COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 675 1819, and was married March 31, 1847. For three years they lived in New York, after which they spent a year in Pensaukee, Wis., whence they removed to Sandusky county, Ohio. Two years later they came to Ottawa county, and the father purchased a farm in Harris township. About 1870 he 'bought a home in Elmore, where he lived until his death, December 14, 1878. Mrs. Pratt was born in New York, April 10, 1830, and by her marriage became the mother of four children: (r) Emma, born July 18, 1851, was married in May, 1878, to Arthur Harrison, and they have one child—Ellen, born November 3, 1878. (2) Mary Eliza, born March 9,, 1858, has for seventeen years been a successful teacher, and for the past four years has taught in Elmore; she obtained her education in the Normal School at Ada, Ohio, and in Oberlin College. (3) Mrs. Witte is the next younger. (4) Elnora, born October 17, 1870, is a graduate, of the Toledo Music School, and is now teaching music. Abner Pratt, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Witte, was born in 1788 and died in 1850. His wife, Rhoda (Billings) Pratt, was born in 1786 and died in 1864. They had twelve children, of whom ten reached mature years. Augustus Billings, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Witte, was born about 1773, and was the eldest in a family of six children. When a young man he went on a whaling expedition and was taken as a prisoner to France, where he remained two years. In 1803 he was married to Clarissa English, of Medina county, N. Y., who was born in 1781, and they became the parents of seven children—six sons and a daughter—two of whom are now living. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Witte's mother was born about 1748, and married Lucina' Farrington, who was born about the same time. Her grandfather, John English, served for three years in the Revolution, and was with Gen. Washington during the memorable winter at Valley Forge. During the war for Independence he married Desire Bagley. Mr. and Mrs. Witte, for five years after their marriage, lived upon a, farm, our subject purchasing a tract of land and also operating that which belonged to his father. He then rented his place and removed to Elmore, where he is engaged in the meat business. He runs two wagons in the country, supplying the Genoa market and also an extensive home market. In addition to his business in dressed meats, he buys and ships cattle, sheep and hogs, and has an extensive trade. He is a lover of a fine horse and a dealer in thoroughbreds. His business has been a very profitable one, and in addition to his farm and market he owns a fine home on Toledo street. Four children came to bless the home, of whom Jack, born May 23, 1877, died March 19, 1891, and was buried in the Gus cemetery ; the others are Bertha, born August 24, 1883 ; Florence, born November 3, 1884 ; and Carl, born March 6, 1886. The parents are widely and favorabiy known in the locality where they live, and have a large circle of warm friends. Mr. Witte is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a Democrat, and is serving as a member of the council of Elmore, while as an official and private citizen he gives his support to all interests that are calculated to prove of public benefit. HART BEARSS, a leading and influential citizen of Ottawa county, residing on Catawba Island, claims New York State as the place of his nativity, where he first opened his eyes to the light of day, in Putnam county, October 14, 1840. He is descended from one of the early families of that region. His grandparents, Joseph T. and Annie Bearss, had a family of thirteen children, of whom eight are still living, namely: Mary, widow of George W. Bailey; Gid- 676 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. eon H. ; Louisa, widow of William Shepherd, and a resident of Wood county, Ohio; Joseph T., of Ottawa county, Ohio; David, who is living in Lucas county, Ohio; Orson, a resident of Bureau county, Ill. ; Lucinda, wife of Ashabell Burke, of Portage township, Ottawa county; and Flora, widow of Wheeler Porter. Gideon H. Bearss, the father of our subject, is a retired fruit grower, and the oldest surviving pioneer settler of Catawba Island—a man honored and revered by all who know him. He was born in New Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Conn., August 3, 1815, and is a son of Joseph T. and Annie (Hubble) Bearss, who were also natives of the Nutmeg State. Like many boys of that day he had very limited advantages for procuring even a primary education, the duties pertaining to farm life requiring all his time in his boyhood days. In 1831, when sixteen years of age, he left home and went to Putnam county, N. Y., where he learned the trade of shoemaking, following that business for thirteen years. In 1844 he removed to Ohio, locating on Catawba Island which at that time was known as Van Rensselaer township, and was an almost unbroken wilderness. Here he entered land and made a home for his family, willing heart and hands soon enabling him to convert the raw land into a fruitful farm. In peace and contentment he has here lived for over fifty years, and now in his declining days he has given over the care of the" farm to his children, while he is resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Many a lesson might well be learned from his well-spent life, which shows what can be accomplished by industry, integrity and perseverance in a land where merit is not hampered by caste or class. Gideon Bearss was married in Putnam county, N. Y., October 6, 1835, to Betsy Turner, daughter .of Adam and Eunice (Rockwell) Turner. She was born in that county, July 12, 1809, and died on Catawba Island, March 23, 1878. They became the parents of five children, two of whom died in infancy; George Henry died at Chattanooga, Tenn., while nobly aiding in the defense of the old flag, and the cause it represented; Clarasia became the wife of Henry Wonnell, of Portage township, Ottawa county, and has also passed away, leaving our subject the only surviving member of the family. The father has served for many years as township trustee, and has acceptably filled other local offices. He cast his first Presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, and was a stanch supporter of the Whig party, until the organization of the Republican party, with which he has been identified since its inception. When a child of only four years Hart Bearss came with his parents to Catawba Island, whereon he has since resided, and during this period has witnessed its development from a wilderness into fine farms and fruit orchards, dotted with beautiful residences. He received a limited education in the village school of his day, and for over forty years has been connected with the fishing business, but for the past six years has devoted his entire time and attention to the cultivation of fruit. He has to-day one of the finest orchards on the Island, and the excellent variety of fruit which he raises finds a ready sale on the market. On. May 29, 1863, on Catawba Island was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bearss and Miss Catherine Rogers, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, February 26, 1844, a daughter of Thomas and Verlinda Rebecca (Wheeler) Rogers, the former a native of England, and the latter of Maryland. About 1859 they located on the Island where they continued to live until called to the home beyond, the father dying in October, 1870, and the mother October 6, 1894. To Mr. and Mrs. Bearss were born five children: Alvertes, born June 29, 1863, married to Kate Gron October 30, 1889; Gusta Amelia, born October 23, 1865, the wife COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 677 of Oliver H. Elliott, of Elyria, Ohio; George H., born January 15, 1868, killed August 15, 1887, by a fall from the Poughkeepsie (N. Y.) Bridge; Jennie L., . born November 12, 1871, now the wife of William Freer; and Carrie E., born October 26, 1874, the wife of William F. Leinbach, operator on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroad, at Marble Head Junction, Ottawa county. Mr. Bearss has served as trustee. of his township for four terms, and has filled other offices. He is a worthy member of Port Clinton Lodge, No. 341, F. & A. M. Catawba Island Lodge, No. 2783, Knights of Honor; and during the Civil war he joined the one-hundred-day men of Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth -0. V. I., doing guard duty at Point Lookout, Md. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, is a wide-awake and progressive citizen, and one of the most esteemed residents of Catawba Island. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife and daughter, Jennie are worthy members, and all who know them hold them in high regard. They have just completed their handsome dwelling on the old farm. ELIJAH LATTIMORE, who is engaged in general farming and stock raising, is a native of the township in which he still resides. He was born February 5, 1833, on the old place in Bay township, Ottawa county, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Stanley) Lattimore, both of whom were native's of England, and located in Sandusky county, Ohio, July 4, 1824. In March, 1829, they took up their residence in Bay township, which at that time was an almost unbroken wilderness. The father had come to America when a young man, and had settled first in Georgetown, D. C., four miles from the city of Washington, where he fought the British troops during the war of 1812. After the close of that struggle he engaged in vegetable gardening for about four years. Subsequently he removed to Indiana, where he was married, and in April, 1824, he started from that State on a journey to Ohio, traveling with his own team. During the third day of the journey, while his horses were hitched to a tree by the roadside, eating their noonday meal, a wind storm arose which blew down the tree and killed both horses. In consequence he was obliged to hire teams to convey himself and family on their way. From 1829 until October, 1857, they were continuous residents of Bay township, Ottawa county, at the latter date, removing to Rice township, Sandusky county. The father died there August 29, 1869, and the mother's death occurred in Port Clinton, October 27, 1876. Our subject received but limited educational privileges, pursuing his studies in an old log schoolhouse, but his training at farm labor was not meagre. From his early boyh000d he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and thoroughly understands the business in all its details. He was married in Port Clinton, April 5, 1860, to Christina McRitchie, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Richardson) McRitchie, both of whom were natives of Scotland, the former born April 13, 1801, the latter in 1809. They located in Bay township, Ottawa county, at a very early day in the history of this locality, becoming residents in 1836. From that date until his death, Mr. McRitchie was prominently identified with its growth and development. He passed through all the trials and hardships of pioneer life, but lived to see this become a fertile region, inhabited by a progressive class of citizens. He died December 15, 1888, and his wife crossed the river of death January 2, 1887. Their family numbered seven children, as follows: George, born November 15, 1839, 678 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was killed in the war of the Rebellion, near Atlanta, Ga., June 14, 1864, while nobly serving in defense of his country; William, born August 29, 1845, died September 22, 1847; John, born January 24, 1848, died September 24, 185o. The other members of the family are still living: Margaret, born in Perthshire, Scotland, April 13, 1834; is the widow of William L. Cole, and is now residing in Port Clinton, Ohio; David R., born in Perthshire, February 4, 1836, is a leading agriculturist of Bay township, Ottawa county; Christina, born in Bay township, February 6, 1842, is the wife of our subject; and Mary E., born in Bay township. September 26, 1851, is the wife of W. A. Wonnell. Nine children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lattimore, to wit: Robert John, who was born March 28, 1861, and is still living on the old home place; I. Elmer, born February 16, 1863, died February 23, 1865; Mary Ida, born March 26, 1864, died August 1o, following; Maggie Belle, born November i8, 1865, now the wife of H. D. Lockwood, of Plasterbed, Ohio; Elizabeth Jane, born January 25, 1868, the wife of H. .L. Hineline, of Port Clinton; Harry E., born June 25, 1871, died August 3, same year; Mattie Adell, born January 16, 1873, now the wife of Frank Mackey, of Bay township, Ottawa county; Addie May, born July 27, 1875; and Amos, born January 16, 1881. Mr. Lattimore, recognized as a valued citizen, has been honored with a number of public offices of trust. In 1864 and 1865 he served as county auditor; was county commissioner for two successive terms; served as township treasurer some ten years; was township assessor ten years; land assessor one year; and has filled other local positions. He supports by his ballot the men and measures of the Democracy. Socially, he is connected with Port Clinton Lodge, No. 627, I. O. O. F., and Lake Erie Encampment, and has filled every office in both; he is also a member of the Knights of Honor, and his family attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. RUDOLPH HARTMAN was born in Germany September 21, 1825, a son of John H. and Clarissa Hartman, and died August 28, 1895. He was one of two children, the other being Eliza, who married Henry Myers, and died December 21, 1894, near Elmore. The father of our subject came to America in 1830, locating in Woodville township, and, having no money, he borrowed a few dollars to buy twenty-five acres of land, which was then worth ten shillings ($1.25) per acre. The pioneer forests were then unbroken, the streams unbridged, and they had to go on foot to Lower Sandusky for supplies, and carry their articles by hand or on their backs, as the woods were impassable for horses or vehicles. Mr. Hartman bought a large coffee-mill, in which he and the neighbors used to grind their grain into meal for bread. Wild deer roamed at will in the woods, and could be seen in large herds; but those early Germans were not used to firearms, and had neither money nor guns, so the deer were at first left untouched. The simplest fare was then a luxury to these pioneers. Food was often scarce, and it was not an unusual thing for people to go hungry for want of it. When the father died Rudolph bought his sister's interest in the estate. He learned the trade of carpenter, at which he worked in Wood and Sandusky counties, and in the early days he also operated a threshing machine, and by working over a wide extent of territory made some money. He owned 350 acres of land in Woodville township and eighty-five acres in Wood county, on which there are twenty-five oil wells in operation. He received $10,000 for the oil lease of his land, besides one-sixth of the oil. Mr. Hartman COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 679 fully appreciated the abundance of wealth that had been placed at his disposal, and he thoroughly educated his family, and started his children well in life. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious faith a member of the Lutheran Church. He always took an active part in developing the educational interests of his community. On February 2, 1851, Rudolph Hartman married Miss Anna Marie Louisa Sielschott, who was born September 1o, 1834, in Germany. Their children were: John, born June- I2, 1853, died May 1, 1864; Henry, born February 19, 1856, died April 22, 1864; Mary C., born December 25,. 1851, died January 2, 1852; William, born August 25, 1859, died October 22, 186o; Frederick, born September 22, 1861, married Miss Lizzie Bruns, and they have two children-Oscar and Lydia; Louis, born July 21, 1864, married Minnie Bruns, and they have three children-Otto, Carl and Alma; Louisa, born July 18, 1866, married John Swan, and has three children-Lydia, Mabel and Clarence; Sophia, born July 1, 1871, married William Leopold, and has one child-Arthur; George, born July 3, 1874, has been educated in the German and the public schools; Henry, born February 28, 1880. Mr. Hartman was a man of intelligence and moral worth, a kind husband and father, an enterprising citizen and an obliging neighbor. Mrs. Hartman's parents, Garhard and Mary (Wilker) Sielschott, also natives of the Fatherland, were born in 1806 and 1805 respectively, and they both died in May, 1882, the mother on the 6th, the father on the 24th. They were married in about 1830, and were pioneers of Wood county, Ohio, where they spent their days, and where, in Troy township, they now lie buried. To them were born four children: Engel, widow of Harmon Schroeder, of Wood county, who has had five children; Anna Marie Louisa, Mrs. Hartman; Mary, Mrs. Henry Frier, of - 43 - Wood county, who has seven children; and Fred, who has been twice married, first to Julia Mirosey, who had seven children, and died March 20, 1882, after which he married Mary Welling, by whom he had five children. Mrs. Hartman's paternal grandmother, Mary Otten, was born about 176o in Germany, and was the mother of four children, all of whom are now deceased. CARMI G. SANFORD. One of the pioneer families of Sandusky county is represented at Clyde by an individual whom all delight to honor--the venerable Carmi G. Sanford, first president of the People's Bank. Mr. Sanford was born December 28, 1818, in Ontario county, N. Y., son of Zachariah and Mary P. (Mantor) Sanford. The father was born near Saybrook, Conn.; in 1790. In 1808 he left Connecticut with his widowed mother, and settled on a farm in Madison county, N. Y. There he married Mary P. Mantor, who was born in Massachusetts in 1798, and had migrated with her parents to central New York. After their marriage Zachariah and Mary Sanford moved to the western part of the Empire State, settling on a farm in Ontario county. On the farm a family of children was growing up about them, and again the spirit of migration moved the pioneer. In the fall of 1832 the father brought his family to Townsend township, Sandusky county, where he purchased an eighty-acre tract entirely covered with forest. With the aid of his half-grown boys Mr. Sanford built a cabin, and during the winter made a clearing for the spring crops. Gradually the wilderness was converted into fertile fields, and here the- peace-loving father concluded his life's history. His death occurred May 6, 1862, and the wife survived until March 17, 1868. It has been said that Zachariah Sanford died without an enemy. He had brought with him from New En-- 680 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. gland the gentle but invincible spirit of the Puritan. He was unobtrusive in manner, and hospitable. His neighbors always spoke well of him. The wife and mother had deep religious convictions, and sought to impress the habit of piety upon her children. Carmi G. remembers that in his boyhood days he was presented by his mother with a sheep as a reward for having read the entire Bible. Seven children were born to Zachariah and Mary Sanford, as follows: Elias M., who was born July 17, 1817, and died in Townsend township; May 31, 1843, leaving a wife and one child; Carmi G., subject of this sketch, born. December 28, 1818; Henry A., who was born March 4, 1820, married Mary, daughter of Daniel Rice, and now lives on the home farm; Sally M., born December .27, 1826; William B., born April 7, 1828; Almira, born July 1o, 1832, married Samuel H. Tibbals, and died leaving no children; George W., born February 2, 1839, a resident of Townsend township. Carmi G. Sanford was fourteen years of age when he came with his parents to Sandusky county. He had attended the public schools in New York, but in the pioneer Ohio home educational facilities, were few, and the work of clearing the farm was imperative. He was an industrious and willing worker, and remained on his father's farm until after he reached his majority. Then he purchased for himself a forty-acre wooded tract, which he afterward traded for another. He was married, March 9, 1844, to Lydia Allyn, daughter of Isaac and Permelia (Downing) Allyn. Isaac Allyn was born in Connecticut, September 21, 1786, and at the age of eighteen years left home for the West. After traveling from place to place for several years, he settled in Erie county. About 182o, in company with Jonas Gibbs, he settled on the prairie in the northern part of Riley township, Sandusky county, and there engaged extensively in stockraising. He raised horses and cattle, and was a primitive porkpacker on a large scale. For a few years he lived at the Gibbs cabin, then kept bachelor's hall until his marriage, June 12, 1827, to Mrs. Permelia Daniels. She was born June 24, 1795, in Windom county, Conn., daughter of Cyrus Downing, who, with his family, migrated in 1797 to New York, and in 1809 to Erie county, Ohio, settling near Huron. He was then in hostile Indian territory, and prior to the outbreak during the war of 1812 was compelled to abandon home and seek refuge in the fort at Cleveland. Permelia was married in April, 1813, to Jeremiah Daniels. At that time about twenty families lived at Huron, and so active were Indian depredations in the vicinity that they were compelled to leave their homes nine times during one year. After the death of Mr. Daniels, the widow married Isaac Allyn. The latter died January 3o, 1839, and Mrs. Allyn survived until Sep tember 18, 1874, living during the last eighteen months of her life with her daughter Lydia. Mrs. Allyn was a woman. of considerable business ability and very industrious. One year with her own hands she salted more than one hundred barrels of pork. To Isaac and Permelia Allyn three children were born: Lydia, born March 20, 1828; Isaac M., of Riley township, born February 8, 1832; Permelia, born November 6, 1837, died June 25, 1881. After his marriage to Lydia Allyn, Carmi G. Sanford began housekeeping in. a small cabin in Townsend township. It. was made entirely of logs and puncheons, except the door, which was fashioned from the boards of a store box. In this. cabin Mr. Sanford lived for about ten years. Only a small part of his little farm was cleared, and he had an abundance of work before him. He kept pace with the new methods and machinery for farming, and by economy and industry added to his possessions until he owned. 400 well-improved acres. Like his father,.. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 681 he was a Whig in politics, and in later years became a Republican. So strong were his political convictions that he quite naturally became a leader in the community in which he lived. During the war he was active in encouraging enlistments and in caring for the families of soldiers, spending time and money freely. When the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth 0. V. I. was formed he was chosen captain of Company C, composed of volunteers from Riley and Townsend townships, and at the regimental organization in Fremont he was chosen lieutenant colonel, Nathaniel Haynes being elected colonel. Lieut. -Col. Sanford had charge of the regiment on its march from Fremont to Sandusky, but through the caprice of Col. Wiley he was relieved from service before he had been mustered in, much to the regret of the regiment, which had become very much attached to him. Mr. Sanford has served Townsend township as clerk and justice of the peace, and his county as infirmary director and as county commissioner. He was a member of Clyde Lodge F. & A. M., and of Erie Commandery No. 23. In 1882 he removed to Clyde. He was one of the organizers of the People's Bank, and was elected its president, a position he held until his death which occurred September 13, 1894. He was also a member of the marble firm of Sanford & Hughes, one of the largest and most active business houses of the kind in this part of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Sanford seven children were born, as follows: Mary P., born April 24, 1846, died in infancy; Winfield Scott, born August 16, 1847, who married Eliza McCartney, by whom he had three children—Carmi G., Jr., Cora and Charles F.—and who died September 8, 1889; Flora A., born February 3, 185o, who married James Gaw and died February 28, 1872; Morgan C., born July 25, 1861, who married Ida White, and has three children—Blake, John H. and Flora; Kate L., born November 7, 1864, died March 1, 1868; Hattie M., born January 24, 1868, and married to W. E. Hughes, of the marble firm of Sanford & Hughes; Charles G., born January 24, 1871, died October 6, 1872. Mrs. Lydia Sanford died February 11, 1893. She was a whole-souled woman, happy and cheerful in temperament, and deeply devoted -to. her husband and children. She made her home one of the most attractive in the county, and was beloved by all who knew her. Her death was a severe blow to her husband. Carmi G. Sanford inherited the gentle and courtly manners of his father, and by his ever-present consideration for others he seemed a survivor of an earlier type of men. No man speaks unkindly of Carmi G. Sanford, and no man in Sandusky county ranks higher in public esteem than did he. He had a striking individuality, and such a whole-souled, good-natured disposition that all knew him and none knew him but to like him. He was a friend of the people—the capitalist, the business man, the laborer and the street urchin. CAPTAN JOHN L. COLE, a pioneer of Sandusky county, was born at Greenbush, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., in 1807. He was a son of Lucius and Esther Cole, who died about the year 1815, leaving three children—John L., Mary and Lima—who then became separated and were reared by strangers. It fell to the lot of our subject to be bound out to a sea captain by the name of Tift, and to spend his time from the age of eight to twenty-one years on a sailing vessel in the New York and Liverpool trade; so that he did not have the privilege of attending school a single day After he had served his time with this saltwater captain, he went to visit his sister, Lima, at Cortland, N. Y., and wintered there. In the following spring he returned to New York City, married Miss 682 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Elizabeth French, daughter of a Baptist minister, and took a position as captain on a packet boat on the Hudson river, where he remained until he was twenty-four years of age. In 1830 Mr. Cole was solicited to come to Buffalo, N. Y., to rig out a brig. This he did satisfactorily, and subsequently sailed as master of the vessel, for several seasons, on the upper lakes, his intervening winter seasons being spent in rigging out other vessels for similar service. He sailed for several seasons as captain of the "Wabash." About the year 1833 he made his first voyage to Lower Sandusky, in quest of pipe staves for the Southern sugar trade, and in the fall of that year laid up his vessel at that port to await its spring cargo of staves. While here he made the acquaintance of Sardis Birchard, a leading merchant and a large land holder, and bought of him a tract of 48o acres of land in Scott township, on which he made a temporary settlement a few years later. In 1842 Mr. Cole and Mr. Birchard went to Huron, Erie county, and built the schooner " Sardis Birchard. " On this vessel, owned by these two men, Mr. Cole sailed as captain, hailing from the port of Lower Sandusky and running the chain of lakes for a number of years, until he abandoned the business. He carried many cargoes of grain from the port of Chicago when the site of that city was little better than a malarious marsh. About the year 1850 Capt. Cole sold his land in Scott township and bought upwards of three hundred acres of the Whittaker Reserve, to which he added by later purchases from other parties until he had six hundred acres. This tract, which was then a dense forest, he cleared up and improved, and it remains to-day a fine monument to his industry and skill. He was a man of small stature, but possessed of untiring energy, practical tact and good common sense. Though cast upon the wide world without book learning, he learned to read men instead, and later mastered the rudiments of English by the aid of his intelligent and helpful wife, so that he could manage his large business interests with marked success. He was a Republican in politics, and his wife was a member of the M. E. Church, Fremont. The children of Capt. J. L. and Elizabeth Cole were: Frances M., wife of J. C. Barnes, of St. Lawrence county, N. Y., a student five years at Oberlin College (their children were John, Arthur, Charles, and Frank); John W., who died at the age of fifteen; Sardis B., sketch of whom follows; Hannah E., wife of George W. Stull, residing on the Cole homestead (their children were—Ida, Elbert, Frank, Robert, Eva, Claud and Fanny); Mercy, wife of Judge William F. Bailey, of Armenia, N. Y., who removed to Eau Claire, Wis. , where she died, leaving no children. Sarah- L., wife of A. L. Dodge, druggist, of Eau Claire, Wis., whose children were—Bert, Sadie, Jessie and Jamie; Emma, wife of S. J. Ludwick, of Fremont, Ohio (she died without issue); and Evaline, wife of L. G. Hamilton, jeweller, Fremont (they have one child--Mildred). After the death of his wife, Elizabeth (French), June 3, 1872, Capt. Cole married on January 14, 1875, Miss Sarah A. Hineline, a daughter of Hugh B. and Rebecca (Lattig) Hineline. His death occurred March 18, 1889, and he was buried in Oak Wood Cemetery. His widow resides in Fremont, Ohio. SARDIS B. COLE, retired farmer, of Fremont, Sandusky county, was born in Scott township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, September 8, 1842, a son of Capt. J. L. and Elizabeth (French) Cole. His early life was spent in the heart of the Black Swamp, in his native township, and when eight years of age he came with his father's family to live on the historic Whittaker Reserve, about two miles north of Lower Sandusky. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 683 Here he grew to manhood amid the cares and labors of farm life, and attending the home schools and those of Fremont village. In the year 1860 he entered Oberlin College with the object of taking a course of study, but on the outbreak of the Civil war, when farm laborers became scarce, he was obliged to abandon his books and assist his father on the home farm. He afterward took a commercial course at Oberlin, Ohio, and served as bookkeeper for I. T. Lyon, of Cleveland, Ohio. He retained his home with his parents until 1866, when he married Miss Margaret E. Hyatt, daughter of J. W. Hyatt, of Sandusky township. They settled upon a farm in that township, comprising about 240 acres of choice land, where they lived about twenty-two years. Their children were: Charles W., a banker at Hartford City, Ind., who married Miss Elizabeth Winning, of that city; John B., a farmer who married Miss Mat-tie Ernst, and lives on the Sardis Cole farm; Grace E., who died at the age of seventeen, just after having completed a course of study at St. Paul, Minn. ; Sardis B., Jr., a grocer of Hartford City, Ind.; George D., and Jessie, attending the Fremont city schools. Sardis B. Cole is a Republican in politics, and a member of the M. E. Church. He is also an active member of Croghan Lodge, No. 77, I. O. O. F. ; a member of the Pioneer and Historical Society of Sandusky county; president of the Agricultural Society, and a liberal contributor to various benevolent enterprises. In 1892 he removed to Fremont, and now occupies a residence near the M. E. Church, on Main street. JAMES ROSENBERGER, a prominent farmer of Sandusky township, Sandusky county, was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, near the famous battle-ground, January 1, 1819, a son of Henry and Jane (Shawl) Rosenberger, the former of whom was born in Virginia, and was a farmer. His parents came from Germany. Grandfather Henry Rosenberger came to this country in early life, and was married in Virginia. The grandfather of our subject, on mother's side, was bound out to work for payment of passage to this country; he settled in Virginia. Grandfather Nicholas Shawl came to Seneca county after our subject's father came here. Both grandfathers came to Seneca county in I 818, bought land, and returned to Virginia. The paternal grandfather died in Virginia, the maternal grandfather in Seneca county, Ohio. The father of our subject came to Ohio in October, 1823, locating in Seneca township, Seneca Co., Ohio, on land his father had bought. Our subject's uncle John was a distiller and a miller in Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, which occupations he gave up, entering a quarter section of land in Seneca county, Ohio, in 1822. The nearest neighbor the Rosenberger's had at that time was four miles distant. When going to see their neighbors they were guided by blazed trees along the way. Uncle John lived there about twenty-five years, and then moved to Iowa. The father of our subject was one of three sons who went there. There were six children by the first marriage, two by the last: Our subject's father lived in Seneca county until 1853, and died in Tiffin, aged eighty-nine. Our subject's mother was born in Virginia, and died at the age of seventy-four. The father was a Republican in politics, originally a Whig. They were members of the M. E. Church. James Rosenberger was one of eleven children: Subject, Elizabeth, William, George, Harriet, David, Martha, John, Eliza, Jacob, and Anna, who died in infancy. Ten of these grew up to maturity. Our subject attended school in a log schoolhouse which had a chimney built of sticks plastered with mud or clay mortar. In 1843 he married, in Sandusky 684 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. county, Miss Mary Ramsberg, who was born in Maryland, November 3, 1817. She is yet living. There were eight children born to this union: (1) Mariba M., born January 10, 1845, married Silas Saffel, and had children—William, Gustave, Jennie, George, Bertie, and Pearl. (2) Lucinda, born April 13, 1848, married Wallace Knight, whose children were--Oliver, Bertha, Clara, George, Robert and LeRoy. (3) Perry F., born March 15, 1850, married Anna Hummel, whose children were—Arthur, Burt, Ermie, George, Ollie, and Willie. (4) Amos E., born June 17, 1852, died in infancy. (5) John A., born June 28, 1854, died when twenty-one years old. (6) Theodore, born July 12, 1856, by his first marriage had one child—Clarence—and by his second marriage had two children, LeRoy and one whose name is not given; they live in Kansas. (7) Mary Jane Rosenberger, born January 24, 1859, married David Burgoon; they have no children. In 1846 our subject came to Sandusky township, locating on Muskallonge creek, and he has been on his present farm since 1854. It was then all woods. He cleared it up himself. He remembers distinctly the political campaign of 1840, known in history as the " Log Cabin and Hard Cider" campaign, which resulted in the election of Gen. 'William H. Harrison to the Presidency. Mr. Rosenberger helped to build a log cabin out of all buckeye logs, at Tiffin, Ohio, on which they put a clapboard roof, a barrel of hard cider on top, a flagstaff with the United States flag, and on top of the pole a live raccoon. JAMES H. McRITCHIE, postmaster at Port Clinton, Ottawa county, was born in Bay township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, September 24, 1854, a son of David and Jane (Yule) McRitchie, who were married in Forfarshire, Scotland. The parents of our subject emigrated to America in 1832. After arriving in New York City they journeyed westward to Buffalo, there taking passage on a vessel, bound for Chicago, where they expected to meet some friends. The vessel, however, was wrecked in a storm near the harbor of Port Clinton, and they were taken ashore at that place, stopped at a brick hotel that now forms part of the " Lake House," kept by John Mitchell. This was in August, 1832. Mr. Mc-Ritchie relinquished his plan of going to Chicago, and instead bought a farm of 120 acres of timbered land in Bay township, Ottawa county, which he cleared and which served him and his family as a home for many years. The country was then almost a wilderness, and the pioneers endured many privations. There was no work for laboring people at which they could earn money, except in the quarries at Plaster Bed, and that was seven miles from his farm. He was accustomed to go to his work on Monday morning, returning on Saturday evening, carrying provisions with him for a week, and was often obliged to take his pay in dry goods and groceries and such like, in lieu of money. As soon as he was able to purchase an ox team he got his supplies from Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), which occupied two days—one to go and one to return. Having received a fairly liberal education in Scotland, Mr. McRitchie was well qualified to fill various positions of honor and trust to which he was afterward elected. He held the offices of township clerk and justice of the peace; later (1848) was elected auditor of Ottawa county, which office he held nine years, and in 1874 was elected county treasurer, in which incumbency he served four years. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was an enterprising and public-spirited citizen. He died April 7, 1883, after which his widow remained on the homestead until 1888, when she went to live with her son James COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 685 H., at Port Clinton. Their children were: Jeannette, William, Maria, Ellen, John D., Jane, Nancy, David and James H., all born in Bay township, Ottawa Co., Ohio. Of these, Jeannette died in childhood; William died at the age of twenty-six; Maria married Darwin Hyde, and lived on Catawba Island, where they both died, leaving three children—Homer, Ora and Lemuel; Ellen married Charles Darr, and lived in Bay township, where they both died (one of their sons, William, lives on the family homestead, the other, Frank, died at the age of sixteen); John D. married Sarah Legget, lived on a farm for a time, then moved to Port Clinton, and followed butchering (their children were—Emma, William, Mary, Charlotte, Ida, Ora, Clara and George); Jane married J. W. Mizner, hardware merchant, Port Clinton (their children were—James H., Clara, Edward and Grace); Nancy married James L. Mackey (they lived on a farm in Bay township, where he died, after which she moved to Port Clinton; their children were Pearl, David and Alma); David married Alice Hyde, and follows the butchering business in Port Clinton (they have one child, Charles S.). In politics Mr. McRitchie was a Democrat and all his sons are Democrats. James H. McRitchie, the subject proper of this sketch, was raised on his father's farm and attended country schools during the winter seasons. In 1888 he commenced the butcher business, and so continued until May 22, 1893, when he was appointed postmaster at Port Clinton by President Cleveland. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 627, and passed all the chairs of Lake Erie Encampment, No. 232, and of Canton Ottawa, No. 60; also the National Union, No. 60. On November 6, 1879, he was married to Miss Clara E. Lattimore, who was born September 25, 1854, daughter of John and Mary (Park) Lattimore, and their children are: Irma A., Mack A. McRitchie, Hattie A. and Mabel. Mr. McRitchie is a typical self-made man, one whose record is without a stain, and, whether in prosperity or adversity, he has ever been upright, conscientious and honorable. DENNIS FAMILY. Arthur Nelson Dennis and his wife were both born in Maine, and in their native State eight children were born to them, one son and seven daughters, as follows: Lucy, who became the wife of a Mr. Churchill, and after his death wedded Elder Wire; Polly; Sarah; Hannah, who wedded Horace Flower; Betsy, who married Alpheus Barber; Fanny, who wedded Solomon Drown; Rebecca, who married John Kilbourne; and John. Of this family two came to Ohio—Mrs. Drown and John. Arthur Dennis moved into New York State, locating in the vicinity of Lyons, but later in life moved to Erie county, Penn., where he spent the remainder of his days. His occupation was that of shoemaker. Politically he was a Whig. John Dennis followed farming all his life; after leaving the Keystone State he located, in about 1845, in York township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, and he owned 160 acres of land in Lucas county, Ohio. In New York State he married Malinda Hatch, a native of Maine, to which union came thirteen children, namely: Alvira, who became the wife of Washington Collom; Hiram; John; Hatch; Spellman; Malinda, who was the wife of William McLain; Arthur Nelson; William George; Syrenus; two who died in infancy; Flavel; and one unnamed, a twin to Malinda. All are now deceased except William. The mother of this family died August 1o, 1854, and the father in September, 1864. William Dennis was born in Erie, Penn., November 28, 1833. When seventeen years of age he entered upon an apprenticeship to the blacksmith trade, in 686 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. learning which he, spent three years, and which he pursued until September, 1862. At that time he enlisted, serving until the close of the war; he participated in many skirmishes, and was in the engagements at Nashville, and with his command made a thirty-one-days' march with but six hours rest. On April 3, 1855, Mr. Dennis wedded Jane Nottage, a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio, who died in South Dakota November 3, 1885. Three children cattle to bless this union: Clara, wife of Foster Thompson, of Stillwater, Minn. ; Flora, wife of James May, of Seneca county, Ohio, and William N., foreman of the old White Lime Co., Bowling Green, Ohio. For his second wife William Den- nis wedded Ella Hinton, and to this marriage was born one child, Harry B. William Dennis is engaged in dealing in horses. Arthur Nelson Dennis (brother of William Dennis) came to Sandusky county, Ohio, in 1845, in the earlier days following farming; just before the outbreak of the Civil war, and also during the conflict, he was in the livery business. For a short time, however, he gave this up, having enlisted, but he was discharged on account of disability after eight months' service, and returning to Clyde resumed the livery business, continuing to follow it for two years. Selling out, he subsequently bought a hotel and livery barn in Green Spring, which he conducted for about fifteen years, or until his death, 'which occurred December 3, 1892. Mr. Dennis married Mary Jane Whiteman, who bore him seven children, viz. : Marcellus, a drayman of ,Green Spring, Ohio; Willie, who ,died when four years old; Net E. ; George, a conductor on the " Big Four " railroad; Bert, yard master in the Short Line, at Sandusky, Ohio; "Pet," who died at the age of nine years; and Mack Charlie. NET E. DENNIS is one of the hustling young men of Clyde, popular in both business and social circles. He is the owner of some valuable property there, and he also pays considerable attention to good horses. He married Alice Reed, of Green Spring, and two children—Lela and Jimmie—have blessed their union. MICHAEL D. THIERWECHTER (deceased) was born June 5, 1831, in Jackson township, Lebanon Co., Penn., a son of Samuel and Mary (Groh) Thierwechter. At about the age of twenty years he came to Shelby, Ohio, where he began an apprenticeship at the brick-making business —manufacturing by hand—at the same time learning the trade of blacksmith. In 1854, he came to Sandusky county, Ohio, and after his marriage, which event will be more fully spoken of farther on, he settled on a 142-acre farm in Sandusky county, near the " Four-Mile House." The place at that time was. a dense wild forest, but by hard labor and assiduous toil he succeeded in converting it into one of the fine farms of that county. In an early day he also followed the business of auctioneer, during the war acting in that capacity in the counties of Sandusky, Ottawa, Huron, Erie, Hancock and Wood. About the year 1867 he re,nted his farm and moved to Elmore, Ottawa county, where he embarked in a general mercantile business. Here he remained until April 6, 1877, when he removed to Oak Harbor, in which then rising little village he continued in the same line of business occupying a store rented of Judge Kraemer, his son Emery being associated with him. In 1882 the latter was taken into full partnership with his father, and during the same year they built the spacious structure, now owned and occupied by Emery Thierwechter & Co. (Emery and A. D. Thierwechter), and the amount of business done within the first twelve months in Oak Harbor amounted to between $25,000 and $30, 000; but under the able management of both father and son the business grew so rapidly that by the COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 687 time of Mr. Michael D. Thierwechter's decease the business had reached the enormous figure of $225,000 annually. From 1882 to 1890 the firm was known as M. D. Thierwechter & Son, but in the latter year the father divided his personal interest in the concern with his son A. D. Thierwechter, the firm name then becoming M. D. Thierwechter & Sons, and since the death of the senior member the style of the firm has been Emery Thierwechter & Co. On November 29, 1855, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Waggoner, who was born Tune 29, 1839, daughter of George and Margaret (Klinger) Waggoner, old pioneers of Sandusky county. To this union were born one daughter and three sons, as follows: Alice (Mrs. H. L. Miller, of Tampa, Florida), born September 12, 1856; Abraham D. and Emery (sketches of whom follow), born September 19, 1858, and July 5, 1860, respectively; and George, born May 18, 1862. The father was called from earth April 27, 1891, and in his death the community lost a valued and progressive citizen, his neighbors a faithful friend, his wife a devoted husband, and his family a loving, indulgent father. The widowed mother still makes her home in Oak Harbor. Michael D. Thierwechter was an energetic, hardworking man all his lifetime, by his straightforward business and social life winning the confidence of all who knew him. His political interests centered in the Republican party, and he was once a candidate for the Legislature. In civic affairs, having been elected a member of the city council, he held that position several years with characteristic fidelity and loyalty. In religious faith he was a member of the Lutheran Church. EMERY THIERWECHTER, proprietor of a large mercantile business, is a son of the late Michael D. Thierwechter and his wife Caroline (Waggoner) Thierwechter. He was born July 5, 1860, on a farm near the " Four-Mile House " in Sandusky county, Ohio, and was some seven years old when his father moved with his family to Elmore, Ottawa county, as related in the sketch of Michael D. Thierwechter. Here Emery's education was received, and here was laid the foundation of his future business career. During school vacations he worked in his father's store, and for a time was engaged in the retail grocery store of Louis Avers. In November, 1876, Mr. Thierwechter entered the business college of Spencer and Bigelow, at Cleveland, Ohio, where he received a thorough business training. In 1877 his father and he rented a room of Judge Kraemer, at Oak Harbor, and on April 7 they embarked in a general mercantile business. Since the death of the latter the style of the firm has been Emery Thierwechter & Co., Emery and A. D. Thierwechter being the sole representatives. That Mr. Thierwechter is a man of consummate business ability is proven by the fact that he has made a most phenomenal success in his business, and has established for himself a highly enviable reputation for integrity and probity in all his dealings. In September, 1880, Emery Thierwechter was united in marriage with Miss Luella Bruner, a native of Fremont, and daughter of David and Sophia (Faust) Bruner, to which union have come three children: Caroline, born July 7, 1881, died September 24, 1889; Edgar Weed, born July 20, 1887; and Morton Emery, born February 13, 1889. Mr. Thierwechter in his political predilections is a pronounced Republican, and in the fall of 1895 he was nominated by acclamation, by the Republican Convention of. Ottawa county, for the State Legislature. Although the county is largely Democratic, he ran far ahead of his ticket, and was defeated by a very small majority. With all his business cares and re- 688 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sponsibilities he has not been unmindful of his duty to the town of his adoption. He was twice elected to the city council, and it was during his administration as councilor that the city was paved and other improvements were made. Being a friend to education and progress, he served on the school board, and was treasurer thereof three years. Socially he holds membership with the I. O. O. F., also the F. & A. M., Blue Lodge at Oak Harbor, and is a Knight Templar, Toledo Commandery No. 7. He is a stockholder in the Oak Harbor Oil Co., in the Oak Harbor Natural Gas Co., and in the Oak Harbor Basket Factory. In his many business responsibilities he has displayed marked ability, in that and in all other respects sustaining the high reputation the name has for so many years enjoyed. ABRAHAM D.THIERWECHTER is a member of the firm of Emery Thierwechter & Co., prominent and progressive merchants and extensive grain and produce buyers and shippers, of Oak Harbor, Ottawa county, and was born in Washington township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, September 19, 1858, being the eldest son of Michael and Caroline (Waggoner) Thierwechter. Our subject spent his boyhood days in Elmore, Ottawa Co., Ohio, receiving a good business education in the schools of that town. On leaving school he entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railway Co., with which he continued some years. After severing his connection with that line he engaged in the baking business, and also in a livery until 1883, in which year he entered his father's store, being made a member of the firm in 1891. Mr. Thierwechter is a man of recognized ability, an active, enterprising citizen, commanding the respect of every one with whom he is brought in contact. Mr. Thierwechter was married at Fremont, Ohio, in January, 1883, the lady of his choice being Miss Caroline Vogel, whose parents, Christian and Salome Vogel, were both born in Germany, and crossed the ocean to this country at an early date, settling in Ottawa county. The mother passed from earth some years ago; the father still survives, and is now an honored resident of Oak Harbor. To Mr. and Mrs. Thierwechter have come four children to brighten their home, viz.: Mildred, Luella, Homer and Pauline, all of whom are yet living. In his political affiliations Mr. Thierwechter is an ardent supporter of the Republican party; Mrs. Thierwechter is a member of the Church of the Disciples. S. D. ALLEN, M. D., a popular citizen and a leading physician and surgeon of Oak Harbor, Ottawa county, was born in New Castle, Lawrence Co., Penn., March 26, 1852. His parents, Zebina N. and Mary A. (Van Eman) Allen, were born in Beaver county, Penn., the father August 23, 1821, the mother April 20, 1828, and for many years have been honored and respected residents of Scott township, Lawrence Co., Penn. Mr. Allen is a cabinet-maker by trade, but for a number of years he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in teaching school. He has also served two terms as auditor for his county. Their family consisted of seven children, three of whom are yet living: Our subject; John, residing in New Castle, Penn., and Amos, living at home. Dr. S. D. Allen, the subject of this sketch, received his primary education in the public schools of his native State, and subsequently became a student in Western Reserve College, at that time located at Hudson, Ohio. On graduating from this institution he studied medicine with Dr. J. W. Smith, then police surgeon of Cleveland, now a resident of Wellington, Ohio, taking a two-years' course under his tui- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 689 tion in Wooster University, Cleveland, and graduating from " the Cleveland University of Medicine" in 1885. He then spent a year in Europe, making a special study of surgery, and upon his return to America, in 1886, commenced the practice of his profession in Oak Harbor, where he has since resided. By a life of hard study and devotion to his profession Dr. Allen has been eminently successful as a practitioner, and has succeeded in winning the confidence and respect of the entire community in which he resides. The Doctor was united in marriage at Oak Harbor, October 21, 1881, with Miss Augusta Franck, a daughter of 'Squire Ernst and Louise (Frank) Franck, and to this union came five children, viz. : Mary A., born September 10, 1882; Frederick S., born August 8, 1884; E. Arvilla, born May 18, 1886; Laura L., born August 18, 1888; and Clara E., born August 10, 1890. Dr. Allen is an honored member of the following societies: The Northwestern Homeopathic Medical Society; Oak Harbor Lodge No. 495, F. & A. M., Forest Chapter No. 64, R. A. M., and Forest Council. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. In his political views our subject is a Republican. NATHAN F. PIERSON. The early history of this section of the Northwest can easily be read in the lives of the men of whom these biographical sketches are written, and there is but little variety in the stories. The trials and privations of the pioneers in any new country are about the same; the wresting of fertile farms from the virgin soil, the clearing of vast forests, the bridging of streams, making of roads and building of log cabins are common experiences, and the success or failure in life due to the same causes, practically, as in the older and more civilized communities; but we are glad to know just how our early settlers fared, and how they reached their present enviable condition. Nathan F. Pierson, one of the oldest pioneers and a prominent agriculturist of Clay township, Ottawa county, was born in Morris county, N. j., June 13, 1821. He is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Miller) Pierson, natives of Connecticut and New Jersey respectively, the former of whom was born February 22, 1777. Their marriage took place in New Jersey June 19, 1800, and to them were born ten children, as follows: Jacob, June 2, 1801; Lewis, in 1803; Stephen, in 1805; Frederick, in 1806; Sarah, in 1808; Moses, in 1811 ; Nathaniel, in 1813 ; Alfred, in 1815; Catherine, in 1817; and Nathan F., in 1821. The father died July 14, 1825, and the mother died July 14, 1834. Our subject received a limited education in the country schools of that day, and began active life on a farm, also working in a blacksmith shop, where he remained for three years. He also learned the trade of a wagon-maker, at which he continued for several years, and alternated this with work in a sawmill, farming, carpentering and millwrighting for a period of seven years. He then spent eight years in one of the largest factories in Newark, N. J., bending rims, spokes, etc., after which he went to Michigan, where he spent three years working at his trade of a carpenter and joiner. Returning now to Ohio, he located in Harris township, Ottawa county, where he bought land, a part of which was under cultivation. He worked this farm for two years, but, not liking the location, he sold out and came to Clay township in 1866, buying a tract of eighty acres, a portion only of which was improved. It was in the midst of a forest, with few neighbors within a mile, the land swampy and the roads muddy. It was enough to appall the stoutest heart, but our subject was equal to the task, and with indomitable will and energy went to work, clearing 690 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the land, planting an orchard, building a dwelling house, barns and other outbuildings, and in the course of time bringing the land into a high state of cultivation and making of it a valuable property, on which he is spending his last days in the peaceful enjoyment of the fruits of his labors. Mr. Pierson was married at Newark, N. J., September 20, 1847, to Sarah E. Brush, of New York State, and this happy union has been blessed with six children, namely: Henrietta, born January 26, 1850, at Newark, N. J., died July 30, 1850; George W., born August 29, 1851, at Newark, was educated in the puplic schools of Ottawa county, this State, and worked at the cooper's trade for several years; he then went on the railroad as brakeman, and worked his way up to the position of conductor, during which time he met with several accidents, finally meeting his death in the company's yards at St. Louis, Mo., July 17, 1892, where a train of eighteen cars ran over his body, killing him instantly; his remains were brought back to his home in Clay township, and there buried; he was married and left one child, a daughter, Lillie, who is a school teacher at Port Clinton; Franklin, born June 5, 1853, died in infancy; Morris M., born September 20, 1855, also died in infancy; Andrew, born November 15, 1859, died July 29, 1860; Francis Marion was born November 30, 1857, and was educated in the public schools of Ottawa county; he learned the trade of a barber and worked in Nebraska for several years, and also in Kansas, going from there to Colorado, where he now resides; he was married in 1882 to Miss Minnie Comstock, and they have one child. Mr. Pierson held the office of school director for two terms in Clay township. Socially he belongs to Genoa Lodge No. 433, F. & A. M. He has been a Republican ever since the formation of that party, having formerly been a Whig. He and his wife are in good health, and enjoy the blessings of a well-spent life. Elisha Brush, the father of Mrs. N. F. Pierson, was born in June, 1796. He was in the general merchandise business at Nelson, N. Y., where he was married April 29, 1819, to Chloe Crisby, whose birth occurred July 11, 1796. They had five children: Mary, born May 9, 1820; Sarah, November 11, 1821; Maria, August 20, 1823; Caroline, July 11, 1825; and John, January 2, 1829, all of whom are living. LEVI H. THRAVES, ex-county treasurer of Sandusky county, was born in Washington township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, March 2, 1847, a son of William and Marilla (Graves) Thraves, whose sketch appears elsewhere. Our subject was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. At the age of nine he came with his parents to Ballville township, Sandusky county, where he grew to manhood, finished his common-school education and attended the Fremont city schools. Being the youngest son, he remained with his parents, and carried on farming and stock raising for several years, afterward purchasing the family homestead. For ten years he taught school in the winter seasons, principally in Sandusky county. An ardent Democrat, he held the offices of township trustee and justice of the peace. In 1889 he was elected treasurer of Sandusky county, rented his farm and moved to Fremont. In 1875 L. H. Thraves married Miss Loretta Sendelbauch, daughter of John and Frances Floretta (Baumgardner) Sendelbauch, natives of Germany, who had moved to Fremont, Ohio, in an early day. Mr. Sendelbauch was an undertaker and a teacher of music. He taught the first band of music in Fremont. His death occurred in 1873, and his widow lives on COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 691 their old farm homestead, east of Fremont. They were members of the Roman Catholic Church. The children of L. H. and Loretta Thraves are: John W., Francis F., and Mary H. Mr. Thraves is a member of Fremont Lodge, 202, Knights of Pythias, also of the Order of Elks, 169. Mrs. Thraves is a member of St. Ann's Church, Fremont. PHILLIP R. SNIDER, a retired farmer, and one of the pioneer settlers and highly-esteemed citizens of Erie township, Ottawa county, was born in Warren county, New Jersey, March 5, 1821, and is a son of Henry and Margaret (Redding) Snider. They were also natives of that State, the father coming of German, the mother of English, ancestry. In 1835 they migrated westward to Ottawa county, Ohio, when it was still in a wild state. They were honored residents of the community from that time until called to their final rest, the father dying in 1839, the mother in August, 1885. They were the parents of six children, only two of whom are now living: Henry, a resident of Lucas county, Ohio; and Phillip R. The subject proper of this sketch, Phillip R. Snider, acquired his elementary education in the district schools of his native State, and in the spring of 1835 came with his parents to Ottawa county, where for sixty years he has continuously made his home. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, and throughout his active business life has devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. His industry, perseverance and good management have brought to him a comfortable competence, and now in his declining years he is resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He has been twice married; first time on November 7, 1844, in Erie township, to Octalana Webster, by whom he had nine children, a brief record of whom is as follows: (1) James H., born September 21, 1846, married June 24, 1866, Mary A. Minier, who was born September 11, 1850, youngest daughter of John Minier, Sr., a pioneer of Salem township, Ottawa county, and the children of this union were as follows: James W., born March 2, 1868, died January 13, 1894; Alverdia B., born November 29, 1870, married September 3, 1890, to W. V. Ruff (their children are Raymond R., born June 6, 1891, and Lina A., born August 19, 1894); Esther N., born April 15, 1871, married William Huber April 15, 1895; Adelia A., born July 12, 1873, married Edward Ream November 1, 1893; Cornelia B., born August 29, 1875; Philip Elsworth, born January 31, 1878; Josephine Mabel, born November 12, 1880, died December 25, 1885; and Hiram Hurd, born May 8, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. James H. Snider live in Toledo, Ohio. (2) Margaret Ann, born May 8, 1849, became the wife of Benjamin Minier, and had children as follows: Octa L., born July 13, 1869, was married November 12, 1892, to George Stephens; Elva E., born January 17, 1870; Stella M., born March 23, 1873, was married October 12, 1893, to Edward Hendricks; Elmer B., born December 30, 1874; Christopher C., born May 19, 1879; and Clarence J., born March 29, 1881. The mother of these died November 2, 1882. (3) Theodore L., born July 19, 1852, resides on the old homestead, and will presently be more fully spoken of. (4) Elva M., born March 19, 1854, died October 2, 1894, married Joseph Yeisley, of Erie township, and had children as follows: Edith Bell, born July 27, 1874; George Orvill, born July 10, 1878; Ivy May, born July 19, 1883, and Ralph R., born July 31, 1888. (5) William Henry, born March 16, 1856, wedded Mary Harrison, and they have a family of four children-May, Ellwood, Vernon, and Stan- 692 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ley. (6) Clarissa Jane, born February 2, 1858, is the wife of Ralph Webster, of Defiance, Ohio, and has one child-Phillip H. (7) Abigail L., born January 3, 1860, is the wife of Albert Lewis, of Defiance, and they have a daughter-Nina. (8) Edmund K., born November 22, 1861, married Ozzie Pelton, and with their son, Munson, they now reside in Toledo, Ohio. (9) George Ellsworth, born February 26, 1864, died October 16,1886. Mrs. Snider, the mother of the above mentioned family, died May 18, 1869, and on November 12, 1870, Mr. Snider married Mrs. Mary Webster, widow of James H. Webster, and a daughter of Nathaniel and Mary Ann (Ballard) Tucker. She was born in Pitcairn, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., September 11, 1824. By her first marriage she had ten children, seven of whom are still living, namely: Jason, born January 16, 1845; Herbert T., born October 14, 1847, now living in Oakland, Cal. ; Henry Howard, born July 30, 1849, residing in Brooklyn, Ohio; Ella Ann, born February 18, 1853, now the wife of William Laidler, of Cleveland, Ohio; Ralph D., born March 9, 1855, residing in Defiance, Ohio; Israel J., born April 10, 1858, living in Paulding, Ohio; and Nelson R., born June 25, 1862, a resident of Riverside, California. Mr. Snider has served as county commissioner for six years; was a director of Ottawa County Infirmary six years; has served as justice of the peace twenty-nine years, and has honorably and acceptably filled all township offices. In politics he has been a life-long Democrat, and he and his wife are worthy members of the United Brethren Church. His life has been well spent, and during his residence in Ottawa county he has won the respect of all with whom he has come in contact. THEODORE L. SNIDER, second son of our subject, was born July 19, 1852, and since his infancy has been numbered among the residents of Erie township, Ottawa county. Its district schools af forded him his educational privileges, and from early life he has followed the voca tion of farming. After arriving at years of maturity, he was married in Sandusky City, July 12, 1877, to Sarah Pickard, who was born in Carroll township, Ot tawa county, August 12, 1850, daughter of George and Abi (Moore) Pickard. Six children have been born to this marriage: Grace, July 28, 1878; Clayton, October 9, 1879; Pearl, March 18, 1881; Zehnr, November 12, 1883; George D., September 7, 1887; and Hazel Jeanette, February 6, 1893. Mr. T. L. Snider is one of the young and progressive farmers of his section of Ottawa county, an enterprising and industrious citizen, popular and highly esteemed by all who know him. SAGISHMAEL BARNES, an enterprising, progressive citizen of Oak Harbor, Ottawa county, and proprietor of one of the best equipped and most extensive flour mills in the county, was born in Monroeville, Allen Co., Ind., July 20, 1850. Henry and Mary (Curtis) Barnes, the parents of our subject, were both natives of the State of Vermont, and honored and respected citizens of Allen county, Ind., for over thirty-five years. Their family consisted of nine children, five of whom still survive, viz. : Sarah, widow of Henry Stevens, residing at Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Ind. ; Sagishmael; Garmiel, residing in Oak Harbor; Annie, wife of Charles Swede, residing in Paulding, Ohio; and William A. Mr. Barnes' death occurred in June, 1881, Mrs. Barnes dying in March of the same year. Sagishmael Barnes, the subject proper of this sketch, received his education in the district schools of his native town, and early in life was trained to farm work. On attaining the age of seventeen years he began his career as a miller, working; first as an apprentice, then as a journeyman, until 1873, when he entered into.- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 693 partnership with Daniel Shank in the milling business, under the firm name of Shank & Co. In 1878 Mr. Barnes disposed of his interest in this mill, and removed to Paulding, Ohio, operating a mill at that, place until his removal to Oak Harbor, where he purchased the mill which he still continues to run, having fitted it up with the most modern machinery. Mr. Barnes, possessing a thorough knowledge of his business, and by a life of energy and perseverance, has succeeded in building up a large and rapidly increasing trade, ranking to-day among the most prominent and influential business men of Oak. Harbor. Our subject has been twice married, first time to Miss Mary Calvert, of Pennsylvania, to which union were born five children, one of whom, Harlan, still survives. On March 3, 1888, Mr. Barnes was again united in marriage, this time with Miss Maria Welden, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Stewart) Welden. There are no children by the second marriage. Politically, our subject has always been a Republican. The family are members of the Methodist Church, and socially they enjoy the respect of a wide circle of friends. EDWARD WEDEKIND is one of the wide-awake, " up-to-date " pushing young business men of Port Clinton, Ottawa county, He is a native of Ohio, born October 12, 1863, in Danbury township, Ottawa county, son of Edward and Sophia (Schroeder) Wedekind, well-to-do farming people of Danbury township, where the father died in 1863, leaving one son, Edward. His widow afterward married Henry Bredbeck, farmer and fruit grower of Danbury township, and they became the parents of seven children, four of whom are yet living, viz. : Herbert, born June 10, 1871; Minnie, December 19, 1875; Frederick, February 26, 1877; and Estella, March 20, 1879. Edward Wedekind, our subject, grew to manhood on a farm, and attended country schools until he was about eighteen years of age; also Port Clinton Normal School. In 1884 he attended the Spencerian Business College, Cleveland, Ohio, one term, and in 1885 entered into partnership with H. J. Rohrs, in the hardware business, at Port Clinton. In July, 1887, he bought out his partner. On December 26, 1888, he was united in marriage with Mary J. Richardson, of Port Clinton, Ohio, daughter of David and Pauline (Adelman) Richardson, and their children are: Jessie Rhea and Ralph, born in 1889 and 1891 respectively. Socially, our subject is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P. (in which he has passed all the Chairs) and National Union. Politically he is a Democrat. DAVID B. LOVE, member of the firm of Buckland & Love, Attorneys at Law, Fremont, Sandusky county, is a native of Ohio, and was born January 15, 1859, in Harrison county. George Love, his father, was a native: of Belmont county, Ohio, born in 1827, and while a mere boy removed with his. mother to Harrison county, where, after receiving all the educational advantages of the common schools, he followed farming, and in 1856 was. married to Barbara. Barclay, daughter of David and Elizabeth. Barclay, who were among the early pioneers of Harrison county. Both are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and still reside on the old 'home-. stead in Harrison county, where the father has held and filled various offices of pub-. lic trust. His father, Capt. George Love, served with distinction in the war of 1812 under General Harrison. David B. Love, the subject of our 694 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sketch, was reared amid all the experiences of farm life, which, from the rolling surface and varied and fertile soils of his native county, afforded ample opportunities for acquiring not only a general knowledge of this, but also of all kindred industries. He received his elementary education at the common schools of the neighborhood of his boyhood home, and the village schools of Moorefield, Ohio, working on the farm during the spring, summer and fall seasons, and attending school in the winter until he was nineteen years of age. He then attended Franklin College, at New Athens, Ohio, for two years, teaching school between terms in his home district, in order to pay for his college instruction. For the purpose of specially fitting himself for the profession of teaching, he later entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, where he spent four years, completed the University course, and graduated with honor, with the class of '85, receiving the degree of M. A. Before completing his course of studies, however, he decided to take up the study of law immediately after graduation; but upon the unsolicited recommendation of the President of the University, he was elected to the superintendency of the public schools of Oak Harbor, Ohio, which position he accepted and filled for two years, during which time he reorganized and graded the schools, outlined and secured the adoption, by the Board of Education, of an advanced course of study, and graduated the first class therefrom in 1887. To the credit of Mr. Love it can be said that the educational interests of Oak Harbor received an impetus in the right direction. Having decided to make the legal profession his future life work, he then removed to Fremont and renewed his legal studies, to which he had given considerable attention while teaching, in the office of Finefrock & Dudrow. In December, 1890, he was admitted to the bar, and at once opened an office for the practice of law, in which he continued alone until October, 1892, when he became associated with Horace S. Buckland, under the firm name of Buckland & Love. This firm will be dissolved in May, 1896, by reason of the election of Mr. Buckland to the office of Common Pleas Judge. Mr. Love in his political preferences is a Republican, but does not court political distinction; he has been for two years Chairman of the county Republican Executive Committee. In 1894 he was elected a member of the city Board of Education for one year, and in 1895 was reelected for two years. He still retains his interest in educational matters, and this, coupled with his former experience as a teacher and superintendent of schools, has rendered his counsel valuable in the recent educational reforms instituted by the Board of Education. In 1888, at Mt. Gilead, Ohio, Mr. Love was married to Miss Josephine S. Wood, daughter of Asa M. and Eliza J. Wood. Four children have been born to them: D. Ewing, Esther Josephine, Anna Maree and C. Wendell. Mrs. Love graduated from the Mt. Gilead public schools, and afterward attended the Ohio Normal University, and graduated in the classical course in 1883. Possessed of superior scholarship and ability, she was employed there as a teacher of Latin and mathematics until her marriage, when she resigned. During her career as a teacher at the University she acquired the reputation of being most thorough and successful, and received the degree of A. M. in 1886. Both Mr. and Mrs. Love are members of the Presbyterian Church, of the Sunday-school of which he was Superintendent for four years. In his profession Mr. Love's course is marked by caution, always advising settlements rather than suits, and at all times making his client's interests his own; and blessed with a genial disposition, a high sense of honor and correct habits, we predict for him a successful professional career. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 695 HERMAN BUNTE. Among the enterprising and prosperous citizens of Allen township, Ottawa county, is found the gentleman whose name here appears, and who, besides carrying on farming, is engaged in the manufacture of tiles and also coopers' material. Mr. Bunte is a native of the " Fatherland," having been born in Hanover, Germany, October 18, 1849, a son of William and Mary (Hebbeler) Bunte, both also natives of Hanover, who had a family of nine children, six of whom are living, as follows: Mary, wife of Henry Gerkensmyer, residing in Clay township; Henry, who lives in Woodville, Sandusky county; Herman, our subject; 'William, who lives at Curtis, in Allen township; Annie, wife of Herman Strautman, re siding in Clay township; and Louis, who lives in Allen township. The father is still living, near Williston, Allen township, but the mother passed away July 26, 1891. Our subject received his education in the district schools of his native county, and spent his boyhood upon his father's farm. In 1866 he accompanied the family to America, where they settled in Woodville township, Sandusky Co., this State. Here he was engaged in farming for thirteen years, and in 1879 removed to the section of Clay township which is now Allen township, where he has since carried on agricultural pursuits. Not content to confine his energies to one branch of business, Mr. Bunte entered upon the manufacture of tiles, in which he has been so successful as to place him among the leading manufacturers of this part of the county. Later he still further extended his operations by going into the lumber business in Centre township, Wood county, where he owns and operates a mill for furnishing boards and other material for the use of coopers. In this as well as in other ventures he has been remarkably successful, a result due to his industry, progressive - 44 - ideas and excellent judgment. Mr. Bunte was married in Covington, Ky., December 18, 1884, to Sarah Philena, daughter of William and Mary (Roberts) King. No children have been born of this marriage. Mr. Bunte is a stanch Democrat, and is interested in all that pertains to the growth and upbuilding of the community in which he resides. He and his wife are worthy members of the Lutheran Church, and command the respect and esteem of their neighbors. CYRUS ELLITHORPE, a fruit grower of Catawba Island township, Ottawa county, was the first white child born on Kelley's Island, the date of his birth being October 15, 1832. When about three years old, he removed with his parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Neal) Ellithorpe, to Danbury township, Ottawa county (then a part of Huron county, however,), and four years later came to what is now Catawba Island township. Here he received such a limited education as was obtainable in those days in the old log schoolhouse with its slab seats, and like the majority of boys of that date was early inured to the arduous duties of farm life. He has always devoted a portion of his time to agricultural pursuits, and during the spring and fall for fourteen years was also engaged in fishing on Lake Erie, but of late years his chief occupation has been fruit culture. On September 10, 1867, Mr. Ellithorpe was married on Catawba Island to Miss Emma Reynolds, born August 23, 1850, a daughter of Andrew S. and Adeline (Stevens) Reynolds, who located on Catawba Island in 1855, where the mother still resides; the father passed away June 20, 1892. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ellithorpe have come ten children, namely: Cora I. , born July 7, 1868, now the wife of Thurman Leslie, of Toledo, Ohio; Orrin 696 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. A., born April 11, 1870, was married October 25, 1894, to May Tompson, of Port Clinton, Ohio, and they reside on Catawba Island; Marion R., born February 5, 1872, now the wife of Herman Mierke, of Fremont, Ohio; Myra E., born April t0, 1875, wife of William Hyde, residing near Lacarne, Erie township, Ottawa county; William P., born June 16, 1877, still under the parental roof; Asa A., born January t0, 1881; Charles R., born February 23, 1883; Pearl B., born March 4, 1885; Lloyd R., born April 22, 1889, died January 31, 1892; and Mildred A., born May 28, 1892. In May, 1864, Mr. Ellithorpe enlisted in the service of his country as a onehundred-day man and was attached to Company K, One Hundred and Thirtynitnh 0. V. I. He did guard duty at Point Lookout, Md., and on the expiration of his term of service received an honorable discharge; he now holds membership with George H. McRitchie Post, No. 524, G. A. R. Politically he is an ardent Republican. Mr. Ellithorpe can well be classed among the most prosperous and successful fruit growers of the Island, his orchards being among the best cultivated and most productive in his section of the country. He is a man of unassuming manner, and he and his family are held in high esteem as neighbors and friends. PETER BETTS devotes his time and energies to fruit growing on Put in Bay Island, where he is a highly-esteemed citizen. His name is almost a household word, so widely is he known and so highly is he respected. He was born in Lycoming county, Penn., April 20, 1832, and is a son of the late Peter and Mary (Stinger) Betts, who were also natives of the Keystone State. There they spent their entire lives and passed peacefully away at the old homestead in Lycoming county. Their union was blessed with a family of eleven children, four of whom are still living: Sarah, widow of Joseph Mackey, a resident of Missouri; Charles, who is residing on the old home farm in Pennsylvania; Peter, subject of this sketch, and Ellis, a resident of Kansas. In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and the duties of the farm left him little spare time in which to procure even a limited education, but in the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons, and reading, observation and contact with the world have made him a well-informed man, and given him the important position in the com munity which he now fills. In 1855 he bade adieu to his old home and migrated to Iowa, locating in Chickasaw county, where he was manager of a sawmill for more than four years. In 1859 he left the Hawkeye State, and took up his residence in Huron county, Ohio, where for three years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the fall of 1862 Mr. Betts removed to Put in Bay Island, and for thirty-three years has been a constant resident of that place, extensively engaged in the cultivation of fruit. He raises fine varieties, and the care and labor which he bestows upon his orchard command for its fine products a good. price on the market, Mr. Betts has been twice married, first time to Mary Jane Mackey, the mar riage being celebrated in Lycoming county, Penn., December I, 1854. Of the four children born of this union, two died in infancy; Sarah Catherine is now the wife of J. V. Hitchcock, a resident. of Cleveland, Ohio, and Oscar resides on Put in Bay Island. Mrs. Betts died August 20, 1862, in Huron county, Ohio, and Mr. Betts, for his second wife, married, on Put in Bay Island, March 17, 1864, Miss Saphroni Hughes, who was. born in Lexington, Mich., a daughter of Capt. James and Helen (Ellsworth), COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 697 Hughes. When Mrs. Saphroni Betts was about seven years old her father removed with his family from Lexington, Mich., to Manitowoc, Wis., to make their home there, and Mrs. Betts resided there until 1863, when she came to Put in Bay. Capt. James Hughes, father of Mrs. Betts, sailed on the lakes for about twenty-five years, and most of the time sailed the Transit, one of the Goodrich steamers His residence was at Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Mr. Betts is a progressive citizen, manifesting a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community and its upbuilding. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and for eleven years has efficiently served his township in office. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Episcopal Church, and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who hold them in high regard. DAVID LONG. None but the old pioneers and their families know of the toil and the hardships undergone by the early settlers of the country, and none have experienced more of these than the subject of this sketch, who is the oldest settler in Clay township, Ottawa county. Mr. Long was born in Medina county, April 24, 1830, whence he moved with his parents, in 1836, to Hardin county, where he attended school for a few winter terms in the log schoolhouse of that day, with its puncheon floor, slab seats, and greased paper for windows. The schools were few and far between, and the advantages for learning very limited. In the summer seasons he assisted his father upon the farm. When he was fourteen years old, his father purchased a farm in Clay township, all of which was covered with timber. Here the young lad worked with his brother and father, until attaining his majority, when he started out for himself, buying eighty acres of timber land. He at once set to work clearing off the trees, planting corn and sowing wheat as fast as the soil was prepared. For many years he had to carry his grain a long distance by ox-team to be ground. After several years of hard struggle and toil, Mr. Long managed to bring his land up to its present high state of cultivation, and is now reaping the benefits of his early labors, On February 20, 1865, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Eighty-ninth Ohio Infantry, under the command of Col. H. D. Kingsbury and Capt. Lakeman, and was at Nashville, Tenn., when he was made cook for his company. He received his discharge September 13, 1865, and returned home, resuming work upon his farm and building a fine residence, barns, and making other needed improvements. On March 13, 1853, Mr. Long was married, at Genoa, this State, to Miss Abbie, a daughter of Andrew and Margaret Snider, of Clay township, and of their union seven children have been born, of whom the following record has been given: (1) David S. was born August 11, 1855, in Clay township, where he received his education; he was married to Miss May Sheets, August 11, 1893, and resides at Coleman, Mich., where he is engaged in the manufacture of potash; they have one child. (2) Sarah A., born January 31, 1858, was educated in Genoa; in 1875 was married to A. Shantan, and they had one daughter, Priscilla Shantan ; after three years' married life Mr. and Mrs. Shantan separated, and September 4, 1895, she married Charles Reef, who is doing business in Toledo. (3) Harriet A., born November 28, 1862, was married April 24, 1882, to John Englehart, a manufacturer of potash at Woodville, Sandusky county; they are the parents of six children—Lizzie, Laura, Frederick, Charles, Clarence and John. (4) Mary S., born February 5, 1866, was educated in the public schools of Clay township, and was married December 23, 1886, to Edward 698 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Schneider, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, March 7, 1864; he is a son of Frederick Schneider, a cooper, and after attending school there for some years, learned the coopering business, afterward taking up that of stave cutting; he is now working his father-in-law's farm; three children have been born of this union—Frederick D., born May 6, 1888; Abbie C., born December 8, 1889; and Earl C., born January 21, 1894. (5) Charles A. Long was born August 8, 1870, in Clay township, where he attended school; he was married, March 12, 1895, to Miss Rosie Sheffield, at Coleman, Mich., where he resides, being employed as engineer in a factory. (6) William Edward was born September 22, 1865, and died in January, 1867; one child died in infancy. Louis Long, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania in 1803, came to Hardin, Ohio, and located in Medina county, where he was married to Julia Delong, who was also a native of Pennsylvania. Twelve children were born to them, as follows : David, Jacob, Powell, Catherine, Lewis, May, Joseph, Andrew, Julia, and three who died in infancy. Mr. Long removed to Hardin county, and afterward to Ottawa county, in March, 1846, settling in Clay township, where he carried on farming until his death, in 1874. His wife died four years previous. They were beloved and respected by all who knew them. Andrew Snider, father of Mrs. David Long, was born in Pennsylvania, where he carried on farming and also weaving. He married Margaret Laudenstine, and to them eight children were born—five sons and three daughters, viz. : Eliza, Sophia, Daniel, Andrew (a sketch of whom is given elsewhere), Henry, Edward, Hannah and Abigail, the latter becoming the wife of our subject. Mr. Snider farmed for several years in Medina county, this State, afterward coming to Clay township, where he died in 1876, his wife passing away in 1882. Francis S. Lutman, nephew of our subject, and who is at present residing with his uncle, was born in Mulberry, Wood Co., Ohio, September 23, 1862, and is the son of the late George L. Lutman, a merchant at Mulberry. Francis studied for the ministry under the tutorship of the Rev. D. Calkins, of Mulberry, but on account of ill health has had to give it up for a time. He hopes soon to be able to resume his studies, and in the meantime has a license to perform ministerial duties. The subject of this sketch held the office of school director for thirty years, and was one of the few who helped to establish his neighborhood. He helped to form the church at East Toledo, and worked for several years in Toledo when it had but a few houses. The family belong to the Lutheran Church, and in politics Mr. Long is a Democrat. Mr, and Mrs. Long are both enjoying a hale and hearty old age, surrounded by their children, able to look after their own affairs, and proud of the development of Clay township in which they have borne an important part. CHARLES F. HOLDER, landowner and agriculturist of Allen township, Ottawa county, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, December 31, 1847. He was a son of Christian and Annie (Miller) Holder, both natives of that country, and who with their family emigrated to America when Charles was ten years old, locating on a farm at Fremont, Sandusky county, Ohio. Here the boy assisted his father in farm work, during the summer, and in winter attended the district school, carrying on the studies begun in the public schools of his native land, until he was thirteen years old. Then, becoming tired of the monotonous life of a farmer's boy, he determined to see something more of the great world, and shipped as a cabin COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 699 boy on one of the lake vessels. For eighteen years he followed the life of a seaman during the summer season, spending the winter months in cutting railroad ties, staves, spokes, etc. , during which years he worked his way up from a cabin boy to captain. During the last three years of his sea-faring career, he commanded the schooners " Heatherbell " and " Bessie," sailing on Lakes Erie, Michigan and Huron. By industry and frugality, Mr. Holder acquired enough money to purchase, in 1881, a tract of forty acres of land in Salem township, Ottawa Co., this State, part of which was cleared. This he finished clearing, but the attraction of the water was still too strong for him and he sold the place and again became a sailor, going out as commander of the " Bessie," and taking his wife and three children with him. He remained on this vessel one year, when he came to Allen (then Clay) township, and purchased eighty acres of land, the larger part of which was in a wild state. A small log cabin was on the place, and into this Mr. Holder moved with his family. With the help of his brave wife he went to work with a will to clear off the timber and bring the land under cultivation, succeeding, after years of hard toil, in redeeming it from the wilderness and making of it a valuable property. He planted orchards and vines as well as fields of grain, and built a dwelling house, barns and outhouses, all of which stand as monuments to the enterprising and progressive ideas of the man, and to-day he is enjoying the fruits of his labor. He afterward bought thirty-five acres of land, almost cleared, near his first location, for which he paid upward of $1,500, besides spending hundreds of dollars in clearing and improving it. Mr. Holder was married June 18, 1873, to Lousia, daughter of Casper and Christiana (Plumkhorne) Whittaker, the former a native of Switzerland, the latter of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Holder have been born five children, all of whom are living; Charles C. F., born August 31, 1874; William J., November 4, 1875; Frank J., January 31, 1879; Ida M., October 18, 1881; and Ella C., June 25, 1885. All the children have been educated in the public schools of Allen township, and the boys assist their father on the farm. Christian Holder, the father of our subject, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, in September, 1804. He married and became the father of five children, four of whom with his wife died of consumption. He again married, Annie Miller becoming his wife, and to them five children were born. John, the eldest of this union born in Germany, August 15, 1846, was married in Fremont, this State, to Miss Fannie Phiper, and died in April, 1891; he became the father of three children: Albert, Clara R. L., and Lizzie G. Christian Holder emigrated with his family to this country in 1857 and settled in Sandusky county, where, after undergoing many trials and hardships, he succeeded, with the help of his sons, in bringing his swampy land under a high state of cultivation. Here he lived and worked for twenty-five years, gaining the esteem and respect of his neighbors. On October J0, 1882, while crossing the railroad track near his home, he was struck by an engine and instantly killed. His wife died some four years previous, in 1878. Casper Whittaker, father of the wife of our subject, was born in Switzerland in 1817, and was a carriage builder by occupation. He came to this country when a young man, and settled in Sandusky county, where he followed his trade for some years, after which he farmed in Riley township, that county, until his death June 15, 1885. He was married to Christiana Plumkhorne, a native of Germany, and to them eleven children were born, of whom the following survive: