cramner) Smith and a grandson of John D. Smith.
This branch of the Smith family is of French extraction. John D. Smith, the grandfather, came to Marion County at a very early clay, settling on a farm about three miles north of Marion. Of his numerous children, Henry H. was the eldest. He married Eliza J. Cramner, who was born in Ohio and was a daughter of Israel Cramner, an old resident, who was accidentally killed in 1873, by a railroad train, at Agosta, Ohio.
Following their marriage, Henry H. Smith and wife settled in Big Island township, where he lived until the time of his death, when 36 years of age. He was accidentally injured while working with a threshing machine and paralysis ensued, which caused his death soon after at Marion. He was a man of sterling character. He was the father of eight children, five sons and three daughters, the latter of whom all died when young. His widow survived until she was 67 years of age, dying in 1893, at the home of a son in Crawford County.
John W. Smith was the fifth child of the family and was but eight years old when his father died. Even in childhood he was thus called upon to assume heavy responsibilities, as his father had left but a small amount of property. It was necessary for each of the sons to provide, in the main, for himself. John, as the youngest, remained with his mother until his marriage. Through boyhood and young manhood he gained the practical knowledge which has made him the capable farmer that he is today. For three years he resided in Crawford County and then came to his present farm. This is a valuable property, which Mr. Smith has placed under a fine state of cultivation and on which he has erected excellent buildings, suitable for residence and for the shelter of his stock and abundant harvests.
Mr. Smith was married (first) to Narcissa Sappington, who was born in Marion County and died in Salt Rock towns township. He married (second), in Wyandot County, Ohio, to Kate A. Core, who was born October 26, 1864, in Salt Rock township, Marion County, and is a daughter of David W. and Lucretia (Jenkins) Core. David W. Core was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and in boyhood became a resident of Morrow County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and subsequently married Lucretia Jenkins, who was a daughter of Anthony Jenkins, of that countv. David W. Core and wife had the following children: Mary; Charles, who died aged two years; Martha, wife of Frank Mahaffey; Anthony, of Salt Rock township; Kate A.; Belle, wife of Henry Lindsay; and Emma, wife of Robert Gray. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Core moved to Big Island township, then to Salt Rock township, and, still later, to Pitt township, Wyandot County. There Mr. Core died March 14, 1906. His widow still survives and lives at Little Sandusky. Mrs. Smith was carefully educated and prior to her marriage was a popular and successful teacher.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children, Grace B. and Homer C. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which they are actively interested, Mr. Smith having been Sunday-school superintendent for many years. Politically he is a Democrat. For about five years he served as a township trustee, but in 1902 he resigned this position, having been elected infirmary director. Fraternally, Mr. Smith belongs to Salt Rock Lodge, No. 883, 1. 0. 0. F., and to Canby Lodge, No. 51 K. of P.
Mr. Smith is a man who stands very high in the esteem of the community in which he lives and is one who exerts an influence for good. He is a man of exemplary life and is a very strong advocate of temperance. He may be justly termed a self-made man and his material success and his standing among his fellow-citizens testify to the results which follow persistent industry, honesty and temperance.
LORING J. SMITH, secretary and general manager of The Ohio, Milling & Elevator Company, at Marion, is a young man whose sterling business qualities are very generally recognized in this community. He was born in Marion County, Ohio, February 16, 1869, and is a son of James H. and Louisa (Martin) Smith.
James H. Smith has always been a farmer and still resides on his farm in Claridon township. He has three children.
Loring J. Smith, after completing his education in the public schools of Marion County, followed school teaching for some years. When The Ohio Milling & Elevator Company was organized, April 27, 1904, Mr. Smith became one of the officers of this large enterprise and a member of the board of directors.
The Ohio Milling & Elevator Company deals in coal, grain, seeds, flour and salt and builders' materials, its plant being situated on the corner of Mill and Vine streets, Marion. The officers of the company are all men of business prominence and high citizenship, as follows: John H. Stoll. president; George E. Salmon. vice-president Loring J. Smith, secretary and general manager and Benjamin F. Waples, treasurer. The board of directors is made up of these substantial citizens: Benjamin F. Waples, Loring J. Smith, S. E. DeWolfe. John H. Stoll, F. E. Coon, Samuel Schwaderer. D. Seiter, John Retterer, W. H Holverstott, George Salmon, Roscoe Oborn, A E Mauntz, S. H. DeLong, Charles L. Allen and Hoke W. Donithen. The business is one of the city's most prosperous industries.
Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Oral L. Irey: they have no children. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and is a member of the Marion Commercial Club.
WILLIAM T. SMITH, a well-known business man of Marion, a member of the Smith Mattress Company was born in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1863 ancl is a son of William and Pauline (Yeager) Smith.
William Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ancl came to Marion in 1889 from Winesburg, Holmes County, Ohio where he had been engaged in the manufacture of mattresses for about 25 years. Mrs. Smith was born in Germany ancl was married at Massillon, Ohio, in 1851. They both survive as do five of their nine children, namely, Emma, who marrie<l Philip Knappenberger, of Cleveland; Stella, who resides at home with her parents; Dora, who is engaged as bookkeeper for the Smith Mattress Company, and William T., and Edward, who married Laura Hemphill and has one child, Robert Yeager.
William T. Smith was reared and educated in Holmes County, Ohio and early in life he engagecl in his present business, which is conducted by his father, his brother Edward and himself. They are exclusive manufacturers of all kinds of mattresses, having 30 varieties; they do an extensive business and employ two traveling salesmen.
Mr. Smith is a man of public spirit and has taken an active interest in a number of political campaigns, but has never cared to hold office. Both he and his brother Edward belong to Marion Lodge, No. 402, K. of P., of which our subject is past chancellor and a member of the board of trustees.
Mr. Smith was married in 1892 to Nora Green of Vermilion, Ohio.
MATHIAS SNYDER, a retired farmer and carpenter residing in Prospect village, was born September 5, 1849, in a log house on the old home place in Waldo township, and is a son of Martin and Elizabeth (Leonhardt) Snyder.
Martin Snyder was born, reared and learned the trade of a shoemaker in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany. He married Elizabeth Leonhardt, also a native of Germany, who was a midwife by profession, having graduated from a college in Baden, Germany. After his marriage, when 25 years old, he came to America with his wife, landing here in 1831. Proceeding first to Cleveland, they bought a yoke of oxen there with which they brought their goods to Marion County in a covered wagon. After staying for a short time with, Barney Ulmer a friend residing in Richland township, they entered 40 acres of virgin timberland in Waldo township. Mr. Snyder cut down the first tree on the land, using a common axe, and erected a house of hewn lags. They continued to reside on this
farm the remainder of their lives, Mrs. Snyder's death occurring in 1883, when 77 years of age, and that of Mr. Snyder, on October 7, 1894, at the age of 88 years. Mr. Snyder, who was one of the first settlers, had to take his grist to a water-mill 15 miles away; previous to the establishment of this mill, he made his own cornmeal by using an article similar to the modern horseradish grater, which he had made himself by punching holes in a piece of tin with nails. He had no lumber with which to make doors for the house and hung up blankets instead; it was no unusual occurrence for the hogs to come into the house at night and get tinder the beds and have to be chased out. It was a common thing to hear wolves howling outside the door. The snow came very early in the fall and remained until late in March and was very often two feet deep. The children went barefoot in the summer, and it was sometimes as late as New Years before the shoemaker could make their shoes. The boys often went hickory nutting on bitterly cold days in the fall in their bare feet, leaving their foot prints in the frost. Mr. Snyder worked by the day for a Mr. Shaffer for 50 cents per day; he followed a blazed path to Mr. Shaffer's house in the morning, and at night his wife would build a fire outside their house to light him on his return. Mr. Snyder, who was a Methodist, donated, hauled and hewed the logs for the first Methodist Episcopal Church in Waldo township, also giving the land on which it was built; there is still a Methodist Church standing on the site. There were 12 children born to Martin Snyder and
his wife, four of whom died young; those living to mature years were as follows: Elizabeth who married P. Comincavish; Jacob; Frank; Catherine, deceased, who was the wife of J. T. Lerch; Samuel; Margaret, who married H. Rubensberger; Gothart; and Mathias.
Mathias Snyder was reared on the home farm in Waldo township and devoted his time in youth to assisting with the farm work and to attending school at the old log schoolhouse about two miles from home.
Mr. Snyder continued to remain on the home farm until one year after his marriage, when he purchased a farm on the pike in Prospect township, about three miles east of' Prospect village. Here he followed farming and continued to reside for a period of 26 years. In September, 1901, he retired from farm life and has since resided at his present home on Park avenue in Prospect village. Mr. Snyder is also a carpenter by trade, having learned the trade while with a Mr. Coon, of Bucyrus, Ohio, and has done considerable work in that line.
On October 26, 1873, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage with Mary Magdalene Fox, who was born February 26, 1854, in Waldo township and is a daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Steven) Fox. Christian Fox and his wife were both natives of Germany, the former coming to this country at the age of 18 years and the latter when six years old. Mr. Fox was one of the pioneers of the county and died in Prospect township at the age of 77 years, His wife was 74 years old at the time of her death. They were the parents of seven children: Margaret, who married Samuel Snyder, a brother of our subject; George; Catherine, who married F. Bridge and after his death became the wife of Samuel Lewis; Mary Magdalene, the wife of our subject; Jacob Wesley; Amelia; and Benjamin.
Fraternally, Mr. Snyder is a member of Prospect Lodge, No. 483, I.0.0.F. He is a Democrat and has served six years as trustee of Prospect township. He is a member of the Evangelical Association.
ADAM S. SOMERLOT, senior member of the firm of A. S. Somerlot & Company, the leading general merchants at Green Camp, dealers in dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries and medicines, is one of the representative citizens of this locality. Mr. Somerlot was born in Claridon township, Marion County, Ohio, October 2, 1855, and is a son of Christian and Mary J. (Sherman) Somerlot.
The father of our subject was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, and came to Marion County with his father, Michael Somerlot, when a child of six years. He was reared on his father's farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits during his boyhood days. On September 9, 1854, he was united in marriage with Mary J. Sherman, at which time he had chosen the vocation of carpenter. In September, 1857, he with his family started overland in wagons for Missouri, where they arrived in November, locating near Memphis. When the Civil War broke out, Christian Somerlot enlisted and was sworn into the United States service; but owing to his rapidly failing health he was never permitted to serve. In November, 1861, they returned to Ohio, taking up their residence in Claridon township, Marion County, for a short time and finally locating in Morrow County, where Christian Somerlot passed away on March 4, 1864, leaving a widow and the following five children: Adam S.; William B., a farmer in Union County; Erastus R., an employee of the Erie Railroad at Green Camp; May Belle, the junior member of the firm of A. S. Somerlot & Company; and Christopher C., also in the mercantile business at Green Camp.
Adam S. Somerlot was a boy not yet nine years old at the time of his father's death. Owing to the adversities that seemed to beset them on every side, the mother soon found it necessary to get homes for her children. Adam S. accordingly became a member of the household of Samuel Stokes, who lived east of Claridon; he remained only a short time, as he found the tasks set before him were too great for his years. For a year he lived at the home of his aunt, Mrs. R. E. Finley, who resided west of Prospect. The following 18 months were spent in the home of William Wittred, near Claridon, where he remained until his mother was married, in 1867, to F. J. Sutton, of Prospect. He then went to live with her at Prospect, where he attended school for a few months each year and at the same time learned the cooper's trade, also doing any kind of work by the job or day in order to earn an honest dollar. In 1872 the family moved to Longville and settled on a rented farm where they resided until the following year.; farming however, did not prove profitable, so they left the farm in 1872 and moved to Green Camp, where Adam S. worked for a time as a cooper.
In 1888 Adam S. Somerlot embarked in a mercantile business at Green Camp, in the spring of that year buying out E. D. Leach and in the fall admitting T. C. Porter to partnership. For the space of 18 months, Mr. Somerlot and Mr. Porter continued together, and then David H. Porter bought T. C. Porter's interest, and Mr. Somerlot and David H. Porter continued the business for six years. The next change was when Mr. Somerlot bought Mr. Porter's interest, in January, 1896; in the following summer he admitted his sister as a partner.
Prior to embarking in his present business, Mr. Somerlot had had some business experience, having been an agent for threshing machines, cider mills and other farm machinery and implements, for some four years. He was also interested in clearing land for other parties, and in 1883 accepted a position as guard in the Ohio State Penitentiary, which he filled until 1886. During the administration of President Cleveland, Mr. Somerlot was postmaster at Green Camp. In his sister he finds a careful, capable partner and together they do a large but safe business, handling only first-class goods. They have introduced many modern methods, and in order to reach customers throughout their section of the county they run two wagons, which carry lines of all their goods. The firm of A. S. Somerlot & Co. has also a well-established store on East Center street, Marion, and one on David street, where the same honest, upright methods are practiced as in the large establishment at Green Camp.
Mr. Somerlot is also connected with the Green Camp Hay & Straw Company. He is a very busy man, but he finds time to give a good citizen's attention to public affairs when occasion demands, and he has served as township treasurer. Mr. Somerlot personally is we'll, known all over the county and the company has customers and trade connections far outside its boundaries.
BYRON SORDEN, a prominent citizen of Montgomery township and the leading merchant at DeCliff, was born in Grand township, Marion County, Ohio, November 8, 1866, and is a son of William B. and Phoebe Ann (Parker) Sorden.
Mr. Sorden belongs to old pioneer families of Marion County, on both paternal and maternal sides. His paternal grandparents, William and Sarah Sorden, came to Marion County about 1834 and took up 160 acres of government land in Grand township. They endured many pioneer hardships but lived to old age in spite of these, and left a number of descendants. Of their 11 children, records have been preserved of eight of these, namely: James, Daniel; Harvey; Bruce; William E.; John; Lucinda, who married a Mr. Huffman and removed first to Kansas and later to California; and Sarah, who married Joseph Rubins. On the maternal side the family was of Pennsylvania German extraction. The grandparents, William and Eliza Jane Parker, had three children grow to maturity, namely William, Jeremiah and Phoebe Ann. The last named was born in Big Island township, Marion County, Ohio, in 1831, and died in 1878.
William B. Sorden, father of our subject, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, February 22, 1828. He was a child of six years when his parents settled in Grand township, Marion County, where he grew to manhood and continued to reside until 1857, when he moved to Chillicothe, Peoria County, Illinois. At the opening of the Civil War, he enlisted for service, entering Company K, 34th Reg., Illinois Vol. Inf. He saw much hard service and was permanently injured, losing his hearing. After the war he became an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was valued and esteemed by his comrades In 1865 Mr. Sorden returned to Grand township, Marion County, where he lived until 1896. when he retired to the village of DeCliff, where he died in 1898 aged 70 years.
The children of William B. Sorden and wife were: Byron, of this sketch; Joseph, born November 8, 1870, who died in California; Delno, born October 15, 1872, who married Edith Cook. a daughter James Cook, of Marseilles Ohio, and resides at Lima, Ida Alice, born September 14, 1876: Daniel, born November 28, 1878, who married Lula Bent, a daughter of Charles Bent of LaRue and a daughter, deceased in infancy.
Byron Sorden was reared in Grand township, attending the public schools during boyhood. and then engaged in farming until 1898. In 1896 he had established his home in the vilIage of DeCliff and two years later he purchased Hoover's general store, to the operation of which he has since devoted his attention. His stock is a large and varied one and Mr. Sorden has proven himself a very capable business man, in fact may be called a representative one of his section. After being appointed postmaster at DeCliff, he embarked in his present business on a very small capital, but through good mangement he has avoided all reverses and each year has found him better situated financially. He now owns a comfortable home, together with his store property and a large stock of salable goods. He also possesses what is the pride of every business man, good credit. He has served for eight years as postmaster. Politically, like his father, he is a Republican.
Mr. Sorden was married to Viola Coutu, a daughter of Joseph and Susan Coutu, the former of whom was born in Canada, and the latter in Marion County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Sorden have three interesting children, namely: Lucile , aged five years; Eugene, aged four years and Vernon, aged one year. The subject of this sketch is a member of the Sons of Veterans, at LaRue.
Mr. Sorden is something of a sportsman and being a crack shot, greatly enjoys hunting Quite recently, in company with Walter Winn, he visited the great Dismal Swamp, a vast region lying both in Virginia and North Carolina, which still shelters wild animals. While hunting in the vicinity of Suffolk, Virginia, they were fortunate enough to secure five fine bear, during an expedition of 10 days, this record, for the time out, being the best reported during the past eighteen years, at the club house at Lake Drummond. The sportsmen brought the hides home and had them tanned and Mr. Sorden is justly proud of his trophies.
WILLIAM C. STAFFORD, (PICTURE) a well known contractor of Marion, who has been a resident of this city for the past 18 years, was born at Caledonia, Marion County, Ohio, in 1866, and is a son of Jesse L. and Amanda (Lint) Stafford.
Jesse L. Stafford is a respected resident of Marion, now. in his 82nd year. He is a carpenter by trade and settled in Marion County at a very early date. The mother is also living. They were the parents of five girls and two boys, as follows: Princess, wife of Adam Knoblet, of Marion County; Stephen A. Douglas, who resides in Marion; Minnie, wife of Jacob Fail, of Marion; William C.; Nellie, wife of Albert Reed, of Marion; and Bertha and Hattie May, both deceased.
William C. Stafford was reared and educated at Caledonia, removing at the age of 20 to Marion, where he engaged in carpenter work with Mr. Field. In 1896 he started in business for himself as a general contractor, and has been most successfully engaged ever since. He erected the McGruder Block, United Brethren Church, Susquehanna Silk Mills residence (a brick building), Old Ladies' Home and Denman Block.; remodeled the A. H. Kling Block, Central Christian Church and Olney Avenue School; and with Leffler & Bland erected the Masonic Temple and the Children's Home. He is at present erecting a house for George W. King, which is to be one of the finest residences in this part of the State.
Mr. Stafford was married in 1898 to Myrtle Myers, a daughter of Nelson Myers, a prominent farmer of Marion County. Mr. Stafford is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a member of die blue lodge, council, chapter and commandery, and holding office in the commandery. He is a member of the Central Christian Church, chairman of its board of trustees, and is superintendent of its Sunday school. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
CHARLES F. STAHL, who conducts a first-class hardware store at LaRue, is also interested in other successful business enterprises of the vicinity. He was born in Hardin County, Ohio, June 24, 1862, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Fink) Stahl.
The parents of Mr. Stahl moved to Cincinnati, in his childhood, then to Kenton and subsequently returned to the former city. The father died early, but the mother still survives. They had six children, the five survivors being the following: Arthur, who is cashier of the Kenton Savings Bank, at Kenton: Albert, who is pastor of the Christian Church at Akron; Tillie, who is the wife of Ralph Meriman, of Kenton; Edith, who is the wife of Earle Rutledge, of Kenton: and Charles F.
Charles F. Stahl was reared and educated at Cincinnati and first entered business life there. Some six years later, in 1884, he moved to Loup City, Nebraska, where he gave his attention to an investment business and a hardware store until 1896, when he returned to his native State. In 1897 he located at LaRue, opening up a hardware business and now owns a large and attractive store filled with a valuable stock of goods. He is a Stockholder in the LaRue Bank Company, the LaRue Telephone Company, and the Union Portland Cement Company, of Rushsylvania.
Mr. Stahl married Maude Lemmon, who is the accomplished daughter of John Lemmon, and they have one daughter, Mary, who is a pupil at the LaRue High School. The family belong to the Disciples' Church. They have a delightful home and are socially prominent.
V. GORDON STAIR, secretary of The Houghton Sulky Company, of Marion, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, and is a son of J. Adams Stair, who for many years was engaged in the manufacture of carriages in Wayne County, but is now conducting a grocery business at Massillon, Ohio.
V. Gordon Stair was reared in Wayne County and obtained his education in the local schools of that county and of the Ohio Northern University at Ada, where he attended for two winters. After leaving the university, he was for two years engaged in the carriage manufacturing business at Mount Eaton, Ohio. He then entered the employ of the Beardsley & Hubbs. Manufacturing Company, of Mansfield, Ohio, with which concern he remained two years, when they were succeeded by the Shelby Motor Car Company, in whose service he continued about 18 months. He subsequently engaged for two years with the Toledo Computing Scale Company, after which he came to Marion and became associated with The Houghton Sulky Company, of which he is at present secretary, and manager of the sales department. He has been with this company for two years and a half.
Mr. Stair is a member of Marion Lodge, No. 402, Knights of Pythias, and Marion Lodge, No. 32, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Reformed Church, of Marion.
CHARLES W. STARNER, a substantial farmer of Salt Rock township, residing on a fine farm of 133 acres located in section 34, owns also a tract of 80 acres in section 1, Big Island township. He was born in Crawford County, Ohio, October 16, 1860, and is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Kelly) Starner.
Samuel Starner, who was a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, moved to Crawford County, where he engaged in farming for many years, his death occurring in Tod township. His father was one of the early pioneers of Fairfield County, Pennsylvania.
Charles W. Starner was the third oldest of a family of eight children, of whom but six are living. He was reared and educated in Crawford County and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. About two weeks after his marriage Mr. Starner moved to his present farm, the original tract consisting of but 80 acres, and two years later he bought from Jerry Long 53 1/3 acres of adjoining land. In 1904 Mr. Starner bought his farm of 80 acres in Big Island township from William Guthery, making a total of 213 acres of land that he owns in Marion County. He has
made all of the improvements on the home farm with the exception of the house, which he remodeled; in 1897 he built the large barn, which is 34 by 60 feet in dimensions.
Mr. Starner was married in Crawford County, April 8, 1886, to Emma Linn, who is a daughter of William and Mary (Sibert) Linn. Mrs. Starner's father died when she was about four years old, and her mother later married Israel Lust and died in 1882. She had two brothers; Samuel, deceased, and George, who lives in Auglaize County, Ohio She also had seven half-sisters and brothers, of whom six are living. Mr. and Mrs. Starner have four children, as follows: Leroy, who assists in operating the farm; Vella, who is attending school; Gladys; and Fernie.
ALPHEUS STIFFLER, who is engaged in general farming on his well-improved and highly cultivated farm of 176 acres, located in Prospect township on the Waldo and Prospect turnpike, was born August 11, 1844, on the home farm in this township and is a son of Jacob K. and Elizabeth (Gast) Stiffler.
Jacob K. Stiffler was born in Pennsylvania, where his father, who was a native of Germany, settled at a very early period. He was reared in his native State and when about 21 years old came with the Gast family, who were among the most prominent of the early settlers of the county, to what is now Prospect township, Marion County Ohio-then within the limits of Delaware County. Mr. Gast purchased a large amount of land and laid out the town of Middletown, now known as Prospect. Mr. Stiffler continued to live on his farm in this township all his life and died here in 1897 at the age of 86 years. Shortly after coming to the township he was married to Elizabeth Gast, who died August 11, 1886, aged 70 years. They were the parents of nine children, as follows: Elizabeth, who married Christopher Almendinger; Catherine, deceased, who was the wife of Samuel Siples; Christian; Alpheus; Sarah, who married Amos Hoffman; Amos W.; George A.; and Matilda and Margaret M., who live on the home place in Prospect township.
Alpheus Stiffler was reared in Prospect township and attended the old cross-roads schoolhouse. While he received a good education, he gave more of his attention and time to the farm work than to his studies. He learned the carpenter's trade when a young man and followed it for several years. After his marriage, he moved to Pleasant township and purchased a farm of 100 acres, on which he resided for seven years. When he sold it he bought another farm of 125 acres in Pleasant township, on which he lived for about 21 years. This farm he sold in 1901 and purchased his present property, the old Watkins farm, from J. H. Thomas. When a young man of 21 years he worked on this same farm for Mr. Watkins. Here he has been engaged in general farming. He resides in a large 10-room house which he has remodeled. He has also spent much money in improving the farm and with the assistance of his two sons has tiled and cultivated the land until it is now worth twice what he gave for it.
Mr. Stiffler was married December 29, 1870, to Martha Owens, who was born in Wales, and came to this country in 1853, when quit young, with her father, John Owens, who became a prominent lime and stone dealer of Marion County, and laid out Owens station. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stiffler: John J., of Marion, who married Flora Simpson and has one child, Geneva Edna; and George W. and Alberta L., who live at home.
While a resident of Pleasant township, Mr. Stiffler served two terms as a justice of the peace. He is a Republican politically and was unanimously elected justice of the peace in a Democratic stronghold. He also served as assessor of Pleasant township, for two terms and was for some time a member of the School Board. He has been a member of the Lutheran Church since a youth of 16 years, has served in various offices and is at present an elder.
FRANK V. STOLL, junior member of the renting and real estate firm of Bryant & Stoll, located at No. 107 1/2 West Center street, the Bennett Block at Marion, is one of the progressive and enterprising business men of this city. He was born at Gallon, Crawford County, 0hio, June 25, 1885, arid is a so son of H. B. Stoll, now a resident of Marion.
The parents of Mr. Stoll came to Marlon in his childhood and he was reared and educated here. After leaving school he was appointed to a position in the county recorder's office, where he served efficiently, for three years. Since then he has been engaged in the real estate business. After the termination of Mr. Bryant's term as county recorder, he went into partnership with him, under the firm name of Bryant & Stoll. _Mr. Stoll is a stickholder in the Marion Real Estate Company.
Fraternally, Mr. Stoll is connected with the Knights of Columbus, of which he is financial secretary. He belongs to the Catholic Church.
WINFIELD SCOTT STONE, M. D., the leading physician and surgeon at Caledonia, who has been engaged in the practice of his profession here for the past 33 years, was born at Kingwood, Preston County, Virginia (now West Virginia), May 3, 1846. His parents were Clayborne Vincent and Mary (Smith) Stone.
The parents of Dr. Stone were both natives of Virginia. They subsequently made their home in Preston County, West Virginia, but the father died while on a visit to Caledonia. Their 14 children were as follows: Mrs. Sarah Ellen Godwin, of Kingwood, West Virginia; John W., of Minneapolis; Mrs. Nancy Miller, who died at Grafton, West Virginia; Mrs. Phoebe Jane Washburn, of Marion; Mrs. Julia Ann Hudson, of Marion; Maria Sophia; Winfield Scott, of this sketch; Mrs. Rebecca Catherine Menier, who resides near Kingwood, West Virginia; Isabel D., wife of Samuel Hudson, of Marion; Aileen, deceased, twin sister of Isabel D., who was the wife of Rev. George Davis, of Parkersburg, West Virginia; Mrs. Louise M. Morrill, of Columbus, Ohio; Mrs. Missouri Murdock, of Ironton, Ohio; Gideon Camden, of Memphis, Tennessee; and Mrs. Louisa Smith Whips, formerly of Marion, now of Pasadena, California.
Winfield Scott Stone remained on his father's farm in Preston County until the age of 18 years, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, in 1864 becoming a member of Company C, 66th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., which was a part of the second division, 20th Army Corps, and during the famous "March to the Sea" was in the center of Sherman's great army. His term of service covered 11 months, during which time he participated in the taking of Savannah and the battles at Goldsboro ,and Raleigh, and in many skirmishes. He was with his regiment at that mighty military pageant, the Grand Review, at Washington, and with his comrades received the admiring plaudits of his countrymen.
After the young soldier returned to his West Virginia home, he set about completing his interrupted education. He was one of the first students at Cornell University, at Ithaca, New York, and as he was on the spot two weeks before organization he assisted in getting the buildings ready. He completed the scientific course at Cornell and then entered the Louisville Medical College, at Louisville, Kentucky, where he was graduated, February :27, 1874. Dr. Stone then settled at Caledonia, where be has engaged in a general practice ever since. His interests have become so centered here that a parting from the good people of this favored section would be almost as hard for him to endure as it would be for them to lose his genial presence and professional skill. He has been medical examiner for a number of the old line insurance companies, including the New York Life, the Northwestern, the Equitable and the Prudential.
On September 2, 1875, Dr. Stone was married to Eliza Rebecca Lyde Carrothers, who was born in Noble County, Ohio, and is a daughter of George W. and Lucinda (Fowler) Carrothers. The father of Mrs. Stone was born in Ireland and was about seven years old when he accompanied his parents, James and Anne (Blakely) Carrothers, to America. They located first in Guernsey County, Ohio., and then moved to Noble County. In 1865 the parents of Mrs. Stone moved to Morrow County, where Mrs. Carrothers still lives, having reached her 85th year. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Carrothers were: Caroline A., living at home; Mrs. Margaret Ann Crowley, of Galion, Ohio; Eliza Rebecca Lyde, the wife of Dr. Stone; Mrs. Martha Jane Burt, who died at Caledonia in 1883; Royal F., deceased; James Leonard, accidentally burned to death in childhood; Mrs. Mary Ellen Quinn, of Bloomington, Illinois; and Mrs. Nana Angeline Leaning, of West Point, Ohio.
Dr. and Mrs. Stone have five children, as follows: Imogene, a trained nurse practicing her profession at Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio; Royal C., a telegraph operator and an electric lineman; Homer E., residing at Delaware, Ohio. who married Grace Hileman; Walter Scott, who is employed in the Pennsylvania Railroad offices at Crestline, Ohio; and Helen, who is attending school.
Politically, Dr. Stone is identified with the Republican party. He has served as township treasurer one term and for nine years was a member of the School Board. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, Order of the Eastern Star, Knights of Pythias and Rathbone Sisters. Both sons are Masons and Royal is also a Knight of Pythias. Mrs. Stone has been an active and prominent member of the Rathbone Sisters and the Order of the Eastern Star, her eldest daughter being a member of the latter organization. Mrs. Stone enjoys the honor of having been the first most excellent chief of the Rathbone Sisters in Marion County. She also was the first worthy matron of Vera Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, which was the first chapter established in Marion County.
C. C. STOTLZ, president and manager of The Stoltz-Scofield Land Company, proprietor of "The Auto Inn" at Marion, one of the finest garages in the State, and the largest dealer in automobiles in the State--both jobber and retailer--has been a resident of this city since 1892. He was born in Darke County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated.
When about 14 years of age he went to Greenville and in due time learned marble cutting, lettering and carving. Later he became bookkeeper for Henry St. Clair, a wholesale grocer, subsequently going out on the road as a grocery representative. At a later date, with W. A. Hopkins, he bought the St. Clair wholesale grocery business and the firm of Stoltz, Hopkins & Company was formed, Henry St. Clair being the Company. The business was thus conducted with Mr. Stoltz as, manager, from 1884 until 1885, when it was incorporated as The Henry St. Clair Company the officers being: Henry St. Clair, president; W. A. Hopkins, vice-president: and C. C. Stoltz, secretary, treasurer and manager. In 1890 Mr. Stoltz purchased the large retail grocery of Barney Blottman, which he conducted for 18 months. In 1892 he came to Marlon and established the wholesale grocery firm of C. C. Stoltz & Company, which was shortly afterward incorporated as The C. C. Stoltz Company, with C. C. Stoltz as president and manager; and J. J. Hane, vice-president. Declining health compelled Mr. Stoltz to subsequently dispose of his interest and the same reason caused him to turn his attention to the automobile business. He is one of the city's capitalists and highly respected citizens.
Mr. Stoltz was united in marriage with Jennie N. Tennant, and to this marriage two children were born, viz.: Maud, wife of E. W. Cowan, of Marion; and Guy C., a mining engineer, now located at Mineville, New York, who is a graduate of Harvard College. Mr. Stoltz was married (second) to Elizabeth Garst. Mr. and Mrs. Stoltz belong to the Presbyterian Church.
In addition to being a member of the Marion Commercial Club, Mr. Stoltz is one of the directors, and he belongs also to the Odd Fellows, the Red Men, the Elks and the United Commercial Travelers.
HENRY STRINE, a representative citizen and a large grain and stock farmer of Marion County, resides in section 29, Richland township, where he owns 134 acres of land in one tract, which is divided by the main road. He was born on this farm, January 11, 1845, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Fleming) Strine.
The Strine family originated in Germany and from that country came John Strine, our subject's grandfather, who settled in the rich farming district of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He prospered there but when a large family grew tip around him, he decided to move to what was then called the West, in order to secure lands for his children and esestablish them comfortably in life. The removal was made in 1820 to Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, where he secured a farm on which he passed the remainder of his life, dying here in advanced age. His wife survived him but a short time. They were typical pioneers and passed through many hardships and thrilling adventures in the wild countrry to which they came. They had a family of 10 children, as follows: Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine, Margaret, John, Philip, Henry, Martin, Jacob and Peter.
Henry Strine, Sr., son of our subject, was born on his father's farm in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He grew to manhood there and remained in his native county until after his marriage, when with his wife and their eldest son, John, he came to join his father and brother John, in Marion County. The latter had established a cooper shop in Richland township and welcomed his brother Henry, who lived with and assisted him until the latter bought 80 acres of his present farm, from its former owner, Jonathan Jacoby. To a farmer accustomed to the well-cultivated lands of Cumberland County, this swampy section of country, still covered with its natural growth of timber, must have seemed a great contrast, but it is evident that Mr. Strine recognized its possibilities or he would not have invested his money, here. He had a horse and wagon, which had been the means of transporting his family from Pennsylvania, and was thus better provided for the hard work that awaited him in the clearing of his land, than were many of the early settlers around him. At first it was necessary to build corduroy roads through parts of his land, where water had collected for years past, these log roads being, as were no other, strong enough to support the weight of the oxen which were then universally used in heavy work. The woods, at that time were full of game; deer and wild turkeys were plentiful and could be secured by even an indifferent marksman, but Mr. Strine had little time to go after them.
When he settled on his newly purchased land, he found a log cabin standing on it and this was soon made habitable, being repaired by, himself and renovated by his wife with characteristic German cleanliness, and here nine of his 11 children were born. In 1852 he moved to a farm in Waldo township, where both he and his wife died. As the children grew in strength, they were put to work on the farm, there being duties for both boys and girls. The mother also contributed her full share to the general prosperity and her children know that a large part of their father's financial success was due to her frugality, good management and unceasing industry.
In Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Henry Strine was married to Mary Fleming, who was also a native of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of 11 children, as follows: John; Peter; George; Henry; Abraham; Sarah, who married James Harroff; Elizabeth, who died aged 23 years; Helen; Margaret, who died aged 21 years; Amanda, who married Henry Gearhiser; and has a baby daughter, who died in infancy.
Henry Strine, named for his father, was eight years old when he accompanied his parents to Waldo township. His education was secured in the district schools. When 20 years old he accompanied his brother back to the old home farm in Richland township, and together while keeping bachelor hall, they operated this farm for one year. He continued to live on the farm up to and after his marriage, and at the time of his father's death purchased the place. It has been his exclusive property since 1882. Mr. Strine has engaged in general farming and has raised considerable fine stock here. His land is well adapted to the production of any of the grains and his methods are such as to bring very satisfactory harvests. His surroundings all indicate a large amount of comfort
On May 8, 1870. Mr. Strine was united in marriage with Sarah A. Selanders, who is a daughter of William and Anna (Boyer) Selanders. Mrs. Strine was born on her father's farm in Waldo township. Marion County, Ohio, May 8, 1848, and was educated in the township Schools.
The Selanders family is of German origin. The parents of Mrs. Strine came to Ohio from Pennsylvania In 1830, making the trip across the mountains in covered wagon They settled as pioneers in Waldo township, Marion County, where they became people of substance and importance and where both parents died. They had seven children as follows: Lavina, who married Jacob Coleman: Samuel, Malinda, who married Frederick Elmaker: Mary, who married Valentine Coleman. ; brother to her sister Lavina's husband: Valentine; Frances; Eliza; and Sarah A.
Mr. and Mrs. Strine have had five children namely: Mary, who married Charles Ruggles and died October 20. 1896 at the age of 25 years, leaving two children-Harry. who remains with his father, and Walter who has resided at the home of his grandparents; Melvin, who married May Lauellen and has two children-Roscoe and Marie; Harry F., who married Lucinda Beringer, and has two children-Ima Jane and Harvey Henry; Jacob R., who married Josephine Overdore and has one child, Darrel Fleming; and Docie, who married Milton Augenstein, and has one child, Ruth.
In political sentiment, Mr. Strine has always been a strong Democrat and has taken an active interest in local public affairs. He served for seven years as township trustee and during his residence in Waldo township was on the School Board. The family have been stanch in the faith of the Lutheran Church for generations, and Mr. Strine is an elder in the church to which he and all his household belong.
MELVIN STRINE, an enterprising business man of Waldo, dealer in hardware, agricultural implements, wagons, carriages, slate and metal roofing, spouting, etc., was born October 28, 1873, on the old home farm in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Sarah Ann (Selanders) Strine.
Henry Strine was born on his present farm in Richland township and is a son of Henry Strine, Sr., who was known as "Harry." Henry Strine, Sr., came to Marion County, Ohio, from Pennsylvania with his three brothers and located in Richland township. He was the father of 10 children, of whom five are deceased. Henry Strine, the youngest member of the parental family was reared in Waldo and Richland townships. After his marriage to Sarah Ann Selanders he located on the farm in Richland township where he now resides. His house is built of hewn logs weather boarded; though a very old structure, it has the record of never having had one death occur in it. Five children were born to Henry Strine and wife: Mary, deceased, who was the wife of Charles Ruggles; Melvin; Harry F.; Jacob R. ; and Docie, who married Milton Augenstein.
Melvin Strine was reared on his father's farm in Richland township and attended district school. At the age of 16 he began teaching school and continued in that vocation for 10 years, teaching five different schools, of which the first was in Richland township and the other four in Waldo township. Two years before he finished teaching, he purchased of his father a farm of 50 acres in Waldo township, which he farmed in the summer. He remained on this farm for three years and then sold it and bought the store of E. E. Purdy at Waldo, who had been conducting it for three years. When Mr. Strine bought the store, in 1901, he dealt only in stoves, tinware and roofing, but in February, 1905, he enlarged his stock and now carries all kinds of agricultural implements (including the Racine Sattley corn plows, breaking- plows and cultivators), wagons and carriages, a full line of tinware and hardware and the "No. 1 Mammoth Sea Green" slate roofing and the genuine sheet galvanized steel roofing.
Mr. Strine was married November 8, 1894, to Florence M. Luellen, who was born April 29, 1876, on her father's farm in Waldo township, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Beckel) Luellen. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Strine-Roscoe and Marie. Mr. Strine is a Democrat and has served as assessor of Waldo township. He is a member of Whetstone Lodge, No. 718, K. of P., and of the Lutheran Church, of which he is secretary.
John Luellen, the father of Mrs. Strine, is one of the pioneers of the county, having come here from Pennsylvania in a wagon-with his father, Levi Luellen, at a very early period. He was one of a family of seven children, as follows: Henry, Samuel, Nathan, John, Mary Jane, Addie and George. John Luellen married Mary Beckel, whose parents came from Germany and located in Richland township. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Luellen, namely: Sarah, who married Lemuel Dickson; Florence M.; Addie, who died aged 12 years; and Charles. Mrs. Luellen died in 1896, aged 44 years. Mr. Luellen still resides in Waldo township.
REV. JEREMIAH AUGUSTUS SUTTON, pastor of the Free Baptist Church at West Mansfield, Logan County, Ohio, has been active in the ministry for nearly 33 years past, of which period about 26 years have been passed in Marion County. Therefore, while not a resident of the county at the present time, he is extremely well known here. He was born in Symmes township, Hamilton County, Ohio, December 10, 1847, and is a son of John S. and Mary A. (Addis) Sutton. When he was 12 years of age he removed with his parents to a farm near Blanchester, Ohio,. He obtained his education in the common schools, supplemented by one term's attendance at the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. When but 16 years of age he began to speak in public and at 19 taught his first term of school at Gallaudet, near Indianapolis, Indiana. Following this he superintended the public schools in Butlersville, Warren County, Ohio, and also the public schools in Green Camp, Marion County, seven years of his life being occupied in this manner.
On October 24, 1874, Mr. Sutton was publicly ordained to the ministry by Revs. John F. Tufts, John Hisey and John B. Lash, all of whom have since passed to their reward. Four days after his ordination, he removed with his family to Johnstown, Ohio, where be assisted Rev. J. H. Whitaker in protracted efforts. The following spring he returned to Warren County and assumed the pastorate of his home church, which he retained until June 12, 1879. He then came to Marion County and became the pastor of the Green Camp Free Baptist Church, which position he held until April 8, 1890, when, through the kindness of Watkin Watkins, of Prospect, Ohio, who was a member of the Board of Ohio Penitentiary Managers, he was appointed chaplain of the Ohio State Penitentiary. This position he worthily filled until there came a change in the administration. On May 1, 1892, he assumed the pastorate of the Morral Free Baptist Church. On April 4, 1894, he moved to La Rue, taking charge of the Free Baptist Church, of which he continued to be pastor for over 12 years. He resided at La Rue until September 18, 1906, when he removed to West Mansfield, Logan County, having accepted the call of the Free Baptist Church at this place on the 5th of August preceding. In his total ministry of nearly 33 years he has had but six pastorates and less than seven years have been spent outside of Marion County. Among the church offices he has held are the following: Quarterly meeting clerk for seven years; yearly meeting clerk, 19 years; and president of the State Association, two years. He represented the Central Ohio Yearly Meeting in the General Conference twice, the session on one occasion being held at Marion, Ohio, and on the other at Ocean Park, Maine. While living in Green Camp he held the office of village treasurer, village clerk and township clerk and while a resident of LaRue was a member of the Board of Infirmary Directors; all of these positions he voluntarily resigned after filling each for a period. For 17 years he filled the office of notary public in Marion County, which office he now fills in Logan County. His attachment for young people and his warm and lasting friendships are well known to many readers of this work. He has officiated to the date of this writing (January 14, 1907) at no less than 542 marriages. In the same period he has had charge of 1,165 funerals; his tender sympathy for those in sickness and sorrow and those in distress has endeared him to many. His pastorates have not been especially noted for any great revivals, the largest number of converts at any one time being 52 persons, who experienced religion at a series of meetings held in Green Camp, but, blessed of God, he has been enabled to promote the peace, harmony and steady growth of all the religious interests in the churches where he has labored.
Mr. Sutton has been twice married. On November 29, 1869, he was united in marriage with Mollie Cox, who passed away November 29, 1881. Of the four children that blessed this union but one now survives--C. H. Sutton, who was born January 31, 1874, and who for many years has been a prosperous liveryman at La Rue. C. H. Sutton married Dora Cook of Morral, and they have three children -Beatrice, Paul Jeremiah and Ray. C. H. Sutton is a member of Walter Scott Lodge, No. 214, K. of P., at LaRue. Rev. Jeremiah Sutton's second marriage was contracted March 22, 1883, when Mrs. Helen A. Kniffin, widow of the late Stephen, A. Kniffin, became his wife. She had by her first marriage one son, W. F. Kniffin, whose age was nearly the same as that of C. H. Sutton, our subject's son. The two boys grew up together and though not related, no two brothers ever entertained more kindly feelings toward each other or were more deeply interested in each other's welfare. W. F. Kniffin has proven himself a successful business man, first as a merchant and now as secretary and manager of the La Rue Telephone Company of which he is the founder. This is a sub-licensee of the Bell Telephone Company.
For many years the subject of this sketch has been a worthy member of Green Camp Lodge, No. 644, 1. 0. 0. F., and has delivered nearly 100 addresses before Odd Fellow lodges in a territory extending from Marion County to Brandt, Miami County. He is also a member of LaRue Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M. and has delivered a number of addresses before Masonic bodies. He and his wife are members of the Daughters of Rebekah, I. 0. 0. F., and of Mary Lenox Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, of La Rue. Mr. Sutton is correspondent for several papers; for seven months he was editor of the, La Rue News.
S. HOMER SWANEY, dealer in general merchandise at Prospect, and one of the leading business men of the Village, was born July 21, 1853, in Page County, Virginia, and is a son of Rev. William H. and Rebecca (Lichliter) Swaney.
Rev. William H. Swaney was born in Virginia and was of Irish and German descent, his father being a native of Ireland, and his mother a Pennsylvania German. Early in life he learned the trade of a shoemaker. Subsequently he became surveyor of Page County, Virginia. He never went to school much, but taught himself and for about 12 years taught French, German, Latin, Greek, etc., in the New Market Academy. He was later ordained a minister of the Lutheran Church and preached in Virginia and also in Ohio, and died in Medina. County, Ohio, in 1892 at the age of 62 years. He married Rebecca Lichliter, who was also a native of Virginia and a daughter of Jacob Lichliter, an early settler of Page County, Virginia. Her death occurred in 1896 at the home of our subject, when in her 73rd year. Eight children were born to Rev. William H. Swaney and wife: Solon, deceased; Mary, deceased; Siram; S. Homer; Jennie, who married Charles Pontious; Laura, deceased, who was the wife of Daniel Long; Casper and Britten.
S. Homer Swaney was reared in New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia, and obtained his education there, also attending the New Market Academy, where his father taught the languages. In 1869 his father moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, and located at Tarlton near Circleville. There the subject of this sketch kept a team and also worked on various farms until 1876, when he opened a grocery store in Tarlton, which he operated until 1884, when he moved his stock to Prospect and opened a store. His business grew to such proportions that he finally had to build his present store on East Water street, where he has since been located. he carries a general line of boots and shoes, dry goods, groceries, etc. Besides owning his place of business , Mr. Swaney also owns his residence property in Prospect and a fine farm of 116 acres in Prospect township, which he purchased in 1902 from the William Russell estate and which he farms on shares.
Mr. Swaney was married on April 11, 1878, to Clara E. Campbell, a daughter of Jacob and Maria (Roose) Campbell, of Pickaway County, Ohio. Three children have been born to this union: Grace, who assists in the store: Frank and Earl.Politically, Mr. Swaney is a Democrat. He is treasurer of the village corporation, and has served as a memher of the Village Council most of the time since locating here in 1884. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is president of the board of trustees of that church.
BUSBY P. SWENEY, superintendent of The Marion Steam Shovel Company is identified with other business interests of Marion and is one of its representative citizens. He was born in 1855 at Marion, and is a son of Dr. I. S. Sweney.
The late Dr. Sweney was born in Crawford County, Ohio, came in 1854 to Marion, where he entered upon the practice of medicine, but later he moved to Salem Illinois, where he remained about one year, moving then to Kimmundy, Illinois, where he practiced until 1871. He then returned to Marion and at first took charge of the old Leonard drug store, but subsequently opened a pharmacy of his own, which he conducted until his death, in 1875.
Busby P. Sweney was an infant when his parents went to Illinois, and was 17 years old when they returned to Marion. In the meantime he had attended excellent schools and in 1872 became a clerk for his father, who died three years later. Mr. Sweney's natural inclinations led him to, learn the machinist's trade and later he was placed in charge of The Huber Manufacturing Company's machine department, which was beginning the manufacture of steam shovels, under the firm name of Barnhart & Huber. During the building of the first three shovels, Mr. Sweney was foreman of the works. When The Marion Steam Shovel Company was organized, assurning the steam shovel business inaugurated by The Huber Manufacturing Company, Mr. Sweney became foreman, and on the death of Mr. Barnhart he assumed the duties of superintendent of this great plant, a, position he has capably filled ever since. He is a director of the City National Bank, and also of The Marion Masonic Temple Company, of which he has been treasurer for several years.
In 1882 Mr. Sweney was married to Ella Moore, a daughter of William H. Moore, ex-mayor of Marion. They have four children, namely: Cleo B., Robert M., Wenona and Kenneth F. Mr. Sweney has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Marion since he was 11 years of age. He has always taken a good citizen's interest in public affairs, has been a member of the present Board of Education for the past three years and served one term in the City Council, this being during the time the first street railway and street paving at Marion were projected. His fraternal associations include membership in all the Masonic bodies from the blue lodge up to the consistory; he is also a member of the shrine; in all of these he has served as an official. He belongs to the Marion Commercial Club.
FRANKLIN SWISHER, (PICTURE) who has been a resident of Marion County since 1859, resides on his fine farm located in section 30, Tully township. He is one of the most highly respected, and prosperous agriculturists of the township. He was born near Vanlue, Amanda township, Hancock County, Ohio, November 1, 1842, and is a son of Thomas F. and Margaret (Plotner) Swisher.
Thomas F. Swisher was born in New Jersey and from that State came to Ohio, first locating in Franklin County. In Marion County he was married to Margaret Plotner, a daughter of George Plotner, who came from Pennsylvania to Marion County, Ohio, and became the owner of 320 acres of land in Scott township and 160 acres, in Tully township, besides other property. Mr. Swisher was a soldier in the Civil War. He enlisted from Upper Sandusky in the 55th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., but after one year's service was discharged on account of disability resulting from an attack of typhoid fever. After leaving the army, he located in Tully township, Marion County, which was about 1864. Eight children were born to the parents of our subject, namely: Mrs. Samantha Foutch, a resident of Iowa; Franklin; George, who enlisted in the army and died from the effects of a wound received in a skirmish; Mrs. Phoebe Sharrock,. deceased; William, a resident of Iowa; Mary, wife of William Jones, living in Scott township; Thomas, residing at Caledonia; and Mrs. Margaret Winemiller, who lives in Morrow County, Ohio..
Franklin Swisher was about 16 or 17 years old when he came to Tully township to live with his grandfather Plotner, who resided where Samuel Hill now lives. Returning to Hancock County he again came to this township in the fall of 1859 and lived with his uncle for some time, after. which he worked for two years on the Crissinger and other farms. Since 1859, with the exception of one year spent at Galion, he has been a resident of this township, and has always followed farming.
On December 28, 1861, Mr. Swisher was united in marriage. with Savilla Crissinger, who was born, in Crawford County, and is a daughter of David and Sarah (Phillips) Crissinger, who first settled in Crawford County, on coming to Ohio from Pennsylvania, and from there came to Tully township and bought the present farm of our subject, on which they spent the rest of their days. Mr. and Mrs. Swisher have had no children of their own, but have had at various times six children in the family, of whom three boys died quite young; two girls and a boy were reared to maturity as. follows: Ella M. Crissinger, a cousin of Mrs. Swisher, who became the wife of J. H. Pace, Nellie Sharrock, a niece, left an orphan at 12 years, who is now the wife of Henry Baldinger, of Tully township; and Homer M. Messenger, whom they took to raise when four years old, who is now a railway mail clerk between Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio--he served in an Ohio regiment during the Spanish American War and saw service in the Philippines. These children have been treated by Mr. and Mrs. Swisher as their own and have been in every way a credit to them.
Mr. Swisher is a Democrat in politics; his father was a Republican. He has served six years as an infirmary director-from 1893 to 1899, inclusive-was township trustee six or eight years and was township treasurer for three years. He is a member of the English Reform Church, of which he has been an elder for about 12 years. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Swisher accompany this sketch.
