700 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. John, born April 5, 1857, is a farmer at Fremont; Louisa, born July 24, 1858, is the wife of our subject; Albert, born June 25, 1861, is a farmer of Allen township; Rosa, born in July, 1868, married March 4, 1879, and lives in Wood county. Mr. Holder is a man who has the welfare of the community at heart, and is deeply interested in the cause of education. He was one of the few who aided in the establishment of public schools in Allen township, and has held the office of a school director for the past twelve years. In his political views he is a Democrat, and, socially, belongs to Genoa Lodge, No. 584, I. O. O. F., and also to the Truants Lodge, a German organization. The family attend the Lutheran Church, and stand high in the estimation of their fellow citizens. ANDREW FEILBACH is a worthy representative of the business interests of Elmore, Ottawa county, and having a wide acquaintance in the community we feel assured that the record of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers. He was born in Sandusky county December 13, 1854, and comes of German origin. His father, Philip Feilbach, was born in Prussia, November 11, 1813, and while in that country engaged in the milling and bakery business. The year 1852 witnessed his emigration to America. He located first in Sandusky City, Ohio, where he worked in a lumber yard for a time, and then removed to Sandusky county, where he purchased a farm, cleared and developed the land, and made a valuable farming property and fine home. For six years he was also extensively engaged in the stave business. He passed away at his home in Sandusky county, March 30, 1893, and was buried in the Guss Cemetery at Elmore. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Steinborn, was born in Prussia, January 24, 1825; they were married in 1843, and reared a family of nine children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Caroline, January 15, 1845; Margaret, March 16, 1847; Christian, March 31, 1850; Jacob H., December 24, 1852; Andrew, December 13, 1854; Catherine, July 4, 1857; Emma May, October 23, 1859; Charles, August 23-, 1862; and Philip, April 17, 1868. All but Margaret are still living. Andrew Steinborn, father of Mrs. Philip Feilbach, mother of Andrew Feilbach, was born in Brumberg, in 1795. Our subject remained for thirty-four years in the county of his nativity. His educational advantages were limited to the privileges afforded by the district schools, but his training at farm labor was not meagre. At the age of twenty he rented his father's farm and began life for himself, operating that place some fourteen years. As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey he wedded Miss Bertha Beck, who was born in Ottawa county, the wedding being celebrated October I, 1876. She was born at Port Clinton, September 14, 1857, and when a child her parents went to Sandusky county, where she lived until her marriage. Her father, Joseph Beck, was born in Switzerland, December 14, 1822, and in the city of Sandusky was married. His wife was born in the same country, April 13, 1827, and came to America in 185I. Their children, ten in number, were Emma, Hermina, Bertha, Frank, George, Julia, Edward, Fred, William and Charles. Of the family six are yet living. The parents of Mrs. Beck were both born in Switzerland on April 7, 1804, and were baptised at the same time. Her father was a carpenter by trade, and in 1852 crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in the city of Sandusky, Ohio, where they lived some six years, removing then to Washington township, Sandusky county. There the father died in 1884; the mother is still living on the old home farm. Her COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 701 father, John Witmer, was born in May, 1804, in Switzerland, and was a farmer and carpenter; his wife was born in the same country in 1804; they became the parents of six children. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Beck, John Heinzger, was born in Switzerland, in 1769, and his wife in 1781. Frank Beck, the grandfather of Mrs. Feilbach, was born in the same country in 1790, and made farming his life work. He married Barbara Weber, whose birth occurred there in 1808, and in their family were ten children. On March 4, 1889, our subject removed with his family to Elmore, where for a year he conducted a meat market. Selling out, he then joined his brother in the grocery and crockery business, which they still conduct, enjoying an extensive trade. He is an enterprising successful bnsiness man, and Elmore numbers him among its respected citizens. In politics, Mr. Feilbach is a Republican, and is now serving his second term as a member of the board of education, taking a deep and commendable interest in all that pertains to the public schools and to the welfare of the community. Our subject and his wife have three children: Clara, born December 29, 1879; George, born March 25, 1882; and Mable, born September 14, 1888, died October 18, 1892, and laid to rest in the Guss Cemetery at Elmore. DAVID AMES, a son of Lysander Leeds and Mary Ann (Barnhart) Ames, was born June 29, 1853, in Harris township, Ottawa county, where he lived until twenty-one years of age, receiving a literary education in the public school of the district. At twelve o'clock (noon) of his twenty-first birthday David Ames started in life for himself, hiring out by the month that afternoon to a Mr. Chapman, for whom he worked two months. Mr. Ames was united in marriage April 18, 1875, with Miss Adella Ingraham, of Sandusky county; then rented a farm in Woodville township, in that county, where they lived until 1879. They then went to Kansas and took 160 acres of land from the government; sold it at the end of two years, and moved to Iowa, where they remained one year. Mr. Ames then returned with his family to his old home, and worked his father's farm two years. They then removed to Elmore, Harris township, Ottawa county, where he engaged in sawmill work, in which occupation he continued for some time. In 1881 he went to Graytown, Benton township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, and settled on the " Ames farm," owned by his brother, Lyman Ames, which he has worked for the past four years. Mr. and Mrs. David Ames have had seven children, as follows: Welby, born December 8, 1876; Milo, October 2, 1877; Edith, April 6, 1879; John, February 28, 1881; Clarence, February 9, 1883; Ada Belle, October 29, 1888; and Otto George, May 29, 1890. Of these Milo died September 29, 1878, aged eleven months and twenty-seven days; Ada Belle died June 15, 1891, aged two years, seven months and seventeen days; Otto George died July 7, 1891, aged one year, one month and nine days. The other children are at home, and attending the public schools of Graytown and Elliston, in Benton township, excepting Welby, who has been at Elmore, Harris township, for one year fitting himself for the profession of teacher. Mrs. Ames is daughter of Joseph C. and Harriet E. (Morse) Ingraham, and was born September 16, 1858, in Woodville township, Sandusky county, where she lived during her girlhood days, attending the public schools there. Her father was born in 1825; her mother on September 20, 1829, in Pennsylvania, and died September 4, 1878. They had seven children, five of whom are still living. The parents of David Ames, Lysander L. and Mary Ann Ames, celebrated their 702 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. golden wedding March 14, 1889. Lysander L. Ames was born in New York State April t0, 1812; came to Seneca county, Ohio, when nineteen years of age, and three years later moved to Ottawa county, where he afterward lived. On March 14, 1839, he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Barnhart, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, February 12, 1820. In Ottawa county Lysander Ames cleared and made for himself and his estimable wife a fine home, at which place they both died. They purchased their home near Elmore, eighty acres of land, for one hundred dollars, and when they died it was worth five thousand dollars. The farm was deeded to Mr. Ames from the government, had never changed hands during his lifetime, and they had made one of the finest homes in Ottawa county. This sketch would be unsatisfactory to Mr. David Ames and his children without some account of how he once made two dollars and a half. It was before the stone pike was built, and he had gone to Fremont with a wagon and two yoke of oxen to lay in a supply of necessaries for the household. The roads were very muddy, and just this side of Fremont he was overtaken by a man with a team of horses and a loaded wagon. They spoke, and inquired each other's destination, and the man with the horses expressed his regret that his fellow traveler had not horses instead of cattle to his wagon, so that they might bear each other company, but as he had not he must drive on. They bade each other good-bye, but Mr. Ames told the man that he (Mr. Ames) would be far behind by the time they reached Woodville, when he would leave that road for his home. All went well until, nearing the Muskalonge creek, the oxen stuck fast in an enormous mud hole, and could not budge an inch. The man ahead with the horses went through all right, and offered to hitch on ahead of the oxen and help them out, which he did. Mr. Ames was about to thank the stranger for his kindness when he asked for fifty cents to pay for assistance. This being paid, they had not gone far when the horse-team got stuck, and Mr. Ames helped them out, and got back his fifty cents. But before reaching Woodville he was obliged to assist the man with the horse-team five different times, thus receiving two dollars and a half for his labor! JAMES W. SADDORIS, a well-known, highly-respected and progressive agriculturist of Carroll township, Ottawa county, is a native of the same, having been born February 2, 1854. Elias and Melissa E. (Root) Saddoris, parents of our subject, were the parents of five children, a brief record of whom is as follows : James W. is the eldest ; Albert W. was born January 6, 1856, and still lives in Carroll township ; Mary E., born September 6, 1859, is now the wife of James W. Floro, and living at Port Clinton, Ohio ; Theodore E., born November 5, 1861, died March 21, [863 ; and Eunice A., born February 13, 1864, died February 2, 1867. The father of this family died February 28, 1865, at Savannah, Ga., while in the service of the United States army. George Saddoris, grandfather of our subject, was born in Germany January 22, 1778, and Sarah W., his wife, was born, October 6, 1786. While yet a boy he came to Ohio with his parents and died July 2, 1848, his wife, Sarah W., having preceded him to the grave February 27, 1840. Our subject received his education in the district schools of the neighborhood of his home. His entire life has been spent in his native township, and since an early age he has been engaged in the honorable occupation of farming. When he was but thirteen years of age he became a farm hand in the employ of Dan and Ozila Davenport (first cousins to the Saddoris family), and remained with them COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 703 about seven years, or until his marriage. He says they were very kind to him, as much as if they had been father and mother to him. Mr. Saddoris is now owner of the farm formerly owned by E. P. Ryan: He is a man of sterling integrity, and, though never aspiring to office, takes an active interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his township and county. In Carroll township, December 28, 1873, he married Miss Mary Rudiforth, a daughter of Michael and Alice (Hornby) Rudiforth, the former of whom was born November 27, 1823, in Holme, Yorkshire, England, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Smith) Rudiforth. Michael Rudiforth was married July 5, 1850, at Skipsea, Yorkshire, to Miss Alice Hornby, who was born in Barmston, same county, in June, 1831. In 1858 Michael Rudiforth emigrated with his family to the United States and located at Avon, Lorain Co., Ohio. To him and his wife were born twelve children, as follows: Elizabeth, born October 11, 1852, married to John Wilder, and now living in Clinton, Missouri; Robert, born September 9, 1854, his present place of residence not known; Mary (wife of our subject) and Ann Whipple (twins), born July 30, 1856, both residents of Ottawa Co., Ohio; Selena, born August 21, 1858, married to Charles Beinard, of Lodi, Ohio; Eliza, born September 4, 1860; Albert Victory and Alice Victoria (twins), born July 29, 1862, the latter being now the wife of Charles Eglier; Jessie, born October 28, 1864, married to Steven Brisbin; Frank, born October 8, 1869; Jennie Lind, born February 12, 1872, married John Nixon; and Herbert Lincoln, born December 10, 1874. On November 19, 1861, Michael Rudiforth enlisted in the U. S. army; was discharged from the service July 13, 1865, and on the 25th of the same month he settled in Ottawa county. To James W. and Mary (Rudiforth) Saddoris were born seven children, their names and dates of birth, etc., being as follows: Alice M., February 8, 1875, now the wife of Solomon King, of Allen township, Ottawa Co., Ohio; Ada M., born August 20, 1876; Eva L., August 20, 1878; Clarence E., February 26, 1882, died December 14, 1893; Robert W., November 19, 1888; Mary, March 18, 1892, died March 4, 1894; and Elias B., June 13, 1884, died November 13, 1893. Socially, Mr. Saddoris is a prominent member of the Knights of Honor, Knights of the Maccabees, and Sons of Veterans.. Politically, he is a straight out-and-out Republican, always giving his support to that party, while in religious belief he and his family are identified with the United Brethren Church. AUGUST BREDBECK, a wide-awake and enterprising fruit grower and stock-raiser of Danbury township, Ottawa county, was born July 17, 1853, on the farm where he still resides, and is a son of Gerd and Marguerite (Busch) Bredbeck, natives of Germany, the father born October 12, 1812, and the mother August 15, 1816. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Henry Busch, and both her parents died when she was a child. About 1830 she came to America, locating in New York City, where, in July, 1839, she was united in marriage with Mr. Bredbeck, and they became the parents of the following children: Christina, born June 12, 1840, became the wife of F. L. Roth, and passed away January 14, 1888; Henry, born September 7, 1842, is a prominent resident of Danbury township; Anna Marguerite, born December 2, 1844, died August 25, 1847; Mary Ann, born August 6, 1847, is the widow of William Von Sack, and resides in Sandusky City, Ohio; George, born February 13, 1850, also lives in Sandusky City; Edward, born March 10, 1852, died on the 24th of the same month; August is next in order of 704 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. birth; and Amelia J., born April 22, 1858, is the wife of Edward Tredor, of Cleveland, Ohio. Midst play and work the early days of August Bredbeck were passed in much the usual manner of most farmer lads, and his literary education was obtained in the district schools common at that date. Since early life lie has devoted his time and energy to general farming and stock-raising, while of late years he has also been interested in fruit culture, and ranks among the most successful and prominent agriculturists of the township. In Danbury township, July 16, 1881, he married Miss Anna S. D. Winters, who was born July 1, 1860, in Danbury township, a daughter of Herman and Ann (Harms) Winters, both natives of the province of Hanover, Germany, the former born October 8, 1830. About the year 1849 her father emigrated to America, and the same year he located in Danbury township, where he has since followed farming. Here, in 1859, he married Miss Harns, who had come to the New World about the same time as her husband, and by their union ten children were born, all of whom are still living, as follows: Mina, wife of George Bredbeck, of Oak Harbor, Ottawa county; Anna S. D., the honored wife of our subject; Mary, wife of Thomas Lanum, of Oak Harbor; Christine, wife of James McCallum, of the State of Washington; Herman, of Toledo, Ohio; Henry, who resides in Danbury township; Emma, wife of William Collins, of Benton township, Ottawa county; and John, Edward and Andrew, all living on the old homestead farm. The mother of this family departed this life in Danbury township, February 9, '881. To Mr. and Mrs. Bredbeck were born four children as follows: Walter B., March 2, 1883; Agnes I., September 28, 1886; Ada M., De10,ber 3, 1889; and Ralph A., December 1o, 1891. In his political views, Mr. Bredbeck is a stalwart Democrat, and he and his family at tend the Lutheran Church. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, readily endorsing any project culculated to stimulate the development and prosperity of his township and county. He is generous and affable, his sympathies expressing themselves in kindness to friends and in charities where they are merited. It may truthfully be said of him, that in all the relations of life in which he is called upon to act, he is trustworthy and honest. His habits of industry and application to business show themselves in his neat surroundings and well-kept orchards, and he enjoys the esteem and confidence of all his friends and neighbors. On his farm near the shores of Sandusky Bay there are the remains of an old Indian fortification, which he keeps unmolested from the ravages of the plow and harrow, and which is an object of considerable curiosity—one of the old landmarks of the days when the noble Red man held full possession of this section of the country. T. C. WHITEHEAD, one of the honored and respected citizens of Clyde, Sandusky county, was born November 23, 1850, in Gosden, Cambridgeshire, England, and is a son of Joseph and Matilda (Albon) Whitehead, both natives of that locality. When our subject was four months old he was brought to the United States, by his parents, who located on a farm in Townsend township, Sandusky county, where they purchased the farm later owned by the father of our subject, who there resided until his retirement from active life, when he came to Clyde. Here he died February 10, 1891, at the advanced age of eighty years. The mother's death occurred in Townsend township. Their union had been blessed with seven children: Sarah Ann, who married Herman Howe, and lived in Sandusky county until after the death of her husband; Joseph, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 705 a resident of Townsend township, Sandusky county; Samuel, who was a member of Company K, One Hundredth O. V. I., during the Civil war, was wounded at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., and died soon afterward; William, who was a soldier in the one-hundred-day service, and died below Washington, D. C. ; George, who lives in Henry county, Ohio; Bessie, now the wife of James Fuller, of Townsend township, and our subject. T. C. Whitehead was reared to manhood in Townsend township, where he attended the common schools, later becoming a student in the schools of Hillsdale, Mich., where he pursued his studies for a few terms. He then took charge of the old homestead. For many years he was engaged in dealing in horses, and besides those raised on his oven farm he bought and sold others, shipping principally to New York City, Jersey City, and Cleveland; he dealt both in carriage horses and roadsters. He has three stallions and some fine trotters; one trotter, four years old, made a record of 2:25 at Newburg, Ohio, last year, and was sold for $1,300. He also sold a three-year-old filly, " Josephine," for $825.00 at public sale in Cleveland; also one team of five-year-old colts for $700.00 to a party in New Jersey, and one pair of four-year-olds going to Baltimore, Md., besides several other horses at good prices. Mr. Whitehead now has a pacer, " Solarion," which he expects to rival any horse he has ever possessed, already having a mark of 15 1/2. He made his home upon the farm until 1891, when he erected his present fine residence in Clyde. He now gives special attention to trotting and pacing horses, and is considered one of the best judges of those animals in Sandusky county. Mr. Whitehead has been twice married, first time to Miss Gina Gibbs, and after her death to Belle Powell, of Oneida, Knox Co., Ills. Two children blessed their union: Earl Monte, born July 3, 1887, 4 now eight years of age; and Cleopatra, born in 1892, now three years old. Mr. Whitehead has the reputation of being a strictly first-class business man, reliable and energetic, and is a citizen of whom Clyde may be justly proud. Politically, he gives his adherence to the Republican party; socially, he is a member of the Royal Arcanum. NICOLAI NISSEN. The success which almost invariably attends the young emigrant from Germany, who comes to our shores armed with good health and a knowledge of some trade, can not fail of remark, and is indicative of the steady habits, economy, thrift and industry of that people. It would be well, perhaps, if the youth of America were to profit by the example set them, and emulate their foreign brothers in some of these traits of character. The cry of " hard times " would surely be heard less frequently, and fewer business failures would occur. In the gentleman whose name opens this sketch, and who is one of the leading merchants of Port Clinton, Ottawa county, we see one of the men who from a small beginning built up an enviable trade, and who from their merits take .a. prominent place in the community. Mr. Nissen's father, whose name was Nis Thomas, was a farmer in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, born in 1809, and died in 1876, at the age of sixty-seven years. His mother, born in 1806, died in 1853, at Stadum, Schleswig, Germany, at the age of forty-seven years. Her maiden name was Trinke Dorothea. The family of this worthy couple comprised five children: Matthias, Carsten, Marie, Catherina, and Nicolai. Our subject attended school in his youthful days, as all children are required to do in Germany, and obtained a good common-school education. He then learned the trade of a shoemaker, and when twen- 706 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ty-four years old emigrated to America, landing at New York, from there coming to Sandusky, and later to Port Clinton. Here he went to work at his trade, and after seven years was enabled to commence business for himself. He lived for one year (1866-67) in Michigan, then returned to Port Clinton. For a couple of years he had partners in his business, but since that time has carried on operations alone. He began in a small way where Payne's drug store now stands. He erected the brick block, that now occupies the place, which he afterward sold, purchasing the building in which his store is now located. Here he carries on an extensive business, and is constantly increasing his facilities for trade. Mr. Nissen was married, October 18, 1870, to Miss Theresa Eybsen, who was born in New York City, April 2, 1853. Seven children were born to this union, four of whom are living—August, Frank, Charles and Rosa—and three are deceased—William (who died when two years old), Julia and Matilda. Of this interesting family, August, the eldest, born September 5, 1872, is now an United States army officer. He was a cadet at West Point, and after hard study succeeded in graduating on June 12, 1895, standing No. 20 out of a class of fifty-two. Immediately after graduating he received a furlough of three months, which he spent at his home in Port Clinton, and while there received his commission as an officer, and was assigned to the Sixth U. S. Cavalry, at Fort Myer, Virginia, near Washington, D. C., where at the present time he is discharging his duties. Frank, the next son, w ho is at home, has assumed the management of his father's business, and in time will, probably, become a partner, and then successor to the present firm. Although at present but twenty-one years of age, he has a thorough knowledge of the shoe business, and has that energy which tends to increase instead of decline. Charles and Rosa, the two younger children, are still attending school, and Charles will graduate in '96, Rosa in '97. In politics, Mr. Nissen is a good Democrat, and is active in work for his party. In religious faith, he is a Lutheran, a member of that Church, and takes an interest in whatever tends to upbuild the community in which he lives. He is the leading boot and shoe dealer in Port Clinton, and is highly respected for his integrity and excellent business qualifications. THEODORE S. PORTER, a thorough and skillful farmer and fruit grower of Catawba Island township, Ottawa county, is a native of Connecticut, born in Bethel December 4, 1860. His parents, Charles J. and Hannah A. (Wilkes) Porter, were likewise born in Connecticut, and still make their home in that State, being residents of Bethel, where the father holds the position of postmaster. In the family were six children, of whom Lewis died when about nineteen years of age; those living are Frederick N., Frank W., Theodore S., George A. and John L., all, with the exception of our subject, residing in Connecticut. As a farmer boy, Theodore S. Porter was reared to manhood, receiving a fair education in the public schools of his native town, and when he had arrived at the age of twenty-two he left home, going to Dakota, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for about four years. In 1886 he returned to Bethel, Conn., and there learned the trade of a hat finisher, which occupation he followed until 1890. In that year he became a resident of Catawba Island township, Ottawa county, where he is now engaged in fruit growing. On December 23, 1890, on Catawba Island, he was married to Miss Sarah Porter, a daughter of Wheeler and Flora H. (Bearss) Porter, and one child has come to bless their union—Charles Wheeler, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 707 born November 3, 1893. Wheeler Porter was the second white man to settle on Catawba Island, at that time (1833) called Huron township, afterward Van-Rensselaer township. He resided in three townships and three counties, and yet never moved off the farm where Mr. Porter now resides. Mr. Porter is a thorough Republican in his political views. Though a comparatively recent arrival in Ottawa county, he has made many friends by his straightforward and upright life, and is considered a valuable acquisition to the population. He is industrious and persevering, and at no distant day will rank among the most successful fruit growers of the Island. He has under construction a handsome dwelling, in which we hope that he and his most estimable wife may be long spared to pass their declining years. HENRY LAUDY. In this region of Ohio, so largely devoted to the growth of fine fruits, lived the gentleman whose name introduces this notice, and who was one of the most prominent and progressive agriculturists of the community. A native of the Province of Hanover, Germany, he was born about the year 1827, and in the land of his birth he passed the days of his boyhood and youth, no event of special importance occurring during that period. At the age of eighteen he bade adieu to the Fatherland, and crossing the Atlantic was for a number of years engaged in the grocery business in New York City. On leaving there he came to Ohio, and took up his resicence on Catawba Island, where he spent his remaining days. Mr. Laudy was married in New York, to Miss Elizabeth Libben, also a native of Hanover, and to their union were born six children (five of whom are still living): Henry, born in New York, July 14, 1856;. Annie, born in New York, June 14, 1858, now the widow of Jacob Pulschen, and a resident of Port Clinton, Ohio; John, born January 24, 1862; George, born June 20, 1863, and died January 25, 1893; Elizabeth, born October 8, 1867, now the wife of Haskel Spies, of Catawba Island; and Amanda, born November 6, 1869. The mother of this family passed away June 24, 1892, having survived her husband several years. Henry Laudy died February 28, 1885. He was a man of no small prominence in the community; served as township trustee and in other local offices, and by his ballot supported the men and measures of the Democratic party. HENRY LAUDY, JR. , who now carries on the farm, was only two years old when his parents made a trip to Europe for his health, there remaining for six months. He afterward returned to New York, and a year later the family came to Catawba Island, where he has since been engaged in fruit growing. He was married in Erie township, Ottawa county, June 26, 1888, to Miss Anna C. Ineichen, who was born in that township, September 29, 1864, and is a daughter of Alois and Mary (Beck) Ineichen, both of whom were natives of Switzerland, and came to America at an early day, locating in Erie township, where the father's death occurred, October 19, 1874; the mother died at Port Clinton, September 17, 1894. Two children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Laudy: Leo H., born February 5, 1892; and Florence M., born December 29, 1894. Mr. Laudy has served as town treasurer for about five years, and proved himself a competent and faithful officer. Socially, he is connected with Port Clinton Lodge, No. 627, I. O. O. F., and with Orchard Lodge, No. 60, Knights of the Maccabees. In his political views he is a Democrat, in religious belief a Lutheran, but his wife is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Laudy is a gentleman of unassuming manner, devoting his whole time and attention to the cultiva- 708 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tion of his fine orchards, which are among the best and most productive in the township. All his surroundings bespeak thrift and enterprise, and he holds a reputation second to none in the community in which he resides. HENRY AND JOHN AHRENS are two of the most prominent farmers and fruit growers of Danbury township, Ottawa county, the former of whom was born September 22, 1860, on the old homestead farm upon which he still resides. He is a son of Carsten and Elizabeth (Fauble) Ahrens, both natives of Germany, was reared to manhood upon the farm, and received his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. From early boyhood he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and of late years has devoted a great deal of his time and attention to fruit growing, owning and operating one of the largest and most extensive fruit orchards in the township. Socially he is a member of Peninsular Lodge, No. 607, Knights of Pythias, and, politically, is a stalwart Republican. Carsten Ahrens, the father, was born in the Province of Hanover, June 5, 1805, and was a son of Adolph and Katherina Ahrens, also natives of the same province. Until the age of sixteen years he remained in his native land, it being about 1821 when he left home, going to England, where he worked in a sugar refinery some seven years. In 1828 we find him a resident of New York, where he engaged in the grocery business. Five years later he came to Danbury township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, where he purchased the land on which he afterward resided, and then returned to New York. Several years later he removed to his farm, but after a residence of a few years rented his land to his brother and again went to New York, remaining their until about 1838, when he returned to Danbury township, and from that date until the time of his death there made his home. He departed this life May 2, 1883. The mother of our subject was born in the Province of Hesse, Germany, April 14, 1830, and was a daughter of Wilhelm and Katrina Fauble, both of whose births occurred in the Fatherland. She came to America in 1850, and for about a year made her home in Cleveland, Ohio. On December 6, 1851, at Sandusky City, Erie Co., Ohio, she was united in marriage with Carsten Ahrens, and became the mother of six children, as follows: Katherine, born February 11, 1853, who became the wife of Daniel Finken, and died October 5, 1884; Adolph, born January 23, 1855, died December 17, 1874; Elizabeth, born October 21, 1858, who became the wife of William Hess, of Danbury township, and died suddenly April 13, 1895, at the residence of our subject, leaving a husband and four children to mourn the loss of a faithful wife and loving mother; Henry is the next in order of birth; Anna was born in February, 1862; and John, born April 25, 1864, also residing on the old homestead. The farm is now under the personal supervision of our subjects, and the neat and imposing appearance of the surroundings are ample proof of their ability as thorough, practical farmers and fruit growers. They take a lively interest in the progress and development of the county, giving their encouragement and more substantial support to those enterprises which are calculated to upbuild the community. The family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HETRICK, one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Benton township, Ottawa county, is a son of Daniel and Mary (Siegenthaler) Hetrick, and was born in Sandusky county,. Ohio, in 1855. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 709 Daniel Hetrick was born in Pennsylvania in 1832, and came to Sandusky county in an early day, where he has since lived. About 1852 he was united in marriage with Mary Siegenthaler, who was born in Pennsylvania about 1837, B. F. Hetrick being next to the eldest in their family. Daniel Hetrick's father and mother were born respectively in 1810 (in Pennsylvania) and in 1814. The father of Mrs. Daniel Hetrick, William Siegenthaler, was born in 1815, her mother in 1812. Benjamin F. Hetrick received a good education in the district schools of his native county, attending until eighteen years of age. When twenty years old he struck out in life for himself, working four years at the carpenter's trade. At the age of twenty-four he was united in marriage with Miss Maria E. Reed, of Sandusky Co., Ohio, and they had four children, namely: Arthur M., born May 23, 1878; Bert H., January 21, 1881; Lillie M., October 26, 1883; and Alda L., January 21, 1887; they are all living at home, receiving the advantages of a good education and the encouragement of a father who knows well the value of thorough training. After his marriage Mr. Hetrick rented his farm, which he worked four years, then purchased eighty acres in Section 14, Benton township, which was all timbered, and, like many another man in Benton township, he set to work to clear the land and make for himself a home. In this he has had marked success, the timber is removed and stumps are all out, and fences are in fine condition; there are comfortable buildings, a good orchard, and the farm is well under cultivation and provided with the necessary teams and tools for thorough work. Besides the ordinary farm routine, Mr. Hetrick handles all kinds of stock, and is to some extent engaged in bee-culture. When a resident of Sandusky county he was constable for three years, and he has also held the office of postmaster at Limestone, Benton township, for the six years from 1888 to 1894. Mrs. Hetrick died March 11, 1889, after a protracted illness of six years. She was born in 1863, was eduucated in the district schools of Sandusky county, and was well fitted to train her children to become noble men and women. She was a faithful wife and a loving mother. Her father, John Reed, was born in 1837, in Sandusky county, Ohio, where he resided all his life; he died in 1895, at the age of fifty-eight years. His wife, Mrs. Hetrick's mother, was born in Pennsylvania about 1841. John Reed's father and mother were born in Pennsylvania about 1810 and 1814, respectively. Mrs. Hetrick's grandfather on her mother's side was born in 1817, and her grandmother, on the same side, in 1814. Benjamin F. Hetrick again married on July 16, 1891, taking for his second wife Miss Mary Markley, who was born in Benton township, Ottawa Co., in 1867, and is the daughter of Jacob Markley, one of the oldest settlers of Benton township. Mrs. Hetrick has given some attention to both vocal and instrumental music, and has been a teacher of instrumental music. Mr. and Mrs. Hetrick are pleasantly situated on their fine farm in Benton township, Ottawa county, and are giving their children excellent advantages. JOHN MINTER, a prominent farmer and one of the enterprising residents of Erie township, Ottawa county, was born in Salem township, same county, April 23, 1843, son of John and Esther (Whestone) Minier, who were born in New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively, and were very early settlers of Salem township, where they resided up to the time of their death. John Minier, Sr., died July 4, 1882, and his wife, Esther, January 11, 1892. They had eleven children, all of whom grew to maturity, seven now living, viz. : 710 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Hiram, residing at Sheldon, Ill. ; Elizabeth, widow of Job Kelley, residing at Sheldon, Ill. ; Darius, residing in Iowa; John, the subject of these lines; Benjamin, residing in Erie township; Samuel, living in Salem township; and Mary, wife of Harvey Snyder, in Paulding, Paulding Co., Ohio. The subject proper of this sketch was reared to manhood in Salem township, receiving a very limited education in the schools located there, and his life from early boyhood has been devoted to agriculture, with the exception of the nine months he served in the army. In May, 1861, he enlisted in the Twenty-fifth 0. V. I., and nine months later was discharged on account of disability, returning to Salem township. On July 1, 1864, John Minier was united in marriage with Adeline Cairl, who was born in Ballville township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, May 16, 1846, and they have had six children, as follows: Josephine, born June 28, 1865, was married to James McCullough May 11, 1882, and is now residing in Toledo, Ohio; Matilda, born March 7, 1867, now the wife of Horace Conkey, and residing in Carroll township, Ottawa county; Rodolphus B., born February 15, 1870, was married to Mary Winters March 4, 1893, and is now residing in Erie township; Samuel W., born January 15, 1872, is living at home; Angie, born October 2, 1874, wife of Louis Ohm, and residing in Carroll township; and Dora, born May 22, 1878, married July 2, 1895, and is now the wife of Harmon Goodknick. The parents of Mrs. Minier, Daniel and Mary (White) Cairl, were from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively. 'They removed from Sandusky county to Erie township about 1858, and Mr. Cairl engaged in agricultural pursuits there until his death, which occurred in Erie township, December 18, 1872. Mrs. Cairl died in September, 1873. In 1872 John Minier removed from Salem township to Erie township, where he has resided ever since. He has served as trustee of the township one term, and also as supervisor. In his political views he is liberal, and he is a member of the G. A. R. The family attend the Methodist Church. DE WILTON WOOD, son of Amos E. and Parintha (Case) Wood, was born in Woodville, Sandusky Co., Ohio, December 28, 1842. His paternal grandparents were Ephraim and Hannah Wood, the latter of whom was born September 25, 1780, and died in Woodville, Ohio, October 6, 1854. They were the parents of the following children: Parthena, who was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., January 17, 1809, and died in 1890.; Amos E. ; Valdi, who married Harriet Cameron; Mrs. Amelia Hubbard; and Sylvia, who died in infancy. Our subject remained in the place of his nativity until eighteen years of age, obtaining his education in the public schools of Woodville, and at Berea College. In 1861 he responded to President Lincoln's first call for 75,000 volunteers by enlisting in Company I, Twenty-first 0. V. I., April 26, 1861, and on his re-enlistment he joined Company L, Third 0. V. C. , with which he remained three years. He was offered a major's commission in the One Hundredth Ohio Regiment, but declined and entered the service as a private. A year and a half later, however, he was made sergeant and held that rank until the close of the war, but he cared not for promotion, being content to defend the Union in the ranks. He participated in the battles of Franklin, Stone River, Atlanta and Chattanooga, and was on the march to the sea; was never wounded by ball or sabre, but on one occasion, while hotly pursued by Rebels, his horse, going at full speed, passed under a tree against which he struck, and was torn from his saddle. The animal soon stopped, however, and Mr. Wood remounted and made COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 711 his escape, but has never recovered from the injury he then received. He rendered efficient service to the Union until June 26, 1865, when he was mustered out. Mr. Wood then located in Elmore, and on September 26, 1865, wedded Miss Mary Luckey, of that place, daughter of Augustus W. Luckey. Mrs. Wood's great-great-grandfather, Hugh Luckey, came in 1735 from Londonderry, Ireland, to Chester county, Penn. His son, Rev. George Luckey, was born in 1755, graduated from Princeton College in 1772, and in 1785 settled at Black Horse, Md., where he preached for nearly forty years. He was pastor of Bethel Church, which he built up, and in which he was buried, having continued in his ministerial duties almost until his death, which occurred in 1823. Among his children was John L. Luckey, born near Black Horse, Md., in 1790, and who, in 1815, wedded Anna Wolfly, who was born about the same year. They came to Ohio, and settled in Elmore. In the family were six children: Augustus W., George W., Robert, John, Catherine and Rebecca. Of these, Augustus W. was born March 6, 1817, in Gallipolis, Ohio, and in 1823 came with his parents to Elmore, Ottawa county. He became popular and well-known, and prospered well, at the time of his decease being an extensive landowner and well-to-do farmer, and a director of the First National Bank of Fremont. On March 20, 1881, while in the Disciple Church at Elmore, he was called from earth, his death being caused by apoplexy. The funeral was held from his late residence, and was attended by the largest multitude of people ever gathered in Elmore on a similar occasion. Ex-President Hayes, who was one of Mr. Luckey's intimate friends, was one of the pall-bearers. Augustus W. Luckey married Desire M. Hall, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, March 23, 1818, and died August 4, 1854, leaving three children: Capt. J. B. Luckey, who served three years in - 45 - the Third O. V. C., married Retta Borden in 1871, and has one child-Mae, born in 1873; Mrs. Wood and Frank A. Her father, Joseph Hall, was born in Kentucky September 2, 1784, and died June 1, 1859. In 1807 he married Leatha Ferguson, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, March 4, 1785, and died June 4, 1838. She too had six children: James, Samuel, George W., Mary, Nancy A., and Desire M. In this connection it will not be inappropriate to make further mention of Mr. Wood's father, who was born January 2, 1810, and became a prominent farmer and stock raiser. He served as a member of the Ohio Legislature two terms, as a member of the House of Representatives and of the Senate. He was also twice elected to Congress, and was serving his second term at the time of his death, November 19, 1850. The children of Amos E. Wood and his wife are as follows: Amelia, born August 2, 1836, Victoria, born July 10, 1838; Amos, born October 5, 1839, who died June 16, 1863; Augusta, born April 28, 1841, who died December 5, 1842; De -Wilton, born December 28, 1842; Cornelia, born March 20, 1844, who died March 3, 1849; and Eugene, born August 2, 1847, who died in infancy. Upon his marriage our subject located on a farm near Elmore, which he cultivated some four years, when he accepted a position as clerk in the store of Shaenfeld & Borden, of Elmore, spending one year at that place. He next removed to Fostoria, Ohio, where he engaged in the crockery business for seven years. During that time he served for two years as justice of the peace, resigning his position on his removal to Elmore. Here he purchased the fine home and farm which is still his place of residence, and since his return he has here served as justice of the peace for several years, and for four years was postmaster of Elmore. On April 1, 1894, he embarked in the livery business 712 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in connection with his only son, James L., and they now have a good patronage. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have three children: Emma Marian, born November 9, 1868; James L., born August 11, 1871; and Florence A., born December 24, 1882. The son acquired his early education in. Elmore, spent two terms in the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio, and for six months attended Hiram College. After that time he spent four months with a railroad surveying corps in Virginia and North Carolina, and also passed one winter in Florida. He was deputy postmaster under his father for four years under President Harrison's administration. Mrs.. Wood was born in Elmore February 10, 1847, here spent her early girlhood days and completed her education by two years' attendance at Oberlin College. Her elder daughter, Emma, was born on the same farm where her own birth occurred, attended the same public school, and then spent two terms in the college at Ada, Ohio; she also entered Oberlin College, but ill health prevented her from completing the course. She has given special attention to the study of music and painting. The younger daughter is now attending school in Elmore. The family is one of prominence in the community, holding an enviable position in social circles where true worth and intelligence are received as the passports into good society. They have a wide acquaintance, and their friends are many. JUNE FAMILY. The ancestors from whom are descended the June families in the United States were two brothers by the name of Junett, Huguenot Frenchmen, one of whom settled on the Hudson and the other on the Connecticut river. The June families residing in Sandusky county, Ohio, are descended from the one who settled on the Hudson, Zebbard June by name, and who, becoming disgusted with the religion of France, dropped the last two letters of his name, leaving it June. His home was at Peekskill, N. Y. He served in the Revolutionary war under Gen. La Fayette, and on account of disabilities incurred in the service was granted pecuniary aid from the U. S. Government. His occupation was that of a farmer in Orange county, N. Y. He had a family of five children: Charity, Stephen, Peter, Cociah and David. Of these— Charity June married Adam Sales, and lived in Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., in which county he died. They had five sons and one daughter. After Mr. Sales' death Mrs. Sales moved to Unadilla, Mich., where she passed away. Their eldest son, Benjamin, died at the same place, leaving one daughter. Stephen June married a Miss Pew, of New York City, by whom he had one son, James Madison June. Stephen June was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was wounded at the battle of Lundy's Lane by a bullet which struck him at one side of the nose and passed out at the back of his neck, on account of which he was considered mortally wounded. He was being carried off the field by an Indian to be burned on a pile of dead bodies, when his struggles to free himself excited the sympathies of a British officer, James Jimmerson, who shot the Indian, and released Mr. June, but was himself arrested for firing his gun during a truce, when both armies were caring for their dead and wounded by torch light. Mr. June recovered from his wound, and lived seventeen years after the battle, but never met or knew his benefactor. The Indian who was shot was of the tribe' of Captain Brant, after whom the then village of Brantford, Canada, was named. The British officer afterward received a pension from the British Government, and was sent to take a position as commissary, at Fort Malden, Canada. It was while he was at this place that Mr. David June, of Fremont, Ohio, met him, and COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 713 first learned that he was the man who shot the Indian. A warm friendship at once sprang up between them, which continued until the death of the officer, in 1874. Peter June, born in 1796, for a number of years followed the sea, and later served as a pilot in New York harbor: He was a cavalryman under Gen. Brown in the war of 1812, during which he was wounded by a saber cut at the hands of a member of the Forty-second Regiment, Scotch Highlanders, who were all slaughtered the same day. Peter June was married, at Caldwell's Landing, on the Hudson river, to a lady who was born in 1800, and they lived for a time at New York City. Being a sea-faring man he was absent from his family much of his time, and his wife having prevailed upon him to abandon the sea, he decided to try the western lakes. Moving westward, they lived for several years near Cayuga Lake, N. Y., in 1833 removing to Buffalo, where he shipped as mate on the schooner " Amaranth," and came with his family, on the first day of June, to Sandusky City (then called Portland), Ohio. Here the family lived for upward of seventeen years. Mr. June sailed on the lakes until the death of his wife, in 1835, after which he confined himself to ship-rigging in the vicinity of his home. In 1840 he again married. He died in 1851, at the age of fifty-six. His remains and those of his first wife have been removed to Oakwood cemetery, Fremont, Ohio. The children of Peter June by his first marriage were: Daniel L., born in 1818; Martha, born in 1820; George, born December 26, 1822; David, born May 11, 1, 1824, sketch of whom follows; two who died in childhood; Sales A., born August 2, 1828; and Marietta, born in January, 1830. The sons at different times all became residents of Fremont, Ohio. Cociah June, another member of the family of Zebbard June, married and had a family. David June, youngest son of Zebbard June, after whom David June, of Fremont, Ohio, was named, was a soldier in the war of 1812, having entered the service at the age of fifteen, at the request of his father, and serving as dispatch boy. He grew to manhood in the vicinity of Peekskill, N. Y., and married Miss Miami Harrington, at Ithaca, New York. DAVID JUNE, machinist and engine builder, of Fremont, Ohio, was born May 11, 1824, at Ithaca, N. Y., son of Peter June, who was a sailor and ship-rigger. In 1833 our subject came with his father's family to Portland, now Sandusky, Ohio, where he attended school a short time, at intervals when he could be spared from work. He remained with his father until about fourteen years of age, when he entered a machine shop to learn the machinist trade. In the fall of 1838 he was cabin boy on the old steamer " Jack Downing," on the Sandusky river, which was his first experience at sailing. In 1839 he was cabin boy on the steamer " St. Clair" until she was laid up by the Combination Line, after which he went on the steamer " Sandusky." In 1840 he assisted his father (who was a contractor on the Sandusky & Mansfield railroad) by driving a team at plow and scraper, in the construction of the road-bed from Sandusky to Monroeville. In the winter of 1840-41, at Sandusky, he attended for a short time a school taught by Mr. Hickox, an Episcopal clergyman. In May, 1841, he began a seven-years' apprenticeship to learn the trade of mechanical engineering with a firm in Sandusky, and during this time he also worked for a while with his brother-in-law, Charles Waterous, on the old Ohio railroad, which was to pass through Sandusky county. This firm was doing the general repairs through the counties of Erie and Sandusky. Mr. June's work 714 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was to look after pile-drivers and sawmills. A dissolution of partnership of the firm to which he had been bound released him from his apprenticeship, and in April, 1842, he went to Cleveland and found employment in the Cuyahoga Iron Works. Here he remained about ten years, during that time filling the position of engineer on steamers of the Buffalo and Chicago Line during the summer seasons, and working in the shops during the winter seasons. During a part of 1843 he was second engineer on the steamer " St. Clair" and the rest of the year on the " Commerce." In the winter and spring of 1844 he assisted in building the engine of the steamer " Empire," and in August sailed on that steamer as second engineer, remaining on that vessel until June, 1847, when he went on the "Boston." In the summer of 1847 he took charge of the steamer " Detroit, " until she was sent to Chicago. In the following winter he put up the engine of the " Monticello," at Fairport, Ohio. In the spring of 1848 he put in an engine for the " Ohio," and fixed engines for the " Republic" in the fall. He was on the " Republic " until July, 1849, when he was employed to fit out the steamer " Globe," at Cleveland, by the American and Liverpool Insurance Company, who were under contract to furnish the railroad iron from England for the C. C. & C. railroad, by January 1, 1850. Their vessels from Liverpool could not pass up the Welland canal, and the iron was unloaded on the banks. Mr. June was employed to deliver the iron for the company at Cleveland, and it took him from July until December 22 to do it. He then returned to the Cuyahoga shops to work for the Lake Superior Line of steamers, in which employ he remained for a period of about eight years. This line extended from Cleveland to Sault Ste. Marie. In 1851 they built the steamer " Northerner," into which Mr. June put an engine and machinery; this was the first steamboat built for the Lake Superior trade. In 1853 they built the steamer " North Star, " which cost $128,000. Having by industry and economy laid by some money, Mr. June in 1853 came to Fremont to start in business. He and a Mr. Curtis first bought out the plow shop of F. I. Norton, and began to fix it up for the building and repair of engines. Six months later Mr. Curtis sold out to Daniel L. June, and the June brothers continued together under the firm name of June & June until 1856, when Lyman Gilpin bought out D. L. June. D. June and L. Gilpin remained together as partners until November, 1859, at which time D. June became sole proprietor. He again took Mr. Curtis into partnership, but seven years later that gentleman retired, and three years after that a partnership was formed, consisting of David June, Robert Brayton, and 0. S. French, under the firm name of D. June & Co. The completion of the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland railroad in 1853 enabled Mr. June to bring engines from Cleveland for repair, and return them for the Lake Superior Company cheaper than the work could be done at Cleveland, and he held their trade. His shops also received many orders for work from the surrounding country. In the winter of 1855 he rebuilt the " Manhattan," whose engines were brought here by rail, and in the winter of 1857 he rebuilt the "North Star " at Fremont. During these years Mr. June was away occasionally on Lake Superior to overhaul steamers and make repairs. In 1858, at the urgent solicitation of the Lake Superior Transportation Company, he left his business at Fremont, Ohio, in care of a partner lately taken in, and went to Cleveland to take charge of all the company's boats and keep them in running order. He remained there until 1860, when he returned to Fremont, bought out his partner, and assumed entire control of the business. He had quit the lakes in 1858, and now COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 715 remained in Fremont permanently, in 1861 commencing the erection of new works, which were completed in 1877. After several changes of partners he associated himself with Robert Brayton, an old and skillful machinist with whom he had worked in Cleveland, and who remained nine years and did much to make their ventures successful. Many valuable improvements in the building of engines were made by this enterprising firm. They were the inventors of a self-acting spark arrester in 1875, which has come into general use. The engines built by the firm have a high reputation, and are being shipped all over the country. The firm also has two branch concerns, one at Waco, Texas, which does a business of about $150,000 a year, and one at Council Bluffs, Iowa, which does an annual business of about $25,000. They had another at Austin, Texas, which they recently sold to A. R. Gossard. These concerns are all connected with and stocked by the shops at Fremont, Ohio, in which a business of about $200,000 a year is done. In 1869 Mr. June took 0. S. French as a partner, and the firm name became D. June & Co., by which it has been known ever since. In 1886 this firm divided up a one-third interest with S. A. June & Son, Martin Holder-man and A. M. June. In 1890 S. A. June and Peter June, his son, surrendered their stock to D. June & Co., since which time the firm has consisted of D. June, 0. S. French, M. Holderman and A. M. June. On November 28, 1844, David June married, at Painesville, Ohio, Miss Caroline A. Owen, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Rantsford) Owen, born in Ontario county, N. Y., in February, 1823. They had two children: Clarissa A., who died in childhood; and Carrie M., born June 12, 1857, who was married September 10, 1884, at Fremont, Ohio, to Martin Holderman, who is now a partner in the firm of D. June & Co., and its worthy secretary. Mr. Holderman was born in Baden, Germany, August J0, 1852, a son of Frederick and Barbara (Adler) Holder-man, who came to America in 1856. Frederick Holderman was a baker by trade, and had preceded his family to this country two years, coming in 1854. He died at Fremont, Ohio, in 1860, and his wife in 1865. Three of their sons, William, George and Frederick, Jr., were veteran soldiers of the Civil war, 1861 to 1865. The children of Frederick Holder-man, Sr., born in Germany, were: Frederick, Jr., born in 1840; George, born February 22, 1842; William, born February 22, 1844; Amelia, who died in childhood; and Martin, born August 10, 1852. The children of Martin and Carrie Holder-man are: June Frederick, born December 5, 1885; and Clara Marie, born December 12, 1886. JOSEPH H. HAINES, an honored veteran of the Civil war, now an esteemed citizen of Elmore, Ottawa county, was born in Trenton, N. J., December 17, 1844, and is a son of Willis Parker and Susan (Brooks) Haines. The father was born in Pennsylvania, in 1809, and, during the greater part of his life, sailed the ocean. He died August 16, 1853. His wife, who was born in the same State in 1814, died July 11, 1895; to them were born seven children, all yet living—Edward, Martha, Samuel, Joseph H., Lurania, and Sarah and Mary P. (twins). When our subject was only two years of age his parents migrated to Huron county, Ohio, and afterward to Ottawa county, where he attended the district schools. His father died when he was nine years of age, leaving seven children to be cared for by the mother, who, by her diligence and earnest effort reared her family to become honorable men and women and useful members of society. Joseph H. began earning his living when 716 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. only ten years of age, and also gave a part of his wages to his mother to assist her in caring for the younger children. Mr. Haines was employed as a farm hand until after the breaking out of the Civil war, when, on the 4th of August, he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Company L, Third Ohio Cavalry. His first battle was at Shiloh, and for two days he participated in that hotly-contested struggle. He was afterward in the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Stone River and others. He was twice taken prisoner, but made his escape on the field of battle before being removed to Southern prisons. For more than four years he faithfully fol lowed the old flag, and valiantly aided in the defense of the Union, making an honorable war record of which he may well be proud. When the South had laid down its arms, and peace was once more restored, he was discharged August 17, 1865, and returned home. The following year he started westward and spent six .years on the plains of Colorado, Texas, Utah and other western States and Territories, engaged in driving cattle. The company with which he was associated was many times attacked by Indians, and some of the number were killed. On one occasion Mr. Haines was struck by an arrow, but after a time recovered from the wound. The life was often one of excitement, danger and hardship. After six years had passed he returned to Elmore, and has since lived in that locality. On March io, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of our subject and Miss Jennie Chapman, of Elmore. She was born October 16, 1853, in Pickaway county, Ohio, where she remained until nine years of age, when her family removed to Oak Harbor, Ottawa county, coming a year later to Elmore, where she has since lived. Her father, James R. Chapman, was born in New York, in 1817, and her mother, whose maiden name was Mary Hardin, was born in 1829. They had ten children: William, Alanzo, Ira, Lizzie, Jennie, Sarah, Ella, Fannie, Ann and Nancy; those still living are William, Lizzie, Jennie, Sarah, Ella and Fannie. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Haines went to sea when her father was only six months old, and was never heard from again. His wife was born about 1793. The maternal grandfather, William Hardin, and his wife were both born in 1799, and both died in 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Haines have seven children: Nellie, born December 23, 1872, died September 11, 1873 ; EDWARD P., born June 3, 1875, completed the course of study in Elmore High School in 1892, and, when thirteen years of age, began the study of pharmacy with Mr. Penfield, a druggist of Elmore, by whom he is employed most of the time, proving a very efficient clerk; Clarence B. , born August 15 1877, died August 1o, 1878; George A., born January 23, 1879, is attending the high school of Elmore; Maud, born March 30, 1882, and Alice, born April 1, 1884, are still in school, and are also studying instrumental music; and Glena L., born June 19, 1893, died April 11, 1895. Mr. Haines is now engaged in the painting business in Elmore, enjoying a good trade, and has the confidence and support of many patrons, and all with whom he has come in contact. ISAAC F. STROHL, farmer, of Ballville township, Sandusky county, was born June 27, 1848, near his present place of residence, about three miles southeast of Fremont. He spent his childhood and youth on the farm of his maternal grandfather, John Batzole, and attended the district school at the corner of said farm, chiefly in the winter seasons, when work was not too pressing. At the age of eighteen years he entered upon life for himself, but retained his residence at the old homestead. During the seasons of grain threshing, which formerly COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 717 lasted much longer than at present, he operated an old-fashioned horse-power threshing machine for about fourteen years, to the satisfaction of his neighbors. He was the first man in his vicinity to buy and use a steam engine for the threshing of grain, and he made $1,200 in ninety days with his first engine. In the year 1877 he bought the homestead where he now resides, to which he has made additions. He is progressive and enterprising, and keeps abreast of the times in the use of improved farm implements. He is a member of the United Brethren Church; a Democrat in politics, and has held the office of township trustee several terms, and been an active member of the board of education. Isaac F. Strohl was married, September 14, 1875, to Miss Hannah M. Worst, who was born in Sandusky county, August 10, 1852, and they had children as follows: Cletus P., Myrle D., Edna L., Bessie and Vinnie. ANSON ELDRIDGE, a prominent farmer of Ballville township, Sandusky county, was. one of those marked characters in the early history of this country to which the trite appellation, " diamonds in the rough," might be aptly applied. He was a short, thick-set, stoutly built man, of Irish descent. He was of a sanguine, nervous temperament, having blue eyes, sandy hair and a florid complexion; he possessed a large fund of ready wit and genuine good humor, and his face was usually radiant with hope and good cheer. Under his rough exterior lurked not only an iron will and nerves of steel, but a kind and sympathetic disposition which led him often to sacrifice his own interests for those of his friends. He often acted the part of a Good Samaritan among his neighbors in cases of sickness, or of mishaps to their live stock. He was the first man in his neighborhood to use a horse-power mowing machine, and he relieved the tired arms and lame backs of many a hardy pioneer who mowed with a scythe. The merry rattle of his " Buckeye Mower " astonished the meadow larks, and cheered the whole community as its echoes resounded from the neighboring forests. Mr. Eldridge came from the vicinity of Massillon, Stark Co., Ohio, about the year 1835,. and settled in Riley township, Sandusky county. Here he married a Miss Fronizer, by whom he had one son, who died at the age of sixteen years. Mrs. Eldridge died in 1840, and about the year 1842 Mr. Eldridge married Mrs. Nancy Beaghler (nee Bolin), relict of Henry Beaghler, one of the earliest pioneers of Ballville township,. who lived near an old Indian trail leading from the Indian village north of Green Spring to Lower Sandusky. Mrs. Eldridge died August 1, 1869. A few years later Mr. Eldridge married a Mrs. Brookhart, relict of a minister of the United Brethren Church, with whom he lived several years in Mercer county, Ohio, and then quietly passed away from the scenes of earth. His memory is kindly cherished by his many former friends and their children in Ballville township. He had for many years been a member of the United Brethren Church. JOHN BATZOLE, one of the pioneers of Sandusky county, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, February 28, 1801. His father's name was John, that of his mother being Christina. His early life was spent on a farm where he acquired habits of industry and economy, and learned the rudiments of a common-school education. On September 25, 1824, he married Miss Sarah Ernsperger, and moved soon after to Wayne county, Ohio. They located twelve miles west of Wooster, where 718 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he spent eight years in hard work clearing up a farm. Here were born to them: John Jacob, February 8, 1826; Lucretia Catharine, March 18, 1828; Mary Jane, April 8, 1830; Maria, February 9, 1832; and here Mr. Batzole and his wife became members of the Reformed Church. In the spring of 1834 the family removed to Ballville township, Sandusky county, Ohio, upon a farm of eighty acres of land which Mr. Batzole had previously bought, to which forty acres more were added later. This was their family home for about fifty years. Their children born here were: Christopher, September 27, 1834; Sarah Ann, February 22, 1838; Susan Martha, October 26, 1840; William Henry, May 23, 1843; and two others that died in infancy. John Jacob died February 25, 1829; Mary Jane, March I , 1831; Lucretia C. , wife of Samuel Strohl, September 8, 1861; and Maria, wife of John Strohl, May 19, 1864. Mrs. John Batzole died at her home March 2, 1878, at the age of seventy-four. John Batzole died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Martha Michaels, December 24, 1887, aged nearly eighty-seven years. Mr. Batzole was a friend of education and furnished land, labor and material for the erection of the first log cabin schoolhouse in his neighborhood, which was also used as a place of religious worship for many years, chiefly by the pioneer ministers of the United Brethren Church. JOSEPH RUH, a prominent and highly-respected resident of Put in Bay Island, Ottawa county, who, for the past thirty-six years, has been extensively engaged in the culture of the grape vine, is well and favorably known throughout Ottawa and adjoining counties. He was born in Baden, Germany, January 27, 1830, and is a son of John and Mary (Ackerly) Ruh. Joseph Ruh was reared to manhood and educated in the Fatherland, where in early life he worked at agricultural pursuits, and afterward engaged in the butchering business. In 1852 he embarked for America, crossed the Atlantic, and came to Ohio, settling first in Sandusky, Erie county. About a year later he removed to Plaster Bed, Ottawa county, in 1854 went to Gallipolis, Gallia Co., Ohio, where he resided about a year, in 1855 removing to Kelley's Island, and in 1856 to Put in Bay Island. In 1857 he went to Isle St. George (North Bass), returned the same year to Put in Bay Island, and has been a continuous resident there ever since, closely identified with the growing interests of the Island. At Port Clinton, Ottawa county, on January 7, 1859, Joseph Ruh was united in marriage with Catherine Sullivan, daughter of Michael and Nancy (Becker) Sullivan, and five children have been born to them, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Rosella, February 2, 1862; Nancy, August 18, 1864; Mary, July 18, 1866; Elizabeth, June 1, 1868; and Charles E., January 13, 1870. The mother passed away February 11, 1891. In politics Mr. Ruh is a stanch. Republican, and in religious affiliation his family are identified with St. Paul's Episcopal Church.   H. C. MYLANDER, the popular hardware merchant of Oak Harbor, Salem township, Ottawa county, and a prominent and progressive citizen, was born in Oak Harbor, May 22, 1860, the oldest son of H. H. Mylander, also a resident of that enterprising town.   Our subject received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native place, and - was employed in his father's store up to 1879, in which year he engaged in the mercantile business at Rocky Ridge, Ottawa Co., Ohio. In 1880 he disposed of this business, and re-   COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 719   turned to the place of his nativity, of which he has since been a constant resident. Mr. Mylander was united in marriage, at Oak Harbor, June 1, 1880, with Miss Marion A. Young, who was born March 17, 1861, daughter of George and Emma J. Young, of Carroll township, Ottawa county, and to this union came six children, as follows: Pearl, Georgia, Francis, Marguerite, Robert, who died February 17, 1892, and Howard .   Politically, Mr. Mylander is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and for two years he very acceptably filled the position of corporation treasurer. Socially he is a member of Oak Harbor Lodge No. 495, F. & A. M., Fremont Chapter No. 64, R. A. M., and Fremont Council. But few men have taken more interest in the welfare of the county, and none command more completely the respect and confidence of the community at large than does Mr. Mylander. The family are members of the M. E. Church.   C. GERNHARD, the courteous and genial landlord of the well-known popular " Island House," Port Clinton, Ottawa county, is a native of Germany, born November 16, 1851, in Hessen-Cassel.   Matthias Gernhard, his father, was born, in 1810, in the same Duchy, and learned the trade of carpenter. He served in the German army, not only the full time but also extra time, in order to become fully qualified to receive a captaincy; but on account of his name being entered " Liphart," on the roll, by mistake, he lost his promotion, and in consequence at once left the army. He afterward followed his trade in Germany till 1856, in which year, as will presently be related, he emigrated to America. He was twice married, each time in the " Fatherland," on first occasion to Miss Ifland, by whom he had three daughters: Catherine Elizabeth, Martha and Cath erine; for his second wife he wedded Miss Anna Catherine Brentzell (who was born in 1826), by whom he had three sons: our subject, George, and one that died in infancy. In 1856, Mr. Gernhard, accompanied by all his family except the two eldest daughters(who came to America later, one before the Civil war and the other after that event), emigrated to the United States, the voyage being made in a sailing vessel, which, becoming infected with yellow fever, was quarantined at Staten Island, New York harbor. Here Mrs. Gernhard, her infant son (born on the ocean) and Catherine (the youngest of Mr. Gernhard's three daughters) died. The two sons, our subject and George where placed in a New York hospital, where George died of neglect. In New Jersey Mr. Gernhard, the father, secured employment, and there remained about a year with his now only son, our subject, when they came to Ohio, making their home at Brownhelm, Vermillion and Birmingham respectively, sojourning about twelve months in each place. While living in Birmingham, in 1859, our subject, then a boy of eight summers, was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Blanke, who afterward, fall of 1860, in company with Matthias Gernhard, moved to near Ellis-ton, Ottawa county, settling on a farm in Benton township. After the death of Mr. Blanke, which occurred not long afterward, his widow received her dower, and went to live with friends in Elyria, where she died a few years later.   Matthias Gernhard followed agricultural pursuits in Benton township until 1862, in which year he enlisted in Company E, Seventy-second Regiment, O. V. I. , Col. R. P. Buckland, and served in the army fourteen months when he was discharged on account of disabilities contracted while in the service. Returning to Benton township he resumed work on the farm, where he passed the rest of his' days, dying June 27, 1890.   C. Gernhard, the subject proper of   720 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.   this sketch, grew to manhood on his foster-father's farm, where he worked hard in the lumber woods chopping cordwood, splitting rails, making railroad ties and saw-logs, and clearing up the farm, attending country school only a few weeks during the winter season. At the age of eighteen he was given his freedom by his foster-parents, and, in 1869, commencing on his own account, he opened out a saloon business at Elliston, Ottawa county, which he continued until 1882, when he was elected sheriff of Ottawa county, which office he held four years. During the last six months of his term he built the “Island House," at a cost of $16,000, and after his term expired opened up the hotel of which he has been proprietor since 1887. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. O. T. M., and is commander of the Sons of Veterans at Port Clinton.   On November 16, 1871, Mr. Gernhard married Miss Augusta Wilke, who was born June 17, 1854, in Prussia, daughter of Gottlieb and Hannah Louisa (Arndt) Wilke; she came to America about the year 1862. Six children were born to this union, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Clara, August 17, 1872; Elizabeth, December 8, 1873; Catherine, February 15, 1876; William, May 1, 1879; Frank, May 9, I 881; Edward, November 19, 1884, all born in Ottawa county, Ohio. Of these, Clara was married December 20, 1892, to William Sowders, member of a mercantile firm in Louisville, Ky. (they have one child, Harold, born October 2, 1893); Elizabeth was married September 12, 1893, to William Gordon, attorney at law, Oak Harbor, Ohio, a son of Washington Gordon, ex-county treasurer of Ottawa county; Catherine died in childhood; William, Frank and Edward are living at the " Island House " with their parents, and attend the public schools. The entire family are identified with the German Reformed Church, and are held in the highest respect in the community.   ANDREW SNIDER. This pioneer farmer, and veteran of the Civil war of 1861-65, was born in the Empire State, September 16, 1830, and is a son of Andrew and Margaret (Londestine) Snider, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. While a mere boy, Andrew was put to work making spools for his father and mother, who were weavers by trade and operated three looms. The little lad was kept almost constantly busy, and consequently his opportunities for gaining an education were very limited. When he was still quite young his parents removed to Ohio and settled in Medina county, where his father farmed and also followed his trade of a weaver, at which our subject assisted until he was twenty-one years old.   On attaining his majority our subject left home and obtained work in the hoop yards, in said county, remaining in that occupation for three years. He then returned home and removed with his father's family to Clay township, Ottawa county, where his father, in 1857, bought eighty acres of land. This was in the midst of the woods, with no improvements, and no road or schoolhouse within a mile of the place. Here the young man worked, in company with his brother, without pay or profit to himself until the land was cleared, and a log cabin and other necessary structures built. He then returned to Medina county and learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, afterward coming back to Clay township, where he found plenty of employment in this line. Many of the houses he then built are still standing. Mr. Snyder continued working at his trade until the breaking out of the Civil war, in 1861, when he .went to Elmore and enlisted in Company I, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteers, in which regiment he served for over three years, under the command of Gen. James Nichols. He took part in the battle of Stone River,   COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 721   after which he was put, with others of his company, to building bridges. While at this work he was so unfortunate as to severely injure his leg, and the surgeon ordered his discharge at Nashville, Tenn., much to the sorrow of our subject, as he felt that his country still needed his services. After his discharge Mr. Snider returned home and resumed his work as a carpenter for two years, at the end of which time he was obliged to discontinue it, on account of his injured limb. He was married at Genoa, and removed to Michigan, locating at Palmer, where he did farm work for seven years, and afterward was similiarly employed at Hastings, that State, for two years. At this time he returned to Palmer, at the request of his former employer, with whom he worked for another three years, when he came back to Ohio, and settled down on the old homestead, where he has remained ever since, with the exception of five months spent in the Soldiers' Home, at Dayton.   The wife of our subject, to whom he was married February 1, 1865, was, in her maidenhood, Elizabeth Bufenton, and was born in Elmore, this State, May 16, 1846. Her father, George Bufenton, married Mary Rose, and they were the parents of ten children. The father died in 1885, the mother in May, 1895. Elizabeth was married in 1860, at Woodville, Sandusky county, to Samuel Kemp, and to them one child was born, March 30, 1861, who died in January, 1892, leaving a family of three children. Mr. Kemp died from disease contracted in camp in 1861, and in 1862 Mrs. Kemp married Elisha Harrington, of Michigan, who was killed in the battle of the Wilderness. One child was born to this marriage, Rosie, wife of Martin Croley, of Toledo. In 1865, the widow became the wife of Mr. Snider, as has been stated. The union of our subject and his wife has been blessed with four children, as follows: Manda E., born March 20, 1866, in Michi gan, is the wife of Eli Edenburger, a a farmer of Wood county (they have four children); Martha, born February 13, 1868, married Ernest Stoyker, of Genoa, and has four children; Andrew B., a farmer, born March 12, 1870, married Minnie, daughter of Walter Downing, a farmer of Clay township; Abigail, born May 2, 1872, is the wife of Augustus Farr, an engineer at Coleman, Michigan.   Mr. Snider is a good Republican and a member of Gen. Elliott Wyman Post, G. A. R. He and his wife are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, while not possessed of a great amount of this world's goods, are contented and happy in the consciousness of well-spent lives, and looking forward to a brighter hereafter.   JAMES TITUS, one of the earliest settlers of Kelley's Island, Ohio, was born in New York State, April 15, 1832, and is a son of John and Mehitabel (Chapple) *Titus, who were of English and Scotch ancestry, respectively.   John Titus was born in New York State, November 12, 1782, son of Silas and Sarah (Runnells) Titus. In May, 1810, he was united in marriage with Mehitabel Chapple, who was born in New York State, and they had a family of nine children, of whom seven are now living, namely: Zipporah, wife of Joseph Lincoln, residing on Kelley's Island; Justice, residing on Kelley's Island; Nancy C., widow of Edmund Ward, of Kelley's Island; Lydia, widow of Sylvester S. Dewelle, residing on Kelley's Island; Sabria, widow of James Hamilton, of Kelley's Island; Jared, residing on Kelley's Island; and James. John Titus removed, in 1835, to Ottawa county, Ohio, and in 1836 to Kelley's Island, where he was engaged in grape growing. He died June 23, 1858, his wife, Mehitabel, surviving him until August 19, 1880.   722 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.   When a mere child James Titus came to Ohio with his parents, who located in Ottawa county, and after residing there about a year removed to Kelley's Island, where he has since always lived. He received a limited education here, has been engaged in fishing and farming, and for five years has been night watchman for the Kelley's Island Line Transportation Company. On June 22, 1852, he was united in marriage with Angeline Pickard, a sister of the late George Pickard, of Ottawa county, and they had three children, one of whom still survives, Evaline, Mrs. Till, now residing in Cleveland. Mrs. Titus passed away March 7, 1855, and on April 12, 1862, at Port Clinton, Ottawa county, James Titus was again married, this time to Julia Condon, and they have had one child, Louis C., who was born July 22, 1863, and resides on Kelley's Island. Mrs. Titus is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Condon, of Ottawa, Ottawa county. In his political views Mr. Titus is a Republican; he is not connected with any church, though his parents were Baptists. He has earned success by his enterprise and well-established reputation for integrity, enjoys a very wide acquaintance throughout the county, and has hosts of friends.   Edmund Ward, who married Nancy C. Titus, daughter of John Titus, was born in Essex county, N. Y., June 16, 1812, son of Reuben and Mary D. (Lavine) Ward, who were from Vermont and Canada, respectively. He was reared to manhood and educated in New York State, and in 1844 came to Kelley's Island, Erie Co., Ohio, where he was a constant resident for the remainder of his life, engaging in farming and grape. growing. On September J0, 1835, in Rose Valley, Wayne Co., N. Y., Edmund Ward was united in marriage with Nancy C. Titus, who was born November 20, 1817, and they had eight children, namely: Melissa, born June 6, 1838, wife of Frederick P. Waite, residing at Highland Lake, Weld. Co., Colo. ; John, born July 21, 1840, who died in April, 1863, from the Effects of illness contracted in the army while serving in the defense of his country; Emily, born September 9, 1842, who is the widow of Rev. Martin K. Holbrook, residing in Berlin, Germany; Uriah, born February 27, 1845, formerly State Senator; Hettie E., born February 27, 1847; Mary L., born January 19, 1849, wife of Henry I. Worden, residing in Pittsburg, Van Buren Co., Iowa; and Edward, born January 8, 1853, and Adelbert A., born March 13, 1855, both residing on Kelley's Island. Edmund Ward died in March, 1892.   HON. AUGUSTUS F. FRESE. This gentleman, who for eighteen years has been the popular postmaster at Graytown, Benton township, is a citizen whose public spirit and influence are felt and appreciated throughout Ottawa county, where he has spent the greater part of his active life.   He is of German descent, his parents, Henry and Louisa (Heilbran) Frese, having been born in Germany in 1813 and 1815 respectively. They came to America about 1838, settling in Woodville township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where Mr. Frese died in 1853. After remaining a widow for six years Mrs. Frese married Mr. R. Berleman, by whom she had one son. Six years after their marriage they removed to Toledo, where Mrs. (Frese) Berleman died April 6, 1893. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Frese were born seven children: Two in Germany-Henry and Louis; five in America-Charlotte, Mary, Augustus F., Charles F. and Louisa, all of whom are still living, and all residents of Ohio except Henry, who lives in Minnesota.   Augustus F. Frese was born December 24, 1846, in Sandusky county, Ohio, living there until 1859, in which year he moved with his parents to Toledo, where   COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 723   he lived until 1866. At the age of nineteen Mr. Frese began life for himself; that he has made a success may be judged from the fact that he is now one of the leading business men of Ottawa county. In 1866 he entered the store of C. H. Damschroder & Co., of Elmore, Ohio, as clerk, continuing with them three years, when he returned to Toledo, and for two years had charge of the boot and shoe store of Evers man & Co. From Toledo Mr. Frese went to High Forest, Minn., where he spent one year in out-of-door work, mainly for the benefit of his health, which had been somewhat impaired by long continued confinement indoors. At the close of his year of outing he returned to Ohio, and again began clerking for C. H. Damschroder & Co., of Elmore, remaining in this position until 1876, when he came to Graytown and settled in business for himself in partnership with Mr. Ames, under the firm name of Ames & Frese. In 1881 Mr. Frese purchased his partner's interest and became sole owner of the business, continuing as such for one year, when, in 1882, he was elected to the Legislature of Ohio from Ottawa county, being the first Republican representative from that county. At this time his brother, Charles F. became a partner in the business, and the firm has since been known as C. F. Frese & Co.   In 1882, while in the Legislature, Mr. Frese drafted a bill providing for the construction of free trunpikes in Ottawa county. The bill met with some opposition in the House, but Mr. Frese vigorously defended his ideas, and had the satisfaction of seeing his bill become a law in 1883. The bill provides as follows: " In case any township in Ottawa county desires to turnpike a certain road, the taxpayers in said township shall make such request known by petition. A five-mill tax shall then be levied for the construction of such road." The very excellent roads on the eastern and western ends of Ottawa county are a result of the application of the Frese bill. In addition to Mr. Frese's labors as a State officer he has for many years been clerk of Benton township, and for eighteen years has held the position of postmaster in Graytown, discharging all the duties connected with his various incumbencies in a manner which speaks highly for his ability and trustworthiness. Politically he is a Republican, and an earnest worker for the success of his party.   In 1885 Mr. Frese was married to Miss Lena Beck, who was born September 24, 1856, in Port Clinton, in the public schools of which place she received a liberal education, and also made a specialty of music, under the private instruction of Prof. Bonn, of Sandusky, Ohio. For two years she was bookkeeper for the Singer Sewing Machine Co., one year in Detroit and one in Toledo, and since her marriage to Mr. Frese she has rendered him great assistance in his extensive business affairs. To their union have been born four children, two of whom are now living: Florence H., born August 24, 1888, and James B., born October 22, 1890, at Graytown, Benton township, Ottawa Co., Ohio.   Mrs. Frese is the only child of Samuel and Catherine (Kunzman) Beck, the former of whom was born April 5, 1832, in Baden, Germany. At the age of eighteen he came to America, settling at Port Clinton, Ottawa Co., Ohio, where he was engaged in business until the breaking out of the Rebellion. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union army, in which he served for three years, and he is now at the Soldiers' Home in Sandusky, Ohio. His father, Heinrich Beck, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1805, and his mother was born in Germany in 1804; their occupation was hotel-keeping and wine-making. Mrs. Frese's ancestry on the maternal side is as follows: Her mother, Catherine (Kunzman) Beck, was born in Germany April 28, 1834, and came to America when about eighteen years of   724 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.   age. The voyage consumed thirty-two days, during which time the boat took fire and all came nearly being lost, some even jumping overboard lest they should be burned to death; Miss Kunzman, however, remained on board, and finally landed safely in America. She settled in Sa n-dusky, Erie Co. Ohio, and after remaini ng there nearly three years with her brother went to Port Clinton, where, in 1854, she was married to Mr. Beck. A woman of remarkable industry and enterprise, she supported herself during her husband's absence in the army by taking boarders, and about six years ago she furnished, opened and for sometime was proprietor of the " Lake House," at Port Clinton. She is still living and is in good health. Her parents, Christopher and Barbara (Ahrheit) Kunzman, Were born in Germany in 1806 and 1808 respectively. Her grandfather, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Frese, Christian Kunzman, was born in Germany in 1772; his wife, Doratha (Jordon) Kunzman, the great-grandmother of Mrs. Frese, was born in Germany in 1768. Christian Kunzman was supply agent for the cavalry in the army of King William I, for some forty-two years, and on his death the King sent the royal hearse, drawn by six white horses, and accompanied by the German Military band, to his funeral, which was the grandest ever given a private German citizen. Mrs. Frese's great-grandfather, Zacharia Ahrheit, was born in Germany in 1762; he served under Napoleon the Great in the Russian war, in which he received a severe wound on the skull, in consequence of which a portion of the skull was removed and a silver piece inserted instead.   Mr. and Mrs. Frese have a pleasant home in Graytown, noted for its hospitality, and they are appreciated and highly esteemed by all who know them for their business, social and intellectual worth. Mr. Frese is largely interested in farms and fruit growing, especially plums, having altogether 2,000 trees set out.   EZRA HALL, of the firm of Ezra Hall & Son, proprietors of a wholesale and retail green-house, at Clyde, Sandusky county, was born September 23, 1829, in Vermont, on the New York State line, and is a son of Daniel and Clarissa (Loose) Hall. The father was born in New York State, of an old Massachusetts family, and came west in the winter of 1854-55, locating in Montcalm county, Mich., near Greenville, where his death occurred when he was aged eighty years. He was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and an old Jacksonian Democrat. His wife, who was also born in New York State, died in Michigan, at the age of seventy-five years. Two sisters of our subject are yet living—Mahitable, wife of R. Caldwell, of Warren county, N. Y. ; and Harriet, wife of David Brice, living in Clinton, Michigan.   The childhood of Ezra Hall was passed in the ,various localities in which his parents resided, and at the age of twenty years he began railroading, first being employed as a common workman on a road ten miles from Saratoga Springs, N. Y., after which he was engaged at Rutland, Vt. From there he went to Boston, Mass., and later to New York City, where he worked on the Eagle Bridge across the Hudson river, assisting in laying the track. He applied himself diligently to his labors, and won the confidence of his employers, so that he was at that time given charge of a gang of men. He received a proposition to go to the Isthmus of Darien as overseer on railroad construction, which he accepted, and with fourteen men proceeded to that place, but at the end of three weeks only seven were alive, some having been killed by the natives, while others died of fever. The chances of life being so small, Mr. Hall resolved to return home, though in doing so he would have to give up a large salary, and his companions who were still alive followed his example.   On returning to Rutland, Vt., our sub-