650 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. a small school in one of the block houses, and one of her best and most capable pupils was an Indian boy. Mrs. Ball was a most excellent and highly-respected lady, who, with her husband, embarked in married life and bravely met their many trials with womanly fortitude, until separated by death. She passed away December 25, 1883. Their children were—(1) Eve-line and (2) Alvira, the eldest of the family, both unmarried, who reside on a part of the old homestead, where they wish to remain during their natural life. (3) Thaddeus Ball, born November 9, 183o, who was reared and educated in the best schools and society the country afforded in pioneer days. In 1860 he married Sarah E. Kelley, formerly of Fostoria. His occupation was farming and fruit growing, in which he took much pleasure, until he became broken down in health. He died November 2, 1886. Their children were—Katie E. Ball, Thomas L., Frank I., Emma A., and Hattie, all of whom now reside in Oregon. (4) Oscar Ball, born April 4, 1833, rose from the humble occupations of farm life to positions of honor and trust in his community. In 1862 he became auditor of Sandusky county, and held the office until the fall of 1865, when he was appointed to fill an unexpired term as treasurer. He is now postmaster in McMurray, State of Washington. On October 11, 1858, he married Miss Ella Amsden, of Fremont, and their children are—Edward A. , Jennie E., Sarah D. , and John R., all living at home. (5) Sarah Danforth Ball, born June 23, 1836, was for a number of years a teacher in the country and in the city schools. She married, October 26, 1859, Stephen M. Emerson, attorney at law, Ballville township, who died in Kansas, August 12, 1863. Mrs. Emerson passed away in Fremont, April 7, 1886. They had a son who died in infancy, and a daughter, Jessie Eunice Emerson, whose home is at Green Spring Sanitarium, Ohio. (6) Lysander Curtis Ball, Jr. , was born in Lower Sandusky, December 3, 1839. He lived on the farm with his father and family until the fall of 1862, when he spent some time in Kentucky, having, in company with many other citizens of Fremont, responded to the call for troops to defend his native State from invasion. On October 20. 1863, he enlisted in the navy of the United States, as master's mate, to perform duty in the Mississippi squadron. He was in several engagements along the Mississippi river and on the Yazoo, and in the one which occurred April 22,1864, our vessel, the " Petrel," was captured and destroyed by the Confederates. Mr. Ball was then ordered to the ram " Vindicator " for duty, where he served until March 16, 1865, when he was promoted to acting ensign, and sent to the U. S. steamer " Juliet " for duty, where he remained until the close of hostilities. He reached home July 12, 1865, and was honorably discharged November 1, 1865. In the same year he married Miss Hannah Morrison, and is now living on a farm in North Dakota. Their children were—Eva, Charles, Alma and Ball. In 1893, the eldest, a most lovable daughter, was taken from them by death. A son and a daughter are now clerking in a dry-goods store in Jamestown, North Dakota. REUBEN PATTERSON. The early settlement of Sandusky township, Sandusky county, was not so rapid as that of the eastern part of the county, because the land was more low and wet, the timber more dense, and the air more full of malaria, which caused fever and ague. Such was the condition of the country when Reuben Patterson and his wife, Eunice (Danforth) Patterson, and family, in the fall of 1816, came in wagons from the State of New York to the wilds of Ohio. They located first at Huron, in Erie county, which was then the stopping place of many western immi- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 651 grants. The following spring they removed to the Peninsula, in Ottawa county, but here sickness so afflicted them that their new home with improvements had to be abandoned. In the spring of 1818 they moved to Lower Sandusky, and found temporary shelter in a small log house in the old fort, which had been used during the war of 1812-13 by U. S. military officers. Comforts and conveniences were out of the question, and the floor of the house was made of clay. There was but one bedstead, in a corner, and during the day all the clothing was piled upon it. At night the beds for eight persons were made mostly on the bare ground. One gate of the fort served as a part of the floor. Mr. Patterson and his sons during the winter cleared a piece of land on the west side of the river, and in the spring of 1819 the family moved into the log cabin they had constructed on this place, which is known as the Whittaker Reserve,in Sandusky township. In the meantime his eldest daughter, Eve-line, taught school in one of the block houses of the fort, having some Indian as well as white children under her care. About the year 1821-22 Mrs. Eunice Patterson, being well provided with purchase money, mounted her horse and, in company with Lysander C. Ball and James Whittaker, traveled through the wilderness, one hundred miles, to attend the government sales of public lands at Delaware, Ohio. She there bought the tract which became their homestead, and it has for many years been known as the Patterson Farm, on the east side of the Sandusky river, just north of Fremont. The incidents of this heroic trip were often related by her to her grandchildren. She was remarkably determined and courageous in business matters, but kind and generous to a fault in her home. The children of Reuben and Eunice Patterson were: (1) Sear Patterson, who retained his residence in the State of New York. (2) Alvord Patterson, who married Miss Julia Webb, in New York State, and subsequently came to Lower Sandusky, where he died; their children were--Eveline Patterson, who married John Shannon, and died at Fremont in 1893; William Patterson, now married and living in South Dakota; Fanny Patterson, who married, lived and died in Iowa; Cordelia Patterson, who died in childhood at Lower Sandusky. (3) Eveline Patterson, married to Lysander C. Ball, whose sketch appears above. (4) Danforth Patterson, who married Miss Sarah Perry, and for a number of years lived on the Patterson farm, where each passed away, leaving no children. (5) Harriet Patterson, married to James Moore, whose sketch is given elsewhere. (6) Julius Patterson, married to Miss Margaret Leary, by whom he had eight sons and two daughters—Robert C., Danforth, Rodolphus D., Sardis B., John P., Rawson, Oscar, Charles M., Sarah and Juliette. Julius Patterson was for many years a successful farmer, also a contractor on public works. He led an honest and temperate life. He was born May 17, 18o8, and died at his residence in Fremont May 23, 1887. (7) Caroline Patterson died at the age of twelve years from the effects of a fall on the ice in the river, which she crossed in attending school. The death of Reuben Patterson occurred June I, 1840, at Lower Sandusky, and that of his wife, Eunice Patterson, December 17, 1839, the latter at the age of sixty-five years. Mrs. Eunice Patterson was a daughter of Gen. Asa Danforth, who was born July 6, 1746, at Worcester, Mass. ; he entered military life at fourteen years of age, served in the war of the Revolution, was at the battle of Lexington, and distinguished himself by many brave and patriotic achievements. He was one of the first to begin the manufacture of salt at Onondaga, N. Y. He died September 2, 1818, at the age of seventy-three. The stories of his eventful life are stranger than fiction. 652 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. JOHN W. WORST. Prominent among Sandusky county boys, who, by their own exertions under difficulties, worked their way up from the comparative obscurity of life on a farm to that of holding responsible offices at the county seat for several successive terms, and retired from the same with a clean record and the good will of their fellow citizens, is the subject of this sketch. John W. Worst, attorney at law, of the firm of Meek, Dudrow & Worst, Fremont, Ohio, was born in Ballville township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, September 3,. 1847, a son of Jacob and Hannah (Parks) Worst. Jacob Worst was a native of the Keystone State, and when a young man in pioneer days, came to Lower Sandusky. He grew up on a farm and learned the trade of shoemaker, at which he worked for some time in Lower Sandusky. In 1845-46 he served as a soldier of the Mexican war, under Gen. Zachary Taylor. He located on a farm in Ballville township. In November, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Seventy-second Regiment, 0. V. I., for three years or during the war, and served under Gen. U. S. Grant, in the Western Department. He was killed at the battle of Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing, on Sunday morning April 6, 1862. His widow is still living on the family homestead. Our subject was one of a family of nine children, and fifth in the order of birth. He was reared on a farm, educated in the public schools, and graduated from the Fremont High School with the class of 1872, having worked his way chiefly by teaching country schools for twelve successive terms. He had also during this time read law as he had opportunity. Having finished his course of study, he next served as superintendent of the schools at Green Spring, Seneca county, two years, and at Elmore, Ottawa county, eight years. From 1882 to 1885, Mr. Worst served as school examiner of Sandusky county, and in the fall of 1887 was elected county clerk, which office he held six years. Unlike many other teachers, he did not confine his mind solely to school matters, but during these years became interested financially in the timber and lumber business in Paulding county, Ohio, where he has for a number of years been engaged in the manufacture of stave heading and lumber. He has, more recently, in connection with other parties, opened up an extensive lumber interest in Missouri. Having had a good opportunity, during his service as Clerk of Courts, to observe the practice of law, he continued to read on that subject, under the tuition of B. R. Dudrow, and was admitted to the bar at Columbus, Ohio, on December 6, 1894. Mr. Worst is a member of the Sons of Veterans, and of McPherson Post, No. 367, I. O. O. F. and Encampment, and has passed all the chairs in each. In 1872, he married Miss Calista S. Long, daughter of Rev. M. Long, an early pioneer of Sandusky county, and an United Brethren divine for more than fifty years, whose death occurred November 18, 1891. To our subject and wife were born three children: M. Le Clare, Cleo G. and Vonnieda Grey. B. F. JACKSON, editor of the Clyde Enterprise, Clyde, Sandusky county, was born June 17, 1861, in Chester county, Penn. After securing the rudiments of a good education in the common schools of the county, he learned the printer's art in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. In 1881 he came to Clyde, and began the study of law, teaching school during the winters in order to pay expenses. In 1884 he bought a half-interest in the Enterprise, which was then in bad financial condition. A year later he became sole proprietor, and began a series of improvements and a systematic pushing of the business that soon placed the paper on a COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 653 paying basis, so that it is now a most valuable property and an influential family journal. Meantime Mr. Jackson found time to pursue his legal studies, and in 1894 was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Ohio. He does not practice law, however, but devotes all his energies to his newspaper business. Mr. Jackson was married November 20, 1884, to Miss Margaret Taylor, and they have two sons—Howard H., born December 7, 1885, and Arthur Taylor, born May 3 I , I 894. CASPER H. MEILANDER, one of the most progressive and prosperous farmers of Ottawa county, was born in Prussia, Germany, and is a son of William and Anna Louisa (Speakamon) Meilander, both of whom were also natives of Prussia. In November, 1854, they emigrated with their family to America, locating in Pemberville, Wood Co. , Ohio, where the mother passed away in September, 1855. The father afterward removed to Salem township, Ottawa county, where he resided until his death, which occurred January 16, 1887. In the family were seven children, five of whom are living at the time of this writing (summer of 1895), namely: Henry, residing in Bedford, Cuyahoga county, Ohio; Casper H., the subject of this sketch; Mary, wife of Martin Seberlin, a resident of Cleveland; Louisa, wife of Dr. L. Schimansky, a physician of Oak Harbor; and Ann, wife of Frederick Hagemyer, whose home is in Pemberville, Ohio. The subject proper of this record obtained his education and was reared to manhood in the land of his birth, and in April, 1854, left his home in Germany for the United States. His first location was in Cleveland, Ohio, but after a few months he removed to Pemberville, Wood county, where he made his home for a year, and then, returning to Cleveland, was a resident of that city until 1861. On April 16 he located in Salem township, Ottawa county, where for the past thirty-four years he has been one of the most honored and respected citizens. He devotes his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, and his good management and business ability have brought to him success. Mr. Meilander was married in Cleveland, April 16, 1861, to Flora Brinkmyer, who was born in Prussia, Germany, September 4, 1836, daughter of Herman and Margaret (Grotthouse) Brinkmyer, and their family numbered seven children: William, born in January, 1862, died June 3, 1876; Henry Otto, born February 27, 1864, is doing business in Oak Harbor as one of the firm of Meilander & Williamson, blacksmiths and wagon makers; Louis F., born January 20, 1866, aids in the operation of the home farm; Clara, born May 7, 1868; Mary, born January 31, 1871, is the wife of John Hanson, a resident of Clay Center, Ohio; Flora, born February 27, 1873, is the wife of Henry Longanbach, and they reside near Fremont, Sandusky Co., Ohio; and Louisa, born September 12, 1875, is the wife of George Glaser, of Carroll township, Ottawa county. Mr. Meilander has served as township trustee for three years, and was treasurer for twenty years. What higher testimonial could be given of his faithful service than his long continuance in office ? His public and private life are alike above reproach, and his example is well worthy of emulation. In political views he is a Democrat, and the family attend the Lutheran Church. GABRIEL DUBRIE, a prominent and progressive farmer of Carroll township, Ottawa county, was born in Lucas county, Ohio, September 4, 1846, and is a son of Gabriel 654 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and Cleophe (Page) Dubrie, the former of French ancestry, the latter of German. Our subject's mother died when he was but two years old, and he was only four when his father also departed this life, after which he was adopted by January Valiquette, of Carroll township, by whom he was reared to manhood. In the district schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education, and at a very early age began to assist in the labors of the fields. With the Valiquette family he remained until he had reached the age of seventeen years, and on February 26, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, Forty-first 0. V. I. For two years he remained in the service of his country, during which time he participated in numerous important engagements. At the close of the war he was mustered out and discharged at Columbus, Ohio, in 1865, and returned to Carroll township, where he has since made his home. On November 15, 187o, in Fremont, Sandusky Co., Ohio, Mr. Dubrie was united in marriage with Mary Jane Sonocrant, who was born in Lucas county, Ohio, August 20, 1849, a daughter of John and Matilda Sonocrant. Mr. and Mrs. Dubrie have three children: Gabriella J., born August 16, 1871, now the wife of Daniel O' Hearn, of Sandusky City, Erie county; and Lester J., born June 4, 1876, and Stanley R., born October 2, 1877, still at home. At the time of his parents' death, Mr. Dubrie had a baby sister, but since then he has heard nothing of her. Both our subject and his worthy wife were reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, and in his political views Mr. Dubrie is a stanch Republican, always advocating the men and measures of that party. He may truly be said to be a representative self-made man, being left an orphan almost in infancy, he has from a small beginning, by dint of indefatigable energy, coupled with sound judgment and good management, attained a comfortable competence. He is now the possessor of a fine farm, well equipped with commodious buildings, and is a thoroughly practical as well as theoretical agriculturist, one who has proven himself as capable as he is popular. DAVID GILLARD, M. D. This well-known physician and surgeon of Port Clinton, Ottawa county, was born at Venice, Erie Co., Ohio, July 30, 1852, and is the son of John and Margaret (Hynes) Gillard. His mother died when he was thirteen years old, after which he went to live with his brother, Dr. Edwin Gillard. He attended the public schools in Sandusky for one year (1866), and then entered Oberlin College. After leaving college he took a course of reading in medicine with his brother, which he supplemented with a course in Hahnemann Medical College at Cleveland. Dr. Gillard began the practice of medicine in Port Clinton on March 6, 1878, which he has carried on very successfully ever since. He is widely and favorably known throughout this section of the country, and has gained the confidence of the people, both by his undoubted skill in all branches of his profession and by his integrity of character. He has a very extensive and constantly increasing practice, often more than he can attend to, and, while being a general practitioner, he has made a specialty of surgery, in which also he has been remarkably successful. He has held the position of surgeon for the L.'S. &. M. S. Railway Company since 189o, and is major surgeon of the Fourth Ohio Regiment, Patriarchs Militant. He is also a member of the encampment and canton of the I. O. O. F. ; of the Maccabees and of the Knights of Honor. He was brought up in the faith of the Episcopal Church, but is not exclusive in his views on relig- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 655 ious subjects. In politics he is a Republican. Mrs. Clara H. Gillard, M. D., wife of Dr. David Gillard, was born April 4, 1862, in Bay township, and is a daughter of Edward and Mary (Lattimore) Hyde. Her father is a retired farmer, living, with his wife, at Port Clinton, Ottawa county. Their children are: John, Elizabeth, Alice, Olive and Clara. John married Lucy Park, and is a farmer in Bay township, Ottawa county (they have six children); Elizabeth is the wife of Roswell Robinson, and lives in Port Clinton; Alice married David McRitchie, who is in the meat business at Port Clinton, and has one child; Olive is the wife of Charles Freer, a fish dealer, and lives in Port Clinton. Mrs. Gillard grew to womanhood in Port Clinton, Ottawa county, attended the public schools in that place until 1879, and taught school one year in Bay township. After her marriage to Dr. Gil-lard, November 22, 1881, she became interested in the study of medicine, and, after completing a course of reading with her husband, went to Chicago, where she became a student in the Hahnemann Medical Cellege, from which she graduated in 1889. Returning to Port Clinton, she opened an office in connection with her husband, and has been practicing ever since. She has a large clientele, and is very popular with all classes. She is an enthusiast in the Hahnemann methods of treatment, and has been unusually successful therein. Mrs. Gillard is a lady of culture and refinement, always interested in whatever tends to the advancement of her sex and the general good of the public. She takes an active part in the studies of the Chautauqua Circle, of Port Clinton, from which she was graduated at Lakeside,. August 21, 1895, and is a valuable member of that organization. She served one year as president of the Ladies' Literary and Social Club, and this year is corresponding secretary of the same. A sketch of the parental family of Dr. Gillard may not be out of place in the biographical record, and is herewith given. John Gillard, the father of our subject, was born October 30, 1814, at Londonderry, Ireland, and was of Scotch and Irish descent. His father, whose name was Richard, was a native of County Donegal, Ireland. His people went from Scotland to Ireland, and were linen dealers. He learned the trade of a flax dresser, and subsequently owned mills of his own and prepared flax for the market. He also carried on the business of a commission merchant, dealing in yarn in the city of Londonderry, Ireland. He afterward went to Scotland, settling in the vicinity of Glasgow, near the same mill to which he had formerly shipped yarn. He lived to an advanced age. Nothing further is known of this branch of the family as the father of Dr. Gillard came to this country before his parents removed to Scotland. The Gillard family were members of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, until some trouble arose between our subject's father and the minister, after which he united with the Episcopal Church. John Gillard, the father of our subject, grew to manhood about a mile and a half from Londonderry, Ireland, He attended a subscription school until fourteen or fifteen years of age, working meanwhile upon his father's farm, and learned the trade of wagon maker. Afterward he went to Londonderry and entered the service of a gentleman, as coachman; he had the reputation of being the best coachman in the city, and received the munificent sum of four dollars a week and his board, which was considered good wages in those days. In the employ of this man he remained for some four or five years, and then having determined to try what the New World held in store for him, set sail on May 1, 1833, for America. It was a comparatively serious matter to make a voyage across the Atlantic in those days, as steam had not come 656 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. into general use for traveling purposes and the sailing vessels were very slow. He was just two months making the voyage, which was rendered not only more tedious, but even dangerous, by the breaking out of typhus fever, from which fifteen passengers died. They were quarantined for two weeks at Quebec, Canada, where they landed. Mr. Gillard at first worked in a livery stable in Quebec, then went into the country two and a half miles from the city, entering the employ of a Mr. Hunt, with whom he remained four years. He was married to Miss Margaret Hynes, a daughter of John Hynes. She was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1821, and died December 1, 1864, at Venice, Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Gillard, with his wife, went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he worked for a short time in a quarry for the government, which was then building the Erie canal. Leaving Buffalo he came to Venice, Erie Co., Ohio, and for a while worked on a farm. He then began hauling flour and carrying the mail between Venice and Sandusky, which occupation he followed some eleven years. At the expiration of that time he went into partnership with Mr. Haywood, for whom he had formerly worked, in the sheep business, at which they made a great success, owning at one time about five thousand sheep. This occupation he followed for five years, but the price of wool fell, under a Democratic administration, and he disposed of his sheep, selling them at a low price. He then bought a farm near Venice, and carried on farming until 1874. In the meantime, his wife having died, Mr. Gillard was married, the second time, September 18, 1866, to Miss Ida Matt, who was born in Baden, Germany, March 30, 1846. By his first marriage he had seven children, as follows: William, who was born July 3, 1840, enlisted in 1861 in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, and was made corporal of his company (he was killed at the battle of Winchester, Va., in June, 1863); James was born May 17, 1843; Edwin, June 20, 1845; Samuel, December 11, 1847; David, July 3o, 1852; Louisa, January 28, 1859; and Martha, April 11, 1862. By his second marriage Mr. Gillard had six children: Mary W., born September 5, 1867, wife of Duglass Borden; John W., September 28, 1870; Belle 0., August 8, 1872; Stella A., January 16, 1876; R. H., January 9, 1879; and Ann L., January 5, 1881. John Gillard was a Whig in the olden times, and remembers helping to build a log-cabin for a demonstration during the log-cabin and hard cider campaign, and also remembers shaking hands with President William Henry Harrison in Sandusky, Ohio. After the formation of the Republican party he joined its ranks, and has always been an ardent advocate of its principles. He hauled the first engine used on the old Mad River railway at Sandusky, when it was carried from the boat on the lake to the main train on the track. In addition to his other occupations Mr. Gillard for many years practiced as a veterinary surgeon, in which he was very successful. He is postmaster at Rocky Ridge, having served under Harrison's administration, and so far under that of Cleveland. Although arrived at a good old age, Mr. Gillard is hale and hearty, with a clear head, has never used tobacco, and is strictly temperate. He once suffered an attack of Asiatic cholera, which was the worst illness he ever had. He has the respect and esteem of the entire community, and in peace and prosperity is passing the closing days of a well-spent life. FREDRICK JORDAN. Among the progressive farmers of Salem township, Ottawa county, none are more deserving of representation in this volume than the gentleman whose name begins this sketch. He is one of the worthy citizens that Germany COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 657 has furnished to Ohio, his birth having occurred February 10, 1845, in Baden. His parents, Christopher and Barbara Katherine (Walter) Jordan, were also natives of the •same country, and when their son Fredrick was a year old came to America. Our subject obtained his education in the district schools of Erie county, Ohio, and since his youth has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1861 he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ottawa county, the family locating in Salem township, where he has since made his home. To-day he ranks among the most popular and progressive farmers of his time, taking an active part in all matters tending to the advancement of the township and county. On April 27, 1870, in Salem township, Mr. Jordan was united in marriage with, Miss Rachel Lapp, daughter of Henry and Doratha (Draves) Lapp, who were both natives of Mecklenburg, Germany, the former born August 18, 1824, and the latter August 20, 1823. Mr. Lapp is still living, but his wife departed this life November 9, 1893, in Oak Harbor. They emigrated to the United States in 1852, and located in Sandusky, Erie Co., Ohio, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits. After a two-years' residence there they removed to. Salem township, Ottawa county, locating about a mile south of Oak Harbor, where they made their home until. 1883, when Mr. Lapp abandoned farm life. He has since lived retired in Oak Harbor, and is one of the most highly-esteemed residents of that town. The family numbered four daughters, but only two are now living—Rachel, who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, and is the wife of Fredrick Jordan; and Amanda, who was born April 21, 1854, and is the wife of Frederick Beck, a resident of Salem township, Ottawa county. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan have an interesting family of seven children, all of whom are living, namely: Charles H., born April 26, 1872, who is now studying dentistry in Chicago; Julia A., born September Jo, 1874, who is now the wife of Carl W. Sperling, of Oak Harbor, their wedding having been celebrated September 4, 1894; Fredrick P., born September 23, 1876; Emma Magdelena, born October 6, 1878; Albert Franklin, born October 28, 1880; Odessa Regina, born November 21, 1882; and Paul Grover, born November 5, 1884. Mr. Jordan is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and with his family attends the Lutheran Church. In his political views he is a Democrat, but has neither time nor inclination for public office. His life work has been that of a practical farmer, and he is one who has found pleasure in the performance of his duties and in leading an upright, honest life. He holds to the theory that whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well, and his aim has been to put this principle into effect. As a result success, not only in material things, but in the higher walks of life as well, has crowned his efforts. The Jordans have long been prominently connected with the history of Ottawa county, and this work would be incomplete without further mention of the parents of our subject, Christopher and Barbara K. Jordan, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany, the former born July 6, 1809. They emigrated to America in 1846, locating first in Crawford county, Ohio, where they resided one year, removing thence to Margaretta township, Erie county, where they resided fourteen years. In 1861 they came to Ottawa county, locating on the farm which is now the home of their son Fredrick, and until 1870 Christopher Jordan was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has since lived a retired life, making his home with his son Fredrick, who manages the farm. His is now in his eighty-sixth year and is the oldest living resident of the township, if not of Ottawa county. He has retained his mental and physical 658 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. vigor to a remarkable degree, but during the past few months has been suffering from cancer of the throat. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan had a family of seven children—Jacob, who was born April 3, 1843, and is living in Astoria, Oregon; Fredrick, mentioned above; Christopher, who died in infancy; Katherine, wife of Albert Bichalrnyer, of Cleveland, Ohio; Magdelene, who was born December 18, 1848, became the wife of Frank Stang, and died in Denver, Colo.; Caroline, born May 3, 1852, died July 6, 1894; and Peter, born April 5, 1859, who is now living in Astoria, Oregon. The father of this family served as trustee of the township for one term, but was never a politician in the sense of office-seeking. For thirty-five years he has been a constant resident of Salem township, and those who know him best know how much his strong arm and tireless industry have done toward the removal of the primitive forest and the development of the material prosperity of this section of the county. But never in his devotion to material things has he forgotten the higher duties of life, for whatever tends to promote moral or intellectual culture and social reform has found in him a ready helper. He is always to be found on the side of whatever is true and honest, whatever is just and pure. He is one to whom the hand of deserving charity never appealed in vain. Whatever tends to elevate humanity in the social, moral or educational scale receives his support. He has been a devoted husband and father, attentive to all home duties, and as a friend and neighbor has always been held in high esteem. WILLIAM KING. This prominent agriculturist, who is closely identified with the interests of Allen township, Ottawa county, of which he has been a resident for the past twenty-eight years, is a native of New York, having been born in Niagara county, that State, January 11, 1837. His parents were Sherman and Rebecca (Benedict) King, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Massachusetts, of English descent. Mr. King was brought up on a farm in the State of his birth, receiving his education in the district schools. In 1856 he came to Ohio, and locating near Fremont was for some time employed by Mr. Samuel King, a farmer of Sandusky county. For ten years he remained in that county, engaged in farm work, and in 1867 came to Clay township, Ottawa county, settling in that part which has since been set off and named Allen township. Here he has continuously carried on agricultural pursuits, and has done much toward the improvement and up-building of his community. Mr. King was married January 11, 1858, to Mary, daughter of George and Sarah (Lones) Roberts, both of whom were natives of Perry county, Ohio, and of German ancestry. The father was born March 22, 1807, and passed away July 7, 1880; the mother was born February 1, 1810, near Rushville, Perry county, and died at her home in Sandusky county, August 1o, 1887, Their marriage took place in February, 1834, and for nearly half a century they fought life's battle together. They were among the very earliest settlers of Sandusky county, having come there when that section of the county was a vast wilderness. They cleared away the forests and planted orchards, sowed the grains, tilled the soil, made for themselves and children a comfortable home, and lived to see towns spring up around them, churches and schoolhouses built, and all the comforts and conveniences of civilization brought within their reach. For forty-seven years they were valued members of their community, and they died honored and respected by all. Mrs. King, the wife of our subject, was born in Sandusky county August 24, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 659 1840, and to her and her husband seven children have come, namely: S. Ervin, born August 21, 1859, resides in Saunders county, Neb. ; Sarah P., born January 17, 1861, is the wife of Herman Bunte, and resides at Curtice, Allen township, Ottawa county; Rosie E. married William Gerkensmyer, and also lives at Curtice; Solomon P. resides in Allen township; Viola R. is the wife of Robert Oberst, and lives in Jackson township, Sandusky county; Mary M. and Cynthia Edna live at home with their parents. Mr. King has always been a firm adherent of the Democratic party, and is looked upon as one of the intelligent, reliable men of the county. His family are faithful attendants at the Methodist Protestant Church in Curtice. LAWRENCE WEATHERWAX is one of the oldest residents and leading farmers of Ottawa county. He was born in New York, October 3, 1813, and comes of an old American family. His grandfather, John L. Weatherwax, was born April 18, 1764, and married Anna Williams, who was born September 14, 1763, and they became the parents of Andrew Weatherwax, born September 28, 1788. His business was that of a glass blower. Having arrived at years of maturity he married Lydia Fulton, who was born in 1780, and among their children was the subject of this review. Lawrence Weatherwax spent the first eight years of his life in the State of his nativity, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, remaining with them until his marriage, April 2, 1837, with Nancy M. Weatherwax. She was born March 1, 1821, in New York, where she acquired her education, coming to Ohio with her parents in 1836. Her father, Adam Weatherwax, was born February I, 1793, in Albany, N. Y., and her mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth. Fulton, was born in 1796. They were married in 1816, and had a family of three children, of whom two are living. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Weatherwax were John L. and Anna (Williams) Weatherwax, the former born in Holland, April 18, 1764, the latter on September 14, 1763. Their family numbered twelve children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Catherine, July 28, 1785; Elizabeth, October 28, 1787; Andrew, September 28, 1788; Jacob, May 26, 1790; Adam, February 7, 1793; Sebastian, December 30, 1795; George, May 7, 1797; Leonard, February 22, 1799; Anna, March 1, 1801; Maria, in 1803; Anna, February 16, 1805; Magdalene, December 28, 1807; and Abraham, February 27, 1810. Mr. Fuller, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Weather-wax, was born in 1756, and his wife, Olive, was born in 1759. Soon after their marriage Lawrence Weatherwax and his wife located on the farm where they now live, in Harris township, Ottawa county, and their home has been blessed with six children, viz. : Elizabeth, born June 13, 1838, is now Mrs. Paden, of Nebraska, and has four children: Lydia, born April 2, 1840, is the wife of S. P. Klotz, of Lenawee county, Mich., and has one child; Nancy, born August 28, 1842, is the wife of Ira Mannahan, and has five children; John, born May 20, 1844, died October 30, same year; Maria Jane, born July 18, 1855, is now the wife of L. F. Leedore; Martha, born July 23, 1859, is the wife of Mr. Wotring, who operates the old home farm. During the greater part of his life, Mr. Weatherwax followed agricultural pursuits, but is now enjoying a well-earned rest-the deserved reward of a useful life. His career has always been an honorable and upright one, and to-day he is one of the most highly esteemed as well as one of the oldest residents of his adopted county. 660 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. PETER R. KLEINHANS, son of William and Alzada Kleinhans, and the only one surviving of their children, is a substantial farmer of Erie township, Ottawa county, residing on the homestead farm there. He was born in Erie township, November I, 1846, and has been a resident of same all his life. William Kleinhans, now deceased was one of the pioneer settlers of Erie township, and one of the successful and progressive farmers located there. He was born in Williams township, Northhampton Co. , Penn., October 16, 181o, son of George Henry and Elizabeth (Richardson) Kleinhans, who were of German and Irish ancestry, and was reared a farmer's boy. He lived in his native township until he was twenty-one years of age, in 1832 township to Ohio and locating in Erie tOwnship, Ottawa county, where he cleared up the land and made himself a home, in which he resided the remainder of his ltownship, In 1839, at Port Clinton, Portage township,, Ottawa county, William Kleinhans was united in marriage with Alzada Deer, and they had five children, of whom only one, Peter R., survives. William Kleinhans was one of the progressive residents of the township, and took an active part in all movements tending toward the advancement of the interests of the community. He died June 3, 1893, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Mrs. Kleinhans, who was the daughter of Timon and Melinda (Russell) Deer, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., became on e of the pioneers of Erie township, having settled here about 1834, and was an esteemed and honored resident of same for over sixty years. She passed away at the home of Timothy Perry, •in Port Clinton, August 24, .1894, at the advanced age of seventy-six years and seven months, her husband and four of her five children having preceded her to the other world. Her life was a continuous career of mercy and benevolence, and she will long be remembered by her friends and neighbors, to whom she was always ready to administer aid in sickness or in want. Peter R. Kleinhans was reared to manhood on the homestead farm, educated in the district schools of the township, and since early life has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Since the death of his father he has been managing the home farm. In Sandusky township, Sandusky county, Mr. leinhans was united in marriage, May i11, 1873, with Rachel T. Tucker, daughter of Nelson R. and Miranda (Bergoon) Tucker, and born in Sandusky township November 20, 1853. They have had four children: William Nelson, born March 20, 1875; Sarah Elizabeth, born June 30, 1876; Rodney O. Dell, born July 23, 1878, and Bessie Miranda, born February 2, 1885. Mr. Kleinhans has efficiently filled several township offices, is a member of the Grange, and politically has affiliated with the Democratic party. The family attend the United Brethren Church. FRANKLIN H. MARTIN, who is numbered among the native sons of Ottawa county, and now living in Clay township, was born in Elmore, Harris township, November 8, 1856. His parents, John C. and Eva (Brandt) Martin, were both natives of Fairfield county, Ohio, the father born June 22, 1818, and son of William Martin, who followed the occupation of a day laborer. John acquired but a limited education, for the schools of those days were not then free, and followed the occupation of farming, working by the month until the spring of 1850, when he removed to Ottawa county, purchasing 111 acres of land in Harris township, which was covered with timber. For four years he lived on that farm, clearing thirty acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation and paying off the taxes and mortgages which the original owners failed to do. He was making preparations for securing COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 661 a full title when the first owners, in an underhand way, bought the place which left Mr. Martin without a farm and without any profit for his four-years' hard labor. He also lost seven horses and four head of cattle which died in a mysterious way. Going to Elmore he then embarked in the livery business, which he followed until 1859, when he rented a farm near that place, continuing its cultivation for seven years. His next removal took him further down the Portage river, where he bought eighty acres of land, entirely covered with timber. During his seven-years' residence thereon he cleared and cultivated a considerable portion, built a log cabin and outbuildings, and otherwise improved the place. On selling he came to Clay township, where he purchased eighty-three acres of land, two miles east of the town of Martin, near the boundary line of Benton township. Having built a log cabin into which the family moved, he began the arduous task of improving the land, and in course of time accomplished the work by the aid of his sons. The log cabin was replaced by a substantial frame residence, good barns were built for the shelter of his stock and grain, a fine orchard was planted, and other improvements added until the farm became one of the valuable properties of the county. The trials and difficulties which Mr. Martin had to bear in those days were of a self-sacrificing nature. He frequently had to take his grain to the mill on horseback in order to supply his family with bread-two days being consumed on the trip-during one of which trips he contracted cholera, and had to lie in the woods all night, for if he sought shelter in a home he would probably have given the disease to some member of the family. He returned to his own home, and one of his own children was stricken with the contagion and died, and his wife almost lost her life. On November 24, 1842, in Fairfield county, Ohio, Mr. Martin married Miss Eva Brandt, who was born in that county, November 5, 1823, and they became parents of nine children, four of whom are living, as follows: (1) Adam W., who was born October 14, 1843, in Fairfield county, and acquired his education in Elmore, Ohio, is now a butcher and farmer; in April, 1871, he wedded Ammesta Hulburt, of Canada, and is living near the old homestead, operating half of the original farm. (2) John Wesley, born December 26, 1846, in Fairfield county, was educated in Elmore, and is now farming in his native county. (3) Rachel was born May 14, 1854, in Harris township, Ottawa county, was there educated, and is now the wife of James Brownlo. They became the parents of ten children-four sons and six daughters-their names and dates of birth being as follows: Eva, October 27, 1874; Lillie, December 30, 1875; Lizzie, February 1, 1877; Emma E., January I, 1879; Sarah, January 4, 1882; Annie, May 19, 1884; James, June 23, 1886; John, in June, 1888; William, August 31, 1891; and an infant, who was born April 2, 1893, and died unnamed. The parents of this family reside in Toledo. (4) Franklin H. is the next child of John C. Martin. Those of the family who have passed away are James E., born August 2, 1844, and died October 2, 1845; Jacob, born October 2, 1848, and died April 30, 1850; Sylvester, born October 4, 1850, and died October 1, 1852; and twins, born April 1, 1852, died unnamed. John C. Martin passed away on the old home farm, April 18, 1892, leaving many friends and a loving family to mourn his loss. He was well-known throughout the county as an honest, industrious man, attending strictly to his own business, was esteemed as a good neighbor, and was a friend to the poor and needy. His circle of friends was limited only by his circle of acquaintances. He was always a stanch supporter of Republican principles, but never sought political office, preferring to 662 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. devote his time and attention to the interests of the farm and the enjoyments of his home. His widow now resides with her son Franklin at a ripe old age. She belongs to the class of worthy pioneer women who with their husbands shared in the labor of developing the county, and to whom great credit is due for the efforts they put forth. She has now reached the ripe old age of seventy-two years, and for more than half a century she traveled life's journey by the side of her late husband, sharing with him in all the joys and sorrows that fell to his lot. Franklin H. Martin, whose name opens this record, has spent his entire life on the old homestead, and upon his father's death assumed the management and care of the farm. On June 6, 188o, he was joined in wedlock with Mary E. Deal, daughter of Samuel and Jane Deal, of Iowa, and children as follows graced their union, their names and dates of birth being: Jane H. , May 29, 1881; Pearl L., March 11, 1884; John D., March 23, 1887; Katie E., August 31, 1889; Alice M., April 18, 1892, and died July 3, same year; and Ruth L., born April 21,1894. Mrs. Martin was born in Emmet county, Iowa, June 4, 1854. Her father died when she was quite young , and her mother when she was only eight years of age. She has two brothers and one sister, as follows: John S., who was born April 19, 1852, and is a fruit grower of Oregon; Matilda, who was born July 30, 186o, and became the wife of Frederick Simmons, died in Iowa, June 30, 1889; and George Deal, born December 27, 1862, is farming in Nebraska. Mr. Martin is numbered among the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Ottawa county, and is now extensively engaged in market gardening, in which he is meeting with good success. In his political views he is a Republican, but has never sought or desired public office, although he faithfully performs all duties of citizenship. MICHAEL PUTMAN, JR., son of Michael and Elizabeth (Bates) Putman, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, January 16, 1851. When he was a year old his parents moved to the farm where they now live, in Section 29, Scott township, Sandusky county. It was heavily timbered, no roads had been made, and in fact the country was practically a wilderness. He remained at home until he was twenty-three years old, receiving his education in the college at Tiffin, Ohio, where he made a special study of surveying. Shortly after his return from college he was married to Miss Melissa Inman, of Scott township, and moved to the home of his father, working his farm for one year. He then bought eighty acres in Section 21, Scott township, where he now lives. At the age of twenty-five years Mr. Putman was elected county surveyor of Sandusky county. He then moved his family to Fremont, the county seat, where he remained eight years, at the expiration of which time they returned to the farm where he now resides. Mr. Putman has been township clerk for two years, and justice of the peace for one year. When .he came to his farm it was in a wild state, but he has cleared it, erected substantial buildings and made a comfortable and pleasant home there. The present system of ditching in Sandusky county was originated with Mr. Putman when he was county surveyor, the law providing that the county surveyor shall have charge of the ditching. In 1880 $62,000 was expended in Sandusky county, under Surveyor's Putman's direction, in putting in suitable ditches, and so carefully had he estimated the cost of the work that when completed it was entirely free from debt, and a credit to his business ability. In 1892 the oil industry was begun on Mr. Putman's farm. The first lease gave him $180 every six months, until wells were running, and he then received one-eighth of the oil. This well was located COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 663 on Section 21, and is producing eight barrels pet day. Other wells are being sunk on the farm, for each of which Mr. Putman receives $100 royalty and one-sixth of the oil, which is pumped through pipes to Cleveland, over one hundred miles. Mr. Putman now has a fine farm of 160 acres, and, in addition, works his father's farm of eighty acres. To him and his wife have come three children: Alfred, born February 11,1876; L,ewis, born August 10, 1881, and Hazel Maudolin, born October 26, 1882. Alfred received his early education in the district schools, later attending the academy at Fostoria, and began teaching at the age of sixteen years, an occupation which he has followed several terms; his attention is to law or medicine. The father of our subject, Michael Putman, Sr., was born December 22, 1815, in Pennsylvania, and when four years old, came to Wayne county,- Ohio, where he lived until he was twenty. Thence he removed to Hancock county, where he remained one year, at which time he was married to Miss Elizabeth Bates, on March 23, 1837. For many years they have been residents of Scott township, and were among the pioneers of that part of the county, coming hither when all was a wilderness, and clearing a comfortable home. Mrs. Putman was born October 22, 1816, in Stark county, Ohio, and when a girl came to Hancock county, where she remained until her marriage. To them have been born children whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Alpheus, November 10, 1837; Mary Ann, April 29, 1839 ; Sarah Ann, March 9, 1841 ; Eliza Jane, August 16, 1842; Jacob, May 22, 1844; Andrew, October 20, I 848 ; Hannah, September 8, 1850; Michael (our subject), January 16, 1851; Sophronia, March 6, 1854; Fanny, August 15, 1857; and Amanda, July 6, 1859. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Putman, was born in 1783 in Pennsylvania, and was one of the early settlers of San- - 42 - dusky county. His wife was born in 1789, in Pennsylvania. To them were born ten children, three of whom are living—one in Ohio and two in Indiana. The maternal great-grandfather, Jacob Gross, was born about 1750. The maternal grandfather, Andrew Bates, was born in Pennsylvania in 1787, and was a farmer. He served in the war of 1812. His wife, Anor Homon, was born in 1790. To them were born ten children, of whom are living: Mrs. D. Phillips (of Scott township), Adam and William Bates, Susan Strouse, Anor Smith, Louisa Miller, and Mrs. Elizabeth Putman. Great-grandfather Bates was a soldier in the Revolution. Alpheus was a captain in the Civil war, and was wounded in the battle of Shiloh; Jacob served in the Rebellion, and was shot at Vicksburg, and Andrew was also in the Civil war. Mrs. Melissa Putman, wife of Michael Putman, Jr., is a daughter of William and. Calista (Barringer) Inman, and was born on a farm in Scott township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, April 27, 1850. Her education was obtained at Tinney, Scott township, where she lived most of the time until her marriage. Her father was born February 14, 1816, in New Jersey, and when a boy removed with his parents to Sandusky county, the family settling on a large farm of 400 acres near Fremont. Here he went to school, and at the age of twenty-two years was graduated from the public schools of that place. He was then married to Miss Calista Barringer, of Fremont, and they shortly afterward, about 1844, purchased a forty-acre farm in Scott township, to which he added until at one time they owned 200 acres. He made two trips to California in the interest of gold mining, in which he was successful, making quite an amount of money. He died in 1892, and was buried in the Metzger Cemetery. Mr. Inman's father, Brazil C. Inman, was born about 1785; his mother was born October 15, 1816, about nine miles from Col- 664 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. umbus, Ohio, where she lived until she was fifteen years old, and where she attended school. She then came to Sandusky county, remaining there the greater part of her life. Her father, William Barringer, was born about 1791, and was a farmer by occupation; he was killed by a falling tree. His wife, Sarah Cammell, was born about 1793. To them were born four children—two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Putman's paternal grandfather was born about 1759; her maternal grandmother, Jane Cammell, was born about 1760. HENRY BREDBECK, who occupies a prominent position among the prosperous fruit growers and agriculturists of Danbury township, Ottawa county, was born in New York City, -September 7, 1842, of German parentage. He is a son of Gerd and Martha Bred-beck, both natives of Hanover, Germany. The paternal grandparents, John H. and Martha Bredbeck, were also born in the Province of Hanover, and continued to reside in the Fatherland until they crossed the dark river of death. At the age of nineteen the father of our subject went to London, England, where for a number of years. he worked in a sugar refinery, but emigrated to this country at an early date, and for some time was engaged in the grocery business in New York City. In 1847 he came to the Buckeye State, locating in Danbury township, Ottawa county, where he resided until his death in March, 1883. He was a wide-awake and enterprising citizen, highly esteemed by all his friends and acquaintances for his many sterling qualities. His wife still makes her home in, Danbury township. In 1847 Henry Bredbeck came with his parents to Ohio, where his father engaged in agricultural pursuits up to within a. short time of his death. After leaving the district schools of Danbury township, where his education was begun, our subject entered Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio, and continued his studies for two terms. Being familiar with farm duties from his early boyhood, he decided to make that his life work, in which he has been very successful, and has also been extensively engaged in fruit growing, one of the important industries of Ottawa county. He was married in Danbury township, February 26, 1867, Mrs. Sophia Wedekind, a daughter of Frederick and Martha Schraeder. They became the parents of seven children, but only four of them are still living, their names and dates of birth being: Herbert, June 1o, 1871; Minnie, December 19, 1875 ; Frederick, February 26, 1877; and Estella, March 20, 1879. Mr. Bredbeck has been called upon to fill in several positions of honor and trust, having served as township trustee and school director two terms each. He has been the efficient president of the Ottawa County Agricultural Society, and for fifteen years has been a member of the board of Erie County Agricultural Association. He is a stockholder and director of the German American Bank of Port Clinton, Ohio, and for many years has been a director of the Erie County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, and a member of the Grange. His residence is one of the finest in the township, and all its surroundings bespeaks care and culture, while he owns and operates most successfully one of the best fruit orchards in the vicinity. In the career of Mr. Bredbeck, we find one of the best examples of what may be accomplished by industry and perseverance, and although he disdains the possession of any qualities that entitle him to the mention which his many friends believe him to be worthy of, yet it is in no spirit of adulation that we say of him that his life is illustrative of the success that attends honest, well-directed endeavor and conscientious adherence to duty. Al- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 665 though unassuming in manner, he is a very popular man, and his friends are numbered by the score. He devotes to agriculture and fruit growing the care and attention that warrants success, and today he ranks with the leading business men of Ottawa county. His life might well serve as an example worthy of imitation by the future generations, as the valuable property which he now possesses is the direct result, of his own industry and good management. ISAAC M. FLORO is numbered among the native sons of. Ottawa county, his birth having occurred in Erie township, April 28, 1848, a son of John and Lydia Floro, well known and esteemed people of the community. In the usual manner of farmer lads he was reared, obtaining his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, and aiding in the labors of the farm as soon as he had reached a sufficient age. The occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work, and to-day he is ranked among the progressive and prominent farmers of the township. He is thorough and painstaking in all his work, and his home place, with its neat appearance and good improvements, indicates the sagacious supervision of a careful owner. On June 6, 1873, at Locust Point, Ohio, was celebrated the marriage of Isaac M. Floro and Miss Mary Finkin, who was born in Erie township, March 16, 1854, and is a daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Sinclair) Finkin. Her father has now departed this life, but her mother is still living in Carroll township, Ottawa county. Mr. and Mrs. Floro are the parents of children, as follows: Martin, born April 12, 1874; Henry, born June 8, 1876; Nana, born .September 25, 1878, now the wife of William Dewitt, a resident of Carroll township, Ottawa county; Hattie, born June 12, 1881; George W., born December 27, 1886; and Calvin L., born July 8, 1892, died August 21, 1893. Mr. Floro is a justice of the peace in Ottawa county, and has efficiently' filled various township offices, discharging his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. His political support is given to the Democracy, and he is an enterprising citizen, deeply interested in all that pertains to the welfare of the community. He was deputy master of the Ohio State Grange for Ottawa county for twelve years, having been appointed by Col. J. H. Brigham, then master of the Ohio State Grange. ALEXANDER SCRYMGER, a representative agriculturist, and one of the most popular men in Clay township, Ottawa county, was born in the State of New York, November 26, 1839. Our subject grew up on the farm, obtaining what meagre education could be derived from the district school of those days, and assisting his father, until the Civil war broke out, and the youth of the country responded with alacrity to the call for help. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundredth Ohio Infantry, in which regiment he served three years, during which time he took part in the battles of Franklin, Nashville, and Limestone Station, all in Tennessee, besides in several minor engagements. He spent six months in the terrible prison of Belle Isle, enduring many hardships and sufferings. In 1865 he received his discharge, and, returning to Ottawa county, resumed the peaceful occupation of a farmer. In 1867, Mr. Scrymger was married to Miss Alice Frayer, and three children have come to them: William, born February 16, 1869; Ida, born January 4, 1872; and Maud, born August I, 1878. Mr. Scrymger remained in Bay township until 1877, when he came to Clay township, and purchased fifty-three acres of 666 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. land. This he has brought to a high state of cultivation, having a fine orchard, fruitful fields and a fine dwelling house, with all necessary barns, Outbuildings, etc. Mr. Scrymger is widely known throughout the county as an able business man, progressive in his ideas, with a fund of sound common sense, and withal as a man of genial disposition. His popularity with all classes of men is well-known, and has been shown by his election, in the fall of 1886, to the office of county commissioner, on the Democratic ticket, by a large majority of the popular vote, and his re-election on the same ticket. During his administration several important public works were carried through such as the building of bridges, dykes, and other much-needed improvements, on which achievements Mr. Scrymger is entitled to a large share of the credit. He also held the office of -trustee of the township, for three years, and has filled other minor positions. He is an active member of his party, and in every respect is one of the leading men of his township. NICHOLAS FOX is a fruit grower and proprietor of a flour and feed store at Put in Bay, Sandusky county. Among the most prominent and influential residents of this locality there is probably no one more worthy of mention in this volume than the gentleman whose name is here recorded. Mr. Fox was born in Bavaria, Germany, September 22, 1839, and is a son of John Adam and Eva (Parr) Fox, who were also natives of that country, and there spent their entire lives, the former dying in January, 1871, while the latter survived until April 24, 1878. By occupation the father was a farmer and weaver, and these two pursuits he successfully followed in his native land. In the family were ten children, five of whom became residents of the United States, namely: Andrew, who died in Brenham, Texas, in 1878; John A. , who resides on Middle Bass Island; Nicholas, subject of this sketch; George A., who died in Texas, in 1887; and Catherina, who died in Brenham, Texas, in 1886; of the remaining five members of the family two died in infancy, and the others reside in their native land. Nicholas Fox was reared and educated in Germany, and resided upon his father's farm until twenty-four years of age, aiding in the labors of the field and becoming familiar with farm work in all its departments. In 1863 he bade adieu to home and friends and crossed the broad Atlantic to America, reaching New York City on the 29th of December. After a month he pushed on toward the West, and selecting Put in Bay as a suitable place to make his home purchased a good farm, and at once began the cultivation of grapes, having had considerable experience in that line of business in his native land. He now has extensive and valuable vineyards, and by energy and perseverance has acquired the success which crowns his efforts. In Sandusky City, Ohio, November 9, 1869, Mr. Fox married Miss Wilhelmina Buddenhagen, a daughter of Charles and Marie (Wardo) Buddenhagen, and born in Mecklenburg, Germany, July is, 1.85i. To this marriage have come four children, as follows: Henry, born August 2, 1870, is the present mayor of Put in Bay Island, a notary public and agent for the Detroit & Cleveland Steamship Line; George A., born April 19, 1872, is also a member of the firm of Fox & Sons, of Put in Bay Island; Louisa, born November 28, 1.875; and Andrew N., born January 28, 1885. In his political views, Mr. Fox is liberal, voting for the man rather than for the party, and he has never sought. office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. In addition to his vineyards and store he is the owner of the finest dock and warehouses on Put in Bay Island, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 667 and he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He would be a desirable acquisition to any community, and Ottawa county numbers him among its valued citizens. HENRY SETHMAN, a successful and enterprising fruit grower of Danbury township, Ottawa county, is a native of that township, having first seen the light of day in the old log house which stood on the land now occupied by his handsome and imposing residence. His birth occurred September 18, 1856, and he is a son of Carsten Henry and Mary (Muller) Seth-man, both now deceased. The father of our subject was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, September 12, 1822, and there he was reared and educated. Besides being engaged in farming, he carried on a hotel, and also operated a distillery. In 1847 he emigrated to the New World, and after reaching New York City there engaged as a clerk in a grocery store for about a year and a half, when he embarked in the grocery business for himself. On disposing of his store in 1855 he located in Danbury township, Ottawa county, in September, and followed farming with good success. He here made his home until within a few weeks of his death, which occurred January 12, 1890, at the residence of his daughter Sophia-Mrs. Charles A. Smith-of Lansing, Mich. The mother of our subject was born in Hanover January 9, 1830, and in 1847 came to the United States. For a year after her arrival in this country she made her home in Baltimore, Md., but at the expiration of that time she went to New York City, where she married Mr. Seth-man. She passed away at her residence in Danbury township November I, 1886. In the family were seven children, as follows: John H., born January 31, 1853, died February 14 of the same year; John D., born October. 5, 1854, died December 26, 1867; Henry is the next in order of birth; Diedrich, born January 9, 1858, died May 27 following; Claus D., born July 9, 186o, died January 26, 1876; Sophia, born June 29, 1867, is the wife of Charles A. Smith, of Lansing, Mich. ; and Mary M., born April 8, 1870, died April 15, 1870. Henry Sethman remained under the parental roof, assisting in the labors of the home farm, where he has spent his entire life engaged in the cultivation of the land, but now gives his attention more particularly to fruit culture. His education was acquired in the district schools of the neighborhood, and by subsequent reading and observation he has become a well-informed man. On November i5, 1887, he wedded Miss Henrietta Weigman, daughter of James and Mary E. (Smith) Weigman, the marriage ceremony being performed in Holt, Ingham Co., Mich. By this marriage there is one son-Clarence Henry, born March 4,1890. Mrs. Sethman's father was born at Mud Creek, Sandusky Co., Ohio, and her mother on the Sethman homestead. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Weigman resided for a number of years in Sandusky county, and later removed to Lansing, Mich., where they and the grandparents of Mrs. Sethman now reside. She is the eldest in their family of four children, and was born in Holt, Mich., July 14, 1870; the others are Charles A., born June 29, 1873, and died June 29, 1888; Henry, born September 21, 1875; and an infant yet unnamed. Mr. Sethman is a valued member of Oliver H. Perry Lodge, No. 341, F. & A. M., of Port Clinton, Ohio. In politics he is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and he and his family are Lutherans in religious belief. He is a typical illustration of a practical farmer, his well-tilled fields and well-kept fruit orchards showing thrift and a thorough acquaintance with his oc- 668 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. cupation. His residence is one of the finest and most attractive in the county, and after a day of toil in his extensive orchards he knows how to enjoy an evening of rest amidst his home comforts, brightened by his faithful and loving wife and their little, interesting 'son. [Since the above was written we have received the lamentable news of Mr. Henry Seth-man's accidental death, which occurred on Thanksgiving Day, 1895. He was handling a revolver in the kitchen of his own house, and by some means one of the cartridges exploded, the bullet entering the left side below the heart. He screamed, " I'm shot!" and fell to the floor a corpse. The funeral was held on the following Sunday afternoon, under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity of Port Clinton.—Editor. FRANCIS M. O'CALLAGHAN, a well-known farmer and trader of Allen township, Ottawa county, and a veteran of the Civil war, is a native of the Emerald Isle, having been born in Dublin April 4, 1840. His parents, William and Henrietta (Walker) O'Callaghan, were both born in Ireland, and his paternal grandfather, Andrew O'Callaghan, was a clergyman of the English Church. William O'Callaghan was what is known in the old country as a country gentleman, and was the owner of a large estate in and near Dublin. He was the father of fourteen children. In 1850 he emigrated to this country, when our subject was a lad of ten years of age, but the climate not agreeing with him he returned to Ireland and from there went to Liverpool, England, at which place he died. Francis M., our subject, was one of the family who decided to remain in America, and he lived for eight years in Detroit, Mich., earning his own livelihood, and at the same time attending school and fitting himself for business, About this time a tumor made its appearance on his face, causing him great suffering, and he concluded to go back to Dublin, and have an operation performed. This he did, and after remaining abroad one year returned to this country, coming to Ohio and entering the brewing business at Toledo, at which he worked for three years, for the next three years engaging in the confectionery business. In the spring of 1861 the call to arms was heard, and all over the North volunteers gladly sprang to the defense of the " stars and stripes;" our brave young Irishman was not lacking in love for the country of his adoption, whose institutions he appreciated, and on October 5, 1861, he enlisted in the Sixty-seventh Ohio Infantry, and took part in many desperate conflicts. Among these were the battles of Winchester, Deep-bottom and Fort Wagener, S. C. In the latter engagement he was severely wounded, being shot through the neck, and was sent to a hospital, where he remained for a year. He received his discharge January 17, 1865, after a service of over three years. When the war was over Mr. O'Callaghan spent several years as a sailor on the great lakes. He helped to construct a vessel called the " Rough and Ready," of which he was mate for about two years, and then built the " Raven," which he commanded for five years, carrying freight, etc. Giving up his life on the water, our subject next turned hi§ attention to trading in Lucas county, this State, and also farmed to some extent. After two years of this occupation he came to Williston, Ottawa county, where he bought twenty acres of land, built a comfortable residence and other buildings and made numerous improvements. Here he has since made his home and is knoWn as a successful trader and prosperous farmer. Our subject was married October 31, 1867, in Lucas county, this State, to Elizabeth H , and to them have conic fourteen children; Olivia G., born COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 669 May 12, 1869, is the wife of Charles Fishback, an employe of Harte & Co., Cleveland; Frances, born November 12, 1870, married William Rath, of Williston, and has one child, Eddena S. ; Edith May, born May 25, 18-, is the wife of Francis Watson, of Williston, and has one child, Freddie; Julia E., born August 18, 1876; Henry M., born April 30, 1878; Edward F., born March 1, 1881; Arthur W., born December 18, 1882; Agnes H., born December 29, 1884; Laura B., born March 4, 1889; Marion, July 21, 1892. Those deceased are Robert C., born February 15, 1872, died May, 1872; Maudie C., born January 2, died in June, 1876; Geneva, born September 3, 1891, died April 30, 1894. Mr. O'Callaghan is a Democrat and a warm supporter of President Cleveland. The family are all members of the Episcopal Church, and are well and favorably known throughout the community. WILLIAM GRANT ELWELL, of Erie township, Ottawa county, a thorough and experienced railroad man, is a son of Thomas Franklin and Ellen (Mananay) Elwell, and was born in Ottawa county, Ohio, July 22, 1862. Thomas Franklin Elwell was born in New York State March 30, 1822, was married September 5, 1841, and died October 22, 1866. His wife was born September 26, 1824, and died September 27, 1893. They had ten children born to them, as follows: Arthur, June 20, 1842; George F., January 22, 1844; Angenette, March 12, 1846; Alice E., October 23, 1848; Amanda L., July 18, 1851; Rosetta, June 26, 1854; Ross J., June 26, 1854; Martha E., August 19, 1858; William Grant, July 22, 1862; and Zelpha, September 2, 1864. All but two are living; Zelpha, who died August 8, 1887; and Amanda, March 24, 1893. William G. Elwell lived in Ottawa county until his marriage. He received a liberal education in the public schools of Lacarne, Erie township, Ottawa county, and in 1879 began the study of telegraphy with C. F. Hosford in the Lake Shore railway office at Lacarne, where he remained for one year. He was then baggageman at Oak Harbor, Salem township, Ottawa county, for one year, after which he returned to Lacarne and completed his study of telegraphy in 1882, accepted the position of night operator at Marblehead Junction, in Danbury township, Ottawa county, which he held for some time, and then for eighteen months was out of office work. From Marblehead Junction Mr. Elwell went to Rocky Ridge, Benton township, where he was night watch for two years. He then accepted the position of night operator at Shawville, in Ridgeville township, Lorain county, which he held some six months, after which he went to Lacarne, and was night operator there for four years. He was next promoted to the position of station agent at Lacarne, Ohio, and continued in that capacity for two years, being further promoted to be station agent, operator, and agent of the United States Express Co. at Rocky Ridge, which positions he now holds. For about fifteen years Mr. Elwell has been connected with the Lake Shore road as an efficient operator and a thorough railroad man in all lines of his work. On July 26, 1892, William G. Elwell married Miss Lena E. Beebe, of Lakeside, Danbury township, Ottawa county, the ceremony being performed by Rev. T. S. Ayers, in the auditorium at Lake Side. Since their marriage they have resided at Lacarne and Rocky Ridge, and they have had one child, Lucy Maude, born October 6, 1893. Mrs. Elwell is a daughter of Bela B. and Lucy (Farnsworth) Beebe, of Lakeside, where she was born December 14, 1869. When she was one year old her parents moved to Defiance county, Ohio, where 670 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. they lived four years. They next removed to Seneca county, and after living there six years returned to Lakeside. Mrs. Elwell obtained her education at Lakeside and at Ada, completed her literary work at the latter place in 1888, and in the fall of the same year began teaching at Catawba Island, Ottawa county, where she remained eight months. In November, 1889, she took charge of the school at Lacarne, and held that position four months, after which she went to Lakeside as clerk in the Cobb Bazaar, remaining there through the summer vacation. In the fall of 1890 a position in the public schools at Lakeside was offered to her, which was accepted, and she remained three years, during which time she was married to Mr. Elwell. Mrs. Elwell's father, Mr. Beebe, was born in December, 1833, in Lorain county, Ohio, where he lived until 1865. On May 1, 1860, he was united in marriage with Lucy Farnsworth, who was born January 15, 1843, in Defiance, Ohio, and they had three children and adopted one child. The names and dates of birth of the children are as follows: Miles H., April 1, 1861; Charles L., August 26, 1866; Lena E. (Mrs. Elwell), December 14, 1869; and Bertha Belle, December 2, 1878. They are all living. Charles is in Detroit, Mich., and Miles is in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Beebe served three years in the war of the Rebellion, from 1862 to 1865, and after returning from the war located for a time on Catawba Island, Ottawa county, thence going to Lakeside, where he now lives. Mrs. Elwell's mother married William Jackson, November 12, 1891; and lives in Allegan county, Michigan. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Elwell, Oliver Farnsworth, was born June 18, 1796, and died in 1882. His wife, who was Edna King, was born in 181o, in Vermont. They were married in Boston about 1825, and had twelve children, nine of whom survived them. RODERICK MORRISON. Among the prominent men of Gibsonburg, or, indeed, of Sandusky county, as well, stands Roderick Morrison, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Morrison is of Scotch parentage, and a Canadian by birth, having first seen the light October 22, 1855, in Oxford county, Ontario. George and Henrietta (Macintosh) Morrison, his parents, were born in Scotland in 1809 and 1819, respectively. They were married in 1841, came to Canada from Scotland on their wedding tour, and locating in Oxford county remained there until 1883, when they removed to Bruce county, where they died, the mother in 1885, the father on December 9, 1893. They reared a family of seven children: Elizabeth, Catherine, Hector, Donald, Hugh and Mary, of whom, Hector is a resident of West Virginia; Donald is a Presbyterian minister in Michigan; Hugh is an attorney in Ontario. R. Morrison, the subject proper of this review, grew to manhood on the home farm in Canada. In 1877 he came to the United states, entering the oil business in Butler county, Penn., but soon turned his attention to the lumber business, in its relation to the oil industry. After continuing in this business in Butler and McKean counties for ten years, he moved to Findlay, Ohio, where for four years he continued his business in connection with the oil and gas interests of that section. In 1893 the great oil fields of Sandusky county were being opened, and Mr. Morrison, with a keen eye to business, settled in Gibsonburg, where he has since done a large business in the lumber trade. In addition to his home interests he also carries on the same business in Woodville, Sandusky county. He is also connected with the Gibsonburg Banking Co., of which he is the vice-president, and is everywhere known and esteemed, not only as a thorough business man, but also as a Christian gentleman. Politically, he is a Democrat, in religion a Presbyterian, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 671 In Bradford, McKean Co., Penn., on August 22, 1882, Mr. Morrison was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Casey, who was born in Roulette, Penn., September 26, 1861, a daughter of Joseph J. and Honora (Moran) Casey. She received her education in part in her native town, in part in the public schools of Coudersport, and after completing her schooling was for four, years a successful teacher in the public schools of Potter county, Penn. Mrs. Morrison's father was born, in 1833, in Ireland, came to America when eighteen years old, and was married. in 1860 to Miss Honora Moran, of Pennsylvania, who was born in July, 1839. To this union were born eight children: Catherine (Mrs. Morrison); Sarah (Mrs. L. L. Forsyth, of Gibson-burg); William.. J. (deceased); May B. and Alice, both of whom are teachers in Pennsylvania; Anna F., for sometime a teacher, now bookkeeper for the Gibsonburg Banking Co. ; Lawrence D. , a teacher in Pennsylvania; and Iva F., a student. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Morrison (James Casey), was a native of Ireland, born in 1796, and about 1820 wedded Miss Belle Canon. For many years they lived in Ireland, where they reared a family of seven children, two of whom are now living. Later they moved to Scotland, and thence emigrated to America, settling in Pennsylvania, where Mr. Casey died in 1868, Mrs. Casey surviving until 1875, when she too passed away, at the age of seventy-two years. Mrs. Morrison's maternal grandfather, Lawrence Moran, was a native of Ireland, born about 1795, and his wife, Catherine (Moran) Moran, was born about 18o5; they emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania, rearing a family of nine children, seven of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison have a fine home in Gibsonburg, and are esteemed by all who know them, for their social, business, intellectual and moral worth. CHRISTOPHER H. DAMSCHRODER, one of the most prominent factors in commercial circles in Elmore, Ottawa county, and an enterprising and wide-awake merchant, was born in Toledo, Ohio, January I, 1840, son of Christopher and Mary (Myerholts) Damschroder. The father was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1813, where he was for many years foreman of a large plantation, receiving, however, only $16 per year. At the age of twenty-one he emigrated to America in order to avoid service in the German army, but during the year after his arrival he had a severe attack of cholera. Later he went to Toledo, and, after working on the Ohio canal and the Ohio railroad for a time, learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for six years. In 1844 he removed to Woodville township, Sandusky county, and engaged in farming, which he followed with excellent success, accumulating a property valued at $125,000. In 1838 he wedded Mary Myerholts, who was born in Germany in 1818. Her father, John F. Myerholts, was born about 1795, and served in the memorable battle of Waterloo, as did the paternal grandfather of our subject; both spent their last days in America, and were buried in the old Damschroder cemetery. When a young girl, the mother of our subject worked out by the week, and gave her earning for the support of her younger brothers and sisters. On different occasions she walked to Fremont, purchased a bushel of potatoes and carried them home, walking through the mud. Such were the experiences which fell to the lot of the early pioneer. She has lived, however, to see the country develop from a wilderness into one of the best counties of the State, and also to see her children, for whom she struggled hard, now in a prosperous condition. Our subject was only four years old when his parents removed to Woodville 672 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. township, Sandusky county, where he lived until twenty-one years of age. He attended the district schools of the neighborhood, which were held in log buildings, and in this way and through his own efforts has secured a liberal education, which has enabled him to become one of the successful business men of Ottawa county. In 1859 he started in business for himself as, a salesman in the store owned by his father and J. H. Blinn. At the end of two years the father purchased his partner's interest and built a store on his farm near Woodville, of which our subject had charge for several years. In 1864 he removed his stock of goods to Elmore, establishing a store in what is now a part of the " Elmore House," there remaining two years. He then spent three years on the opposite side of the street, after which he purchased the stock of Beach & Wilson, where he continued for sixteen years, when he built the handsome brick block that he now owns and occupies, and where he has been located for eleven years. He carries a full stock of general merchandise, and his annual sales amount to $15,000, being one of the largest, trades in the county. In 1863 Mr. Damschroder wedded Mary Frese, daughter of Henry and Louise (Heilbrant) Frese, and born October 15, 1844, in Woodville, where she lived until her marriage at the age of eighteen years. Her father was born in Germany, in 1813, her mother in 1815, and in 1838 they came to America, locating in Woodville township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where Mr. Frese died in 1853. Five years later his widow married R. Berleman, and about 1865 they removed to. Toledo, Ohio, where her death occurred April 6, 1893, when she was aged seventy-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Frese had seven children: Henry, Louis, Charlotte, Mary, Augustus, Charles and Louise, all of whom, with the exception of Henry, are living in Ohio, his home being in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Damschroder have nine children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Henry L., June 5, 1864; John Henry R., October 1o, 1866; Clara, April 26, 1869; Dora Louise, January 27, 1871; Bertha H., January 12, 1874; Augusta F., June 24, 1876; Nellie, January 1, 1879; Charles F., May 14, 1881; and Edwin Frese, March 27, 1883. They have a fine home on Main street, and the elder children aid the father in carrying on their excellent store. Mrs. Damschroder is also daily found at the store, and is of great assistance to her husband in his business. He is an energetic and progressive business man, and their success is the just reward of their own efforts. While of German parentage, Mr. Damschroder is a loyal American, believing fully in the principles of our government, and, although his business interests are extensive, he yet finds time to keep well informed on the subjects of the day, and to materially advance the interests of town and county. He is eminently public spirited, and no citizen of the community is held in higher regard or has more warm friends. AUGUSTUS HELLWIG is one of the most enterprising young men of Benton township, Ottawa county, of which he is a native, having been born September 9, 1870, on the farm which he now superintends, son of Justis and Elizabeth (Lang) Hellwig. Justis Hellwig was born February. 11, 1837, in Germany, where he was educated. In 1854 he came to Canada, where he lived until he was twenty-three years old, in 186o removing to Benton township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, where, in 1861, he and Mr. Fred Kewit purchased 16o acres of land in Section 19, which they divided equally between them. In 1864 Mr. Hellwig bought the portion belonging to Mr. Kewit, becoming the owner of the entire tract. On March 30, 1862, he was COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 673 married to Miss Elizabeth Lang, of Canada, and the young couple settled on their new farm, then a wilderness, on which Mr. Hellwig had worked one year, keeping " bachelor's hall." They moved into a log cabin until a better house could be erected, and, by hard toil, he and his faithful helpmeet succeeded in making for themselves one of the finest homes in Ottawa county. They cleared off the farm, fenced it, put on the buildings, put out fruit trees and made it a really modern farm, continuing its improvement up to Mr. Hellwig's death, which occurred March 19, 1880. Mr. Hellwig was treasurer of the township eleven years, and for several years was township trustee, also serving as real-estate assessor one term. Politically he was a Democrat. To Mr. and Mrs. Hellwig were born nine children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Anna G., January 21, 1863; Catherine Elizabeth, October 14, 1864; George F., September 15, 1866; John Henry, June 23,1868; Augustus G., September 9, 187o; John Ernest, October 13, 1872;. William E., January 1, 1875; Emma Augusta, December 9, 1876, and Carl F., May 22, 1878. Of these, Emma died May 29, 1877; Catherine on March 23, .188o; Anna on December 9, 188o, and George on November 29,1887. John H. was married in June, 1891, to Elva Hammond, of Elliston. Mrs. Hellwig was born February 1, 1838, in Canada, where she was educated, living there until her marriage, from which time she was a faithful wife and kind mother. Since her husband's death she has continued to conduct the farm, and has erected a large barn and made other improvements, proving her ability in many ways to manage an extensive business. Her father,Detrick Lang (maternal grandfather of our subject), was born about 1800, in Germany, and was by trade a wagon maker. He was killed at the raising of a barn. His wife, Margaret (Bates), was born about 1805, in Germany, and they were the parents of four children-two sons and two daughters-Margaret, Casper, Elizabeth and Peter. John Hellwig, paternal grandfather of the gentleman whose name opens this sketch, was born about 1804, in Germany, and married Anna Hetrick, who was born in that country about 18o6. They were the parents of seven children, only one of whom is now living. John Hellwig died in 1864, his wife in 1865. Augustus Hellwig attended the public schools of Elliston, completing his studies at the age of twenty. After his father's death the farm was left to the supervision of the mother and her older son Augustus, who remained on the place, working for his mother until 1893, when he took the management of it himself. He now superintends all the business of the farm, owns horses and machinery, and is carrying on a .modern farming business on 160 acres of fine farming land, doing all the work with the aid of only one man, hired by the month. In addition to his farming interests he is also a stockholder in the Graytown Elgin Butter Co., of Graytown, Ohio. His output of crops annually is about thirty-five acres of wheat, forty acres of hay, and twenty-five acres of corn. He is also successfully engaged in raising fruit, principally apples, pears and plums. On November 28, 1895, Mr. Hellwig was married to Miss Emma T. Krieger; of Graytown, Ohio, who was born July 24, 1868, at Klein Ehrenberg, Province of Brandenburg, Germany, where she was educated. In 1882 she came to America with her parents, locating at Graytown, Ohio, where they moved on a farm and there lived until Mr. Krieger's death, in 1892, after which the family removed into Graytown. In Germany Mrs. Emma T. (Krieger) Hellwig's father, William Kreiger, was a shepherd. He was born at Brandenburg, Germany, Septembe r25, 1825, and was married in 186o to Louisa Shertz, who was born December 24, 1837, also at Brandenburg. To 674 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. them were born five children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Harman G., October 25, 1861; Bertha A., May 2, 1863; Mary L., December 27, 1865; Emma T., July 24, 1868; Augusta W., August 6, 1873. William Krieger died March 24, 1892, near Graytown. Harman. G. died, in 1868, at Brandenburg, Germany. Politically Mr. Hellwig is a Democrat, and a zealous worker for the success of his party. In religious affiliation he is a member of the Lutheran Church of Ellis-ton. In addition to his ability as a business man Mr. Hellwig is also an able musician, and is the leader and instructor of the Elliston Cornet Band, one of the best in the county. The children of this family are all musicians, but at present he is, the most devoted to it. He is. a highly-respected young man, both in social and business circles, and his uprightness in every way has gained him universal good will. ALFRED G. WITTE, one of the most successful business men of Elmore, Ottawa county, is possessed of the true spirit of Western progress and enterprise. He is numbered among the native sons of Ottawa county, his birth having occurred in Harris township, October 17, 1861, and he has always lived in that locality. His primary education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by a course in the high school of Elmore, at which he was graduated in 1878. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age, and on the 31st of October, 1882, went to a home of his own. Ludwig Conrad Adolph Witte, paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Guitersloh, Germany, in 1783, and in 1813 he was married to Katherine Osthaus. They had a family of eight children-five sons and three daughters: Henry, Ludwig, Fred, William, Charles, Johanna, Dora and Katherine. Charles Witte, the father of our subject, came to this country in 1854, and was married at Elmore, Ohio, in 1858, to Fredericke Frank, by whom he had eight children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Clara, January 9, 1859; Alfred G., October 17, 1861; Emma, October 26, 1863; William, January 4, 1865; Ernst, March 23, 1870; Bertha, February 5, 1873; Edmund, March 12, 1878; and Franciska, September 9, 1880, died December 3o, 1881. William Godfrey Frank, maternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Oren, Germany, January 6, 1792, where he was reared. At the age of twenty-one he joined the German army, and served as a sergeant of riflemen in the struggle against Napoleon Bonaparte. He participated in four battles, namely, those of Strassburg, Sens, Montereau and Epinal, receiving medals for bravery, all, however, on account of his political opinions, being subsequently taken from him except one, which his daughter still has in her possession. At the battle of Epinal he was captured, and was held prisoner one year, when he was released, the war having ended. During the time he was in the army he was married to Regina Kober, and three daughters were born to them: Caroline, Louisa and Fredericke. The last named who is the mother of Mr. Witte, was born July 13, 1836, in Stuttgart, Wurtemburg, Germany, where she lived till sixteen years of age, at which time she came to America. In 1858, at Elmore, Ohio, she married Charles Witte, as above related. On October 31, 1882, Alfred G. Witte, our subject, married Miss Evelyn Pratt, of. Elmore, daughter of Kellogg and Cordelia (Billings) Pratt. She was born November 14, 1859, in Harris township, Ottawa county, and completed a course in the Elmore schools in 1877. Her father was born in New York, August 18,