COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 325 confined, in the fall of that year. In politics he has always been a Republican. He and his wife were for a number of years members of the United Brethren Church, but now attend the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Eunice J. (Black) Wolfe was born January 6, 1833, in Richland county, Ohio, and was educated at Lexington and Westerville, Ohio, afterward teaching for a number of years, part of the time in the high school at Lexington. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe have come five children, as follows: (1) Charles M., born November 1, 1857, is a carpenter and contractor of Fremont; he was married May 23, 1883, to Miss Clara Potter, daughter of Henry J. and Zeruiah A. (Dawley) Potter, and the names and dates of birth of their children are: Irene, September 5, 1884; Libbie, December 7, 1885; Ella, July 14, 1888; Blanche, April 18, 1891; and Stanley, born August 22, 1893. (2) Sally Irene, born December 21, 1862, lives with her parents. (3) Elbridge B., born August 30, 1866, is a farmer; on November 23, 1889, he married Miss Ida McIntyre, and their children are Lucile, born October 13, 1890, and Gladys, born February 19, 1891. (4) Mary Inez, born July 28, 1869, lives with her parents. (5) Daniel M., Jr., a carpenter, lives with his parents, and works at his trade with his brothers. HON. HOMER EVERETT. Perhaps no one of the early pioneers of Sandusky county contributed more to make its local history, and took more pains to put on record the stirring events which occurred when the wilderness of the Black Swamp began to be cleared up, and the little Indian trading-post called Lower Sandusky (now Fremont) first sprang into prominence as a thriving village of enterprising white people, than the subject of this sketch. His literary tastes, his official positions, his wide acquaintance, his social nature, his habit of writing down the incidents and events which he gathered from frequent visits and conversations with the early settlers, and his powers of oratory, by which he presented, in the form of historical lectures, the well-digested results of his investigations, all rendered him very useful to the community, and entitled him to the lasting gratitude of his fellow citizens, and the honor of being the first pioneer historian of Sandusky county. Hon. Homer Everett, son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Emery) Everett, was born in Huron county, Ohio, January 3o, 1813. When two years old he came with his parents to Lower Sandusky. His school education was such as could be picked up in the wilderness at that early day, his teachers being Justus and Ezra Williams, Edson Goit and Samuel Crowell. He grew up amid the toils, cares and privations of the early settlers, sharing the hardships of the common people; but he was always cheerful and hopeful. At the age of seventeen he left the farm upon which he had spent his early boyhood, and entered the store of Jesse S. Olmsted, in which he rendered faithful service about six years. In 1837 he was appointed postmaster at Lower Sandusky, by Martin Van Buren, and while serving in this office he was also deputy clerk of courts, under James A. Scranton. In 1839 he was elected sheriff of the county, resigning the office of postmaster, and was re-elected sheriff. He commenced reading law in 1834, improving his leisure time in so doing until 1841, when he was admitted to the bar. He now resigned his office as sheriff, and began the practice of law with Nathaniel B. Eddy, of Lower Sandusky; was subsequently a partner of L. B. Otis, who afterward removed to Chicago. On various occasions he was member of the city council, for several years township clerk, one of the first members of the City Board of Education, 326 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in which body he served fifteen years, and was mayor of Fremont two terms. In 1847 he retired from the practice of law for the purpose of leading a more quiet life on a farm, but was soon recalled by the votes of the people. In 1848 he found himself in the chair of the county auditor, which office he held two terms. At the close of his second term he resumed the practice of law, entering into partnership with Gen. R. P. Buckland. In 1862, Mr. Buckland retired from the practice to enter the army. During the Civil war Mr. Everett made many eloquent speeches in favor of the enlistment of Union soldiers. In 1866 he formed a partnership with James H. Fowler, an ex-soldier, who had been his law student. In 1867 Mr. Everett was elected to the Ohio Senate, and in 1869 was re-elected to the same position. He,. fostered the Akron school law, and was on the select committee which constructed the first municipal code for the State of Ohio. On his return home he again resumed the practice of law. In 1881-82 he furnished valuable records for the History of Sandusky county, to H. Z. Williams & Bro., publishers, Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Everett was married, in 1837, to Miss Hannah Bates, of Sandusky county. She died in 1840, leaving an infant daughter, Hannah Bates Everett, who, in 1856, became the wife of Henry Hatfield, and had two sons—one living in Kansas and one in Colorado. Mr. Everett, for his second wife, married in December, 1842, Mrs. Albina Brush, widow of John T. Brush, and by her had two sons and two daughters: (1) George, who was telegraph operator for Gen. Thomas at Nashville, Tenn., during the Civil war, and died at home in 1874. (2) Charles Egbert, who was a soldier in the naval service during the Civil war (he married Miss Hattie Tindall, of Ballville township, and their children are—Eddie and Nellie, living at the old homestead; he learned and follows the trade of cabinet making). (3) Albina Elizabeth, a teacher, who was married at Osborne City, Kans., to Frederick Yoxall, a native of England, and they have two daughters. (4) Lillie, a very fine musician, who married James A. Wilson, a hardware merchant, of Osborne, Kans. ; they have one. daughter. The second wife of Homer Everett died in 1855, and in 1873 he married Miss Minerva E. Justice, daughter of James Justice. The death of Homer Everett occurred on June 22, 1887, at the home of his daughter, in Kansas, and his remains were brought to Fremont, Ohio, for interment in Oakwood Cemetery. The Fremont Bar Association and Brainard Lodge, F. &. A. M., of which he was a member, each passed fitting resolutions of respect to his honored memory. A HORNUNG. A striking illustration of that time-worn proverb familiar to every school boy, " tall oaks from little acorns grow, " is seen in the business career of the gentleman whose name opens this sketch, and who is a member of the well-known firm of Zorn, Hornung & Co., leading citizens and pioneer merchants of the town of Gibsonburg, Sandusky county. The simple story of his life shows that there is always a chance for the boy or man who takes hold of fortune with strong hands and steady will, and compels her to bestow those gifts which the timid supplicant can never win. Mr. Hornung was born March 7, 1842, in Washington township, Sandusky county, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Sickendahler) Hornung. This worthy couple were natives of Germany, where they were married, and whence, in 1833, they emigrated to America, settling in Pennsylvania near Allentown, where they lived for about six years. They then came to Ohio, settling in Washington township, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 327 Sandusky county, on a farm, where they remained during the rest of their lives. The father, whose birth took place in 1796, died in 1871, the mother, who was born in 1807, surviving him until 1892. Mr. Hornung was a Democrat, and both he and his wife were consistent members of the Lutheran Church. Their family consisted of six children: Charlotte, who married Aaron Krotzer, of Gibsonburg; Caroline, who married Adam Ansted, and lives in Washington township; Mary; Tilman, residing in Washington township; our subject comes next; and Jacob, who lives in Gibsonburg; two children died when infants. The subject of this sketch spent his early days upon his father's farm, performing the many tasks which fall to the lot of a farmer's boy, with scanty sources of amusement or pleasure, and but small opportunity to acquire an education. At the age of fifteen, tiring of the monotonous life in the country, determined to strike out for himself, he commenced and served an apprenticeship in the shoemaking trade under Mr. Zorn, his present partner, who was then located at Hessville, Sandusky county. Here he remained some six years, making his home with Mr. Zorn, with whom he boarded nine years. At the end of six years he bought the shoe business from Mr. Zorn, carried it on for three years, and then formed a partnership with his old employer. The new firm continued in business at Hessville until 1871, when, seeing that the present location of Gibsonburg bade fair to become a leading point in the county, they decided to open a branch of their business there, Mr. Hornung taking charge of the same. The first building put up in the present town was his store. It was erected on the corner now occupied by the large and, commodious structure in which their present extensive mercantile business is now carried on, and it is around this pioneer establishment that - 21 - the present flourishing village of Gibsonburg has crystallized. The entire business of the firm was soon centered at this point, and it has been steadily growing in size and importance. Not content with this, these energetic men have constantly had in view the progress and enlargement of their chosen community, and have been prominent factors in its growth and prosperity. At the present time they are carrying on, in addition to their flourishing mercantile business, the manufacture of lime; have erected an elevator, and stave heading factory; established a creamery, and, besides, are pioneers in the gas and oil producing business, now owning and operating a gas plant and extensive oil fields with many oil wells. It is generally an unwise thing to have so many " irons in the fire," but the undoubted ability and well-known energy, perseverance and excellent judgment always evinced by Mr. Hornung and his partner in the management of their large ventures, are a guarantee of their success in whatever direction they turn their attention. They are valuable citizens of Gibsonburg, and as such command the respect and esteem of all who know them. On April 8, 1867, Mr. Hornung was married in Washington township, to Miss Catherine Stotz, who was born in Germany May 28, 1842. Four children have been born to them: Elizabeth, George, Charles and Julia; of these, George is a member of the firm, Charles being in its employ as bookkeeper; the daughters are at home. In politics Mr. Hornung is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. MICHAEL OBERST, JR., a farmer of Sandusky township, Sandusky county, was born in that township December 8, 1848,, a son of Michael, Sr., and Anna (Mohler) Oberst. The father of our subject was born in 328 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. October, 1811, in Prussia, Germany, grew up there, and came to America about the year 1844. He settled in Sandusky township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, and worked as a farmer in Sandusky and Ottawa counties. At the outbreak of the Mexican war he volunteered in the U. S. military service, and served under Gen. Scott, afterward returning to Sandusky county. After his marriage he settled where he now resides. In the war of the Rebellion he joined the Union army, serving during the last year. He is one of the few Mexican war pensioners living in Sandusky county. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious faith he is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Oberst was born in Switzerland October 27, 1829, and is still living. Their children were: Michael, our subject; John, who died when six years old; Daniel, living in Millersville, Sandusky county, who married Miss Burgoon, by whom he has two children—Ralph and Merven; Mary Ann, unmarried, who is living at home with her parents; and George, who died when ten years of age. Our subject was reared in Sandusky county, and was educated in the public schools. In 1873 he married Miss Sarah Lobdill, who was born in Sandusky county, July 18, 1854, and their children are: Olive, Charles, Lucy, Frank, Anna, Earl and Clair. •Mr. Oberst now owns a portion of the old homestead on which he was reared. He is recognized as one of the leading, progressive men among the younger agriculturists in the township, is a competent business man, and adopts the most advanced ideas and business methods. He was formerly a Republican; but awakening to a strong realization of the many evils consequent to the liquor traffic he identified himself some years ago with the Prohibition party. He is one of the leaders in the temperance cause in his community, has served as State delegate to Prohibition conventions, and is working for the interest of the party. GEORGE H. WAGGONER, owner of a valuable farm in Sandusky township, Sandusky county, is a native of the county, born November 10, 1851, in Washington township, where he spent. his boyhood days, and received his early education, later attending one term at Oberlin College. Mr. Waggoner remained on the home farm until twenty-three years of age. On December 1o, 1874, he was married to Miss Mary E. Engler, of Sandusky township, Sandusky county, in the same house in which they have since lived. Shortly after their marriage his father purchased' the farm-142 acres—for which he paid $15, 000, sand later deeded the entire tract to his son George in consideration of $3,000. Here the latter has resided since his marriage, during which time he has much improved the place, in the way of under-drainings, erecting new buildings, etc., in general making it one of the best farms in Sandusky county. While Mr. Waggoner has been engaged in general farming, he has also paid much attention to the raising of good stock, including horses, cattle and sheep, and he is a prosperous, thorough-going agriculturist. To Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner have come four children: Orie Odell, born September 2, 1878, has attended the district school and paid special attention to music, having been organist for the past three years at Mount Calvary U. B. Church; Chester C., born July 20, 1881, has attended the-home school (he is interested in the Sunday-school) ; Vernie May was born October 11, 1886 (she is taking music lessons); and Elmer E., born November 30, 1889. Samuel Waggoner, father of George H. Waggoner, was born December 12, 1827, in Perry county, Ohio. About 1830 he came with his parents to Washington township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where he made his home until within the-past three years, since when he has lived in Fremont. His wife, Sarah (Miller), was born August 28, 1831, in Ohio, and COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 329 they were married in February, 1851. To their union were born nine children, of whom George H. is the oldest; Caroline died in infancy; Clara is the wife of H. A. Bolan, and has one child; Eugene married Hattie Boyer, and died in 1892; Henry married Emma Carr, and has two children; Malvina, Mrs. Charles Keefer, of Sandusky township, has four children; Charles E. married Ellen King; Hattie is Mrs. Chester Wolf; Miland D. died at the age of fifteen. Mr. Waggoner's paternal grandfather, George Waggoner, was born November 1o, 1795, and died at the age of ninety-six years; the grandmother, Margaret (Klingler), was born May To, 1802, and had nine children, three of whom are living. At the time of his death the great-grandfather owned and lived on the farm our subject now owns. Great-grandfather John Waggoner was a member of George Washington's bodyguard during the Revolution. Mr. Waggoner's maternal grandfather, Isaac Miller, was born July 19, 1805, and was killed during the construction of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroad, in 1847; his wife, Elizabeth (Stierwalt), was born July 5, 180o, and they had three children, all of whom are living. They were all early pioneers of Sandusky county. Mrs. Mary E. Waggoner was born December 4, 1854, in Washington township, Sandusky county, and when a child moved with her parents to Sandusky township, where she has since lived. She was educated in the district schools of Sandusky township, and for five terms was one of the leading teachers of the county. Her father, Nehemiah Engler, was born February 17, 1832, in Ohio, where he is still living. He was one of the leaders of the Democratic party in Sandusky county, served as county infirmary director six years, and is now on his farm in Washington township. His wife, Sarah A. (Shively), was born July Jo, 1835, in Ohio. They were married June 4, 1854, and their union was blessed with six children: Mary (Mrs. Waggoner), William W. (married Alice Hen. ricks, and they have one child), Minerva. Jane (Mrs. N. Hetrick, who has three children and lives in Kansas), Hattie Odell (Mrs. F. Karbler, of Fremont, who has one child), Perry Sherman (of Findlay, who married Sophia Elky, and they have one child), and Joseph Rollin (who died at the age of twenty-two). Mrs. Waggoner's paternal grandfather, David Engler, was born March 27, 1797, and his wife, Edith (Burgoon), was born June 8, 1803. He died about 1856, but she survived to the advanced age of nearly eighty-eight years. To them were born nine children, of whom seven are now living. The maternal grandfather, Joseph Shively, was born March 3o, 1812, and his wife, Susan (Overmyer), was born April i6, 1809. To them came nine children, all yet living. The grandparents on both sides were early pioneers of Sandusky county. Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner have been prominent members of the United Brethren Church since 1874, and have been active in all lines of Church and Sunday-school work since their marriage. For twenty years Mr. Waggoner has been superintendent of the Sunday-school of Mt. Calvary U. B. Church, of which his estimable wife has been Church chorister for nearly a score of years. He has been a trustee of the Church and parsonage for fifteen years, and the life of the Church and Sunday-school is due in a large measure to the untiring efforts of himself and wife. Mr. Waggoner is also deeply interested in educational matters, and has been school director for six years. His visit to the World's Fair was as much a matter of intellectual development as of recreation. F. W. SANDWISCH, a retired farmer of Woodville township, Sandusky county, and, an ex-county official, who in past years has been among the most prominent and pro- 330 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. gressive public characters of the county, is a native of Germany. He was born in Hanover May 7, 1819, the youngest son of Rudolph and Jane (Daterman) Sandwisch. The mother died at the age of fifty-eight years, and the father attained the age of eighty-two years. They had five children, as follows: (1) Rudolph, who was born in February, 1805, and married Catherine Sandwisch; he had two children—Henry and Maggie—both married, the former to Christina Meyers, the latter to Fred Puck. (2) Herman, who married Catherine Margee; their five children are William, who married Clarinda Swartzman, and has three children (she lives at Fremont); Mary, widow of Jacob Bishop and mother of five children, living at Toledo; Louisa who married Benedict Emch and has five children, a resident of Woodville; John, a wagon-maker at Bowling Green, married to Almira Gallup, and has four children; Emma, wife of Charles Brett, and mother of one son, lives at Atlanta, Ga. (3) Jane, who married Herman Gismort, and died in Germany in 1879, aged seventy years, leaving one child. (4) Christian, born in 1817, married to a Miss Reader, by whom he had five children. (5) F. W., subject of this sketch. In 1836 F. W. Sandwisch, then seventeen years of age, ventured alone into a strange and distant land to seek his fortune. Taking passage in a sailing vessel, he seven weeks later landed at New York. His supply of money quickly became exhausted, and he secured a position on a steamboat, plying on Lake Erie between Buffalo and Detroit. He remained on the boat all of one season. In 1839 he married Louisa Clousing, who was born in 1815. Three children blessed this union, as follows: (1) John, a farmer of Woodville township, born November 5, 1841, and married to Eliza Meyer; they have eight children—Dora, George, Gust, Maggie, Martha, Martin, Carrie and William. (2) Herman, retired farmer of Woodville township, born April 28, 1844, married Amelia Winegart; they are the parents of five children—Ella, William, Aaron, Nora and Paul. (3) Frederick, born July 17, 1850; he married Lucy Schroeder, and has six children—Carl, Sophia, Frederick, Joseph, Fred and Eugene; he is a carpenter, and erected the first building at Woodville, where he now lives. After his marriage our subject worked for a time at the carpenter's trade. Living for a year in Perrysburg, he then came to the " Black Swamp." He worked for a year on the pike road in Troy township, Wood county, then purchased forty acres of wild land for $200. He built a log cabin and made other improvements, then sold the property and bought seventy acres. This, too, he disposed of advantageously soon after, and bought the 16o acres where he now lives. The ravages of the cholera were severe when he first settled in the swamp, and his brothers perished from the epidemic while he was on his way for a doctor. Mr. Sandwisch owned the first ox-team in Woodville township. He had to go eighteen miles to mill, and the trip consumed several days. He was an extensive dealer in horses and cattle, and in 1860 lost twenty-four head of fine cattle. Mrs. Louisa Sandwisch died October 24, 1855, of consumption, and for his second wife our subject was married to Angeline Bossan, who was born in Germany November 8, 1833, daughter of Henry and Gertie Bossan. Her father died in Germany in 1871, aged sixty-nine years, her mother in 1875, aged seventy-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Bossan were the parents of five children: Clement, Henrietta, Henry, Frederick and Angeline. The second marriage of Mr. Sandwisch was blessed with ten children, as follows: (1) Edward, a farmer of Woodville township, born December 26, 1856; he was married in April, 1880, to Annie Stein, by whom he has five children- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 331 Edith, Edward, Dora, Mary and Lizzie. (2) Henry, born July 18, 1858, lives, unmarried, in Woodville. (3) Carrie, born March 9, 1860, married John Hurrelbrink, and is the mother of three children —Augusta, William and Edward. (4) Jennie, born August 9, 1862, married Herman Linke, a farmer of Woodville township; they have two children, Edith and Lizzie. (5) William, born April 18, 1865, is at home. (6) Charles, born January 26, 1868, is at home. (7) Manuel, born December 29, 1869, is also at home. (8) Louisa, born December 1, 1871. (9) Frank, born March 22, 1874. (Jo) Sophia, born June 8, 1876. In 1884 Mr. Sandwisch retired from active farming, and his sons now operate the farm. In 1873 he was elected county commissioner, and re-elected for a second term, but on account of ill health he declined the honor. Mr. Sandwisch has also held various other local offices. The family attend the Lutheran Church, and is among the most popular and enterprising of the county.—[Since the above was written we have been notified of the death of Mr. F. W. Sandwisch, which occurred October 24, 1895. He died of old age, at the age of seventy-six years, had been ailing ever since January, 1895, and was confined to his bed for three months prior to his decease.—Editor. RICHARD WILLEY, a retired farmer of Rice township, Sandusky county, deserves honorable mention as one of the early pioneers of the county. He was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., February 15, 1817, a son of Eleazar and Mary (Lane) Willey. Eleazar Willey was a well-to-do farmer in the Empire State, who came with his family to Huron county, Ohio, in 1829, where he bought a large farm, and remained on it about six years. Having in the meantime lost nearly all his property by going surety for a neighbor, he sold out, removed to the Black Swamp, west of Lower Sandusky, and bought 400 acres of partly-improved land. The title to this land not being satisfactory, he abandoned it, and bought 300 acres in the south part of Rice township, on the west bank of the Sandusky river. Here he cleared up a home, and followed farming after the custom of the early pioneers. The children of Eleazar and Mary Willey were: Abraham, Isaac, Rhoda, Eleazar, Richard (our subject), Sarah Ann, Jane, and Naomi, all of whom are dead except Richard and Jane. The father died August 17, 1852, aged seventy years, and the mother on January 1, 1866, aged eighty-two. All of those who died, except Sarah, are buried in Brier Hill Cemetery, located on the Willey farm; Sarah died in Kansas. Richard Willey spent his childhood in New York State, his youth in the Fire Lands of Huron county, and grew to manhood on his father's farm in Rice township, Sandusky Co., Ohio. He entered with a zest into both the toils and the pastimes of pioneer life, was an expert marksman, and kept the family well supplied with wild game. He delighted to hunt deer and wild turkeys in the deep woods, and to shoot wild geese and ducks on the river and in the marshes. He often went to mill for his neighbors who had no teams, wending his way through the woods and across streams of water, to Cold Creek (now Castalia), in Erie county. His book learning was limited to only a few weeks of irregular attendance at a country school. On March 4, 1847, he married Miss Harriet Walker, who was born July I, 1825, a daughter of David and Elizabeth Walker, at that time neighbors of the Willeys. About the year 1850 Mr. Willey removed to Rollersville, Ohio, and there burned lime one year; then returned to the Willey farm, which has been his home ever since. The children of Richard and Harriet Willey were: (1) Eliza, who April 26, 332 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 1893, married Alfred Berlincourt, who was a minister of the Christian Church about ten years in Paulding county, Ohio, then joined the. M. E. Church, at Findlay, Ohio, and the Central Ohio Conference at Fremont, June 13, 1894; his death occurred near Findlay, September 9, 1894. (2) George W., who married Lydia Willey, and lives at Bronson Station, Branch Co., Mich. (3) Mary E., born September 16, 1853, who March 27, 1879, married Wallace, son of James and Mary (Fry) Scrimger, formerly of Allegan county, Mich. Richard Willey and his wife have lived to a venerable old age. Their land is now farmed by their son-in-law, Wallace Scrimger. They are members of the M. E. Church. The following is a brief account of Mrs. Willey's parents' family. The children of David and Elizabeth Walker were: (1) Mary Ann, wife of Richard Parham, of Burr Oak, Mich_ ; she died leaving three sons—Aaron, Ann and Lorin, all of whom are now heads of families. (2) William, who married Hattie Gifford; both have died, leaving several children in Michigan and California. (3) Fannie, wife of Abraham Willey, brother of Richard; they had four children, two of whom, Alfred and Lydia, are heads of families. (4) Welcome, who married Abigail Mitchell, of Iowa; they have three children—Everett, Ira and Ella, all married and heads of families. (Miss Nellie Walker, daughter of Everett, at the age of seventeen manifested remarkable aptness and genius in the line of sculpture, having executed a marble bust of Abraham Lincoln, with rude tools picked up in her father's marble shop, without any previous instruction in the art of sculpture, and guided in her design with nothing but a picture of Mr. Lincoln, which she had torn out of a book and tacked on a board. She finished the task in less than a month, besides helping her mother meanwhile in domestic work. The bust in question was .exhibited at the Colum bian Fair in Chicago, and was pronounced by an old neighbor of Mr. Lincoln as the most natural he had ever seen. Miss Walker has since that time executed very satisfactory busts for other parties. She resides at Moulton, Iowa). (5) Eunice, wife of John Myers, a farmer, living in Seneca county, Ohio, who has six children, married. (6) Eliza, wife of Washington Alexander, now living in Michigan. (7) Harriet, wife of our subject. (8) W. G. Walker, an artist, residing at Ottumwa, Iowa. (9) Mrs. Maria Fowler, of Fremont, Ohio. H. G. HOUSE, farmer, Green Creek township, Sandusky county, was born in Switzerland, March 16, 1833; a son of Jacob and Mary (Hooser) House, also natives of Switzerland, who emigrated to America in 1847, landing at New York City. From there they at once proceeded to Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), Ohio, where the father worked at his trade as a stone mason, and soon after bought a farm of forty acres in Riley township, which they made their home. Jacob House was born June 3, 1800, and died in September, 1874. He was a Democrat, in politics, and a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Mary Hooser, mother of our subject, was born in 1798, and died in April, 1874. Five of their children grew to 'maturity; of whom H. G. House is the oldest; John is a marble cutter in California; Casper died at the age of forty-nine years; Matthew is a stone mason in Fremont, Ohio; Mary married Joseph Huttinger, and is living east of Fremont. After coming to America H. G. House learned the trade of a stonemason, at which he worked at intervals for about twenty years, at the same time operating his farm in Riley township, Sandusky county. In 1857 he took a trip, to California, by the Panama route, and spent several years on the Pa- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 383 cific coast. He worked on a farm and in the mines; spent six months in British Columbia, assisted in building a packhorse road for the Hudson Bay Company, and in 1861 he returned to Fremont, Ohio. On November 5, 1861, our subject married Miss Catharine Bisang, born at Buffalo, N. Y., in March, 1841, and they have thirteen children, all of whom are living: Mary M. ,born May 2 I , 1863, married Philip Wamus, who lives in Sandusky county (they have three children—Rosa, Clarence, William); Amelia, married to Barney Halbeisen, a farmer of Ballville township (they have six children—Laura, Louisa, Louis, Clarence, Leona, Urban), Charles married Katie Young, and they have two children—Louisa, Carl; Joseph is a carpenter of Portland, Ore. ; Laura married John Weiss, an employe at the carbon Works, Fremont, Ohio (they have one child—Leona); and William H., Catharine, Rosa M., Martha L., Aloisius H., Francis, Helen, and Antonio. Mrs. House is a daughter of Joseph and Mararet (Geiger) Bisang. Her father was born in Alsace, France, married there to his first wife, and came with her to America; she died in Buffalo, N. Y. They had children as follows: Theresa, Mary, Joseph, and Peter. For his second wife Mr. Bisang married Margaret Geiger, and by her had six children: (1) Margaret, who married Samuel Babione, and died in Ballville township, Sandusky county; (2) Elizabeth, born October 14, 1844, who married John P. Baker, a merchant tailor, of French descent, who worked at his trade in Fremont, and died in 1877; (3) Magdalena, who married George Fend, and is now living at Port Angeles, Wash. ; (4) Mary, who married John Schaff, now of Helena, Mont., and (5) Caroline,' who married George Dunning, an undertaker at Portland, Ore. Mrs. House lived in Buffalo, N. Y., until twelve years of age, and then came to Sandusky county. Her father was born in 1793, and died in Fremont, Ohio, in 1874; her mother was born in Baden, Germany, November 24, 1804, and died March 14, 1894, at the home of her daughter, near Fremont. WILLIAM HUMMEL, a well-known resident of York township, Sandusky county, is the eldest son of William and Clara (Walter) Hummel, and was born in Snyder county, Penn., April 24, 1843. He grew up to habits of thrift, frugality, and strict morality, which he at present possesses to a marked degree. For more than, 150 years the Hummel family have resided in Pennsylvania. They are noted for physical stamen and indefatigable industry. William Hummel, Sr., inherited these qualities, and during his life was rarely, if ever, deterred from important undertakings by difficulties, and was noted for his hardiness and firmness of character. He was born in 1813 in Union county, and in 1842 was united in. marriage with Clara Walter, born in 1818, daughter of Conrad Walter, a Lutheran preacher. Mr. Hummel died in 1861; his wife passed away in the spring of 1894. William, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest in the family of William Hummel, Sr., and Clara, his wife. Moses, the second son, died in 1872, leaving a widow and two children; his widow has married John Boyer, of Seneca county, and Emma Jane, his daughter, married Mr. Acker, also of Huron county. Aaron, the third child, married Amanda Stininger, and lives on the old homestead in Pennsylvania. Benjamin also lives in Snyder county. Catherine, the only daughter, died in 1880. John, the youngest of the family, is a farmer of Union county; he married a Miss Weaver. On Christmas Day, 1862, William Hummel was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Aigler, daughter of Amos and Armina (Bobb) Aigler. She was born in 334 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Juniata county, Penn. , November 9, 1842, and was raised in Snyder county. Irvine W., who lives at Mt. Pleasant, York township, is the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Hummel, and was born February 3, 1864. In 1885 he was united in marriage with Anna Gemberling, of Snyder county, Penn., and they have two children -William Aigler and Sophara Pickert. Mr. and Mrs. William Hummel's other child, still living, Lillie Marguerite, born April 23, 1876, is the wife of John Kern, a farmer of York township, and they have one child-Laurel Celestine. Four children of our subject and wife have died, as follows: Charles P., born February 4, 1867, died April 6, 1867; Calvin E., born May 15, 187o, died August 31, 1870; Carrie E., born November 5, 1871, died August 31, 1872; and Mabel S., born May 7, 1882, died June 11, 1882. Mr. Hummel has ever been an ardent champion of the principles of Republicanism, and he puts his preaching to practical use by voting for the candidates of that party. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hummel are members of the Evangelical Church. J. F. GERWIN, a substantial farmer of Woodville township, Sandusky county, was born in Hanover, Germany, May I, 1842, son of Christian and Julia (Linnerbrink) Gerwin, who were born August 14, I 81i, and September 17, 1816, respectively. Christian Gerwin came to America in 1835, and after a short sojourn returned to Germany. In 1842 he again came to this country, and same year located in Ohio. He married Julia Linnerbrink, and they had seven children, as follows: J. F. is the subject of this sketch. William married Mary Kleily, and they have had two children; they live in Woodville township. Angeline married Frank Hursall, a tailor by trade; she died in 1881, the mother of six children. Caroline married Peter Knaup, a farmer in Michigan, and they have had three children. Louis married Carrie Bronckseker. Eliza died young. Mary died at the age of twenty-one years. The father, Christian Gerwin, has traveled a great deal, and is known far and near; the mother died June 16, 1892, at the age of seventy-six years and two months. J. F. Gerwin was united in marriage March 28, 1878, with Eliza Blausey, who was born in Woodville township, Sandusky county, March 31, 1857, and they have had four children, namely: Ella, born March 9, 188 I ; Lillie and Millie (twins), born November 7, 1885; and Julia, born November 7, 1889. Mrs. Gerwin is one of the six children of Henry and Mary (Yeastings) Blausey. Mr. Gerwin leased his land to the Standard Oil Company in 1891, and has seven oil wells on his farm. He has held several township offices, is a member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church in Woodville township, and is well and favorably known. HENRY L. WOTT. Among the successful farmers of Sandusky county none sustains a better reputation for carefully attending to his own affairs, for industry and thrift, than does Henry L. Wott, whose traits, thus outlined, are distinctively those of his nationality, for Mr. Wott is of German birth. He was born in the Kingdom of Prussia May 25, 1839, son of Charles and Charlotte (Wott) Wott. Charles Wott was a farmer of some note, and a squire or magistrate, an office corresponding to our justice of the peace. His wife's father, also a magistrate, was superintendent of a large estate. In 1866 Charles Wott emigrated with his family to America. He lived for a year in Venice, Erie Co., Ohio, then came to Green Creek township, Sandusky county, and purchased eighty acres of land, where he lived and followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1868, when COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 335 he was aged sixty-three years. In religious faith he was a member of the Lutheran Church. His wife survived until April 5, 1894, when she passed away at the age of eighty years. They had a family of twelve children, as follows: Carolina, Albertina, Henry L., Charles A., William (of Oak Harbor), Wilhelmina, Kate, August, John, and three who died in Germany. Henry L. Wott was twenty-seven years of age when he came with his parents to America. He remained with his father in Venice, Erie county, and came with him to Green Creek township. Upon his father's death, which occurred about six months after he had bought his farm in Green Creek township, Henry L. and his brother Charles purchased the interest of the other heirs, and began to farm the newly acquired home place. They also purchased eighty acres additional, and later divided the property between them, Henry L. retaining the home farm, and now owning ninety acres of excellent land, eighty of which are under a high state of cultivation. In 1883 he erected, at a cost of $3,000, a fine brick residence, carefully designed and constructed. Mr. Wott was married April 20, 1869, to Mary Schiska, and to them five children have been born: William, Charles, John (deceased), Minnie and Henry. In politics our subject is a Democrat, and in religious faith he is an active member of the Lutheran Church. ADOLPH PETERS is an intelligent and highly-respected citizen, now numbered among the leading farmers and stock raisers of Woodville township, Sandusky county. He was born in Wadenschwyl, Canton Zurich, Switzerland, December 24, 1849, and is a son of Rudolph Peters, who was a native of the same locality. The father was there employed as a dyer in a cotton factory until the spring of 1854, when he crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in Ballville, Ohio. He left his family in the land of his nativity until he should succeed in obtaining employment here, when he wrote for them to join him in his new home. Western life attracting him, he left Ballville for Michigan, securing employment on the railroad. As he had not then secured a definite location in Michigan, he wrote to his family to postpone their coming for a short time, but before the arrival of the second letter they had boarded a sailing vessel, on which were two hundred other passengers. After they had been some days on the ocean cholera broke out on board, causing the death of forty passengers. Mrs. Peters was stricken with the disease, but finally recovered. They landed at Belgium, but after a short rest again started for America, and after a long and tedious voyage reached the shores of the New World. They soon arrived at Ballville, Ohio, but finding the husband and father had left that place, Mrs. Peters and her son secured employment as weavers in a factory, she having learned the weaving business in her native land. As soon as the father learned of the arrival of his family in this country he joined them and found employment in Ballville among the farming population, while the other members of the family secured work as they could, all helping to earn a living. After a three-years' residence at that place they removed to Madison township, Sandusky county, renting a farm which they operated for three years. Purchasing a tract of eighty acres in Woodville township, they next removed to their new home, and began clearing away the timber, a dense growth of which covered the land. Father and sons soon made this a tract of rich fertility, and the farm became one of the most highly cultivated in the neighborhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Peters were born the following children: (1) Henry, who 336 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was born in Switzerland January 20, 1841, and there acquired his education; was employed in a factory in Ballville, Ohio, on first coming to America; he now follows the occupation of .farming in Woodville township; he was married December 12, 1863, to Louisa Clink, a daughter of Caleb Clink, and a sister of Jacob, Reuben and A. J. Clink, all well-known residents of Sandusky county; she was born August 11, 1837, and now has six children-Mary, born September 30, 1864, -and is the wife of Henry Hurleman, a farmer of Wood county, Ohio; William H., born January 26, 1866, follows farming and operates oil fields (he married Tilley, daughter of Conrad Oberst); the ,other children of Henry Peters are George .A., born May 4, 1869, died October 7, 1870; Charles W., January 1, 1871, working in the oil fields; Frank C., born May 12, 1874, died April 24, 1875; and Lillie D., born March 3, 1879; the mother of this family. died July 28, 1883, after which Henry Peters married Annie Blausey, a .daughter of Henry Blausey, a farmer of Madison township, Sandusky county; they have four children-Raymond, born January 22, 1887 Grace M. and Mabel M., born August 6, 1890; and Annette, born February 14, 1895. (2) John Peters, the :second of the family, was born in Switzerland May 24, 1844, and was a farmer and lumber manufacturer; he died April 1883. (3) Adolph, subject of this sketch, is the next younger. Two other children died in infancy. The father of this family is still living at the ripe old .age of eighty-six years, and makes his home with his son Adolph, who tenderly cares for him in his declining years. He is well known throughout the community, and is highly respected. The gentleman whose name opens this. _record was educated in the schools of Ballville, and after school hours worked in the mills. When his parents removed to Madison township, Sandusky county, he labored upon the farm, giving his father the benefit of his services, and took an important part in clearing the old homestead and placing it under a high state of cultivation. He resided thereon until 1876, when in partnership with his brother John he engaged in the manufacture of lumber, devoting his time and energies to that business some eight years, during which time he furnished employment to a number of men in cutting timber, logs, etc. On the expiration of that period he sold his interest in the lumber business, together with one hundred acres of land, and in 1884 returned to the old home place. He then purchased sixty-two acres of land, which he succeeded in clearing, fencing and tilling, making it a tract of rich fertility. He now cultivates more than 140 acres of improved land, and to-day has one of the finest farms in Sandusky county, complete in all its appointments from the substantial dwelling to the outbuildings for the stock. An air of neatness and thrift pervades the place, and waving. fields of grain indicate good harvests. Mr. Peters was married July 27, 1874, in Seneca county, Ohio, to Lucy Parker, who was born February 14, 1855. They are the parents of six children: Edward A., born June 25, 1875, now working in the oil fields; Ephraim R., .born January 29, 1878; John R., born November 6, 1880; Sarah E., born December 20, 1876; Jessie, born October 21, 1882; and Elmer E., born September 27, 1888. Mr. Peters is a member of Freedman Lodge, No. 723, I. O. O. F., of Wood county, and in politics is independent, supporting the man and not the party. He has always taken a deep interest in educational matters, has held the office of school director for more than fifteen years; has been clerk of the school board, and is now its president. In all possible ways he aids in the advancement of interests calculated to prove of public benefit, and is well-known and highly respected throughout the county as a man of industry, in- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 337 tegrity and enterprising and progressive ideas. His genial and kindly disposition has won for him the good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact, either in business or social life, and he is indeed a highly esteemed citizen. GEORGE J. LEHRMAN, who for many years has been identified with the agricultural interests of Sandusky county, is a Western man by birth and training, and possessed of a true Western spirit of enterprise and progress. He was born September 20, 1849, and is a son of Mathias and Mary (Bowers) Lehrman, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany. In 1834 they bade adieu to that country, and crossed the Atlantic to the New World, taking up their residence in Canton, Ohio; but after a short time they removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., where for twenty years they made their home. On the expiration of that period, they came to Washington township, Sandusky county, and purchased ninety-six acres of good farm land. The father carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his life, and both he and his wife spent their remaining days on their home in Sandusky county. This worthy couple were the parents of a family of ten children, namely: David, who is now engaged in farming in Scott township, Sandusky county; Josephine, who died in infancy; John, who was killed while aiding his country in the Civil war; Caroline, wife of Philip Kirsch, a farmer residing in Coldwater, Ohio; Ellen, wife of Joseph Maers, an agriculturist, living in Scott township, Sandusky county; Lizzie, who became the wife of Fred Bevie, and died in 1893; 'George J., subject of this sketch; Mary, wife of Joseph Weaver, a farmer, residing in Madison township, Sandusky county; Sarah, wife of Joseph Ottney, who also carries on agricultural pursuits in Madi son township; and Audulph, who died in infancy. Mr. Lehrman, of whom we write, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Fort Wayne, Ind., and came with the family to Sandusky county, Ohio. To his father he gave the benefit of his services throughout his minority, and even after his marriage he remained at home with his parents, carrying on the work of the farm. Upon his mother's death he purchased the old homestead, and since coming to the county has always lived upon this place, which is a valuable tract of land, under a high state of cultivation, and well improved with the accessories of a model farm. In 1873 Mr. Lehrman was united in marriage with Catherina Noss, and they began their domestic life upon the old homestead. Their union has been blessed with a family of five children (three of whom are living), namely: George, born March 23, 1874; Ellen, born in 1877, who died when three years old; Lena, born October 15, 1879; Sylvester, born September 11, 1893; and John, born July 11, 1875, died in infancy. Mr. Lehrman is a supporter of the Democracy, and for two years served as school director, but has never sought or desired political preferment, for his time and attention have been wholly taken up with his business interests. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON ICKES, a prosperous farmer of Madison township, Sandusky county, was born in Bedford county, Penn., August 27, 1840. His parents, Charles and Elizabeth (Burket) Ickes, were natives of the same county, and his mother's ancestors were also born in Pennsylvania. Charles Ickes was born September. 14, 1817, and was married in Bedford county, Penn., in 1839. He carried on farming, and is still living in that State. In his early days he was a Whig, 338 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. but on the formation of the Republican party he joined its ranks. His wife died February 9, 1885, when a little over sixty-seven years old. Our subject is the eldest of seven children, the others being: Jacob, Julia A., Thomas, Simon, Mary and John, all of whom live in Bedford county, Penn. William H. H. Ickes spent his youth upon the home farm, alternating his tasks in ploughing, sowing and caring for stock with attendance at the district school, and acquiring such an education as can be obtained under these circumstances. When twenty-one years of age he worked out one summer on a farm, and the following year, 1862, he left home and came to Ohio, locating first in Fremont, where he remained, however, only one month. Thence he went to Helena, this State, where he was employed some four years on the farm of Joseph Garns. Returning to Fremont, he was married October 7, 1866, to Sarah Kemmerling, daughter of Peter Kemmerling, a farmer in Sandusky county, but their married life was brief, the young wife dying two years thereafter, on January 3, 1869; their only child died in infancy. After his wife's death Mr. Ickes remained with his father-in-law for nine months. He was married, the second time, on February 10, 1870, his bride being Miss Sophia Sampsel, whose family history is given in the sketch of Joshua Sampsel. Shortly after he removed to the town of Gibsonburg, where he worked by the day for two years, and then invested in forty acres of land in Madison township, to which he has since added thirty acres. At the time of purchase this land was covered with a dense growth of timber, of which Mr. Ickes cleared forty-five acres, and put under cultivation. When the discovery of oil was made in the township this land became very valuable; eleven oil wells were sunk, and he leased fifty acres to the Hazelwood Oil Company, the remaining twenty to Lieber & Youth, of Pennsylvania. From these he derives an income of $100 a month. Mr. and Mrs. Ickes have had two children, one of whom, Franklin Harrison, born February Jo, 1871, died July 21, 1871. Erma May was born June 27, 1882. Mr. Ickes is a Republican, and is always ready to work for the good of his party, and for the welfare of the community in which he lives. He holds the office of road supervisor, and is faithful in the discharge of his duties. Both himself and wife are members of the Evangelical Church, and are highly esteemed by all who know them. JOHN HENRY NIESET is the owner of an eighty-acre farm, pleasantly located but a short distance from the town of Gibsonburg, Sandusky county. This he purchased from his father about four years ago, and much of it he has placed under cultivation. In this portion of Washington township the land is seemingly unfit for farming purposes, being largely covered with rocks; but Mr. Nieset has cleared fifty acres of his place which he has transformed into rich and fertile fields that now yield to the owner a golden tribute in return for the care and .cultivation which he bestows upon them. The patience and labor, required to clear the place, indicate two of his strongest characteristics—perseverance and energy. Mr. Nieset is a native of Washington township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, born June 22, 1863, and is of German lineage. His father, Andrew Nieset, was a native of Prussia, Germany, and on crossing the Atlantic made his way to Ohio, locating in Sandusky county. He married Bridget Kayler, who was born in Ohio. Our subject remained with them upon the home farm until his marriage, and during his boyhood and youth aided in the labors of the fields and in the other work of the farm through the summer, while in the winter season he attended the district COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 339 schools, there acquiring a fair English education, which has been supplemented by business experience and contact with the world, making him a well-informed man. In the county of his nativity, he was married to Miss Minnie A. Kilgus, whose people are well known in the locality. She was born January 30, 1867, and is one of a family of ten children, four of whom are yet living in Washington township, Sandusky county. Five children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Nieset—two sons and three daughters—as follows: Louis, born February 22, 1886; Clara, March 7, 1888; Mary J., March Jo, 1890; Emma M., August 24, 1891; and John Andrew, September 8, 1893. In his political connections, Mr. Nieset is a Democrat, having supported the men and measures of that party since attaining his majority. In religious faith he is a Catholic, and he is one of the enterprising young farmers of the community, to whom success will come as the reward of earnest and diligent effort. Idleness is utterly foreign to his nature, and he manages his business affairs with ability which has already made him one of the substantial citizens of the community. VALENTINE SHALE, a well-to-do farmer of Jackson township, Sandusky county, is a native of that section, born January 8, 1839, a short distance east of his present residence. John Shale, the father of our subject, was born February 3, 1808, in Baltimore, Md., where he spent his childhood. In early manhood he went to York, Penn., where he learned the carpenter's trade, working for a Mr. Disler. He next went, in 1826, to Wayne county, Ohio, where he took jobs and worked at his trade on his own account, finally, in 1836, coming to Jackson township, Sandusky county. Here he bought eighty-acres of improved land for $1,000, then eighty more for $400, and other tracts, later, until he owned 400 acres. In 1838 he married Miss Catharine Crites, a native of Stark county, Ohio, and ten children were born to them: Valentine, the subject proper of this sketch; Abraham, deceased; Isaac, who married Barbara Myers, by whom he had three children, one of whom is now deceased, and after her death wedded Lovina Clapper, by whom he also had three children: Jacob, who married Jane Eisenhood, by whom he had four children, two of whom are deceased; Elizabeth, unmarried; Mary C., who died in childhood; Lydia, who married David Daub, and had six children; Mary, who married Levi Stahl, a farmer of Jackson township; William, who married Clarissa Leffler, and has two children—Amanda and Samuel; and John, who married Mary Gametsfelder, and has five children. Valentine Shale lived with his parents on their farm until his twenty-sixth year, working by turns at the carpenter's trade, at farming during the summer seasons, and at shoemaking or cobbling during the inclement weather. In this way he accumulated property, and by successive purchases he has become the owner of a farm of 197 acres of choice land, on which he has erected substantial buildings. He was a soldier in the Civil war, and in the summer of 1864 served as second sergeant of Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Regiment, O. V. I., four months at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia. On January 14, 1864, Mr. Shale married Miss Rebecca Mowry, who was born September 18, 1836, and five children came came to their union: Alice, born January 14, 1866, who married George E. Wise, a farmer, and has one child, Stanley; Clara E., born May 14, 1868, who became the wife of W. A. Gossard, a school-teacher in Jackson township, and has one child, Mildred R. ; Emma R. , born April 19, 1870, who became the wife of E. S. Flora, a farmer of Jackson township, and died September 24, 1894; William I., born April 29, 1873, who attends 340 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. select school at Burgoon, Ohio; and Edith L., born September 19, 1879, at school. Mr. Shale is a Republican in politics, and he has held several offices in his township, where he is highly respected. In religious connection he is a member of the Evangelical Association. mother (who had in the meantime remarried), remaining there until he became of age. On March 27, 1862, Harmon H. Taulker was united in marriage with Louisa Kuhlman, and they have had three children, namely: Sophia, born October 30. 1863, wife of John Mauntler, a farmer of Woodville township; Henry, born January 12, 1873, lives at home, attending school at Gibsonburg; and August, born January 3o, 1875, also lives at home. Mrs. Taulker's parents, William and Margaret (Turenhagen) Kuhlman, lived and died in Hanover, Germany. Mr. Taulker owns 160 acres of choice land, on which are seven oil wells. From these he derives an income of fifty dollars a month, getting every eighth barrel. His home is in the heart of the oil district, and but one mile from the center of Gibsonburg, and he has a fine residence, with commodious and well-built barns and outbuildings. Mr. Taulker is a Democrat in politics, has held the office of trustee for six years, was township assessor for two years, and was also school director and road supervisor. He and his family are members of the Lutheran Church. HARMON HENRY TAULKER, one of the oldest and most esteemed citizens of Madison township, Sandusky county, was born in Hanover, Germany, November 26, 1838, and is a son of Harmon and Angeline (Nieman) Taulker. Harmon Taulker was a tailor in the old country, and in the year 1841 sailed with his family for America. They came direct to Sandusky, Ohio, Mr. Taulker buying thirty acres of timberland, in Woodville township, Sandusky county, where his death afterward occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Taulker had four children, namely: Eliza, who married Henry Borcherding, a farmer, of 'Woodville township; Frederick, a farmer in Madison township; Harmon Henry, subject of this sketch; and Louisa, who came to America, but the family have not heard from her since her arrival, and it is not known by them what became of her. Mr. Taulker's widow married Frederick Cook, and they have had three children, all living, as follows: Angeline, married to Fred Brocksieker, and they live in Toledo, Ohio; Caroline, widow of John Bruggmeyer, lives in Toledo, Ohio, and John is a farmer in Woodville township. When his parents arrived in this country Harmon H. Taulker was but an infant. When old enough to attend school he received such educational advantages as the country schools near his home afforded. After his father's death he went to the home of John Cline, a farmer in the same township, and worked for him by the day until he was fourteen years of be, when he went to live again with his GEORGE L. REARICK, a farmer of Sandusky township, Sandusky county, was born in Union county, Penn., November 2, 1834, a son of William and Mary (Hassenplug) Rearick. The father of our subject was born in the State of New Jersey, from which he removed to Pennsylvania, later, in 1835, to Ohio, where he settled on a farm of fifty-nine acres in Sandusky township, on the line of the 'Western Reserve and Maumee turnpike. Here he worked at his trade as a chair-maker, cleared up his land, and for a time boarded the hands engaged in the construction of the pike. He died at his home at the age of seventy years. Our subject's mother was born in Union county, Penn., and became one of the COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 341 honored pioneers of Sandusky county, Ohio, where, after a life devoted to her family, she died at the age of eighty-four years. Children: (1) Henry, a blacksmith, who died at Woodville, Ohio. (2) Susannah, who married Peter Reed, had two children, and died in this county. (3) Mary Ellen, who married Aaron Foster, and had one child, Tena; this husband died, and she afterward married David Younkman; now living at Toledo, Ohio. (4) George L., our subject. (5) Julia Ann, who died in childhood. (6) Joseph W. and William Franklin, twins; Joseph W. married Martha Eversole, Sandusky township; William Franklin, unmarried, was a Union soldier in the Third O. V. C., during the Civil war; he was taken prisoner, and, after suffering confinement in three Rebel prisons, was sent to Richmond, Va., to be paroled or exchanged, after which all trace of him was lost. George L. Rearick, our subject, grew to manhood in Sandusky county, and at the age of eighteen began to learn the blacksmith trade with his brother Henry, for whom he worked two years, and then became his partner in a shop at the Four-Mile House, west of Fremont. In 1877 he married Sarah, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Geeseman) Skinner, who were pioneers of Sandusky county. After marriage, Mr. Rearick and his wife settled in Henry county, Ohio, and remained there about two years. They then returned to Sandusky county, which has been their permanent residence since that time. Mr. Rearick joined the One Hundred days' men during the Civil war, and served in Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Regiment, O. V. I., at Fort Ethan Allen, Va. ; he receives a pension for disability. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious faith he and his wife are members of the Reformed Church. Their children are: (1) Cynthia E., born August 28, 1858, who, after teaching school in Ohio and Michigan, married Augustus Ritzman, March 6, 1879; they have children—Clarence, Claude, Sadie, Lester, Willie, Burton, Anna and Lilly. (2) Theresa Ellen, born January 8, 1862, married to Charles Engler, December 6, 1889; they had four children—Grace,. Vergie, George and Clifton. (3) Alberta A., born September 23, 1863, married to Charles Gillier, December 17, 1882; they had two children, one of whom died in childhood, the name of the living one being May. (4) Ida M., born September 19, 1868, married to Lucas Overmyer; they have one child, Ada Alberta; the mother died in 1891; (5) William S., born October 2, 187o, who, after attending the Ada Normal, and the Toledo and. Sandusky City Business Colleges, is engaged in teaching in the public schools. (6) Delbert Hayes, born November 3o, 188o, is living at home. LEWIS DEGROFT is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Madison township, Sandusky county, and also of an honored pioneer family. He was born. July 23, 1858, to the union of Joseph and Mary (Chambers) Degroft, prominent people in their locality. The district schools of the neighborhood afforded our subject his educational privileges, and from early youth he worked on his father's farm, aiding his brother in clearing the land and placing it under cultivation. Wishing, however, to follow some other pursuit than that to which he was reared, he at the age of eighteen began learning the carpenter's and joiner's trade, which he followed for some time. He then returned to the old homestead, to look after the interests of the farm, which he operated for his father until the latter's death. He still continues its cultivation, and gives to his mother one-third of the products for her support. He is a successful agriculturist, and the neat and thrifty appearance of 342 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the place indicates his careful supervision. In connection with farming he also operates in the oil fields, connecting pipes, etc., and doing carpenter work for the company. Industrious and energetic, we predict that his future career will be one of success. On November 21, 188o, at Bradner, Ohio, Mr. Degroft was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Morgan, a daughter of Thomas Morgan, a farmer of Wood county, Ohio. He was born in Wales, England, April 27, 1832, and there followed the occupation of coal mining. In 1868 he crossed the water to the New World, and embarked in farming in Ohio. He was married in his native land to Miss Mary Davis, and they became parents of eight children, seven of whom are now living: Mrs. Jennie Degroft, Cassie, Annie, Emma (wife of Henry Jones, a farmer), Rosa, Lizzie and Alta. The parents still live in Wood county, where Mr. Morgan is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Degroft have an interesting family of seven children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Myrtle, February 10, 1882; Jessie L., July 10, 1883; Clayton L., December 17, 1887; Glenn M., May 7, 1890; Rachel J., June 1, 1891; Clarence J., November 4, 1893; and Stella B., March 24, 1895. In his political views, Mr. Degroft is a Democrat, but has never sought or desired official honors, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests. The family attend the Baptist Church, and are well-known and highly-esteemed people, holding an enviable position in social circles. PHILIP H. ZORN, member of the widely-known firm of Zorn, Hornung & Company, of Gibsonburg, Sandusky county, is prominently identified with the growth and prosperity of that city, and, with his partner, has done more, perhaps, to encourage and foster home industries than any other man in this section of the country. He is another example of that German thrift and industry which is bound to succeed in whatever direction it trends. Mr. Zorn was born in Nassau, Germany, August 21, 1831, son of John Philip and Margaret (Berbricker) Zorn. The parents came with their children to America, locating in Sandusky county, Ohio, and they both died in Erie county, at the age of seventy-six years. Their family consisted of eight children, of whom the following record is given: John P. died when about twenty-six years old; Philip H. is our subject; Charles, who was a merchant in Iowa, died when about twenty-eight years of age; Louis is a farmer, and lives in Monroe, Mich. ; Frederick is a farmer in Montezuma, Iowa; William is a farmer in Erie county, this State; Henry, who was a carpenter, died in Sandusky county; Jacob, also a carpenter, lived in Fremont, where he died. Philip H. Zorn came to America when a lad of eighteen, finding his way from New York to Fremont, this State, which was then known as Lower Sandusky. Here he found employment at his trade of shoemaker, and remained some five years. In 1856 he married Miss Julia Margaret Stotz, who, like her husband, was a native of Nassau, Germany, the date of her birth being June 2, 1834. To this union nine children were born, of whom the following named survive: (1) Philip H., Jr., born November 25, 1856, received a good common-school education and obtained a thorough practical knowledge of his father's business; he is now manager of the large mercantile firm of Zorn, Hornung & Co., of which he is a member, and was one of the organizers and president of the Gibsonburg Banking Co. ; he married Miss Christina Richter, of Fremont, and they have a family of seven children—Harold, Julia, Zella, Carl, Corine, Edna and Florence. (2) Catherine was born February 25, 1860, and resides with her COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 343 parents. (3) F. W., born March 15, 1868, is bookkeeper in his father's company, and a member of the firm; he was married, May 15, 1890, to Miss Nora Ferrenburg, who was born in Pennsylvania, January 5, 1868, and they have two children—Freda and Ray. (4) F. A., born August 25, 1874, is now employed with the firm. The mother of this family passed from earth April 22, 1881. In the spring of 1856 Mr. Zorn located at Three Rivers, Mich., where he worked at his trade for a few months, and then went into business for himself. After one year he sold out his interest there and removed to Hessville, Sandusky Co., Ohio, carrying on the shoe business until 1863, when he sold out to A. Hornung, and established a general store at Hessville. This business he conducted alone up to 1866, when he took Mr. Hornung into partnership, the firm style being Zorn & Hornung, and they continued the business at Hessville until 1874, when they sold out, in the meantime, in 1872, opening a branch store at Gibsonburg. The branch store opened at Gibsonburg in 1872 was the nucleus around which their present extensive business has materialized, and this has since been the center of their operations. In 1877 Henry Zorn was admitted to partnership, and the business has since been carried on under the title of Zorn, Hornung & Co., of which firm F. W. Zorn and G. W. Hornung have been members since 1887. Succeeding in their first enterprise, the company have enlarged and added to their general merchandise business until now they stand at the head of a series of industries which have proved of immense value to the community, and of profit to themselves. Besides owning one of the largest general stores in northern Ohio, they built the first creamery in Sandusky county, and are owners of a stave factory, a grain elevator, and five lime kilns. Besides all this Mr. Zorn was instrumental in the - 22 - drilling of the first successful oil well in the vicinity of Gibsonburg, and the firm are, perhaps, the largest oil producers in this part of Ohio, having an interest in 5, 000 to 6,00o acres of oil and gas leases and 15o drilled wells. In operating these various industries they have constantly employed a large number of men at good wages, and in this way have contributed in no small degree to the prosperity of the city. Mr. Zorn is a Democrat, and a member of the Lutheran Church, and he is always ready to help in any cause which has for its object the welfare of his fellowmen. REUBEN CLINK is a prominent agriculturist and stock raiser of Woodville township, Sandusky county, where he was born January 11, 1852. He is a son of Caleb Clink, an honored pioneer, and well-known farmer of Woodville township, who passed away in November, 1894. He also has three brothers living in Sandusky county, well-known and influential citizens. In the district schools near his home Reuben Clink acquired his primary education, and in early boyhood began to work upon his father's farm. He was early inured to the labors of farm life, and to his father continued to give the benefit of his services until he had arrived at man's estate. He was then married, and operated his father-in-law's farm five years. When that period had passed he removed to the place which is still his home, comprising 138 acres of rich land, eighty acres of which are under cultivation. The improvements upon the place have all been secured through his efforts, the work of clearing has nearly all been done by him, and to-day he is in possession of one of the finest and best equipped farms of the neighborhood. Well-kept fences divide it into fields of convenient size, and a fine orchard and vineyard add materially to 344 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. his income by their heavy yields, for of late years he has engaged quite extensively in fruit growing. In 1886 he put up a large and substantial barn as well as other outbuildings, and recently he has erected a substantial and tasteful dwelling, one of the finest in the township, supplied with all modern improvements. The building alone cost $2,000, and is one of the beautiful country homes of Sandusky county, the grounds and fences being kept in first-class condition, while the lawn is ornamented with beautiful shrubs and trees which add to the attractive appearance of the place. On November 21, 1875, Reuben Clink was united in marriage with Adie Tucker, daughter of Thomas Tucker, who was born in New York, where he followed the occupation of a lumber manufacturer. He was there married, and of the union were born eight children—Marvin D., Matthew E.., Charles W., Francis, Elvina, Jane, Emma and Laura. The mother of this family died in New York, after which he removed to Ohio, locating in Rollersville, Sandusky county, where he married Ester Mohler, and by her he had four children—Adie, born October 8, 1858; Nelson, born August 18, 1857, a farmer residing in Woodville township, Sandusky county; and one who died in childhood. Mr. Tucker died in Rollersville, and Mrs. Tucker remained a widow four years, when she married John Frobish, who died January 28, 1892, since when she has lived on her farm in Woodville township. Four children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Clink: Tillie, born September 22, 1878; Gertrude, born September 17, 1881; Bertie, born July 7, 1885; and Oran W., born June 17, 1889. Mr. Clink has held the office of school director in Woodville township, has been clerk of the school board, and takes a deep and abiding interest in the cause of education, and other matters that tend to advance the general welfare of the township. In his political views .he is inde- pendent, supporting the man whom he considers best qualified for office regardless . of party affiliations. He and his family are connected with the United Brethren Church, and are highly esteemed people of the community, holding an enviable position in social circles. JOHN B. MOHN, one of the public-spirited and successful farmers of York township, Sandusky county, is a native of Berks county, Penn., as were also his parents, who came of German ancestry. He is the son of Joseph and Catherine (Burgert) Mohn, and was born July 20, 1839. His father, born in 1812, was a mason by trade, and he started from Berks county, Penn., for a home in Ohio in the fall of 1852, on the day when Franklin Pierce was elected President of the United States. He made the long journey in a wagon, and located first in Ashland county, where, however, he remained only a year. In the fall of 1853 he continued westward to Flat Rock, Seneca county, where he purchased a home and remained during the rest of his life. He worked at his trade, and lived to the age of eighty years. Joseph Mohn was a member of the Evangelical Church; in politics he was a Whig, and afterward a Republican. It is indeed notable that all the blood relations of Mr. Mohn have also been Republicans. The widow of Mr. Mohn, who was born in 1814, still lives at Flat Rock. The ten children of Joseph and Catherine Mohn were as follows: Levina, who died at the age of sixteen years; Eliza, who died young; an infant, deceased, unnamed; Harrison, now a carpenter, in California; John B., subject of this sketch; Sarah, who married John Terwilliger, and lives at Flat Rock; Sebastian, a farmer and carpenter, of Clyde; Fannie, wife of John McLaughlin;. Martin, a minister of the M. E.. Church, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 345 now stationed in Coshocton county; Tillie, wife of Jacob Trot, of Seneca county. John B. Mohn was a boy of fourteen when he came with his parents to Flat Rock. He worked on the farm, and attended the district schools. For a year he worked at masonry, his father's trade, but did not like it, and returned to farming at monthly wages until his marriage, in the fall of 1861, to Miss Sarah Hassenger, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1843. He rented a farm and began housekeeping in York township. Mr. and Mrs. Mohn have two children, Flora and Minnie, the former married to W. A. Roach, and has one child, Chester Leroy. In 1864 Mr. Mohn enlisted in Company A, Fifty-fifth O. V. I., and served in the army of the West. He was with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, also in the memorable march to the sea, and he participated in the grand review at Washington. Returning to his home he resumed farming. Mr. Mohn purchased his present excellent farm of 104 acres in the spring of 1881, and is engaged in grain and stock raising. In politics he is a pronounced Republican, and he takes an active interest in county political affairs. He has served as trustee of York township four years. Socially he is a member of the Masonic Lodge and Chapter, and he is also prominent in G. A. R. and U. V. U. circles. Mr. Mohn is a stanch believer in American institutions and American liberty, and opposed to the introduction of monarchical or hierarchical methods in state affairs. DANIEL HOCK, the leading baker and grocer of Fremont, Sandusky county, is a native of Webenheim Rhein Phalz, Bavaria, Germany, born April 1o, 1832, and is a son of Christian and Caroline (Schunck) Hock. Christian Hock was a hotel-keeper and farmer by occupation. When fifty years of age he started for America to meet one of his sons at Yonkers, N. Y., but was never heard from after he got on shipboard, and it is supposed he died on on the way across the Atlantic Ocean and was buried at sea. The paternal grandfather of our subject, NicholasHock, was a native of Switzerland, and a large farmer. He had two brothers who came to America in 1793, and landed at Philadelphia, Penn., and from them many of the Hock families of America have descended. The mother of our subject was born in Germany in 1799, and died in 1843. The children of Christian and Caroline Hock; in the order of their ages, were: Carrie, John, Christian, Frederick, Mary, Jacob, Daniel, Catharine, Louis, Otto. Of these, John, Fred and Mary died in Germany, Jacob and Otto in Clyde, Ohio, and Christian at Fremont, Ohio. Carrie was married in Germany, came to America in 1836, and she and her husband died at Albany, N. Y. ; Louis is a dealer in boots and shoes, at Clyde, Ohio; Catharine is the wife of Andrew Markstahler, of Tiffin, Ohio. Otto Hock was a soldier in the Civil war, having served as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Regiment O. V. I. Daniel Hock learned the baker's trade in Germany, and followed it there for eight years. He then emigrated to America, at the age of twenty-one, to avoid being drafted into the German army, landing at New Orleans, La., where he found work at his trade. The yellow fever was epidemic there, and his employer fell a victim to it; so on learning the facts in regard to that terrible plague, Mr. Hock concluded to go farther north, and promptly took a steamer for Cincinnati, Ohio. From there he went to Sandusky City, Ohio, where, on the shore of Sandusky Bay, his brother Christian was foreman in a large stone quarry, called " Plaster Bed. " Here he found ready employment, and remained two years. In the spring of 1856 he first came to Fremont, but did not stay long. He went on down to 346 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Cincinnati, where he worked at his trade, in 1858 returning to Fremont and establishing his own grocery and bakery, at the corner of State and Main streets, where he is still located and doing a prosperous business. Daniel Hock was married, in 1859, to Miss Elizabeth Fuchs, a native of Homburg, Bavaria, who was born in 1836 and died in 1881. Their children were: William, who died when ten years of age; Carrie, who is living at home and assisting her father in business; Daniel and Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Clara, Edward, Libbie and Haidee, all four at home. AARON MYERS was born April 5, 1847, in Madison township, Sandusky county, where he still makes his home, and is a son of Samuel Myers, a native of West Virginia. The father was a son of Jacob Myers, a farmer of West Virginia, who removed to Perry county, Ohio, where he carried on agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. His son Samuel received but limited educational privileges, for there were no free schools in those days. His first employment was in a distillery, and he also worked upon his father's farm until his marriage, at the age of twenty-four years. In 1835 he came to Madison township, Sandusky county, where he purchased 160 acres of timber land, receiving the deed for the same from Gen. Jackson, who was then serving as President, and for whom Samuel Myers cast his first vote. He erected a log cabin with his own hands, cutting away the trees in order to make room for the dwelling, and then returned to Perry county for his girl wife, whom he brought to his cabin home. She rode on horseback, while Mr. Myers drove a team, hauling the household effects. The young couple lived in a rude house without windows or doors—quilts serving as a substitute—and were forced to keep fires burning all night outside of their cabin to ward off the howling wolves and other wild animals which then infested that part of the country. There Mr. Myers lived alone with his wife and little family, far away from neighbors, and with no roads or even a pathway. He frequently had to go to Fremont on horseback with a bushel or two of wheat, which he took to the mill and had ground in order to make bread for the family. The road was at times impassable, and it was necessary to follow the Indian trails, the journey thus consuming two days. He was aided and encouraged by his young wife, and thus sustained began clearing away the dense growth of timber, which soon fell before the axe of the young pioneer, and was replaced by the green corn and golden-headed wheat. In time he became the owner of a well-cultivated and valuable farm, and, though many were the trials and hardships in early days, he continued his labors until they were crowned with success, an example well worthy to be followed. He succeeded in fencing the land, and the rude cabin home gave way to a more commodious and ornamental structure, the log barn being replaced by good frame outbuildings, and instead of the wolves and deer which were seen in the neighborhood there were fine grades of cattle and horses. He also planted a fine orchard, and the place is now one of the model farms of the nineteenth century—a monument to the honest toil, laudable ambition and enterprising spirit of the owner. He also aided in laying out the roads through the township, gave one and a half acres of land on which to erect a school house, and has done all in his power for the promotion of education, of which he is a stanch friend. In 1835 Samuel Myers was married, in Perry county, Ohio, to Susanna Winters, who shared his pioneer life in the woods, and was indeed a faithful companion and helpmeet to him. Their family numbered eleven children. Those living COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 347 are: Isaac, born in 1838, a farmer, operating his brother's land; Mary J., born in 1844, the wife of Herman Seen, a farmer of Petersburg, Mich. ; Aaron Myers is the sixth child; Henry, born in 1851, farms in Madison township, Sandusky county; Frank, born in 1856, is also an agriculturist; those deceased are: John; Sarah, wife of Christopher Foster; Elias; Phoebe, wife of Elia Rife; Levina and George. The mother died in 1880, mourned by a loving husband and father, to whom she devoted her life with an unselfishness seldom equaled. Mr. Myers was elected trustee of the township for many years, and discharged the duties of the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He took a deep interest in the cause of education, and was a leading member of the school board for more than a quarter of a century. He quietly passed away April 20, 1895, respected and beloved by all who knew him, for his life was above reproach. Although eighty-four years of age at the time of his death, he was still quite active. Eight years before his decease he had prepared for himself a coffin, placed therein $50 for funeral expenses, made all arrangements for the funeral, chose those whom he wished to act as pall bearers, and selected a tomb stone. His wishes were carried out by those who were left behind to mourn the loss of one whose life was ever a source of inspiration and encouragement. Thus one of Sandusky county's most honored pioneers passed away, but his memory remains green in the hearts of all who knew him. Aaron Myers acquired a limited education in the district schools of his native township, pursuing his studies through the winter season, while during the summer months, in connection with his brothers, he aided in the labors of the farm. At the age of twenty-one he removed to Woodville township, Sandusky county, where he rented land, continuing its cultivation for three years, when he returned to Madison township, and purchased fifty acres of land from his brother Elias. This he operated for some years, and then disposed of it to his brother, while he owns and operates the old homestead, comprising 140 acres of well-cultivated land. Mr. Myers was married at Woodville, Ohio, March 24, 187o, to Betsy Truman, who was born January 1, 1848, in Woodville township. Three children constitute the family: (1) Ora C., born October 12, 1870, in Woodville township; was educated in the public schools of Madison township, and now follows farming; on May 5, 1892, he wedded Miss Mellacena Kiser, daughter of Daniel Kiser, a farmer of Madison township, and they have one child—Orvil, born January 16, 1894. (2) Orrison Ray, born in Woodville township, June 5, 1875; was educated in Madison township, and is at home with his parents. (3) Ralph B., born September 24, 1883, is attending school. Mrs. Myers is a member of the Baptist Church, and of the Ladies' Aid Society of Madison township. Our subject is a stanch Democrat, but has never sought or desired official preferment. He is an honest, industrious man, enterprising and progressive, and acted the part of a dutiful son toward his father, who found with him and Mrs. Myers a pleasant home after the death of the mother. They cared for him with loving consideration, and such acts of kindness are characteristic of the worthy couple who are well deserving of mention among the best citizens of the community. ALVA J. HAWK, farmer, Ballville township, Sandusky county, was born in Green Creek township, same county, November 17, 1851, a son of Joseph and Martha (Harris) Hawk. Joseph Hawk was born in Pennsylvania, came to Ohio early in life, and settled in Green Creek township, 348 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. where he followed farming. He was fond of hunting, and kept a deer park near his house. His first wife was a Miss Ridenour, by whom he had four children: William, a farmer, who died in Michigan, 1893; Marie, wife of Joseph King, died 1879; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Baker, a farmer of Green Creek township; and Marian, farmer and ex-soldier. The second wife of Joseph Hawk was Martha (Harris), born in Schuylkill county, Penn ., who came to Ohio at the age of fourteen. She is still living, at Cleveland, Ohio, aged sixty-six. Their children were: Sarah, wife of Henry G. Gibbons, a real-estate agent at Clyde, Ohio; Alva J., our subject; Mary, wife of Albert Snyder, of Wood county, Ohio; Charles, living in Baker City, Oreg. ; Byron M., a farmer, of near Clyde, Ohio; Ida, wife of William Sherwood, of Fremont; Anna, wife of Dr. Harnden, of Clyde, Ohio; and Etta, wife of Mr. Kessler. The parents of our subject were both of Pennsylvania-Dutch descent. Joseph Hawk died in 1889, at the age of seventy-five years. A. J. Hawk grew to manhood on his father's farm, and attended the common schools. In 1881 he married Miss Amanda Wise, who was born October 19, 1857, in Pennsylvania, and settled in Clyde,. Ohio, where he worked at the painting trade several years. He then moved upon a farm in Green Creek township, and later, in 1891, bought his present farm in the northeastern part of Ballville township, where he has made marked improvements, and where, in addition to general farming, he gives attention to poultry raising and small-fruit culture. Their children are: Laurel, Vernon, Rollen, Romie, Cleveland, and Ethel May. D. H. McGRADY, farmer, Sandusky township, Sandusky county, was born in County Down, Ireland, October 22, 1852, a son of Patrick and Mary (Aguess) McGrady. Patrick McGrady was born in the same locality. He came to America in 1861, his family following him two years afterward. They located on a farm near Castalia, Ohio, on which they remained two years, and then removed to Townsend township. In 1893 they came to Sandusky township, near Fremont, to live with the family of our subject. Here Patrick McGrady died January 24, 1894; his wife, who was born in 1813, is still living. They had nine children, six of whom died young. The living are: Elizabeth, wife of Michael Gallagher; Mary, wife of Benjamin Robinson; and D. H., our subject. D. H. McGrady grew up in Townsend township, and received a common-school education. He was married in 1878 to Elizabeth Lietzke, who was born in Germany, September 12, 1858, and they have seven children: John, Charles P., Mary A. , Luella C., Joseph H. , Francis E., and Otto T. Mr. McGrady purchased his present excellent farm in 1893, located in close proximity to Fremont, and by economy, thrift and industry has accumulated means, and is looked upon as one of the most enterprising of the younger element of men in the vicinity. He is the "bred-in-the-bone " of his Gallic ancestry. He is an ardent Roman Catholic, and a patriotic American citizen. His paternal grandfather, George McGrady, died in Ireland. FRANK R. HAVENS, farmer and dealer in live stock, Jackson township, Sandusky county, was born near his present ,place of residence January 11, 186o, a son of William J. Havens. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, where he received valuable lessons in the most approved modern methods of farming in vogue in the Black Swamp, a region formerly noted for its deep mud, and fever and ague, but which has had its soil COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 349 fertilized and its air purified by scientific ditching and subsoil drainage, making it the garden spot of northern. Ohio. He obtained his education in the common schools, and at the home fireside. He remained with his parents until his eighteenth year when he married,. and then entered upon farming on his own account. He first rented one hundred acres of land of J. B. Winters, for one year; then. moved upon eighty acres of his father's land which he farmed on shares. He next bought eighty acres of his father, and, three years later, seventy-six acres of the Thomas Brown estate; then three years still later eighty acres of his father, then forty acres of William Lease, and twenty acres of Solomon King, and 153 acres of the old Otho Lease farm, making a total of 449 acres. He carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of raising, buying and shipping fat hogs to East Buffalo, once or twice a year. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has held various local offices; in religious connection he is a member of the U. B. Church. He has been very successful in his business ventures, and is highly esteemed for his upright character. On January 23, 1879, F. R.. Havens was married to Miss Avilda J. Winter, and the names and dates of birth of their children are as follows: Flavel S., August 23, 1882; Robert G., August 17, 1884; Essie G., February 2, 1890; Ross Ray, January 28, 1892; and Willis B., December 11, 1894. DAVID J. WINCHELL, a prosperous farmer of Scott township, Sandusky county, was born in Wheaton, Du Page Co , Ill., September 3, 1845, and is one of the eleven children of Luther and Phcebe (Waterman) Winchell. The father of our subject was born in Connecticut, in 180o, and when a lad of but twelve years entered the war of 1812, as a substitute for his uncle who had been drafted, and with whom he was living at the time. He engaged in several battles, including that of Sackett's Harbor, which was fought in 1813, and resulted in an American victory. The gun which he carried is now in possession of our subject, who values it most highly. After the war, Luther Winchell learned blacksmithing, and followed the trade for a few years in his native city; but having a desire to see the West, he emigrated to Ohio, and purchased land in Ohio and Illinois, at one time owning altogether 70o acres, 16o of which were on the site of the present city of Chicago. By the time of his death he had become quite wealthy, and left a large property to his family. His wife, a native of Massachusetts, was born in 1805, and died July 19, 1895. Their children were Stephen R., Luther, David J., Sabra A. (who has extensive real-estate interests in Chicago), Harriet M., Phcebe R., Lucy, Cynthia, and three who died in childhood. David Winchell coming to Ohio at an early day has witnessed its development from an almost unbroken wilderness into fine homes and farms. When only six years of age he accompanied his parents to Lake county, where he grew to manhood, acquiring his education in the public schools and in the Madison Normal. Subsequently he came to Scott township, Sandusky county, and rented his father's farm of 340 acres for twenty years. During this time he purchased portions of it at intervals until he now owns 104 acres, which are located in the oil regions. A gas well has also been sunk upon the place, which supplies the home with gas, both for lighting and fuel. In addition to farming, Mr. Winchell has been engaged in general stock raising, buying and shipping stock direct to Buffalo and New York. In this branch of his business he has—been very successful. When he purchased his land it was partly