750 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD: the flesh. In spite of all this torture, he worked side by side with his father in the timber and in the fields, and for eight years endured the terrible pain and hard labor together. His health then began gradually to improve, and on reaching his majority he was able to leave the old homestead and start in life for himself, taking contracts for cutting logs and clearing off timber for other parties. He continued at this work until twenty-five years of age, during which time he endeavored to make up his deficiencies in book knowledge by diligently employing the winter months and every available moment in attendiug school and studying at home. After giving up his work at log cutting, our subject was on the. canal for three years as steersman, and then went to Sandusky county, where he purchased ninety acres of timber land. On this he built a log cabin and began industriously to turn the wilderness into fertile fields. As fast as the timber was cleared away he planted corn, wheat and potatoes, by which he supported his family. In the course of time the log cabin gave way to a well-built dwelling, and orchards of fine fruit took the place of the forest trees. Mr. Truax remained on this farm for twenty years, when he sold out, in 1873, and came to Clay township. Here he bought 100 acres of improved land, where he has since made his home. He has made many improvements, replanting the orchard, and making of it a valuable property. In his comfortable and convenient home he is resting from the toils of his early life—the days when deer, wolves and Indians were his nearest neighbors, and when the hunter could find plenty of sport close at hand. Mr. Truax was married in Wood county to Catherine Truax, daughter of Nathaniel Truax (no relative), who was a farmer, and afterward a hotelkeeper in Wood county. To our subject and his wife came nine children, as follows: John, born August 26, 1851, in Sandusky county, married Elizabeth Wagner and resides at Gibsonburg, that county, where he follows the occupation of drayman. William, born in Sandusky county in 1853, married Mary Lafarerr, and they have one child; he is a cooper, residing at Genoa. Emeline S., born in Sandusky county in 1855, married Charles Prey, an engineer at Genoa ; they have one child. Lewis, born in Sandusky county, June 17, 1857, was married February 14, 1878, to Miss Billings, daughter of George Billings, a farmer, and three children have been born to them—Amy, in 1879, in Clay township, Ottawa county, who is living at home; Elida, born July 15, 1882; and Roy, born June 9, 1892 ; Lewis Truax has been elected supervisor of Clay township, and is farming on the homestead with his father. Sarah 0., born in Sandusky county, in 1859, married Adolph Trimer; both are deceased. Mary E., born in Sandusky, in 1862, is the wife of William Snider, a professor of music, and they live at Fort Wayne, Ind. ; they have two children. Deo, born in Sandusky county in 1866, died when seven years old. Milo, born in Sandusky county in 1868, is a farmer in that county; he is unmarried. Another child died in infancy, unnamed. The wife of our subject died in Sandusky county, January 9, 1875, of dropsy. She was a loving and faithful wife and mother, and is still deeply mourned by her husband and family. Mr. Truax held the office of school director for nine terms in Sandusky county, and has served in that position one term in Clay township. Socially he is a member of Clay Lodge No. 584, I. O. O. F., at Genoa; he and his sons belong to the Democratic party. The family attend the Church of the Disciples at Genoa. Mr. Truax is now seventy-three years old, but is hale and hearty, and seemingly as active as ever, going about his farm as readily as he did twenty years ago. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 751 HENRY WITTY, one of the enterprising young farmers of Ottawa county and one of her native sons, was born in Clay township, on the farm which he now owns, November 2, 1858. His father, John Witty, was born in Germany in 1830, and during his boyhood came to America, locating in Ottawa county, Ohio, on the farm now owned by our subject. It was then in its primitive condition, but he cleared and improved it, converting it into one of the fine homes in this section of the State. He married Elizabeth Hammond, who was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1826, and they became the parents of six children, as follows: Catherine, Angeline, Ella, Jennie, Henry and Michael. Catherine and Angeline are now deceased; Ella is the wife of Anthony Shantan, of Rocky Ridge, Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Henry Witty, was born about 1797, was a farmer by occupation, and was one of the honored pioneers of Ottawa county. His wife, Elizabeth, was born about 1804, and died July 14, 1893. They had three children—John, Margaret and Martin. The father of our subject died in November, 1890. Henry Witty acquired his education in the public schools. On December 17, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Della Rhodes, of Elmore, and they began their domestic life upon the old home place, which comprises 170 acres of highly cultivated land. Thirty acres are planted annually in wheat, fifteen to hay, thirty-five to corn and twenty to oats. The soil is highly productive, and the abundant harvests garnered indicate the careful labor and supervision of the owner, who is justly numbered among the practical and progressive farmers of the community. Mrs. Witty has been a faithful companion and helpmeet to her husband. She was born in Richland county, Ohio, May 15, 1866, and is a daughter of Jerry Rhodes, who was born in England, in 1822, and served throughout the Civil war. He married Susan Ealand, who was born in the same country in 1831, and they crossed the Atlantic on the same vessel, first meeting in mid-ocean. The acquaintance thus formed terminated in their marriage soon after their arrival in this country, and they became the parents of six children, of whom Emma, Louis, Clara, Irene and Della are all living; the eldest child, Libby, is deceased. When only four years of age, Mrs. Witty was brought by her parents to Elmore, where she obtained her literary education. Like her husband, she is a believer in modern progression and modern methods, and their friends throughout the community are many. They have one child, Bessie May, who was born March 6, 1887, and to whom they intend to give every educational advantage. Mr. and Mrs. Witty hold membership with the United Brethren Church of Elmore. In politics Mr. Witty is a Republican, and earnestly advocating the principles of that party, he is one of its able and stanch supporters. He is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Ottawa county. MATHIAS ESKER is one of the worthy German citizens of Sandusky county, Ohio. He was born in the Fatherland February 24, 1824, son of Fred and Mary (Bruch) Esker, farming people, who spent their entire lives in Germany. Their family numbered seven children, namely: Joe, deceased; Fred, Jane, Jacob, George, and Franciscus, who are living in Germany; and Mathias. Our subject was reared and educated in his native land, and was a young man of twenty-three years when he bade adieu to home and friends and crossed the Atlantic to America. The voyage was made in a sailing vessel and the trip consumed sixty-five days; but at length anchor was dropped in the harbor of New 752 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. York, and Mr. Esker landed on American soil. He first made his way to the city of Sandusky, Ohio, where he remained for about five years working by the day. He then removed to Norwalk, Ohio, and secured a position in a planing mill, where he continued for fourteen years, a trusted and faithful employe. At the end of that time he became a resident of Washington township, Sandusky county, and here he invested his hard-earned savings in sixty acres of land, his present farm. Mr. Esker was united in marriage with Mary Scen, daughter of Khune Scen, and they have had seven children: Fred, born February 22, 1852, married Rose Paul, by whom he has seven children (he resides in Norwalk); Carrie was born May 24, 1853; Frances, born December 16, 1855, is the wife of George Gayer, a resident of Ohio; Mary E., born May 7, 1858, is the deceased wife of John Mink; Cornelius, born February 20, 1860, wedded Mary Bach; Mary, born June 13, 1862, died at the age of seventeen years; and William 0., born December 2, 1865, married Ella Kosch. The mother of this family was called to her final rest October 8, 1893. Mr. Esker is a member of the German Catholic Church. Politically he is a Democrat, and has served as school director and road supervisor, but the greater part of his time and attention is given to his business interests. The work of clearing his farm was all done by himself, and the buildings upon it stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. The well-tilled fields and neat appearance of the place indicate his careful supervision, and he may well be numbered among the substantial farmers and self-made men of Sandusky county. JOHN P. WHITMORE is a successful and prosperous farmer, and a well-known resident of Townsend township, Sandusky county, in which township he was born December 25,1860. He is a son of William and Ann J. (Whitmore) Rulof, and was adopted in his early youth by his mother's father, John Whitmore, who was a prominent citizen of Townsend township, and he has since borne his grandfather's name, Whitmore. Mr. Rulof died, and his widow, Ann J., mother of the subject of this sketch, married Mr. Derlin. John P. Whitmore lived with his grandfather Whitmore from the time of his adoption until he was married. On January 1, 1879, Mr. Whitmore was united in marriage with Isabel Dunham, who was born 1860,wnsend township, December 2, 186o, and there have been born to them five children, as follows: Ira D., November 26, 1881; John D., June 12, 1883; Walter D., September 21, 1885; Franklin E., born August 5, 1887, and died July 24, 1894; and Annabel, born February 22, 1894. Mrs. Whitmore is a daughter of Ira and Rebecca (Golprominentm. Ira Dunham, who was a prominent farmer, died on September 6, 1863, at the age of forty-one; and his estimable wife, who survived him little more than two years, passed away September 12, 1865. The Goldens came from Pennsylvania many years since, and there are now many of the family in Townsend. Mr. Whitmore takes no very special interest in politics further than to cast his ballot, which is usually Democratic. He is engaged in farming his one hundred and thirty acres of fruitful land. ISAAC STROHL, farmer, Ballville township, Sandusky county, was born in Perry county, Ohio, November 18, 1825, a son of Peter and Sarah (Overmyer) Strobl, who were natives of Pennsylvania. They were farmers by occupation, and members of the Lutheran Church. Peter Strohl was born Tune 22, 1798, and died in Fremont after his retirement from the farm. His wife was born in Northampton county, Penn., in COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 753 1804, a daughter of Jacob Overmyer, whose children were: Barbara, Margaret, Catharine, Mary, Maria, Sarah, Peter, Jacob and George. The children of Peter and Sarah Stroh' were: Elizabeth, born in 1822, died in childhood; Isaac, our subject; Margaret, born in 1828, who in 1847 married Enos Osborn, a farmer of Ballville township (now deceased), who had six children, one of whom, James M., was for a number of years editor and proprietor of the Democratic Messenger, at Fremont, Ohio, and is at present editor of the Daytona Messenger, at Daytona, Fla.; Maria, born in 1831, who died at the age of eighteen, in Ballville township; Catherine, born May 5, 1834, who was married December 6, 1860, to Dr. W. V. B. Ames, of Fremont, sketch of whom appears elsewhere. Isaac Strohl lived with parents on their farm in Ballville township until his thirty-fifth year. In the winter of 1848 he enlisted as a soldier in the Mexican war, and was at the City of Mexico when it was taken by the U. S. troops. In 1849 he went to New Orleans and engaged as a foreman on a steamer plying between that city and St. Louis, in which capacity he served about one year, after which he returned home.. He succeeded his father on the home farm. He is a life-long Democrat, and has held various offices of honor and trust. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and is a Knight Templar. On January 12, 1860, he married Miss Elida Grover, who is one of seven children—Elida, Maria, George, William B., Philip, Sylvester and Mary. EDGAR KARSHNER one of the popular and well-to-do citizens of Riley township, Sandusky county, was born August 4, 1864, and is a son of Daniel and. Lydia Karshner, and a grandson of John Karshner. John Karshner was born in Pennsylvania, and married Christine Drum. They had three children namely: Magdalena, married to George Broomley, who lives in Indiana, and died in 1890; Sarah, married to Z. Woodford, who is a farmer in northern Ohio, and they have had eight children; and Daniel, the father of Edgar Karshner, the subject of this sketch. John Karshner and his wife lived in Pennsylvania for several years after their marriage, then moved to Tarlton, Pickaway Co., Ohio, and from there to Riley township, Sandusky county, where he settled and bought 480 acres of land. Indians were numerous at that time, and the country was new. He worked hard, cleared the land, and wrought out a home from the wilderness. He was a Whig in politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Daniel Karshner was born September 9, 1822, in Tarlton, Pickaway county. He was reared at home, had a common school education, and worked for his father on the old homestead until he was married. He was united in marriage with Lydia Robinson, who was born January 1830, and they had a family of nine children, as follows: John F. born June 2, 1848; Charles D., November 22, 1851 Albert L., August 27, 1853; Clara A., November 26, 1856; Ellen A., February, 4, 1858; Sarah L., August 15, 1860; Annie E., July 16, 1863; Edgar W., the subject of this sketch; and Willis C., born March 27, 1868. Daniel Karshner has held various offices, such as school director and supervisor. He is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. Edgar Karshner received a common-school education, and worked on the farm for his father until his twenty-first year. On December 16, 1888, he was united in marriage with Mary Bartis, and three children have been born to them, namely: Mabel E. (born September 20, 1889), Clara E., and Charles. Mr. Karshner inherited 113 acres of valuable land three 754 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. miles east of Fremont, Sandusky county, and in 1890 he built a handsome residence which cost him $1,250.00. He carries on general farming, and gives special attention to fruit and to fine horses and cattle. He is a stanch Republican, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. JACOB SAMPSEL, an honored citizen of Madison township, Sandusky county, was born in Beaver county, Penn., in 1836, son of Joseph and Mary M. (Beckley) Sampsel, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio when he was a mere boy. Joseph Sampsel was a hatter, and followed this occupation up to the time of his removal. to the " Buckeye State." When he arrived here he rented a forty-acre tract of land in the vicinity of New Lisbon, Columbiana county, and in proximity to the farm occupied by his father, who had located there a few years before. After retaining this land for a short time, he sold it, and bought a piece of five acres, on which he lived a few years. Selling this he came to Sandusky county, where he passed the remainder of his days, his wife surviving him only a few years. Jacob Sampsel remained on his father's farm until the age of eighteen, receiving a common-school education, and after leaving home worked at odd jobs. On March 10, 1859, he was united in marriage with Louisa Long, whose parents were of Pennsylvania ancestry, and they have had a family of seven children, as follows: John F. is a farmer in Perry county, Ohio; Samuel is a mason in Clyde, Sandusky Co., Ohio; Jeremiah works in the oil districts in Sandusky county; John is similarly employed; Ella married William Cross; Mary married Frank Adeline, a farmer in Wood county, Ohio; and Cora married Frank Cary, a farmer in Wood county. Mr. Sampsel has several oil wells. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious affiliation a member of the United Brethren Church. He is well liked in the community where he has had his home so many years. JOHN MEEKER, one of the highly esteemed farmer citizens of Carroll township, Ottawa county, is a native of same, his birth having occurred in Carroll township, November 27, 1838, and he is a son of John and Nancy (Lindsley) Meeker. The father of our subject, who was born December 27, 1802, was united in marriage April 23, 1835, in Essex county, N. J., with Miss Lindsley, who was born in Morris county, that State, January 20, 1814. In 1837 they located in Carroll township, Ottawa county, where they remained honored residents the remainder of their days, the father dying December 31, 1848, and the mother December 16, 1878. To their union came five children—Sarah Jane, born July 11, 1836, who is the wife of Ira P. Russell; John, subject of this sketch; Smith M., born January 1841, who is a resident of Carroll township; Amy, born June 8, 1843, who died September 9, 1874; and Gilbreath, born February 27, 1844, who died January 24, 1845. Our subject was reared to farm life, and received a limited education in the old log schoolhouse of the district, and he has a vivid recollection of this institution, with its puncheon seats and the hickory rod wielded by the stern-visaged schoolmaster. After completing his school days, which certainly had not been numerous enough to keep him away from the farm to any great extent, he settled down to a practical farmer's life, and in that honorable occupation he has spent his useful life. On November 27, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Sophronia Ogden, daughter of Jeptha Lindsley and Margaret (Covers) Ogden. Mr. Meeker and his amiable wife attend the United COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 755 Brethren Church, and are honored and respected in the community for their sterling worth and generous hospitality. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party, and is a strong believer in its principles. One great fact is apparent in the history of Mr. Meeker, and that is 'that his success and prosperity have been accomplished by hard, earnest labor, good management and care, which qualities are numbered among his chief characteristics. In addition to general agriculture, he engages in fruit-growing, and his well-stocked farm and neat and attractive surroundings bespeak industry and thrift, and in all his dealings he is the soul of honor. IRA P. RUSSELL, brother-in-law of Mr. Meeker, is a prominent agriculturist of Carroll township. He was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., October 15, 1835, and is a son of William Peckham and Sarah Ann (Webster) Russell, both of whom were natives of the Empire State, the father born in Wayne county, February 9, 1810, and the mother in Cazenovia, Madison county, May 22, 1815. They removed to Ohio in 1837, locating in Knox county and there remaining until the fall of 1840, when they came to Portage township, Ottawa county. Here they resided for five years, in September, 1845, returning to New York; but in April, 1847, they again came to Ottawa county, this time locating in Erie township, where the mother died May 11, 1849. In their family were two children --Ira P., and Charity Ann, who was born March 17, 1838, and died in December of the same year. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Russell was again married, and subsequently removed to Carroll township, where he resided until October, 1880, going thence to Sugar Ridge, Wood Co., Ohio, where his death occurred June 15, 1885. The advantages afforded Ira P. Russell for securing an education were very meagre. At the age of seventeen years he left home, going to Chautauqua, N. Y., where he spent three years in mastering the mason and bricklayer's trades, at which he worked in various cities of the Union until 1857. In that year he located in Carroll township, where he has since carried on agriculture with excellent success with the exception of four years spent in Clay township, Ottawa county. On March 19, 1857, in Carroll township, Mr. Russell wedded Sarah Jane Meeker, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, July 11, 1836, and they have become the parents of two daughters. Nancy Elizabeth Ann, born in February, 1859, was married March 25, 1877, to Albert H. Conkey, who died on the 13th of September following; on August 25, 1891, she was united in marriage with Charles H. Veler, and to their union has come one daughter—Lillie A., born January 30, 1892. The second daughter of Mr. Russell, Amy Corena Josephine, was born May 14, 1870, and was married March 17, 1890, to Charles H. Veler; she passed away March 19, 1891. Since attaining his majority Mr. Russell has been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, but he is in no sense an office seeker, and, though many times solicited to accept positions of trust in both county and township affairs he has always felt that his time could be best spent in attending to the duties of his home and farm. He is possessed of a most retentive memory, recalling with wonderful accuracy details and dates of incidents which occurred during his lifetime from his earliest days, thus permitting him to live over again the happy days of his past life. Socially, he is liberal, frank and genial, and in business matters is scrupulously honorable in all transactions. SAMUEL COVERS, a prominent and successful farmer, and the oldest living settler in Carrol township, Ottawa county, was born in Perry county, Ohio, August 14, 1827. 756 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. His parents, Adam and Elizabeth (Shoop) Covers, were both natives of Westmoreland county, Penn., of German ancestry, the former born in 1790, and the latter in 1794. In 1834 they located in Carroll township, Ottawa county (which was then a part of Sandusky county), and there made a permanent home, the father dying in 1842, and the mother, who long survived him, passing away in 1880. Of their family of eight children, four are still living—Susan, widow of F. B. Whipple, residing in Carroll township; Sarah, wife of Jackson Shasteen, living in Defiance county, Ohio; Samuel; and Louisa, wife of George W. Green, of Carroll township. Our subject was only seven years old when he came with his parents to Carroll township, where he was reared in the usual manner of farmer boys, and his limited education was obtained in the primitive log schoolhouse of those early days. Since his earliest boyhood he has engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has made a success of his chosen calling. On December 14, 1849, in Carroll township, Mr. Covers married Betsy Ann Gordon, a daughter of Andrew and Rachel (Meeker) Gordon, who were natives cf Butler county, Ohio, where Mrs. Covers was born October 10, 1827. This union was blessed with ten children, of whom John, born August 16, 1850, makes his home in Carroll township; Louisa, born September 10, 1852, married William Fizer, and died November 11, 1891; Maria, born November 4, 1854, became the wife of Hiram Frost, and was drowned in the Tusany river by the capsizing of a boat; Adam, born November 16, 1859, lives on the old homestead; Susan was born August 30, 1864; Sarah was born December 13, 1866; and Samuel was born February 13, 1868. The mother of this family passed away on August 6, 1891. They attend the United Brethren Church. In his political views, Mr. Covers is a stalwart Republican; for the past fifteen years he has been constable in the township, and for two terms was town ship trustee. Socially he is a member of the Grange. JOHN BOWLAND, mayor of Genoa, Ottawa county, and postmaster at that place, is a man whose life record is proof that a person's environments do not necessarily limit his possibilities, and that the working out of his future, for good or evil, lies in the hands of any young man who possesses brains and strength of character enough to make up his mind what he will be, and to bend all his energies to that end. Mr. Bowland was born in Harris township, Ottawa county, August 3, 1851, and was the son of John and Diana (Parrott) Bowland, who were also natives of Ohio. His father died a month before our subject was born, leaving the mother with her family of little ones dependent on her for support. When the Civil war broke out in 1861 her three eldest boys enlisted, serving throughout the struggle, and the younger children were obliged to do what they could to earn their daily bread. The mother had in the meantime removed from Harris township to Clay township, and here the subject of this sketch began work on a farm at the early age of fifteen years. His education was necessarily very limited, but his quick intellect gathered up and put to use what book learning he had acquired, and constantly absorbed whatever could be gained from reading and observation. Until the death of his beloved mother, which took place April 17, 1875, he proved a faithful, devoted son, working cheerfully and untiringly, and, with his brothers, ministering to her every want. After spending a number of years upon the farm, Mr. Bowland went into partnership with his brother Thomas in the manufacture of hoops, carrying on this business both at Martin, Ottawa county, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 757 and in Henry county. He also was in the same business by himself for several years and up to 1890. Mr. Bowland was married August 25, 1875, to Miss Mary Eyre, daughter of George and Sarah Eyre, who now reside in Genoa, and of this union three children have been born: Errett G., March 18, 1877; Bertha M., March 16, 1883; and Walter, September 19, 1889. The eldest son of this interesting family attended the public schools of Genoa, and also attended the High School at Columbus. This was followed by three terms in the High School of Genoa, from which he was graduated with honor June 4, 1895. He is a young man of fine intellect and a worthy son of his father, whose assistant he is in the post office. The family attend the Christian Church. The early struggles of Mr. Bowland taught him lessons of perseverance, frugality and industry, which have borne fruit in the success that has attended his career. His genial disposition and sympathy with his fellow men have rendered him exceedingly popular with all classes, and they have showed their appreciation of his sterling worth by bestowing on him numerous responsible offices, all of which he has filled with dignity and to the satisfaction of the public. In 1877 he was elected constable of Clay township on the Democratic ticket, holding the position two years. In 1881 he was appointed assessor for the township, the term being one year, and both in 1883 and 1884 was re-elected by a large vote. In 1887 he was elected city councilman for a term of two years and polled a large and popular vote. Mr. Bowland was elected assessor for the third time in 1889. For a term of two years he filled the office of guard of the Penitentiary at Columbus, this State, remaining in that city for two years. At the end of this time he returned. to Genoa and was elected mayor of the village by acclamation, his popularity being so great that opposition was useless. He was re-elected in the spring of 1895, and is filling the office with great ability. On June 20, 1893, he received the appointment of postmaster at Genoa, and merits the high commendations he has received for the manner in which he discharges the duties of that responsible position. On May 6, 1895, Mr. Bowland received his commission from the Governor of Ohio as notary public for Ottawa county, and in addition to his numerous public duties he is carrying on a real-estate and insurance business. He is a member of Clay Lodge, No. 584, I. O. O. F., at Genoa. With all his energies devoted to the important trusts held by him, Mr. Bow-land still finds time to interest himself in anything which will promote the welfare of his town and county, and lends a helping hand wherever needed. He has won the respect and esteem of his fellow men by his integrity of character and his spirit of enterprise, and is well deserving of all the honors received at their hands. L. F. GAHN, M. D., who is successfully and extensively engaged in the practice of medicine in Elmore, Ottawa county, and who is prominently identified with the interests of the town, was born January i5, 1849, in Columbus, Ohio, and is a son of Rev. C. and Margaret (Artz) Gahn. Rev. C. Gahn was born in Prussia, in 1818, and spent fifty-seven years of his life in the ministry, becoming prominent in the M. E. Church. He held some of the best appointments in the State of Ohio, was located in Cincinnati for six years, was presiding elder of the Cincinnati district for four years, and then again served as pastor in that city for a number of years. He then retired to his farm in Sandusky county, where he died at the age of seventy-five. His wife was also born in Prussia, and their marriage was celebrated in 1836. To 758 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. them were born six children, five of whom are living. The ancestors of the family were originally Scotch, and lived on the Isle of Man. The Doctor accompanied his parents on their various removals during his childhood, and completed his literary education in Cincinnati. In 1871 he began the study of medicine in the University of Michigan, where he remained one years thence going to the Medical College of Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1873. On completing his studies he located in Elmore, Ohio, where he has lived for the past twenty-one years, one of its most honored and esteemed residents. The doctor was for two years mayor of the town, was president of the board of education for three years, and a member of the village council for two years, and has always been prominent and active in support of all interests that are calculated to advance the general welfare. In his political views he is a Republican; in religious faith he is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor has met with excellent success in his profession, and for several years has given special attention to chronic diseases, having a very extensive office practice. He spends Monday of each week in his office at Elmore, and the remainder of the time in his office at No. 625 Adams street, Toledo, where he has a very large patronage. The Doctor married Miss Ettie Knight, who was born in Port Clinton, Ohio, in 1848, and who, for several years prior to her marriage, successfully engaged in teaching in Elmore. Three children have come to them—Grace, born November 26, 1876; Harry, born April 26, 1881; and Lloyd, born August 27, 1883. The daughter graduated from the Elmore high school in 1893, and is now one of the promising teachers of Ottawa county, having taught in Harris township for two years with marked success. The other children are now pursuing their studies in the Elmore public schools. The family is one widely and favorable known in the county, and the Doctor and his wife have a wide circle of warm friends. FRED TEBBE was born in Hanover. Germany, April 6, 1830, and is a son of John Henry and Inseline (Garager) Tebbe. The father worked as a laborer in his native land, and in October, 1844, emigrated to America, hoping to better his financial condition. He came direct to Sandusky county, Ohio, and secured a position as a farm hand in Washington township, in which capacity he was employed until February 29, 1848, when he was taken ill, and the sickness terminated his life. His first wife died in Germany in 1831, after which he married a lady of the same name, who accompanied him to America, and died in Sandusky county during the Civil war. There was one child by this union, William, who is living in Stony Ridge, Wood Co., Ohio. The children of the first marriage were Fred, our subject, and Mary, who became the wife of John Winkey, and died in Toledo, Ohio. The gentleman whose name begins this sketch was a youth of fourteen years when he came to America. During the first ten months of his residence in Ohio he was employed in Wood county as a farm hand, by the month. He then removed to York township, Sandusky county, where he worked seventeen years by the month. He was industrious and lived frugally, and with his savings during that period he was enabled to purchase sixty-nine acres of timber land in Washington township, Sandusky county, of which all is cleared with the exception of fifteen acres. Mr. Tebbe was married November 29, 1860, to Miss Mary Strausmeyer, who was born August 2, 1838, a daughter of Henry and Lizzie (Bushes) Strausmeyer, who were also natives of Germany. To COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 759 this marriage have come eight childrenLizzie, born September 18,1861, deceased in infancy; Eliza, born April 22, 1863, is the wife of Fred Morates, and with their two children they reside in Madison township, Sandusky county; Mary L. was born February 28, 1865; Caroline, born April 5, 1868, is the wife of Henry Stein, a farmer of Wood county, Ohio, by whom she has two children; Isabella, born April 2, 1871, Sophia, born October 28, 1873, Casper H., born February 20, 1877, and Ernest, born April 12, 1880, are still at home. Mr. Tebbe is a supporter of the Democratic party, and a member of the Lutheran Church. JOSEPH SHERCK, who for four years, or from April, 1882, to April, 1886, served as mayor of Bellevue, was born November 10, 1828, in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. John and Magdalena (Kreider) Sherck, parents of our subject, moved from Pennsylvania to Seneca county, Ohio, locating in Thompson township October I, 1834. In 1868 the family migrated to Michigan, locating in St. Joseph county, where Mrs. Magdalena Sherck died in 1882. The father also died there about the year 1889. They reared a family of twelve children (our subject being the second), of whom five are yet living. Joseph Sherck received a primary education in the district school of Thompson township, and afterward worked on the home farm, where he grew to manhood. On August 19, 1851, he married Barbara A. Decker, the eldest child of Jacob and Susanna (Billman) Decker, the former of whom was the son of John and Julia Ann (Royer) Decker, who came in 1816 from Union county, Penn., to Wayne county, Ohio, and thence, in 1830, to Seneca county, where Mrs. Sherck was born. To her marriage with Joseph Sherck came two children, namely: Mary A., Mrs. Sherck Miller, of Seneca county, and - 48 - Charles M., who is now working with his father, as grain dealer at Bellevue. From the time of his marriage until 1873 Mr. Sherck worked on the farm, and in 1860 purchased the 160 acres in the center of Thompson township, Seneca county, known as the Sherck homestead. While on this farm he was elected justice of the peace, and served in that position for nine years. In 1873 he moved to Bellevue, Sandusky county, and established a saddle and harness house, which he conducted until 1884, when he engaged in the grain trade. To. day he operates the large elevator at Bellevue, and carries on a most extensive business in grain, seed, coal, plaster, salt, water-lime, etc. Mr. Sherck can trace his ancestry back 300 years, and for a century or more can claim this country as the family home. Prominent in Masonic work, he is a member of the Lodge, Chapter and Council at Bellevue, and of the Commandery, K. T., at Norwalk, Ohio. In religious affairs he affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal Church. An active, enterprising business man, one who has taken a full part in the development of Bellevue, he enjoys, as he merits, the confidence of the community. STERLING C. LEONARD. Among the young men whose steady-going industry and solid worth have contributed materially to the prosperity of northern Ohio, and to their own advancement toward a competence, is S. C. Leonard, of Riley township, Sandusky county. He was born March 3r, 1866, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Clark) Leonard, the former of whom was born in New Jersey, October 2, 1833. Joseph Leonard was for some years in the employ of different railroads in Illinois and Texas. On March 16, 1865, in Illinois, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Clark, who was bOrn in Penn- 760 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sylvania, January 16, 1836, and their children were: Sterling C., the subject of these lines; and Joseph W., born August J0, 1867, and Frederick, born November 10, 1873, both of whom died young. After his marriage Mr. Leonard lived in Illinois for a period of about eight years, until his death, which occurred April 25, 1874. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Joseph Leonard was the daughter of Joseph R. Clark, who was born in Pennsylvania January 27, 1806, and on March 24, 1833, was united in marriage with Emily Welsh, who was born October 2, 1812. They lived in Pennsylvania, and had a family of twelve children, as follows: William, born March 13, 1834, married Sarah Bell, by whom he has five children, and they live in Riley township, Sandusky county; Elizabeth is the mother of our subject; Joseph and Rebecca (twins), born July 16, 1837, died young; Leander; Joseph, born December 25, 1818, died May 6, 1850; Mary, born April 18, 1844, married Henry Heberling, and has had four children (they live in Scott township, Sandusky county); Amelia, born January 4, 1846, married Charles Ralph, by which union there have been seven children ; Lucretia, born in July, 1847, died young; Sarah, born November 9, 1849; James, born November 2, 1851, lives in Montana; and Clara, born August 31, 1855. Joseph R. Clark was county commissioner eight years, and justice of the peace for eighteen years. After her husband's death Mrs. Joseph Leonard moved to Pennsylvania, where she was united in marriage with Nathan Cleaver, a Quaker, and they lived in Pennsylvania until his death, which occurred June 25, 1887. The widow then came to Sandusky county, Ohio, and bought forty acres of land in Riley township, which she now rents to her son, our subject, who works this farm in addition to his own, and has just completed the erection of a fine grain barn and carriage house on same. She makes her home in Fremont, Sandusky county. S. C. Leonard worked for his mother until his twenty-sixth year, and then bought ninety-six acres of land in Riley township, which cost him five thousand dollars. The farm was in very poor condition, being badly run down both as to soil and fencing, and he at once set to work to put things in good working order-an arduous task, indeed, but one in which he has succeeded well, his farm being now one of the most productive and valuable in the county. Among the other numerous improvements he has made is the tiling of the land, which makes it first-class for cropping, and he now raises fine crops; he is putting in new fences, and, like the thorough-going, up-to-date farmer which he is, is leaving nothing uimprovehich will enhance the value or improve the appearance of the place. With such a good start Mr. Leonard certainly has a bright future before him, though his evident efficiency and business ability alone would be an assurance of success. He is genial and sociable in disposition, and is well-liked and highly esteemed by all who know him. In politics he is a Democrat. B. M. REED, of Green Spring, now infirmary director of Sandusky county, for many years justice of the peace, and the frequent recipient of electoral favors from his appreciative fellow citizens, was born in Cumberland county, Penn., September 27, 1830, son of John and Mary E. (Manley) Reed. John Reed was born in Berks county, Penn., September 4, 1805. His father, John Reed, Sr., was a stone mason by trade and a farmer by occupation, the son of an emigrant from Germany during the last century. John Reed, Jr., was a plasterer by trade. In 1832 he came to Ohio, settling at Huron, Erie county, where his wife and family joined him four years later. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 761 In 1838 he removed to New Haven, Huron county, where he lived until his death, December 31, 1882. In Ohio his principal occupation was farming. In politics he was an ardent Whig and Republican successively. His wife Mary E. (Manley), was born September 18, 1807, and died at New Haven May I, 1884. John and Mary E. Reed had three children: B. M., subject of this sketch; Margaret E., born May 8, 1841, who married William Hugh, of New Haven, and died there in 1891, leaving three children-Frank, May E. and John; and Samuel F., born May 19, 1848, a farmer at New Haven. The subject of this sketch in his early boyhood attended the schools at Huron, but from the age of eight to fifteen he was without educational advantages at New Haven. He then attended one year at Plymouth, and the following year, 1846, his father and several neighbors built a log schoolhouse and hired a teacher. B. M. Reed remained at home until the age of twenty-two, in the meantime learning the plasterer's trade. He went to Attica, Seneca county, in 1852, and followed his trade there for three years. Farming for a season in Bloom township, near Bloomville, he followed his trade for a time in Tiffin, and in December, 1857, came to Green Spring, working at his trade at frequent intervals. In 1860, while working in a mill, he lost his arm by a circular saw accident. Though unfitted to himself enter the military service of his country, he was filled with the war spirit, and did great good in arousing patriotic sentiment and procuring enlistments. He returned to sawmilling, crippled as he was, at Green Spring, and in Branch county, Mich. ; then followed painting at Green Spring until there elected justice of the peace, in 1881. Mr. Reed is now holding his fourth commission in that judicial capacity, and his third commission as notary. He was elected mayor of Green Spring, and served four terms-eight years-in that magisterial office. He has served three years as township trustee, and in 1894 was reelected to that position. In 1893 he was elected infirmary director for Sandusky county, assuming the duties of the office January 1, 1894. In politics Mr. Reed is a Republican. In June, 1858, he was married to Melissa M. Vail, born in Tompkins county, N. Y., September 26, 1839. To Mr. and Mrs. Reed nine children have been born, as follows: Addle M., born November 3, 1859, wife of Fred Rall, of Green Spring; Mary E., born June 17, 1861, wife of P. W. Hess, of Clyde; Alice, born March 13, 1863, wife of N. E. Dennis, and mother of two children-Lena and Arthur N. ; Edward W., born November 4, 1865, now employed at the Insane Asylum, Toledo; Lela M., born December 11, 1867, died March 26, 1868; Steward F., born October 19, 1869, employed at the Insane Asylum, Toledo; John R., born April 30, 1872, cigar manufacturer, Green Spring; Nellie H., born October 8, 1875; Eddie Lee, born July 6, 1878, died November 9, 1879. JACOB LEJEUNE, an old resident and prosperous farmer of Riley township, Sandusky county, was born in Alsace, Germany, March 29, 1837, and is a son of Michael and Anna (Nye) Lejeune, who were from Germany, and were born in 1801 and 1813, respectively. Michael Lejeune was a soldier in the old country for seven years. He came to America in 1852, bought forty acres of land in Riley township, and lived here the remainder of his days. In politics he was a stanch Democrat. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lejeune were members of the Catholic Church. His death occurred in 1855, and that of his wife in 1878. They had a family of five children, as follows: Stephen, born in 1830, died in 1836; Peter, born in 1835; Lena, born in 1839, married Ellis Young, and they have had thirteen children (they live in Sandusky City, Erie 762 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Co., Ohio); Anna, was born in 1841, married Peter Bautersall, a farmer of Ballville township, Sandusky county, and they have four children; and John, born in 1843, died in 1879. Jacob Lejeune had a good German and French education, was early trained to habits of economy and industry, and spent much of the time in his younger days working out by the month. On June 30, 1860, he was united in marriage with Caroline Weber. In 1862 he went to Fremont, Ohio, and was there variously employed for seven years. Going from there. to Riley township, he bought forty acres of farm land, on which, with his wife, he made his home, adding then another forty acres. Their children were as follows: Michael, born September 27, 1862, married Caroline Weltine, and they have had four children (they live in Riley township); John, born October 4, 1864, married Elizabeth Weltine, and have had one child (they live in Green Creek township); Anna, born January 5, 1867, married John Schock, a farmer, of Fremont, Sandusky county, and they have had four children; Lena, born June 17, 1869, married George Hemmer; and they have had one child (they live in Riley township); Jacob, born September 23, 1876; Eva, born February 18, 1879; Ludwig, born September 23, 1883; George, born February 8, 1886; Katie, born December 4, 1888, died in infancy; Joseph, deceased in infancy; and Tony and Frankie who both died young. Mr. Lejeune is a Democrat in politics, was roadmaster for six years, and school director for six years. In religious affiliation he is a member of the Catholic Church. WILLIAM F. LOCKWOOD, ex-judge of the court of common pleas, who resides on Put in Bay Island, Ottawa county, is one of the most influential residents of this community. He was born in South Norwalk, Fairfield Co., Conn., April 1, 1822, and is a son of and Sarah (Daskam) Lockwood, who were also natives of Connecticut. There the father died, in Fairfield county, and the mother's death occurred in Toledo, Ohio, in 1873. The Judge received a common-school education in his native county, and when fifteen years of age went to New York City, where he became a clerk in a wholesale grocery store, filling that position for a period of three years. He has since been dependent upon his own efforts, and the success of his life is due entirely to his resources. In 1840 he came to Ohio, and the following year settled in Elyria, Lorain county, where he became a law student, in the office of Hamlin & Bliss. In 1842 he was admitted to the bar in Medina, Ohio, and at once commenced the practice of his chosen profession as a partner of his old preceptors in Elyria. During the same year he was a candidate on the Whig ticket for the office of prosecuting attorney, but was defeated by H. A. Lenney, the Democratic candidate. In 1844, however, he was elected to that office, which he capably filled for four years, being re-elected in 1846. In 1852 he was a delegate from his congressional district to the Whig National Convention, which met in Baltimore, Md., and nominated Winfield Scott as a candidate for the Presidency. The same year he was the candidate of his party for Congress, but the Democratic nominee, Harvey Johnson, of Ashland county, won the election. His abilities, however, were recognized in 1854 by his election to the office of probate judge of Lorain county, to succeed Philemon. Bliss. In 1856 he was a candidate before the Republican convention for the nomination for judge of the court of common pleas, but Judge Carpenter of Akron became the nominee. By reason of impaired health Mr. Lockwood resigned his office of probate judge, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 763 and in the spring of 1857 removed with his family to Nebraska, locating in Omaha, where he resided for two years. On the expiration of that period he went to Dakota City, where he made his home until his return to Ohio in 1867. Mr. Lockwood was one of the federal judges for the Third District in the Territory of Nebraska, receiving his appointment from President Lincoln, and serving from April, 1861, until its admission as a State into the Union in 1867, when he was nominated by President Johnson as United States District Judge for the district of Nebraska; the nomination, however, was not confirmed by the Senate. In 1867 Judge Lockwood was appointed State Judge by President Johnson, and served eight years. He was the Democratic candidate for Congress in the Toledo district in 1870, but was unsuccessful in the contest, for the Republicans were in the majority there. In 1878 he was recommended by the bar of Lucas county for the office of common pleas judge, and his personal popularity and superior ability was attested by his ratification by both the Republican and Democratic Conventions. He was subsequently elected and honorably filled the position for five years. While engaged in the private practice of his profession he had a large clientage. He is a man of superior legal attainments and more than ordinary mental ability, as the large number of important positions he has so creditably filled well attest. There is little need of comment on such a record as his, as it speaks for itself. It is a record of which he may well be proud, for while his ability excites the admiration, his fidelity to duty commands the respect of all, and he enjoys the esteem of all who know him. In both social and public life he is held in high regard, and deservedly occupies an exalted position. During the past thirty years the Judge has made his home at his beautiful residence close to the shore of Lake Erie, on Put in Bay Island, where he spends the summer months, and during the past four years he has wintered in Toledo. Judge Lockwood was married in Elyria, Ohio, December 25, 1848, to Miss Mary A. Nichols, a daughter of Reuben and Asenath Nichols. They have four children—Mary Frances, born November 25, 1849, who is the wife of T. H. B. Davis, president of the Middleton Silver Plate Company, and a resident of Sandusky City, Ohio; Edith, born March 17, 1856, who is the wife of Maj. D. W. Lockwood, of the United States Engineer Corps; Clara E., born October 25, 1858, wife of George Hoyt Pomeroy, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; and Maud A., born July 28, 1868, died April 1, 1870. Reuben Nichols, the father of Mrs. Lockwood, was born in Londonderry, N. H., in 1787, and in 181 I married Miss Asenath Center, of the same town. His parents were Jacob and Sallie Nichols, natives of Massachusetts, who had a family of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, of whom Reuben was the youngest. All lived to be from eighty-four to ninety-six years of age, except one who died in early life from the effects of an injury. In October, 1827, Reuben Nichols left New Hampshire with his family, and started for the wilds of the West to seek a home. On reaching Pike Hollow, Allegany Co., N. Y., the family made a halt, while the father proceeded to Lorain county, Ohio, on horseback, and secured a farm six miles south of Elyria. He then returned to his family, and they reached the new home March 28, 1828. They first located at Butternut Ridge, then a scarcely broken wilderness, where they remained for nearly two years, and in 1830 went to Elyria, where Mr. Nichols purchased the old " Eagle Hotel." In 1832 he began the erection of the " Mansion House," which he conducted until selling out in 1839. At that time it was one of the finest hotels west of Buffalo, N. Y. On disposing of that property he 764 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. removed his family to Oberlin, Ohio, in order to better educate his children. In 1842 he returned to Elyria, where he spent his remaining days, passing to his rest in 1871, at the age of eighty-four, an honest, upright and just man. He was a life-long Democrat. His wife died in November, 1870. FRANK R. LONG, an enterprising young farmer of Ottawa county, was born in Harris township June 11, 1874, and is a son of John Wesley and Caroline (Guernsey) Long. John W. Long was born in Harking Hills, Logan Co., Ohio, September 8, 1828, and on coming to Ottawa county located on a farm in Section 8, Harris township, where he lived until his death, which occurred April 4, 1892. He here cleared and improved a farm, erected good buildings upon it and made a comfortable home for himself and family. In 1852, he married Caroline Guernsey, of Benton township, Ottawa county, and they became the parents of four children -Arthur Leroy, born February 26, 1855; Irving C., born September 4, 1857; Julia Agnes, born January 25, 1871, and Frank, R., subject of this sketch. Irving and Frank are the only ones now living, and the former resides in Paw Paw, Mich., where he is engaged in painting and paper hanging. He is married and has three children. Arthur died October 26, 1856, and Julia A. passed away March 31, 1872. The children and father were laid to rest in the old cemetery of Elmore. Mrs. Long was born January 8, 1836, in Lorain county, Ohio, where she spent her girlhood days and obtained her education. At the age of fifteen she came with her parents to Benton township, Ottawa county, and for some years prior to her marriage was there successfully engaged in teaching school. She is now living on the old home place with her son. The paternal grandfather of our subject, William Long, was born August 15, 1797, of Irish descent, and died in 1884. He married Margaret Smith, who was born February 22, 1803, and died August 7, 1887. The maternal grandfather, David Guernsey, was born in New York July 4, 1810, and at the age of fourteen came to Ohio, where for many years he followed his trade of carpentering. He is now living in Illinois at the advanced age of eighty-five years, and his wife, Achsah (Cross), has reached the age of eighty-one, having been born March 17, 1814. Her parents were Elisha and Susan Cross, the former of whom was born in Vermont in 1781, and died in 1851, while the latter was born in 1778, and died February 22, 1848. We now take up the personal history of Frank R. Long, who is one of the progressive farmers of his native county. He was educated in the district schools and in Elmore, and completed his education in 1891, since which he has had charge of the old home farm, which is pleasantly and conveniently located a mile and a half from Elmore. He is a young man of good business and executive ability, and his genuine worth has won him a host of warm friends who esteem him highly. His political support is given to the men and measures of the Democratic party. JOHN SMITH is one of the worthy citizens that the Emerald Isle has furnished to Ottawa county. He was born in County Monaghan, in 1832, and is a son of Patrick and Alice Smith, who, emigrating to America, landed in New York on June 27, 1850. In November of the same year they removed to Ohio, locating in Marble Head, where they spent about a year, and then took up their residence about two miles west in Danbury township, Ottawa county, where the father was engaged in COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 765 agricultural pursuits for many years. He passed away in April, 1878, preceded to the grave by his wife, who died about 1866. The subject of this sketch acquired a common-school education in his native land, and also attended school at Marble Head. His first independent effort in life was work in a quarry at Marble Head and on Kelley's Island, and in this way, through industry and economy, he purchased his present farm with the money obtained at his previous labor. Since his settlement here he has carried on agricultural pursuits, and is now extensively engaged in fruit growing, raising fine varieties of all kinds of fruits adapted to this climate. He successfully manages his business interests, and his enterprise and perseverance have brought him a handsome competence which he well deserves. Mr. Smith was married in Sandusky City, November 27, 1857, to Miss Ann Rielly, a daughter of Edward and Alice (Burns) Rielly, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father died in the land of his nativity, and the mother, who is still surviving at the age of eighty-three years, makes her home with her brother Patrick, in Danbury township, Ottawa county. Mrs. Smith was born July 20, 1835, in County Monaghan, Ireland. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with eight children —Mary E., born July 18, 1858, who is the wife of George Julian, a resident of Fremont, Ohio; Edward, born February 2, 1860, who makes his home in Lakeside, Ohio; Thomas, born April 25, 1862, who is living in North Dakota; John G., born July 6, 1864, who died February 18, 1892; Alice J., born January 12, 1867, who is the wife of George Bope, a resident of North Dakota; Francis H., born July 6, 1869, who is located in North Dakota; Hugh P., born August 16, 1872, who lives at home; and Rose A., born July T0, 1877, Mr. Smith affiliates with the Democratic party, and has several times filled the office of township trustee, discharging his duties in a creditable and acceptable manner. He is a progressive and loyal citizen, actively interested in whatever pertains to the welfare of the community, and is an honored resident of Danbury township, one who justly merits the high regard in which he is held. SAMUEL BURKETT is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the Buckeye State. He was born in Sandusky county, on his father's farm in Washington township, January 11, 1860, and is a son of Edward and Catherine (Ockes) Burkett, the former a native of Perry county, Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Grandfather Burkett was one of the first settlers of Perry county, and secured a tract of government land, upon which he carried on farming. Upon his death, his widow and her son, Edward, then a child of ten years, came to Sandusky county, locating near Hessville. Subsequently he removed to Madison township, where he purchased forty-nine acres of timber land, the greater part of which he succeeded in placing under cultivation before his death. He was familiar with all the experiences and hardships of pioneer life, and always bore his part in the upbuilding and development of the locality with which his lot was cast. His death occurred April 21, 1884, and his wife, who survived him several years, passed away July 7, 1891, and was laid to rest in Washington township. Samuel Burkett was one of a family of twelve children, and was born and reared on the farm which is still his home. He received a good common-school education, and early became familiar with the duties of farm life, giving his father the benefit of his services until after he had attained his majority, When quite 766 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. young he was obliged to shoulder an axe and help to clear away the timber and prepare the fields for cultivation. On December 25, 1888, Mr. Burkett was united in marriage with Miss Edith Kuntz, a daughter of David and Eva (Clapper) Kuntz, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and had a family of twelve children, namely: Charles, Henry, Frank, Edith, Emma, Jacob, Evangeline, David, Daniel, Cleveland, Winfield, and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Burkett have but one child — William, who was born December 1, 1889, in Madison township, Sandusky county. They are well-known people of the community, and have the warm regard of many friends. Mr.' Burkett is a Democrat in politics, and has held the office of road supervisor. His land is now leased to the Ohio Oil Company, and on it are three good wells, which net him a monthly income of $35. CHRISTIAN LOSLI. Among the successful young farmers of Sandusky county who have here spent their entire lives is the gentleman whose name introduces this record. .Our subject was born in Washington township, Sandusky county, July 13, 1866, and is a son of Christian and Anna (Weber) Losli, both of whom were born in Switzerland, and, in 1854, sailed for the New World, landing in New York City. For about two weeks they remained in the Eastern metropolis, and then came direct to Sandusky county, Ohio, where they are still living. They located upon forty acres of land, upon which their son Christian now resides. At the time it came into the father's possession it was covered by a dense forest, but soon the sound of the woodman's axe was heard, and one by one the sturdy trees fell under his ringing blows, and the land was plowed and planted, until to-day, with the exception of five acres, it is all under cultivation, and the hard labor of former years is now requited by good harvests. The parents are living with their son Christian in the enjoyment of good health, the father having reached the advanced age of seventy-eight years, while the mother has passed the sixty-sixth milestone on life's journey. They are both members of the Evangelical Church, and since becoming an American citizen, Mr. Losli has been a supporter of the Democratic party. In taking up the personal history of Christian Losli, Jr. , we present to our readers the life record of one who is both widely and favorably known in this locality—a native son of the county, and one that the community numbers among its valued citizens. His educational privileges were limited, but he made the most of his opportunities, and by experience and observation in later years he has become a well-informed man. He possesses good business ability, industry and energy are numbered among his chief characteristics, and he is a wide-awake and progressive man. Since old enough he has managed the home farm, and yet devotes his energies to its further cultivation and improvement. On March 20, 1886, Mr. Losli was joined in wedlock with Miss Louisa Seabert, a native of Germany, who came to America with her mother when a child of four summers, her father having died in his native land. Two children now brighten the home of this worthy couple, and are the delight of parents and grandparents. They are Freddie, born March 18, 1887; and Emma, born June 18, 189o. Mr. Losli is a member of the Evangelical Church. Politically he follows in the footsteps of his father, voting the straight Democratic ticket, and has been honored with the offices of road supervisor and school director. He is a loyal citizen, devoted to the best interests of the community in which he makes his home, and he well deserves representation in this volume, COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 767 JAMES BAKER, a prominent and successful agriculturist of Green Creek township, Sandusky county, was there born August 28, 1840, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Cleveland) Baker, both of whom came to this county during childhood, and were married in Green Creek township. The father, whose birth occurred in Seneca Flats, N. Y., in 1802, was a son of Samuel Baker, with whom he came to this county, where they are numbered among the pioneer settlers. The mother of our subject was born in Seneca Flats in 1803, and by her parents was brought to Sandusky, where she made her home until her death which occurred March 13, 1889, when she was aged eighty-five years, four months and four days. She was a member of the Mormon Church. Mr. Baker departed this life April 3, 1880, at the age of seventy-seven years, four months and twenty-two days. In their family were eight children who grew to maturity—four sons and four daughters--namely: Samuel (deceased), who was a farmer of Green Creek township, Sandusky county; Clark C. , who also died in that township; Keziah, who was the wife of William Hoel, and died in Green Creek township (she had been twice married, her second husband being Edwin Gittins); Sarah Ann, who became the wife of Solomon Knauss, who died in 1865 (she lives in Coldwater, Mich.); Napoleon, who passed away in Green Creek township (he was twice married, and left a widow and children); Abigail, who was the wife of Franklin Short, died in 1864, leaving one child; James is the next in order of birth; and Jemima, wife of Norman Ellsworth, of Clyde. One child died in infancy. In Green Creek township, Sandusky county, James Baker passed the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, and was able to attend the common schools of the neighborhood, where he acquired a good education. On attaining man's estate he was united in mar riage August 17, 1868, with Miss Alice Hayes, who was born on Christmas Day, 1842, in Ballville township, Sandusky county, Ohio. Unto this worthy couple have been born eight children, one of whom—Samuel—died in childhood; those living are Ella, born January 27, 1871, became the wife of Elmer Hughes April I1, 1889, and they have two children --Alice and Lloyd; Mr. Hughes was born in Green Creek township, September 3, 1866, and in that township still resides; in politics he is a Republican. Joseph, the next of the family, was born February 17, 1873. The others are: Elizabeth, born March 27, 1875; Ellsworth, born December 16, 1877; James, born January 7, 1879; Anne, born January 30, 1881; and Clarence, born January 3, 1883. Mr. Baker is the owner of a good farm of eighty acres in Green Creek township, where he is engaged in general farming, raising all kinds of produce, including melons. He has the place brought under an excellent state of cultivation, improved with all modern conveniences and accessories, and he is accounted one of the leading farmers of the community. He has always taken a prominent part in educational matters, and has given his children good school privileges. He is a worthy representative of one of the prominent families of the county, where he has many warm friends. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party. HENRY BOWLUS. The great ancestor from whom are descended the Bowlus families of Sandusky county, Ohio, was a native of Germany, who came to America in the Colonial period, about 1735, and settled in the Middletown valley, Frederick county, Md. He had four sons--Jacob, George, Valentine and Nicholas—the youngest being then but five years of age. Nicholas Bowlus was reared on a farm in Frederick county, Md., where he be- 768      COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. came the head of a family of eight childrenJacob, John, Henry, Nicholas, Jr., Mrs. Beckabach, Mrs. Floyd, Mrs. Haller and Mrs. Christ. Of these, Jacob, a distinguished pioneer minister of the United Brethren Church, and Henry, a farmer, came to Ohio, about the year 1828, and settled in Sandusky township, Sandusky Co., Ohio. The children of Rev. Jacob Bowlus were: Jacob, David, Mary, Elizabeth, Margaret and Susannah, all of whom became heads of families in Sandusky county. Henry Bowlus located on a farm of 32o acres, which was then an unbroken forest, and helped clear up the far-famed " Black Swamp." He had a family of six children, namely: (I) Magdalene, wife of Daniel Young, who lived and died in Maryland. (2) Adam, who married Elizabeth Krohn, and remained in Maryland. (3) Sophia, wife of Jacob Thomas; she died in 1895, at the age of eighty-eight years. They had nine children—John H., Richard, Joseph, Lizzie, Maggie, Amanda, Charles, Alice, Anna; of these, the eldest, John H. Thomas, a millionaire, 'Was the competitor of Calvin S. Brice, for U. S. Senator, in 1893. (4) Henry Bowlus, our subject, comes next. (5) Nicholas, who married Margaret Donnell, and lived in Madison township, where he died in 1893. (6) Mahala, wife of Jesse Dorcas, living at Lisbon, Iowa. Henry Bowlus, our subject, one of the early pioneers of Sandusky county, was born in Maryland, September 27, 1810. On November 20, 1833, he married Miss Catharine Keller, of Lancaster, Ohio, who was born February 14, 1811, and died October 2o, 1848; their children were—Hanson R. , Mahala, Martha, Catharine, Elizabeth, and Caroline. These all became heads of families in Sandusky county. On September 27, 1849, our subject married Mrs. Rebecca C. Bowlus (nee Williamson), of Maryland, born July 4, '1824, and died January 28, 1891; their children were--Warren, Anna, Henry F., and Robert, all of whom became heads of families and live in their native county. Henry Bowlus, our subject, has lived to see a mighty change in the valley of the Sandusky. When he first came here there were more Indians than white people. The Wyandots and Tawas lived here, and used to assemble in great numbers every year when they went to Malden to draw their annuity from the United States government. There was no end of squirrels and other wild game. Mr. Bowlus followed farming and stock raising. He still owns 16o acres of land on Muskallonge creek, two and a half miles west of Fremont. About the year 1868, in company with his son, Hanson R., he operated a sawmill, furniture shop and planing-mill, about sixteen years at Fremont. In politics he was first a Whig, then an Abolitionist, and later a Republican. Before the Civil war he kept a station of the " Under-ground railroad," and assisted runaway slaves from the Southern States to escape to Canada. He has for many years been a member of the M. P. Church, at Fremont. Though now (1896) past eighty-five years of age, he enjoys life among his children and grandchildren, with a mind still active and a memory undimmed. MBROSE MEYER, one of the steady-going, industrious, and substantial citizens of Riley township, Sandusky county, is a native of the same, born December 16, 1859, and is a son of Jacob and Jane (Ziegler) Meyer, who were born in Alsace, Germany. Jacob .Meyer came With his wife to America in 1838, and located in Seneca county, Ohio. In 1849 with money he had saved during a period of ten years in this country he bought a farm of eighty acres in Riley township. In 1889 they removed to Fremont, Sandusky county, and are now living there retired after a life of dil- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 769 igent and self denying industry, both at the age of seventy-five years. They had a family of five children, as follows: Louise married Andrew Remelspacher, a farmer in Ballville township, Sandusky county, and they have had twelve children; Jane married Sebastian Wallby, and they live in Millersville, Ohio (they have a family of thirteen children); Joseph is a farmer in Riley township; Mary lives in Fremont, Sandusky county, Ohio; and Ambrose is the subject of this sketch. Ambrose Meyer had only a common-school education, but was reared to habits of diligence and economy. On January 23, 1888, he was united in marriage with Anna Koch, and three children have been born to them, namely: Laurence, January 6, 1889; Josephine, June 20, 1892; and Walter, August 28, 1893. Mrs. Meyer's parents, Valentine and Barbara (Riffer) Koch, had a family of eight children, namely: Mary, Lorenz, Jane, Andrew, Tracy, Louise, George and Anna (Mrs. Meyer). Mr. Meyer now works and practically owns the farm where his parents reside. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious affiliation he is a Catholic. JOSEPH HENRY is numbered among the native sons of Sandusky county, his birth having occurred on the old Henry homestead in Rice township, near the village of Kingsway, March 16, I 85r. He is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family. His father, Christian Henry, was for forty-eight years a well-known and respected resident of Rice township, and at the age of fifty-six years departed this life, his remains being interred in the cemetery at Lindsey. His wife bore the maiden name of Maggie Strawker, by their marriage they became the parents of ten children: Maggie, born in 1842; Fred, born in 1844; Joseph, subject of this sketch; Albert, who is living in Nebraska; Christian; Nelson; Mary, wife of John FokoFokomrah, wife of John Overmyer; Emma, wife of Dr. Keller; and Ettie, who is living in Lindsey, Ohio. No event of special importance occurred during the boyhood and youth of our subject, who was reared upon the old home farm. In his earlier years he attended the district schools of the neighborhood through the winter seasons, and worked upon the 'farm during the summers. On arriving at years of maturity he was married July 6, 1872, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Artz, who was born June 9, 1852, in Rice township, and has passed her entire life in Sandusky county. Mr. and Mrs. Henry now have a family of six children—five sons and one daughter—in the order of their birth born as follows: Mary A., July 6, 1874; John, November 15, 1876; Joseph F., March 1, 1881; Simon H., January 22, 1885; and Albert, July 18, 1893. Upon the death of his father, Joseph Henry purchased the old home farm of the other heirs, and is now the owner of 140 acres of rich and arable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He has there a model farm, upon which in 1888 he erected a new barn. He makes a specialty of the raising of fine horses and cattle, and has some fine stock upon the place. He possesses good business ability, and his well-directed efforts merit the success which has come to him. His political support is given to the Democracy, and he attends the Catholic Church. HIRAM RANSOM, a retired stock breeder and agriculturist, and one of the most popular representative men of Erie township, Ottawa county, was born in Riley township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, October 31, 1827, and is a son of Hiram and Sarah (Stull) Ran- 770 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. som, who were born in Sandusky, Erie county, and in Pennsylvania, respectively. The grandparents and parents of the subject of this sketch were pioneer settlers of Riley township, Sandusky county, his grandfather Stull being the first settler in the east half of Riley township. The parents had two children, of whom one died in infancy, and Hiram, of whom we now write, is the only surviving member of the family. His mother died when he was only two years old. In 1844 his father was married again, this time to Emeline Lindsley, but there were no children by that union. He passed away in Riley township May 11, 1856, after a useful and well-spent life. He had resided in that township for over forty years, and was identified with its early days, with trials and hardships, as well as all movements tending to its advancement and welfare. Hiram Ransom, whose name introduces this sketch, was reared a farmer's boy, and received such limited educational advantages as the old log schoolhouses of his boyhood days afforded. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life, and was.a resident of Sandusky county until 1861. On' January I, 1852, in Riley township, he married Nancy Jane Parks, who was born in Mifflinburg, Penn., August 18, 183o, daughter of James and Mary (Boyer) Parks, the former of whom was at one time sheriff of Sandusky county, and also a representative of the county in the Legislature. Mr. and Mrs. Ransom had three children, as follows: Burton, born September 17, 1854, is a marine engineer, and now resides in Toledo; he was united in marriage, September 17, 1877, with Grace D. Poole, of Fulton county, Ohio, and they have had two children—Parks, who died in infancy, and Maude, living. Clara, born December 6, 1857, was married, on January 6, 1880, to William D. Van Rensselaer, son of Peter S. and Mary J. (Depew) Van Rensselaer, of Erie township, and they have had two children—Hiram Saunders and Hazel Pearl, both of whom are living with their parents in Fulton county. Mary, born August 11, 1862, was married October 1, 1884, to J. R. McRitchie, son of David R. and Lucy (Lattimore) Mc-Ritchie, of Bay township, Ottawa county, and they have had five children, namely: Ada, Burton, Harry, Earl and Lucy Jane. On August 13, 1895, the mother of this family died, at their home in Lacarne, Ottawa county, after a prolonged illness. She was buried in Lacarp cemetery, Erie township. In 1861 Mr. Ransom removed to Fulton county, Ohio, where he remained for ten years, and in 1871, settled in Erie township, Ottawa county, where he has since resided. He has taken an active part in matters connected with the growth and welfare of the township and county; for six years he served faithfully as county commissioner, has been a justice of the peace for nine years, and has efficiently filled various township offices. Mr. Ransom and his family attend the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. His kindness of heart and unselfish generosity are proverbial wherever he is known, none appeal to him in vain for aid in a . worthy cause, and, by his courtesy, ability, unquestioned integrity and high character, he has gained the confidence of the citizens of his township and county, who hold him and his family in high esteem. JOSHUA E. CURTICE, agriculturist and lumber manufacturer, who is widely known, not only in the neighborhood of Allen township, Ottawa county, but throughout this section of the State, has played a prominent part in building up great industries and promoting the advancement of the country. A short sketch of his busy and useful life will prove interesting to the readers of this volume. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 771 Mr. Curtice was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1832, son of Joel and Annie (Freeman) Curtice, who were also born in the above-named county and State, of English descent, the father being the son of Hosea Curtice, of New York. In May, 1833, when our subject was quite young, his parents removed to Ohio and settled in Lagrange township, Lorain county, where they remained five years. There he obtained a fair education in the public schools, and on arriving at manhood found employment as construction boss on what is now known as the " Big Four " railroad. He spent several years in the employ of this company, and then worked as section boss for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Company for about fifteen years. At the end of this time he was employed by the. Atlantic & Great Western Railway Company on construction work, remaining with them for upward of two years at Springfield, Ohio. During these years, by industry and frugality, Mr. Curtice had managed to save enough money to buy a farm, and coming to Allen (then Clay) township, Ottawa county, he purchased 160 acres of timber land, very soon after setting to work to clear it. He employed eighty men to cut the timber, which .was then made into railroad ties and fuel, built a saw and planing mill, in which he made boards, etc., and besides using the timber off his own land he purchased large quantities on surrounding tracts and carried on an extensive business.there in lumber for eighteen years. He then removed his mill five miles farther north, and bought 500 acres of land, from the timber on which he made staves, lath, etc. Here he established the prosperous and growing town of Curtice, in which a number of factories are now in operation, and also built a sawmill in Lucas county. After remaining in Curtice for a year or two, our subject removed to Martin, also in Ottawa county, where he built a sawmill and a stave factory, and also en- gaged in general merchandising, at the same time cultivating his large tract of land. In 1892 he removed to Coleman township, Midland Co., Mich., and there erected saw and planing mills, and a stave and barrel-heading factory. With all these enterprises on hand he' also carries on general merchandising, and gives employment to a large number of men. A few miles from Coleman Mr. Curtice built other mills and founded another town, named after himself, which is equally prosperous with its sister town, in this State, and he has done much to aid its progress. He was the means of having a schoolhouse built, in which religious services are held every. Sabbath, and a post office, also called Curtice, established and carries on a large general merchandise store, in which his son is a partner. Mr. Curtice makes his residence chiefly in Midland county, Mich., in order to look after his extensive business enterprises there, while his wife remains in Allen township, Ottawa county, in this State, in charge .of their interests in that community. Our subject was married May 28, 1851, to Mary E., daughter of. James K. and Sarah E. (Loomis) Pelton, and to them have come two children: Alice M., born at Painesville, Ohio, May 6, 1852, died September 8, of the same year. James E. Curtice, the only living child of our subject, was born September 18, 1854, and after attending the public schools of Allen township, and high school at Genoa for two years, went to school at Tiffin, Ohio, for six months; he then entered a college in the State of New York, pursuing his studies there for a year and a half, and graduating with honor in 1877. Not having any desire to follow a profession he took an interest in his father's numerous enterprises, and today is managing partner of the branch of the business at Coleman, Mich. He was clerk of the schoolboard in Allen township for a number of years prior to his 772 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. removal to Michigan, and is a member of Genoa Lodge, F. & A. M. James E. Curtice was married January 14, 1878, to Lizzie, daughter of George D. Littlejohn, of Baltimore, Ohio, and two children came to them: Eugene, born March 11, 1879, died December 22, 1881; Ethel, born September 13, 1885, is residing at present with her grandmother, Mrs. Curtice, in Allen township, and is attending school at Toledo. The mother of these children died October 20, 1887, and Mr. Curtice was married the second time, in 1892, at Toledo, to 'Miss Bella Green; one child has blessed this marriage, Lucile; born August 22, 1894. Dr. James K. Pelton, father of the wife of our subject, was born in Watertown, N. Y., in 1810, son of James Pelton, of Watertown. He attended the common school and also took a college course. After farming for a while he went to New York and studied medicine, and he practiced that profession for more than a quarter of a century in Lagrange, for ten years at Toledo, and for five years at Columbus Grove, Putnam Co., this State. He was married, March 11, 1834, to Sarah, daughter of Russell Loomis, by whom he had six children, viz.: Mary E., born May 11, 1835, wife of our subject; James, born in 1838, at Lagrange, who was a manufacturer there, and died October 22, 1893 (he married and became the father of six children); Lucy, born August 31, 1841, married John Ryan, of New York, who died in 1877, and she married for her second husband Mr. W. N. Albertson, of Toledo; David C., born in Lagrange March 11, 1844, married Maggie Sadler (he is proprietor of a hotel at Trombley, Wood Co., this State); Richard F., born September 6, 1846, is a manufacturer at McComb, this State (he is married and the father of three children); Erastus L., born April 9, 1849, is farming at Fruitport, Mich. (he is married and has two children). Dr. Pelton, the father of this family, died at La grange, February 9. 1886, his wife departing this life four years previousiy. Joshua E. Curtice, the subject of this sketch, was a trustee of Clay township for a number of years. Socially he is a member of the Good Templars Lodge and of Genoa Lodge, F. & A. M. In his political views he is a Republican; his wife is a member of the Evangelical Church. They are highly esteemed, and are popular with all classes in the community. I. H. ELLSWORTH. This gentleman has for some years been prominently identified with educational interests in this section of Ohio, and he is also known, in Benton township and vicinity, as an energetic business man, one who, though yet young, is making an enviable record for himself and winning his way to a place among the best men of Ottawa county. He is a son of Elijah D. and Nancy J. (Overmyer) Ellsworth, the former 9f whom was born in Sandusky City February 24, 1836, and when seven years old came with his parents to Sandusky county, where they settled and cleared up a fine farm. At that time-1843-the county was a forest-covered wilderness, and the Ellsworths were among the early pioneers. Grandfather Ellsworth was born in New York about 1787, and served in the war of 1812, during which he was held prisoner on Lake Erie. He died in 1861. Elijah D. Ellsworth first wedded Miss La-Roe, of Sandusky county, who died in 1862, only a year after her marriage. Shortly after this Mr. Ellsworth inherited a large landed property from his father's estate, near Clyde. In 1864 he was again married, and his children by this union were Eugene E., born February 5, 1865; Irving H., born February 25, 1866; and Ettie A., born February 20, 1872, all living in Ohio. In 1893 Elijah D. Ellsworth went to California, where he now owns 160 acres of land. Our subject's maternal COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 773 grandfather, Jacob Overmyer, was born in Pennsylvania in 1806, and came to Ohio in 1854, settling in Sandusky county, where he cleared up a farm from the forest; his wife was a Miss Hammel, ,of Uniontown, Penn., born about 1805. The great-grandfather, Jacob Overmyer, Sr., was born in 1756 in Philadelphia. I. H. Ellsworth was born February 2 5, 1866, near Tontogany, Wood Co., Ohio, where he spent his boyhood days. His early education was obtained in the country schools and at Tontogany, the schools of which place he attended for a time. Some years afterward he took a normal course in Toledo, which he completed in 1893. In 1885, at the age of nineteen, he began his career as a school teacher in the public schools of Wood county, where he taught for four years. Unlike many young men engaged in teaching he did not waste his summer vacations, but employed himself during the time in selling carriages and harness, deriving from that business a snug income. In the spring of 1889 his health failed, and he accepted a position as traveling salesman for a wholesale saddlery hardware company of Cleveland, traveling more or less until September, 1894, when he was sufficiently improved in health to again return to his chosen profession. Meanwhile, in 1890, he came to Ottawa county, and settling in Rocky Ridge engaged in the carriage and harness business, in which he continued four years. During two years of this time he engaged as teacher in the public schools of Rocky Ridge, the second year as principal of the high school. In 1894 he took charge of the public school at Limestone, where he still lives. About three years ago Mr. Ellsworth and a Mr. Olsen formed the Ellsworth & Olsen Co., of Oak Harbor, Ottawa Co., Ohio, for the handling of harness and carriages, and the business having proved a very successful one Mr. Ellsworth contemplates giving his entire time to it and retiring from his profession. During the summer of 1894 he handled different makes of bicycles for the Columbia Carriage & Bicycle Co., of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On September 25, 1889, Mr. Ellsworth was married to Miss Anna J. Mawer, of Tontogany, Ohio, and this union has been blessed with one child, Irvin C., born December 2 5, 1890. Mrs. Ellsworth was born October 27, 1868, on a farm near Tontogany, Wood Co., Ohio. Her early education was received in the district schools near her home, and she then attended the public schools of Waterville for a time. On completing her studies at Waterville she returned home, where she remained until her marriage. Her father is a native of Canada, born in Quebec in 1833; her mother was born in 1843 in New York State. Immediately after their marriage they moved onto a tract of new land in Ottawa county, Ohio, then a forest, where they cleared up a fine home of 140 acres—one of the fine farm homes of Ottawa county—on which they now live. They became the parents of four children, as follows: Vinton J. , born May 24, 1867 ;Anna J. , born October 27, 1868; George Clifford,, born October 18, 1871, and Elbert C., born December 8, 1879. In 1861 Mrs. Ells-worth's father entered the army, becoming first lieutenant, and was promoted to the rank of captain, serving as such until the war closed, mainly in Kentucky. At the battle of Guntown he was taken prisoner, and was held for fifteen months. Mrs. Ellsworth's maternal grandparents were born in 1817 in New York State, and the grandfather died in 1890, the grandmother in 1891. In their family were four children, two of whom are living, Mrs. Ells-worth's mother and William Bott. JOHN WILLIAM HURDELBRINK was born in Woodville township, Sandusky county, in 1841, son o Armon Henry and Elizabeth (Wilner) Hurdelbrink, both of whom were 774 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. born in Hanover, Germany, in 1811, the former in November of that year. The parents of our subject had three children, as follows: Henry, who lives in Toledo, Ohio, married Angelina Stieger, by whom he had eight children; she died April 2, 1887. Mary married Louis Linke, a farmer of Woodville township, and they had eight children. John W. is the subject of this sketch. In 1840 Mr. and Mrs. Hurdelbrink came to America, landing in New York, where they remained but a short time. They then moved to Wood county, Ohio, and after about two months bought twenty-five acres of land, the greater part of which they cleared, and put up a log cabin and other buildings. After living there over nine years they sold this place, and moved to what is now the old family homestead, where Mr. Hurdelbrink passed the remainder of his days. At the time of his death he had 160 acres of valuable land, of which he had cleared about eighty acres himself. On November 1, 1867, John W. Hurdelbrink was united in marriage with Louisa Coleman, who was born March 19, 1850, in Hanover, Germany, and seven children were born to them, namely: Minnie, born July 25, 1868, married John Stine, a farmer of Woodville township, by whom she had three children—Ella, Lizzie and Etta; H., born July 17, 1870, was married to L. Cole, and they had one child (they live in Gibsonburg, Sandusky Co., Ohio); August, born December 25, 187–, is single and lives at home; Louis, born February 17, 1875; Charles, born March 2, 1880; George, born March 18, 1884; and Augusta, born September 25, 1885. Mrs. J. W. Hurdelbrink's brother William and sister Lizzie live in Ottawa county, Ohio. Their father died September 12, 1868. John W. Hurdelbrink always remained at home, and on the death of his father the estate was divided. In 1885 he bought eighty acres of land, partly cleared, which cost him $3, 200, and here he car ries on general farming. He is a Democrat in politics, and in religious connection is an active member of the Lutheran Church in Woodville, Sandusky county. AARON BECKER was born in Germany, June 5, 1834, son of Christopher and Maria (Bushman) Becker, who were also natives of Germany, and came to America in 1841, settling in Washington township, Sandusky Co., Ohio. Here the father rented a farm of forty acres, on which he lived for one year, then removing to Madison township, same county, where he purchased eighty-six acres of rough timber land. He at once began clearing up the place, and acre by acre it was put under the plow until the once wild land was transformed into rich and fertile fields. Good buildings were erected, and the home of Christopher Becker became one of the finest farms of the neighborhood. His life wash well spent, and his death, which occurred in 1886, was mourned by many friends. His wife passed away in 1884, and they were laid to rest in the cemetery in Madison township. In their family were seven children, as follows: Florence, Mary, Casper, Aaron, Fred, Martin and Henry. While in his native land Mr. Becker had served for three years in the German army. Aaron Becker was only seven years of age when he came with his parents to the United States. As soon as old enough he began to earn his living by work as a farm hand, but continued to make his home with his parents until his twenty-fourth birthday, when he was united in marriage with Jane Heisen, the wedding being celebrated June 5, 1858. He then removed with his bride to Washington. township, where he purchased thirty acres of land, the greater part of which was covered with timber. He worked early and late in order to clear this for cultivation, and when he had greatly improved it sold at