250 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. a large fruit farm (their children are--Robert, Phoebe and Mary); Rebecca, born October 24, 1831; James, born March 7, 1834, a farmer, who married Martha Louisa Bowlus, and has three children-- Edward, Effie and Martha; George, twin brother of James; Jacob, born in 1836; and Asa S., born in 1839. At the age of ten years our subject, George Hiett, came with his father to Ballville township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, and assisted in farming on the banks of Sandusky river. At the age of twenty-one he left his father's home, and commencing life for himself followed farming for some time. Being a natural mechanic he erected a sawmill on the farm where he now lives, at Bruner Station, five miles southwest of Fremont, on the line of the L. E. & W. railroad, where he and his sons, under the firm name of George Hiett & Sons, manufacture lumber, sorghum, ground feed, and a combination fence. The mill is valued at $3,000. Mr. Hiett is also a patentee of a cane stripper and binder, which is a great labor-saver, and has a capacity of sixty bundles per hour; the patent is estimated to be worth $70,000. Mr. Hiett's farm is in the oil district, and is very valuable property. On December 21, 1856, George Hiett married Miss Elizabeth Mosier, who was born March 6, 1834, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Mosier, natives of Pennsylvania, who had a family of ten children. To this union were born children as follows: Emma Alice, born September 27, 1857, married December 25, 1888, to Lewis C. Smith, a farmer, and has one child-Ralph, born September 4, 1891; Lydia Jeannette, born March 15, 1859, married October 19, 1892, to George Barnt, a farmer and carpenter; Charles Elliott, born March 22, 1861, who, in May, 1888, married Hattie Binkley, and has four children-Hazel (born February 17, 1889), Howard (who died in childhood), Eva E. (born June 17, 1890, died June 20, 1890), and Paul C. (born July 31, 1893); George A., born July 24, 1863, who married Nettie Beck, October 25, 1893; Orven L., born December 19, 1865, a farmer; King Henry, born January 15, 1867, a farmer, who was married March 14, 1894, to Minnie Baumgardner, of Ballville township; Lillie Vilota, born May 6, 1870, married February 20, 1894, to Albert C. Ward, a prosperous business man of Toledo, Ohio; Dora Elizabeth, was born February 3, 1873, married December 25, 1894, to Charles L. Flora, a natural mechanic and the patentee of several new and useful inventions. HENRY BRINKMAN. Among the worthy citizens of German birth who have found homes in Sandusky county, and rank among her leading agriculturists, is the gentleman whose name opens this sketch. He was born in Germany October 6, 1820, and is the eldest son of John Henry and Mary (Ornick) Brinkman, both of whom were also natives of Germany. They were farming people, and resided in that country throughout their lives. Our subject was reared and educated in the land of his birth, and in 1858 sailed for America, for he hoped to better his financial condition in this country, of whose privileges and advantages he had heard much. He landed at Castle Garden, New York, without money, but with a plentiful supply of energy and resolution. He came at once to Sandusky county, Ohio, and, in order to earn a living, began work as a day laborer, being thus employed for three years. He worked early and late, and lived frugally, and at the expiration of that period had saved enough money with which to purchase forty acres of timber land. With characteristic energy he began to improve it, and acre by acre was cleared and placed under the plow, until to-day he COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 251 has a well-developed tract and a pleasant home, all the result of his own labor. Mr. Brinkman was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Alt, a daughter of John Alt, of Germany, where their wedding was celebrated in 1845. They became the parents of three children, all sons, to wit: Henry, now deceased; Frank, a farmer residing in Washington township, who married Allie Lenz, and has one child; and JOHN, who was born November 14, 1866, in Sandusky county. His educational privileges were very meager, but he has made the most of his opportunities, and in the school of experience has gained a good, practical business knowledge. He is now at home with his father, and carries on the farm. He is a progressive, enterprising young agriculturist, and in the management of the home place displays good business ability. The father and son are both supporters of the Democracy, and members of the Lutheran Church, and in the community where they reside are highly respected people. JOHN FANGBONER, auditor of Sandusky county, Ohio, was born in Union county, Penn., June 3, 1845, son of James and Catharine (Ilick) Fangboner. James Fangboner was born in 1812 in New Jersey, from which State he removed, when a young man, to Union county, Penn., where he married, and followed the trade of wagon-maker, in connection with farming. His death occurred in 1892. Mrs. Fangboner was born in Easton, Penn., in 1811, and is now residing at Lewisburg, that State. They were the parents of six children, who became heads of families. John Fangboner was reared in Union county, Penn., and at the age of sixteen enlisted in the Union army, but was rejected on account of his youth. He afterward enlisted, February 24, 1864, in Company K, Fifty-first P. V. I., was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and saw active service, participating in several important battles, and being wounded in the second battle of the Wilderness. He was honorably discharged at Trenton, N. J., July 25, 1865. After the war he located at Lewisburg, Penn., and within a short time came to Lindsey, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where he engaged in the business of buying, preparing for market, and shipping live-stock. In 1887 he removed to Fremont in order to prosecute his business on a larger scale, and recently he has devoted most of his time to the buying, feeding and shipping of sheep, in which he excels, both in the magnitude and management of his undertakings. His sheep barns are models of convenience and comfort for the handling of sheep. One of them is 120 X 68 in dimensions, two are 20 X 100 feet; there is another 100 x 28 feet, and one shed 100 x 36 feet. He has granaries and sheds in close proximity to each other, and he fed more than 6,000 sheep within the year 1894. He makes his purchases in Chicago and elsewhere. Mr. Fangboner also does an extensive business in the buying, packing and shipping of hay and straw, having a number of presses of his own in almost constant operation. He ships annually not less than B00 car-loads of farm products, for which he pays the farmers many hundreds of thousands of dollars. Mr. Fang-boner is a Republican in politics, and takes a laudable interest in public affairs. He has held many offices of honor and trust, having served on the school board at Lindsey for six years, and was a member of the village council two years. On his removal to Fremont he was elected a member of the city council. In November, 1893; he was elected auditor of Sandusky county, on the Republican ticket, and is the present incumbent, assisted by his son, Irvin T., as deputy. He is well and favorably known in society circles. Socially, he is a member of the K. of H., 252 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the Royal Arcanum and the National Union. In 1871 John Fangboner married Miss Hensel, daughter of Adam and Mary (Benner) Hensel. She died at Lindsey, Ohio, in 1874, the mother of two children, Irvin T. and Myrtella. Mr. Fang-boner married, for his second wife, Miss Emma, daughter of Jacob Faller, of Fremont, Ohio, and they have one child, Raymond. Irvin T. Fangboner, the well-known, competent, and highly esteemed deputy auditor of Sandusky county, was for five years assistant teller in the First National Bank of Fremont, Ohio. He is a member of several social clubs and societies in the city, belongs to the B. P. O. Elks, the Masonic Fraternity, the National Union and the Sons of Veterans. In religious connection he is a member of the Reformed Church of Fremont, in which he has served in various official positions. GEORGE RICHARDS. This well-known citizens of Gibsonburg, Sandusky county, is a veterinary surgeon, and has been practicing his profession since early in life. He was born in the County of Kent, England, February 15, 1819. The parents of our subject were Thomas and Mary (Court) Richards, the former of whom died in the county of Kent, England, when seventy-eight years old. He was a farmer by occupation, and was a strong, rugged man. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother was also born in the County of Kent, England, and lived to be one hundred and one years old. She was never sick until the time of her death. Her father was Clement Court, a farmer by occupation, and her mother, who was born in Worcester, England, was the daughter of a veterinary surgeon. George Richards gained a fair education in the schools of East Kent, and assisted his father upon the farm until fourteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to his uncle until he was twenty-one, learning the profession of a veterinary surgeon. He then went to London and studied at Greenwich Hospital for a year, when he took his diploma and began practice with his uncle in Kent. There he remained two years, and was then appointed as veterinary and bailiff under Lord Sands. This position he filled for over five years, and then took the management of a tavern in West Kent called the " Bull Inn," which he conducted for two and a half years, when he sold out and became the proprietor of the " Drum Inn," East Kent, remaining there some three years. This property he disposed of in 1859, and then emigrated to America. Mr. Richards at first located in Richfield, Ohio, and engaged in the butcher.ing business until 1861, when, the Civil war breaking out, he enlisted in the Second Battalion, Ohio Cavalry, serving two and a half years. He was sent from Camp Dennison to St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo., and was in the expedition in search of Quantrell's band of bushwhackers. They had an exciting chase, in which they captured six of Quantrell's men. About this time Mr. Richards' wife was taken sick, and died, so he returned home. He then located in Lorain county, Ohio, on Butternut Ridge, where he lived until 1864, in which year he went to Wood county and bought land. This he traded for land beyond Summit. He made a business of buying and selling land, in the meantime practicing his profession as a veterinary surgeon, having as much as he could do in that line. He is now the owner of a good property, and although he has practically retired from business, he still does some work in his profession. Mr. Richards was married in 1850, in England, to Mary Bramble, who died during the Civil war, in 1863, in Lake township, Wood Co., Ohio. Of this union there were born the following chil- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 253 dren: Margery; George, who married Clara Hedricks, and has three children—Esther, Harry and Daisy; Mary, the wife of David Ively, has four children—Harry, Charley, George and Fred; Margaret died when twenty-three years old; Sarah married W. Fought, and has one child—Arthur; Margaret died when one year old. For his second wife Mr. Richards married Miss Sarah Weaver, who was born in Franklin, Penn., in 1849. The children of this marriage are: Lottie, the wife of John Mull (they have three children--Melvin, Ira and Ethel); Fred, married to Miss Mame Foster; Clara, deceased; William, Effie, Emma, Henry, Jemima, Eddie and Bessie. Mr. Richards is a Republican in politics. In religion he is a member of the United Brethren Church, and has been very active in all good works, helping to build three or four churches. He is a man of intelligence and a good conversationalist. HENRY A. WINTER. This gentleman, who is one of the most prominent farmers and stock raisers of Townsend township, Sandusky county, has, by his sterling integrity, honest and straightforward dealing, earned for himself an enviable reputation and a good name. He is a son of Daniel and Mary (Dale) Winter, and was born January 8, 1838, upon the homestead farm, on which he still resides. Daniel Winter, who was of German ancestry, was born in Hagerstown, Md., March 30, 1797, and was a son of Christian and Palmer Winter, who removed to Canada about 1800, locating near Fort Erie, where they resided until 1812. On the breaking out of the war of 1812 Christian Winter entered the ranks of the American army; but, as he had previously taken the oath of allegiance to the British Crown, the Canadian authorities endeavored to enroll him into their army, and during the war he had many narrow escapes from capture by the British. After the close of the struggle he settled in Erie county, Ohio, where he resided until his death. He was an upright, honored citizen, and his memory will long be cherished. Daniel Winter was three years old when he was taken by his parents to Canada, and he was there reared to manhood. He also was drafted into the British army, but escaped and settled in Erie county, Ohio, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1821, when he removed to what was then called the Prairies (now Townsend township), where he spent the remainder of his days. In Erie county, Ohio, April 6, 1831, he was united in marriage with Mary Dale, a lady of German ancestry, born in Danville, Penn., February 11, 1800, and they had four children, as follows: J. Nelson, born April 26, 1834, and residing in Clyde, Sandusky county; Henry A., the subject of this sketch; Ralph J., born November 20, 1842, died April 18, 1885; and Mary E., born September 11, 1845, died at Madison, Ga., March. 27, 1889. On June 24, 1869, Daniel Winter was called from earth, beloved of all who knew him. Henry A. Winter has passed his whole life in Townsend township, was educated in the district school, and since early youth has been engaged in farming and stock raising. In Erie county, Ohio, May 28, 1874, Mr. Winter was united in marriage with Bella Neill, who was born in Delaware, Delaware Co., Ohio, April 17, 1857, and they have had children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Ralph, February 27, 1875; Allan, July 4, 1876; Louis, February 18, 1878; Daniel, July 7, 1879; Charles, June 21, 1880; Edith, August 4, 1882; and Neil, February 27, 1884. The parents of Mrs. Winter, Louis and Jeannette S. (Gaw) Neill, were both born in Sandusky City, Erie county, and both are still living. Mr. Winter is a Republican in politics, and the family attend the United Brethren 254 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Church. Mrs. Winter is a school director for Sandusky county, being the first lady director ever elected in the county. N. B. ERVIN, M. D., one of the most successful medical practitioners of Sandusky county, as well as one of the most enterprising and deserving business men, is a resident of Gibsonburg. He was born near Mansfield, Ohio, January 15, 1853, son of Ezekiel and Sarah (Kerr) Ervin. Ezekial Ervin was born in October, 1799, in Westmoreland county, Penn., and about 1830 migrated to Richland county, Ohio, where, with his brother-in-law, Jesse Swann, he opened up a wilderness farm. The rails of this pioneer farm were made from walnut lumber, which in after years became almost priceless in value. Sarah (Kerr), the mother of our subject, was also a native of Westmoreland county. They remained lifelong citizens of Richland county, the mother dying in 1865, the father surviving till 1880. He had only one brother—who remained in Pennsylvania and left two sons—but several sisters, one of whom had married Jesse Swann. The children of Ezekiel and Sarah Ervin, were as follows: James, a soldier of the Civil war, who, in the spring of 1865, when on his way home on parole from a Rebel prison, was killed in the steamer "Sultana " horror near Vicksburg; William, who died in childhood; John M., a harness-maker of Mansfield; Mary, who died in childhood; Dr. N. B., subject of this sketch; Ruth, wife of James McCulley, of Toledo; Ira, who died at Clyde, aged twenty-six years; and Sadie, deceased wife of Howard Rummel. Our subject grew up on his father's farm, and in addition to his common-school education, took an academic course at Perrysville, Ohio. He then attended medical lectures at the Cleveland Medical School, the Medical Department of Wooster University, graduating with the class of 1881. The young physician at once opened an office at Gibsonburg, and he has remained here ever since. He quickly won the confidence of the community by his professional skill, and has from the first enjoyed a large practice. In 1893 Dr. Ervin opened a drug store, which he still owns; but he devotes his time chiefly to his practice. He is also interested in various enterprises which are materially helping the village and county: He is a charter member, a stockholder and a director of the Gibsonburg Banking Company; he was president of the first gas company ever organized at Gibsonburg, the Gibsonburg National Gas and Oil Company, and now has interests in that and in the Ervin Oil Company, who control considerable land and own about thirty wells, being largely engaged in the oil industry. He is also financially interested with Williams Bros. in the oil fields, and is a member of the Buckeye Torpedo Co., who are engaged in the manufacture of nitro-glycerine for shooting oil wells. In politics the Doctor is a Republican. Socially, he is a prominent member of the I.O.O.F., the K. of P., the Knights of the Maccabees, and the Masonic Fraternity. Professionally he is a member of the State Medical Society, and also of the Sandusky County Medical Society. The town of Gibsonburg is indebted for its prosperity to men of the courage and conviction of Dr. Ervin. He is a leader in financial operations, and has displayed a rare good judgment in the undertakings with which he has been associated. On September 9, 1880, Dr. Ervin was married, near Mansfield, to Miss Josephine Smith, a native of Wayne county, and they have a family of four children: Mabel, born January 2, 1882; James Sidney, born January 20, 1886; Norman, born September 9, 1889; and Dale, born November 12, 1893. Mrs. Ervin was born July 23, 1859, daughter COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 255 of John and Rebecca (Gillam) Smith, and received her education in Richland and Wayne counties, Ohio. Her father was born July 24, 1820, her mother June 3, 1821, and they were the parents of seven children, of whom four are now living, as follows: Josephine (Mrs. Ervin); Mrs. Mary Robinson, of Lucas, Ohio; Mrs. Ellen Irvin, of Mansfield, Ohio; and Mrs. Lizzie Wallace, of Lucas, Ohio. Mr. Smith came to his death, May 25, 1890, by the explosion of a quantity of dynamite; his wife survived him until 1893. Mrs. Ervin's paternal grandfather, Daniel Smith, was born about 1798, and married Anna Hartford, who died at an early age, leaving a family of five children. Her maternal grandfather, William Gil-lam, wedded Mary Kennedy, who was born about 1800, and died in 1874; to this union were born seven children, of whom one is living. LOUIS LINKE, one of the substantial farmers of northern Ohio, was born May 12, 1837, in Hanover, Germany, and is a son of Herman H. and Anna (Thorman) Linke, who were born in Hanover, Germany, in November, 1795, and in September, 1798, respectively. Herman H. Linke and his wife Anna were the parents of four children, namely: Anna M., born in 1820, who married Clarence Ulgerslinger, a tailor, and they live in Germany; Annie Mary, born in 1825, married Christopher. Rolfus, a maker of wooden shoes, and they live in Germany; Aberhart, born in 1825, now a farmer in Woodville township, Sandusky county, married to Sophia Hilker, and they have six children-Annie, Sophia, Herman, and three who died young; and Ludwig Henry, or Louis, the subject of this sketch. Louis Linke came to America with his parents in the fall of 1852. In eighteen weeks from the time they left the Father land they located in Ohio, visiting first at his uncle's, in Troy township, Wood county. He then went to his brother, who owned a farm, and stayed there for a time, working out at different places until his marriage. On March 7, 1860, Louis Linke married Maria Hurdelbrink, who was born October 8, 1839, in Hanover, Germany, and nine children have been born to them, as follows: Herman Henry, March 18, 1861, now a farmer in Woodville township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, married to Ganna Sandwisch, and has two children-Ida and Lizzie; Elizabeth, born April 6, 1862, died young; Eberhart Henry, born August 28, 1863, now a farmer in Clay township, Ottawa county, who married Louisa Obermeyer, and they have had two children, Minnie and Ed; Annie Louisa, born August 11, 1866, married to Herman Sander, a farmer of Ottawa county, and they have three children-Louis, Carrie and Dora; Eberhard Henry, born June 24, 1868, died August 22, 1869, aged one year and twenty-eight days, and was buried at Woodville; Sophia Eliza, born May I I, 1871, married Fred Shulte, a farmer of Sandusky county, and has one child-Louis; Anna Maria Carrie, born August 26, 1874, unmarried and living at home; John Ludwig, born March 30, 1879, living at home; and Maria Eliza, born December 18, 1883, deceased when young. Mrs. Louis Linke's parents came to America in 1837, and only remained in the East a short time. They were very poor, and her father worked by the day among the farmers. Coming to Ohio, they lived for a short time with a friend named Hartman. Her father worked out, and saved his money, bought forty acres of land, put up a log cabin, and began clearing. This land he kept for several years, and then sold it. Later he bought eighty acres, all but two of which were in timber, and cleared about half of this. Before he died this farm was divided among the children. He was born in 256 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 1803, and died in 1877; his wife was born in 1800, and died in 1867. Mrs. Linke's brothers and sisters were as follows: Henry, born in 1834, married Angeline Starke, by whom he has had eight children (he has a farm of eighty acres in Woodville township which he rents, and lives retired with his children in Toledo, Ohio); William, a farmer of Woodville township, married Louisa Coleman, and they have seven children; and Eliza and Angeline, who died young. In 1861 Mr. Linke bought 126 acres of timberland, all in the woods, put up a log cabin, and began clearing. In 1864 he sold twenty-five acres to his brother, since when he has owned, in all, 238 acres. He now has 149 acres, and carries on general farming. He is one of the oldest members of the Lutheran Church in Troy township, Wood Co., Ohio. In politics a Democrat, he was trustee for eleven years, and supervisor several years. He is an upright, honest man, does not show the marks of his years of hard work, and has not yet a gray hair in his head. REV. NOAH HENRICKS, a retired farmer and minister, now residing in the village of Lindsey, Sandusky county, has witnessed, as few others have, the marvelous transformation of a tangled and almost impassable jungle into a pastoral region of surpassing fertility and beauty. He was a lad of tender years, with mind keenly susceptible to impressions, when his father, a prominent pioneer and farmer, moved from the rugged hills and valleys of Perry county to the noted " Black Swamp " of northwestern Ohio. Gifted with a prescience of their future value, he bought extensively from the government the rich swamp-covered lands of Washington township, Sandusky county, trusting to the coming years to vindicate the soundness of his judgment in thus investing in lands which most pioneers avoided. The scene was truly uninviting. Log-choked streams lazily flooded the entire region, and rank vegetable growth contended with the slimy waters for supremacy over the soil. Vine-clad monarchs of the forest with tops interlaced, and with trunks inclined at every conceivable angle, conspired to keep the rays of the sun from the oozy surface. Hither in 1830 came Jacob and Elizabeth (Hufford) Henricks and their eight children, the ninth and youngest being a native of the new home. Jacob Henricks, who was born in Pennsylvania, moved with his parents, in 1807, to Perry county, Ohio, was there married to Elizabeth Hufford January 15, 1811, and there remained until his migration to Sandusky county in 1830. His children were as follows: Katie, born December 8, 1811, married George Hetrick, and died in 1894, leaving ten children; Sarah, born July 29, 1814, married John Overmyer, and is now deceased; John, born November 8, 1816; Noah, subject of this sketch, born Nouember 13, 1818; Susan, born January 14, 1821, now living in Indiana, widow of Samuel Rerrick; Rebecca, born December 6, 1822, wife of Jacob Waggner, of Indiana; Jonah, born December 9, 1824; Elizabeth, born May 20, 1827, now the wife of Jonas Engler, and residing near Flat Rock; Jacob, born August 16, 1831, a farmer of Wood county, Ohio. After his removal to Sandusky county Noah Henricks, the subject of this sketch, attended the district schools until his seventeenth year, when he began a course of study, preparatory to entering the ministry in the German Baptist Church. When thus equipped, Rev. Henricks filled the pulpit for four years, preaching in Ohio and throughout Illinois. He filled the station of a bishop, which permitted him to preach without restriction, and not requiring him to follow the circuit and stay but one year in each place. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 257 In January, 1831, his father purchased 160 acres of land in Washington township, and this, from 1850 to 1890, was the home of our subject. He married Miss Katie Reed, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Swinehart) Reed, who in an early day migrated from Pennsylvania, their native State, to Perry county, Ohio, and in 1833 came to Washington township, Sandusky county, where they died. In religious belief they were Lutherans. They had a family of eleven children, as follows: Elizabeth, Samuel, Katie, Polly, Peter, John, Jonathan, Rebecca, Eliza, Caroline, and an infant unnamed. To Rev. Noah and Katie Henricks have been born four children: John, who married Catharine Yagle, and had four children—Alice (married to William Engler), and Arda, Clara and Esta (all three single); Sarah, widow of Jess Hetrick; Elizabeth, wife of Charles Buck, a farmer in Sandusky county, who has three children—Ida, Noah and Jennie; and Emily, who married John Ansbach, a lumberman of Oak Harbor, and has two children—Willie and Roily. In 1890 Rev. Mr. Hen-ricks moved to the village of Lindsey, where he expects to pass his remaining days in comfort, and amidst the scenes which bring back many pleasant memories of the long ago. J. BAUMANN & SON. Among the enterprising business men of Fremont, perhaps no firm is more widely and favorably known throughout Sandusky county than the firmof J. Baumann & Son, proprietors of the " Central Meat Market," corner of Croghan and Arch streets, opposite the City Hall. JACOB BAUMANN, SR., the senior proprietor, was born in Villigen, Switzerland, December 6, 1827, a son of Henry and Verena (Hartman) Baumann, who lived on a farm near the borders of Baden. He attended school in his native place until fifteen years of age, when he learned the trade of butcher. On May 10, 1850, he married Miss Elizabeth Vogt, daughter of John Vogt, a farmer, who afterward emigrated to America and settled in Sandusky county, Ohio. In the fall of the year 1854 Mr. Baumann came to America with his family, crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the sailing vessel " Canvas Back " from Havre to New York City in forty-three days.. Coming thence to Fremont, Ohio, he located on the east side of the Sandusky river, and worked at his trade as a butcher. The following year he kept a meat market at Clyde, Ohio. Returning to Fremont in 1856, he opened a grocery store and meat market on State street, in the Third ward, on the corner now occupied by Kline's block. In 1857 he sold out this business and removed to the West side, where he established an exclusively meat market. His " Central Market " was established by him in 1875. In the year 1877 his son, Jacob Baumann, Jr., became an equal partner with him, and they have continued together until the present time. Their patronage is such that for a number of years it has required the annual purchase of more than ten thousand dollars' worth of live stock, chiefly from the farmers of the surrounding country. They are quiet and unassuming in their manners, but possessed of a genial, friendly nature, and an obliging disposition. They are masters of their business, and their reputation for sound judgment and strict integrity is such that among farmers and city patrons their word is as good as their bond. In the year 1882 J. Baumann, Sr., built a fine brick mansion on Croghan street, opposite the Court House yard, which has since that time been occupied as a family residence, and is an ornament to the city. The children of Jacob Baumann, Sr., and his wife Elizabeth, rice Vogt, were: Jacob Baumann, Jr. ; Anna Baumann, who died at the age of forty-two years; Eliza Baumann, at home; Albert V., whose sketch appears elsewhere; and Hattie, at home. 258 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. JACOB BAUMANN, JR., junior member of the firm of J. Baumann & Son, was born in Switzerland July 23, 1850, and came with his parents to Fremont, where he received a limited school education, and learned to follow the occupation of his father. He married November I, 1877, Miss Minna Richards, daughter of Prof. Frederick Richards. She died July 15, 1892, the mother of children as follows: Gertrude Leone, born August 9, 1879; Albert Otto, born October 24, 1880; Frederick Jacob, who died in infancy; and Frieda, born July 30, 1886. On October 30, 1894, Mr. Baumann married Miss Ida Stapf, who was born March 30, 1861, daughter of William Stapf, of Newport, Ky. Their residence is on Garrison street, Fremont, Ohio. GEORGE RIMMELSPACHER, a retired farmer, Fremont, Sandusky county, is a native of Baden, Germany, born March 28, 1812. His parents were Joseph and Christena ( Mowery ) Rimmelspacher, farmers and natives of Baden, the former of whom died at the age of seventy-seven, and the latter at the age of seventy-four years. They had eight children, five of whom came to America: Chrisence, Mary, Elizabeth, Sebastian, and George (our subject). Of those who remained in the Fatherland, Bernhardt only is still living. Our subject grew to manhood in Baden, where he received a limited education in German, and learned the trade of blacksmith. Hoping to better his condition, he emigrated to America, landing at New York City, May 27, t 836, and here worked at his trade one and a half years. He then went to St. Augustine, Florida, and drove stage coach two years, subsequently doing some blacksmithing for the United States Government, under direction of Gen. Zachary Taylor, who was in charge of soldiers there. He returned thence to New York City, and in 1840 came to Ohio, locating on the Sandusky river, in Ballville township, Sandusky county, upon a farm of forty acres, to which more were added later, and where he lived about forty years. Here, by hard work and good management, for which Germans are noted, he accumulated a fortune which enabled him in his old age to retire from business. He has erected a fine brick residence on Garrison street, Fremont, which he makes his family home. He at one time owned 600 acres of valuable land in Sandusky county, which he disposed of by giving to each of his children a farm. On September 14, 1840, George Rimmelspacher married Mis3 Elizabeth Gable, who was born April 4, 1818, in Alsace, Germany, and came to America in 1831. They had thirteen children, nine of whom are living: (I) Joseph A., who died at twelve years of age; (2) Jacob, a soldier of the Civil war, who married Anna Garber, and whose children are—Florence, Henry, Ida, Ferris and Pearl. (3) Magdalena, wife of Henry Ochs, of Buffalo, N. Y., who has six children—Albert (who married Miss Bertha Shoedler, and has one child, Harold); Rosa (who married Casper Hodes, and has three children--Rosa, Carl and Henry), Edward, Harry, Stany and Ralph. (4) Andrew, farmer, living in Ballville township, who married Miss Louisa Myers, and whose children are—Harry, Estella, Philber, Edward, Sylvester, Hedwig, Lovina, Sevilla, Lawrence, Marie, Clements and Regine. (5) Catharine, wife of Anthony Swint, whose children are—George, Frank, Lena, Lizzie, Seraphine, Robert, Charles, Laura, Peter, Jacob, and Gertrude. (6) Rosa, wife of L. Engleman; she died August 1, 1893, aged thirty-four, leaving two children—Amedius and Estella. (7) Mary, wife of Andrew Ochs, of Buffalo, N. Y. ; they have one child—Frank. (8) George, a farmer of Sandusky county, who married Helen Koffler, and whose children are—Isabella, Eleanora and Henrietta. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 259 (9) John, who married Theresa Kochman, and whose children are—Seraphine, Josephine, Carl and Wilbur. (0) William, who married Christena Engler, and whose children are— Isadore and Wilbur. (11) Amelia, living at home. Two children—Peter and Frank--died in childhood. Mrs. Rimmelspacher died June 7, 1892, at the age of seventy-four years. The Rimmelspacher family are all members of the Roman Catholic Church. J. C. SMITH. This gentleman, one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Gibsonburg, Sandusky county, is the surviving member of the firm of Smith & Dohn, who for some years have extensively engaged in the manufacture of lime. Mr. F. W. Dohn died about three years ago, and since that time Mr. Smith has had entire charge of the large interests of the business, and has conducted it very successfully, being assisted by Mr. Dohn's son. He is a man of strict integrity, and carries the principles of religion into his business relations, gaining thereby the confidence and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact. He is also enterprising and progressive, and always busy in promoting the welfare of others as well as his own. Mr. Smith was born in Sandusky county, west of Fremont, August 15, 1854, son of Nelson and Mary (Cookson) Smith, both of whom are still living. The father was born in 1824 in Franklin county, Ohio, near Columbus, and now resides in Washington township, Sandusky county, where he carries on farming, and where he has lived ever since his marriage. By trade he was a carpenter, and followed that occupation for some years. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His ancestors were prominent people in New England, and Israel Smith, of Fremont, this State, was his uncle. The mother of our subject was born in Perry county., Ohio, in 1823, her family coming there from Pennsylvania. Our subject is one of a family of five children, of whom the following record is given: Josiah lives in Ballville township; Isabel died at the age of fifteen years; F. E. lives in Washington township; J. C. resides at Gibsonburg; and John lives on the old homestead in Washington township. J. C. Smith grew to manhood in Washington township, and acquired an excellent education in Delaware and Oberlin Colleges, in the meantime interspersing his studies with teaching, thus putting to practical use the knowledge he obtained. He taught two terms at Ballville after leaving Delaware College, and before entering Obertin, and after attending the spring and fall terms at the latter, again engaged in teaching for four terms at Bettsville, in Seneca county. He also taught three terms near his home in Sandusky county. In 1880 he was married to Miss Annie C. Bowlus, who was born in Sandusky township, Sandusky county, August 22, 1852, and to them have been born six children: Eula, May, Webb, Carl, Florence and Ina. Mrs. Smith is the only daughter of Henry and Rebecca Williamson Bowlus. She was educated in Adrian (Mich.) College, where, in addition to her literary pursuits, she also made a study of music, which, for a time, she afterward taught. Mrs. Smith's father was born September 27, 1810, near Middletown, Md., and when fourteen years of age came with his parents to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he still lives. His wife was born in Middletown, Md., July 4, 1824, and died January 28, 1891, aged sixty-six years, six months and twenty-four days. She was married to Lewis L. Bowlus in her native town at the tender age of seventeen years and six months, and immediately afterward migrated with her husband to the West, settling in Sandusky county, Ohio, three miles west of where the 260 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. city of Fremont now stands. The county was new, and largely covered with dense forests and impenetrable swamps; but here the young couple settled on a tract of land in the woods, built a small cabin and commenced clearing away the forest timber. In the summer of 1848, however, the husband was smitten down with fever, and at the age of twenty-four she was left a widow with two children—Silas and Amos. Silas, the elder, died while in the army in 1864, and Amos three years later, while a student at Oberlin College. In September, 1849, she was married to Henry Bowlus, who survives her, and they lived happily together for over forty-one years. She was an active member of the Muskalonge Methodist Protestant Church some forty-seven years; she was in attendance at one of the meetings there, in which she had expressed her thankfulness to God, her Saviour, for the revival influence that was being enjoyed in the Church, when she was taken ill and at six o'clock in the evening death finished its work, and that faithful Christian, that pure and loving wife and mother, in every respect worthy of imitation, and her name that will ever be held in loving remembrance by all who knew her. She was buried in the little cemetery, just north of the church, together with kindred clay. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowlus were born four children, all of whom are living: Warren, Henry, Robert and Annie (Mrs. Smith). Mrs. Smith's paternal grandparents were from Germany, and her maternal grandmother from Scotland. At the time of his marriage Mr. Smith engaged in the hardware business in Gibsonburg, with M. W. Hobart, whose interest he purchased two years later, carrying on the business alone until in November, 1890, when he sold out to the Buckeye Oil Well and Supply Company. During this time (in 1883) he formed a partnership with Sanders, Dohn & Co., for the manufacture of lime, and they built one lime kiln, and opened a quarry at Gibsonburg, Ohio. This partnership continued until 1888, when Mr. Sanders sold his interest to the two men, who then established themselves under the firm name of Smith & Dohn. They purchased ten acres of quarry land near a railroad, and during the fall of that year built an additional kiln. In the following summer they added two more kilns, with an entire capacity of 450 barrels daily. The first year they shipped 80,000 barrels of lime; in 1890 and 1891 their output was 70,000 barrels; in 1892, 60,000 barrels, and in 1893, 54,000 barrels, the production for 1894 being about the same as in 1893. In 1892 they purchased a tract of land south of Gibson-burg, which furnished them part of their supply of gas for their business. They have one oil well and five gas wells, which supply them with fuel. The firm employ from twenty to thirty men throughout the year, and make all their own barrels. Judging by the manner in which Mr. Smith has managed his own business, it is conclusive that he is a supremely active man, and one who looks ahead and anticipates. On account of the low prices of lime—the result of overproduction and close competition—Mr. Smith took action in the matter and was among the first to organize a company. In 1892 a consolidation of nearly all the white lime interests was effected, and the company was called " The Northwestern Ohio Lime Co., " our subject being one of the directors of same. It continued in existence but one year; but even that comparatively brief existence settled the point that where so much lime could be manufactured, some control must be had. In the early part of the year 1895, Mr. Smith and Mr. Sutliff undertook to organize a new company, with the assistance of a few other lime manufacturers; and after a couple of months or more hard labor they succeeded in organizing " The Ohio Lime Co.," upon such a basis, too, as to make COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 261 of it a comparatively permanent organization (for five years), taking in all the white-lime interests in the State of Ohio. Mr. Smith is a director of this company, and its organization is so perfect, and it is working with such unqualified success that he justly feels proud of his energies so well directed. Good planning, judicious economy, and well-timed energy, properly applied, he claims, must lead to the success of any business. Mr. Smith owns 160 acres, three and a half miles from Fremont, in Washington township, toy acres of which is the estate of Rebecca C. Bowlus, and in addition to his other business, he is engaged in farming. In the fall of 1894, in connection with Peter A. Rust, he purchased fifteen acres from Fred Yeasting, and they were, the means of having the schoolhouse built on the west side of the railroad, having laid out the tract as an addition of the town. In 1883 Mr. Smith built the commodious home in which he lives, and here he enjoys life in the consciousness of duty well done, and energies well directed. In politics he is a Republican, but votes the Prohibition ticket, as he is fully convinced that that policy is for the best interests of the county. He is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has always been an earnest and active worker, being chorister and teacher in the Sabbath-school almost continuously. He is foremost in every work in Church and community, and is highly esteemed and respected. CHRISTIAN KISER, a well-to-do farmer and land-owner of Sandusky township, Sandusky county, was born in Alsace, France (now Germany), March I, 1842, a son of Christian and Salome (Young) Kiser. The father of our subject was born in the same place in the year 1800, and was a carpenter and farmer in Alsace. He came to America in about 1851, and lo cated on a farm in Sandusky township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where he died in 1863. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. The mother was born in Alsace, and came to America, where she died at the age of eighty-three years. They had three children: William, Christian and Caroline, all of whom live in Sandusky township. Of these Caroline married John Bender. Christian Kiser, Sr., had three children by a former marriage, of whom are named Fred, who died in Fremont, Ohio; Charles; and Elizabeth, wife of Frederick Smith. The grandfather was about ten years old when he came to this country, and he attended school but a short time, as he was needed to help clear up the farm. He worked at wood chopping and farming till he enlisted, October 17, 1861, in Company C, Seventy- second Regiment O. V. I., under Capt. Samuel J. Snyder. He served in the army of the Tennessee, and participated in the following battles, sieges, &c.: Crump's Landing, Tenn., April 4, 1862; Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7, 1862; Corinth, Miss., siege of, April 3o to May 31, 1862; Russell House, Miss., May 17, 1862; Jackson, Miss., May 14, 1863; Vicksburg, Miss., siege of, May 18 to July 4, 1863; Vicksburg, Miss., assault of, May 19-20, 1863; Big Black River, Miss., July 6, 1863; Jackson, Miss., July 9-16, 1863; Branton, Miss., July 19, 1863; Hickahala Creek, Miss., February to, 1864; Brice's Cross Roads (also known as Guntown), Miss., June to, 1864; Harrisburg, Miss., July 13, 1864; Tupelo, Miss., July 14., 1864; Old Town Creek, Miss., July 15, 1864; Little Harpeth, Tenn., December 6, 1864. This ends Mr. Kiser's army service, and he was mustered out after the battle of Nashville, Tenn. (December 15-16, 1864), and arrived home on New Year's Day, 1865. He had been promoted to corporal. He was never seriously wounded, and at Guntown, or Brice's Cross Roads, he made good his escape when about half of his comrades 262 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. were taken prisoners, and was obliged to travel two nights and a day and a half without food or ammunition, and yet he says he was not at all sick of army life. After his return from the army he located in Washington township, where he engaged in farming about four years, afterward locating in Elkhart county, Ind. In 1872 he returned to Sandusky township, where he bought the eighty acres he now lives on, and later eighty acres more. He also purchased 123 acres in Jackson township. In 1884 he built his present brick residence. On January 14, 1862, Mr. Kiser married Miss Rachel Rule, who was born October 4, 1842, in Washington township, Sandusky county, where she lived until her marriage. Her parents, George and Sarah (Fessler) Rule, were natives of Cumberland county, Penn., the father born in 1788, the mother in 1798. They both died in 1865, Mrs. Rule's death occurring just three days after that of her husband, and they were buried side by side in Elkhart county, Ind. Their family consisted of fourteen children, thirteen of whom married and reared families. The children of Christian and Rachel Kiser, born in Sandusky county, are: Charles W., born September 8, 1863, living in Jackson township, married to Miss Eliza Auxter, a native of Rice township, by whom he had one child—Floyd; William, born February 18, 1866, died October 11, 1868; Noah F., born July 28, 1869, living at home, married to Miss Clara Hetrick March 26, 1895; Salome, born February 8, 1871, widow of William Wagner, by whom she had two children—Grace and Martha; Joshua, born November 4, 1872, married to Miss Martha Hedrick, of Ballville township, and they have a daughter—Edna; Martha, born August 24, 1874, died December 10, 1880; Henry, born December 24, 1876, living at home; Christian, born January 12, 1879; John, born August 12, 1880; and George, born April 21, 1883. Mr. Kiser is a Republican in politics, and a member of Eugene Rawson Post, G. A. R., and of the U. V. U. He was elected township trustee in the spring of 1893, and in the fall of 1894 was elected county commissioner of Sandusky county. He is one of the successful men of Sandusky township. FREDERICK W. DOHN. The story of a good man's life can not be told too often. In this bustling age, when principle too often gives place to policy, and the greed of money-getting so easily obscures the sharp line which should be drawn between right and wrong, the example of a man, who, during his life, carried out the teachings of the religion in which he believed, is one worthy of preservation as an encouragement to both old and young. The subject of this sketch was a native of Bavaria; his birth taking place August 31, 1839, and his death occurring at his home in Gibsonburg, Sandusky Co., Ohio, October 7, 1893. When a boy of fourteen he left his native country, in 1853, for the United States, having heard of this great Republic as the Eldorado in which wonderful fortunes were to be made almost for the asking. He was accompanied by his mother, brother and sister, the father having died about a year previous. They were very poor, having to borrow money for their trip across the ocean,• and when they reached New York were without a dollar. Their first permanent location was at Waukesha, Wis., and here Mr. Dohn secured a clerkship, and undertook the support of the little family. It was a heavy responsibility for a youth; but he was stout of heart and firm of purpose. For eight years he held this position, and became invaluable to his employer, with whom he remained until the failure of the latter in business. An incident is related of this period of his life which reveals the character of the COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 263 boy, and was an index to his future success. He was called into the office of his employer one day and informed that, if he did not quit attending a revival meeting which was then in progress, he would be discharged. He debated the matter with his conscience, and decided that if he attended the meetings only after his duties at the store were finished, he would be doing nothing wrong. He was, however, reported by a fellow clerk, who, perhaps, thought in this way to curry favor with his employer, and was summarily discharged. It was not long, however, before his employer discovered that he had made a serious mistake in discharging an employe who would sacrifice his position to his sense of duty, and he accordingly sent for him, acknowledged his error, and asked Mr. Dohn to resume his former relations. This he did, and remained, as has been stated, until the failure of the business. At that time his employer said to him: " You have been a faithful clerk, and my mistake was in not taking you in as a partner, and discharging the man who reported you, and who has been instrumental in bringing about my misfortunes." Mr. Dohn soon afterward went into business for himself, and remained in Waukesha two years longer, when he removed to Depere, in the same State, and there carried on a successful business some eight years. In 1873 he sold out his establishment in Depere, and removed to Gibsonburg, forming a partnership with Mr. Farmer, under the firm name of Farmer & Dohn. This partnership continued five years, when a third partner was admitted to the firm. This change proved disastrous to the business, and resulted in the withdrawal of Mr. Dohn, he then devoting his time to the duties of postmaster, which office he was holding at the time. In 1883 the firm of Sanders, Dohn & Co. was formed, for the purpose of manufacturing lime. This partnership continued until August 7, 1888, when Mr. - 17 - Sanders sold out to J. C. Smith, who was the company part of the concern. The firm now became known as Smith & Dohn. They carried on the manufacture of lime with great success for over five years, meanwhile engaging in various projects for the development of the city, and the good of the community, such as laying out additions to the city, and sinking gas and oil wells. They always employed a large number of men, who were promptly paid, and in this way encouraged industry and thrift. Mr. Dohn was married, in 1875, to Mary E. Crouse, who was a native of Seneca county, Ohio, born August 14, 1845. Her parents were Jacob and Eliza (Eaton) Crouse, the former of whom was born in Lancaster, Penn., in 1821, and came west when a young man, locating first in Seneca county, and afterward living for a time at New Haven, Huron county. He finally returned to Seneca county, where he now resides with one of his sons. Mrs. Dohn's mother was born in Pennsylvania, in 1822, and died in Melmore, Seneca county, in 1893; she was a Presbyterian, as was also her husband. This worthy couple were the parents of five children: Carrie, who married Charles Benham, and now resides in Fort Scott, Kans. ; Ella, who married Jacob Gannon, and lives at Tiffin, Ohio; Frances, wife of E. Z. Bartlett, residing at Toledo, Ohio; Clan, who lives in Mel-more, Seneca county, and Mary E. (Mrs. Dohn). To Mr. and Mrs. Dohn were born four children: Frederick, who is mentioned farther on; Carrie, Eva, and Blaine, who died when four years old. Mrs. Dohn still retains her interest in the firm of Smith & Dohn, and is a woman of great intelligence and excellent business capacity. She is highly respected in the community. In closing this sketch of the career of one of Gibsonburg's most esteemed citizens, reference must be again made to his 264 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. devotion to the religious faith which he first professed in 1857. From that time until his death he was one of the oldest and most faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the firm adherence to what he believed to be right, and which was so strongly manifested in his early days, was carried out in his life, both in business and every-day affairs, so that he commanded the respect and esteem of the entire community. His funeral was one of the largest ever seen in Gibsonburg, all the business houses being closed and draped in mourning as a token of sorrow at his decease. To the foregoing memoir of this exemplary man should be added a few words regarding his son, Frederick Dohn. He graduated with honors from the high school at Gibsonburg, in 1892, and in the autumn of that year he entered the Northwestern College, at Naperville, Ill„ with the intention of completing a college course. In this ambition of his young life, however, he was disappointed; his father's illness called him home, and before reaching the age of seventeen he was in full management of his father's extensive business, in which capacity he still continues. In business ability and in integrity of character he is following in the footsteps of his father, and he is an active member of the M. E. Church, and an earnest worker in the Sunday-school. His friends speak of him as a young man of thorough reliability, and marked business qualifications. CHARLES F. JOSEPH, one of the successful and substantial farmers of Kingsway, Rice township, Sandusky county, was born in Germany, September 4, 1851, and is a son of George and Catherine (Brisoscher) Joseph, who were born February 9, 1812, and August I 1, 1815, respectively. George Joseph was born in Germany, married Catherine Brisoscher, in the Fatherland, and came to this country in 1855 with his wife and three children. They settled in Sandusky township, Sandusky county, where he was for ten years. engaged in farming; they then moved to Rice township, in the same county. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom are as follows: Catherine married Jacob Zorn, by whom she had five children, and, after his death, wedded Martin Hoffman, a butcher by trade, by whom she has had four children, and they live in Baltimore; Mary is the wife of David Lehrman, a farmer in Kansas, Seneca Co., Ohio, and they have seven children; Charles F. is the subject of this. sketch. Mr. Joseph died in 1872, and was buried in Sandusky county. His widow still survives, and is living with her son Charles; she was born August 11, 1815. On November .4, 1872, Charles F. Joseph was united in marriage with Carolina Engler, who was born in Rice township, Sandusky county, August 22, 1857. They settled where they now live, and have had nine children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Minnie C., August I, 1873, lives at home; George H., April 21, 1875, is a farmer; Lora A., October 6, 1879; John F., March 3, 1881; Frank T., August 15, 1882; Carl W., February 10, 1884; Moses R., September 8, 1885; Edwin C., November 23, 1887; and Gertie C., January 8, 1889. Mr. Joseph was supervisor for two terms and trustee for two terms, both of which offices he now holds. He has been successful, worked hard for his money, saved it, and bought sixty acres of land, which is now worth one hundred dollars an acre. He raises more wheat than any other kind of grain, and also. raises hogs, horses and Jersey cows. In early times the Indians camped on the land which is now his farm, and he has. a large collection of Indian relics which he prizes highly. In politics he is a Demo-- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 265 crat, and attends the Evangelical Lutheran Church, of which he is a deacon, and has been for the past eight years. HERMAN H. GERWIN, one of the oldest pioneers, and a prominent agriculturist of Madison township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, was born in the town of Bohmte, Hanover, Germany, July 23, 1844, and is a son of Ludwig and Sophia (Hunte) Gerwin, whose family numbered seven children, of whom four are yet living. The father was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1799, and was a contractor and builder by occupation, also, engaged in the manufacture of carriages, and in the undertaking business. He followed these pursuits in his native town, and at the same time owned and superintended a farm. In 1826 he was married, the lady of his choice being also a native of Hanover. A brief record of their seven children is as follows: Dora, born in Hanover, is the widow of Casper Ernsthausen. John Henry, a carpenter and joiner, of Toledo, Ohio, died June 8, 1892; his wife died June 8, 1895, leaving a family of three children. Sophia, wife of Henry Schomburg, died in Toledo leaving one son, Lewis, who is treasurer of the Merchants Savings Bank of Toledo. Frederick is engaged in repairing cars in the employ of the Ann Arbor Railroad Company at Toledo. William, who died October 9, 1895, was a farmer of Woodville township, Sandusky county. Christopher died in Germany. The father of this family emigrated to America in 1853, and located in Woodville township, Sandusky county, where he engaged in farming for seven years. His death occurred in 1861, at the age of sixty-one. His wife survived him some sixteen years, and departed this life in 1877. They were worthy people, highly esteemed by all who knew them. Mr. Gerwin, the subject of this sketch, attended school in his native county for a year and a half, and then removed with his parents, in 1853, from his old home to the New World. They came direct to Ohio, and located on a farm in Woodville township, Sandusky county. Our subject pursued his studies in the schools of Toledo for a period of eighteen months, after which he returned to his father's home, and assisted in the labors of the farm; also attended school in the neighborhood for two winters. He continued to aid in the cultivation of the fields on the old homestead until 1863, when he went to Toledo, and served an apprenticeship to the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he followed until 1872, removing then to Gibsonburg, where he embarked in contracting and building. He did a successful business there, employing a number of men, erecting many fine structures both in that place and in Madison township, Sandusky county. While thus engaged, through economy and thrift, he managed to save enough to purchase some real estate in the city of Toledo, which he afterward sold, and bought property in the town of Gibsonburg. In 1877 he abandoned his trade, and returned to agricultural pursuits, trading his real estate in Gibsonburg for a farm of forty acres in Madison township, a small portion of which was under cultivation. He soon cleared the remainder, erected thereon a substantial dwelling, good barns and other necessary outbuildings, set out a fine orchard, and made other general improvements, all within the short space of six years. He then sold and purchased sixty acres of land, forty of which was improved. It was not long until the remainder was under cultivation, and enclosed with fences. Three years later he again sold, and removed to Washington township, where he purchased fifty-six acres of improved land. He spent three years on that farm, remodeling the dwelling and barn, digging ditches, laying tiles, and continuing the work of improvement until he sold in 1889. In that year he be- 266 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. came owner of seventy-five acres of improved land, and on selling half of this bought seventy-two acres of an adjoining farm, making a total of 01 acres, which he is to-day cultivating. He is progressive in a high degree, and has carried forward the work of improvement along various lines until he is now the owner of one of the finest farms in Madison township. He also carries on stock raising. On November 4, 1869, Mr. Gerwin was married in Pemberville, Wood Co., Ohio, to Miss Christina Berlekamp, and this happy union has been blessed with .six children: John, was born February 16, 1871, and died December 25, 1872; Cora S., born June 29, 1874; Mary K., February 3, 1878; Carl W., February 12, 1881; Herman H., January 22, 1887; and Lewis William, August 13, 1889. John Berlekamp, father of Mrs. Gerwin, was born in Germany, and in 1851 crossed the Atlantic, locating in Seneca county, Ohio, where he farmed for two years. He afterward removed to Wood county, and purchased 120 acres of land, continuing its cultivation up to the time of his death. He was married in Germany to Mary Beimdick, and their children were: Katarina, wife of Henry Koh-rig, a farmer of Wood county, Ohio; Mary, wife of David Hummell, also a farmer, living on the old homstead in Wood county; Christina, who was born in Germany, December 18, 1847, and is the wife of our subject; Henry, who died in Germany; Louisa, wife of William Hagemizer, a farmer of Wood county, Ohio; Emma, who married Henry Budemyre, of Wood county, and is deceased; and Frank, who died in that county in October, 1878. John Berlekamp passed away February 6, 1893; his wife died eighteen years previous, in 1875. Mr. Gerwin is a self-made man. Through industry and strict attention to business he managed to acquire a start in life, and through his perseverance and enegry he has won success, assisted by his wife, who has indeed been to him a faithful companion and helpmeet, sharing with him in the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity, which have checkered his pathway. He is a member of Gibson-burg Lodge, No. 687, I. O. O. F., and in religious belief is a Lutheran. On questions of national importance he votes with the Republican party; but at local elections supports the man whom he thinks best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliations. WILLIAM H. HINELINE was born October 3, 1835, in eastern Pennsylvania, and is a son of Hugh and Rebecca (Latick) Hineline, who were born respectively, February 11, 1802, in Pennsylvania, and July 13, 1808, and were married in the Keystone State, October 22, 1825. Hugh Hineline was a merchant, but sold out in 1855, came to the State of Ohio, and bought 160 acres of land. He was justice of the peace for seventeen years, and also trustee. He died March 3, 18-, and left fourteen children to the care of their mother, who passed from earth August 18, 1891. The names and dates of birth of their children are as follows: Anna M., July 24, 1827; Sycus, October 31, 1829; Jacob, March 11, I 831 ; Elizabeth M., November 19, 1832; Sarah A., March 23, 1834; William H., October 3, 1835; Alida, July 1, 1857; Abel T., September 16, 1839; Hugh E., October 15, 1841, died July 21, 1894; Simon P., November 2, 1843; Francis, October 22, 1845; Kahudeis, August 7, 1847; Rebecca, April 19, 1850, and John, April 7, 1855. William H. Hineline conducted a hotel in Wood county from 1860 until 1862, when he enlisted as a soldier. He continued in the service three years, being in the South the greater part of the time, went with Sherman to Atlanta, Ga., and from there marched to Tennessee, where he took an active part in several battles. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 267 He was taken prisoner in eastern Tennessee, spent two weeks in Libby Prison, and was then transferred to Belle Isle, and kept there seven months. He was released on May 17, 1864, came home on a furlough, and remained three months. Joining the One Hundredth Regiment, O. V. I. , he again engaged in the service, was with Sherman at Atlanta, and took an active part in a great battle at Franklin. Afterward he returned to Sandusky county, Ohio. In February, 1888, our subject was united in marriage with Rosa C. Meoder, who was born January I, 1867, and they have four children, namely: Cleta V., Leona A., Sarah A. and Bertha E. Mr. Hineline deals in cattle and horses, and is prosperous and well-to-do. He votes the Democratic ticket, has held several minor offices, and been trustee and school director. His parents lived with him until their death, and the old homestead of 160 acres was left to him. JACOB REEF, a progressive business man of Sandusky county, is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Woodville township, and in the manufacture of lath and paling. He was born in Bowville, Switzerland, February 28, 1854, and is a son of John Reef, who is also a native of that country, where he was employed as a day laborer. He wedded Mary Soldt, who was born in the same country and they became the parents of six children: John, who makes his home with our subject; Mary, wife of Andrew Widmer; Elizabeth, who died in childhood; Lucy who lives with her brother Jacob; Frederick, engaged in milling, and the subject of this review. In 1863 the father brought his family to America, taking up his residence near Fremont, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where he purchased twenty acres of land on which he constructed a log cabin. While cutting down a tree near his house he met with a very severe as well as painful accident, which resulted in the loss of his life after only one year's residence in the New World. His widow afterward married again, her second union being with Conrad Myers, a farmer of Woodville township, Sandusky county, who died in 1879. Mrs. Myers is now living with her son Jacob, who like a dutiful son tenderly cares for her in her declining years. The children at the father's death were left to provide for their own support, for no inheritance came to them. Our subject was only nine years of age at that time, and being forced to earn his livelihood he had little opportunity to pursue an education. For several years he worked only for his board and clothes. He then spent two years on the farm of his step-father and at the age of seventeen began learning the carpenter's and joiner's trade, working the first seven months for the small sum of $7 and his board. He thought this rather unprofitable, so started out to secure day's labor at his trade, and soon found employment. When he could not follow carpentering he took up any pursuit that would yield him an honest living, and thus worked for ten years, and then operated his mother's farm for a year. He next removed to Wood county, Ohio, where he cultivated a rented farm of forty acres for three years, when, through industry and economy, he was enabled, in connection with his brother-in-law, to purchase one hundred acres of land. The tract is located in Woodville township, Sandusky county, the purchase price being $5, 500, and each brother paid $1,000, going in debt for the remainder. After a year Jacob Reef bought out his brother-in-law, and continued the work of improving the land, erecting barns and other necessary outbuildings, planting orchards, and adding all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm. He placed fifty acres under cultivation, and then, having more than he could conveniently manage, he sold twenty acres, and to-day has one of the 268 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL .RECORD. most highly cultivated farms in Woodville township. In 1895 his barn and stable were destroyed by fire, causing a loss of $1,500; but with characteristic energy he rebuilt, and now has one of the finest barns in the township. There are also upon his place two good oil wells which have yielded to him a handsome profit, and which are now owned and operated by the Ohio Oil Company. There are also indications of oil on other parts of the farm. During the past year, Mr. Reef has engaged in the manufacturing business. He built a sawmill, and is now making laths and fencing, the new enterprise proving a profitable one. In this he is associated with his brother. He is a man of excellent business ability, whose foresight and keen discrimination have proved important factors in his prosperity. On February 15, 1885, Mr. Reef was married in Sandusky county to Miss Annie Widmer, daughter of John Widmer, a farmer of Bradner, Wood Co., Ohio, and they have three children: Rosie L. M., born January 4, 1886; George W. , born December 20, 1889; and Emma P., born January 13, 1894. Mr. Reef has held the office of supervisor for two terms, and has discharged the duties of the position in a most creditable and acceptable manner. In politics he is a stalwart Republican. His success is not the result of propitious circumstances, but has come to him through industry, energy and honorable dealing. He has not only paid off all his indebtedness, but now has a highly cultivated farm with improved stock and other valuable property. His life has indeed been a busy and useful one, and his career is above reproach. JOSEPH HOOVER. Of the many genial, whole-souled men of Green Creek township, Sandusky county, perhaps no one is better or more favorably known than Mr. Hoover. A Union soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and a man whose high personal qualities make lighter the burdens of life for others, he is deservedly given a place in this volume. He is a son of George and Marguerite Hoover, and was born August 14, 1840, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Samuel Hoover, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Pennsylvania, and died there; his father came to America while a boy. By occupation Samuel Hoover was a carpenter. His son George was born in Fayette county, Penn., and grew up a farmer. In 1839 he married Marguerite Hilliard, and they had three children, namely: Joseph, whose name introduces this sketch; Eli, who died in Illinois, and Harvey, who was a member of the Second Virginia V. I. , and was killed in the engagement at Cedar Mountain. George Hoover died in Pennsylvania in 1846; his widow is still making her home in Pennsylvania, and some of her relatives are living in Fayette county, Ohio. Joseph Hoover was reared in Pennsylvania. He enlisted in Company A, Sixty-second Pennsylvania V. I., in 1863, according to the records; but the date given is erroneous. The true records were destroyed by fire, and those compiled to take their places were not made perfectly accurate. His company first went to Washington, and from there to the front, and were in Meade's army before Richmond for some time. He was in some of the most famous battles of the war, among them those of Gettysburg, Cedar Mountain, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, May 12, 1864, where a minie ball completely shattered his right forearm, and made a gunshot wound through the wrist of his left arm. Amputation of the right arm was made necessary, while the left hand is almost useless. He was mustered out May 18, 1865. It is a remarkable sight to see Mr. Hoover write with two pencils at the same time; COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 269 he fastens one to his right arm' by means of a rubber band, takes another in his left hand, and then writes very legibly with both. Mr. Hoover resided in Pennsylvania in 1867, and on March 16, of that year, he came to the Buckeye State, locating in Erie county. In the following year he went to Groton Center, in the same county, and remained for several years. On September 22, 1874, he was there united in marriage With Mrs. Rosanna Fleming, who was born March 22, 1842, and they have had one child--Eunice A., born July 2 I , I 876. She is an accomplished and brilliant performer on the piano, and renders selections on the violin and organ with intuitive skill. A gifted young lady, she adorns the home as only a beloved daughter can. Mrs. Hoover's parents were Robert and Sarah (Price) Howey, and her maiden name was Rosanna Howey. Mr. Howey died on April 4, 1850, in Pennsylvania, his native State, and his widow makes her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Hoover. On November 13, 1859, Miss Rosanna Howey was united in marriage with James H. Fleming. Three of their children—Marion, Frank and John—live in Groton township, Erie county; and Grant, the youngest son, was killed January 13, 1891, at Dana's crossing, while three companions were killed by a Lake Shore train. Mr. Fleming died in Groton township, March 17, 1872. Mrs. Hoover's brother, John Howey, was a private in Company G, One Hundred and First O. V. I., in the war of the Rebellion, and her brother-in-law, John Fleming, was captain of Company G, same regiment. They were both wounded in the engagement at Stony River, Tenn., December 13, 1862. A ball passed through private Howey's right arm, shattering four inches of the humerus, and then, striking the left arm of Capt. Fleming, passed through and found lodgment in the lining of his coat. Capt. Fleming was taken prisoner, and for three months lay in Andersonville, at the end of which time he was exchanged and returned home. While his coat was being taken off the ball dropped from the sleeve, evidence that the coat had not been removed from the arm for a period of almost four months—a noteworthy fact. The wound had not been cared for from the time it was received until Capt. Fleming returned home. As before stated, Mr. Hoover's brother Harvey was killed at Cedar Mountain. So, all told, the number of casualties in this family has been considerable. A. B. Howey, a brother of John Howey, was a private in Company G, One Hundred and First O. V. I., having enlisted in August, 1862, and was discharged with the rest of the regiment at the close of the war. Mr. Hoover has a small fruit and garden truck farm of thirteen and one-third acres; but a man's income is not always to be estimated by the number of acres he possesses. In casting his ballot he usually favors the candidates of the party that was instrumental in preserving the Union. JOSEPH WHITEHEAD, a substantial farmer of Townsend township, Sandusky county, is a son of Joseph and Matilda (Albon) Whitehead, and was born in Huntingdonshire, England, January 24, 1836. Joseph Whitehead, Sr., was born in 1810, at Great Gransden, Huntingdonshire, England. In 1833 he was united in marriage with Matilda Albon, who was born in 1814, a daughter of John Albon, who came to the United States in 1833, the year of his daughter's marriage, and located in Erie county, Ohio. Mr. Whitehead, his son-in-law, received such glowing accounts of the natural wealth and resources of this great land, that he decided to leave his bake-shop and Britannia's shores, and make a home on this side of the bil- 270 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lowy Atlantic. So he set out with his family in 1851, landed at Quebec, and came on from there to Sandusky City, Erie Co., Ohio, part of the way by boat, from Niagara to Chippewa on horse-cars, reaching Sandusky City June 15, 1851. The same year Mr. Whitehead bought 120 acres of land in Sandusky county, on which his son Thomas C. now resides. Mrs. Whitehead departed this life in the fall of 1864, and Mr. Whitehead on February 10, 1891. Joseph Whitehead (Jr.), the subject of this sketch, received only a limited education in his native land, and it was not augmented by schooling after reaching the United States. At the age of fifteen he accompanied his parents to America. He served as a " hundred-day-man " in the war from May 2, 1864, until September 5, when he was discharged. On June 12, 1865, Mr. Whitehead married Laura A. George, who was born August 5, 1843, and they have had four children, as follows: William H., born August 29, 1868, married Mary Howe, of Riley township, Sandusky county, November 26, 1891 (they had a daughter, Estella May, born December 27, 1894); John T., born January 11, 1871; Bessie R., born in 1875, married Oscar Longanbach on February 22, 1894 (they had a daughter, Cora Ella, born July 28, 1895); and Ross D., born September 28, 1878. The father of Mrs. Whitehead, Joseph George, formerly resided in Townsend township, but removed to Clyde, Green Creek township, Sandusky county, where both he and his wife were laid to rest. They had a family of fourteen children, and Mr. George endured a great number of hardships through life. He was an old pioneer, and served in the war 1812, receiving a discharge. After his marriage our subject, Joseph Whitehead, resided in Riley township, Sandusky county, about twenty years, since when he has lived in Townsend township. He has a farm of three hundren and sixty acres, all under cultivation, and makes a specialty of grain and stock. In the spring of 1893 he was thrown from a horse, and sustained injuries internally, which he is likely to feel the rest of his life. Politically, Mr. Whitehead's sympathies are with the Republican party. ZACHARIAS HOUTZ. Among the enterprising agriculturists of Sandusky county who are rapidly pushing their way to the front, to a place among the substantial and leading citizens, is this gentleman. He was born March 14, 1850, in Mahoning county, Ohio, where his father was a pioneer, and when a mere lad came with his parents to Scott township, Sandusky county. His father, John Houtz, who was born in Pennsylvania September 13, 1801, and located in this locality when it was an unbroken wilderness. He purchased the east half of Section 4, Scott township, a Mr. Roller purchasing the west half about the same time. He also. bought one hundred acres on the Greensburg pike, which he afterward sold, becoming the owner of a like amount near Helena, a portion of which has been divided into village lots and sold. He continued to conduct his business affairs with marked ability, and at his death was in very comfortable circumstances, owning much valuable real estate, and a large amount of money in notes. Before his demise he divided the property among his heirs. He passed away January 20, 1881, and the community mourned the death of one of its respected and valued citizens. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Elizabeth Boyer, was born May 9, 1819, and died July 27, 1871. They were the parents of six children—Mary, Cornelius, Zacharias, Elizabeth, John and Sarah. Aiding in the work of the farm, Zacharias Houtz developed a strong and vigorous constitution. His mental training, was meager, as the schools of the neighborhood were poor; but through business COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 271 experience and observation he has become a well-informed man, and has provided his children with good educational advantages. With his axe upon his shoulder he would start out early in the morning with his father to assist in the work of clearing the farm, seventy-three acres of which he received of the homestead, which was almost unbroken forest. As the years passed, the forest was replaced by waving fields of grain and grassy meadows, and in 1874 Mr. Houtz erected his first frame house of the family, and in 1892 he built a substantial frame residence, which stands as a monument to his thrift and enterprise. He now gives his entire attention to farming, and to the oil business, in which he is extensively engaged. On September 1, 1882, Mr. Houtz purchased thirty acres. In 1889 he leased the 103-acre farm on which he resides for a consideration of one dollar per acre and one-eighth of the oil produced. He has since purchased eighty acres, which he has leased for one-sixth of the oil. The royalty from his wells constitutes a handsome income, and would enable him to retire at once from business were he so disposed; but indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature, and he continues his work, increasing the value of his property by keeping his farm in good condition. On October 22, 1874, Mr. Houtz wedded Mary Jane Plantz, who was born October 26, 1858, and is a daughter of an honored pioneer of Scott township, Sandusky county, Benjamin Plantz, who was born in Lancaster county, Penn., March 18, 1810. His wife, Amelia (Romler), was born February 6, 1818, in Columbiana county, Ohio, and died June 16, 1892. His death occurred in January, 1895, and of their thirteen children seven are now living. Grandfather Jacob Plantz was born in 1790, his wife in 1792, and they passed away in 1876 and 1880 respectively. They had eight children, six of whom are living. The maternal grand father, Mr. Romler, died about 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Houtz are the parents of seven children: Mary Lodema, born June 7, 1875, was married March 3, 1895, to. Burt Whiteman, who is engaged with the Manhattan Oil Company, in Scott township, Sandusky county; Verna Ellen, born September 16, 1877; John William, born October 16, 1879; Belvin C., born September 4, 1882; Edward Floyd, born June 3, 1885; Charles E., born May 18, 1887; and Minnie May, born May r, 1892. The family circle yet remains unbroken, and the friends of parents and children are many. Mr. Houtz is a supporter of the Peoples party, but has never sought or desired political preferment, giving his time and energies to his business interests, in which he has met with a high degree of prosperity, thanks to his capable management, his enterprise and honorable dealing. DAVID B. JONES. Among those who successfully follow agricultural pursuits in Madison township, Sandusky county, is numbered this gentleman--one of the worthy citizens that the land of the Cymri has furnished to this locality. He was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, July 25, 1841, and is a son of John and Mary (Jones) Jones, who were also natives of the same county. The father was a farm laborer, and worked at any occupation that would yield him an honest living. In the family were eight children, six of whom are living and are married, namely: Sinah, widow of Thomas Jones, a farmer of Wales; John, a farmer of Madison township, Sandusky county; Thomas, an agriculturist of Iowa; David B., subject of this sketch; Mary, wife of Edward Griffis, who follows agricultural pursuits in Wales; and Humphrey, a farmer of Iowa; Ellis is deceased, and one other died in infancy. The parents spent their entire lives in their native land, where the 272 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. father died in 1858, while the mother's death occurred in 1885. Our subject spent the first twenty-three years of his life in his native land, during which time he received no educational privileges, for the schools were not free institutions, and the parents were too poor to afford to pay for what they considered was not within their means, for education in those days was not looked upon as an absolute necessity. He learned to read in the Welsh language while attending Sunday-school. At the tender age of eleven years he began to work as a farm laborer, receiving the meagre compensation of two pounds per year and his board, his mother having to do his washing for him. He worked in this way for a period of twelve years, his wages increasing as the years passed by, and he was able to do more work. In this way he managed to contribute to the support of his widowed mother, who was left in very limited circumstances. In 1865, having determined to try his fortune in the New World, he sailed from the shore of his native land to seek broader fields and better opportunities in America. On landing here he came direct to Ohio, and found employment as a farm hand in Morrow county, where he was given $14 per month and his board. This seemed good wages to one who was accustomed to the meagre equivalents sometimes paid in Europe. He continued in the employ of one man for six years, and during the last year received $20 per month. While working in this way he spent two months of three winter seasons in school, and thereby gained enough knowledge to continue his education alone, which he has done, becoming a well-informed man through reading, study. experience and observation. Habits of industry, sobriety and economy enabled him to accumulate some money, and he then left Ohio for the territory beyond the Mississippi, purchasing eighty acres of land in Iowa. A year later he returned to the Buckeye State, and again worked in Morrow county as a farm laborer, and was employed at the poorhouse of the State for a year. Mr. Jones then returned to Wales to visit his mother, and for twelve months remained in the land of his birth, when he again came to the United States. Taking up his residence in Madison township, Sandusky county, he purchased an interest in a shingle-mill, which he conducted in connection with a partner for nine months, when he sold and purchased eighty acres of land in the same township. He then returned to Morrow county, where he operated a farm, on shares, for Mrs. Jones, a widow lady, continuing that employment some four years, when he resumed work as a farm hand. In 1880 he made his second trip across the Atlantic, this time in quest of a wife, and again spent a year in the midst of the scenes of his childhood. In 1881 he sailed with his bride for America, landing at Boston on the 6th of October, whence he came direct to his farm in Sandusky county. In six weeks he had erected a frame dwelling, in which he and his wife were soon established, beginning life in earnest in their new home. He had previously purchased an additional ten acres, and now had ninety acres of wooded land to clear and make productive; but industry is one of his chief characteristics, and in course of time the forest was replaced by rich and fertile fields, where wheat and corn and other grains gave evidence of good harvests, while well-kept fences, good barns and other outbuildings indicated his enterprise and told of a busy life. He also added to and improved his dwelling, and his home and its surroundings bespeak the industry and enterprising spirit of the owner. He has availed himself of every opportunity offered in order to achieve success, and there has been little leisure in his life, for he is always at work improving his place in one way or another. Through thrift and economy he managed to save enough to purchase the COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 273 farm on which he worked during the first six years of his residence in this country—a tract of 200 acres, costing $7,400. It is situated in Morrow county, and, being rented, yields to him a good income. The wife of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Ellen Jones, was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, February 13, 1848, one of the eight children of Ellis Jones, a farmer of Wales, who died October 7, 1894, at the age of eighty-one years; his wife passed away in 189o. David Jones and his wife have two children—Mary E., born July 26, 1882; and Ellis, born January 31, 1888. Mr. Jones has been school director for one term, also clerk of the board, and was elected supervisor for one year. He votes with the Republican party, but prefers business to politics. His success he owes to no man, earnest and honest toil bringing him what he possesses to-day. Industry and close application to business have been the rounds of the ladder on which he has mounted to prosperity, and are traits of character worthy of emulation. LE ROY NICHOLS BROWN, one of the intelligent and progressive citizens of Clyde, Sandusky county, was born in Huron county, Ohio, November 22, I 850, and is a son of Franklin and Rispah A. (Nichols) Brown. The father was born near Plymouth, Richland Co., Ohio, in 1825, and was a son of Peter Brown, who engaged in hotel-keeping in that locality until his son was about six years of age, when he removed to a tract of timber land in the western part of Norwich township, Huron county, where he built a gristmill, which was operated by horse power. This was the only mill in the locality, and people came for fifty miles around to get their grists. The father of our subject, during his boyhood, used to turn the bolt by hand, until the grandfather constructed a machine to do the work. For twenty- five years the latter carried on the milling business, and then retired into private life, making his home with his son in Peru township, Huron county, where he died at the advanced age of eighty-one years. In his political views he was a Whig. His wife afterward removed to Clyde, where her death occurred when she had attained the ripe old age of ninety-three. The marriage of this worthy couple was celebrated in Norwich, Ohio; the husband was born in Norwich, Vt., the wife in Norwich, Connecticut. Dr. Franklin Brown was one of a family of eleven children. During his youth he learned the blacksmith's trade, and followed that business in connection with farm work for some time. After his marriage, in 1847, he carried on blacksmithing exclusively for fifteen years, doing a good business. When he sold out he removed to Peru township, in 186o, and engaged in farming, keeping a smithy only for the purpose of doing his own work. In 1869 he disposed of his property in that place, and taking up his residence in Clyde established a meat market. Not long after his arrival he was elected marshal of Clyde; and it was then that " Brown's Hotel " became known. In his composition was a vein of humor which made itself manifest in having a sign painted " Brown's Hotel," and nailed up over the door of the jail. The name was at once adopted, and the old sign hung in its place until very recently when the city replaced it by a new one, and this house of correction still goes by the name of " Brown's Hotel." For about six years he acceptably filled the office of marshal, and was always recognized as a leading and influential citizen. He held membership with the Universalist Church. His death occurred May 27, 1886, and he was buried on Decoration day. His wife, who was born in Weathersfield, Vt., April 3, 1827, is still living. In the family there were two children. Valeda, the eldest, born March 1o, 1849, was on No- 274 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. vember 12, 1873, married to H. B. Whitaker. They had three children—Leona N., Yule C. and Frank E.—and resided in Crawford county, Kans. ; Mrs. Whitaker died November I I, 1893, and was buried at Girard, Kansas. Mr. Brown, whose name introduces this sketch, has lived in Clyde since his early boyhood, and was educated in its public schools. In 1869 he became interested in the dry-goods business here, and for thirteen years was associated with that line of trade, when he embarked in gardening and fruit growing, raising peaches, pears, celery, tomatoes and cabbage. On December 7, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara M. Letson, daughter of Abram and Analiza Letson, natives, the father of New Jersey, the mother of Jefferson county, Ohio. Migrating westward, Abram Letson located on a farm in Hardin county, Ohio, and was married December 11, 1851. In Hardin county Mr. Letson remained until the spring of 1866, when he removed to Clyde with his family, where he still resides. To Mr. and Mrs. L. N. Brown have been born five children: Carroll C., Eugene E., Laverne L., Mildred M. and Ima I. Mr. Brown is a member of the Order of United American Mechanics. He is now serving his third term of three years each as a member of the school board of Clyde; has for seven years been clerk of the board, and has taken an active part in educational matters, doing all in his power to secure good schools, and to raise their standard of excellence, for he believes that education is one of the important factors in producing good citizens. JOSIAH ZIMMERMAN was born in Knox county, Ohio, October 5, 1842, and is a son of Adam and Maria (Mathias) Zimmerman. The family is of German origin. The grandparents, David and Catharine (Shultz) Zimmerman, were natives of the Fatherland, the former born in 1776, the latter in 1778. His death occurred in 1862, and his wife passed away in 1864. This worthy couple were the parents of twelve children—John, Rosa, Jacob, George, Peter, Adam, Catherine, Susan, Margaret, Mary, and two daughters who died in infancy. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Abram and Mary (Shafer) Mathias, the former of whom was born near Pittsburg, Penn., in 1787, made farming his life work, and passed away in 1863; his wife, who was born in 1790, survived until 1874. Their eight children were: Elizabeth, Susan, Lydia, Nancy, Catherine, Maria, Philip and Daniel. When our subject was a child of six years his parents came to Ohio, locating in Jackson township, Seneca county. His father was a farmer by occupation and was born in Stark county, this State, May 19, 1819. In 1841 he wedded Maria Mathias, and they became the parents of eleven children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The others are: Philip, who was in the one-hundred-day service during the Civil war; Lydia A. ; Nancy Jane; Sarah; Eli A. ; John Wesley; Abram A. ; Simon A. ; Nathaniel, and Mary. The father carried on agricultural pursuits, throughout the greater part of his lifer and died August 18, 1885. Josiah Zimmerman was reared in Seneca county, acquired his education in its public schools, and there made his home until after the South had taken up arms against the Union, when, in August, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Forty-ninth O. V. I., serving for four and a half years. At the battle of Shiloh he received a scalp wound, and at the battle of Chickamauga was wounded in the left hip, and had a ring shot from the little finger of his left hand. At the battle of Dallas, Ga., May 22, 1864, he received a wound which nearly caused his death, and forced him to remain in the hospital