(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 900 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO lican and a trustee of the Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Young were the parents of six children: Lucy, married Horace Barker, both deceased; Louise, the widow of Robert Maynard, lives at Windsor, Ohio ; Julius, lives at Cleveland ; Hattie M., married Wesley Howard, lives at Windsor; Edna, married Jerome Snyder, lives at Willard ; and Edward L., twin brother of Edna, and subject of this sketch. Edward L. Young grew up on his father's farm and after the latter's death took over the management of the home place. He is a graduate of the public schools of Delphi and Mansfield Normal School. Mr. Young came to Norwalk in September, 1884, as a reporter on The Norwalk Chronicle. Four years later he was made editor of the paper, but resigned in 1892 after his election as Great Record Keeper of The Maccabees, Great Camp for Ohio, with offices in Norwalk. Mr. Young was appointed Great Commander for Ohio in 1914, and was elected to that office the following year. He has been successively reelected every four years. Mr. Young has also served as editor of The Bee Hive, the official organ of The Maccabees throughout the world since 1899, and is Supreme Trustee and Supreme Editor of The Maccabees International Organization. Mr. Young is vice president and director of the Huron County Banking Company, director of the Northern Ohio Telephone Company, trustee of the Ohio State Historical and Archaeological Society, and former president of the National Fraternal Press Association of America. In March, 1884, Mr. Young was united in marriage with Miss Carrie M. Houfstater, the daughter of Jacob P. Houfstater, who was a native of Ohio. He is deceased and is buried in Ripley Township, Huron County. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Young: Ethel, who is deceased ; and Arthur F. He is a graduate of Western Reserve University, where he received the degrees of B. A. and LL. B. During his senior year in law he was awarded first prize at the National Oratorical contest of colleges and universities. He began his professional career in Cleveland and was appointed assistant law director by Mayor Newton D. Baker. He has been identified with The Guardian Savings & Trust Company of Cleveland since 1918, and is now a trust officer. He married Miss Gladys Kellum, and they have three children: Jeanne, Arthur F., Jr., and Nancy. Politically, Mr. Young is a Republican. He has served as superintendent of the Sunday School of the First Methodist Church in Norwalk for 26 years, and is chairman of the Board of Trustees. From 1904 until 1912 he was a member of the Methodist general conference, sessions of which were held at San Francisco, Baltimore, and Minneapolis. He is also former president of the Huron County Sunday School Association, and trustee of the Ohio State Sunday School Association. Mr. Young is affiliated with Mt. Vernon Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 64 ; Huron Chapter, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 901 R. A. M., No. 7 ; Norwalk Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 24; Norwalk Cornmandery, K. T., No. 18 ; Toledo Consistory, 32nd degree ; Knights of Pythias ; Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Modern Woodmen of Amer. ica; and Royal Arcanum. Allen William Fitch, who is identified with Fitch's Funeral Home, is recognized as a successful young business man of New London, and is a member of a prominent pioneer family of Huron County. The Fitch family is of English descent, and members of the family who came to Ohio during the early days settled in Huron County in the location of Fitchville and Fitch Corners. They became representative citizens and successful farmers of this section. Allen William Fitch was born in Defiance County, Ohio, Dec. 27, 1897, the son of Allen Thomas and Lily (Denning) Fitch. Allen Thomas Fitch was born at Fitch Corners, Huron County, and his wife is a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. He has always been interested in farming and has owned farms in Licking County. He and his wife live on a farm of 75 acres near Buckeye Lake, Licking County. Mr. Fitch is a Republican and a member of the Baptist Church. There are seven children in the Fitch family, as follows : Allen William, the subject of this sketch ; Roy, lives at Hebron, Ohio ; Ralph Edward, lives at Hebron ; Eugene, lives at Hebron; Orlando, deceased ; Sarah Elizabeth, attends Bowling Green College; and Edith Margaret, at home. Allen William Fitch received his early education in the public schools of Hebron, and spent one year at Ohio State University after his graduation from high school in 1916. He began his business career as a salesman with the Granville Milling Company, and in 1923 took a course of study at the Columbus School of Embalming. The following year was spent in the sales department of the Lowe Brothers Paint Company, of Dayton, Ohio, and in 1925 Mr. Fitch became identified with the Egan Undertaking Company, of Columbus. He purchased the business of Charles Spencer at New London in June, 1926, and has since been recognized as one of the leading morticians of Huron County. He purchased the old Seager home in April, 1930, which has been completely remodeled and refurnished as a funeral home. In March, 1927, Mr. Fitch was united in marriage with Miss Laura M. Sewell, the daughter of James and Gladys (Williams) Sewell, who are residents of Licking County. They were born in Athens County. Mr. Fitch is a Republican and held the office of township clerk in Harrison Township, Licking County. He is vice president of the Rotary Club, 902 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO and belongs to Pataskala Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 404; New London Chapter, R. A. M., No. 110; Scioto Consistory, 32nd degree ; Aladdin Temple ; and New London Shrine Club. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of New London. Arthur Fleming Pope. Prominently identified with newspaper circles in North Central Ohio is Arthur Fleming Pope, who is publisher and editor of the Enterprise-Review, of Greenwich. He was born in Toronto, Canada, Sept. 20, 1883, the son of John Hawk and Mary (Fleming) Pope. John Hawk Pope was born in London, England. As a young man he became expert in the designing of picture mouldings and frames, and lived in Toronto, Canada, for some time after leaving England. He later was identified with a picture framing concern at Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there went to Cleveland where he was identified with SchaberReinthal Company until 1903. At that time the plant was destroyed by fire and Mr. Pope became an expert guilder in the employ of an electric sign company in Cleveland. He died in 1924, and his wife, who was born in Toronto, died in 1926. Both are buried in Cleveland. He was a Republican and held membership in the Methodist Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pope: 1. William James, lives in Cleveland. 2. Maude, married William Burgher, lives in Cleveland. 3. John, deceased. 4. Alice May, married Herbert Hinckley, lives at Parma, Ohio. 5. Arthur Fleming, the subject of this sketch. 6. Albert, lives at Cleveland. 7. Ethel Lillian, married (first) George Fannery, deceased, and married (second) Charles Henry, lives at Lakewood, Ohio. 8. Pearl, married Lewis Heyl, who is treasurer of the Federal Foundry Company, Cleveland. 9. Howard E., lives at Cleveland. Arthur Fleming Pope received his education in the public schools of Cleveland and took a course in mechanical engineering from the International Correspondence Schools of Scranton, Pa. He spent four years as an apprentice with Bardons & Oliver, Cleveland, as a tool and die maker, and was later identified with mechanical institutions in the East. He spent 16 years in the employ of the Cleveland Plain Dealer as superintendent of the linotype department, and during that time was also a representative of the Intertype Corporation and Mergenthaler Company of Chicago. He was recognized as an authority on the installation and operation of linotype machines and his services were sought within a radius of 150 miles of Cleveland. Mr. Pope came to Greenwich in 1919 and purchased the interests of the Enterprise of Greenwich, Ohio, and Review, the latter being published at Shiloh, Ohio. In November, 1920, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 903 he combined the two papers as the Enterprise-Review. It is published in Greenwich and has a weekly circulation of 1,000 copies. In May, 1920, Mr. Pope married Miss Fannie W. Edwards, who is a graduate of Oberlin College. They have two children, John, and Patricia. By a former marriage, Mr. Pope has three children: 1. George, married Louise Leonetti, lives at Cleveland. They have a daughter, Rita Marie. 2. James Irving, married Marjory Griffith. They have a daughter, Jeanine, and live at Oberlin. 3. Marian Elizabeth, married Wilbur Murray, lives at Greenwich. They have a daughter, Leonora Arlene. Mr. Pope is a Republican. He is a member of the Ohio State Newspaper Association. F. H. Cunningham, who is familiarly known as "Ted" Cunningham, is well and favorably known in New London, where he has a confectionery and news agency. He was born at Bellville, Richland County, Aug. 30, 1894, the son of George D. and Olive (Gurney) Cunningham. George D. Cunningham was born at South Charleston, Ohio. He spent a number of years in business at Bellville, as the owner of a grain elevator, which had been established by his father, Amzi Cunningham. He then entered the railway mail service and has been thus employed for a period of 40 years. He and his wife have been residents of Sandusky, Ohio, since 1914. Mr. Cunningham is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and Knights of Pythias. To Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham were born four children: Helen, married George Healea, lives at Columbus ; Florence, married H. P. Kochheiser, lives at Cleveland ; F. H., the subject of this sketch ; and Lewis, lives at Sandusky. F. H. Cunningham was reared and educated at Bellville and is a graduate of Bellville High School, class of 1911. He began his business career in New London as a clerk in the employ of the Ward-Stilson Company. Later he conducted a cigar and tobacco business at Elyria, Ohio, and in 1914 returned to New London, with the American Express Company. Two years later he became a traveling representative of the C. E. Ward Company, with whom he was identified continuously from 1916 until 1930. He resigned in the latter year and has since been proprietor of a confectionery and news agency in this city. Mr. Cunningham is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to Floral Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 260 ; William F. Kuhn Chapter, R. A. M., No. 139, Kansas City, Mo.; Norwalk Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 24; East Gate Commandery, K. T., No. 70, Kansas City; Consistory of Western Missouri, No. 2, Kansas City ; Aahmes Grotto, M. 0. V. P. 904 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO E. R., Ardmore, Okla.; Mahi Temple, Miami, Fla.; Royal Order of Jesters, Miami, Fla.; New London Shrine Club ; and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also belongs to the Ashland Country Club. Mr. Cunningham has a son, G. Darwin Cunningham. Grant Greenwood Chidsey. One of the most successful farmers and stockmen of North Central Ohio is Grant Greenwood Chidsey, who is the owner of "Shady Nook Jersey Farm," which is located in Medina County, two miles east of Brunswick. He was born in Brunswick Township, Dec. 28, 1869, the son of Truman and Betsy Ann (Greenwood) Chidsey. Truman Chidsey was born in Brunswick Township, Dec. 8, 1835, the son of Norman Chidsey, a native of Connecticut, who settled in Medina County in 1835. Norman Chidsey, mentioned above, was born in Connecticut, Aug. 12, 1804, and died Feb. 13, 1876. He was married Dec. 3, 1826, to Jane Wilson Eaton, who was born in Cooperstown, N. Y., March 10, 1805, and died July 26, 1898. Norman Chidsey's mother was Lydia Nearing, born May 5, 1778. She was a daughter of John Nearing, a Revolutionary soldier. Lydia Nearing married Isaac Chidsey in 1799. He died in 1834. His wife, Lydia Nearing Chidsey, died June 13, 1842, and is buried in Townline Cemetery, Medina County. Truman Chidsey engaged in farming and was also a stone mason and bridge builder, having completed contracts for many of the first stone bridges in Medina County. He died April 20, 1906, and is buried in Town-line Cemetery, near Brunswick. Mr. Chidsey was married March 4, 1858, to Betsy Ann Greenwood, the daughter of Moses and Sally Ann Greenwood, who were natives of Medina Township. To them were born the following children: Loretta, married William Chappelle, farmer, lives at ElCampo, Texas; Grant G., the subject of this sketch; Lyman L., born Dec. 19, 1871, died Dec. 17, 1916; Jessie J., married Francis Peebles, farmer, lives in Guilford Township, Medina County ; Ida Ruth, married Harvey Kraver, lives at Medina ; and Bernice E., married Percy Tibbitts, farmer, lives in Brunswick Township. Grant Greenwood Chidsey was educated in the district schools of Brunswick Township. He has always been interested in farming and stock-raising and when 18 years of age purchased a 50-acre farm southeast of Brunswick, having borrowed the money and taken the title in the name of his father. It was transferred to him when he became of age, and this small farm is today part of Shady Nook Jersey Farm, which contains 233 acres of well improved land. It is recognized as one of the finest dairy farms in this section of Ohio and Mr. Chidsey has always specialized HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 905 in the breeding of pure bred Jersey cattle. Products from this well appointed farm are marketed in Cleveland. Several years ago Mr. Chidsey realized an ambition to produce a gold medal sire. In 1925 a bull which had been purchased from the Hood farm, Lowell, Mass., qualified by having three gold medal daughters from separate dams, making him the first gold medal sire in the State of Ohio. In order to qualify as a gold medal cow one must produce at least 700 pounds of butter fat in one year with a period between freshening not exceeding 14 months. This sire, "Torono of Bath," referred to above, also qualified for a silver medal. Wishing to progress still further as a breeder of fine cattle, Mr. Chidsey later secured from the same Jersey farm in Lowell, Mass., a son of "Pogis 99th," of Hood Farm, out of "Lass 89th of Hood Farm." As soon as his daughters came in milk, they were put on tests and caused this sire to qualify for a gold medal sire. Thus it was that Shady Nook Jersey Farm was the first in the State of Ohio to develop two gold medal sires. Through the wide publicity which resulted, stock from this farm has been shipped to practically all of the Southern and Western states. Mr. Chidsey is a Republican and has served as a member of the township board of trustees, and of the school board for several terms. He has been a trustee of the United Brethren Church for a period of 25 years. On June 19, 1901, Mr. Chidsey married Miss Bertha A. Sprague, the daughter of David and Caroline Sprague, of Brunswick Township. They are the parents of six children, as follows : 1. Elbert S., born Aug. 28, 1902, a graduate of Brunswick High School. He is in charge of laboratory work for the Ohio Farmer Cooperative Milk Association, of Cleveland. 2. Aida B., a graduate of Brunswick High School, now a teacher in the Brunswick schools. 3. Viola, a graduate of Brunswick High School, also a teacher in the Brunswick schools. 4. Myron G., born Sept. 20, 1911, is interested in dairy farming with his father. 5. Amber R., attends Brunswick High School. 6. Harold, born July 10, 1917, a student. Harley B. Knapp. As president of the Farmers Banking Company, of Greenwich, Harley B. Knapp has long been identified with the banking interests of Huron County. He was born at Fitchville, Huron County, Nov. 23, 1885, the son of William A. and Philena (Kirkpatrick) Knapp. A sketch of William A. Knapp appears elsewhere in this history. The early education of Harley B. Knapp was obtained in the public high schools of Fitchville. Later he attended Oberlin Business College. He spent two years as a bookkeeper with the Greenwich Banking Corn- 906 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO pany, and in 1907 became identified with the Farmers Banking Company in the same capacity. He later was promoted to assistant cashier and in 1924 succeeded his father as president of the institution. The Farmers Banking Company was organized in 1902 with a capital stock of $15,000. The original officers were : W. A. Hossler, president ; William A. Knapp, general manager ; and F. E. Hines, cashier. In 1930 the bank had a surplus of $35,000. Its present officers are : Harley B. Knapp, president ; F. D. Donaldson, vice president; and F. E. Hines, cashier. In 1910 Mr. Knapp was united in marriage with Miss Ila Silverthorn, the daughter of William and Ella (Seidel) Silverthorn, of Huron County. The former is deceased and the latter lives at Greenwich. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have no children. Mr. Knapp holds the office of treasurer of the corporation of Greenwich, having served in that capacity for ten years. He is a Republican. William A. Knapp. One of the most prominent business men of Huron County was William A. Knapp, who was serving as president of the Farmers State Bank of Greenwich, at the time of his death in 1924. He was born in Fairfield County, Conn., Jan. 10, 1841, the son of William A. and Harriet (Marshall) Knapp. William A. Knapp, Sr., was born at Lewisboro, Westchester County, N. Y., Feb. 14, 1817. His father, Sylvanus Knapp, was a sailor for many years, and later followed the trade of shoemaker in Connecticut. On March 1, 1840, William A. Knapp married Miss Harriet Marshall, a native of Westchester County, N. Y. Until 1845 he rented a farm in Fairfield County, Conn., which was owned by Judge T. Roosevelt, grandfather of the late Theodore Roosevelt. He brought his family to Ohio in that year, making the trip by river, canal and lake and arriving at Huron on Oct. 2nd. The family then journeyed by wagon to Fitchville. Sylvanus Knapp became by state grant the owner of 235 acres of land in the "Firelands" of Ohio. The Knapp family later, dissatisfied with their land, exchanged it for a section in the southwest part of the township, allowing $3 per acre for the new land. In November, 1845, William A. Knapp had cleared two acres and erected a log cabin 18 x 24 feet. The following year he planted two acres of corn, and thus demonstrated to the new settlers of Ohio the productivity of the new soil. The Knapp family removed again in 1856 to the center of the township, and in 1881 located at Greenwich, where William A. Knapp served as president of the Greenwich Bank until his death in 1888. His wife died in 1889. Both are buried at Fitchville. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 907 Mr. Knapp was a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. There were three children in the Knapp family: William A., Jr., the subject of this sketch ; Amanda ; and Euphronia. William A. Knapp, Jr., was educated in the Fitchville schools. He served during the Civil War, having enlisted in the Union Army in 1864. He was later employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company, and in 1869 returned to his farm, where he became extensively interested in farming and stockraising. At the death of his father in 1888, he inherited the homestead and at that time became president of the Greenwich Bank. He was also a director of the New London National Bank. In 1902 Mr. Knapp became general manager of the Farmers Banking Company of Greenwich, and soon after succeeded to the presidency. On March 27, 1879, Mr. Knapp married Miss Philena Kirkpatrick, of Troy Township, Ashland County. She died July 29, 1892, and is buried at Fitchville. To Mr. and Mrs. Knapp were born four children : 1. Pearl, born July 26, 1881, married William A. Hunter, lives at Fitchville. 2. J. D., born March 5, 1883, lives on the Knapp homestead. 3. Harley B., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 4. William A. III, born Dec. 6, 1889, died June 21, 1892. Mr. Knapp was a Republican and a charter member of Floral Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 260. Martin L. Hindley, M. D. One of the outstanding professional men of Huron County is Dr. Hindley, who has successfully engaged in the practice of his profession at Monroeville for the past 30 years. He was born in Peru Township, Huron County, Jan. 30, 1870, the son of Richard and Mary (Hutchinson) Hindley. Both Richard Hindley and his wife were natives of Yorkshire, England. He was left an orphan at the age of eight years and came to the United States with an uncle and settled in Peru Township, Huron County. Mr. Hindley spent the remainder of his life in this section of Ohio and became a prosperous farmer and stockman. He died in 1904 and his wife died in 1913. Both are buried in Norwalk. Their children were: 1. Sarah, who died in 1928. 2. William, lives at Norwalk. 3. Charles, deceased. 4. Frank, deceased. 5. George, lives at North Fairfield. 6. David, who died in 1925. 7. Laura, married Edward Dawson, lives at Shelby. 8. Irving, lives at North Fairfield. 9. Martin L., the subject of this sketch. 10. Charlotte, married Eben Lawrence, lives at Norwalk. Martin L. Hindley attended the public schools of Peru Township and spent a year as a teacher in the township schools before entering Ohio Northern University. He subsequently took up the study of medicine at 908 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO the University of Michigan, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1900. He served the following year as a physician at the Massilon State Hospital, and in 1901 came to Monroeville to establish his present practice. He is identified with the Huron County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. Doctor Hindley is also vice president and director of the Farmers and Citizens Banking Company of Monroeville. In 1901 Dr. Hindley was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle Morrow, the daughter of Franklin and Ezemiah Morrow, natives of Ohio. The former died in 1885 and the latter in December, 1930. They are buried at Marion, Ohio. Doctor and Mrs. Hindley are the parents of a son, James Martin, born in 1906. He is a graduate of Monroeville High School, and Miami University, and is now a student at Western Reserve Medical School, being a member of the class of 1931. He belongs to Beta Theta Pi and Nu Sigma Nu fraternities. Doctor Hindley and his family hold membership in the Presbyterian Church, and he belongs to Roby Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 534, and Norwalk Country Club. He is a Republican and has served as a member of the school board and Huron County pension board. Thomas Johnston. As acting postmaster of Monroeville, Thomas Johnston is widely and favorably known throughout Huron County, where he has spent his entire life. He was born in Townsend Township, the son of Hon. W. D. and Carrie (Walker) Johnston. Hon. W. D. Johnston, who served as a member of the Ohio State Legislature in 1885, was a widely known Republican of Huron County. He also served a number of years as a member of the Huron County board of deputy state supervisors of election. Mr. Johnston was born in Western Pennsylvania in 1844. As a young man he came to Ohio and settled at Collins, in Huron County, where he spent many years as the proprietor of a general mercantile establishment. At the organization of the Huron County Banking Company, of Norwalk, he became a director, and in 1891 was elected president of the institution, in which capacity he served until his death, Aug. 30, 1912. Mr. Johnston was affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. His wife died in 1907 and is buried in Norwalk. She was also a native of Butler, Pa. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnston : Robert D., lives in New York City ; Mary C., married Carl W. Pierce, lives at Cleveland ; Thomas H., the subject of this sketch ; Emma, married Dr. W. F. Spies, lives in New York City; and Margaret L., married Pete Trance, lives at Allentown, Pa. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 909 Thomas Johnston received his education in the public schools of Townsend and taught school for one year in the township schools after his graduation from high school in 1896. He also attended Oberlin Business College, and for a time was connected with his father's business establishment at Collins. He then clerked in hardware stores in Buffalo, N. Y., and Cleveland, Ohio, but returned to Collins in 1910, where he became the proprietor of a general store, which he successfully conducted until 1925. During that time he was also a director of the Berlin Heights Bank. Mr. Johnston then went to New York City, where he was identified with the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. He conducted a general insurance business at Monroeville from 1926 until Dec. 1, 1930, at which time he was appointed acting postmaster. Mr. Johnston was married in 1917 to Miss Edith Lepley, a native of Ohio, the daughter of William Lepley, who is deceased. They are the parents of two sons : Thomas Frederick and Robert J. Mr. Johnston is a Republican and belongs to East Townsend Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 327. Ben J. Filkins, who is postmaster of Wakeman, is a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Huron County, members of the Filkins family having settled here as early as 1832. He was born in Fitchville Township, Huron County, Dec. 9, 1892, the son of Elden and Elizabeth (Rhineberger) Filkins. Elden Filkins, deceased, was a representative citizen of Huron County. He was born in Fitchville Township in 1866 and received his education in the township schools. Until his retirement in 1927, Mr. Filkins was numbered among the progressive farmers of Huron County. He died at Norwalk, Feb. 21, 1930. Mr. Filkins was a Republican and served as road supervisor. He held membership in the Baptist Church at Fitchville and East Townsend Lodge, F. & A. M. Elizabeth (Rhineberger) Filkins was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1868, and now resides at Norwalk. There were two children in the Filkins family: Ben J., the subject of this sketch ; and Bertha, lives at Norwalk. Elden Filkins was the son of Benjamin and Louvisa (Green) Filkins, the former was born in Oswego County, N. Y., in 1828, and the latter was a native of Ohio. Both are buried at Fitchville. Benj. Filkins came to Ohio with his parents in 1832 and settled at Fitchville. He was the son of John Filkins, who was a native of Chautauqua County, N. Y. Benjamin Filkins successfully conducted a meat business at Fitchville for many years and later was located at New London and Norwalk. He 910 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO was a member of Floral Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 260, at New London, Ohio, and in 1858 held the office of senior deacon. Ben J. Filkins received his education in the public schools of Fitchville, and was graduated from New London High School in 1911. During 1912-13 he was in Southern California, where he was interested in the irrigation of orange groves. He then returned to Ohio and until 1916 engaged in general farming on 150 acres of land in Ruggles Township, Ashland County. He has since been a resident of Wakeman, and until his appointment as postmaster in June, 1924, Mr. Filkins was a rural mail carrier. In 1914 Mr. Filkins was united in marriage with Miss Dorothy Dyer, the daughter of Marvin and Etta Dyer, of New London. They have a daughter, Ruth, born Sept. 25, 1918. Politically, Mr. Filkins is a Republican. He is affiliated with Gibson Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 301, Master in 1923; Wakeman Chapter, R. A. M., No. 177, High Priest in 1924-1927 ; Norwalk Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 24, Master in 1930 ; Order Eastern Star, No. 460 ; charter member and Patron in 1929. He also belongs to the Tri-State Postmasters Association, National League of District Postmasters Association, and Service Postmasters Association. William C. Martin, M. D., is one of the representative and widely known physicians and surgeons in Huron County, having engaged in practice at Monroeville since 1914. He was born in Medina County, Sept. 10, 1883, the son of William J. and Jennie E. (Watters) Martin. William J. Martin and his wife are natives of Medina County. He was reared on his father's farm and engaged in general farming in Medina County until 1892, at which time he removed to Cleveland. Until his retirement in 1915 he was interested in the real estate and building business. Mr. Martin is a Democrat and has held numerous township offices. He is a member of the Methodist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin only one child was born, William C., the subject of this sketch. The early education of William C. Martin was received in the district schools of Medina County. He is a graduate of Lincoln High School, Cleveland, and in 1905 and 1908 received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Medicine at Western Reserve University. He served as an interne at Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland, until 1910, and spent the following two years in the outside patient department of the hospital. After being associated in practice for one year in Cleveland, Dr. Martin came to Monroeville in January, 1914, where he has established an excellent prac- HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 911 tice. During the World War he served with the rank of first lieutenant, U. S. Medical Corps. Doctor Martin was married in 1914 to Miss Margaret Papworth, the daughter of George S. and Emma (Werner) Papworth, natives of New York and Ohio respectively. Mr. Papworth is deceased and his widow lives at Monroeville. Doctor and Mrs. Martin are the parents of a daughter, Elizabeth Jane. Doctor Martin is a Democrat and in 1924 was an alternate delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Madison Square Garden, New York. In 1928 he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Houston, Texas, and served in the capacity of secretary of the Ohio delegation. He was a member of the State Democratic Executive Committee in 1926, and for the past ten years has been county chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee. Doctor Martin served as mayor of Monroeville from 1926 until 1930, and is now vice mayor and member of the council. In 1928 he was the candidate of his party for Congress in the Thirteenth Ohio Congressional District. Doctor Martin is identified with the Huron County, Ohio State, and American Medical Associations, and belongs to the Order of Military Surgeons of the United States. His lodge affiliations are: Roby Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 534, Past Master ; Huron Chapter, R. A. M., No. 7 ; Norwalk Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 24, Past Master ; Norwalk Commandery, K. T., No. 18, Past Commander ; Toledo Consistory, 32nd degree ; Zenobia Temple ; and B. P. 0. Elks, No. 730, of Norwalk, Ohio. Doctor Martin is a member of the Episcopal Church. He is former president of the Monroeville Exchange Club. In 1928 he was the candidate of his party for Congress in the Thirteenth Ohio Congressional District. Ralph Carrol Brown. One of the most prominent young business men of Huron County is Ralph C. Brown, who is vice president and cashier of the Commercial Banking Company, of Willard. He was born at Monroeville, Huron County, Dec. 22, 1893, the son of Sargent and Betsy (Dunham) Brown. Sargent Brown and his wife were born in Lincolnshire, England. He was a farmer in early life, but after coming to the United States he settled at North Eaton, Ohio, where he became interested in the grocery business. He later lived on a farm between Monroeville and Norwalk, after which he located in Monroeville as custodian of the Monroeville public schools. He has lived retired since 1922, and has been a resident of Willard since 1927. His wife died in 1923 and is buried at Monroe- 912 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO ville. Mr. and Mrs. Brown held membership in the Baptist Church. They were the parents of ten children, as follows: Joseph and Sargent, both deceased ; John, lives at Fremont, Ohio ; Charles W., lives at New Castle, Pa.; Allison, deceased; Ralph Carrol, the subject of this sketch ; Betsy, married F. A. Foeller, lives at Detroit, Mich.; Mary, married J. W. Pycraft, lives in Lorain County ; Hannah, married John Nichols, lives at Willard, Ohio ; and Lillian, married J. F. Mohr, lives at Attica, Ohio. The early life of Ralph Carrol Brown was spent at Monroeville, and he was educated in the public and high schools there. In 1912 he entered the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Willard, and remained with that company until 1921, when he resigned as chief clerk in the freight department. In that year he became a teller in the Commercial Banking Company, and two years later he was appointed cashier. Mr. Brown has held the office of vice president, cashier and director of the institution since 1930. In 1919 Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Dorothy Martin, the daughter of T. K. and Mary Martin, of Willard. They have no children. Mr. Brown is a Republican, treasurer of the Presbyterian Church of Willard, and belongs to Golden Rule Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 562, and Willard Chapter, R. A. M. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Norwalk Country Club, and Willard Civic Club. He is identified with the Ohio Bankers Association. William Henry Nugent, who is the proprietor of a popular service station in Medina, is a member of one of the oldest families of Medina County. He was born on a farm northeast of Medina, Aug. 17, 1868, the son of Patrick and Elizabeth (Nolan) Nugent. Patrick Nugent was born in Dublin, Ireland, March 17, 1828. He emigrated to the United States in 1846 and located at Medina, where he remained until his enlistment for service during the Civil War. He served throughout the entire war period and was discharged in April, 1865. Mr. Nugent was married in 1852 to Miss Elizabeth Nolan, the daughter of Daniel Nolan, also a native of Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Nugent were born the following children: Ellen, married Edward Letterly, who died in 1921; James, born in 1855, address unknown ; Frank, born in 1866, lives at Wadsworth, Ohio; Mary, who died in 1926; William Henry, the subject of this sketch ; Edward, born in 1872, died in Medina in 1910 ; Anna, married William Kerins, lives at Cleveland, Ohio ; Clara, married Harry Wilkison, lives at Medina ; Daniel, born in 1878, lives at Medina ; and Owen, born in 1880, lives at Medina. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 913 William Henry Nugent attended school at Windfall in Medina County. At an early age he became interested in business at Medina as a paving and sewer contractor, and continued in that particular line of work for more than 25 years. Since 1922 he has owned and operated a gasoline service station on South Court Street. On Feb. 17, 1928, Mr. Nugent married Mrs. Alberta Binns, the daughter of Harrison Plummer, of Pickaway County, Ohio. They have no children. Politically, Mr. Nugent is a Republican, and he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is the owner of a well improved farm of 140 acres in Pickaway County, which is located 12 miles southwest of Circleville, Ohio, and spends much of his leisure time in its management. Clyde J. Cranston, M. D., who is successfully engaged in the practice of Medicine at Wakeman, is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Baltimore, Md., Feb. 11, 1896, the son of Dr. Byron S. and Nicie (Hull) Cranston. Dr. Byron S. Cranston is prominent throughout Huron County and North Central Ohio as a physician and surgeon at New London. He was born in New York and his wife is a native of Carroll County, Md. He was educated at Alfred University, Alfred, N. Y., and in 1893 was graduated from the Baltimore City Medical College with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He began his professional career at Rudolph, Ohio, and for many years has been located in New London. Doctor Cranston is a Democrat and served as health commissioner of Wood County for one term and as a member of the Rudolph school board. He belongs to Floral Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 260 ; New London Chapter, R. A. M. ; Council, R. & S. M. M. ; Findlay Commandery, K. T. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Church. Two children were born to Doctor and Mrs. Cranston: May Belle, a graduate of Lakeside Nursing School, Cleveland, attended Ohio State University and Wooster College. She is now interested in public health work in Cleveland. 2. Clyde J., the subject of this sketch. Clyde J. Cranston obtained his education in the public schools of Rudolph, Ohio, and was graduated from high school in 1915. He then spent three years at Ohio Wesleyan University, and at the outbreak of the World War he enlisted as a member of the 147th Field Hospital, and was sent to Camp Sheridan, Ala. In June, 1918, the outfit sailed for overseas duty and Doctor Cranston participated in six major engagements : 914 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Baccarat, Paigney-sur-Meuse, Argonne, St. Mihiel, and two Belgian engagements. He was discharged with the rank of corporal on April 12, 1919, and at that time resumed his studies at Ohio Wesleyan University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1920. He then entered the Medical School of Western Reserve University, from which he was graduated in 1924. Doctor Cranston served as an interne in the City Hospital of Cleveland and during 1925-26-27 he studied surgery with Dr. W. I. Huber, in Cleveland. He established his present practice at Wakeman in July, 1927. In 1924 Doctor Cranston was united in marriage with Miss Beatrice M. Consla, the daughter of H. B. and Alice (Lett) Consla, natives of Crawford County, Pa., now residents of Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Cranston is a graduate of the Huron Road Nursing School, Cleveland, and is a registered nurse. To Doctor and Mrs. Cranston have been born two sons : Earl John and Neal Robert. Doctor Cranston is a Democrat, a member of the Congregational Church, and belongs to Beta Theta Pi, Alpha Kappa Kappa fraternities ; Ken-Bur-Bell Post No. 41, American Legion; and "40 and 8" Society. He is identified with the Huron County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and American Medical Association, and has the following lodge affiliations : Gibson Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 301; Wakeman Chapter, R. A. M., No. 177; and Norwalk Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 24. Doctor Cranston is a first lieutenant in the U. S. Reserve Corps, commanding the 502nd Ambulance Company of the 368 Medical Regiment. Lehr Harrison Whisler, M. D. Outstanding among the highly successful physicians and surgeons of Huron County and North Central Ohio is Doctor Whisler, of Willard, who is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Benton Ridge, Hancock County, Ohio, Aug. 19, 1889, the son of Dr. Reuben D. and Imas (Powell) Whisler. Dr. Reuben D. Whisler was born in Hancock County, Ohio, and for a number of years has been a leading physician and surgeon of Findlay, Ohio. He is a graduate of Baltimore Medical College, and for a time engaged in practice at Benton Ridge, Ohio. He is a Republican and has held the office of coroner of Hancock County. He has also been a member of the school board of Benton Ridge, Ohio. He is a member of the Evangelical Church, and is identified with the Hancock County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. Doctor and Mrs. Whisler have three children: Lehr Harrison, the subject of this sketch ; Senn F., M. D., who served with the Medical Corps HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 915 with the rank of first lieutenant, lives at Findlay, Ohio ; and Marko, lives at Toledo, Ohio. The early education of Lehr Harrison Whisler was received in the public schools of Benton Ridge, Ohio, and at Ohio Northern Preparatory College. He taught school for two terms at McComb, Ohio, and in 1914 received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at Starling Medical College, now the College of Medicine, Ohio State University. He then served as an interne in St. Francis Hospital, Columbus, and began his practice of medicine at Bowling Green, Ohio. After a short time he located at Willard, but in 1918 gave up his practice to enlist in the U. S. Medical Corps. He was sent to Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., and served with the rank of first lieutenant until his discharge on Dec. 24, 1918. Doctor Whisler then resumed his practice at Willard. He is chief of staff of the Willard Community Hospital, past secretary of the Willard Medical Society, and a member of the Huron County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. In 1916 Doctor Whisler was united in marriage with. Miss Ruth Marie Burkett, who died in Willard, Sept. 22, 1930. She was the daughter of Edwin C. and Alpha (Werts) Burkett. Mr. Burkett was born at Rawson, Ohio, and his wife was a native of Aledo, Ill. Both are deceased and buried at Findlay, Ohio. To Doctor and Mrs. Whisler was born a daughter, Patricia Ann, who attends the public schools of Willard. Doctor Whisler is a Republican, a member of Phi Rho Sigma fraternity, and belongs to B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1370 ; Golden Rule Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 562 ; "40 and 8" Society ; and American Legion Post, No. 514, Past Commander in 1926-27. William L. Pease. A prominent figure in the business life of Huron County is William L. Pease, who is the proprietor of the W. L. Pease Funeral Home at Wakeman, where he is also serving as mayor. He was born at Wakeman, March 12, 1885, the son of Capt. William H. and Josephine (Bright) Pease. Capt. William H. Pease was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1839, and his wife was a native of New York. She was the daughter of John Y. and Fanny A. Bright, who were among the first settlers of Wakeman, where Mr. Bright became the proprietor of the Bright House, a well patronized hotel of those days. William H. Pease was six years old when his parents removed to Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County, Ohio, where he was educated. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the 19th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and later received the commission of lieutenant, being 916 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO assigned to Battery D, First Ohio Light Artillery. At the close of the war he was serving as captain of Battery F. He participated in numerous important engagements of the war, including Stone River, Mission Ridge, Knoxville, and Pumpkin Vine Creek, being wounded and captured in the latter engagement. He was held captive in Libby prison until the close of the war. Mr. Pease settled in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1868, and later went to Chicago, Ill. After coming to Ohio he established a funeral home and furniture business at Wakeman. Mr. Pease died in 1906 and his wife died in 1909. Both are buried at Wakeman. He was a Republican, served as township trustee and clerk, and director of the Huron County infirmary. He was affiliated with Gibson Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 301. To William H. and Josephine (Bright) Pease were born three sons : James S., born in May, 1874, died Jan. 14, 1881; William L., the subject of this sketch ; and Joseph, born April 12, 1888, died April 9, 1891. William H. Pease was the son of Sylvester Pease, who was a hatter by trade. He established one of the first hat stores in Cleveland, which was known as Dockstatter & Pease. Sylvester Pease was the son of George Pease, who served throughout the Revolutionary War as a quartermaster. William L. Pease has always lived in Wakeman. After his graduation from Wakeman High School he attended the Berkey & Dyke School of Commerce, Cleveland, and in 1903 was graduated from the Cincinnati School of Embalming, being registered in the State of Ohio during that year. He immediately became associated with his father's Funeral Home and furniture business at Wakeman, and since the latter's death in 1906, he has been proprietor of the business. In 1907 Mr. Pease was united in marriage with Miss Theresa. Hinman, the daughter of Floyd F. and Flora (Andrews) Hinman, natives of Ohio. The former is deceased and the latter lives in Toledo. Mr. and Mrs. Pease have a daughter, Florence Josephine, who is a graduate of Harcourt Place School for Girls. She attends Western Reserve University and is a member of the class of 1931. Mr. Pease is a Republican and was elected mayor of Wakeman in November, 1927, being re-elected in 1929. He has served as township trustee, member of the city council, member of the board of education, and is a member of the Huron County Board of Health. He held the office of president for five years of the Twelfth District Ohio Funeral Directors Association, and belongs to the National Funeral Directors Association. He is affiliated with Gibson Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 301; Wakeman Chapter, R. A. M., No. 177 ; Norwalk Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 24; Norwalk Commandery, K. T., No. 18 ; Toledo Consistory, 32nd degree ; and B. P. 0. Elks, No. 730, Norwalk. He also holds membership in the HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 917 Cleveland Athletic Club and is a director of the Huron County Automobile Club. J. G. White, who is identified with the Wakeman Bank Company as cashier, is prominent among the energetic business men of Huron County. He was born in Ripley Township, Huron County, June 5, 1882, the son of Jonathan S. and Marietta (Barre) White. A complete sketch of Jonathan S. White appears elsewhere in this history. J. G. White received his education in the public schools of Norwalk and after his graduation from Norwalk High School he accepted a position with the American Publishing Company of Norwalk. He later was employed in a clerical capacity by the Greenwich Banking Company, after which he served as assistant cashier of the First National Bank, of Greenwich. He has held his present position with the Wakeman Bank Company as cashier and director since 1909. In 1907 Mr. White married Miss Myrtle E. Beveridge, the daughter of George D. and Adella Beveridge, of Greenwich. Their daughter, Helen Marjorie, attends the public schools of Wakeman. Mr. White is a Republican, and was a member of the first council of Wakeman. He has been township treasurer, chairman of the Huron County Republican central committee, member of the Republican executive committee, and is chief deputy of the Huron County board of elections. Mr. White belongs to Gibson Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 310, Past Master; Wakeman Chapter, R. A. M., No. 177, Past High Priest ; Norwalk Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 24 ; Norwalk Commandery, K. T., No. 18 ; Toledo Consistory, 32nd degree ; and B. P. 0. Elks, No. 730. He also belongs to the Norwalk Country Club. Ferd. H. Schuster is prominent in Bellevue where he is serving as postmaster, and where he has spent practically his entire life. He was born here, Dec. 31, 1876, the son of Ferdinand and Frederica (Merten) Schuster. Ferdinand Schuster was born in Germany in 1840, and his wife was born there also in 1841. He was a cabinet maker by trade but for a number of years was employed by the Ohio Cultivator Company as a pattern maker. He was an early settler of Bellevue and was highly esteemed throughout Huron County. Mr. Schuster died in 1908 and his wife died in 1929. Both are buried at Bellevue. He was a Democrat, a member of the Reformed Church and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd 918 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Fellows. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schuster: 1. Frederica, the widow of L. G. Fruth, lives at Los Angeles, Calif. 2. Ferd. H., the subject of this sketch. 3. Emma, married R. C. Keough, lives at Bellevue. 4. Helen, married Harry Eggleston, lives at Shaker Heights, Ohio. 5. Katherine, married Harry A. Dailey, lives at Los Angeles. 6. Florence, deceased. Ferd. H. Schuster grew up in Bellevue and attended the public schools, being a graduate of Bellevue High School. He spent four years as an apprentice barber at Milwaukee, Wis., and upon his return to Bellevue in 1898, he entered the employ of P. L. Webster, with whom he was associated until 1924, having purchased a half interest in the business in 1904. From 1924 until 1929 Mr. Schuster conducted the business alone, and disposed of it in the latter year. He was appointed acting postmaster of Bellevue on Dec. 17, 1928, and received the appointment as postmaster from President Calvin Coolidge on Feb. 25, 1929. In 1903 Mr. Schuster was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle M. Zabst, the daughter of W. Otis and Elizabeth Zabst, deceased. Both were natives of Groton Township, Erie County, Ohio. They are buried at Bellevue. Mr. and Mrs. Schuster have no children. Mr. Schuster has always been a Republican. He has been a member of the city council for two terms and has served as director of safety and as city auditor. He has also been a member of the Huron County Board of Election for nine years. For 20 years he was a member of the Republican Central Committee of Huron County and served as its chairman four years. He was also a member of the Republican Executive Committee. Mr. and Mrs. Schuster are members of the Congregational Church, and he is affiliated with Bellevue Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 273 ; Knights of Pythias, No. 204, Past Chancellor; and B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1013, Past Exalted Ruler, and Secretary for eight years. He also holds membership in the Kiwanis Club. Carl A. Hildebrand is recognized as one of the dependable business men of Bellevue, where he is successfully engaged in the general insurance business, with offices at 426 Castalia Street. He was born in Bellevue, March 12, 1886, the son of William C. and Sophia (Bodeman) Hildebrand. William C. Hildebrand was a native of Hesse Cassel, Germany. It was in 1883 that he emigrated to the United States with his mother, shortly after the death of his father in Germany. The family settled in HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 919 Bellevue, where Mr. Hildebrand became successful as a shoe merchant. Before coming to the United States he had served in the Franco-Prussian War. He was employed as a stationary engineer by the Nickel Plate Railroad Company at Bellevue for a period of 18 years, and during the latter part of his life served as custodian of the Bellevue public schools, having served in that capacity for 23 years. He was a Republican, a member of the Lutheran Church, and belonged to the Royal Arcanum. Sophia (Bodeman) Hildebrand was born at Marion, Ohio. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrand are deceased and are buried in Bellevue. They had two sons : Carl A., the subject of this sketch ; and Ralph, who is chief clerk in the offices of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Bellevue. After leaving Bellevue High School, Carl A. Hildebrand was employed by the Northern Ohio Telephone Company until 1909, when he resigned as wire chief. He then established the Bellevue Ice and Cold Storage Company, but after two years entered the employ of the Zahner Packing Company. For a time he was also employed by the Interlocking plant of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. He then served as engineer for the Bellevue public schools. Since 1913 Mr. Hildebrand has been interested in the general insurance business, and represents the follow. ing companies : Ohio National Life Insurance Company ; Central Manufacturers Mutual Insurance Company ; Ohio Underwriters Mutual Insurance Company ; Ohio Millers Mutual Insurance Company ; Mill Owners Mutual Insurance Company ; American Mutual Insurance Company ; Fitchburg Mutual Fire Ins. Company ; Glencoe Mutual Insurance Company; Berkshire Fire Ins. Company ; Globe & Rutgers Insurance Company; Aetna Insurance Company ; U. S. Fidelity & Guaranty Company ; Central Casualty Co.; Lumberman's Mutual Insurance Co.; and Lumberman's Mutual Casualty Company. On Sept. 22, 1909, Mr. Hildebrand was united in marriage with Miss Maria E. Gazlay, the daughter of Lieutenant John and Etta (Morgan) Gazlay, natives of New York and Ohio respectively. Mr. Gazlay enlisted as a drummer boy at the outbreak of the Civil War and later served with the New York Volunteer Cavalry, with the rank of lieutenant. To Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrand have been born five children : 1. Helen, a graduate of Bellevue High School, 1929, attends Capital University, Columbus. 2. Elizabeth, student. 3. Arvin, student. 4. William, deceased. 5. Dean, deceased. Mr. Hildebrand is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, and takes an active part in church affairs. He also belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Politically, Mr. Hildebrand is a Republican, and holds the office of deputy treasurer and deputy auditor of Huron County. He is also regis- 920 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO trar of vital statistics of District No. 630 in Ohio, and is a member of the Huron County board of elections, Huron County Republican Executive Committee, and Huron County Soldiers Relief Committee. During the World War he was draft registrar in the Bellevue district. Charles C. Beelman, who is president of the Mansfield Cemetery Association, is outstanding among Mansfield's best known citizens. He was born at Bloomville, Ohio, June 9, 1877, the son of Hazelous H. and Alice (Chaffin) Beelman. H. H. Beelman was born at Smithville, Ohio, the son of Jacob and Mary Beelman. At an early age he engaged in business with his father at Smithville. They were undertakers and furniture dealers and conducted a prosperous business at that place for a number of years. Jacob Beelman and his wife are deceased. The former is buried at Columbus and the latter at Mansfield. H. H. Beelman was associated with his father until the latter's death, and they had removed their business to Bloomville, Ohio, where it was continued until 1894. At that time H. H. Beelman located in Mansfield and established his business on North Main Street. It was removed later to 78 North Main Street, and after several years Mr. Beelman disposed of the furniture line and conducted a funeral home in the King Building. Later, it was located in the Findley Building and in 1920 the business was sold to E. L. Sharp. Mr. Beelman died in February, 1921, and is buried at Mansfield. He was a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Maccabees, Order of Redmen, Knights of Pythias, and Independent Order of Forresters. His widow, who lives at Mansfield, was born near East Union, Ohio. Charles C., the subject of this sketch, was the only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Beelman. The education of Charles C. Beelman was received in the public schools of Bloomville, Ohio, and early in life he became identified with the business interests of H. H. Beelman & Company. In 1913 he took over the management of the company and continued in that capacity until 1920, when the business was disposed of. At that time Mr. Beelman retired. He is a director of the Richland Trust Company, a member of the advisory board of the Mansfield Savings Bank & Trust Company, and since 1920 has been president of the Mansfield Cemetery Association. In 1901 Mr. Beelman was united in marriage with Miss Anna E. Krause, the daughter of George Philip and Rosina (Reman) Krause, of Mansfield, both deceased. Their daughter, Dorothy R., is a graduate of Mansfield High School, National Park Seminary, Forest Glen, Md., Lake Forest College, Chicago, and Wittenberg College. She was identified with HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 921 the foreign department of Farm Tools, Inc., of Mansfield, until September, 1930, when she became secretary to Doctor Adams, professor of chemistry at Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio. Mr. Beelman is a Republican, a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, and belongs to Venus Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 152 ; Mansfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 28; Mansfield Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 94; Mansfield Commandery, K. T., No. 21; Dayton Consistory, 32nd degree ; Baku Grotto, M. 0. V. P. E. R.; Al Koran Temple ; Mansfield Scottish Rite Society ; Mansfield Shrine Club ; Mystic Club ; and B. P. 0. Elks, No. 56, Past Exalted Ruler. He also belongs to the West Brook Country Club. Mr. Beelman served in Cuba during the Spanish-American War as a member of Company M, Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was known as "McKinley's Own." He was discharged with the rank of corporal and is a Past Commander of Charles Dick Camp No. 17, United Spanish War Veterans. Hon. Allan G. Aigler. As a practicing attorney, the career of Allan G. Aigler has been identified with the city of Bellevue for over 25 years. He is one of the able members of his profession in North Central Ohio, and has also served as a member of the Ohio State Senate from the 30th Senatorial District of Ohio. He was born on a farm in Sandusky County, Ohio, Sept. 6, 1881, the son of William and Mary Isabel (Hartman) Aigler. William Aigler was born in Juniata County, Pa., in 1845 and his wife was a native of Sandusky County, Ohio. He was brought to Ohio by his parents, Jacob and Sarah Aigler, both of whom are buried at Bellevue. William Aigler became a prosperous farmer and stockman of Sandusky County and retired in 1902. He died in 1924 and his wife died in 1928. Mr. Aigler was a Republican and held numerous township offices. He belonged to the Reformed Church and was affiliated with Bellevue Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 273, Past Master ; Bellevue Chapter, R. A. M., No. 113, Past High Priest ; Bellevue Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 82, Past Thrice Illustrious Master ; and Norwalk Commandery, K. T., No. 18. Mary Isabel (Hartman) Aigler was the daughter of George and Cornelia Hartman, who were natives of Sandusky County. They are buried at Bellevue. To William and Mary Isabel (Hartman) Aigler were born four children : 1. Cora, married Bert J. West, lives at Bellevue. 2. Sarah C., lives at Riverside, Calif. 3. Allan G., the subject of this sketch. 4. Ralph W., who is a professor in the College of Law, University of Michigan. Allan G. Aigler attended the district schools of Sandusky County and after his graduation from Bellevue High School in 1897, he entered Heidelberg College, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 922 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO 1902. He was graduated from the College of Law, University of Michigan, in 1905, and the following year was admitted to the Ohio State Bar. Mr. Aigler has successfully engaged in the practice of law at Bellevue since that time, and has taken a prominent part in the city's public affairs. From 1911 until 1916 he served as city solicitor, and from 1921 until 1925 was prosecuting attorney of Huron County. In November, 1924, Mr. Aigler was elected state senator from the 30th Senatorial District, and took office Jan. 1, 1925. He was reelected in 1926 and again in 1928, and in the 87th General Assembly, which met in January, 1927, he served as chairman of the committee on taxation. He was unanimously elected president pro tern. and Republican floor leader of the Ohio Senate in January, 1929. Mr. Aigler has numerous business interests in Bellevue, being vice president and director of the Northern Ohio Telephone Company, vice president and director of the Union Bank & Savings Company, and vice president of the Bellevue Manufacturing Company. In 1915 Mr. Aigler was united in marriage with Miss Magdalene Knapp, the daughter of Frank A. and Lena Knapp, of Bellevue. They have three sons : William Frank, Thomas Knapp, and John Allan. Mr. Aigler is a member of the Reformed Church, a director of the Kiwanis Club, and has the following lodge affiliations : Bellevue Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 273, Past Master ; Bellevue Chapter, R. A. M., No. 113 ; Bellevue Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 82 ; Norwalk Commandery, K. T., No. 18 ; Toledo Consistory, 32nd degree ; and B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1013. He is identified with the Huron County, Ohio State, and American Bar Associations, and is also a trustee of Heidelberg College. John G. Odgers. As general secretary of the Y. M. C. A. in Bellevue, Mr. Odgers has a wide acquaintance throughout Huron County and North Central Ohio. He was born at Allouez, Mich., Sept. 9, 1885, the son of John and Eliza (Powell) Odgers. Both John Odgers and his wife were born in Cornwall, England. Following their marriage they came to the United States and settled in Northern Michigan, where Mr. Odgers was in charge of the copper washing in the mines in that section. He died in 1893 and his wife died in June, 1930. Both are buried at Calumet, Mich. They were lifelong members of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Odgers belonged to the Ancient Order of Foresters. They were the parents of four children : 1. May, married Thomas Hyslop, deceased. She lives at Laurium, Mich. 2. Nina, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 923 married William J. Cocking, lives at Los Angeles, Calif. 3. John G., the subject of this sketch. 4. Bessie, married John Spurr, lives at Calumet, Mich. John G. Odgers grew up at Calumet, Mich., and attended the public schools there. He studied at the Y. M. C. A. College at Lake Geneva, Wis., and spent some time as a bookkeeper in the offices of the copper mine owners in Northern Michigan. While thus engaged, Mr. Odgers became interested in boys and their problems, and in 1917 was appointed secretary of the Y. M. C. A. at Crystal Falls, Mich. He later was transferred to Ishpeming, Mich., as general secretary, and in September, 1926, came to Bellevue as general secretary. This Y. M. C. A. is a community and railroad organization, and has a membership of 350, with a staff of three. It is the only community enterprise in the city and affords numerous opportunities and comforts to the boy and young man alike in Bellevue. In 1911 Mr. Odgers was married (first) to Miss Mildred Chamberlain, who died in June, 1923. She was the daughter of Richard C. and Cora Chamberlain, of Michigan, and now residents of Bellevue. To them were born three children: Arthur J., John G., Jr., and Mildred. Mr. Odgers later married (second) Miss Ethel Chamberlain, who is a sister of his first wife. Mr. Odgers is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to Calumet Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 271, and Kiwanis Club. Charles M. Carrick, who is widely known throughout Huron County as the capable superintendent of public schools in Bellevue, is a native of Jackson County, Ohio. Mr. Carrick received his early education in the district schools of Jackson County and is a graduate of Ohio University. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Ohio University, and the degree of Master of Arts at Columbia University. From 1913 until 1918 he was superintendent of public schools at Port Clinton, Ohio, and in the latter year came to Bellevue. During 1928 the new Bellevue high school was erected at a cost of over $400,000. It is complete with swimming pool, gymnasium and auditorium, and in administration ranks among the highest in the State of Ohio. Mr. Carrick is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and belongs to the Kiwanis Club and Beta Theta Pi fraternity. 924 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Edson D. Atherton is active and well known in the business life of Bellevue, where he is proprietor of the E. D. Atherton Funeral Home, which is located at 240 East Main Street. He was born in Delaware County, Ohio, Aug. 26, 1884, the son of Lee and Ella (Pound) Atherton. Both Lee Atherton and his wife are natives of Licking County, Ohio. In 1880 they settled on a farm in Thompson Township, Delaware County, where they remained until 1920, when Mr. Atherton retired. They are now residents of Richwood, Ohio. Mr. Atherton is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias, Magnetic Springs, Ohio, and belongs to Prospect Lodge, F. & A. M. To Mr. and Mrs. Atherton were born four children: Daisy, deceased; Bert, lives in Delaware County, Ohio ; Edson D., the subject of this sketch ; and Mary Bell, deceased. Edson D. Atherton obtained his early education in the district schools of Delaware County, and is a graduate of Magnet Springs High School. He remained on his father's farm until 1913, at which time he purchased a grain business and elevator at Green Camp, Ohio. In 1914 he went to Marysville, where he spent two years with H. F. Morey Company, undertakers, and the following year he was associated with the funeral home of Lloyd Winter, at Richwood. In June, 1917, Mr. Atherton completed a course at the Columbus Training School of Embalming, and became a registered mortician in the State of Ohio, July 10, 1917. He was identified with Mr. Winter at Richwood until September, 1918, at which time he purchased the undertaking business of D. H. Purdy, at Centerburg, Ohio. He disposed of this establishment to J. B. Snyder in June, 1923, and at that time purchased the furniture and undertaking business of Lattimore & Fraber, at Mt. Victory, Ohio. In March, 1925, Mr. Atherton sold the furniture business to 0. F. Miller, of Delaware, and until February, 1926, conducted a funeral home in Delaware. He then purchased the undertaking business of I. R. Selker, of Bellevue, which has since been known as the E. D. Atherton Funeral Home. Mr. Atherton is president of the 12th District of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, and holds membership in the Ohio State Funeral Directors Association, and National Funeral Directors Association. In 1905 Mr. Atherton was united in marriage with Miss Vada Kirk, the daughter of Jerry and Ida (Lindsley) Kirk, of Richwood, Ohio. They are the parents of two daughters : 1. Alice, who attended Richwood Normal School, Ohio State University, and Bowling Green College. She is a teacher in the public schools of Bellevue. 2. Clara, a graduate of Bellevue High School, class of 1927. She is a bookkeeper in the employ of the Northern Ohio Telephone Company at Bellevue. Mr. Atherton is a member of the Methodist Church and Kiwanis Club, and has the following lodge affiliations : Bellevue Lodge, F. & A. M., HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 925 No. 273; Bellevue Chapter, R. A. M., No. 113; Bellevue Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 82 ; Manilla Chapter, 0. E. S., No. 100 ; B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1013 ; F. 0. Eagles, Aerie No. 490 ; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 123 ; and Knights of Pythias, Lenape Lodge, No. 29, of Delaware, Ohio. C. A. Paul is a representative and widely known business man of Norwalk, where he is president of the Citizens National Bank. He was born on a farm in Erie County, Ohio, Dec. 12, 1860, the son of James L. and Eliza A. (Delamater) Paul. James L. Paul was born in Erie County and his wife was a native of New York. He devoted his entire life to the pursuit of general farming and stock raising, and was numbered among the most prominent dairymen of Huron County, where he removed with his family in 1874. The Paul homestead was located in Bronson Township. Mr. Paul died in 1926 and his wife died in 1908. Both are buried in Norwalk. Their only child was C. A., the subject of this sketch. C. A. Paul acquired his early education in the district schools and attended Norwalk High School, Spencerian Business College in Cleveland and Ohio State University. He was a boy of 14 years when his family removed to Huron County and at an early age he turned his interest to manufacturing. Later, he entered the banking business, and for many years Mr. Paul served as vice president of the Citizens Banking Company, now the Citizens National Bank. He was elected president of the institution in 1928. Mr. Paul is also vice president of the Wilson Transit Company, of Cleveland, and a director of the Central United National Bank of Cleveland. In 1893 Mr. Paul married Miss Clara Cannon, of Cleveland, the daughter of Capt. Thomas Wilson, a well known ship owner. They have no children. Mr. Paul is chairman of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian Church, and holds membership in B. P. 0. Elks, Norwalk, Union Club of Cleveland, Norwalk Country Club, and Plum Brook Country Club, of Sandusky. He also belongs to the Cleveland Country Club and Ohio Society of New York. As a business man and financier, Mr. Paul has always ranked among the most prominent and forceful men in the community, because of his ready recognition and utilization of opportunities, he has made no backward step in his life, his course being continuous progress toward the goal of prosperity. His business affairs, although extensive, have not hurt his active participation in movements relative to public good, and 926 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO throughout the community he is known as a public-spirited citizen, whose interests in the general welfare has been manifest in many tangible ways. He has always been capable of mature judgment of his own capacities, and of the people and circumstances that make up his life contacts and experiences. He is eminently a man of business sense and easily avoids the mistakes and disasters that come to those who are liable to erratic movements resulting in unwarranted risk and failure. Loren Paul, grandfather of C. A. Paul, settled in Erie County during the early days, having driven westward from New York with a yoke of oxen. He established his home in the midst of the wild forest and secured a large tract of land which he converted into rich and productive fields as the years passed by. Jonathan S. White, deceased, was a substantial citizen and representative business man of Huron County, having served as cashier of the First National Bank of Greenwich for a number of years. He was born in Ripley Township, Huron County, Feb. 24, 1844, and died Feb. 28, 1918. He is buried in Norwalk. Mr. White was the son of John C. and Nancy A. (Taylor) White, the former a native of Orange County, N. Y., and the latter of Pennsylvania. The White family came to Ohio during the early days and settled near Mansfield in Richland County. John C. White was a school teacher and farmer. In 1840 he removed to Huron County where he purchased a large tract of land. He died in August, 1883, and his wife died in April, 1894. They are buried in Edwards Grove Cemetery, Ripley Township, Huron County. Their children were : Mary E., Jonathan S., the subject of this sketch, Jennie, and Margaret. Jonathan S. White attended the district school of Ripley Township and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted and served as a member of Company C, 166th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After the close of the war Mr. White taught school and also engaged in farming. He spent 18 months as a clerk in a general store at New London, but until 1886 he devoted most of his time to general farming and stock raising. In that year he was elected auditor of Huron County, which office he capably filled for six years. He then served as cashier of the First National Bank of Norwalk from 1892 until 1903, when he accepted the position as cashier of the First National Bank of Greenwich. He was living retired at the time of his death in 1918. In February, 1869, Mr. White was united in marriage with Miss Marietta Barre, the daughter of John and Amy (Stout) Barre, who were HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 927 natives of Niagara County, N. Y., and early settlers of Ripley Township, Huron County. Mr. Barre died in 1883 and his wife died in 1882. To Mr. and Mrs. White were born three children: Edgar, deceased ; Blanche, married C. E. DeVoe, lives at Greenwich ; and J. G., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. Mr. White was a Republican and served for 13 years as town clerk, and also held the office of township trustee. He was an active member of the Congregational Church, and belonged to Greenwich Lodge, F. & A. M., and New London Chapter, R. A. M. E. Bert Kugel is numbered among the popular young business men of Bellevue, where he is proprietor of the Crystal Laundry, and he is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Norwalk, Ohio, March 13, 1891, the son of Rudolph and Frances (Adelman) Kugel. Rudolph Kugel was born in Erie County, Ohio, and his wife is a native of Huron County. As a young man he established the first laundry in Norwalk, which became known as the Troy Laundry. In 1905 he disposed of his Norwalk interests and came to Bellevue as proprietor of the Crystal Laundry. Mr. Kugel successfully conducted this enterprise until 1916, when it was sold. However, in November, 1917, he became manager of this business, when it had been purchased by his son, E. Bert Kugel. During 1918 when the latter enlisted for service in the World War, the father assumed full control of the business. Since 1919 he has been interested in the wholesale coal business in Bellevue. Mr. Kugel is a Republican and has served as a member of the city council. He is a charter member of the B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1031. There were four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kugel: E. Bert, the subject of this sketch ; Florence, married Robert Knowlton, a World War veteran, lives at Cleveland ; Grace, lives at Cleveland ; and Ruth, married George Smith, lives at Castalia, Ohio. E. Bert Kugel received his early education in the public schools of Norwalk and in 1909 was graduated from Bellevue High School. He also attended Sandusky Business College, and as a young man became interested in his father's laundry business. He purchased a half interest in the Crystal Laundry in November, 1917, and during the same month enlisted for service in the World War, being sent to France with the Motor Transportation Corps. He later was transferred to the 128th Mobile Laundry Company, and after the close of the war served in Germany with the Army of Occupation, being attached to the 42nd Division. He was discharged as a first class sergeant on July 26, 1919. Since his 928 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO return from the service Mr. Kugel has successfully managed the affairs of the Crystal Laundry. The company's business extends throughout Bellevue, Clyde, and Castalia, and is numbered among the up-to-date establishments of its kind in North Central Ohio. In 1921 Mr. Kugel married Miss Blanche McCreary, the daughter of Alonzo and Eva McCreary. The former is deceased and the latter lives at Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Kugel is a Republican, and belongs to Bellevue Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 273 ; Bellevue Chapter, R. A. M., No. 113 ; Bellevue Council, R. & S. M. M., No. 82 ; and B. P. 0. Elks, No. 1013. He also belongs to the American Legion. Frederick L. Umbaugh is numbered among the dependable young business men of Mt. Vernon, and is a veteran of the World War. He was born in this city, Nov. 27, 1894, the son of John J. and Catherine (Nepert) Umbaugh. John J. Umbaugh was born in Germany in 1851 and emigrated to this country when 14 years of age. He lived with an uncle in Ashland for a time and while in that city learned the tinner's trade. From there he went to Akron, Ohio, and for a time was employed in the shops of the C. A. & C. Railroad at Mt. Vernon. He came to Mt. Vernon in 1882, where he successfully engaged in business until his retirement. For a number of years he had the contract in this city for the manufacture of cans used by the Standard Oil Company. Catherine (Nepert) Umbaugh, also a native of Germany, died Feb. 12, 1912, and is buried in Mound View Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Umbaugh were born the following children: Helen, lives at Columbus ; John N., lives at Dayton ; George, lives at Mt. Vernon ; Catherine, the widow of Fred Baxter, lives at Columbus ; Frank, deceased ; and Frederick L., the subject of this sketch. Frederick L. Umbaugh was educated in the public schools of Mt. Vernon and at the age of 18 years went to Columbus where he followed his trade as a tinner in the employ of F. 0. Shoedinger Company. In 1915 he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and later for a short time was employed by Cawkins & Pierce at Columbus. In April, 1917, he volunteered for service in the World War and sailed for France, Oct. 31, 1917. In February he entered the trenches in Lunneville sector and later he served in the Baccarat sector for a period of 110 days, and during that time did 30 nights of volunteer patrol duty. His company was transferred to the Champaign sector on July 12, 1918, and Mr. Umbaugh later received a citation for bravery at the battle of Champaign. He also participated in the battle of Chateau Thierry and was gassed and HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 929 wounded at the battle of Serenges, on July 29th. He was discharged from the hospital Sept. 11th and returned to the front. At the battle of St. Mihiel he captured four of the enemy, disarmed them and took them as prisoners. He was severely wounded at the battle of the Argonne, and was discharged from Camp Sherman, Ohio, April 1, 1919, as Casualty Company No. 935. He was one of eight service men selected from Ohio to meet the Rainbow Division in New York on its return from France. Mr. Umbaugh spent 22 months in the service, 17 months of which were spent in active service in France. The Ohio history of Company I, 166th Infantry, quotes the following concerning Corporal Umbaugh: "Corp. Umbaugh of the Third platoon operated an automatic rifle to such good purpose in covering a road and communication trench that the enemy was forced to retreat in disorder, leaving the dead and carrying away several wounded." On Nov. 24, 1919, Mr. Umbaugh married Miss Bertha May, of Chattanooga, Tenn. They have five children: Helen May, Catherine Sue, Betty Ruth, Frederick L., Jr., and John Williams. Mr. Umbaugh belongs to the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 40 and 8 Society, and Ohio Chapter Rainbow Division Veterans. He also is affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose, Knights of Pythias, and Fraternal Order of Eagles. Mr. and Mrs. Umbaugh are members of the Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Charles Henry Gross, Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Norwalk, was born in New York City, the son of Joseph A. and Christine (Mertz) Gross. Charles Henry Gross received his preliminary education in the public schools of New York City, and afterward attended Trinity Preparatory School, New York City College, and the Law School of New York University, with the idea of preparing himself for the practice of law. However, he felt the more urgent call of the ministry and became a candidate for Holy Orders under Bishop Potter of New York. He entered the Theological Seminary of Virginia, from which he was graduated in 1902. He was ordained Deacon in 1902 by Bishop Gibson, of Virginia, and ordained Priest in 1903, by Bishop Gravatt, of West Virginia. His first charge was as Rector of Cople Parish, Westmoreland County, Virginia, where he remained for one year. In 1903 he went to Baltimore, Md., and remained until 1906 as assistant at Memorial Church. He then came to Ohio as Rector of St. Paul's Church, Greenville, Darke County, where he remained until 1916. At that time he accepted the call to become 930 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Rector of St. Paul's parish, Norwalk. He is president of the Board of Directors, of the Old Ladies' Home at Milan, and has always taken an active part in the civic life of the community. He was one of the organizers and is past president of the Norwalk Kiwanis Club, an organizer of the Country Club, and chaplain of the Norwalk Masonic bodies, being also a member of the Norwalk Masonic Temple Co., a 32nd degree Mason, and member of the Shrine. He is also chaplain of the Norwalk Lodge of Elks. Reverend Gross was married on June 25, 1902, to Miss Alice Elliott Bell, of New York City, the daughter of John J. and Alice Jane (Allen) Bell. Their only child, Frances Bell Gross, is the wife of Floyd Riley Nicklas, construction engineer, of Toledo, Ohio. John A. Strutton. As president of the Home Savings & Loan Company, Mr. Strutton is recognized as one of the most prominent business men and influential citizens of Norwalk. He was born in this city, Sept. 19, 1866, the son of Louis D. and Eliza A. (Wiles) Strutton. Louis D. Strutton was born in London, England, and his wife was also a native of that city. He spent his boyhood in London and was educated in the Bluecoat Boys School. For several years he was associated in business with his older brother and at the age of 28 years he came to America and located at Milan, Ohio, where he engaged in the shipbuilding business for a time. He settled in Norwalk in 1850 and practiced law in this city for half a century. At the time of his death in 1902, at the age of 82 years, he was recognized as one of Norwalk's leading citizens. He was a Democrat, a member of the Episcopal Church, and always took an active interest in civic affairs. His wife died in 1897. Both are buried in Norwalk. Their children were : Sarah, deceased, was the wife of Henry Taber; Elizabeth, deceased ; Charles, deceased; William, lives near Milan ; Louis D., lives at Savannah, Ga.; Rebecca, deceased ; Lucy E., lives at Norwalk; and John A., the subject of this sketch. John A. Strutton grew up in Norwalk, and attended the public schools. He was graduated from Kenyon College in 1887, and then studied law in his father's office, being admitted to the bar in 1889. He did not practice that profession, however, but became interested in the banking business as teller for the old First National Bank. He served in that capacity for 13 years, and at the organization of the Citizens Banking Company, Mr. Strutton became assistant cashier. Three years later he became identified with the Home Savings & Loan Company as secretary, and held that office continuously until April, 1922, when he was elected president. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 931 On June 15, 1897, Mr. Strutton was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Wooster Boalt, of Norwalk, the daughter of Frederick H. and Charlotte W. (Wooster) Boalt, natives of Ohio, both now deceased. To them were born two children : Fredericka, attended Western Reserve University, Cleveland, and Mt. Ida School for Girls, Boston, Mass., now holds the position of secretary to the superintendent of Norwalk schools ; and Louis D., III, who attends Kenyon College, member of the class of 1931. Mr. Strutton is a Democrat in politics and has served as a member of the board of education for many years, as well as clerk. He holds membership in the Episcopal Church, of which he is treasurer, and he also belongs to the Kiwanis Club. He is treasurer of the Firelands Historical Society, which was founded in 1857. He is also a member of the Young Men's Library & Reading Room Association, which was established in 1866, and of which he is now secretary and treasurer. Oliver Wolcott, great-great-great-granduncle of Mrs. Strutton, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and her great-grandfather, Roger Griswold, served as Governor of Connecticut. Her great-great- grandfather, Mathias Griswold, and her great-great-great-grandfather, Roger Wolcott, also served as Governors of Connecticut. Frank G. Warner, who has capably filled the office of city auditor of Norwalk for four successive terms, is a representative and widely known citizen of Huron County. He was born in Norwalk, Nov. 4, 1862, the son of Israel V. and Sarah A. (Knight) Warner. Israel V. Warner was born in Duchess County, N. Y., and spent his early life on a farm. He became a mechanic and followed that trade in Michigan for a few years. Upon his arrival in Ohio he was employed in the shipyards at Milan, and in 1858 located in Norwalk, where he conducted a foundry and machine shop, specializing in the manufacture of wood sawing machines. During the latter part of his life Mr. Warner became interested in the flour and feed business. He was living retired in 1907 at the time of his death in Norwalk. His wife, also born in New York, died in 1915. Mr. Warner was a Republican, and held membership in the Methodist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Warner were born the following children: Addison J., who died in 1912 ; Ella M., who died in 1873 ; Jeanette, who died in 1913; Frank G., the subject of this sketch; and 0. S., who lives at Toledo, Ohio. Frank G. Warner has always lived in Norwalk. He obtained his education in the public schools and attended Milan Normal School. In 1880 932 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Mr. Warner entered the employ of Theodore Williams, general merchant, and spent 36 years in connection with his business interests. He then was identified with the American Publishing Company for seven years, and in June, 1923, was appointed to fill an unexpired term as city auditor in Norwalk. He was elected to the office during the same year and has since served in that capacity. In 1888 Mr. Warner was united in marriage with Miss Julia L. Wright, of Norwalk, the daughter of Clement and Lois A. (Swayne) Wright. Mr. Wright died in 1895 and his wife died in 1887. Both are buried in Norwalk. Mr. and Mrs. Warner have a daughter, Marion C., who married Ralph E. Irwin, and they have had the following children : Edward, who died at the age of four years ; Elizabeth Jane, born in 1920 ; and Martha J., born in 1925. Mr. Irwin served throughout the World War in the U. S. Navy with the rank of Ensign, and is now general traffic engineer with the Ohio Bell Telephone Company in Columbus. Mr. Warner is identified with the Republican party in politics. He is an active member of the Methodist Church, having served as a member of the official board for the past 25 years and as secretary and treasurer of the Sunday School for 18 years. He was elected secretary of the board of stewards in 1930. Mr. Warner has been a member of this church since 1885 and is one of its most faithful supporters. He belongs to the Kiwanis Club, Isaac Walton League, and Firelands Historical Society, and Huron Lodge, No. 37, I. 0. 0. F., of which he is a Past Grand in the subordinate lodge and Past Chief Patriarch in the Encampment and has taken the degrees in both branches in the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Since their marriage in 1888 until 1916 Mr. and Mrs. Warner lived in the same residence at 15 Woodlawn Avenue, since which date they have resided at 11 Maple Street. They have a wide circle of friends in the city and are highly esteemed. John A. Sipher, M. D. One of the foremost physicians and surgeons of North Central Ohio is Doctor Sipher, who has engaged in the practice of his profession in Norwalk for almost 30 years. He is also a veteran of the World War, and now holds the rank of major in the U. S. Medical Officers Reserve. He was born at Medina, Ohio, Dec. 25, 1873, the son of William F. and Jane Lucretia (Gile) Sipher. William F. Sipher was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1833, his father having been the Burgomaster of Eslingen. He came to the United States at the age of 16 years and spent the remainder of his life in Medina. He died in 1913, his wife, who was born at Haverill, Mass., having died HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 933 in 1905. Both are buried in Medina. Mrs. Sipher was the great-granddaughter of Alexander Keith, a Revolutionary soldier, whose mother was a descendent of John and Priscilla Alden. During the Civil War Mr. Sipher enlisted and was chief musician of the 166th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He held membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. To Mr. and Mrs. Sipher were born six children : Claribel, deceased, was the wife of Reuben Clark, of Medina ; Carl A., who died in 1927; William H., lives at Medina ; Dr. J. Newell, physician, lives at Medina ; Mary, the widow of Frank H. Leach, lives at Medina ; and John A., the subject of this sketch. The early education of John A. Sipher was received in the public schools of Medina, from which he was graduated in 1892. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Kenyon College four years later and from 1896 until 1900 was employed in the offices of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Ravenna, Ohio. He then took up the study of medicine at Western Reserve University, Cleveland, from which he was graduated in 1903. While a medical student, Doctor Sipher was employed as a bacteriologist by the city of Cleveland and also worked in the university laboratories. With the exception of time spent in service during the World War, Doctor Sipher has successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at Norwalk since 1904. On Aug. 1, 1918, he enlisted for service and was sent to the Medical Officers Training Camp at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., where he received the commission of first lieutenant, U. S. Medical Corps. He later became Battalion Instructor at the training camp and was discharged Dec. 22, 1918. Doctor Sipher was promoted to the rank of captain in February, 1919, and in 1929 was advanced to the rank of major. On June 23, 1903, Doctor Sipher was united in marriage with Alma M. Waller, of Ravenna, the daughter of Charles M. and Maria Jane (Kibler) Waller. Both were born at Palmyra, Ohio, and now reside at Ravenna. To Doctor and Mrs. Sipher were born two children: 1. Jane, born Aug. 9, 1910, a graduate of Norwalk High School and Ward-Belmont College, Nashville, Tenn. In June, 1930, she was graduated from the Katherine Gibbs School, New York City. 2. John Alden, born March 17, 1917, attends Norwalk High School. Doctor Sipher has served as a member of the city school board for 14 years and is a Republican in politics. He holds membership in the Episcopal Church and belongs to the Kiwanis Club, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Beta Kappa, Nu Sigma Nu, and Alpha Omega Alpha fraternities. He also belongs to the American Legion. Doctor Sipher is affiliated with Mt. Vernon Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 64, Past Master ; Huron Chapter, No. 7; Norwalk Council, No. 24; Norwalk Commandery, No. 18, Past Commander; 934 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Valley of Toledo Consistory, 32nd degree ; Alhambra Temple, Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Cleveland Chapter of Sojourners. He is a member of the Norwalk Masonic Temple Company. A. A. Ruffing. One of the enterprising and successful business men of Norwalk is A. A. Ruffing, who is president of the Gallup-Ruffing Handle Company. He was born in Seneca County, Ohio, Feb. 23, 1871, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Blatz) Ruffing. Jacob Ruffing was a native of Bavaria, Germany. He was seven years old when he came to this country with his parents and settled on a farm in Seneca County, Ohio. During his entire life Mr. Ruffing was interested in general farming and was an extensive stockman. He retired in 1908 and removed to Norwalk, where he died in 1918. His wife was born in this city and died in 1925. Both are buried in Norwalk. They held membership in the Catholic Church, and Mr. Ruffing was a Republican. To Mr. and Mrs. Ruffing were born six children: Henry, who is identified with the Gallup-Ruffing Handle Company ; A. A., the subject of this sketch ; J. B., lives in Norwalk; Mary, married F. J. Thomas, lives in Norwalk; Clara, married Edward Welfie, lives at Monroeville, Ohio ; and Eleanor, married George McMahon, lives at Monroeville. A. A. Ruffing spent his boyhood on his father's farm and acquired his education in the district schools. In 1892 he came to Norwalk and entered the employ of the G. S. Stewart Company. Two years later he went to Piqua, Ohio, where he spent five years with the Piqua Handle Manufacturing Company. Upon his return to Norwalk in 1902, Mr. Ruffing immediately became interested in the organization of the Gallup-Ruffing Handle Company. The officers of the company are : A. A. Ruffing, president; Henry Ruffing, vice president ; and H. A. Gallup, secretary and treasurer. The Gallup-Ruffing Handle Company are widely known as manufacturers of all types of handles, their products at the present time numbering more than 2,000. The machinery and tools used in the manufacture of these handles and novelties are the invention of Mr. Ruffing. In 1911 the plant was completely destroyed by fire but within a period of 60 days was rebuilt and open for business. About 50 people are employed by the company, whose goods are sold throughout the United States and Canada. On Aug. 1, 1900, Mr. Ruffing married Miss Anna March, of Norwalk, the daughter of Thaddeus and Caroline March, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ohio. Mr. March died in 1925 and his wife died in 1929. They are buried in Norwalk. To Mr. and Mrs. Ruffing were HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 935 born three children: Clair A., born in 1901, is associated in business with his father ; Clement H., born in 1903, is also associated in business with his father; and Verna M., born in 1905, married L. N. Schostek, and lives in Cleveland. She is a graduate of St. Paul's High School, Norwalk, and was awarded a gold medal for perfect attendance, never having missed a day of school during her 12 years of enrollment. Mr. Ruffing and his family are members of the Catholic Church and he belongs to the Elks Lodge. He has served for two terms as a member of the city council and is a Republican in politics. Karl E. Schneerer, M. D. One of the leading professional men of Huron County is Doctor Schneerer, who is successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in Norwalk. He was born in this city, March 2, 1880, the son of Dr. Frederick W. and Abbey (Cahoon) Schneerer. Dr. Frederick W. Schneerer, deceased, was for many years well known as a physician and surgeon in Norwalk. He was born in Cleveland, June 27, 1850, of German descent, being the son of Frederick and Johanna (Schwartz) Schneerer. Frederick Schneerer came to the United States from Germany in early life and settled at Buffalo, N. Y., but later removed to Cleveland. There were ten children in the Schneerer family, of whom Frederick W., father of the subject of this sketch, was the fifth in order of birth. He received his early education in the public schools of Cleveland and later studied medicine at the Eclectic Medical Institute in Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1875. Dr. Schneerer spent his entire professional life in Norwalk, where he successfully engaged in the practice of medicine until his death, Dec. 19, 1918. He was a prominent member of the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Society. Abbey (Cahoon) Schneerer was born at Elyria, Ohio, and died Aug. 16, 1925. She is buried with her husband in Norwalk. During 1892 Doctor and Mrs. Schneerer spent the year in travel abroad, and visited England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland and Scotland. To Doctor and Mrs. Schneerer were born four children : Dr. Frederick B., physician, lives at Deadwood, S. D., is a veteran of the Spanish-American War; Karl E., the subject of this sketch ; Mary E., married Herbert E. Parker, lives at Passaic, N. J. ; and Dr. Theodore C., physician, lives at Los Angeles, Calif. He is a veteran of the World War. Karl E. Schneerer grew up in Norwalk and after his graduation from Norwalk High School in 1899 he entered the College of Pharmacy at Valparaiso, Ind. He subsequently took up the study of medicine at the Bennett Medical College, Chicago, from which he received a degree as 936 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO Doctor of Medicine in 1904. He was associated in practice with his father in Norwalk until the latter's death. Doctor Schneerer has offices at 10 Benedict Avenue. On June 10, 1910, Doctor Schneerer was united in marriage with Miss Theresa M. McPherson, of Bronson Township, Huron County, the daughter of Gardiner and Orlinda (Angell) McPherson. The former died in 1928 and is buried at Olena, Ohio. The latter lives in Bronson Township. Doctor and Mrs. Schneerer have two sons : Robert K., born March 6, 1912, a graduate of Norwalk High School, attends Western Reserve University, Cleveland; and Frederick G., born Aug. 8, 1914, attends Norwalk High School, member of the class of 1931. Doctor Schneerer is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and Elks Lodge. His wife holds membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sally DeForest Chapter; The Firelands Chapter, Daughters of the American Colonists ; and is Past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star (Queen Esther). Tilmon H. Smith, M. D. One of the most prominent and successful professional men of Huron County is Doctor Smith, who is engaged in the practice of medicine at New London. He was born at Water Valley, Miss., July 31, 1883, the son of Rev. Tilmon Holley and Frances (Hawkins) Smith. Rev. Tilmon Holley Smith was born in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and his wife was a native of Banner, Miss. He was a professor of mathematics in the Southern Alabama Institute for a number of years, and later became a minister of the Baptist Church. He died in 1896 and his wife died in 1927. Both are buried at Elzey, Miss. He was a Democrat and belonged to Masonic Lodge. There were six children in the Smith family, as follows: Samuel, who is serving as sheriff of Cahoon County, Miss.; Tilmon H., the subject of this sketch ; Myrtle, married Virgil Cabe, lives at Mize, Miss. ; Mary Lee, the widow of B. Clark, lives at Mize, Miss.; and George, who died at Mize, Miss., in 1927. The early education of Tilmon H. Smith was received in the public schools of Pittsboro, Miss., and after his graduation from high school in 1899 he entered the University of Mississippi, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1902. He spent one year in the Mississippi Medical College, and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee in 1915. The following year he served as an interne in St. Joseph's Hospital, Memphis, Tenn., and was also assistant pathologist and bacteriologist at the University of Tennessee. He began HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 937 his professional career at Pittsboro, Miss., and in 1923 was made chief surgeon of Santo Tomas Hospital, Panama City, Canal Zone. He served in that capacity for one year and on Feb. 15, 1924, was appointed chief surgeon of the Cabin Creek Consolidated Coal Company, of Charleston, W. Va., where he remained until the mines were closed in July, 1924. He has since engaged in practice at New London. Doctor Smith is a member of the Huron County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. In 1908 Doctor Smith was united in marriage with Miss Mickie Stone, the daughter of John A. Stone, of Tennessee. She died in 1910 and is buried at Okolona, Miss. Their daughter, Fanny Catherine, lives at New London. Doctor Smith married (second) Dec. 26, 1916, Miss Hortense Gregory, the daughter of William Harrison and Ada (Knowles) Gregory. The former is deceased and the later lives in Mississippi. Doctor Smith is a Democrat, a member of the Baptist Church, of which he is a deacon, and he belongs to the Kappa Psi fraternity. He is affiliated with Floral Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 260 ; Albert Pike Consistory, 32nd degree ; Wahaba Temple ; Masonic Club ; and New London Shrine Club. During the World War Dr. Smith served with the rank of first lieutenant, U. S. Medical Corps. John A. Fischer, who is vice president and sales manager of the G. S. Stewart Company, ranks among the representative business men of Norwalk. He was born in Norwalk, July 26, 1885, the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Miller) Fischer. Andrew Fisher was born at Peru, in Huron County, and spent his early life on a farm. He followed the blacksmith's trade and also was a carriage builder, being associated in business with his father. From 1880 until 1895 Andrew Fischer engaged in partnership in Norwalk as a carriage builder with his brother, Lawrence Fischer, who was the father of the famous Fischer Brothers, of Detroit, Mich. Mr. Fischer has lived a retired life in Norwalk since 1927. To Mr. and Mrs. Fischer were born three children: Bertha, who is the wife of Fred Albrecht, resides at Toledo ; John A., the subject of this sketch; and Frank S., living at Norwalk. John A. Fischer attended St. Paul's parochial school, Norwalk, and in 1901 was graduated from Norwalk Business College. He has spent his entire business career, a period of 30 years, in the employ of the G. S. Stewart Company. He was elected vice president and sales manager of 938 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO the company in 1917, and three years later retired from the road as the company's leading salesman, to devote his entire time to his duties in the home office. He is also a member of the board of directors. Mr. Fischer was married in 1920 to Miss Ione R. Sloat, of Sandusky, Ohio, the daughter of Herman and Anna (Buddenhagen) Sloat. The former died in 1900, and the latter lives at Sandusky. Mr. Fischer is a Republican, a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, and belongs to B. P. 0. Elks, Kiwanis Club, Norwalk Country Club, and Plum Brook Country Club, of Sandusky. Corlett Valoris White. One of the most prominent citizens of Huron County, widely known throughout North Central Ohio, was Corlett Valoris White, of New London, who died June 29, 1929. Mr. White was born in New London, in June, 1875. Corlett Valoris White was descended from one of the old pioneer families of Huron County. His great grandparents were John and Fear (Perry) White, who were pioneer residents of the very earliest days of the county. The grandmother was a kinsman of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. John White, the great grandfather, lived in Norwalk from 1818 until 1828, and cleared the timber from what is now the Huron County farm. His son, Union White, was a merchant at Fitchville for many years and was engaged in the handling of pearl Ash, which in those days was a very important commodity. Albert Union White, father of Corlett Valoris White, formerly owned the old St. Charles Hotel in Norwalk, and was engaged for many years in partnership with the late A. B. Chase, in the general produce business, with branches at New London and Cincinnati. Corlett Valoris White spent his entire life at New London, and his career was identified with the dry goods business in partnership with his brother. The White store is probably the oldest store in Huron County, having been in the same location for more than a century, and now being successfully managed by the third generation of the White family. Mr. White married Miss Mabel Bailey, of Norwalk. To them were born three sons : 1. Donald, a veteran of the World War. 2. Elbert Bailey, who is carrying on his father's business interests as manager of the New London store. 3. Robert White. Besides his widow, Mr. White is survived by two brothers, A. U. White, of New London, and R. S. White, of Canton. A sister, Mrs. D. D. Granger, lives in Texas. In politics Mr. White was a Republican and he had served as central committeeman for many years, as well as a member Huron County board HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 939 of elections, and as a member of the Huron County executive board. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. The place occupied by Mr. White in New London's social and business life could not easily be filled, as he had always been of that loyal and energetic type that was not willing to stand idly by and let others work, but was ever ready and eager to bear his share of the load and perform his meed of the work. Elbert Bailey White. Prominently identified with the business life of New London is Elbert Bailey White, who is manager of A. White & Company, leading dry goods merchants of Huron County. He was born in New London, May 22, 1903, the son of Corlett Valoris and Mabel (Bailey) White. A complete sketch of Corlett Valoris White, deceased, appears elsewhere in this history. Elbert Bailey White attended the public schools of New London, from which he was graduated in 1921. He spent two years at Carnegie Institute of Technology and one year at Denison University, after which he began his business career in the employ of the American Railway Express Company at New London. He spent two years at Detroit, Mich., as buyer in the J. L. Hudson store, and at the death of his father, June 29, 1929, Mr. White returned to New London to assume management of the A. White & Company. Mr. White is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to Kappa Sigma fraternity. George Arpasi, florist, is a progressive business man and well known citizen of New London. He was born in Hungary, April 24, 1887, the son of Steven and Elizabeth (Ferenze) Arpasi. Steven Arpasi spent his entire life in Hungary and died in 1928. His widow still lives in Hungary. Throughout his life he was a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Arpasi were born the following children: George, the subject of this sketch ; Margaret Szabo, lives in Hungary. George Arpasi was reared and educated in his native land and as a boy became interested in the florist business. He came to the United States in 1912 and spent the first year at Wanwatosa, Wis., where he conducted a floral business. From there he went to Horicon, Wis., for a 940 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO four-year period, after which he located at Lorain, Ohio, for one year, and Elyria, Ohio, for three years. Mr. Arpasi came to New London in 1921, and at that time purchased the greenhouse of William B. Saltzman at 139 First Street, which he still owns. In 1926 he added three and one-half acres of land to his holdings at 100 South Clifton Street, where he has a modern greenhouse and plant, with 15,000 feet under glass. Mr. Arpasi is widely recognized as an artist in floral work, and specializes in the growing of cut flowers. He has an annual output of carnations amounting to 100.000. In 1908 Mr. Arpasi was united in marriage with Miss Papp Gizella, also a native of Hungary, the daughter of James and Marian (Danes) Gizella. The former lives in Hungary and the latter died there in 1927. Mr. and Mrs. Arpasi are the parents of nine children : 1. Charles, born in Hungary, Nov. 20, 1909, a graduate of New London High School, class of 1927. He was married Oct. 15, 1930, to Miss Grace Mantz, of Wellington. He is associated in business with his father. 2. Helen, born in Hungary, Aug. 10, 1911, a graduate of New London High School. 3. Hermine, born Dec. 24, 1913, attends New London High School, class of 1931. 4. Elizabeth, born at Lorain, Ohio, Feb. 20, 1918. 5. Marian, born at Elyria, Ohio, July 2, 1921. 6. Margaret, born at New London, March 19, 1922. 7. George, Jr., born at New London, April 21, 1923. 8. Laura Eleanor, born June 7, 1925. 9. Grace Joan, born Oct. 15, 1930. Mr. Arpasi and his family hold membership in the Congregational Church. He belongs to the Eagles Lodge and is an active member of the Lorain County Florist Club, Society of American Florists, and Ohio Growers and Retailers Association. Thomas C. Taber. A descendant of one of the prominent pioneer families of Huron County, Thomas C. Taber is widely known in Norwalk, where he has extensive business interests. He was born in this city, Aug. 6, 1870, the son of Benjamin C. and Mary Isabel (Parker) Taber. Benjamin C. Taber was born at Summerville, N. J., Aug. 6, 1840. He was one of Norwalk's foremost citizens and wealthiest business men. Mr. Taber came to Huron County in April, 1856, and settled at Norwalk, where he secured a position as clerk in the store of Parker Brothers. His ability as a merchant and organizer was soon recognized, and the splendid business of the B. C. Taber Company, which has since been developed, though at this time under another name, is a continuation of the enterprise that he entered as a boy almost 75 years ago. For many years it was known as Parker, Manahan & Taber, but in later years it was owned, operated HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 941 and controlled exclusively by Mr. Taber and his sons. The building, known as the Taber Building, was erected in 1871. He was one of the original incorporators of the Huron County Banking Company, and for many years served successively as vice president and president of the institution, being largely responsible for its policies and phenomenal success. Mr. Taber's reputation as a merchant and financier was not confined to his home town, but he was widely known and respected in the business and banking circles of New York, and Cleveland. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Taber was the first man to enlist in the 55th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was recruited by Col. G. H. Stafford, and at the time Mr. Taber was only 21 years of age. He remained in active service from 1861 until 1865, serving as brigade quartermaster, and was discharged with the rank of captain. In 1866 he married Miss Mary Isabell Parker, the daughter of Hon. C. S. Parker, his business partner. They had one daughter, Cora Isabell, who died in 1893, and two sons, Thomas C., the subject of this sketch, and William P. Benjamin C. Taber died in Norwalk, June 15, 1919. He was a Republican, and a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, a vestryman for many years, being prominently connected with the building of the new church edifice in 1910. Hon. C. S. Parker, maternal grandfather of Thomas C. Taber, was born at Burlington, Vt., July 15, 1819, and died at Norwalk, May 10, 1888. He came to Ohio in 1836 and settled at Vermilion, now in Erie County but formerly in Huron County. There he assumed control of a furnace business, with which he was identified for ten years. During the gold rush to California he spent three years in that state, and served as a captain in the famous vigilance committee at Sacramento, Calif. It was in 1853 that Mr. Parker removed to Norwalk and engaged in the mercantile business. He was nominated on the Democratic ticket for sheriff of Huron County in 1863 and in 1874 was a candidate for representative to the Ohio State. Legislature from this district. He was elected sergeantat-arms in 1875, and two years later was elected to the Ohio State Senate. He was among Huron County's most highly esteemed citizens and made an excellent representative from this district. Thomas C. Taber obtained his early education in the public schools of Norwalk. He spent two years at Gambier. For a time he was associated with a dry goods business in Cleveland and afterward became interested in the wholesale dry goods business at Omaha, Neb., where he remained until 1896. Upon his return to Norwalk he entered into a partnership with his father, and continued actively identified with the business until 1925. He held the office of president of the company from the time of his father's death in 1919 until his retirement from the dry goods 942 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO business in 1925. Mr. Taber has numerous business interests in the city, and is a director of the Huron County Banking Company. In 1908 Mr. Taber was united in marriage with Miss Lettie Roberts, of Norwalk, the daughter of Albert E. and Lida (Rundel) Roberts, who were natives of Norwalk. Mr. Roberts died in 1918 and his wife died in 1926. To Mr. and Mrs. Taber have been born three children : 1. Benjamin C., born in 1908. He is a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, and the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1931. He belongs to Psi Upsilon fraternity and Mask and Wig Dramatic Society. 2. Thomas C., Jr., born in 1910. He is a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, class of 1930, and attends the Wharton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania. 3. Constance, born in 1912. She has attended Dana Hall at Wellesley, Mass., and is now a student at Finch School, New York City. Mr. Taber and his family are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and he is a member of the vestry and belongs to the Union Club of Cleveland, Norwalk Country Club, Plum Brook Country Club of Sandusky, Kiwanis Club of Norwalk, and is a life member of the Firelands Historical Association. He is a member of the Whittlesey Academy of Arts and Sciences and Young Men's Library and Reading Room Association of Norwalk. Mrs. Taber is a member of Daughters of the American Colonists. Mr. Taber has traveled extensively in Europe and has made numerous trips to the West Indies and Central America. William P. Taber. One of the well known citizens of Norwalk is William P. Taber, who for a number of years was identified with the interests of The B. C. Taber Company, as vice president. He was born in Norwalk, the son of Benjamin C. and Mary Isabel (Parker) Taber, Aug. 8, 1874. A complete sketch of Benjamin C. Taber appears elsewhere in this history in the biography of his son, Thomas C. Taber. William P. Taber received his early education in the public schools of Norwalk and is a graduate of Michigan Military Academy at Orchard Lake, Mich. His entire business career was identified with the B. C. Taber Company, dry goods merchants, of Norwalk, until 1925. He is a director of the Huron County Banking Company, of which his father and grandfather, Hon. C. S. Parker, were two of the founders. On April 18, 1907, Mr. Taber was married at Wickliffe, Ohio, to Miss Marguerite de Lacey Hall, of Cleveland, the daughter of Francis W. and Addie E. (Minor) Hall. Mr. Hall was born at Bridgeport, Conn., and died in Norwalk, Aug. 8, 1920. His wife, a native of Elyria, Ohio, died in HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 943 Willoughby, Ohio, in 1917. Both are buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Taber have three daughters : 1. Mary Katherine, born Jan. 7, 1908, a graduate of Norwalk High School, class of 1925, and of Pine Manor, Wellesley, Mass., class of 1927, and also attended Laurel School, Cleveland. 2. Frances Lacey, born May 2, 1910, attended Norwalk High School, Walnut Hill School, Natick, Mass., and Vassar College for two years, now a student at Katherine Stone Mather College of Western Reserve University, Cleveland. 3. Addie Minor, born May 29, 1917, attends Norwalk High School. Mr. Taber is a vestryman of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and belongs to the Union Club of Cleveland, Norwalk Country Club, Plum Brook Country Club of Sandusky, and Kiwanis Club of Norwalk. He is also a life member of the Firelands Historical Association, member of Whittlesey Academy of Arts and Sciences and Young Men's Library and Reading Room Association of Norwalk, and is is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, and B. P. 0. Elks. His wife is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Daughters of the American Colonists. For a number of years Mr. Taber served as a member of the Norwalk Board of Education, and during the World War took a prominent part in Red Cross and Liberty Loan activities. He is a former member of the Ohio National Guard, having served two years with Company G, and for ten years as a member of the staff of the Fifth Regiment. Mr. Taber has spent much of his leisure time in travel, and during 1929 made an extensive tour of Europe with his family. Rev. F. A. Terwoord. Since his appointment as pastor of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Bellevue, June 12, 1919, a remarkable change in the physical equipment of the parish has taken place. Property was acquired for a parochial residence, land was bought for the erection of a new school fronting on Main and Broad streets, which has proven ample for all present needs. In 1922 the present modern school building, accommodating over 300 pupils in elementary and secondary departments was completed and deservedly won the admiration of educators throughout the state. The high school is allied with the Ohio State Board of Education and enjoys class A accreditization. The parish has grown by leaps and bounds and the registration of 69 pupils in 1919 is replaced by a registration of 350 pupils in 1930. In 1929 a modern home was built to serve as a rectory, complete in every detail, which will serve the needs of the parish for generations 944 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO to come. During the same year the Rev. R. Scheckelhoff was sent by the Rt. Rev. Samuel A. Stritch, Bishop of Toledo, as assistant pastor. In 1920 the church was remodeled completely, being decorated in a most artistic fashion. New windows were installed as well as an entire new lighting system and furniture to please the most fastidious taste. The parish now boasts of an institution complete in its every equipment, with an enthusiastic and highly pleased membership, displaying an ardent willingness and spirit of cooperation that connotes even greater development and success in the future. Louis John Westland, who is vice president of the Geo. S. MellertWeidner Company, Medina, is recognized as one of the able young business men of North Central Ohio. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1893, the son of Gustavus P. and Augusta (Carleton) Westland. Gustavus P. Westland was born in Sweden in 1859 and came to the United States in 1873. He settled first in New York City, where he was employed as a steel worker, and he later removed with his family to McKeesport, Pa., and from there to Cleveland, Ohio, where for many years he was associated with the American Steel & Wire Company. Mr. Westland died in 1907 and is buried at Hinckley, Ohio. His widow lives at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Westland were born five children, as follows : Louis John, the subject of this sketch ; David, who was killed in action during the Battle of Saint Mihiel in France during the World War ; Esther, deceased ; Orin, died at the age of 14 years ; Elizabeth, married David Ellis, lives at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Louis John Westland received his education in the public schools of Hinckley, Ohio, where he spent his boyhood. He worked on a farm for three years and in 1914 entered the employ of George S. Mellert, of Medina, who later incorporated the Geo. S. Mellert-Weidner Company in 1919. Mr. Westland became identified with the firm as vice president and director at that time. The company specializes in road building and has completed numerous contracts in Pennsylvania and Ohio. At the present time they are building a section of highway in Northwestern Pennsylvania and have completed 15 miles of pavement in Mercer County. On Feb. 7, 1921, Mr. Westland was married to Miss Leila Eastwood, the daughter of James and Lulu Eastwood. They have three children : Jeanne ; Robert Louis, born Jan. 4, 1925 ; and David James, born Feb. 28, 1930. Mr. Westland is a Republican, a member of the Church of Christ, and is affiliated with Medina Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 58 ; Medina Chapter, HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 945 No. 30 ; Wooster Council ; and Akron Commandery, K. T., No. 25. He and Mrs. Westland are members of the local chapter of the Eastern Star. He also belongs to the Medina Gun Club and is well known in this section as a hunter and sportsman. He spends his vacations in Northern Quebec and has numerous trophies as evidence of his expert marksmanship. Jay A. Call. One of Norwalk's most prominent and successful young business men is Jay A. Call, who is manager of the City Loan & Savings Company, and a veteran of the World War. He was born at New London, Ohio, Jan. 12, 1896, the son of Charles and Rena (Mitchell) Call. Charles Call was born on a farm near New London in Huron County, and as a young man was interested in farming. In 1908, however, he removed to New London, where he was successful as a wood worker. While he is now retired he still makes his home there. He is a Republican in politics. His wife was born at Rochester, Ohio, the daughter of Dell and Dora Mitchell, of Rochester, both now deceased. Their children are : D. W., lives at Elyria ; Dora, married Frederick Shutts, lives at Cleveland ; and J. A., the subject of this sketch. Samuel Call and Dell Mitchell, grandfathers of Jay A. Call, were both soldiers during the Civil War. Jay A. Call was 12 years old when his parents left the farm and settled in New London. Following his graduation from New London High School he attended Oberlin Business College and the Central Institute, Cleveland. His first position was as paymaster with the Park Drop Forge Company, of Cleveland, with whom he remained for three years. In October, 1917, Mr. Call enlisted for service in the World War and was sent to Camp Sherman, Ohio, and later to Camp Pike, Ark., where he was attached to Company E, 348th Infantry, 87th Division. He sailed for France with this outfit in August, 1918, and saw service abroad until February, 1919, being discharged at Camp Sherman in March. Upon his return to Cleveland he spent three years in the employ of the White Motor Company and during 1922 was located in Florida. The following three years Mr. Call was identified with the Van Sweringen interests in Cleveland, and in November, 1926, he came to Norwalk as assistant manager of the City Loan & Savings Company, being appointed manager in November, 1928. Headquarters of the City Loan & Savings Company are at Lima, Ohio, with branches in 38 cities throughout the State. The City Loan & Savings Company, of which Mr. Call is the local manager, is one of the oldest and largest organizations in Ohio devoting its attention to small loans that are intended to relieve the man and woman of 946 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO small means upon whom an accumulation of small obligations has placed a burden of depression, requiring only of them the pledging of chattels as security, and at a nominal rate of interest, to be paid off in monthly payments. In 1918 Mr. Call was married to Miss Bernice Anderson, of Cleveland, the daughter of Charles and Stella Lowe Anderson, of Ashland. Mr. and Mrs. Call have no children. They are educating a niece, Etheline Anderson, who was born at New London in 1916. She attends Norwalk Junior High School. Mr. Call is a Republican, a member of Friends Church, and belongs to the Isaac Walton League and Kiwanis Club. He also holds membership in the American Legion, Ken-Bur-Bell Post, No. 41. Clarence K. Moles. As proprietor of the Ideal Laundry, Clarence K. Moles has successfully engaged in business at Willard for the past 25 years. He was born at Apple Creek, Wayne County, Ohio, March 5, 1875, the son of Winfield Scott and Ella (Deeser) Moles. Winfield Scott Moles, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Dalton, Ohio, and received his education there and at Massillon, Ohio. He was a carriage painter by trade and engaged in business with his four brothers for many years, being located at Apple Creek and Dalton. Mr. Moles was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. He died at the Soldiers Home in Dayton in 1905. His wife, born at Apple Creek, Ohio, died in 1904, and is buried at. Akron. Clarence K., the subject of this sketch, was the only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Moles. The boyhood of Clarence K. Moles was spent at Akron, Ohio, where he was educated. As a boy he entered the employment of the Troy Laundry, Akron, and spent a number of years with that concern. Later, he was identified with the Garlock-Frazee Company, Cleveland, which was a large establishment and one of the city's leading laundries. In 1902 Mr. Moles became manager of the Modern Laundry, at Lorain, Ohio, and in 1906 came to Willard, at that time known as Chicago Junction, where he opened a small laundry establishment. The business increased rapidly and in 1911 a modern plant was erected. A soft water plant was added in 1921, until in 1924 the laundry ranked with the finest in Huron County. Additions have been made from time to time, and 20 people are employed in the plant, which carries on a large volume of business throughout Willard, Monroeville, Attica, Greenwich, Nova, Shiloh, Plymouth, and Shelby. The value of the plant today is estimated at $75,000. HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 947 On April 3, 1901, Mr. Moles was united in marriage with Miss Lulu Craven, of Paulding, Ohio, the daughter of Isaac Newton and Edith (Roosevelt) Craven. The former, born in Ohio, died in 1918, and was buried on Armistice Day at Paulding. His wife, a native of New York, lives at Willard with her daughter, Mrs. Moles. Mr. and Mrs. Moles have a daughter, Florence Lucille, who was born at Lorain, Ohio, May 22, 1902. She was married in 1923 to R. G. Kuhn, who is identified with the Ideal Laundry at Willard. They have two children : Robert Lyle, born in 1924; and Arnett King, born in 1927. Mr. Moles has always taken an active interest in civic affairs and has been a member of the Willard City Council. He holds membership in the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, having been raised July 21, 1908, in Golden Rule Lodge, No. 562 ; is a member of Golden Rule Chapter, No. 167, R. A. M.; Norwalk Commandery, No. 18, K. T. ; Toledo Consistory, S. P. R. S., No. 320; Zenobia Shrine, Toledo, Ohio ; B. P. 0. Elks, and Shelby Golf and Country Club. Mr. and Mrs. Moles live at 305 Woodbine Avenue, Willard Frank A. Knapp. One of the leading citizens of Huron County is Frank A. Knapp, who is president of the Union Bank & Savings Company of Bellevue. He was born in Germany, March 29, 1865, the son of Frank and Christina (Schwenn) Knapp. Frank Knapp served throughout the Franco-Prussian War and was in the service of the German army from 1865 until 1871. In the latter year he was accompanied to the United States by his wife and children and they located at Bellevue, where he followed his trade as a tailor. He died at the age of 64 years, and his wife died at the age of 49 years. They were the parents of two sons : John, who lives at Portland, Ore. ; and Frank A., the subject of this sketch. Frank A. Knapp spent his boyhood in Bellevue and his first employment was in a dry goods store at this place. His first active identification with the business life of Bellevue and vicinity came in early manhood when, in company with the late Fred Wolfrom, he became a partner in a dry goods store which flourished here for a period of 18 years, until in 1902 he withdrew from the business field to become Bellevue's postmaster, an office which he filled for six years. He then retired to assume active management of the Bellevue Home Telephone Company and the Local Telephone Company, both of which then were in their infancy. While engaged in the dry goods business, Mr. Knapp had visualized the day when telephonic communication would be a necessity, and in company 948 - HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO with a group of local citizens he formed the Bellevue Home Telephone Company, which afforded Bellevue its first telephone communication and laid the groundwork for what was to develop into the largest independent telephone system in Ohio. Mr. Knapp became president and general manager, and began building the nucleus of the present Northern Ohio Telephone Company, with 1,500 miles of communication line and 30,000 telephone units. Mr. Knapp's demonstrated business acumen brought demands for his participation and counsel by numerous other fields, and during the intervening years he has assisted in directing the destines of business and financial institutions in Bellevue and elsewhere, Including that of the Ohio State Life Insurance Company, of which he has been vice president and director for 20 years, and chairman of the executive committee for 10 years, and which has nearly 100 million of insurance and assets of $12,000,000. As a member of the board of directors of the Wright Banking Company for a period of approximately 20 years, Mr. Knapp became a keen student of financial affairs and laid the groundwork for his present executive position. In April, 1929, he acquired control through purchase of a stock majority in the Bellevue Savings Company, the capitalization of which was increased from $50,000 to $100,000, and later successfully concluded negotiations for purchase of a controlling interest in the Wright Banking Company. Plans for merger of the two banks were immediately undertaken and reached their culmination on Feb. 24, 1930. At that time Mr. Knapp became president of the newly organized Union Bank & Savings Company. Mr. Knapp is also president of the Northern Ohio Security Company, which has assets of nearly $500,000, with branches in Bellevue, Sandusky, Lorain, and Elyria. He has played a prominent part in civic affairs in Bellevue throughout his entire business career. In an effort to increase civic activity and service, Mr. Knapp was largely instrumental in the organization here of the Kiwanis Club, which he served as president during its first year. His fraternal affiliations include membership in the Masonic bodies of Bellevue and Consistory and Shrine of Toledo, and also the Elks Lodge of Bellevue. Mr. Knapp is a trustee of Capital University, Columbus, and a trustee of the Bellevue Hospital Association. In 1889 Mr. Knapp was married to Miss Lena C. Sutter, of Bellevue, Ohio, the daughter of Rev. J. J. and Magdalena (Hoffman) Sutter. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp are the parents of five daughters : 1. Magdalena, a graduate of Wittenberg College, married Allan Aigler, attorney at law, lives at Bellevue. They have three sons : William Frank, Thomas Knapp, and John Allan. 2. Stella C., who died in 1924. She was a graduate of HISTORY OF NORTH CENTRAL OHIO - 949 the University of Michigan, and the wife of Dr. H. U. Sykes, dentist at Lakewood, Ohio. They have a daughter, Sarah Elizabeth. 3. Alice, a graduate of Oberlin Kindergarten College and Columbia University, married William C. Henry, secretary and treasurer of the Northern Ohio Telephone Company, and they have two sons, Frank Carter, born in 1924; and Charles Allan, born in 1928. They live at Bellevue. 4. Winifred, a graduate of Wittenberg College, married Dr. H. H. Thornton, professor at Oberlin College, and they have a daughter, Susan Jean, born in 1928. They live at Oberlin. 5. Frances, a graduate of Oberlin College, married Herbert Erf, acoustical engineer with the Geo. P. Little Company, of Cleveland, and they have a son, Herbert, Jr. They live at Shaker Heights, Ohio. Mr. Knapp is also a director of the Gazette Publishing Company and the Crestline Publishing Company. Charles H. Hill is a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Norwalk, where he is identified with the G. S. Stewart Company as factory superintendent, and with whom he has been connected for the past 30 years. He was born in this city, Oct. 2, 1875, the son of Horace and Helen (Manahan) Hill. Horace Hill, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in New Hampshire in 1845. At the age of 12 years his parents came to Ohio and settled near Norwalk, where he completed his education. He was a machinist by trade and spent 20 years in the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. Later, he was identified with the Domestic Sewing Machine Company, of Norwalk. Mr. Hill was widely recognized as an inventor, outstanding among his inventions being the forward and backward movement in pedaling on the tricycle. Mr. Hill died in 1890 and is buried in Norwalk. He was a Democrat and a member of the Episcopal Church. His wife, who died in 1920, was a native of Berlin Township, Erie County. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. There were four children in the Hill family: Frank, who died in 1901; Charles H., the subject of this sketch ; Kittie, and Edwin, both deceased. Charles H. Hill obtained his education in the public schools of Norwalk. As a young man he entered the employ of the C. W. Smith Company, now the G. S. Stewart Company. After four years he went to Cleveland, where he was interested in the manufacture of bicycles for one year. Upon his return to Norwalk he was connected with the A. B. Chase Piano Company for three years, and in 1900 became associated