400 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ber, 1864, until the close of the war. In Adrian, Mich., September 21, 1876, Immer C. Moore was united in marriage with Mary E. Dubach, and they had five children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Laurence D., January 27, 1878; Mabel, July 31, 1879; Grace, August 13, 1880; Gertrude, August 16, 1883; and Harold, February 23, 1887. Mr. Moore was a Republican in politics. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. Immer C. Moore died April 8, 1895. ADDISON RICHARDSON DOLPH is one of the extensive and progressive farmers of Ottawa county, one who thoroughly understands the scientific side of farming, and a man who not only understands that certain things must be done, but knows why they must be done. Although he is one of the younger agriculturists of the community, he yet ranks among the most prominent. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, August 12, 1866, and when six years of age was brought by his parents to Ottawa county, the family locating upon the farm where he now lives. He is a son of Aaron and Lavina (Richardson) Dolph, prominent people of Elmore. He obtained his early education in the district schools of Ottawa county, afterward attended the high school of Elmore, and completed his literary course in the Ohio 'Wesleyan University, after which he returned to his father's home and aided in the cultivation of the farm for two years. On February 7, 1888, Mr. Dolph married Miss Kate Kelsey, of Toledo, Ohio, who was born March 26, 1866, in Sandusky, this State. She is a daughter of Capt. Ira and Susanna (Smith) Kelsey, who, during her early girlhood, removed to Toledo, where she was educated. She made a special study of instrumental music, became quite proficient in that art, and for two years taught music in Toledo. Her father was born in New York, April 1, 1833, and for many years engaged in teaching. He subsequently went to California, where he mined with excellent success. On September 26, 1861, he wedded Miss Susanna Smith, of Meredith, Ohio, and when President Lincoln issued his call for 75,000 volunteers, he was among the first to respond, re-enlisting on the expiration of that term. He served as a member of Company I, Sixty-eighth O. V. I., until the close of the war, and was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. When the country no longer needed his services, he became a resident of Toledo, and there made his home until August 1, 1881, when he was drowned in the Maumee river. His wife, who was born in Greene county, N. J., February 7, 1836, acquired the greater part of her education in the public schools of Fremont, Ohio. On September 9, 1888, she became the wife of Edward Upton, and they now reside in Toledo. Mr. and Mrs. Dolph began their domestic life upon the farm which has since been their home—a rich and fertile tract of 260 acres of the finest farming land that can be found in the State. They have two children: Lovina Belle, born September 9, 1889; and Anna Gertrude, born April 2, 1893. The parents are nineteenth-century people in every sense of the term—educated, hospitable, genial and possessed of the true enterprising progressive spirit of the West. Each year Mr. Dolph sows about forty acres in wheat, and in 1891 from thirty-eight acres had a yield of 1,447 bushels, while in 1894 he raised 1,700 bushels on forty acres. His corn crop usually averages about fifty-five bushels of shelled corn to the acre, and the yield of oats has been as high as sixty-five bushels per acre. He keeps abreast, if not in the lead, of the times in every particular. He believes in and practices the rotation of crops, and also COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 401 plans to give each field what he terms a rest in each rotation. He also changes seed grain, and before using it makes a special test of it by purchasing and sowing a couple of bushels, then makes a careful study of the crop, not only as to the yield, but also as to the weight and color, its adaptability to the soil, etc. If all is satisfactory he then uses what he has harvested as seed for the next year, and thus raises his own seed grain. If it proves other than what he hopes, it is at once discarded and another variety tried. Mr. Dolph follows this plan not only in regard to wheat but also oats and potatoes, and his products, being of superior quality, always bring the highest market price. The ground is always carefully prepared for his grains, and careful thought and study, the result of deep research, is always applied to his work. He also raises considerable stock of high grades, being full-blooded, and in his shipments receives the highest market price. He now has on hand full-blooded Durham cattle and Clydesdale horses, and is the possessor of some of the finest stock that can be found in the State. His chickens are of the white Plymouth-Rock breed, and in his care of these members of the feathered tribe he displays the same painstaking effort that characterizes his other work. In all of his labors he is intensely scientific, at the same time practical, and belongs to that class of progressive, cultured men who have made the business of farming of equal importance to that of any other pursuit in life. FREDERICK A. ALLYN (deceased) was born in New London, Conn., November 11, 1809, and became one of the valued residents and prominent farmers of Erie township, Ottawa county. His loss to the community was a matter of sincere regret. His parents, Frederick and Cynthia (Williams) Allyn, were also natives of the Nutmeg State. He began to write his own biography, but death prevented the completion of this task. He wrote: " I was born in North Gaston, now called Ledyard, New London, Conn., and left there March 31, 1834, going to Lycoming county, Penn., on the west branch of the Susquehanna river, and staid there eight months. I then went to Coventing township, Portage Co., Ohio, arriving there December 9, 1834; left there January 1, 1835, and came to Lower Sandusky (now Fremont); next I went to Riley township and lived there two years. In June, 1835, I removed to Erie township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, where I purchased 120 acres of land, and in 1837 commenced cutting wild grass. I was married April 13, 1838, [?] to Rebecca Laforce, who died February 12, [?] 1859, and was married again November 6, 1862." Here the writer laid down his pen never to resume it again, but he is well entitled to a more extended mention in this work devoted to the honored pioneers and best citizens of Ottawa county. He acquired his education in his native State, and when quite a young man left home to make his own way in the world. Going to Pennsylvania, he worked as a farm hand for several years, and on leaving the Keystone State, he removed to what was then called Upper Sandusky, Ohio. From 1835 up to the time of his death he was an esteemed resident and leading farmer of Erie township, Ottawa county, taking an active interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the community, and doing all in his power for its advancement and progress. He was united in marriage with Mrs. Rebecca Misener Laforce, who was born February 20, 181 I , and died February 14, 1859, leaving one son, George Williams, who was born March 24,1838, and lives in Elmore, Ohio. For his second wife, Mr. Allyn wedded Mrs. Sarah (Adams) Falley, who was born October 19, 1825, in Erie county, Ohio, and was 402 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the widow of Francis Falley. By the second marriage was born, September 19, 1863, one son,Charles Lester. Mr. Allyn passed away at his home in Erie township, April 24, 1891, and his death was deeply and sincerely mourned. He had lived an honorable life, and all who knew him respected him for his sterling worth. In his political views he was a Republican. CHARLES L. ALLYN was born and reared on the old homestead farm which is still his place of abode, and his education was obtained mostly in the schools of Port Clinton. At an early age he became familiar with all the duties of farm life, and has since been identified with the agricultural interests of his native county, being one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of Erie township. He was married, at the home of his wife's parents in Erie township, February 3, 1887, to Miss Emma Belle Sharpe, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, January 29, 1868, daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth (Bailey) Sharpe. Her father died July 26, 1892; her mother is now a resident of Lacarne. To this union were born four children, two of whom are living: Frederick Leonard, born April 19, 1888; and Myrtle Belle, born September 12, 1891. The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his political views Mr. Allyn is also a Republican. George W. Allyn, son of Frederick A. Allyn by his first wife, was married August 18, 1859, to Esther K. Gamble. Their only daughter, Clara Edna, was born July 16, 1862, and died in November, 1879, aged seventeen years. They have two sons: George W., born February 12, 1872, and Andrew Frederick, born September 16, 1874. CARL BUDDENHAGEN (deceased) was in his lifetime one of the extensive grape growers of Middle Bass Island, Ottawa county, of which locality he was one of the earliest settlers. He was born September i6, 1819, in Mecklenburg, Germany, and was a son of John and Hannah Buddenhagen, who were born in Germany and died there. Carl Buddenhagen was reared to manhood and received his education in his native land, where he also learned the trade of a stone-mason. He was married in Germany, in 1845, to Maria Wardo, who was also born in Mecklenburg, and they had eleven children, five of whom are living, as follows: Caroline, wife of Peter M. Schnoor, residing at Oak Harbor, Ottawa county; Wilhelmina, wife of Nicholas Fox, of Put in Bay, Ottawa county; Louisa, born December I, 1859, wife of J. H. Brady, living on Middle Bass Island; Anna, the wife of H. J. Sloat, residing at Milan, Ohio; and Carl Frederick, residing at Sandusky, Erie county. In 1853 Mr. Buddenhagen embarked for America, came to Ohio, and settled in Sandusky, Erie county, where he followed his occupation of mason some twelve years. About 1862 he removed to Middle Bass Island, and was engaged in grape growing. He was a continuous resident from the date of his settlement until his death, which occurred March 21, 1872, and was intimately connected with all the early history of the Island. Surrounded by an intelligent and interesting family in his home, Mr. Buddenhagen was a devoted husband, and a kind and indulgent father. Among men he was genial and companionable, manly and fearlessly independent in character and thought, and consistent throughout. His social standing was high, his integrity incorruptible, and his memory will long be revered by those who knew him. J. H. BRADY, who married Louisa Buddenhagen, was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, went to Chicago, Ill., when a young man, and later removed to Toledo, Ohio, where he followed his occupation, that of contractor COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 403 and builder, and whence, in 1874, he came to Middle Bass Island. On November 8, 1875, he was united in marriage with Louisa Buddenhagen, and they have had eight children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: May E., August 8, 1876; Ella Anna, May 30, 1878; Alma Belle, December 3, 1879; Lillian, October 5, 1882; Carl F., November 15, 1884; Walter, September 12, 1886; J. Bertram, June 10, 1888, and Louis, October 3o, 1893. A few days after his marriage Mr. Brady removed to Toledo, where he resided for three years. In 1878 he returned to Middle Bass, has since been a continuous resident of the Island, and is now extensively engaged in grape growing. He is Democratic in his political views, is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Sandusky, and the family are connected with the Protestant Episcopal Church. JOHN H. REHBERG (deceased), who was connected with the earliest history of Middle Bass Island, Ottawa county, and was one of the extensive grape growers there, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, January 15, 1827, and was a son of John and Christina Rehberg. Mrs. Rehberg died in the Fatherland, and John Rehberg on Middle Bass Island, Ohio, December 22, 1880. Our subject was reared to manhood and educated in Germany, where he followed the butcher business, and in 1853 came to America. At Mecklenburg, Germany, in the spring of 1848, he was united in marriage with Sophia Varrnke, who was born in Mecklenburg August 1o, 1825, and they had a family of fifteen children, nine of whom are yet living, as follows: Henry, born December 4, 1849, now residing on Point Pelee Island, Canada; Caroline, born September 16, 1854, wife of Henry Engel, residing in Michigan; William, born April 15, 1857; living on Catawba Island, Ottawa Co., Ohio; Frederick, born February 21, 1859, residing at Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio; Lena, born May 18, 186o, wife of Andrew Stoll, living on Kelley's Island, Erie Co., Ohio; Sophia, born November 13, 186r, wife of Charles Fisher, also of Kelley's Island; John, born April 30, 1864, a resident of Put in Bay, Ottawa county; Augusta, born July 14, 1867, and Edward, born August 22, 1872. Having come to America in 1853, John H. Rehberg resided for about three years in Chicago, Ills., removed to Cedar Point, Hamilton Co., Ohio, where he lived two years, and then returned to Chicago, whence, about six months later, he removed to Indiana, where for six years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the latter part of the year 1864 he removed to Middle Bass Island, and was a continuous resident of the Island, and closely identified with its progressive interests until his death on May 4, 1888. For twenty-one years he held the office of school director, and also numerous other township offices, all of which he efficiently filled. He took a great interest in educational matters, and was ever foremost In promoting the welfare of the island. He was loved and revered in life, and in death many marks of respect were shown him by sorrowing friends and neighbors. Sadly they bore him to his last resting place, and, as the island breezes chant their requiem o'er his grave, loving hearts will entwine and bedew with tears an imperishable garland to his memory. SAMUEL KUESTHARDT, editor of the Ottawa County Zeitung, published at Port Clinton, Ottawa county, was born in Arnsburg, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, February 6, 1855, and is one of the best known and most highly-respected citizens of the county in which he now resides. He is the son of G. C. and Elizabeth 404 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. (Wollenhaupt) Kuesthardt. His father was born in Rambach, Hesse Cassel, Germany, in 1804; was educated in the teachers' seminary at Beuggen; followed the profession of a teacher throughout his life, and for many years had charge of a reform school. He died in April, 1875, a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. His first wife was Marie Wollenhaupt, by whom he had one child, Marie, who lives in California. The second wife of Mr. Kuesthardt, and the mother of our subject, was born in Harle, Hesse Cassel, Germany, in 1826, came to America in 1875, and died in California April 5, 1894, the mother of seven children, all of whom lived to manhood and womanhood: Christiana, died at the age of twenty years; Magdalena, wife of Rev. Julius Klopsteg, lives at Henderson, Minn. ; Tabitha was married in Germany to Gustav Brobst; our subject comes next; Anna is married to Julius Ulber, an artist, now of California; Hermina is the wife of Andrew Peterson, and lives in St. Paul, Minn. ; G. W. lives in California, where he follows the trade of a carpenter, and is also engaged in fruit raising. Samuel Kuesthardt attended school at the theological seminary in Melsungen, Germany, from which he was a graduate in 1874. He then came to America and took a practical course at the schools of Mendota, Ill. He was the assistant minister for one year in a church in Toledo, Ohio, and in the fall of 1876 was ordained the pastor of a church at Custer, Wood Co. , this State. At this time he preached to six different churches. He remained at Custer until 1881, in the fall of which year he received a call to Fair Haven, Mich., where he remained until 1887. He was then attacked with inflammatory rheumatism, from which he suffered greatly, and, being obliged to seek a change of climate, went to Louisiana and settled in Calcasieu Parish, where he took up a homestead and timber claim, 325 acres in all. His health rapidly improved, and he spent a couple of months in that place, while there preaching at Lake Charles. He then returned to Toledo, Ohio, and from there came to Rocky Ridge, in Ottawa county, where he founded a,congregation, and built the first Lutheran church in the place. This was a frame building, which soon after was burnt down, and they then erected one of brick. He preached at Rocky Ridge for two and a half years. In September, 1890, Mr. Kuesthardt gave up preaching, and the following New Year (1891) took charge of the Ottawa County Zeitung, then published at Oak Harbor, and in 1893 he removed the paper and his family to Port Clinton. In politics he is a Democrat, and his paper is printed in the German language. It is a newsy, well-conducted journal, and is popular with the German citizens. Mr. Kuesthardt was married in Toledo, Ohio, April 19, 1877, to Miss Marie Kuehn, of that city, and they have had nine children (seven of whom are living): Paul; Martha; Samuel; Marie; Laura; Ernest, who died in Louisiana; Lydia, who died when four years old; Hans and Phyllis. ALPHONSE COUCHE (deceased), for many years a prominent lumber dealer and grain merchant of Port Clinton, Ottawa county, was a native of France, born in the town of Chinon, old Province of Touraine (now Department of Indre et Loire), February 14, 1833. His father was born in 1789, and died in 1859; his mother was born in 1794, and died in 1838. Our subject received a good education at his home, and succeeded in passing an examination for entrance into the College of Arts and Manufactures in Angers, securing the bursary which admitted him to the School on payment of a small sum; but the Revolution of 1848 caused the institution to be closed about twelve months. For a couple of years he fol- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 405 lowed the business of commission merchant in Paris, purchasing goods for the South American trade, which first suggested to him the idea of migrating to one or other of the English colonies. Proceeding to London, England, he remained there a year, familiarizing himself with the language and gaining some insight into general business. In 1856 he came to New York, and there remained until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he returned to France, but two years later once more came to the United States, again locating in New York. In 1864 he moved west to Ohio, and in Ottawa county erected a sawmill on the banks of the Portage river, a few miles east of Oak Harbor, where, until 1873, he did an extensive business in the manufacture of lumber; then removed his main plant to Port Clinton, continuing, however, to operate a sawmill at Rocky Ridge and Crane Creek. In the Rocky Ridge branch of the business he had two partners from 188o to 1889 in the persons of John Mitchell (who was interested only in the Rocky Ridge mill) and J. Lecluze (who was a partner in all the businesses of Mr. Couche, and acted as bookkeeper). In addition to sawing and manufacturing building material they bought and dealt extensively in pine lumber of various kinds, also in coal and wood. Mr. Couche erected grain elevators at Port Clinton and at La Carne, where he bought and shipped grain. His largest operations were in the purchase of walnut and other hard woods from the Northern and Southern States, which, for about fourteen years, he exported to different countries of Europe. He was the first shipper of a Birdseye Maple," from America to Europe. From the year 1886 up to the time of his death Mr. Couche was in the habit of spending his winters in France, going there in the fall and returning in the spring. During his residence at Port Clinton he was one of the most substantial contributors to the prosperity and growth of the town, paying out many thousands of dollars in wages every year, and keeping many workmen employed. In all his business affairs he was honest, just, and prompt, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. July 30, 1891, he suffered from a stroke of paralysis of the brain which deprived him more or less of the use of his mental faculties, and occasioned his death December 19, same year. On December 15, 1877, Mr. Couche was married at Tours, Province of Touraine, France, to Miss Antonie Cartier, daughter of Francois and Pauline (Trosseau) Cartier, the former of whom was a manufacturer of champagne wine, and children as follows blessed their union: Jane Marie Pauline Alice, born October 3, 1878; Marie Madeleine Alphonsine, born April 23, 188o; and Frank Alphonse Antoine, born January 24, 1883. Were Mr. Couche asked during his busy lifetime for the secret of his success, he would no doubt have defined it, from his own experience, as hard work, availing itself of fair opportunities. AUGUST SCHMIDT (deceased), who was among the earliest settlers of Middle Bass Island, Ottawa county, and who during his long residence here was extensively engaged in grape growing, besides following contracting and building, was born in Anhalt, Germany, October 7, 1825. The father of August Schmidt died before his son was born, and the mother, Rosamond Schmidt, died when August was about twelve years of age, consequently very little is known regarding their history. When but a youth August Schmidt went to Berlin, and there grew to manhood, receiving his education, and learning the trade of a stone mason. In 1852 he came to America, and settling in Detroit, Mich., resided there and near 406 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. there for about twelve years, engaged in contracting and building. On January 17, 1854, Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage, at Detroit, with Christina Mueller, who was born in Hesse, Germany, May 26, 1830, and they had six children, five of whom are still living, as follows: August, born December 27, 1855, now residing in Sandusky, Erie Co., Ohio; Elizabeth (Mrs. E. Wehrle), born May 13, 1859, lately living on Middle Bass Island, at present (December, 1895) a resident of Sandusky; Katherine, born September 29, 1861, Charles, born September I I, 1863, and Emil G., born January 3, 1866, all three also living in Sandusky. In 1864 Mr. Schmidt removed to Middle Bass Island, where he resided up to his death, which occurred February 10, 1886. Mrs. Schmidt at present resides in Sandusky, Erie county, and the vineyard is rented out on shares. Mrs. Schmidt attends the German Evangelical Church, while of the children some attend the Presbyterian Church, the others the Congregational. THOMAS E. KIRKBRIDE. A history of the growth and spread of the commercial interests of Sandusky county — and they are neither few nor unimportant—could not well be written without containing an account of the enterprises with which the name of this gentleman is intimately associated, and a sketch of whose business career is here presented. As one of the most successful business men in Sandusky county, and one of the greatest oil producers in the State of Ohio, if, indeed, not the greatest, it is the more proper that Mr. Kirkbride should be conspicuously represented in this work; and although a resident of Toledo, where his family reside, he has kindly consented to have his personal history and portrait inserted within the pages of this Biographical Record. A native of New York State, Mr. Kirkbride was born in Ogdensburg December 26, 1858, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah Jane (Nugent) Kirkbride. The father at present lives at Findlay, Ohio, and has been interested in the oil industry since 1866. When he was nearing the age of eight years our subject's parents removed to Tidioute, Warren Co., Penn., and here he received his education and had his home until he was about twenty-one years old, at which time he entered the oil fields. His first venture was as wooden-tank builder, then in rig building, pipe-line work, drilling; in fact, engaging in every detail of the business, and there is no branch thereof with which he is not thoroughly conversant "from A to Z." In 1890, disposing of his interests in Pennsylvania oil fields, Mr. Kirkbride removed with his family to Fostoria, Ohio, remaining there, however, but a short time, for it was not long before he entered the arena of the Ohio oil fields, about one mile from where the present village of Gibsonburg now stands, by purchasing the Blousey farm of forty acres, on which there were already three wells, to which, by drilling, he soon added two more. Shortly afterward he and his brother, J. W. Kirkbride, bought eighty acres of oil land in the Rollersville field, where they have put down six wells. This completed, the brothers entered Wood county and purchased a 110-acre farm of C. R. Rosendale, also six acres of Clark Earle, making a total in that neighborhood of [16 acres, whereon they drilled fourteen wells. They also piped gas from their gas well at West Millgrove to Hatton, Wood county, supplying that town with both fuel and light. Their oil territory became, in 1891, still farther increased by the purchase of 120 acres of land at Pemberville, they finishing a well already commenced on this property, making what is known to oil men as a " mystery," for not being operated the outside world became of the opinion that the " territory " was poor. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 407 This gave the Kirkbrides a chance to buy all the surrounding land, some thousand acres in extent, and here they drilled fifteen wells, forming at the same time what is known as the Alphonso Oil Co. Just prior to this our subject leased several hundred acres in Perry township, Wood county, where a number of gas wells were drilled, which to some extent supply the city of Toledo with gas. Mr. Kirkbride next invested in a half interest in the Damschroeder property of 175 acres, and here they drilled a dry hole. This property they still hold, believing it to be a good oil country. Mr. Kirkbride purchased twenty acres of the Graver farm, on which he put down five wells, and then followed an unique and remarkable experience in his oil business well worthy of record. A certain well seemed to contain nothing but water, and many a speculator turned his back on it and derided it; yet Mr. Kirkbride believed it would ultimately yield oil, and for eight weeks he pumped incessantly, but got nothing except water for his pains, .during which time he and the well were the butt of many a jest. However, at the end of about two months, oil began to manifest itself, and the well all at once commenced to produce oil at the rate of 10o barrels per day, and in less than two more months not only paid for all the labor expended on it, but also for the cost of the twenty acres of land. This was the first attempt in the county, by any oil producer, to exhaust the water and ultimately reach oil. The Kirkbride oil territory was next enlarged by the purchase of the George Miller farm of eighty acres which they held an entire year before drilling. They leased surrounding property, and on the Morgan farm drilled a test well which produced 300 barrels per day; this was also made a " mystery " well until some 700 acres adjoining could be secured by lease. With everything in their own hands they now put down twelve wells on the Miller farm, also three on the Morgan farm, and - 26 - at the end of one year they leased the Benjamin Jones farm in Sandusky county, as well as the Myers farm. On the latter they drilled three wells, one of them, which " came in " November 9, 1894, being the first large well drilled in the county, producing 1,400 barrels per day for nineteen days! Six days after this well " came in," or November 15, 1894, Mr. Kirk-bride completed the largest oil well in the world, known as the " Kirkbride Gusher." This was on the Jones farm, about five miles west of Gibsonburg. When the Trenton rock was pierced, in boring, the well began to throw up a column of oil some 200 feet high, so that houses and land were covered with oil, deep ditches along the roads being filled to overflow, and still the oil continued to flow. Mr. Kirkbride believes that when the well started, and for some time thereafter, it must have produced at the rate of 60,000 barrels per day, running at full flow. It took them four hours to get the well under control and the tanks erected, but of course they could not get the oil away as fast as the well would produce it. Gradually declining in yield, at the end of some four months the production was less than one thousand barrels per day, and the once Mammoth has dwindled down to an humble twenty-barrel-per-day well! Last, not least, Mr. Kirkbride bought twenty-seven acres of land from Henry Schmucker, in Woodville township, on which he has five wells, one of which is in one respect like the great well we have just given an account of, in being what Mr. Kirkbride calls a " crevice well." This produces 10o barrels per day, but had to be pumped for two weeks before anything except water came. At this writing (November, 1895) Mr. Kirkbride owns and leases about ten thousand acres of oil territory, and is operating, in all 200 wells. He attributes his great success to two things, to-wit: First--he thoroughly understands every detail of the business; and, Second—he keeps out of the Ex- 408 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. changes;-in a word he gives his time and attention exclusively to the production of oil and not to speculation therein. On January 5, 1880, Mr. Kirkbride was married to Miss Mary A. Edwards, and six children have blessed their union, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Joseph Edward, February 23, 1881, Margaret Mabel, July 31, 1883, died January 12, 1887; Thomas F., June 24, 1885; Mary Alice, December 25, 1887; Annie Geneva, August 14, 1889; and James William, October 21, 1891. Mrs. Kirkbride was born, in 1857, in Liverpool, England, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Molland) Edwards, the former of whom (now deceased) was a sergeant in the English army, and the latter is now a resident of Boston, Mass. Mrs. Kirkbride received her education in her native city, whence she emigrated to Nova Scotia, later. moving to Boston, Mass. In 1890 Mr. Kirkbride took up his residence in Toledo, where on Collingwood avenue he has an elegant home, he himself being the designer and architect of the building. He and his amiable spouse are noted for their hospitality, geniality and cordiality, and live in the unqualified esteem and respect of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. NATHAN DODGE (deceased), who was a carpenter and a farmer by occupation, and one of the most popular citizens of Middle Bass Island, Ottawa county, was born in Gainesville, N. Y., December 15, 1822, and was a son of Elijah and Lorena (Thayer) Dodge, who were both born in New York State. When Nathan Dodge was but a youth his parents removed to Carlisle, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, received his education, and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until later in life, he removed to Wisconsin, locating in Windsor, Dane county, and there for seventeen years engaging in agricultural pursuits. On August 3, 1847, Nathan Dodge was united in marriage in Strongsville, Ohio, with Mary I. Carpenter, daughter of Caleb and Susan (Haines) Carpenter, and born in Strongsville, Ohio, June 4, 1826. They have had eight children, six of whom are living, as follows: Ellen Maria, born July 13, 1848, now the widow of L. R. Webster, and residing on Put in Bay Island, Ottawa county; Jennie, born April 9, 1850, wife of James H. Crowley, residing in St. Louis, Mo. ; Louis C., born April 15, 1852, living on Middle Bass Island; James E., who is captain of the steamer “Ina," born February 17, 1854, and residing in Put in Bay Island; Emma C., born April 3o, 1856, wife of Louis Edlison, and residing in Los Angeles, Cal. ; John B., born March 22, 1858, a resident of St. John's, Mich. ; Edith L., who became the wife of Robert L. Harris, and passed away at Nordhoff, Cal., March 6, 1894; and Harvey C., deceased at the age of five years. About 1865 Mr. Dodge removed to Middle Bass Island, where he resided during the remainder of his days, dying October 9, 1870. He was a man of high moral qualities, and his character was beyond reproach. His kindness of heart and unselfish generosity were proverbial wherever he was known, none appealing to him in vain in a worthy cause. Many instances of his acts of kindness might be cited, showing his characteristic regard for the happiness of others. His great industry, unquestioned integrity, and unimpeachable moral character won for him hosts of friends, who with his widow and sorrowing family mourn their loss. ANDREW SCHIELE (deceased) was a native of Wurttemberg, Germany, born in 1819, where he passed the days of his boyhood 1 and youth. The public schools there af- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 409 forded him his educational privileges, and he there also learned the trades of both baker and blacksmith. Thinking to benefit his financial condition by crossing the Atlantic to the New World, he bade adieu to his native land in 185o, and sailed for the United States, locating in Toledo, Ohio, where for fifteen years he worked at the baker's trade, also keeping a restaurant. In 1865 he took up his residence on Put in Bay Island, where he spent his remaining days. He here devoted his time and energies to the cultivation of a vineyard and the manufacture of wine, and did a good business, becoming one of the well-to-do residents of the community. Mr. Schiele was married in Toledo October 7, 1851, to Justina Kirnberger, born in Wurttemberg, Germany, June 21, 1830. They became the parents of ten children, five now living, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Louis, July 2, 1856; Robert, December 26, 1858; Frank, September 15, 1860; Andrew, February 8, 1862; and Edward, February 22, 1869, all still living in Put in Bay. The father of this family was called to his final rest April 29, 1880, and many friends mourned his death, for he was a highly-respected man, recognized as one of the prominent residents of the community. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, to which his widow also belonged. ANDREW SCHIELE, JR., was born in Toledo, Ohio, and when a child of two and a half years was brought by his parents to Put in Bay Island. He was educated in the district schools, and since leaving the school-room has followed the business in which his father engaged, that of fruit growing and wine making. He is an enterprising, thrifty young business man, carefully managing his interests, and in his undertakings is meeting with good success. He was married April 25, 1893, to Marguerite Duennisch, a daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Beck) Duen nisch, who were natives of Germany. Her father is now living in Venice, Erie Co., Ohio, where her mother died in 1886. Mrs. Schiele was born at that place, July 27, 1869, and by her marriage has become the mother of one child—Elsie Marie, born November 17, 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Schiele are well-known people of the community, and their friends are many. Our subject is now serving his second term as township trustee, to which position he was elected by the Republican party. He and his wife attend the Lutheran Church. GAVIN WATSON (deceased) was for over forty years one of the honored and respected citizens of Danbury township, Ottawa county, where his widow still makes her home. He was a native of Scotland, born in Glasgow, January 19, 1822, and was a son of James and Margaret Watson, who were also natives of that country. He was reared to manhood, educated and learned the trade of stone cutting in his native land, where he remained until 1850, when he came to America. After residing in New York for a short time, he removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., remaining there until the spring of 1851, at which time he became a resident of Danbury township, Ottawa county, and here continued to make his home until his death, which occurred January 3, 1892. For some time after locating in the township he worked at his trade, but later was principally engaged in farming, which he carried on with good success. On June 3, 1851, in Danbury township, Mr. Watson was married to Mrs. Margaret Tynan, widow of William Tynan, and daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Johnson. They became the parents of five children, three of whom are still living: John, born June 10, 1855, makes his home in Chicago, Ill. ; William, born August 25, 1857; and Margaret, born 410 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. July 19, 1863, married January 13, 1886, to Henry Baxter, of Danbury township, and has one child—Pearl, who was born March 20, 1889. By her former marriage Mrs. Watson was the mother of two children, namely: Elizabeth, now the widow of David Jameson, and making her home in Danbury township; and Jane, who is an invalid and lives with her mother. During his residence of over forty years in Danbury township, Mr. Watson won the esteem and confidence of all with whom he came in contact, and was numbered among the valued citizens of the community. His character was beyond reproach, and his many virtues and pleasant ways gained him a host of friends. WILLIAM WATSON, since the death of his father, has assumed the management of the farm, on which he has made many good and useful improvements. He is a live, progressive business man, highly esteemed as a friend and neighbor. CHARLES H. HOUTS. This gentleman, who is one of the oldest pioneers of Ottawa county, and a prosperous agriculturist and fruit grower of Clay township, has also a record as a soldier in the late Civil war of which he may well be proud. The participants in that struggle for the preservation of the Union are growing perceptibly fewer as the years roll on, and it will not be long ere none are left to tell the story. We who hear it from the lips of those who took an active part in its victories and defeats are fortunate indeed. Mr. Houts was born in Scott township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, August 11, 1842, son of John and Rhoda (Schroggy) Houts, the former of whom was born in 1813, in Pennsylvania, and the latter in Columbiana county, Ohio. When seven months old he was brought to Ottawa county, and in his boyhood he attended the public school at Port Clinton, afterward assisting his father in the work upon the farm. When the call for men for three-years' service in the Civil war was made, the patriotic youth responded by enlisting January 4, 1864, in Company G, One Hundredth Ohio Infantry, under the command of Col. Patrick Sleaven. He was in many bloody battles, where he saw thousands of men dying on the field, and learned from experience the horrors of war. Among the notable engagements in which he took part were: The battle of Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., May 5 to 9; Resaca, Ga., May 13 to 16; Dallas, Ga., May 27 to June 4; Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 9 to 3o; Utay Creek, where they lost one hundred men, August 6; Atlanta, Ga., July 29 to September 2; Columbia, Tenn., November 24 to 28; Franklin, Tenn., November 30, and Nashville, Tenn., December 15 to 16, all in 1864. In all these engagements Mr. Houts was so fortunate as not to receive even a scratch, although his comrades fell all around him, and indeed throughout the whole campaign he enjoyed the best of health, with the exception of an attack of measles which kept him in the hospital for a week or two. He received his discharge after brilliant victories at Salisbury, N. C., on July 17, 1865. After his return from the army Mr. Houts sailed on Lake Erie and Lake Huron for six years. He then took up the trade of a carpenter and joiner, at which he worked six years, during three of which he was in partnership with Samuel Wisner, under the firm name of Houts & 'Wisner, carrying on the business of contractors and builders at Port Clinton. Subsequently he engaged in farming, working for six years on a farm near Port Clinton, after which he came to Clay township, rented a farm, and worked thereon for five more years. By hard work and frugality during all this time he managed to save enough money to buy a farm of his own, and in 1888 purchased eighty acres of land near Clay Center, which was partly under cultivation. Here COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 411 he went to work with a will, spending every spare moment in beautifying the place. He rebuilt the dwelling house and all the barns, and made other needed improvements, and to-day is enjoying the fruit of his labors in a pleasant, comfortable home. Mr. Houts was married, December 31, 1868, at Port Clinton, to Caroline P., daughter of J. R. Heim, a merchant of that place, and they have one child, John Richard, born October 17, 187o. He was educated in the public schools of Clay township, and worked on the homestead farm for several years. He was married December 20, 1893, to Lillie M., daughter of Frederick Sutton, Esq., of Martin, where the couple now reside. John Houts, the father of our subject, was born near Strasburg, Penn., and came to Ottawa county when quite young, locating near Port Clinton. Here he was married in 1836 to Rhoda Schroggy, and to them five children were born, as follows: Henry, born in 1841, died when quite young; Charles H., our subject, born in 1842; Mary A. born in 1844, is the widow of William Britten, who was killed in a stone quarry at Marble Head (she has three children); James, born in 1846, at Port Clinton, is married and lives in Michigan (he has two children); one died in infancy. The mother of our subject was one of the first school teachers in Port Clinton. She died there in 1848. In 1853 the father married again, taking for his second wife Amanda Mommeney, of Port Clinton, and five more children were added to the family, viz. : John, who is an engineer on a vessel on Lake Erie; Rosie, deceased; William, who lives in one of the Western States; Clara, living in Kansas; and Ida, married and living in Cleveland. Mr. Houts passed peacefully away at the home of his son Charles, in Clay township, March 11, 1894,, at the ripe old age of eighty-one years and two months, beloved and respected by all who knew him. J. R. Heim, the father of Mrs. Charles Houts, was born at Baden, Germany, March 4, 1821, and came to this country when a young man, living for some years at Plasterbed, this State. He then removed to Port Clinton, where he was engaged in the hotel business for a number of years, subsequently buying a farm near Port Clinton, on which he lived until his death, which took place January 4, 1886; his wife preceded him to the better land, dying May 7, 1869. Mr. Heim was married in 1847 to Pauline Moos, and they became the parents of twelve children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Caroline, November 7, 1848, now the wife of our subject; John R., born January 26, 1850; Adam, March 30, 1852, died March 3o, 1892; Christine, February 17, 1854; Maria B., September 12, 1855; Magdelena, September 26, 1857; Catherine P., July 11, 1859; August, August 9, 1861; William C., March 11, 1863; Edward C., February 22, 1865; Clara E. J., March 14, 1867; and Christoph L., May 7, 1869, died September 1, same year. Our subject in politics is a stanch Democrat, and an admirer of President Cleveland. He was a trustee of Clay township for several years, and a school director and member of the board of education at Genoa. He was clerk of the board for two years, and held the office of trustee three years in Portage township. Socially, he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and also of Clay Lodge, F. & A. M., at Genoa. He is a man of influence, well liked, both in public and private life. STULL BROS (J. H. AND WILLIAM W.), former merchants and manufacturers, Fremont, Sandusky county, were born in Rice township, Sandusky county, Ohio, sons of Jacob and Katie (Rang) Stull. 412 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Jacob Stull, Sr., was born in Hatmat, Alsace (France), and came with his parents to America when fourteen years old, locating in Waynesburg, Penn. Eight years later he, with his parents, brothers, sisters, and others migrated by wagon to Rice township, Sandusky- Co., Ohio, a distance of several hundred miles. Katie Stull was born in Baden, Germany, and came with her parents to America, settling in Rice township, Sandusky Co., Ohio. In 1837 she and Jacob Stull were married. Both are now deceased, she having died August 25, 1866, at the age of forty-five years, five months, four days, he dying February 4, 1873, aged fifty-eight years, one month, twenty-nine days. They were respected and loved by all who knew them, and their remains now rest in Rice township. They had five children: Christina, Mary, Sarah, Jacob H. and William W. Of these Christina married Joseph Lambert, in 1865, and now resides in Rice township; the names of their children are: Emma, Rutherford, Pearly and Homer. Mary married Hugo Gross, in 1866, and died March 11, 1888; he lives near Lansing, Mich. ; the names of their children are: Emma, Ida, Clara, George, Frank, Ollie and Arlin. Sarah married J. H. Diedler, in 1871, and lives in Fremont, Ohio; the names of their children are: Laura, Florence, Lillie, Jennie, Ivin and Irvin. Jacob H. married Julia Flora, in 1886, and lives in Fremont; they have one child, Arlin. William W. also resides in Fremont, Ohio. In 1868 Jacob Stull, Sr., married his second wife, and they had one child, Emma, who in 1894 married Rev. Will M. Waller. and now lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Stull Bros. (J. H. & William W.), the subjects proper of this sketch, were quite young when their parents died. Jacob H. staid for a time with his sister Sarah, and William W. with his sister Mary. After this, their time was occupied serving on farms, canvassing and attend ing school. In this manner those young lives passed away their precious time of their early " teens," being steadily engaged in the rugged discipline of labor, battling with Nature for subsistence. They afterward attended the Fremont High School, and later the Port Clinton Select School. Subsequently Jacob H. attended the College at Oberlin, Ohio, and William W. the Ada. Normal School, Ada, Ohio. After having acquired sufficient mental discipline, they entered the profession of teaching, and Jacob H. pursued that for nine terms in the country, and William W. for seven terms. They then embarked in the retail grocery business in Fremont, Ohio, under the firm name of Stull Bros. They were engaged in this business for three years. While doing this they encountered a difficulty in the usual method of keeping accounts, and set to work to devise something better; the result of which was the now well-known " Simple Account File," which they invented and patented, the patent having been taken out in May, 1886. Having unlimited faith in their invention, they sold out their mercantile business and commenced the manufacture of the " File." This new enterprise, at its beginning, was not a success—rather uphill work—but they continued in the business. Jacob H. was then chosen manager of the concern, while William W. was chosen their traveling agent. During the summer months he traveled over Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania by wagon, and the balance of the time in other States by rail, selling Files and appointing agents. At the expiration of three years, owing to the increase, of the business, he was obliged to stay at home. Their business continued to increase, until, by their push and business ability, they extended the sale of the File to all parts of the United States. In 1891 they sold the right to " manufacture and sell " the File west of the Mississippi river, and in 1892 the territory east of the Mississippi river. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 413 These two sales netted them a handsome sum. Stull Bros. in religious connection, are members of the M. E. Church, and in politics they are Republicans. JOSEPH DEGROFT (deceased), who was one of the prominent and progressive agriculturists of Madison township, Sandusky county, and one of its early settlers, was born in Cumberland county, Penn., November 25, 1814, and was a son of Joseph Degroft, a native of the same county, who died when our subject was only a year old. Our subject received but a limited education in the schools of his native town, and worked at different kinds of employment from the early age of twelve years until he reached manhood. He received at first only forty cents per day for his labor, and continued working in this way until 1850, when with his family he came to Ohio, locating in Madison township, where he purchased eighty acres of land, all covered with timber. His first work here was to build a house, and he erected a log cabin upon the site from which he cut away the trees in order to make room for the building. He began life in true pioneer style here, and from the wilderness developed a highly-cultivated farm. He first planted corn and wheat, and continued the work of improvement with the aid of his sons until he became the owner of one of the most valuable farming properties in this section of the county. Often before roads were constructed he had to carry on his back to Pemberville a sack of corn and wheat which he had ground into grist in order that the family might have food. He also traveled through the woods and over the muddy roads to Fremont—a distance of twenty miles—leading his horse, and there did his milling and marketing. He would then not reach his home until after midnight; but the pioneer days with their hardships passed, the log cabin was replaced by a substantial frame residence, barns were erected and the work of improvement carried forward until he became the owner of a model farm and the possessor of a handsome competence. Mr. Degroft was married on New Year's Day, 1849, in Cumberland county, Penn., to Mary Chambers, and of the ten children born to them, seven are still living: (1) Mathew, born March 7, 1840, in Cumberland county, was educated in the public schools of this locality, and here follows farming; he is married and has six children. (2) John, born November 5, 1841, in Cumberland county, was educated in Madison township, Sandusky county, and with his family resides on a farm in Michigan. (3) Joseph, born June 5, 1845, in Pennsylvania, is a contractor and builder, and resides on the homestead with his mother. (4) Shannon, born October 14, 1847, in Cumberland county, Penn., is married and has three children; he followed agricultural pursuits in Madison township, Sandusky county. (5) Thomas, born November 25, 1850, in Madison township, was for some years engaged in the practice of medicine, but is now in the railroad business in California. (6) Catherine, born May 4, 1855, in Madison township, is the wife of Charles Sohnley, of Toledo. (7) Lewis is an honored citizen of Sandusky county. Alfred and Charles both died in infancy, and one girl also died in infancy. The mother of this family was born in Cumberland county, Penn., September 17, 1822, and is a daughter of Thomas Chambers, a blacksmith, of the Keystone State. In 1850 she came with her husband to Sandusky county, and shared with him the trials and hardships of pioneer life in the woods of Madison township. She also assisted him in every way to make a home for the family, often aiding him in cutting down the trees, and in planting crops, going to the field at three o'clock in the morning. Her devotion to 414 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. her family entitles her to the greatest credit. She is now over seventy-three years of age, and looking back over the past recalls many interesting incidents of pioneer life in Ohio. She still transacts her business and attends to the duties of her house, and is now engaged on negotiations for leasing her land for oil prospecting purposes. Mr. Degroft was trustee of his township for several years, and was for a long period school director, taking a deep interest in the cause of education and everything calculated to benefit the county. After a long illness of sixteen months he passed peacefully away, April 27, 1892, and a faithful wife and loving children mourned the loss of a kind father and devoted husband. He was ever ready to extend a helping hand to the poor and needy, and considered no sacrifice too great that would enhance the happiness of his family, to whom he left an untarnished name. His widow still resides on the old home place, where she is enjoying the reward of earnest toil. EBEN ROOT, a well-to-do farmer of Sandusky township, Sandusky county, was born January 16, 1843, in Erie county, Ohio, near Milan. The Root family is of French origin, but the first definite history we have of this branch of the family is that of Caleb Root, grandfather of our subject, who was born in Connecticut, and migrated to Milan, Erie Co., Ohio, in pioneer days. He was a farmer by occupation, and died there August 13, 1843, aged seventy-three years. His children were: Hiram, Jirah, Lucy, Anna, Lyman and Perry, the last named being the father of our subject, born on the day of Perry's victory, in 1813, and hence was named after that naval officer. Perry Root grew to manhood in Erie county, on a farm, received the advantages for education offered by the common schools, and became a noted stock dealer at an early day. On November 6, 1839, he married Miss Celia Hardy, a native of New York State, and he died July 23, 1869, his wife passing away in March, 1880. Their children were as follows: Elizabeth, born September 6, 1840, married November 26, 1862, Robert Wilcox, of Erie county, Ohio; Lucy Ann, born October I, 1841; Eben, our subject; Sarah A., born May 11, 1845, married John G. Balcom, June 15, 1870, at Milan, Ohio; John 0., born April 20, 1847, married Sarah Fairchild, December 17, 1874; Lucy, born in October, 1841, died September 27, 1861; Savory Perry, born July 11, 1849, died May 6, 1850; Carleton Perry, born October 5, 1857, died March 18, 1873. Our subject spent his boyhood and youth in Erie. county, near Milan, and attended the common schools. On May 2, 1864, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment, 0. N. G., and served one hundred days, being discharged August 24, 1864, at Camp Chase, Ohio. While a young man he went west, and on the trip met and married on October 9, 1867, Miss Jemima B. Fell, who was born in Liddisdale, Scotland, October I, 1847, and came to America with her parents when four years old. They settled in Stark county, Illinois, where our subject and she were married. The children born to this union were Sarah Isabella, born March 3, 1871; Carrie Elizabeth, born October 8, 1873; Walter Fell, born March 11, 1875; David Perry, born December 20, 1879, died January 18, 1881; and Bessie Alberta, born December 13, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Root settled in Sandusky county soon after their marriage, and subsequently lived two years in Erie county, after which they returned here and have since made Sandusky township their home. Mr. Root owns 230 acres of land which he operates to the best possible COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 415 advantage, and in addition to his farming interest deals largely in live stock, handling a large number of sheep. He is a Democrat in politics, and is one of those citizens who, in an unassuming way, benefit the community in which they live and make a success of life. Some remarkable facts in regard. to accidental deaths in the family and among relations may be noted: Our subject's father, Perry Root, was killed by a kick from a horse; his stepmother was accidentally burned to death; his wife's father was killed by a runaway, in Scotland; one of his mother's sisters married a man by the name of Morgan, who, falling on the ice, broke his skull and died from the results; one of Morgan's sons was killed by accident; our subject's uncle Jirah fell from a wagon and was killed; and his uncle Hiram was killed by a team running away, while hauling lumber; and grandfather, Caleb Root, was killed by being thrown from a load of hay. WILLIAM A. MUGG, the leading landowner and farmer of York township, Sandusky county, and vice-president of the First National Bank of Clyde, is of the third generation from the earliest settlement and development of northwestern Ohio. And as he stands to-day, a leader of the men about him, so, too, in the two preceding generations, were his father and grandfather men of renown and note in their respective spheres, though perhaps in a somewhat different way. William A. Mugg has inherited the pioneer strength of character. His mind is keen and he appreciates a witticism. His good-natured retort is sharp, and stranger or friend is welcomed at his home and treated with that old-time jovial hospitality that is becoming rare in these so-called degenerate days. Mr. Mugg was born in Milo, Yates Co., N. Y., December 13, 1827, son of John B. and Susan (Wheeler) Mugg, and grandson of Elder John Mugg. But years before his birth his father and his grandfather had already become identified with the interests of York township, Sandusky Co., Ohio. It was in 1822 that Elder John Mugg, a native of Maryland, came with his family from New York State to the vast solitudes of northwestern Ohio. His parents had died when he was a child, and he was bound out and reared among strangers. However, he obtained the rudiments of an education, and became a preacher of the Baptist Church. When he came to Ohio he purchased 400 acres of government land, but as soon as the cabins for himself and family were built, and the rude houses made comfortable, he began his labors as a pioneer preacher, a task then quite different from the ministerial duties of to-day. Elder Mugg was a man of small stature, and his weight was less than one hundred pounds; but he was filled with nervous force, and with a love for his fellow men. He was an enthusiastic Churchman. On horseback, with saddlebags supplied with medicines, he wended his way along Indian trails through the forested swamps from settlement to settlement, bringing to the lonely pioneer the refreshing and cheering words of the Gospel. His value to the mental, moral and physical welfare of the early settler, immersed in solitude, can scarcely be appreciated at the present day. He brought words of cheer and comfort wherever he went, and the pleasant memories of his visit lingered long after he had departed. He carried the current news of the day from cabin to cabin, and to the sufferers from the malignant fevers that were then so common he brought both medicinal and spiritual good. Once, to a neighbor who had Stolen corn from him, he remarked: I feel sorry for you, neighbor. I don't care for the corn. If you had asked me for it the corn would have been yours." 416 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. His gentle, forgiving, Christian spirit made Elder Mugg a man who was widely beloved. He organized the Freewill Baptist Church, the pioneer religious organization of York township, and lived to the good old age of ninety-six years, amidst the peope to whom he had ministered for many years. His remains were interred in Wales Corners cemetery, in York township, where many of his fellow pioneers also rest. He was the father of seven children, as follows: Thomas, who moved to Indiana; John B., father of William A. ; Marcus, who became a minister and moved to Michigan, where he died; Jesse, who died in Indiana; William, who died in early manhood; Mary (afterward Mrs. Bennett), of Indiana; and Harriet (Mrs. Colvin), who died in York township. John B. Mugg was born in 1801. He came with his father to York township in 1822, having previously married Susan Wheeler. A year later, after the birth of his eldest child, Charles, he returned with his family to Yates county, N. Y., and remained there twelve years. In 1836 he again came west, and lived in York township until his death, which occurred December 3i, 188o, when he was aged seventy-nine years, four months and twenty-seven days. His wife, who was born in 1807, died March 3, 1880. Nine children were born to John B. and Susan Mugg: Charles, who died in Missouri; Wheeler, who died in York township; William A., subject of this sketch; John who died in New York; a child who died in infancy; Elizabeth, who died in young womanhood; Marietta, who died in girlhood; George, a resident of Dundee, Mich., and Alice, who died in childhood. William A. Mugg was a child when his father returned from New York to the pioneer Ohio home. He remembers well the trip on the lakes, and the journey overland to the old farmstead near Wales Corners, which still forms a part of the extensive estate of Mr. Mugg. In those days the driftwood had not yet been cleared from the swamps. The pools were full of water, and fish were abundant on every hand. Mr. Mugg remembers that many times in his boyhood he has skated in winter all the way from the old homestead to Sandusky Bay. The young men of fifty years ago propelled skiffs over lands that are now some of the most fertile field in Ohio. Indians were numerous in those days, and game abounded. But educational facilities were few. While Mr. Mugg did not receive a finished literary education, he learned what was better still—the value of thrift and economy. After he was of age he worked five years for his father, at $200 per year. Then in 1854 he married Miss Phebe S. Russell, who was born April 2, 1833. Her father, Norton Russell, was born in Hopewell, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 15, 1801, of parents who had shortly before moved to the New York wilderness from Massachusetts. Young Russell was bound out, and was diligently engaged during his youth in clearing the pioneer land of western New York. In October, 1821, he came to Ohio with three other young men, William McPherson, James Birds-eye and Lyman Babcock, all of whom became prominent pioneers of Sandusky county. They walked almost the entire distance from New York-400 miles. Mr. Russell was the eldest of five children, and his sisters and brother were as follows: Rowena, who married George Swarthout, and settled near Penn Yan, N. Y. ; Cynthia, who married William McPherson, and became the mother of the martyred Gen. James B. McPherson; William, who married Elizabeth Beach; and Lydia, wife of Lester Beach. Norton Russell entered the S. E. Quarter of Section 7, York township, and was married April 13, 1825, to Miss Sibyl S. McMillen, daughter of Samuel and Polly McMillen, who emigrated from their old home near the White Mountains, N. H., to Ohio, and became early pioneers of Green Creek township, Sankusky county. Samuel and COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 417 Polly McMillen had the following seven children: Sibyl (Mrs. Russell); Samuel; Henry; Rachel, who married Isaac May; Sally, who married Joseph George; Nancy who married Isaac May, and Luther. Norton and Sibyl Russell were the parents of seven children, as follows: John N. and William M. , of Clyde; Charles P. , of York; Phebe S. ; Sarah R. (Mrs. Bell), of Clyde; Mary M. (Mrs. J. W. Taylor), of Sabine Parish, La., and Belle R. (Mrs. Collver), of Cleveland. Norton Russell is still, at this writing, living with his daughter, Mrs. Mugg, and is the oldest living pioneer of this section. His wife, who shared with him the toil and privation of a long and eventful life, died December 18. 1887, aged eighty years. Nine children have blessed the marriage of William A. and Phebe S. Mugg, a brief record of whom is as follows: Nina, born December 31, 1857, is the wife of James Ungerman; they reside in New Richland, Minn., and have four children—Carl, Nellie B., Hazel and Vera. Clarence M., born January 14, 1859, married Laura Carr, and is the father of two children—Ethel and Wayne. N. Russell, born March 31, 1861, married Maggie Matthews, and they have two children—Madeline and Maurice. Mabel, born April 26, 1863, died in 1883. Alice, born September to, 1865, is the wife of A. R. Pickett, of Clyde, and has two children—Harold and Gladdon. Moina, born March 12, 1868, is the wife of N. Greenslade, of Bellevue, and they have one child—Russell M. Amy B., born February 19, 187o, is one of the popular young ladies of this section, devoted to her parents and the home. James G., born October 14, 1872, was married January 1, 1895, to Anna Needham, of York township. Florence, born May 25, 1877, is attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Mugg started in life with only about such means as the average young couple of that day possessed, but their success has been marked. If the accumulation of a large estate, and the rearing of a numerous and honorable family is aught of satisfaction, while still in the meridian of life, then Mr. and Mrs. Mugg should be among the happiest of mortals. The landed property of William A. Mugg exceeds in quantity that of any other individual in Sandusky county. The finger of Time has touched them lightly. If Mrs. Mugg is as young as she looks, she is yet in the high noonday of life. She is an active member of the Grange, and deservedly prominent in the social affairs of the township. Mr. Mugg possesses a hardy constitution which he has never abused, but which through proper physical exercise he has maintained in its maximum degree of health. In politics he is a pronounced and uncompromising Republican. In the commercial and financial spheres he takes high rank. He is a master of the science of finance, and was one of the organizers, and is now vice-president, of the First National Bank of Clyde. S. M. TERRY, pioneer, farmer, banker and author, is one of the best-known citizens of Clyde, Sandusky county, and he is a representative of one of the earliest and most patriotic families in Sandusky county. He has been artisan and fruit farmer. He established the Farmers and Traders Bank, and alone conducted its management for four years when he organized th e First National Bank as its successor, and became its cashier. He possesses a literary skill of a high order, and to the natura beauty and strength of his poetic sentiment is added a peculiarly facile and gifted rythm. Mr. Terry was born in Townsend township, Sandusky county, August 23, 1838, son of Jerry and Mary T. (Bonnell) Terry. Jerry Terry was born in New Hampshire March 21, 1801 , son of Julius Terry, who was born in the same State 418 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in 1762, and in 1808 migrated with his family from New Hampshire to Livingston county, N. Y. There Jerry was married, September 12, 1824, to Mary T. Bonnell, who was born March 2, 1805. Soon afterward Jerry and Mary Terry moved to Townsend township, Sandusky county, and founded a home in the wilderness, entering land at $1.25 per acre at a time when there was not a tree cut within two miles of where they settled. From the wilderness he carved out a fertile farm, and by industry and perseverance acquired, as the years went by, a good home with pleasant surroundings. In 1872 he retired from the farm and resided in Clyde until his death, which occurred September 26, 1877. His devoted life partner died July 24, 1874. The father, Julius Terry, had also come to the pioneer Ohio home, and died here July 16, 1843. To Jerry and Mary Terry nine children were born—seven sons and two daughters. Of the sons five enlisted in the Civil war, and three of the five were killed in battle. The children were as follows: T. C., born July 8, 1825, who was postmaster at Nevada Mills, Ind., and died July 20, 1894; Henry G., born June 24, 1827, who enlisted under Col. Gibson, and was killed at Dallas, Ga. ; Mary C., born July 23, 1829, now Mrs. Alfred George, of Bowling Green; J. H., born September 26, 1831, who enlisted and served in a Michigan regiment, now a farmer in Missouri; W. C., born March 29, 1834, a furniture dealer at Clyde; George J., born April 2, 1836, who enlisted in the Forty-ninth O. V. I., and was killed at Dallas, Ga. ; S. M., subject of this sketch; Isaiah, born March 23, 1841, who enlisted in the Forty-ninth O. V. I., and was killed at Stone River; and Beulah E., born March 14, 1846, now widow of Joseph Kenny, of Clyde. S. M. Terry grew to manhood on the pioneer farm of his father, attended the primitive log-cabin schools, and saw the gleam of civilization enter the wild land and gradually broaden until the mists and deep recesses of savagery were gone forever. When the transformation scene was ended, peaceful, happy, prosperous homes had come. In his youth Mr. Terry completed a course at Poughkeepsie (N. Y.) Business College, and at the age of twenty-five he left the farm and learned the trade of carpenter and builder. Subsequently he entered the employ of the old Clyde Banking Co., and had been connected with that institution seven years when his health broke down. He went to New York State and took charge of his father-in-law's fruit farm on the Hudson river, under the new conditions of life regaining his health and strength. Returning to Clyde he in 1886 established the Farmers and Traders Bank, which was later reorganized as the First National Bank of Clyde, with a capital of $50,000. Mr. Terry was elected cashier and held that position until February, 1895, when he sold his interest in the institution and retired from active business life. Under his management the bank was conducted on conservative principles, but with the most advanced business methods. In politics Mr. Terry is a Republican. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and was initiated into the lodge in 186o. Mr. Terry was married to Miss Mary Ettie Coe, who was born near Fairfax Courthouse, Va., and is a lady of many charms and accomplishments. Mr. and Mrs. Terry have a mutual penchant for travel, and have visited noted or historic places in all parts of the United States. As a recreation from business cares Mr. Terry has quite happily wooed the Muses, and the products of his " gray-goose quill" have attracted considerable attention. Several of his more ambitious poems have been printed in pamphlet form. The poetical address read before the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth O. V. I., at Dalton, June 3, 1891, abounded in patriotic allusion, with intermittent COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 419 gleams of wit and humor. His " Reminiscences of Pioneer Life in Townsend Township " abounds in good things. The verse does not lag, but the limpid stream of thought moves smoothly on, and detached fragments fail to do justice to or properly represent the whole. As a specimen of his rare touch of melody the following extract from " A Lay Discourse on the Higher Criticism " is offered: No mortal thought can count the cost or damages compute, Of him who holds the Bible up, its teachings to dispute, And heaven grant that this poor heart may never wear the stain Of causing any doubting soul one single tinge of pain. No finite mind can comprehend the infinite design, Or gather all the hidden pearls from that exhaustless mine ; And be it far from erring man, imperfect at the best, By stretch of human intellect God's purposes to test. The Bible stands the test of time, its teachings ne'er grow old, The truth shines out on every page like diamonds set in gold. Without it, human destiny in darkness lies concealed; With it, life immortal most gloriously revealed. The statutes that on Sinai were deeply carved in stone, Have, on the page of legal lore, throughout the ages shone, And vain the test of human skill to formulate the law, That does not from that fountain source its strength and wisdom draw. The prophecies, the golden link that binds the old and new, The logic of the world's events has demonstrated true. And science stands in dread dismay, as law's imperial sway, Unites with prophets and declares this world must pass away. The heavens like a parchment scroll shall be together rolled, The elements shall melt with heat, the prophets long foretold, And deepest scientific search in nature's forces sees The agencies that must, anon, enforce these dread decrees. The higher critics act a part, if we but read aright, That shadows forth the coming on of that impending night; For Holy Writ has plainly taught that in the latter days, The Lord's elect would fall away to follow Satan's ways. That heresies of damning sorts, would innovate the Church. And men forsake the bidden way, and after pleasures search. Yea, e'en deny the Lord of light with heady self-conceit, And while they sought to lead the flock, would fill a scorner's seat. The man that bath an eye to see, or hath an ear to hear, Must see in modern day events a crisis drawing near ; And men may scoff and men may scorn, and all the world ignore, Yet God hath said it draweth nigh; yea, standeth at the door. The star that led to Bethlehem the wise men of the East, Is shining out in heaven's dome with brilliancy increased; And Christian rule is moving on with banners all unfurled, And Anglo-Saxon Israel must subjugate the world. The Law, the Prophets, and the Cross, all firmly bound in one, The substance of the Trinity, of Father, Spirit, Son, The Alpha and Omega, the Logos, Life and Light, That sweeps two vast eternities with majesty and might. My faith accepts the risen Christ, the Bible I revere. A Father's care, a Brother's love, I feel are always near. I stand amazed before the Cross, I cannot understand, But then I see a bleeding side, and touch a wounded hand. I am the way, the Truth, the Life, come unto Me and live, I hear my Lord and Savior say, I freely all forgive. I cannot, do not longer doubt, my soul with rapture cries, I know that my Redeemer lives, that fully satisfies. That sacred word, a treasure mine enshrined upon my heart, And while this transient breath remains I'll never with it part. It's been our light in ages past, our solace and our stay, When tempest tossed, amid its gloom, to guide our weary way. Its promises will stand secure when scoffers are no more, And he whose faith is anchored there 'twill safely pilot o'er ; And when the breakers gather round, and tempests sweep the sky, We need not fear the raging storms, deliverance is nigh. It tells us whence, and what, and where, and shows the mighty Arm That wields the scepter over all and gives to life a charm, And manifests a Father's love surpassing human thought, And estimates immortal souls through sacrifices wrought. It throws the light that lifts the clouds that hover o'er the tomb, And from the faithful trusting heart it dissipates all gloom, And opens wide the pearly gates to show a Father's face And out-stretched arms to welcome home with tenderest embrace. The weary pilgrim on his way, oppressed with worldly care, May turn a leaf and ever find a consolation there, And on the mount, or in the vale, all shadows disappear, For on that page, in love's own light, he reads his title clear. when I behold the wondrous grace in man's redemption shown, And estimate the heritage unworthily I own, I count my intellect as naught, and crucify my pride, Accept by faith God's Covenant, and in that grace abide. The Bible, like a guiding star, has led me on the way, And scattered all the doubt and gloom with everlasting day, And now I wait the Father's will to bid his angel come To bear my weary spirit on to its eternal home. In youth it guides our wayward steps from sin's alluring ways, And scatters seeds of golden grain, to yield in other days, And later on when troubles come, it steadies human life, And gives us strength to overcome in many a doubtful strife. 'Twill be our stay in waning years, when near the journey's end, And when the night of death appears our last best earthly friend. And when we touch the river's brink and hear the boatman's oar, Redemption's theme will be our song forever, ever more. 420 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Enrapturing thought ! The Lord be praised ! That Bible stands alone, The grandest book of grandest thoughts this world has ever known; Between its lids, would man obey, the balm of healing flows, To settle all earth's differences and mitigate its woes. Upon the Cross where cruel hate its torturing nails has driven, A dying Saviour cries aloud, " Forgive, and be forgiven!" And underneath that crimson flow all cruel passions fall, And peace expands her golden wings where Christ is all in all. That smitten Rock is pouring forth its living waters pure; There's manna in this wilderness the humblest may secure; That Word divine, the fiery cloud for Israel's faithful guide, And Miriam's shout " We've been redeemed," resounds from yonder side. Yea, though the sea before us lies, and Satan's hosts draw nigh, Through faith the frowning waters part to leave a pathway dry; And God's command to forward go, fresh confidence inspires, And promised triumphs realized, transcend all fond desires. In grateful praise these lips employ, and joy o'erwhelms the soul, As Providence directs the way to yon celestial goal; By faith we mount the shining stair, where Jesus sits enthroned, And view the mansions there prepared for those He bath atoned. Eye hath not seen, no ear hath heard, nor heart of man conceived, The glories that awaiteth those who have in Him believed; The sun may fade in sombre night, and light of stars grow pale, But Christ the Christian's Light and Life can never dim nor fail. Eternal life, that priceless pearl transmitted from the cross, Can never find a recompense in any wordly dross, And science doth not yet unfold or solve that mystery, That love divine and boundless grace have rendered full and free. That Word, the all pervading Light, can make these temples shine, And fill the soul with joy and peace akin to that divine, And melt away the locks and bars that doth the future seal, And in a risen, living Christ, eternal life reveal. My brother, take that Holy Book, and as you turn its leaves, Remember it bath treasures rare for him that well believes. But to the doubting, scoffing soul that reads from base desire, 'Twill ever prove a stumbling block, an all-consuming fire. Abiding firmly in the Law, with Prophets well in view, The central Light of history the student may pursue, And all the royal lore of earth will cast its diadem, Upon the brow of Israel's King, the Child of Bethlehem. Hail, glorious Prince of Righteousness! Thy sceptre rule the earth. Thy word be taught till every soul shall know and feel its worth, And o'er this world from pole to pole, the troubled nations rest, Till hope is in fruition lost, forever with the blest. "All hail the power of Jesus' name, let angels prostrate fall. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all." "Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below, Praise him above, ye heavenly host, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost." Amen! Amen! So let it be, on earth as reigns above, When man shall meet his fellow man, with charity and love, And trnth and mercy join their hands and sweetly dwell together, And righteousness and peace unite, embrace and kiss each other. The inherent patriotism and religious zeal of Mr. Terry's nature is manifest in all his work. He has been for years a leading teacher in the M. E. Sunday-school, and the influence which he wields at Clyde is directed unmistakably toward the higher and better life. ADAM BRUNTHAVER. Prominent among the hardy pioneers of Sandusky county, who, with hearts of oak, muscles of iron, and nerves of steel, subdued the dense forests of the Black Swamp, and cleared up the country for the purposes of agriculture, is the subject of this sketch, and as such he deserves honorable mention in this volume. Adam Brunthaver, Patriarch of the Brunthavers of Green Creek, and Ballville townships, Sandusky Co., Ohio, was born near Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Penn. His father was a native of Alsace, France, who served as a soldier in the capacity of teamster, under the First Napoleon, and subsequenty emigrated to America, where he was employed by the United States Government to drive cattle through the wilderness, from Pennsylvania to the military post at Detroit, Mich. He was always on friendly terms with the Indians, learned to converse with them, and served with his party as interpreter. When passing those Indians who were allies of the British, he would represent to them that he was driving cattle for the " Great Father," the King of England. A full record of his life can not here be given. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 421 Our subject, Adam Brunthaver, was reared on a farm, learned the trade of cooper, became a soldier in the war of 1812, and about the year 1828 made several visits to the Sandusky region, where he bought a quarter section of land of William Snyder, at $1.25 per acre, and arranged with Joseph Hawk to build a log cabin for him on the spot now occupied by his grandson William, as a place of residence, in Green Creek township. He was married, in Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary Ridenhour, and first settled in Fairfield county, Ohio. In 1835 they moved to Sandusky county, and the family for many years occupied the log cabin which Mr. Hawk had erected for them. Mrs. Mary Brunthaver died in the fall of 1835. Of their children: Sally, wife of John Purdy, of Ballville township; Esther, wife of Mr. Bowman, of Fulton county, Ohio; Henry, who married Miss Emma Cook, now residing at Clyde, Ohio; Mary, wife of Caleb Clink, of Woodville, Ohio; Christena, wife of Luther Van Horn, of Portland, Mich. ;John, who married Miss Matilda Scouten, and settled in Green Creek township; Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan Spohn, of Green Creek township; and Leah, wife of Enos Osborn, of Ballville township. In 1839 Adam Brunthaver married Mary Smith, daughter of Adam Smith, who had settled in Green Creek township, in 1824. The children by this marriage were: Louis, who married Miss Loraine Forgerson; Martin, who married Hannah Smith; Margaret, wife of Bert Rathbone; Lucinda, wife of John Duesler; Minerva, who died single; Adam, who married Miss Olive Potter; Delilah, wife of Norton .Young; William, who married Miss Ann Smith; and Martha, wife of Owen Maurer. These families reside in Green Creek and Ballville townships. The death of Adam Brunthaver, Sen., occurred April 28, 1860, at the age of seventy-five years. He was buried in Long's graveyard, now known as Mount Lebanon U. B. Cemetery, in Ballville township. To this place the remains of his first wife were removed from the pioneer Kernahan burial place. Mr. Brunthaver's widow married, in 1861, Rev. Israel Smith, of Fremont. In 1867 they moved upon a farm in Ballville township, bought by them jointly. Mr. Smith died in 1885, and his widow has since that time occupied the Smith homestead, which she had secured by the proceeds from the Brunthaver homestead. PETER BRUNTHAVER, a farmer of Ballville township, Sandusky county, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, February 9, 1823, a son of Adam and Mary (Ridenhour) Brunthaver. At twelve years of age he came with his parents to Sandusky county, where he learned the trade of carpenter, at which he wrought in Lucas, 'Wood and Sandusky counties for upward of twenty years. At Perrysburg, Ohio, July 4, 1847, he married Miss Mary Jane Cook, who was born March 2, 1827, in Richland county, Ohio. Several years after their marriage they settled on a farm east of Fremont, where he became one of the substantial farmers of Ballville township. He was a trustworthy, reliable man, a Democrat in politics previous to the Civil war, later a Republican. He and a part of his family were members of the U. B. Church. His death occurred April 6, 1891, that of his wife April 8, 1893, and they were buried in Mt. Lebanon U. B. Cemetery. The children of Peter and Mary J. Brunthaver were: (1) Charles E. Brunthaver, born April 16, 1848, in Lucas county, who married Miss M. A. Merrald, November 16, 1870; she died November 1, 1873, leaving two children—Edward, born September 14, 1871, and Clara, born May 29, 1873, the latter of whom died at the age of ten years; Charles E. Brunthaver has been a clerk in the War 422 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Department, at Washington, D. C., for upward of twelve years. (2) Lucinda Jane Brunthaver, born September 29, 1849, in Wood county, who married Charles Dawley, a farmer of Green Creek township, Sandusky county, June 20, 1872; she died August 30, 1883; their children were: Willis W., born February 20, 1874; Nellie, January 23, 1876; and Hazel, November 16, 1881. (3) Ellen E. Brunthaver, born May 30, 1851, in Sandusky county, married Henry Bennett, December 25, 1871; she died March 24, 1882, leaving three children-Clarence A., born October 26, 1872; George Henry, February 19, 1877; and Fanny A., October i8, 1878. (4) Samuel Willard Brunthaver, born August 18, 1853, married Miss Ann Norton, June 9, 1883. (5) Orrin James, who will be more fully spoken of presently. (6) Frank P. Brunthaver, born January 16, 1862, was brought up on a farm, educated in the home district and the Fremont city schools, took a course in the Medical Department of the Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, and, after practicing medicine at Maumee City about three years, took a course at the Post Graduate Medical School and Hospital, in New York City; he was married, November 27, 1884, to Miss Mary E. Smith, of Sugar Ridge, Wood county, Ohio, and their children are-Carrie L., born August 4, 1888; Merine A., April 14, 1890; and an infant son. (7) Minnie E. Brunthaver, born October 22, 1863, married Silas Stroh-man, a farmer, of near Tinney, Ohio, May 27, 1885, and their children are-Edna E., born March 9, 1886; Cora M., December 17, 1889; and Mildred E., September 5, 1893. (8) Clarence W. Brunthaver, born March 12, 1867, died in childhood. ORRIN JAMES BRUNTHAVER, born June 20, 1859, was reared on a farm, learned the carpenter's trade of his father, attended the Fremont High School and the Fostoria Normal School, read law for some time with the firm of Everett & Fowler, Fremont, became administrator of his father's estate, and since 1893 has been employed in the Railroad Postal Service between Cleveland, Ohio, and Syracuse, N. Y. He was married at Fremont, September 24, 1893, to Miss Carrie E. Snyder, who was born February 23, 1871, at Hudson, Mich., and they have one son -Harry Allen, born October 30, 1894. MARTIN SEIPLE, one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Madison township, Sandusky county, is a native of Pennsylvania, born May 20, 1849, in Williams township, Northampton county. John and Susanna (Unangst) Seiple, parents of our subject, were also natives of Northampton county. In 1864 they removed to Scott township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where the father purchased 30o acres of land, and carried on farming. In their family were ten children: Edward (deceased), who during his life followed farming, and whose widow resides at Helena, Sandusky county; Valentine, a farmer, butcher and stock dealer, who died in Pennsylvania; Thomas, a farmer, living on the old homestead; Eva A., wife of William Schrantz, an agriculturist, who operates half of the old home farm; August, deceased; John, who was a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-third P. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg; William, who died of brain fever, in Pennsylvania; Adam, a retired farmer living in Helena, Ohio; Martin; and one who died in infancy. The parents are both now deceased. Henry and Sarah (Wagner) Seiple, parents of John, were born, the former September 29, 1776, the latter April 4, 178o; and both died in 1863, he on January 12, she on October 16. They had a family of five sons and three daughters, viz. : John (father of Martin Seiple), Henry, Conrad, David, Joseph, Sarah COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 423 (who married Samuel Johnson, of Allentown, Penn.), Katy (who married Henry Hildibrand, of Bethlehem, Penn.), and Julia (who married Henry Woodring, of Carroll, Iowa). Mrs. Susanna (Unangst) Seiple, mother of our subject, was the daughter of Valentine and Elizabeth (Morgan) Unangst. Valentine Unangst was born July 27, 1769, and died August 23, 1857, aged eighty-eight years. Elizabeth (Morgan) Unangst was born in 1754 and died in 1824, aged seventy years; her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan, was born April 23, 1727. Valentine Unangst had an only sister, Eye Ann Unangst, who was born June 24, 1764, and died November 15, 1857. Martin Seiple attended school in his native county up to his sixteenth year, when he removed with his parents to Ohio, and located in Scott township, Sandusky county, on a farm of 300 acres. Here he continued his education for a short time, and then entered upon his business career, working upon his father's farm until 1867. He had in the meantime saved from his earnings some capital, with which he now purchased eighty acres of land on which stood a small frame house. It took many years of hard toil to place the tract under its present high state of cultivation, and to add the improvements that we to-day find, including an excellent frame residence, barns and outbuildings, which are models of convenience, a fine orchard and other general improvements. He also has ten oil wells upon his land, which are owned and operated by the Buffalo Oil Company, in which Mr. Seiple owns stock; he is also engineer in helping to pump in the same. He is one of the most progressive men in Madison township, and good management and business ability have placed him in a substantial position. In August, 1869, Mr. Seiple was married, in Medina, Ohio, to Ruby K. Bowman, daughter of Daniel and Caroline - 27 - Bowman, of Medina county, the former born in 1817 in Pennsylvania, in which State he acquired his education, and for a time carried on farming there. Subsequently he removed to Medina county, Ohio, where, in 1842, he married Miss Caroline Ross, a native of Vermont, and by their union were born fourteen children, nine of whom are living: Levi, a farmer of Michigan ; Jayett, wife of Jesse Jacobs, an agriculturist in Michigan; Ruby, who was born September 12, 1850; Walter, a resident of Medina, Ohio; Alice, wife of George Moulton, a farmer of Medina county; Charles, who follows the same pursuit in Medina county; Frelena, wife. of Lewis Abbott, an agriculturist of that county; Edelia, wife of Elsworth Gilbert, who operates a farm in Medina county; Orson, who resides in Lorain, Ohio; Mary, John, Joshua and George, all deceased, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Bowman died in 1879, in Medina county, where his widow is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Bowman were in James T. Garfield's (afterward President) audience when he used to preach in John Bowman's barn in Medina county. Grandfather Christopher Bowman was born about 1783 in Germany, and he and his wife both died about the same time, in 18 5 8, and were buried in the same grave in Lafayette township, Medina county; they had a family of fourteen children, three of whom are now living. Mrs. Seiple's maternal grandfather Ross was born about 1783, his wife, Susan Ross, in 1799. They were the parents of ten children, of whom are now living: Mrs. Caroline Bowman (mother of Mrs. Seiple), Charles, Mrs. Almeda White (of Michigan), and Mrs. Elizabeth Newens (of Cleveland). To Mr. and Mrs. Seiple have been born five children—two sons and three daughters—of whom John D., born June 4, 1872, was educated in the public schools of Madison township, Sandusky county, and is now attending the Normal 424 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. University, at Ada, Hardin Co., Ohio; when quite young he suffered from diphtheria, and afterward from spinal fever, which left him a cripple. Chloa, born on the old home farm in April, 1874, was educated in her native township, where she was married April 7, 1894, to Cornelius Burgher, an oil driller, by whom she has one child. Caroline S., born September 13, 1877, also obtained her education in Madison township. Pearl, born August 2, 1881, and Orson, born June 8, 1888, are still with their parents. Mr. Seiple is pre-eminently a public-spirited citizen, taking a deep interest in everything that tends to benefit the town and county generally. He is a warm friend of the cause of education, has several terms served as school director, and does all in his power for the advancement of the public schools. He is a popular and highly esteemed man. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and he and his family are adherents of the Reformed Church, attending service in Helena. FRANK H. SMITH, one of the youngest successful and prospering residents of Gibsonburg, Sandusky county, extensively engaged in the oil business, was born in Venango county, Penn., August 16, 1865, son of Abraham and Sarah (Smith) Smith, the parents not by blood related. Abraham Smith was born in 1830 in Venango county, Penn., and followed the trade of blacksmithing. He died April 9, 1883. The mother, Sarah Smith, was a native of Franklin, Venango Co., Penn., and died in 1873. They reared the following family of seven children: Leah, who married J. B. Wilson, and lives at Gibsonburg; Laura, wife of C. B. Neely, of Venango; Myram, a resident of Freeport, Ohio; Frank H., subject of this sketch; Clara, wife of Geo. Bloodheart, of Gibsonburg, Ohio; Cora, who married George Speck, of Pemberville, Ohio, and P. A., a contractor of Gibsonburg. Frank H. Smith was a lad of only fourteen years when he left home and drifted to the oil fields of McKean, which attracted him. He secured employment in the oil business at once, and has ever since been engaged in it successfully, following the oil fields of Pennsylvania continuously until 1890, when he came to Ohio, and has here continued the same pursuit. He obtained his start as a drill contractor of oil wells. About four years ago he became interested in leasing oil lands in Sandusky county. He was first with the firm of Smith & Dohn, a firm which has undergone various changes, and to whom he sold many leases when partly developed. Mr. Smith is now interested in a 200-acre lease along the Pennsylvania railroad, three miles north of Gibsonburg, where he has twenty-nine wells producing, and the venture has been a marked financial success. The leased land produces over 12,000 barrels of oil per month. On February 9, 1895, Mr. Smith and his partner, Mr. John Shertzer, purchased the Gibsonburg electric light plant, paying the sum of $4, 500 therefor, and holding this until July to, of the same year, when they sold to a Pittsburg firm for $5, 500. On September 23, 1886, Mr. Smith was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Lizzie Lusher, and has two children: Arthur D. and Roscoe M. Mrs. Smith was born May 5, 1864, in Rockland township, Venango Co., Penn., where she resided until her marriage. Her parents George and Charity (Jacobs) Lusher, were also natives of Pennsylvania, born October 8, 1831, and May 30, 1834, respectively, and they had a family of eight children, viz. : Andrew married a Miss Gilmore, and has four children; Bell lives at home; Miles married Maggie Shoper, by whom he has four children, and lives near Gibsonburg; Maggie is Mrs. J. Watson, of Pennsylvania; Emma became the wife of