1300 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO Prospect Avenue while a handsome residence was being erected for them on Lincoln Avenue. The late Mr. Spieker did not live to see this residence completed. In politics Mr. Spieker was a stanch republican. He was a liberal contributor and member of the Salem Lutheran Church on Huron Street. He belonged to the Toledo Commerce Club, the Toledo Yacht Club and to Toledo Lodge No. 53 of Elks. While he enjoyed a generous measure of prosperity and accumulated considerable wealth, the accumulation was not made at the expense of his fellow citizens. He was always charitable, exceedingly benevolent, and assisted many a man in humble circumstances to better his individual condition. In the fullest measure Henry J. Spieker enjoyed the respect and esteem of those among whom he lived and labored. His rugged integrity was a conspicuous fact of his character. An ability to make friends was another. He was forceful in business affairs, kindly in the home, helpful and generous with his friends and public spirited and broadminded wherever the public welfare was concerned. The business he founded is being efficiently carried on by his sons, who apparently have their father's qualifications for business, and are certain to make the name of The Henry J. Spieker Company one of continued prominence in this section of Ohio. THOMAS KEWLEY, a resident of Toledo forty-two years, is head of the firm Thomas Kewley & Son, contractors in general pipe fitting, plumbing, steam, water and vapor heating with headquarters at 802-806 LaGrange Street. His is a business that is the result of long and steady growth, a reliable service and competent and trustworthy dealings. The firm is a member of the National Association of Master Steam and Hot Water Fitters and of the National Association of Master Plumbers. While a thorough American and loyal to the last drop of his blood to his adopted country, Thomas Kewley has a special reverence and affection for the place of his birth. He is a Manxman. His birth occurred on the Isle of Man April 17, 1847, and both he and his wife represent a long line of Isle of Man ancestors. His parents John and Eunice (Kneale) Kewley spent all their lives on the Isle of Man. His father was a farmer and died at the age of fifty-three when Thomas was about thirteen years of age. The mother lived to be seventy-five, and died after her son Thomas departed for America. Both were active members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. In their family were ten children, five daughters and five sons. One daughter died in infancy and two of the sons and three of the daughters are still living. Thomas Kewley is now the only representative of the family living in the United States. John Kewley, the oldest of the family, died in 1913 at the old homestead on the Isle of Man. Annie, the oldest child now living, married John Kewley, of the same name but not related and now lives in Liverpool, England. Eleanor died in infancy. Eunice, who died on the Isle of Man in 1911, married William Callow, who has since died, having followed the business of contractor and builder, and their three sons and five daughters are still living on the Isle of Man. The next in order of age is Mr. Thomas Kewley. James, who was the first in the family to come to the United States, locating in Toledo about 1870, was for more than twenty-five years foreman of the blacksmith department of the Vulcan Ironworks at Toledo, and died there in 1908, his widow having married again and now living in California. William died in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1914. Margaret is the wife of Thomas Burns of the Isle of Man. Rev. Joseph Kewley spent a number of years as missionary in the Bahama Islands and in West Africa, and since 1893 has been in the ministry of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, being now pastor of a church at Wolverton, England. Sarah Jane died at her birthplace at the age of twenty-one. All these children were educated on their native isle. As a youth Thomas Kewley found plenty to do on the old home farm, and he also attended school quite regularly. On leaving the farm he began to learn a trade at Douglas, nine miles from his birthplace and he spent about five years in mastering the art of plumbing. When between fifteen and sixteen years of age he taught school for two years. At Douglas, Isle of Man, May 4, 1872, Mr. Kewley married Miss Eleanor Oates. She was born at Laxey on the Isle of Man and received her education in that locality. Five days 'after their marriage, on May 9th, Mr. and Mrs. Kewley embarked at Liverpool on the old City of Brussels and made the voyage to New York in the then remarkably fast time of ten days. From New York they came direct to Toledo. Mr. Kewley's brother HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 1301 James had been a resident of Toledo about two years, and there were also several of his schoolmates who had located in the same vicinity. Mr. Thomas Kewley and his brother James with their wives made a number of trips back to the Isle of Man, and usually took such a visit about once every five years, but has not been back to his old birthplace for ten years. After coming to Toledo Mr. Kewley worked at his trade for Waite & Williams, and then entered the employ of the late John Groenwald, remaining as foreman for him and Justus M. Groenwald, his business successor, for more than twenty years. In the meantime in 1892 Mr. Kewley set up a business of his own under the name Thomas Kewley & Son. That firm name has remained the same now for nearly a quarter of a century. The first location was at 1006 Monroe Street, later was moved to 909 Jefferson Avenue, and in 1910 he bought the building and has since occupied his large establishment on LaGrange Street. Since becoming an American citizen Mr. Kewley has steadfastly affiliated with the republican party. He is a member of Concord Lodge No. 149, Knights of Pythias, being one of its charter members, also belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, to the Toledo Commerce Club, and is president of the board of trustees of St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church of Toledo. While unusually successful in business Mr. Kewley takes special pride in the character and accomplishments of the five children who have grown up in his household. All these children, four sons and one daughter, were born in Toledo. Thomas F., the oldest, who for a number of years has been associated with his father in business, enlisted in the 10th Ohio Regiment at the beginning of the Spanish-American war, was made corporal in his company, and like the other young men in that command was eager to go to Cuba, but the entire year of his enlistment was spent in drilling and camp duty in the South, and all the members of the regiment returned home without getting beyond the borders of the United States. Jessie Eleanor, the second child, is still at home. William H. had a similar experience in the Tenth Ohio Regiment, in which he also served as corporal. Joseph E. is attorney for the national branch of the General Electric Company at Cleveland. -Tames K., the youngest, is bookkeeper for the firm of Thomas Kewley & Son. The Vol. II-41 two younger children are now married, while the other three are still single. Jesse E., Joseph E. and James K. are all graduates of the Central High School of Toledo, Jessie graduating in 1892, Joseph in 1902, and James in 1904. Joseph finished his course with the degree Bachelor of Law at the Ohio State University in the class of 1906. James has also attended the State University. Miss Jessie is now a teacher in the LaGrange Street School of Toledo. The children have all visited their father and mother's birthplace on the Isle of Man. The family residence is at 1013 Ontario Street, and they also have .a summer cottage at Lakeland, Michigan, where they take their recreation during the summer months. STEPHEN J. PICKETT. With a mechanical trade as the basis of his business career, Stephen J. Pickett has for fully thirty-five years been one of the widely known contractors of Toledo and vicinity. He mastered the complicated science of building construction primarily through his trade as a bricklayer, and as most successful men have done began contracting on a modest scale. For many years he has been at the head of a large organization and equipment, and some of the most important contracts in this section of Ohio have been successfully carried out by his company. A native of Toledo, he was born May 1, 1852, a son of Stephen and Margaret (Laughlin) Pickett. His parents were born and married in Ireland. Stephen Pickett, Sr., came to the United States alone in 1848. After visiting some relatives in New York and spending a short time in the South, he selected Toledo as his permanent home. Then in 1850 he was joined by his wife and children, who came from Ireland. Stephen Pickett, Sr., was a farmer for several years after coming to America, but afterwards took up general contracting and was very successful in that line. Among other contracts he furnished the piles for the Toledo docks and wharves. His death occurred in Toledo July 8, 1870, while his wife passed away November 2, 1864. They were the parents of nine children, and Stephen J. is the youngest and the only one born in this 'country. The others were born before his parents came to America, and he has three sisters and one brother living: Mrs. Mary E. Gorman and Mrs. Nellie Page, widow, living at Toledo; Mrs. Katie 1302 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO Rall, a widow living in Brooklyn, New York, and John of Toledo. Stephen J. Pickett was reared in Toledo and gained his education in the city schools. Seeking a practical means of livelihood, he began at the age of nineteen as a bricklayer, and that was his regular occupation until 1881. In that year he took his first contract, a very small one, but with increasing experi- ence and the confidence which one successful work begets, the range of his activities and the amount of capital employed gradually extended until for a number of years there has been no building too pretentious for him to undertake. The work of a building contractor more than most professions stands out as conspicuous evidence of his success and ability. Just a few of the structures erected by Mr. Pickett may be mentioned. He constructed the first power house for the Toledo Railways and Light Company, and among the more conspicuous buildings in the down town and industrial districts which bear the impress of his organization should be noted the Valentine Building, the Toledo Blade Building, the News-Bee Building, the American Bridge Company Building, St. Anthony's Orphanage, Robinwood Hospital, the Roth Knitting Works, one of the structures of the Gendron Wheel Company, and his organization also put in the concrete, brick and fireproof work on Toledo's new postoffice. A number of the fine residences of the city also belong in the list. From May 1, 1909, Mr. Pickett had associated with him in business his son, Clarence C., under the firm name of S. J. Pickett & Son, and that association continued until 1913. Mr. Pickett served for three years as president of the Toledo Builders Exchange, and is the only man who was ever honored with the office for that length of time. He continued as president until 1911, and since then has been vice-president. The offices of his firm are in the Builders Exchange. He is one of the four trustees of. the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 53 of Toledo. He also belongs to the Toledo Commerce Club, the, Knights of the Modern Maccabees, and St. Patrick's Catholic Church. In politics he is found stanchly aligned with the democratic party and for two years was chairman of the Lucas County Central Committee. On August 15, 1878, Mr. Pickett married Miss Anna Gildea. Mrs. Pickett was born in Toledo, a daughter of John Gildea, a veteran carpenter contractor of the old school. Mr. and Mrs. Pickett have two sons and a daughter living : James B. S., a successful newspaper man now in the art advertising business in Brooklyn, New York, with headquarters at the Y. M. C. A. in Brooklyn ; Anna E., at home, and Clarence C., who is now a representative for different manufacturers of roofing materials in !Toledo. JAMES S. SCHLOSSER has been a resident of Toledo more than thirty years, has been an industrious, hard working and capable citizen, has followed his trade as a cigarmaker during all these years, and is now proprietor of one of the leading factories of the city. He manufactures both Havana and domestic cigars and his present plant is at 144 Dexter Street, in the Polish district of the city. While Mr. Schlosser is usually taken for a German, partly from the spelling of his name and- also because he speaks with almost equal fluency German, Polish and English, he was born a German Pole, his birth occurring in the Province of West Prussia, German Poland, May 8, 1862. His parents were Adelbert and Lucy (Kosciewski) Schlosser. His father, who is now living retired at Vandzburg, West Prussia, at the age of eighty-three, spent his active life as a manufacturer of high grade tile, particularly such tile as are used in the making of fireplaces. When his business was at its height he employed about sixteen men in the factory. Mr. Schlosser's mother died in West Prussia when about fifty-five years of age, and when James S. was eighteen. The father married again, and has three children by his first wife and five by the second. Mr. Schlosser might have been a musician of note had not the unfortunate death of his mother when he was only eighteen years of age turned the current of his activities into a different direction. His mother had early observed his precocious talent for music, had done much to stimulate his interest in that art and pursuit, and encouraged him to further study. His father, however, took little interest in music, and when the mother died the chief inspiration to gaining of proficiency in the art failed. In the meantime Mr. Schlosser had attended the schools at his old home, and finished his education in the Royal College of Kulm, the same institution where Father Benedict Rosinski, present pastor of St. Hedwig's Oath- HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 1303 olic Church of Toledo, also acquired part of his education. After the death of his mother Mr. Schlosser emigrated to the United States, landing in New York, and from there going to Milwaukee, where he spent five years and where he served a thorough apprenticeship to the cigar maker's trade. From Milwaukee he came to Toledo in 1885, and for about fourteen years was employed as a cigar maker in the factories of Leland & Schmidt, and of D. B. Eisenhardt. In 1899 Mr. Schlosser set up a shop of his own for the making of cigars, and has ever since been located at 144 Dexter Street. He now-employs about eighteen expert men and assistants in the manufacture of different grades of cigars, and the leaders which he manufactures are the 10 cent brand Marca Fina, and the 5 cent brand Fatty Felix. He has always studied and worked to keep up a high grade in his products, and his success is due to that fact. He sells his goods largely to the retail trade in Toledo and vicinity. At the present time he is planning the erection of an $11,000 building and shop at the corner of Elm and Dexter Street on a lot he recently purchased. This will give him a splendid location and one of the most completely equipped cigar factories in Northwest Ohio. Despite the fact that Mr. Schlosser discontinued his musical education at his mother's death, music has been with him a sustaining and comforting art and he is one of its most appreciative and proficient devotees. He acquired a thorough grounding in music in the old country and has exercised his talents chiefly as an organist. For eight years he was the regular organist in St. Hedwig's Catholic Church of Toledo, and has given his service to several other churches in order to get the music department well started. He played at St. Adelbert's Polish Church for about six weeks, when that church was first established, also at St. Magdalene's Catholic Church at Rossford, Ohio, for a similar length of time, assisting Father Redman and many other demands have been made upon his musical talents. In a business way Mr. Schlosser is a stockholder in the new LaGrange Street branch of the Market Street Savings Bank, which has been recently established in the Polish District. He is a stockholder in the Polonia Clothing and Shoe Company, a cooperative store on LaGrange Street with a large number of the Polish people among its stockholders. Politically he is entirely dependent and gives his vote for the man best fitted for office. He has served as a trustee of St. Hedwig's Catholic Church since 1908, and for the past four years has also been cashier of the church. He is a member of the Polish National Alliance both in Ohio and North America, is bondsman of St. Michael's Society of St. Hedwig's Parish, and is a member of the Polish Commerce Club of the LaGrange Street District. On October 19, 1889, in St. Hedwig's Church he married Miss Pelagia Poccekaj, of Toledo. Mrs. Schlosser was born in the Province of Posen, Germany, and was very young when she came to America with her parents, Anthony and Martizanna Poccekaj. Her mother is now deceased, and her father is retired at the age of seventy-four. Mrs. Schlosser received her education in St. Hedwig's parochial school at Toledo. To their marriage were born four children, but both sons are now deceased. Clara was married several years ago in St. Hedwig's Church to Mr. Joseph Zichowicz of Toledo, and they now have an infant son named Joseph, making Mr. Schlosser a proud grandfather. Leokija, the younger daughter, is still at home, and is now attending the Scott High School. Both daughters were born in Toledo and received their early education in St. Hedwig's parochial school. The daughters are accomplished musicians and especially proficient on the piano. WILLIAM J. GILL, an able member of the Toledo bar, read law in that city, and has been associated with some of the ablest men in the profession. He was born in Buffalo, New York, January 12, 1861. His parents were John and Mary (Donovan) Gill. His maternal grandfather Donovan was a member of the English Coast Guard, and lost his life by drowning while in that service. John Gill was born in Belfast and his wife in County Cork, Ireland. They met and became acquainted after coming to America, and were married in Buffalo, New York. For many years John Gill was connected with the oil and refining business. When William J. was about six months of age the family moved to Toledo where his father spent about twenty years in charge of the oil refinery of West & Truax, the old wholesale drug firm. This was known as the Rock Oil Company, and the plant was located on the east side opposite the foot of Monroe Street. John Gill for about thirteen years was also connected with the Cincinnati, 1304 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO Hamilton and Dayton Railroad, and after that lived retired until his death. His widow survived him several years. She was a very active worker in the Church of the Good Shepherd, of which she was a member. After the parents came to Toledo two other children were born, Mary and Jerome, both of whom are living in that city. William J. Gill was reared in Toledo, attended the public and parochial schools, and following a course in the Davis Business College entered the law office of the late Hon. Gilbert Harmon, well remembered by his distinctive place in the profession and also by his service as judge of the Common Pleas Court. It was Judge Harmon more than any other individual who influenced Mr. Gill not only in his acquisition of legal knowledge but also in the forming and training of his character. Mr. Gill has always felt a keen appreciation of the benefits he derived by his association with Judge Harmon, and in his opinion' it would be a worthy achievement indeed could he emulate or imitate the many enviable qualities and attainments of that learned lawyer. After three years of preparation and study Mr. Gill was admitted to the Ohio bar, and was then associated with Judge Harmon until the latter was elected to the Bench. He then practiced with Judge McGahan. When Judge Harmon left the Bench the two judges took offices together, and after that Mr. Gill established himself in individual practice. On the death of Judge McGahan, Mr. Gill resumed his relationship with his old friend and preceptor, and that was continued until the death of Judge Harmon August 17, 1909. Their offices were at 867-869 Spitzer Building, and since the judge's death Mr. Gill has practiced alone, maintaining an office at 864 Spitzer Building. Politically he is independent in local A-fairs, but is a stanch democrat in national politics and a loyal supporter of Mr. Wilson. He was reared in the Catholic Church, but is broad-minded and liberal in religious affairs. Nothing pleases him more than to spend an hour with congenial friends and associates in reminiscing over younger days spent in Toledo and up and down the Maumee Valley. He is a member of the Toledo Commerce Club and is affiliated with Lodge No. 53, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In 1894 he married Miss Hannah O'Donnell, daughter of John J. O'Donnell of Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Gill were married in St. Patrick's Church in Cleveland. Mrs. Gill was born in that city and graduated with honors from the Ursuline Convent there. The family home is at 2257 Rosewood Avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Gill have two children, both born in Toledo, named Helen M. and John O'Donnell. CHARLES J. HENZLER, M. D. A number of distinctions are associated with the name of Dr. Charles J. Henzler of Toledo. For thirty-one years he has practiced medicine and surgery in that city. While he is one of the foremost medical men of Northwestern Ohio, his name is perhaps most widely known over Lucas County through his repeated elections to the office of county coroner. Doctor Henzler has filled that office for half a dozen terms and at this writing is republican nominee for still another election. He is one of the few men whose qualifications and personal character have such weight in a community that they triumph over all partisan consideration and once at least Doctor Henzler stood alone among his fellow nominees in election to one of the county offices. Born in Toledo February 9, 1863, Doctor Henzler is a son of William and Rosina (Allgeuer) Henzler. Both parents were natives of Germany, his father born February 22, 1832, and his mother on May 8, 1836. William Henzler was an early German settler in Toledo. Corning to this country in 1853, he settled in Toledo where he resided until his death on November 20, 1890. He was a well known pharmacist and druggist of the city. He also interested himself in political affairs, and after getting naturalized voted the republican ticket and was one of the most ardent advocates of that party. He left a clean record both as a business man and citizen and was one of the honored pioneers of Toledo. Doctor Henzler's mother, on leaving Germany first located in Cincinnati, but subsequently moved to Toledo, where she married and spent the rest of her days. She died April 26, 1915. The late William Henzler was one of the foremost workers in the German Reform Church of Toledo, and his wife was also a member. In their family were eight children, four sons and three daughters still living : Mrs. John J. Baertschi of Toledo ; John S. of Toledo ; Dr. Charles J. ; Mrs. Fred Preese of Toledo ; Mrs. Fred Ayling, of Toledo ; Edward, of Toledo ; Dr. Garfield Frederick Henzler, of Toledo. Besides these a son William died October 20, HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 1305 1892, at the age of thirty-three, and Mrs. Walter Yearck, the youngest of the family, died in the spring of 1913. All the children were born in Toledo. Reared in his native city, Dr. Charles J. Henzler received his education in the public schools, and during vacations secured some business experience and also a knowledge that has stood him in good stead in later years while an employe of the old wholesale drug house West & Truax. He also clerked for his father in the drug store while attending the medical department of Toledo University from 1882 to 1886. Doctor Henzler graduated M. D. from this university with the class of 1886, having taken the five years course. During that time he also had as private preceptor Dr. J. H. Pooley, one of the noted old time physicians of the city. Beginning his practice at 114 East Bancroft Street, Doctor Henzler in March, 1916, completed thirty years continuous location at that number, and his office there is one of the landmarks of that district. Throughout that time he has enjoyed a splendid reputation as a general physician and surgeon. For ten years he had sole charge of the surgical and medical department of the County Infirmary. For one season he also served as superintendent of the Northwestern Hospital for Insane, being the last superintendent of that institution. That was in 1888. Doctor Henzler is a member of the Lucas County Medical Society, the Toledo Academy of Medicine, the Tri-State Medical Association, Northwestern Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. In politics he has always been an active republican. When William McKinley ran for governor of Ohio, Doctor Henzler was candidate in Lucas County for the office of coroner. He was elected in that year and served three consecutive terms. For the four following terms he was out of local politics, and after that he became a candidate again and has now been elected three consecutive terms, his present and third consecutive term expiring on November 6, 1916. On November 3, 1914, he was the only republican in Lucas County to be elected, and gained the office by a plurality of 2.000. A similar distinction was given the third election during his first incumbency of the office. In the republican primaries of August, 1916, he was again nominated to be his own successor. Doctor Henzler has been for more than thirty years physician to and a member of Court Toledo No. 23, Foresters of America, is affiliated with Rural Encampment and Toledo Lodge 'of Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with Toledo Lodge No. 53 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is one of the charter members of Brother Tent Knights of the Modern Maccabees, which was organized in 1883. He is a member of the First Reform Church of Toledo. A great lover of good horses, Doctor Henzler prefers a good horse and buggy even now to an automobile. On February 1, 1900, he married Miss Ida Keip. In 1889 Doctor Henzler built the residence he now occupies at the corner of Sherman and Cherry streets, and he and his family reside there. They have one daughter, Margaret, who was born in Toledo and is a member of the class of 1918 in the Scott High School. GARFIELD FREDERICK HENZLER, M. D. In the thirteen years since he began practice at Toledo Dr. Garfield Frederick Henzler has found a position of secure prominence and a large sphere of usefulness in his chosen profession. He represents one of Toledo's oldest families of German origin. His parents William and Rosina (Allgeuer) Henzler, were both natives of Germany, and his father, who located in Toledo in 1853, was for upwards of forty years a prominent and successful druggist of the city. Dr. Henzler, who is a younger brother of Dr. Charles J. Henzler, a physician of more than thirty years standing in Toledo, and now coroner of Lucas County, was born in Toledo September 22, 1880. He was reared and educated in Toledo, graduated from the Central High School with the class of 1899. Having definitely fixed his choice upon a medical career, he began his studies soon after leaving high school, and in the autumn of 1899 entered the Toledo Medical College. He was graduated M. D. from that institution in 1903, and at once began active practice. Since beginning practice his home and office have been at 714 East Bancroft Street. His practice is by no means a local one, but extends over practically the entire city. Doctor Henzler to only a less degree than his brother, has taken a very active interest in republican politics, though up to this time has sought no official honors. He is a member of the Lucas County Medical Society, the Toledo Academy of Medicine, the Ohio State Medical Society, and the American Medical 1306 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO Association. He is also affiliated with Court No. 59 Foresters of America and with the Independent Order of Rangers. In church membership he belongs to the German Reform Church. On October 23, 1907, he married Miss Amelia Miller of Toledo, daughter of Frank and Ida (Ruppel) Miller. Her father, who is now deceased, was for many years engaged in the cooperage business at Toledo. Her mother is still living there. Doctor and Mrs. Henzler have one daughter Elza Rose, who was born in Toledo. PARK L. MYERS, M. D. This well known Toledo physician has recently concluded thirty-five years of continuous practice in Northwest Ohio. For many years he performed his professional services in his native City of Fostoria, but has since taken his place among the leaders in the larger field of Toledo. His professional standing and association and his character as a man and citizen, claims for him recognition among the ablest. as well as the oldest members of his profession in this part of the state. At Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio, he was born May 28, 1860. He belongs to pioneer stock. His parents were Jacob and Rachael (Harsh) Myers. The paternal grandparents, John and Catherine Myers, were born in Germany, but when quite young came to America and secured their first home in Juniata County, Pennsylvania. They were there in time to be considered pioneer settlers. John Myers spent his last years in Wood County, Ohio. Doctor Myers' maternal grandparents were John and Esther (Bachman) Harsh, both of whom were natives of Carroll County, Ohio. From there they moved early in their lives to Seneca County, where John Harsh performed a worthy pioneer service in clearing up a farm from the wilderness. He and his good wife lived there the rest of their days. Jacob Myers, father of Doctor Myers, was born in Juanita County, Pennsylvania, June 1, 1827. His wife Rachael was horn in Harrisburg. Franklin County, Ohio, March 22, 1831. It was about 1848 when Jacob Myers moved to Seneca County. That was his home until his death in 1875, when in his forty-ninth year. He was a carriage maker by trade, a quiet, industrious citizen who provided well for his family and who lived up to all the obligations and responsibilities of true manhood and civic loyalty. Politically he was for a time identified with the old Know Nothing party, which was quite a factor in the political life of the decade of the '40s. He was equally ardent in support of the abolition movement, and when, the alignment between the political forces of the United States was defined early in the '50s, he became from the first one of the loyal members of the republican organization. In a public way most of his support and interest went to educational affairs, and for several years he served as a member of the board of education at Fostoria. He and his wife were for many years active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Fostoria, and both did all they could to promote the welfare of the denomination. At the time of his death Jacob Myers was in charge of the church choir. The mother still lives and has attained a venerable old age and has always commanded the fullest respect and admiration of her household and of all who came within the circle of her acquaintance. She now resides with her son the subject of this sketch. She became the mother of five children, and three of them are still living. Park L. Myers had nearly all of his boyhood associations with his native city of Fostoria, where ne attended public school and was a student in high school, and he was a member of the first class that graduated for the graded course in 1875. Later he matriculated in the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, and remained there until his graduation in 1879 with the degree M. D. Following his graduation he remained in the latter in post-graduate work, and did not enter upon active practice until thoroughly equipped for all the demands that might be made upon him. In 1880 he set up in practice and offered his services as a physician and surgeon to the people of his home city of Fostoria. His abilities and skill were soon recognized, and he carried on a successful practice there for nineteen years. He was well fitted for the work of a broader field, and in 1899 he transferred his residence to Toledo. Here for more than fifteen years he has enjoyed a rank among the ablest medical men. Doctor Myers has always taken much interest in military affairs. In 1884 he became a member of the Sixteenth Regiment of Ohio National Guard and was with that organization until 1898, when the regiment was mustered into the United States service as the Sixth Ohio Infantry. He went out with HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 1307 the command as assistant surgeon, and was subsequently promoted to regimental surgeon with the rank of major. He was with the regiment in camp at Chickamauga and Knoxville, Tennessee, and accompanied it to Cuba and was on duty for some time at Cienfuegos. Doctor Myers is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, and is affiliated with Charles Sumner Dodge of the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is republican, but not a politician. When some movement is undertaken that looks to the betterment of city or county it commands the unqualified support of Doctor Myers. Like his honored father before him, he takes much interest in educational improvement, and while in practice at Fostoria he spent twelve years on the board of education. On September 24, 1889, he married Miss Jessie Foster, a daughter of the late Governor Charles Foster, and a member of one of Northwest Ohio's oldest and most distinguished families. Governor Foster, it will be recalled, was governor of Ohio from 1880 to 1884 and afterwards became secretary of the United States Treasury under President Benjamin Harrison. Mrs. Myers' grandfather was one of the founders of the town of Fostoria, which was named in his honor. Mrs. Jessie (Foster) Myers was born at Fostoria August 8, 1858, a daughter of Charles and Ann M. (Olmsted) Foster. Her father was born in Seneca County April 12, 1828, and her mother at Fremont in Sandusky County August 27, 1827. Mrs. Myers died suddenly of cerebral hemorrhage in her home at Toledo December 18, 1911. Mrs. Myers was very active in church and social life at Toledo, and her death came as a profound shock to a large circle of friends all over Northwest Ohio. She was a member of the Ursula Wolcott Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and also belonged to the Daughters of the Pilgrims. She was an active member of the First Unitarian Church and through the Woman's Alliance aided in the material advancement of the church and in the philanthropic work to which the Alliance devotes itself. Mrs. Myers was laid to rest in the family burying ground at Fostoria. A loving tribute was paid her in the following words: "Among the sad experiences of life is the passing away of those we love and honor. It seems that all other fatalities can be met with some degree of composure or silent resistance but the inexorableness of death is its most poignant sorrow, its most hopeless grief, and when a wife and mother is suddenly, one might say ruthlessly, taken from her loved ones there is no balm in nature to heal the wound. "Mrs. Park L. Myers, who was with us in apparent health a few days ago, is with us no more. A slight weakness of the constitution culminated in an unconscious slumber which ended in the sleep which knows no waking on the sands and shoals of time. "Mrs. Myers was of Puritan ancestry, her mother's family coming down from Richard Olmstead who came to Boston on the Lion, one of the Winthrop fleet, in 1630. After various migrations and wanderings we find them in Ohio and as early as 1832 at Fostoria, uniting with those sturdy pioneers, the Fosters, who gave their name to the place. Hon. Chas. Foster, the father of Mrs. Myers, formerly Jessie Foster, was at different times a member of Congress, twice governor of Ohio, and a member of Harrison's cabinet. He gave his two daughters, and only children, all the advantages that wealth and social position could bestow. "Mrs. Myers received part of her education abroad, but in all her life, in the brilliant social circles at Washington, Columbus and elsewhere, she never lost her inherited simplicity and her integrity of character, In all the gaities and excitement of political and social life she never allowed wine to pass her lips. She was sincere with her friends, affectionate in her family and faithful and reliable in all the relations of life. She belonged to that great nobility, the queens of the hearth. Her quiet home was a harbor of peace for she was mistress of the fine art of hospitality. Her welcome was in the eye and the groups of friends who were her guests from time to time felt the innate sweetness of a pure, simple life. She attended church regularly, but was not a member, as her creed was her deed. She bath reached life's summit, and pausing there to rest a moment and look back upon the rose strewn path she fell into dreamless sleep at early twilight, December the eighteenth. "From the voiceless lips of the unreplying dead there comes no word, but in the night of grief hope sees a star and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing." 1308 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO "When the sunset gates unbar, Shall we not see her beckoning stand, And white against the evening star The benediction of her hand?" Doctor and Mrs. Myers became the parents of two children, both of whom were born in Fostoria. Foster was born September 14, 1891, while Jesse L., was born August 7, 1894. Both graduated from the Toledo High School. Foster is completing his education in the medical department of Western Reserve University, Cleveland, class 1917. Jesse L. entered Leland Stanford University, San Francisco, California, where he remained two years, and is now attending Cornell University, class of 1918. CHARLES H. SHOEMAKER. The subject of this memoir gave to the world assurance of strong and noble manhood, proved himself true in personal stewardship in all the relations of life and won material success worthy of the name. He was a resident of the old Buckeye State from the time of his birth until his death and was one of the honored and influential citizens of Napoleon, judicial center of Henry County, when he was summoned to eternal rest, his death having been the direct result of an accident in which he received severe injury that his physical powers were not able long to combat. He had the confidence and thigh regard of his fellow men and it is most fitting that in this publication be entered a brief tribute to his memory. Mr. Shoemaker was born at Perrysburg, Wood County, Ohio, on the 30th of October, 1852, and thus he was in his sixty-third year at the time of his death, which occurred June 13, 1914, at his home, 1025 Stephenson Street, in the City of Napoleon, where his widow still resides and where she cared for him with utmost sympathy and devotion through the protracted illness that terminated in his death. He was a son of Andrew and Mary Shoemaker, who were born and reared in Germany and who immigrated to America shortly after their marriage, this voyage having been made on a sailing vessel of the type common to that period and nearly two months having elapsed here the young couple landed in the port of New York City, in either 1850 or 1851. From the national metropolis they made their way to Wood County, Ohio, and established their residence in the village of Perrysburg. In that county they passed the remainder of their earnest and worthy lives, secure in the high esteem of all who knew them, and each attained to the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, both having been zealous communicants of the Lutheran Church. Of their children Charles H., of this memoir, was the first born in the family of seven. Four of the number are still living : Mary is the wife of Albert Dickinson, and Elizabeth is the wife of George Poff, both of Sandusky, Erie County, and the other survivors are John and George. He whose name introduces this 'memorial gained his early education in the public schools of his native town and as a youth he served a practical apprenticeship to the trade of carpenter. He became the owner of a farm of eighty acres, in Liberty Township, Henry County, made excellent improvements on the property and there continued his activities as a successful agriculturist and stock-grower, besides finding much requisition for his services as a carpenter and builder, until 1906, in the spring of which year he removed with his wife to Napoleon, the county seat, where he lived virtually retired until his death. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and he always stood forth as a loyal and public-spirited citizen, though he had naught of desire for the honors or emoluments of public office. He was actively affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for nearly twenty years prior to his death, and he was a consistent and liberal communicant of the Lutheran Church, of which his widow likewise is a devoted adherent. In the year 1900 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Shoemaker to Mrs. Carrie (Henry) Kopp, then a resident of Wood County. Mrs. Shoemaker was born at Berea, Cuyahoga County, this state, on the 28th of January, 1854, and was there reared and educated. She is a daughter of Martin and Barbara Henry, both of whom were natives of Germany : upon coming to Ohio they settled in Cuyahoga County, where Mr. Henry engaged in agricultural pursuits. Later he removed with his family to Wood County, where he became the owner of a good farm of forty acres, upon which he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives, he having been fifty-four years of age at the time of his death and his widow having passed away at the age of fifty-nine years. Both were lifelong members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics Mr. Henry was a staunch democrat. Of the five children three are now living, Mrs. Shoemaker being the eldest of the number and her brothers, John and Freder- HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 1309 ick, being still residents of Wood County, and both having families. In Wood County was recorded the first marriage of Mrs. Shoemaker, when, as a young woman, she became the wife of John Kopp, who was born in the State of New York but reared and educated in Wood County, Ohio, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1893, when he was but thirty-seven years of age. He is survived by one son, Harry Kopp, who is now in the employ of a street railway company in the City of Toledo. Harry Kopp married Miss Margaret Fish, of Bowling Green, this state, and they have one daughter, Lucile, who celebrated her tenth birthday anniversary in 1916. To Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker no children were born, but in the home which her husband provided Mrs. Shoemaker is sustained and comforted by the gracious memories of the past and by pleasing association with a wide circle of devoted and valued friends. She is active in church work and also a popular factor in the social life of her home community. JAMES M. ASHLEY, a resident of Toledo, Ohio, from 1851 to his death in 1896, a member of Congress from the Toledo District from 1859 to 1869 and afterward governor of Montana and builder of the Toledo, Ann Arbor and North Michigan Railroad, was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the 24th of November, 1822, and was a son of John Clinton and Mary Ann (Kirkpatrick) Ashley. His grandfather, Rev. Benjamin Ashley, was for many years a prominent minister of the Baptist Church of Norfolk, Virginia. It is supposed that the direct lineage traces back to Captain John Ashley, who was one of the signers of the second Virginia charter. One William Ashley, in all probability the great-grandfather of the subject of this memoir, was master's mate in the Virginia navy during the War of the Revolution. Therefore it seems that James M. Ashley derived from his father a Southern and English strain and from the distaff side derived a Celtic strain, as the family name of his mother fully indicates. He whose name introduces this article was but four years old when, in 1826, his parents removed from the old Keystone State to Ohio and established their residence at Portsmouth, Scioto County, where the father established a bookbinding business, he having served in Pittsburgh a thorough apprenticeship to the bookbinders' trade when he was a youth. At Portsmouth James M. Ashley received his early educational discipline, which was necessarily meager, as school facilities in the pioneer locality and period were very limited. His parents were folk of deep religious convictions and it was the earnest desire of his father, who himself entered the ministry about 1840, that James should become a preacher of the gospel, but for some cause the youth refused, and when about fourteen years of age ran away from home. The adventurous and self-reliant lad soon found employment as a cabin boy on one of the packet-boats plying the Ohio River, and later he was promoted to the office of clerk on one of these early steamboats. For several years thereafter he followed a roving life, wandering through a number of states and working first at one thing and then another. During his service on the Ohio River Mr. Ashley, like Abraham Lincoln when similarly engaged in his earlier years, was a witness of the darkest side of the slave traffic and, like the great emancipator, early developed an abhorrence for the entire system, with the result that he resolved to do all in his power to aid in stamping out the obnoxious institution whenever opportunity presented. He often assisted run away slaves, —a criminal offence and an extremely dangerous operation in a then pro-slavery region,—and he became in this way a component part of the great and historic "underground railway," through the medium of which so many fugitive slaves were assisted on their way to freedom. General Ashley, as he was familiarly known in later years, finally returned to Portmouth, Ohio, where he learned the printer's trade and where he later instituted the publication of a newspaper, the Democratic "Enquirer," which he was soon compelled to sell, by reason of lack of adequate capital. In 1851 he removed to Toledo, where he established a wholesale drug business in a building at the corner of Summit and Jefferson streets. In 1854 he took an active part in establishing in the Toledo district the newly founded republican party, this having been effected by a convention that was assembled in the Village of Maumee, Lucas County. Later he attended an important convention, composed of many of the leaders of the new party, that assembled in the City of Pittsburgh, early in the year 1856. In the summer of the same year he was chosen delegate to the National Republican Convention, held in Philadelphia, to .nominate its first candidates for President 1310 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO and Vice-president of the United States and to draft a party platform. At first General Ashley supported Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio, for presidential nomination, but later he cast his ballot of Gen. John C. Fremont, who finally, became the official standard-bearer of the republican party in the election of that year. Somewhat later General Ashley delivered before a vast assemblage at Montpelier, Ohio, an address which marked him as a radical anti-slavery man and placed him in the front ranks of the abolitionists. In this speech he said : "Conspirators are at this very hour laying broad and deep the conditions which are certain to ultimate in a revolution of fire and blood that must either result in the destruction of this Union and Government or in the abolition of slavery." This prophetic dictum was substantially the same as that given by President Lincoln in 1858, when he said : "This nation can not endure permanently half slave and half free." In 1858 General Ashley was nominated and elected to Congress as a republican, from the Toledo District, and in the Lower House of the National Legislature he served ten years. At Washington he soon became recognized as a leader in republican councils and as an uncompromising abolitionist. In the first session of Congress after the election of President Lincoln, General Ashley introduced a bill for the total abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, but this bill, by reason of its radical features, met with but little support. In company with Hon. Lot Morrill, of Maine, he drafted another bill, of less drastic nature, which made provision for the appropriation of one million dollars to compensate the slave owners of the District of Columbia for the loss of their slaves, and this bill was passed April 11, 1862. On the 14th of December, 1863, General Ashley introduced a proposition to amend the Constitution of the United States by abolishing slavery. On June 15, 1864, this measure not securing the necessary two-thirds vote was defeated in the House of Representatives. Seeing that the measure had failed to pass, General Ashley changed his vote to the negative so that he might have the power under the rules of the House to move a reconsideration. A few days after this he was asked in the House by Holman of Indiana, whether he intended to call up the reconsideration at the pending session. He replied, that he did not, adding emphatically, "The issue is now made up and will go to the people of the country at the election in November. When they decide in its favor, as I believe they will, I trust this House will then reconsider the measure and pass it." These events placed General Ashley in parliamentary control of the measure and his management of it was characterized by unusual skill, tact and earnestness. In the then existing House of Representatives the republicans had only a small majority over the democrats, and to get a two-thirds vote in favor of the amendment required the conversion of a large number of democrats and border statesmen. This was a matter of extreme delicacy, as it was generally believed, (and indeed turned out to be the fact) that any democrat or border state man who voted in favor of the amendment would thereby bring about his own political death. In the endeavor to find members of the opposition who would support the amendment, Mr. Ashley was assisted by Henry Winter Davis of Maryland and others. Time, however, was working in favor of the measure. The success of the armies of the North became more evident as time wore on, and after Sherman's march through Georgia and Hood's defeat at Nashville, was no longer in doubt. The question, which the democrats of the House and the country in general had then to decide was whether the war should end without the decisive disposal of the question which had caused it,—whether slavery should continue to be an agitating cause of disorder in the country or should be abolished. Mr. Ashley received such assurance of support that he called up his motion to reconsider on the 6th of January, 1865, making an exceedingly earnest and eloquent speech appealing to the patriotic feelings of the members of the House, saying in conclusion, "Pass this resolution and no such rebellion will ever be possible again. .I feel as if no member of this house will ever live to witness an hour more memorable in our history than the one in which each for himself shall make a record on the question now before us. I implore Gentlemen to forget party and remember that we are making a record not only for ourselves individually but for the nation and the cause of free government throughout the world." The measure came to a vote on January 31, 1865, amid greater excitement than had ever been seen in the House of Representatives. The result was uncertain until almost the last moment, and when the speaker declared the HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 1311 measure carried, and the disorder had partially abated, Ernest Ingersoll of Illinois, said, "Mr. Speaker, in honor of this immortal and sublime event, I move this House do now adjourn." The motion was carried and thus ended the most important episode in the life of General Ashley, as it was also one of the most important things in human history ; for thereafter it was provided in the language of the Thirteenth Amendment of the National Constitution that "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist in the United States, or in any place subject to their jurisdiction." When the measure was pending in Congress, certain gentlemen in Philadelphia raised a large sum of money and put it in the hands of General Ashley, saying in effect, "We realize the tremendous importance of an early passage of this measure before the Southern states are again represented in Congress, and are able to impede its passage. Considering that some democrats and border-state-men who wish to vote for the measure might be deterred by reason of the personal disaster it might bring upon them, we think best to give you this money for use among them in necessary and proper cases." None of the money, was however, in fact used, and it was all returned through the channels by which it came. Thomas A. Scott, afterward president of the Pennsylvania Railroad, was cognizant of these circumstances which probably had a material influence in inducing him to assist Mr. Ashley at a later time of his life when building the Toledo, Ann Arbor and North Michigan Railway. He commenced the impeachment proceedings against President Andrew Johnson, in 1867, by charging the chief executive with usurpation of power and violation of the laws of the United States, by corruptly using the appointing, pardoning and veto powers, and about the same time he offered an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, providing for the election of the President by direct vote of the people. As chairman of the Congressional Committee on Territories, General Ashley rendered effective service in establishing, naming and organizing Idaho, Arizona and Montana. In 1868 he was defeated for re-election to Congress, and in the following year he was appointed Territorial Governor of Montana, but he was removed from office at the end of a year, owing to a disagreement with President Grant. This vitally marked his retirement from the political arena and his return to private life. He was at this time financially a poor man, but, observing that a railroad extending northwest from Toledo across the peninsula of Michigan would serve as an outlet for a valuable and productive territory that was then largely without such facilities, he soon took steps to construct such a line. General Ashley went to the East, where he interested capitalists in the project and secured valuable terminal facilities in Toledo from the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, at a figure far below their real value. With his eldest son, James M., Jr., he constructed the proposed road, which became known as the Toledo, Ann Arbor & North Michigan Railroad, and they also established and operated a fleet of train-carrying ferry boats between the terminal of the above railroad on the shores of Lake Michigan and Gladstone, Michigan, on the upper peninsula of the state and on the opposite shore of the lake. The new railway soon became one of the important transportation lines of the Northwest and enabled General Ashley to retrieve his shattered fortune. On the line of the railroad thus developed by him was established, in Gratiot County, Michigan, a town that was named Ashley, in his honor, and the same is now a thriving village. In 1890 General Ashley re-entered politics and again secured the republican nomination for Congress in the Toledo District, but he failed to gain the support of all of the party leaders in the district and was defeated at the polls. In 1892 he was again the republican nominee for the same office, but he was again unsuccessful. General Ashley died at Alma, Michigan, on the 16th of September, 1896, leaving a widow and four children. In the year 1851 General Ashley was married to Miss Emma J. Smith, of Portsmouth, Ohio, and the four children born of this union are James M., Henry W., Charles S., and Mary, who is the wife of Edward R. Hewitt, of New York City. WATSON W. FARNSWORTH. During the past century the Maumee Valley has had no more prominent or useful family than the Farnsworths. They located there in the years closely following the War of 1812, and took a strong and secure hold on the soil, and as farmers, fruit growers and good citizens, their influence has been widespread. Close to the old home town of Waterville, Watson W. Farnsworth, a grandson of the 1312 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO original settler here, has achieved notable results in the field of horticulture. In fact, he is one of the horticultural authorities not only of Ohio but the United States. He has developed, in later years, with the aid of his children, a fruit business which deserves to rank along with the leading manufacturing industries of the neighboring City of Toledo. While his own business has flourished and made him very successful, his influence has not been confined to his private affairs, but as a teacher and lecturer on horticultural subjects he has done much to elevate the industry throughout the United States. While his family has been identified with Northwest Ohio for many years, it is also one of the oldest American families. The name, spelled variously as Ffarneworth, Ffernworth, or Ffernoth, appears on English records as early as 1297. By 1750 it was quite common in various parts of England. This particular branch traces its ancestry back to Mathias Farnsworth, who was born in England in 1612. Coming to America he settled at Lynn, Massachusetts, and owned a farm on present Federal Street. He married Mary Fair and died in 1689. During his lifetime another ancestor of W. W. Farnsworth, Richard Pray, was living in Providence, Rhode Island. Mathias Farnsworth had eleven children. Of these Mathias Jr. the third, was born in 1649. He married Sarah Nutting and lived in Groton, Massachusetts. He served in. Major Willard's Company at Brookfield during King Philip's war. The third of his six children was Josiah, who was born in 1687 and who married Mary Pierce. They had eleven children, and of them James, who was born in 1827, was the fifth. James Farnsworth distinguished himself as a general in the Revolutionary war. He resided at Charleston, New Hampshire. He and his wife, Susanna, were the parents of six children. The third of these was Benjamin, who was born in 1763. He married Rebecca Wilson, and one of their children was Ralph Farnsworth, the grandfather of Watson W. Ralph Farnsworth emigrated from Caledonia, Vermont, to Waterville, Lucas County, Ohio, in the years between 1815 and 1820. A tanner by trade, he followed that business for a good many years after locating in Waterville, and was also one of the prominent citizens of that locality. He was the first town clerk of Waterville Township. He also acted as justice of the peace, and while he had little more than a practical knowledge of law his fine sense of justice, his individual integrity, and his knowledge of human nature, lent considerable distinction to his administration of justice. On one occasion he was called upon in his official capacity to take cognizance of the Indian troubles at Roche Du Boeuf, where a number of Indians were pushed off the rock to death in the river. He exercised considerable ingenuity in evading trouble on this issue, finding that as this was a tribal custom and as the Indians were not citizens, they were accordingly not amenable to the laws of the white man and, therefore, could not be indicted or tried for murder as whites would have been under similar circumstances. It is probable that his decision avoided some serious breach between the whites and Indians. The whites were very few and widely scattered in this section of Ohio at the time, and any attempt to inflict formal and ,strict justice upon the Indian residents would likely have caused an uprising. After his arrival in Lucas County Ralph Farnsworth married Harriet Pray. She was a daughter of Squire John Pray. The Pray family in America goes back to Quinton Pray, who was born in England in 1595 and emigrated to America in 1643. He lived in Lynn and Braintree, Massachusetts. John and Lucy (Dunham) Pray, came to Ohio in 1818, settling on a farm on the present site of Waterville. As a surveyor he laid out that village. Ralph and Harriet (Pray) Farnsworth were the parents of four children : Ralph, born in 1827 ; John P., born in 1829 ; Junius, born in 1831; and James, born in 1833. John Pray Farnsworth, father of the Waterville horticulturist, was born at Waterville, Ohio, March 3, 1829. At the age of seventeen he was first married and a year later he built a house in the openings south of Swanton and removed his wife and baby to that locality. In the erection of that primitive home not a pound of iron was used, and the timbers were bolted together with wooden pins instead of nails. Seven years later he moved from that location and established himself on the farm just west of Waterville. He followed farming and finally retired from active responsibilities at the age of sixty, and lived in Waterville until his death, June 27, 1909. Of his first marriage the only child is Mrs. Joseph P. Miller. He married for his second wife Annis B. Wales, who was a talented school teacher of Bellevue, Ohio. To this union were born the following: Watson HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 1313 W.; Mary H., born in 1858 ; John A., in 1861; Willard G., in 1864; Ida F., in 1866; Ralph, in 1870 ; and Delmar J., in 1873. The mother of these children passed away May 4, 1913. Watson W. Farnsworth was born Novem-. ber 21, 1856, in a log house that stood in an orchard about a mile west of Waterville. That old homestead is now included in his large fruit farm. Certain people might find some connection between the fact that he was born in an orchard and from early youth has manifested a strong practical interest in scientific fruit growing. When other boys were playing he would be digging up shoots, transplanting them, and in such manner mastered all branches of fruit husbandry. His formal education came from the Waterville schools together with one year in the Maumee Seminary. After his marriage he bought ten acres of land from his uncle, Thomas Pray, and this land was surrounded with a rail fence, but had no other improvement. Here he made his beginning as a farmer, specializing from the first in fruit growing, and his career exemplifies how great a success may be acquired in such a vocation. His early knowledge of horticulture no doubt came almost entirely from practical experience. Few men equal him in ability to observe and make careful scientific deduction from what he sees. He has also read and studied extensively and has himself been a contributor to horticultural literature. He has studied the various phases of disease prevention and knows the habits of the better known pests, which blight many fruit enterprises. For twenty winters Mr. Farnsworth has spent much of his time in lecturing before farm institutes and has given horticultural addresses in fully half the states of the Union. The Farnsworth place is known far and wide as Clover Leaf Farm, and its fruit orchards have been visited by fruit growers from all sections of the country. In order to handle the increasing interests of the business and provide opportunities for younger members of the family to share in its management, the business was incorporated some years ago as W. W. Farnsworth Company. They now have 140 acres in fruit and ship from one to two carloads every day during the bearing season. The company maintains its own cold storage plant, and has a large sum invested in equipment and facilities for prompt and efficient handling of the crop. In the course of a year they use fifteen carloads of fruit packages of various kinds. On June 16, 1881, Mr. Farnsworth married Anna Norton. On October 4, 1911, he married for his second wife Adelaide A. Counter of North Toledo, daughter of C. W. Counter. Mr. Farnsworth's two children are by his first wife : Ruth E., born April 9, 1887 ; and Frank Norton, born March 12, 1892. The daughter Ruth is a graduate of the Waterville High School and was a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University, and is the wife of William E. Young, who is associated with the W. W. Farnsworth Company. Mr. and Mrs. Young have four children, Paul Farnsworth, Charles Watson, Lawrence Eugene, and Wil- liam Edward. The son, Frank Farnsworth, graduated from the Waterville High School and from St. Paul School of Agriculture, St. Paul, Minnesota, in which he graduated head of his class. Is now a member of the company associated with his father and brother-in-law. He married Helen Winn of Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Mr. Farnsforth has always taken a deep interest in the work of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for almost forty years has served as superintendent of the Sunday School at Waterville. Politically he is an independent republican. Because of his civic standing and also as representative of a special Ohio industry, he was chosen as a delegate to the last Constitutional Convention of Ohio. He is a prominent member of the Lucas County Horticultural Society and the Ohio State Horticultural Society, and has served both as president and secretary of the state organization. He is also president of the Toledo Rex Spray Company, and is interested in the Waterville State Savings Bank and the Citizens Telephone Company of Waterville. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order. H. FRANK VAN FLEET. Another of the prominent pioneer families in the Waterville community of Lucas County is represented by H. Frank Van Fleet, who is one of the best known citizens of the county, has enjoyed a successful career as a farmer, and at various times has filled a number of public responsibilities in his home township and village and also in the county at large. He was born December 13, 1849, on his father's farm three miles northwest of Waterville. His people have lived in that section for fully eighty-five years. His grandfather, Mathias Van Fleet, was of Pennsylvania stock, but moved from Dayton, Ohio, to 1314 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO Waterville in the early '30s. Some years later, when the dispute between Michigan Territory and Ohio over the boundaries became acute and resulted in what is historically known as the Toledo war, he served as colonel of a local militia company. He was a very prominent farmer and land owner, and at one time owned 1,000 acres of land surrounding Waterville. Charles Van Fleet, father of H. Frank, was nine years old when his parents moved to the Waterville community, and he also followed farming as a vocation throughout his active career. He died in 1884 at the age of sixty-two. He married Sarah M. Webb. H. Frank Van Fleet grew up in Lucas County, and received his education in the Waterville schools, and one year in the Maumee Seminary. When twenty-one he started out for himself and began farming three miles northwest of Waterville on Dutch Road, now known as German Avenue. That was the scene of his activities until 1885. His father in the meantime had moved into the edge of Waterville, and following his death Frank Van Fleet bought the interests of the other heirs and moved to the farm, which he still occupies. His son now looks after the operation of the farm, while Mr. Van Fleet himself is partially retired, finding enough to occupy his attention in looking after his private interests. He is prominent in the business life of Waterville, and is president of the Waterville State Savings Bank and is a stockholder in the Citizens Telephone Company of Waterville. In 1872 he married Sadie Bradley, daughter of Abel B. and Laura Bradley of Wood County, where they settled in the '50s, coming from Akron, where the Bradleys were among the pioneer settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Van Fleet have the following children : Nellie B., who is married and whose husband is connected with the Toledo Abstract Company ; Leanore, wife of D. J. Farnsworth, who is manager of the Citizens Telephone Company ; Merle G., who manages his father's farm, married Anna Taylor. Aside from the practical interests of business, many institutions and movements in his home community have benefited by the public spirit of Mr. Van Fleet. He is active in the Presbyterian Church and is now and has been for fifteen years superintendent of its Sunday School. He is affiliated with the Masonic Order. Reared a democrat, he is now independent and votes for the man rather than for the party. In the county at large he served one term as county commissioner, and among other local offices he was for years on the town council, on the local school board twenty-three years, and also township trustee. He is now member of the county school board, and is one of the board of trustees managing the Children's Home. HOLLAND C. WEBSTER, who died March 11, 1917, was senior member of the firm of Webster, Kirtley & Connolly, lawyers, with offices in the Spitzer Building. Mr. Webster's position not only as a lawyer but as a citizen and public leader has been one of growing prominence and influence at Toledo for the past fifteen years. He was born in Marion, Ohio, December 31, 1876, a son of Rev. L. C. and Angeline (B 'Dillon) Webster. His father was born near Hartford, Knox County, Ohio, January 14, 1830, and the mother was born near West Liberty in Logan County, Ohio, in 1835. They were married at West Liberty June 1, 1856, and they now live retired at Marion. Rev. Mr. Webster began teaching at the age of twenty-one, then studied for the ministry at Delaware, and until about twenty years ago was one of the most prominent Ohio ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He filled pastorates in many places as a member of the Central Ohio Conference, though the greater part of his work was done in Northwest Ohio, and was twice presiding elder of the Findley District. Shortly before his death which occurred at Marion, May 27, 1916, he celebrated his eighty-sixth birthday with the congratulations and well wishes of a host of friends all over this section of the state. He and his wife had five children, two sons and three daughters. All are living except the youngest daughter who became the wife of Dr. W. A. Belt and died in 1899 and Holland C. The oldest daughter is Mrs. S. E. DeWolfe of Marion. The second is the wife of Dr. Frank Felix of Cleveland. The other son is Don R., who is in the wholesale grocery business in Denver, Colorado. The youngest of the children, Holland C. Webster spent his early childhood and youth in the various localities where hits father served as a minister. He acquired his education in public schools at Delphos, Kenton, Carey and Toledo. He was a college man having spent five years in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, where he graduated in June, 1898. He took not only the classical course but the course of law, and after leaving the university he gained a further practical HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 1315 preparation for his profession by six months of experience in the office of Hon. George Crane, a leading attorney of Kenton, Ohio. Admitted to the bar in October, 1898, Mr. Webster located at Toledo on the first of December in the same year. His first practice was done in the office of Judge John Kumler. Mr. Webster never spared himself in his devotion to his profession, but handled a large and important litigation with consummate skill, and was credited with being one of the hardest working lawyers in Toledo. On May 1, 1904, he was appointed second assistant prosecuting attorney for Lucas County, and served in that capacity until January 1, 1906. It was his service in this office which brought him general recognition for solid ability and industry, and after that he was more or less constantly prominent in public affairs. In January, 1906, he was retained as the legal counsellor for all of the county boards and county officials, and he looked after the varied and multiplex duties of that office for one year. Politically he was a strong and active republican. In the campaign of 1908, while he was absent from the city, and with no manifestation of desire on his party for the honor, he was nominated as the party's candidate for the office of prosecuting attorney. In the November election he was successful by a majority of thirty-six hundred votes. The significance of this majority can be better understood when it is recalled that the 1908 campaign in Lucas County was one in which the independent voters appeared as legion and exercised a dominating influence on the results, which were of a. decidedly mixed character. Each candidate was compelled to stand or fall upon his record and merit. On January 4, 1909, Mr. Webster entered upon the duties of his office as prosecuting attorney, and he filled it to the advantage of every legitimate interest in the county for two successive terms, from January 4, 1909, to January 1, 1913. A large body of responsible citizens could be found who would declare that Lucas County never had a more painstaking official than Mr. Webster as prosecuting attorney. On leaving this office in 1913, Mr. Webster was engaged in individual lawpractice for one year and then took as partner Fred Kirtley. In 1915 the firm was further extended by the addition of A. F. Connolly. This firm now enjoys a splendid_ practice in all the courts and have a fine suite of offices in the Spitzer Building. The interests of Mr. Webster extended not only to law and politics but also to military and social affairs. For some time he was captain of the First Company Signal Corps of the Ohio National Guard. In 1911 he organized Troop D, First Squadron, Ohio National Guard Cavalry, was its captain the first j ear, and then retired. He was a member of Sanford L. Collins Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and was especially active and prominent in the Toledo Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. It was his distinction to be the only member of the latter body who has been twice elected exalted ruler. During 1908 he was made exalted ruler of Toledo Lodge No. 53, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and was representative to the Grand Lodge which met in Los Angeles, California, in July, 1909. During his term as exalted ruler in 1908 the lodge made great progress both financially and in membership. In the spring of 1915 he was again elected exalted ruler. Here again this honor was paid to him unsolicited and as a mark of the high esteem felt for him by his fellow members. He was elected while away from the city and a further honor was bestowed upon him on his return in the pre- sentation by his fellow Elks of a beautiful diamond pin, At the time of his death he was captain of the "Cherry Pickers" drill squad for Toledo lodge. Mr. Webster also belonged to the Lucas County Bar Association, the Toledo Club, the Toledo Commerce Club and the Toledo Automobile Club, and was a loyal member of the Phi Kappa Psi College fraternity. On July 25, 1903, Mr. Webster married Miss Ezma Kutz. Her father was the late Henry Kutz, a well-known oil producer in Hancock County, Ohio. RICHARD MILLARD MCKEE, son of James and Anne (Moore) McKee, was born at Waynesburg, Crawford County, Ohio, July 26, 1844. His early life on a farm was without particular incident until on February 21, 1865, he enlisted as a private in Company E of the One Hundred and Ninety-first Ohio Infantry. He was with his regiment during the closing months of the rebellion, receiving his discharge on August 27, 1865. After being mustered out and receiving his pay as a soldier he entered Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, in the fall of 1865.. January 1, 1868, he came to Toledo and became a student employee in the firm of 1316 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO Bissell and Gorrill, where he studied law until he was admitted to the bar in 1871. Having qualified himself for practice of law he was admitted to membership in the firm of Bissell and Gorrill and became a valued associate until the firm was finally dissolved in 1894, at the time of the death of Edward Bissell. Mr. McKee devoted the greater part of his time to examining titles to real estate in Lucas County, Ohio. By concentration on this specialty, toward which he displayed great interest, he acquired an almost cyclopedic knowledge, and other members of the local bar referred to him as an authority on real estate law. During the later years of his practice, his son, Albert P. McKee, was associated with him. Mr. McKee was an active member of the Lucas County Bar Association. He never aspired to political office though he served four years as a member of the board of education of the City of Toledd. He was a member of Forsythe Post, Grand Army of the Republic, also Ideal Council of the National Union and Toledo Council of the Royal Arcanum, being particularly prominent in the Royal Arcanum. He was more than a hard working, careful and able lawyer. He stood for the best things in life and character, being a leader in fraternal affairs, and there was a generous company of old friends and associates who sincerely mourned his death, which occurred at his home in Toledo on March 25, 1907. He was married to Sarah Elizabeth Faulkner at Urbana, Ohio, September 13, 1877. She died October 1, 1901. A family monument marks their resting place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Toledo, Ohio. The best characterization of his life can be found in a partial quotation from a memorial found in the proceedings of the thirtieth annual session of the Grand Council of Ohio, Royal Arcanum, held at Columbus in April, 1907. "Brother McKee was initiated into Toledo Council No. 21, June 13, 1879. He soon became regent of the council and was chosen to represent it in the Grand Council of Ohio, at the eleventh annual session, held at Columbus in 1888. His sterling qualities were soon recognized in the Grand Council, when he was elected regent at Cincinnati in 1894. During his term the order gained 666 in membership in Ohio, and three new councils were instituted in the state. He represented the Grand Council of Ohio in the Su preme Council in 1899, 1900, 1902 and 1903. In the death of Richard M. McKee a leader in the ranks of fraternal workers has been stricken down. He believed in fraternity as the corner stone upon which the superstructure of the Royal Arcanum was builded, and practiced in his daily life those virtues that made his associations with his fellow men helpful and uplifting. He had great natural powers, a firm will, cool judgment and tireless energy. His manner was gentle and he cared nothing for the pomp and circumstance of life. He loved justice and practiced it. Helpful to the weak and generous to the afflicted, he was true to his obligations. No words can more fittingly describe his character than to say that he was an honest, sincere and manly man." MARY ELIZABETH SCOTT HOAG is a woman who has made a striking success in a business field seldom invaded by members of her sex, and is recognized as one of the shrewdest judges of real estate values and one of the most competent realty owners and brokers in the City of Toledo. She represents a family that has been identified with Northwest Ohio from pioneer times. She was born at Genoa in Ottawa County, Ohio, on Christmas Day, 1866. In ancestry she is of English and Scotch stock. Her father, Benjamin Scott, though a native of New Jersey, was of Scottish lineage. Her mother, Lydia (Kent) Scott, was born in England, and her ancestors were highly honored people of that country. Her father and mother were married in New York, and in an early day came west to Lucas County, Ohio. The entire journey was made in covered wagons with teams. Railroads were practically unknown west of the Allegheny Mountains. It was a journey fraught with privations and hardships, and not without danger from the lurking bands of hostile Indians or outlaws that infested the way. Benjamin Scott and family came directly to Toledo, and he was one of the pioneer settlers there. His name is identified as one of the associates in a very early real estate firm in Lucas County. Benjamin Scott and wife had eleven children, three of whom are still living, one daughter and two sons. Mr. Benjamin Scott died April 7, 1883, and his faithful wife survived him a little more than a month, passing away May 17, 1883. Her brother, Thomas Scott, was a soldier in the Civil war in Company A of the Four- HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 1317 teenth Ohio Regiment, served three years and three months in the army, and his death occurred in Toledo, May 7, 1908. William Scott enlisted in the Union army as a boy, became a color bearer in Company K of the Fourteenth Ohio Regiment, and after a service of three years was killed in the battle of Chickamauga. George D. Scott is a prominent real estate man of Toledo. Winfield Scott is a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan, engaged in the brass fixture business. A grand uncle of Mrs. Hoag on the paternal side was a gallant soldier in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war. Her uncle, Thomas Scott and cousin, Dr. Walter Scott, were prominent men in New York State. Mrs. Hoag is also a relative of Mrs. Caroline (Scott) Harrison, a daughter of Dr. John W. Scott, the noted educator, and widow of the late President Benjamin Harrison. Mrs. Hoag grew up in Toledo, attended the public schools, and since early womanhood has been engaged in the real estate business. For many years she has been in close touch with the realty situation here, and out of experience has formulated a judgment of values which is seldom if ever in error. She has steadily held her own in this field, and the confidence reposed in her judgment is well reflected in the fact that many of her brother associates in real estate circles frequently consult her and rely on her judgment. She is a woman of great business tact, and has gained a large circle of clients and many friends. Besides the business which she conducts from her office in her. home at 323 Thirteenth Street, Mrs. Hoag owns considerable valuable property in Toledo. As to politics she is a republican. She has always taken an active interest in questions pertaining to the public welfare, especially to her home City of Toledo. Since girlhood she has been a member of the First Congregational Church, and has given her time and means liberally to its charitable and benevolent objects. On June 27, 1894, she married Walter W. Hoag of Toledo, son of William J. and Ruth (Adams) Hoag. His parents came to Toledo from New York State and were also among the early settlers of Lucas County. FRANK S. NOWICKI. A young attorney who has already won distinction in the legal profession and in politics and civic affairs, with present offices in the Nicholas Building at Vol. II-42 Toledo, was born in Toledo, October 5, 1888 ; Frank S. Nowicki is a son of Stanislaus W. and Tekla (Wisniewski) Nowicki. His father was born in German Poland, while his mother was a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, her father Peter Wisniewski having come from Poland to America more than fifty years ago and for the past thirty-five years has lived at Toledo or vicinity. Peter Wisniewski is now past eighty-three years of age and has a good farm out on Hill Avenue five miles from the city limits of Toledo. Stanislaus W. Nowicki received his early education in Poland, came to the United States alone at the age of eighteen, and has since been a resident of Toledo. He and his wife were married in this city and he has long been prominent among the people of their nationality. The father conducts a dry-goods store at the corner of Hoag and Blum streets in the Tenth Ward, a ward composed almost entirely of Polish population. The father has been a business man in that section for the past twenty-one years. Both parents are also active in church societies, are members of St. Anthony's Parish and Stanislaus Nowicki was one of the organizers of the Polish National Alliance in Toledo. They have a fine family of nine children, seven sons and two daughters all living. The oldest of that family, Frank S. Nowicki as a boy attended St. Anthony's parochial school, though for one year he was a student in the Hoag and for another year at Waite public schools. Entering St. John's University at Toledo, he took a full seven years course. He was graduated A. B. in 1909, in 1910 received the Master's degree, and in 1913 was awarded the degree LL. B. as a mark of his having completed the course in the law department. Admitted to the Ohio bar in June, 1913, he began practice and on January 1, 1914, opened his own office. In politics he has shown great proficiency and is one of the young leaders in Toledo democracy. He campaigned with Hon. Brand Whitlock, now United States Minister to Belgium, when the latter made his race for mayor the second time in 1909, and was a member of the executive committee and took care of the Polish interests for Mr. Whitlock. He was also active in the campaign of Mayor Milroy in the fall of 1915, being a member of the campaign ,committee. On February 11 and 12, 1916, Mr. Nowicki served as police judge by appointment from Mayor Milroy during the temporary absence from 1318 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO the city of Judge Austin, the regular incumbent of that office. Mr. Nowicki made a vigorous campaign over practically the entire state in 1914 in behalf of the Home Rule Amendment. He is a member of the Toledo Commerce Club, the Polish Commerce Club of the Tenth Ward, of which he was formerly secretary, of the Polish National Alliance, the Polish Roman Catholic Alliance, the Polish American League, the Knights of Columbus, the St. John's University Alumni, and belongs to St. Anthony's and St. Stanislaus' Catholic parishes of Toledo. He is a member of the Lucas County Bar Association. His home is at 1420 Indiana Avenue. Mr. Nowicki is a devotee of the national pastime of baseball. On October 22, 1913, he married Miss Helen E. Suplicki of Cleveland. They were married in St. Anthony's Church at Toledo. Mrs. Nowicki was born in Cleveland, received her education in the St. Stanislaus Parochial School of that city, and also in the Ursuline convent at Toledo. Mr. and Mrs. Nowieki have two children, Andrew S., and Frank J., who were born in Toledo. MAURICE W. SCHLINGMAN is a son of Henry A. Schlingman, head of The American Plumbers Supply Company of Toledo, whose splendid business career has been sketched elsewhere in this publication. The son was born at Toledo August 24, 1886, was educated in the public schools, and by thorough training and experience has become one of the competent architects of the city. For several years he worked as an architectural draftsman for Thomas F. Huber and George S. Mills. Mr. Schlingman has been interested in military affairs and served three years in the Ohio National Guard. He is a member of Rubicon Lodge of the Masonic Order, of the Toledo Club and the Toledo Commerce Club. On July 1, 1911, he married Miss Helen Riggle, daughter of James Riggle. They have one daughter, Martha, and a son Robert. STEPHEN HELFRICH. There is hardly any institution in Lucas County surpassing in importance to the general welfare the Lucas County Infirmary. Situated in one of the most populous counties of the state, its functions are correspondingly great; and it has to provide for the care and maintenance of a great number of unfortunate people. There are three distinct departments in the infirm ary, consisting of the infirmary proper, and the tubercular hospital, and the general hospital. At the present writing about 500 persons are cared for in these three departments, and there is now under construction a building to be used as an open air school for children.. It was fortunate for all these inmates and for the county at large when Stephen Helfrich assumed his duties as superintendent of the infirmary on February 1, 1916. Mr. Helfrich is a widely known citizen of Lucas County. For. many years 'he has been in active business as a merchant at Raab in Spencer Township, and his capability in business affairs and his responsibility in positions of trust are beyond all question. Representing a very old and prominent German family of Northwest Ohio, Mr. Helfrich was born a half mild west of Raab in Richfield township, a son of Frederick and Mary (Pitzen) Helfrich. His grandfather; Valentine Helfrich emigrated from Hesse, Germany, about 1841, lived for a time at Maumee and later with his son Frederick, who subsequently cleared up a farm in Richfield Township. Mr. Helfrich's mother, Mary Pitzen, was a daughter of Adam Pitzen, who came from Prussia and settled in Providence Township of Lucas County about 1842. Frederick Helfrich and wife were the parents of seven children, as follows : John, deceased; Frances, married; Barbara, married ; Anthony; Frederick Jr.; Mary, who is matron of the Lucas County Infirmary ; and Stephen. Stephen Helfrich married Julia Welzbacher, a daughter of Anthony Welzbacher, a well known citizen of Raab. To their marriage were born the following children : Irene F., 'who has joined the sisters of the Order of Notre Dame ; Louis E., who manages his father's store while Mr. Helfrich is attending to his duties as superintendent of the infirmary ; Flora B., who is secretary to her father at the infirmary ; and Cletus S., Magdalene M., Stephen J. Dorothy C., Catherine N. and Romaine W., all of whom are still at home. Mr. Helfrich was reared and educated in Lucas County and at the beginning of his career became a farmer, renting the old homestead. On November 20, 1892, he started a general store at Raab and has been a successful merchant in that locality for nearly twenty-five years. Politically he is a democrat, and has rendered valuable service to HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 1319 his community in many ways. He served three terms on the school board, was notary public twelve years and justice of the peace sixteen years. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church and he is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Knights of Ohio. JAMES L. DEAN. The family represented by James L. Dean, one of the enterprising independent farmers of Sylvania Township in Lucas County, has been identified with that section of Northwest Ohio since very early time. The early pioneers long since completed their task and have been called to their reward, but it is only due to their memory that something should be placed in a permanent record concerning their lives. In the live and stirring times of the twentieth-century James L. Dean is doing his share of work and carrying unusual responsibilities as a farmer and citizen. The grandfather of James L. Dean was James Madison Dean, who came to Lucas County long before Toledo had attained any special prominence as a great city. He was the first settler near Holland in Spencer Township. In the early days his tavern was one of the prominent landmarks along the highways leading through this section of Ohio. It was known as Dean's Tavern, and was situated on the road west from Holland. Long before railroad communication 'was established, and in the constant stream of traffic that passed this way with wagons and ox teams, Dean's Tavern prospered and flourished and afforded an excellent service to all who were its guests. When the Dean family was first established in this country the Indians were still numerous, and many red men ,visited the old tavern. A son of this old tavern keeper was Hanford Dean, who spent many years as a farmer in Ohio and Michigan. He married Lydia Van Alstine. Lydia Dean was born in Lucas County and was a daughter of Jacob Van Alstine, who was both a prominent and early settler of Sylvania Township, locating near where Silica now stands, but at a time when that entire district was in the woods. Indians were, not infrequent visitors at the Van Alstine home, and Lydia grew up amid pioneer surroundings. In the early days when the Van Alstine and Dean families were first established here it was necessary to go horseback thirty or forty miles to get wheat or corn ground. On the old farm in Sylvania Township James L. Dean was born November 22, 1864. He worked at home and in other places for several years after reaching his majority, and for the past thirty years has been farming on sections sixteen and seventeen of Sylvania Township. He has been a hard and thrifty worker, has also been a good manager, but has never been content to turn over the duties and responsibilities of his farm to others and has preferred to perform much of the heavy work required about his place. His present place is seventy-one acres of productive land. About two years ago he added forty acres to this, located in section twenty, and that land was uncleared, but he has cleared it since purchasing, doing most of the work himself, and now has it entirely in cultivation. In August, 1891, Mr. Dean married Sarah Gahrung, who was reared in Sylvania Township, a daughter of John Gahrung. Mrs. Dean died in August, 1904, the mother of four children, Alma W., Hazel, Clyde and Alson. Politically Mr. Dean is a republican, but has preferred to make his activities as a home builder and farmer constitute his best public service, and has never sought public office. However, he served some time on the local school board. He is a member of the Protected Home Circle. HOWARD CLARKE is now the active representative of the Clarke family, which has been identified with Northwest Ohio since the very early days, a period covering fully eighty years. Mr. Clarke resides at the old Clarke homestead two miles east of Berkey in Richfield Township. His honored father, J. S. Clarke, .who is living with him, was born in Gloucestershire, England, February 17, 1827, a son of John Clarke. In 1836 the family came to the United States, making the journey by sailing. vessel. They located on Pipe Creek near Sandusky, Ohio, but in 1845 moved to a place a mile north of Bellvue, where John Clarke and wife died. About 1848 J. S. Clarke left home and at Detroit enlisted for service in the Mexican war, which was then about ended. He took service with the Third United States Dragoons. While he got only. as far as Jefferson Barracks at St. Louis, there is special interest in noticing how the regiment went to the front and how Mr. Clarke returned. Going south from Detroit the journey was made entirely by water. 1320 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO From Detroit the troops came to Toledo, then embarked on a boat which went down. the canal to Cincinnati, and thence by river boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi to Jefferson barracks. After being mustered out, J. S. Clarke returned from. St. Louis and again made the entire journey by water, but by a different route. He proceeded up the Mississippi to the mouth of the Illinois River, from there by river boat as far as LaSalle, Illinois, and then embarked on the recently completed canal between LaSalle and Chicago. At Chicago he took .a lake boat and two weeks after leaving St. Louis arrived at Detroit. After this brief military experience, he spent a year at Bellvue, was then in the grocery and butcher business at Monroeville, Ohio, a year, the next year being spent on one of his father's farms in Huron County, and he then entered a partnership with another young man and bought 640 acres of timbered land at $5 an acre on the Detroit River, about 'nine miles below Detroit. The next five years were spent there in clearing up the land and in converting the trees into wood.. He then returned to Huron County, worked one of his father's farms a year, and in the meantime sold the Michigan tract of land at $10 an acre, thus doubling his original investment. In 1856 J. S. Clarke moved to Lucas County and bought 160 acres from Mr. Bancroft, two miles north of Sylvania. That was his home farm until 1870, when he bought the John G. Klink 160 acres in Richfield Township, about two miles east of Berkey. There he has had his home for the past forty-five years. After his son Howard married, J. S. Clarke': turned over the management of the farm to the younger man, and is now living in quiet retirement, upwards of ninety years of age. In 1853 in Huron County, J. S. Clarke was married at the Trinity Episcopal Church to Emily Prentice. She was reared in Monroeville of Huron County, and died in 1884. Three of their children died as children, and the oldest daughter, Louise M., died after her marriage to Dr. A. B. Lathrop. The three jiving children are : Florence, wife of Edgar Lathrop of Lorain County, Ohio ; Howard; and Grace, wife of Louis Ford, a merchant at Berkey. Howard Clarke was married in 1891 to Laverne Printup, a daughter of John and Caroline (Cassidy) Printup, of Sylvania Township. The Printup family were among the pioneers of Lucas County, settling in Sylvania Township as early as 1836. Mrs. Clarke's mother and father are living retired at Sylvania, both at advanced ages. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Clarke have four children: Chauncey M., Carmen, Imogene and Thelma. J. S. Clarke became identified with the republican party at the time of its organization sixty years ago, and while he has usually voted at every election, he has with difficulty been. induced to take any interest in practical politics. At one time he was elected justice of the peace but refused to qualify, and at another time refused to become a candidate for county commissioner. Howard Clarke is considerable of an independent so far as politics is concerned, and has as little desire for office as his father. Aside from farming he is a director of the Agricultural Society of Lucas County. ARTHUR A. SWARTZ has practiced law in Toledo seven years. Besides the honor and success that he has attained as a capable lawyer, he is also well known for his connection with the law department of Toledo University. He represents one of the substantial agricultural families of Northwest Ohio. His birth occurred in Webster Township of Wood County, Ohio, July 20, 1881. His parents are Andrew and Caroline (Graves) Swartz, now living in Luckey, Wood County. The grandfather Frederick Swartz, emigrated from Wurtemburg, Germany, as did the young girl whose acquaintance he subsequently made in this country, and after their marriage they established a home in Liverpool, Medina. County, Ohio, From there they moved to Stony Ridge in Wood County, where Frederick Swartz spent the rest of his years. His widow subsequently ,lived in the home of a daughter in Toledo, Ohio, until her death: Caroline (Graves) Swartz was born in Hanover, Germany, and when about fourteen years of age came. to the United States with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Henry Graves, who about fifty years ago settled on a farm a mile south of Pemberville, Ohio, spending the rest of their. days there. Andrew Swartz and Caroline Graves were married April 21, 1878, at Stony Ridge, Ohio. They lived on the farm where their son Arthur was born until moving to Luckey, Ohio, in 1916. Andrew Swartz had twin brothers, Fred and Jacob Swartz, who were strikingly alike in size, HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 1321 figure and manner, so much so that one could hardly be distinguished from the other. Both were soldiers in the Civil war. Jacob was stricken with illness while in the service and is buried at Bowling Green, Kentucky. In one of the battles in which he engaged Fred was wounded by a shell. The report reached his old home at Stony Ridge, Ohio, that he had been killed. He was lamented as dead and his funeral service was preached, but not long after, he arrived to contradict the funeral ceremony, and though crippled for some months, he has now for more than fifty years been a prosperous farmer in the Stony Ridge community of Wood County and a man of more than ordinary prominence in that locality. He is now retired. Mr. Andrew Swartz, who spent his active career as a farmer, still owns the eighty acres in the old farm ; and town property at Luckey, Ohio. He has the esteem which is paid integrity, of character and sound business judgment. There were four sons in the family, Arthur A., being the oldest. Henry C. lives on the old farm ; Warren E. is a resident of Toledo ; Carl A. also has his home in Toledo. Arthur A. Swartz had the stimulating and wholesome, environment of a farm and good parents during his youth. He was educated in a country school at Dunbridge, Ohio, in the Ohio Northern University at Ada, and in the old Ohio University at Athens. Like many successful professional men he taught school, being connected with the schools of Wood County three years. Largely with his earnings of his work as teacher, in September 1905 he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, graduating with the degree LL. B. in June, 1908. In the same month he was admitted to the Michigan bar, before the Supreme Court at Lansing, Michigan, and in December following was admitted before the Supreme Court of Columbus, Ohio. Since May, 1910, he has been in active practice at Toledo, Ohio. For the first two years he had offices in the Gardner Building and since in the Nicholas Building. For the past six years Mr. Swartz has served as secretary of the law department of Toledo University. For two years he was instructor of negotiable instruments; for the next two years of bailments and carriers and pleading; and for the past two years has taught the law of judgments and executions and corporation law. He also lectured on commercial law at the Metropolitan Business College in Toledo in 1912-13. Mr. Swartz is a member of the American Academy of Political and Social Science ; belongs to the Lucas County Bar Association ; is a republican ; affiliated with Central Grove Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; a' member of Toledo Commerce Club, Toledo Automobile Club, The Riverside Boat Club, and a life member of the University of. Michigan Union. He has neglected no opportunity to make his influence felt in church affairs and is very active in 'the Epworth Methodist Church and Sunday school, and was formerly a teacher in the latter. At Toledo August 7, 1908, Mr. Swartz married Miss Emily E. Dent, a daughter of Isaac and Martha (Emmitt) Dent of Webster Township, 'Wood County. The Emmitt family settled in Webster Township in pioneer times and the Dents were also identified with that community. Isaac Dent was born in England and his wife, of English descent, was born and reared near Norwalk, Ohio, from which locality her parents removed to Wood County. Mr. and Mrs. Dent are still living on their farm in Webster Township, Wood County. Mrs. Swartz, who was born in Webster Township of Wood County, attended the public schools at Bowling Green, Ohio, and later the Ohio Northern University at Ada. For about nine years before her marriage she was an unusually able and popular teacher in the public schools of Wood County. Mr. and Mrs. Swartz have' two children, Arthur Barton and Helen Gwendolyn, both of whom were born in Toledo. The family have their city home at 3150 Detroit Avenue. Mr. Swartz is now building a fine residence on the River Road within the corporate limits of Maumee, one of the most delightful suburban districts around Toledo. URIAH A. COOKE, M. D. It is as a capable physician and surgeon that Dr. Uriah A. Cooke has his useful and influential part in the community around Sylvania. He has been in practice about twenty years in Sylvania, and his ability is regarded as second to none, and aside from the service he has rendered through his profession he has also been active in local affairs. Born January 3, 1870, near Metamora, in Lucas County, Ohio, Doctor Cooke is a son of Thomas and Eleanor Cooke, both of whom are still living on the old farm near Metamora, which they have occupied for a great 1322 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO many years. The father is now eighty-eight years of age and his mother eighty-three. Thomas Cooke was a native of Ireland, came to this country at the age of twenty-eight, and first lived at Akron before taking up his residence on the old homestead farm. Reared on that farm, Doctor Cooke found his early training in the country schools and spent one year in the high school at Sylvania. The first opportunity for a useful work in life was presented him through the channel of teaching, and he taught in various schools for five years. He then entered the Valparaiso University, from which he was graduated in the scientific department in 1893. He continued his medical studies there, but completed his professional education at Toledo, where he was graduated April 14, 1897. In the same week that he received his diploma he moved to Sylvania and opened an office which he has now conducted continuously for almost twenty years.. He is a general practitioner, and experience added to his natural qualifications has brought him a most reputable position in the profession. Politically he is a republican, as his father was before him. For fourteen years he served on the school board of Sylvania and then was secretary of the board for two years. His activity in a public way has largely gone out to support and encourage public education, and it was largely through his efforts that the high school at Sylvania was raised from a second to a first grade school. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Sylvania Lodge of Masons, with Fort Meigs Chapter Royal Arch Masons at Toledo, and with the Protected Home Circle. At Sylvania he was married September 22, 1897, soon after beginning practice, to Miss Ethel M. Kimball. They are the parents of one daughter, Elizabeth, who is now attending high school. ANDREW JAMES CHERRY. Now living quietly retired at his home in Sylvania, Andrew James Cherry has been a 'resident of that community of Lucas County the greater part of his life, and in addition to those business activities which have enabled him to provide for his family and his own declining years he has rendered some effective public service to the. community. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, March 18, 1852. His father, William Cherry, was a native of Pennsylvania, moved from that state to Milan, Ohio, and afterwards to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Andrew J. Cherry was two years old when his mother died, and the father then took the children back to Milan and placed them in the home of his parents. In 1861 William Cherry enlisted in Company K of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer, Infantry. He was in active service with that regiment until he was captured in 1863, and thereafter endured more than a year and a half of the hardships and tortures of a Southern prison. He was in prison at Richmond three months, at Andersonville two months, and in Libby. prison four months. He was finally' exchanged in 1864 and left the army broken in health. In the meantime his mother -had taken his children to a home in Sylvania, that being in April, 1862,- and after his discharge from the army William Cherry moved to Sylvania and lived there until his death in 1899. His mother, the grandmother of Andrew J., died at Sylvania in 1885. Andrew J. Cherry had a brother Alexander, who died in Kalamazoo at the age of eight years, and another brother, George, now lives in Toledo. Reared from the age of ten years at Sylvania, Andrew J. Cherry received a fair education when a boy, and early learned the cooper's trade. In following that trade he has necessarily moved from place to place, until in 1890 he went to Toledo, where he had his home for nine years. In 1899 he retired to a farm near Sylvania, was an active farmer for some years, but since 1907 has lived, retired in Sylvania. On March 18, 1877, at Sylvania Mr. Cherry married Elizabeth Polley. Her father, John Polley, came from England prior to the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Cherry have had nine children and they now take much pride and comfort in the presence of these children and their grandchildren. The seven living children are : Mary Ellen, who married Henry Schmidt and lives at Ottawa Lake in Monroe County, Michigan, their family consisting of two boys and one girl,; John, who lives at Sylvania, married Jessie Fuhrer and has one daughter ; Florence is now Mrs. Charles Garner of Sylvania and has two daughters; Claude married Ethel Swier and has one son; Blanche is Mrs. Frank Fallas of Sylvania and is the mother of two daughters and one son ; Ida is Mrs. Herman Lang, her husband being a farmer four miles west of Sylvania, and their family comprises two daughters and one son; Earl lives at Sylvania and married Esther Kutzli. As to politics Mr. Cherry maintains an in- HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 1323 dependent attitude. For four years he served on the town council of Sylvania and was elected for another term, but had to resign on account of business compelling him to move out of town. Since 1874 he has been a member of the Masonic Order and is affiliated with Sylvania Lodge. THOMAS BIDDLE. Those who know and have followed the career of Mr. Biddle in Toledo for a number of years say that he has a special genius for the handling of positions of complicated responsibility and trust. That undoubtedly accounts for his individual success and also for the large and important service which he has rendered this community. A resident of Toledo forty-five years, he has been closely connected with its commercial progress, its various philanthropic movements and public affairs, and with his wife has been active in musical circles of the city. Of English nativity, he was born at Nottingham, England. Concerning his ancestry it should be recalled that his maternal grandfather Thomas Atkins was a gallant soldier in the British army, being under the Duke of Wellington in the battle of Waterloo and a number of years later participating in the bloody Crimean war. Thomas Biddle was still a child when his parents, Samuel and Katherine (Atkins) Biddle, emigrated to America, locating at St. Catharine's in Ontario, Canada. His father followed the business of builder for many years. At St. Catharine's Thomas Biddle attended the public schools. He then learned the details of the old time photographic art and subsequently became a specialist in photographic retouching. In 1869 the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Thomas Biddle remained there two years and then came to Toledo. After a term of employment with North & Oswald he went into business for himself in partnership with W. E. McKecknie. His next experience was as a reporter on the Toledo Bee, when that old journal was under the management of H. S. Chapin and A. D. Pelton. It was that genius which has already been mentioned which undoubtedly called Mr. Biddle to larger business responsibilities when in 1879 he associated himself in the coal business with the late S. C. Schenck. He took charge of the retail department and successfully managed it until the summer of 1888. In the fall of 1888 he was made secretary and treasurer of the Toledo Gas Light and Coke Company and was one of the executive officials of that public utility until 1905. Following this relationship, he was elected treasurer of Lucas County in 1905, an office he filled for three years. His election came as an independent, and that fact in itself speaks more highly than anything else of his general standing in the community and the confidence the people reposed in him. The county treasury during his administration was conducted in the interests of all the people with business like efficiency and with a fairness and courtesy of treatment accorded to all who had dealings with that office. Since leaving the office of county treasurer Mr. Biddle has given his time and attention to the real estate business. His Toledo citizenship has been characterized by an earnest and persistent advocacy of public improvements of a permanent nature, and throughout he has been recognized for his firm and unequivocal stand in behalf of principles and movements which would best help forward the development and welfare of the entire city and of all classes of its people. Many will recall how Mr. Biddle was associated with the late John Gunckel, the newsboys' friend in the early days Newsboys' Association, in providing Sunday meetings for them. At one time he was secretary of the Society of Applied Christianity, while that organization had as president the late Golden Rule Mayor, Samuel M. Jones. It was this society which brought to Toledo such public speakers of prominence as Josiah Strong, Washington Gladden, Jane Addams, Graham Taylor and Edward Webster Bemis. With such talent a series of lectures were delivered in Toledo that did a great deal for educating the people to new civic standards and ideals. The entire expense of bringing these lecturers, it should be said, was gladly borne by Mr. Jones. Mr. Biddle is a director of the Adams Street Mission, and has long been one of the prominent members of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he is identified with Sanford L. Collins Lodge No. 396, Free and Accepted Masons, Toledo Council, Royal Arcanum, and has served as president of Ideal Council of the National Union. While his politics so far as national issues are concerned might be described as republican, but believing that party machinery should be used only for the purpose of bringing about good 1324 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO government, his political action is directed by his governmental convictions. In 1876 Mr. Biddle married Miss Annie M. Bramwell of Toledo. William Bramwell, great-grandfather of Mrs. Biddle was a minister of the early English Methodist Church, being a co-worker of John Wesley. For many years Mrs. Biddle has been a prominent figure in Toledo musical circles. A gifted musician herself, possessing a splendid soprano voice, she for a number of years was the soprano of the popular quartet choir of Trinity Episcopal Church and at different times was connected with other church choirs. Both Mr. and Mrs. Biddle keep in close touch with the musical life of Toledo and they have done much in a practical way to keep up the high standards of that art. Mrs. Biddle is a member of the Toledo Woman's Educational Club and served as president of that body in 1911-12 and is now chairman of the Music and Art Department of that club. They are the parents of one. daughter, Ruth E. Biddle. EDWARD B. WEST. Since pioneer times the West family has had an influential share in the activities of farming and other lines of endeavor around the Sylvania community of Lucas County. A fine farm just at the edge of Sylvania village is now owned and occupied by Edward B. West, who has found in farming a means of satisfying his ambitions in a business way and also of providing for home and family. He was born in the town of Whiteford, Michigan, February 16, 1868. His father A. B. West was a native of New York State and came west when a youth, the family locating in Monroe County, Michigan, but close to the line which on account of the boundary dispute between Michigan and Ohio was at one time in Michigan and another in Ohio. A. B. West subsequently moved to Toledo, taught school there, then returned to the old farm in Monroe County, and afterwards, while still living on his farm, taught school in Sylvania. He finally moved to Sylvania and made it his permanent home until his death. While a farmer and the owner of a farm for many years, he spent some fourteen or fifteen years in the useful vocation of teaching. His death occurred in 1896 at the age of seventy-one, while his wife passed away at seventy-three in 1899. The children of A. B. West and wife were : Emma, wife of 0. S. Comstock, a- farmer at the edge of Sylvania; Anna, wife of Earl Harroun, a farmer near Sylvania; Henry T., who is now teaching in Kenyon College at Gambier, Ohio, and married a Miss Ashley, whom he met while attending Oberlin College; and Edward B. Their children also included William, Alice and Nellie, who died in childhood. Edward B. West grew up in Lucas County, and since starting out independently has been a substantial farmer. He is a republican and is a member of the Congregational Church. He married Georgia Randall, who is now deceased. His three children are Walter, Ralph and Mary. REV. H. BUSHKUHL is one of the active ministers of the Catholic Church in Northwest Ohio, and is now pastor of St. Elizabeth Parish at Richfield Center in Lucas County. This parish was organized in 1914 from a part of Rabb Parish. The cornerstone for the church and school building was laid May 24, 1914. The first pastor appointed was Rev. Francis Schmuck, whose appointment was dated August 28, 1914. Mass was celebrated in the new building for the first time September 20, 1914, and four days later the school was opened with fifty-five pupils enrolled. This has since been the average enrollment. The building was formally dedicated October 6, 1914. Besides St. Elizabeth Parish, Father Bushkuhl has a mission at Sylvania. He was born at St. Louis, Missouri, and later his parents removed to Tiffin, Ohio. He attended the common and high schools in St. Louis and the choice of his career having been definitely settled he entered St. Francis Seminary at Milwaukee, where he took a classical course, and studied philosophy and theology in St. Mary's Seminary at Baltimore. He was ordained to the priesthood October 15, 1913, and sent to Fremont, Ohio, as assistant in St. Joseph Church, and later was transferred to Edgerton, Ohio, and on August 20, 1915, was appointed to his present work in St. Elizabeth Parish. He is a man of constructive ability and is well qualified for the task of building up this new parish, where he has already acquired a host of warm friends. THOMAS E. BELL. The successful standing of Thomas E. .Bell as a farmer rests upon many years of activity, and for the past ten years he has borne his share of private and public responsibilities in Sylvania Township,