800 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. mother died some years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Roose have. no family. Politically Mr. Roose is a stanch Democrat, and has ever taken an active interest in public affairs. The family are members of the Lutheran Church, and enjoy the respect and confidence of the entire community in which they reside. MATHIAS BURGGRAF, JR., an enterprising and energetic fruit raiser and wine maker, living on Put in Bay Island, Ottawa county, is a native of Baden, Germany, born April 2, 1851, and is a son of Mathias and Ann Marie (Schmidt) Burggraf, who were also natives of that country. The father is still living and resides on Put in Bay Island; the mother passed away January 11, 1893. In early life our subject obtained a limited education in the district schools, but subsequently availed himself of the advantages of a select school, and through study, observation and experience has become a well-informed man. He was only two and a half years old when he came to America with his parents, and at the age of eight years he became a resident of Put in Bay Island, where he has since made his home. Here he grew to manhood, and to-day he is one of the most influential and prosperous men of the locality. When his school life was ended he gave his time and energies to work upon the home farm, where he continued until he had attained his majority. In 1874, with the capital he had acquired through industry and prudence, he purchased the good farm upon which he now resides, and here he devotes his labors to the cultivation of fruit, in which work he is quite successful. Mr. Burggraf was married, in Sandusky City, Erie Co., Ohio, November 16, 1876, to Miss Louisa Sherer, a daughter of George Jacob and Louisa (Wagoner) Sherer, both of whom were natives of Bavaria, Germany. The father died March 9, 1886; the mother is still living and resides in Sandusky City. It was there that Mrs. Burggraf was born, on March 4, 1858. Our subject and his wife have one son, George J., who was born in Put in Bay, December 7, 1878. They also have adopted a little niece (a daughter of Mrs. Burggraf's brother), Louisa Sherer, who was born in Sandusky City, July 5, 1882. Her father died May 3, 1890, and her mother's death occurred May 20, 1894. Our subject has efficiently served as school director in Put in Bay township for twenty-one consecutive years, and has done much toward perfecting the school system on the Island. He has also been a member of the township board for several terms, and in office, as well as in all the other relations of life, he is true to every trust reposed in him. His character is above reproach. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. He and his wife attend the Reformed Episcopal Church. Mr. Burggraf is one of the progressive young men of the township, enterprising, prudent and industrious, and is ever ready to lend a helping hand to all matters calculated to benefit the community and advance the best interests of the township. His surroundings indicate taste and good judgment, and are a credit to the owner. LORENZ MILLER (deceased) was a son of Lorenz Verena Miller, and was born September 11, 1831, at Schopfheim, Weisenthal, Baden, Germany. In his native land he acquired his education, grew to manhood, and learned the trade of a watchmaker. On attaining his majority he sailed across the briny deep to the New World, and two years later, in 1854, located on Put in Bay Island, Ottawa county, where he resided until life's labors were ended. He was extensively engaged in the cultivation COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 801 of a fine vineyard, and his business ability and sound judgment won him a creditable success. Mr. Miller was married May 26, 1860, to Henrietta Foy, a daughter of Henry and Henrietta (Myer) Foy, who were natives of Germany. There the mother died during the infancy of her daughter, and the father afterward married Dorothy Myer, a sister of his first wife. In 1854 the family came to America and the following year settled on Put in Bay Island, where Mr. Foy died December 9, 1859, his wife surviving him until August 15, 1879. By his first marriage there were two ohildren, Henrietta, Mrs. Miller, and one who died in infancy. By the second marriage there were six children, of whom five are still living, namely: Marie, wife of Jackson Fullington, chief of police of Santa Barbara, Cal. ; August C., who resides at Put in Bay, and is chief officer on the steamer " Arrow;" Louis T., who resides at the same place; Anna, wife of August Renderly, who is living on North Bass Island; and Henry, a resident of Detroit, Michigan. Mrs. Miller was born in Braunschweig, Germany, June 30, 1842, and came with her parents to America. Since 1855 she has lived on the Island, and is now residing at the beautiful home which was left her by her husband. Their union was blessed with four sons, as follows: George Frederick, born May 2, 1861; Frank Joseph, born September I, 1862; Henry Theodore, born October 11, 1873; and Lorenz, born October 26, 1875. The last two are still on the old home farm. The father of this family passed peacefully away at his home, February 26, 1875, after a twenty-one-years' residence on Put in Bay Island. He was, however, cut off in the prime of life, when it seemed that he had much yet to live for. His whole career was a practical commentary on the noble virtues of an upright man. He commenced his course at the bottom round of the ladder, and by honesty and industry worked his way upward and acquired a handsome fortune. Although it was his desire to gain wealth for himself and family, there was nothing sordid in his nature and he followed the golden rule, doing unto others as he would have them do to him. No one could say that he acquired his fortune through unfair means. His honesty and liberality were among his most marked characteristics, and no man seeking to rise by his own endeavors ever asked assistance of Mr. Miller in vain, while many a one has received aid without even soliciting it and owes his success in life to Mr. Miller's helping hand. In his death the community lost one of its most prominent and progressive men, his wife a loving and devoted husband, and his children a kind and indulgent father. ALEXANDER McDONALD (deceased) was one of the early settlers of Portage township, Ottawa county, and many years of his well-spent life were passed in that locality, where he was. numbered among the successful agriculturists. He endured all the trials and hardships of pioneer life, and was actively interested in all that pertained to the welfare of the community. A native of Banffshire, Scotland, he was the only child born to Louis and Janet McDonald. His childhood days were passed upon a farm, and he acquired his education in the common schools of the home neighborhood. In 1832 Mr. McDonald sailed for the New World, embarking on the 20th of July from Greenock, on the ship " Roger Stewart," which reached Quebec forty-five days later. He was not accompanied by his wife, who remained in Scotland two years longer, she sailing from Greenock on the vessel " Frances," August 24, 1834, and arriving at New York after a voyage of forty-one days. She was met by Mr. McDonald in Buffalo, N. Y., and together they proceeded to the, 802 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. home which he had prepared in Sandusky county, Ohio. In 1836 they removed to Plasterbed, Portage township, Ottawa county, where he spent his remaining days. On October 14, 1827, Mr. McDonald had married, in Banffshire, Scotland, Miss Marjory McDonall, who was born in Perthshire, Scotland, and was a daughter of Ronald and Margaret (Carmichael)McDonall. She became the mother of nine children-Ronald, born January 8, 1829, who is deceased; Janet, born January 15, 1830, who became the wife of Caleb Cooper in 1846, and died at their home in Portage township; Lewis, born October 14, 1835, who resides in Sandusky City, Ohio; Charles, born June 1, 1838, residing at Plasterbed; Margaret, born July 4, 1840, who is the widow of Aaron Gow, a resident of New Jersey; Elizabeth, born June 20, 1843, who died February 14, 1844; Annie, who was born June 9, 1845, and died March 25, 1855; John, born April 16, 1848, living at Marblehead, Ohio; and James, born April 15, 1851, who is living in Portage township. The father of this family passed away February 14, 1891. His faithful and devoted wife, with whom he had traveled life's pathway for sixty-three years, survives him, and has now reached an advanced age. He was one of the valued and representative pioneers of this locality, and a well-spent life won him the esteem of all. JAMES MCDONALD, the youngest child of the family, acquired his education in the district schools near home, and since early boyhood has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Portage township. On July 3, 1886, he was married, in Monroe county, Mich., to Miss Elsie Watson, a daughter of Peter and Isabel (McDonald) Watson, who still reside in Banffshire, Scotland, where their daughter was born February 14, 1854. Four children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald-Alexander, born June 11,. 1887; Lucy, born April 19, 1889, died March 1, 1891; Cecelia, born January 15, 1891; and Ronald, born March 31, 1893. In his political views James McDonald is a Democrat. He was reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, while his wife was reared in the Presbyterian Church. He is a wide-awake, progressive agriculturist, an honorable, upright man, and is highly esteemed by his friends and neighbors. JOSEPH MILLER (deceased) was, during his busy lifetime, one of the prominent and successful grape-growers of Middle Bass Island, Ottawa county, and was one of the four original purchasers of that Island. He was born March 23, 1823, in Baden, Germany, son of Joseph and Anna Marie (Locherer) Miller, who were also born in the Fatherland, where they died. The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood and educated in the Fatherland, where from early life he was engaged in grape growing, an industry followed by his father and grandfather before him. In 1854 he came to America, settling in Erie county, Ohio, where he resided, three years, and in 1857 removed to Middle Bass Island, of which he was a continuous resident from that time for the remainder of his life. On May 14, 1861, in Sandusky, Erie county, Joseph Miller was united in marriage with Helena Rehberg, who was born at Plau, in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, April 8, 1843, daughter of John and Christina (Bohndorff) Rehberg, and their children are as follows: Anna, born February 10, 1862, is the wife of Henry Burggraf; they have three children-Carl, born December 4, 1888; Arnold, born November 28, 1890; and Ruth, born May 19, 1894. Mary, born March 30, 1864, was united in marriage with Ferdinand Sloat on September 4, 1888; they have had two sons -Gregor J., born June 11, 1889; and Frank Clyde, born July 25, 1892; they reside in Sandusky. Eliza, born September 4, 1868, was married to Charles Bretz; November 12, 1890, and they have had two sons—Sherman Carl, born August 25, 1891; and Leslie Joseph, born December 25, 1893. Nellie J., born January I, 1877, and Herman Joseph, born July 30, 1878. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Miller were as follows: William, who resides on the Island; John, who passed all his life there, dying May 5, 1888; Mary, wife of Albany Kubagh, of Sandusky; and Helena (Mrs. Miller). Mr. John Rehberg was again married, taking, for his second wife, Mary Prool, who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, March 4, 1813, and they had children, as follows: Frederick, who lives in Sandusky; Henry, born October 4, 1854, who was united in marriage April 9, 1876, on Middle Bass Island, with Mina Kapphengst, who was born in Mecklenburg, May 7, 1853, and they have had one child—Clara, born February 22, 1889. Henry commenced in the hotel business in Middle Bass, in 1890; and Louis, who was born February 9, 1858, and died December 11, 1882. Mr. Miller passed away June 24, 1884. In his political views he was a Democrat. He was repeatedly called to offices of responsibility and trust in his township, which he filled with fidelity and acknowledged ability, and the memory of his noble character will long be cherished. His widow, who is regarded highly in the community and admired for her many virtues, is now residing on the homestead. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 803 ber 4, 1868, was married to Charles Bretz; November 12, 189o, and they have had two sons—Sherman Carl, born August 25, 1891; and Leslie Joseph, born December 25, 1893. Nellie J., born January I, 1877, and Herman Joseph, born July 3o, 1878. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Miller were as follows: William, who resides on the Island; John, who passed all his life there, dying May 5, 1888; Mary, wife of Albany Kubagh, of Sandusky; and Helena (Mrs. Miller). Mr. John Rehberg was again married, taking, for his second wife, Mary Prool, who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, March 4, 1813, and they had children, as follows: Frederick, who lives in Sandusky; Henry, born October 4, 1854, who was united in marriage April 9, 1876, on Middle Bass Island, with Mina Kapphengst, who was born in Mecklenburg, May 7, 1853, and they have had one child—Clara, born February 22, 1889. Henry commenced in the hotel business in Middle Bass, in 1890; and Louis, who was born February 9, 1858, and died December 11, 1882. Mr. Miller passed away June 24, 1884. In his political views he was a Democrat. He was repeatedly called to offices of responsibility and trust in his township, which he filled with fidelity and acknowledged ability, and the memory of his noble character will long be cherished. His widow, who is regarded highly in the community and admired for her many virtues, is now residing on the homestead. RUSSEL ELLITHORPE, one of the well-known and enterprising farmers and fruit growers of Catawba Island township, Ottawa county, is a representative of one of the honored early families of the county, and his brothers, George and Cyrus, are also extensive fruit growers of the vicinity. The latter was the first white child born on Kelley's Island, where our subject's birth occurred September 22, 1834, and he is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Neal) Ellithorpe. When about two years of age Russel Ellithorpe went with his parents to Danbury township, Ottawa county, but in 1840 located in Catawba Island township. His advantages for securing an education Were quite limited, he only being able to attend school during the winter seasons, as his services were required in assisting in the cultivation and improvement of the farm during the summer months, and the schools of that early day were not as good as they are at present. Besides his farming interests, for twenty years he engaged in fishing on Lake Erie during the spring and fall, but of late years his chief occupation has been that of fruit growing, his time being mostly taken up in the cultivation of his extensive and productive orchards. For over forty-seven years he has been a constant resident of Catawba Island, during which time he has achieved an enviable reputation for honesty and fair dealing, and his pleasant, genial temperament has made him hosts of friends. At Fremont, Sandusky Co., Ohio, November 10, 1856, Mr. Ellithorpe was united in marriage with Almeda Tilliton, a daughter of Obdic and Lydia (Wonnell) Tilliton, the former of whom was a native of New York State, and the latter of Maryland; they became early settlers of Danbury township, Ottawa county. Two children were born to our subject and his worthy wife, one of whom still survives, namely: James, born March 10, 1857. Eugene died at the age of two years, four months. For ten years Mr. Ellithorpe had served in the capacity of trustee of Catawba Island township, and is an active 'worker in the ranks of the Republican party, which he always supports by his ballot. Socially he belongs to Catawba Island Lodge No. 2783, Knights of Honor. He and his brothers are among the few remaining pioneers of Catawba Island who have been spared to see the 804 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. primitive forests and log cabins give way to the productive orchards and beautiful homes that now adorn this picturesque section of Ottawa county. James Ellithorpe, the only surviving child of our subject, is one of the ambitious and energetic agriculturists who are doing much to still further improve the great fruit-growing interests of Catawba Island, and ranks among the prominent and respected citizens of the community. His boyhood days were spent upon the homestead farm, and he now lives near the home of his father. He was married in Michigan October 8, 1886, to Miss Lydia Burns, and four children blessed this union—Leavitt, born July 12, 1887, who died February 6, 1888; Vernon R.. born October 30, 1890; Ettie M., born January 28, 1893; and Eola A., born July 21, 1894. Mrs. Ellithorpe was born in Wood county, Ohio, April 3o, 1858, and is a daughter of Andrew and Rosena Burns, who were early residents of Port Clinton, Ottawa county, and passed away when their daughter was but a child. HENRY BORDT. Among the younger members of the sturdy farming population of Riley township, Sandusky county, is Henry Bordt, who was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, October 18, 1873, and is the son of August and Mina Bordt. August Bordt was born in Germany, February 18, I 843. In 1866 he was united in marriage, in the Fatherland, with Mina Mikewilt, who was born March 3, 1841, in Germany. In 1872 they came to America, locating in Townsend township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where they lived some seven years. They have had two children, namely: Carrie, who was born October 25, 1869, married Christian Olmes, and has had three children--Alma, Otto, and Laura (they live in Riley township); and Henry, the subject of this sketch. From Townsend township Au gust Bordt moved to Riley township, where he bought forty acres of land, and in 1885 he built a new house and barn. Henry Bordt was reared in Townsend township, always lived at home and received a common-school education. He was early inducted into the pleasant paths of industry, frugality and virtue, and in 1890 he bought forty acres of land adjoining his fathers's farm. He attends the Lutheran Church, and is a Democrat in politics. B. F. ROGERS a well-known shoemaker of Clyde, Sandusky county, where he is now serving as justice of the peace, was born in the town of Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., August 3, 1830, and is a son of Joel and Betsy (Ellis) Rogers. His father's birth occurred in Phelps, N. Y., near Bulltown Springs, and by occupation was a farmer, also carrying on carpentering and joining. In 1830 he came to Ohio, it requiring three weeks to make the trip from Buffalo, N.Y. , to Huron, Ohio, by water. He located at Hartland, Huron Co., Ohio, twelve miles east of Norwalk, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1854,. when he was aged sixty-one years. In politics he was a supporter of the Democratic party. The mother of our subject, who was born in 1798 in New Canaan, Conn., died on the 4th of Jay, 1888. She had a sister who died a year later at the remarkable age of 03 years and one week. At the age of ninety-nine years she did the cooking for a reunion, and our subject has a piece of poetry she recited when a centenarian. The paternal grandfather was a shoemaker of New York. He wedded Mary Kuntz, a native of Germany, and he served through the Revolutionary war under Gen. Washington. One of his sons was the father of Randolph Rogers, the famous sculptor. He died in Rome, leaving a son and daughter, who are both at- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 805 tending college at Ann Arbor, Mich. The Rogers family is of English descent, the great-grandfather of our subject having come from England to the New World. The maternal great-grandfather was also a native of England, and the grandfather, who was a great jumper and athlete, and was a soldier during the struggle for independence. In Hartland, Huron Co., Ohio, B. F. Rogers, subject of this sketch, spent his boyhood days, attending the public schools. At the age of seventeen years he began learning the shoemaker's trade with his uncle, A. G. Ellis, at Fitchville, Huron county, where he remained for nine years. He then for one year had a shop of his own in Wakeman, that county, but at the expiration of that time again worked for his uncle, with whom he remained for a year, but the following winter was employed at his trade in Clarks-field, Huron county. He then entered a drug store, and for one year studied medicines and drugs, after which he went to Michigan, where he continued his studies with the brother of the professor of surgery in the Homeopathic College of Cleveland, Ohio. He was there prepared to enter college, but, becoming tired of _the profession, he returned to Clarks-field, resuming work at his trade. In that place Mr. Rogers was united in marriage with Miss Myra Buck, who was reared in Norwalk, Ohio, and to them were born four children: Emma, who married Alfred Barber, of Norwalk, and has one child—Florence; Belle, wife of E. M. Keller, of Pomona, Cal. ; Hattie, the widow of I. Boone, is a resident of California, and has two children—Effel and John B. ; Grant C. died in 1877, at the age of eleven years. In 1876 the mother of these children passed to her final rest, and September 1877, Mr. Rogers wedded Miss Belinda Malcom, of Ruggles, Ashland Co., Ohio. Her father is a native of Aberdeen, Scotland. By her marriage she has three children— Malcom, Lillie and Archie. After his first marriage Mr. Rogers removed to Norwalk, Ohio, where he worked at his trade during the Civil war, but later became a resident of New London, Huron Co., Ohio. In 1869 he located in Clyde, where he deals in shoes, and is also en gaged in their manufacture. He does general repairing, and all the work which he turns out is of first-class order. For the last five years Mr. Rogers has served as justice of the peace, and during the entire time has never had a case reversed in common pleas court. In politics he is deeply in sympathy with the Republican party: He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since No-, vember 16, 1855, and is now a Royal Arch Mason, while he has been connected with the I. O. O. F. since February 16, 187o. He is liberal in his religious views, and is a member of the Universalist Church. Mr. Rogers is practically a self-made man, well endowed mentally, and by his own physical exertions has made his life a success. J. ANSTED, one of the prosperous representative farmer citizens of Washington township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, .is a native of same, born March 15, 1855.  His parents, John and Mary (Upp) Ansted, were of Pennsylvania birth, from which State they migrated to Ohio, settling on a farm in Sandusky county, where the father died when their son Jacob was fourteen years old. The latter had then to assist in the support of his widowed mother on their eighty-acre farm, and when he came of age he purchased forty acres from her, in the cultivation of which he has since devoted his care and attention. His mother for her second husband married Absalom Dank, a native of Germany, and they are living on the remaining forty acres of the original eighty-acre farm in Washington township. 806 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Ansted is still single, is a Democrat in politics, in religious faith a member of the Lutheran Church; and enjoys the respect and esteem of the community in which he lives. JOHN BENDER, who owns and operates a fine farm in Sandusky township, Sandusky county, was born in Rice township, that county, March 29, 1846, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Druckmiller) Bender. Daniel Bender came from Perry county, Ohio, and settled in Rice township, Sandusky county, in 1844, where our subject was born, and when the latter was one year old the mother died. Daniel Bender for his second wife married Miss Caroline HoneyWell. The family afterward removed to Branch county, Mich., settling near Coldwater, where the father died at the age of fifty-seven. On account of the early death of his mother, John Bender, being then an infant of one year, was placed, for rearing, in the hands of Peter Albert and wife, who were cousins of his father. Here he received loving care and grew up to manhood, attending the district schools at intervals, and he remained with his foster parents until eighteen years of age, when he went to work on a farm by the month. He saved his money, and a few years later married Miss Caroline Kiser (a sister of Christian Kiser), a native of Germany, born June 6, 1848. They settled on land Mr. Bender now owns, commencing in a small way; but success smiled upon their efforts and they were soon able to purchase more land. Mr. Bender is now recognized as one of the leading, successful agriculturists of the township, owning 279 acres of land as good as any other in the State. In December, 1894, he sank an oil well on his farm, and the company to which he belongs have put down three wells, all of which are, producing and promise to be fairly successful ventures. He and his wife have nine children: Christian, who married Rebecca Engler; Saloma E., wife of Frank Stine (they have one child); Charles; Ella, now Mrs. John Mairer; Lavina, who was married July 3, 1894, to Frank Fetterman; Emma; Frank, and Wesley. Mr. Bender started in life with no endowment save a strong pair of hands and his own good judgment; to-day he is independent. Much of the land he now owns cost him $ 00 per acre. He is an unofficious, unassuming man to meet, but his worth as a neighbor, friend and citizen is well appreciated in the community. In 1889 he was elected township treasurer, and has held that office by re-election to the present time. Politically he is a Democrat. WILLIAM CANTY. Among the business men of Gibsonburg, Sandusky county, who have made a reputation for straight dealing and honest work, will be found the subject of this sketch, who is the proprietor of the boiler shops in that city. Mr. Canty is a native of Illinois, having been born at Pana, that State, June 8, 1862. He is the son of Thomas and Julia (Fogerty) Canty, the father being born in County Limerick, the mother in County Kerry, Ireland. Both emigrated to America when young, and settled in Pana, Ill., where they married. The father died in that city when fifty-eight years of age, and the mother, who survives him, makes her home in Tiffin, this State. This worthy couple were devoted members of the Catholic Church, as are their children of whom the following record is given: John is the owner of a boiler shop in Tiffin, Ohio; Thomas, who makes his home in Chicago, Ill., is a traveling agent for the Hartford Life Insurance Company; William, our subject, comes next; Edward, a machinist, lives COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 807 in Chicago; James is a foreman in the Big Four shops at Milton, Illinois. William Canty grew up to manhood at his home in Pana, Ill., and when nineteen years old went to Maryville, Mo., where he worked as an engine wiper for six months. He then moved to Tiffin, this State, and learned the trade of a boiler maker with his brother. He was then for six months fireman on the Wabash railway. Returning to Tiffin, he worked in the boiler shop for a year when he again went to Pana and worked at his trade for five months. Alternating between this place and Tiffin for some time, he fired on the Ohio & Mississippi Valley railroad one year, and worked in the boiler shops in Tiffin for three years, when he was married, in two years thereafter, August, 181890,oving to Gibsonburg. Here he opened up a boiler shop with a partner, but in April, 1893, purchased the whole concern and is now carrying it on himself. He has established a good business and a reputation for industry and honesty, and has the confidence of the community as a skilled workman. Mrs. Canty, who before her marriage was Miss Agnes Cathcart, was born in Tiffin, December 21, 1863. Mr. Canty is a member of the Catholic Church, and of the Catholic Knights of St. John, at Tiffin; in politics he is a Democrat. He is a fine specimen of physical manhood, strong and muscular, and will probably live to a good old age as his maternal grandparents both lived to be over one hundred years old. C. B. WHITE, M. D., physician and surgeon, Fremont, Sandusky county, is a native of Ohio, having been born in Bellaire, Belmont county, December 11, 1839, a son of R. B., and Eliza A. (Ray) White, both of whom were of Irish descent. The father, who was also a physician of prominence, practiced in Monroe (of which county he - 51 - was a pioneer), Washington and Noble counties, Ohio, and died in the latter county in 1878. The mother, who came to Ohio from Lancaster county, Penn., is still living, and makes her home in West Virginia. The subject proper of this review was reared in eastern Ohio, receiving his education in the public schools of Monroe and Noble counties. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Noble county, Ohio, for three years' service, in Company K, Twentieth O. V. I., was mustered in at Columbus, Ohio, and assigned to the army of West Virginia. He participated in some important battles, among which may be mentioned those of Carnifax Ferry, second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Haines' Bluff, Jackson and siege of Vicksburg, at which latter he received a severe scalp wound. After an honorable discharge at Columbus,. Ohio, our subject returned to his home in Noble county. In 1865 he re-entered military service, and held the rank of second lieutenant of Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-fourth, O. V. I., until the close of the war, receiving a final honorable discharge in June, 1865, and again returning home, after which he was engaged for some time, along with his brother, in a general mercantile business at Flint Mills, Washington Co., Ohio. Later he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. HeHenshawof Ellenboro, W. Va. , and after taking a course of clinics in the Cincinnati General Hospital, he, in 1873, entered the Eclectic Medical Institute of that city and attended a course of lectures. After practicing at a distance for a time, he returned to Cincinnati in 1878, took a full course at the Eclectic Medical Institute, graduating with honor. The Doctor has practiced medicine in Pleasant Valley (W. Va.), Clayville (Va.) and Salineville (Columbiana Co., Ohio), at which latter place he was associated with Dr. Sutzer, and thence came to the Western Reserve. He also practiced 808 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. three years in Ringgold county, Iowa, in the city of Fremont since 1880, and altogether has built up an enviable reputation in his profession, in which he has shown a commendable interest. He studied and practiced under a general allopathic practitioner, three years. Dr. White holds and has held various positions of honor and trust in the community. He is a member of the Sandusky County Board of Pension Examiners, medical examiner for the National Union, and surgeon for the Union Veterans Union; is one of the commissioners for visiting the charitable institutions of the county. He is a member of the National Union, of the State Eclectic Society, and holds certificates from the National Eclectic Society and from the Iowa Eclectic Society, also from the Hospital of Clinics, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. White was married in Wood county, W. Va., in 1871, to Miss Elizabeth Ullum, and their children are: John, a plumber, who is married and has two children; Eliza Ellen, wife of Philip Lowry, of Huron county, Ohio (they have one child); Willie Delilah, wife of James Powers, East Prairie, Mo. ; and Thomas, who at present is attending Fremont High School. Mrs. White died at Mt. Ayr, Iowa, December 30, 1885, and in 1888 Dr. White married, at Fremont, Ohio, Miss Hortense Ickes, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Ickes, the former of whom is deceased, the latter residing on the old homestead north of Fremont. Mrs. White was elected National President of the Women's Veteran Relief Union. The Doctor, in his political preferences, is a Democrat, and he is held in the highest esteem and regard. ADAM MAURER, proprietor of a livery and feed stable at Helena, Sandusky county, where he also conducts a thriving teaming and draying business, is a native of that coun ty, born September 19, 1858, in Washington township. Up to the year 1888 our subject continued to reside with his parents, James and Marie Maurer, and then, his mother having sold the farm of 120 acres in Washington township, which had been left her at the death of her husband, she and her son Adam moved into the town of Helena, same county, where Mr. Maurer established his present business. He is also to some extent interested in oil wells, and by diligence and close attention to business has succeeded in securing a wide patronage for his livery, etc. Mrs. Marie Maurer, mother of the subject proper of these lines, was born in Germany of well-to-do and respectable farming people, who came to the United States several years ago. In his political preferences our subject is a stanch Democrat, but is no office seeker, preferring to devote all his time to his business. He is a man of good standing in the community, and although popular and well-liked is still living in a state of " single blessedness." BENJAMIN EPLER. Among those steady-going, hard-working men who are pillars of strength in the community in which they live, and, by their lives, set before the young examples of temperance, industry, frugality, virtue and faith, is Mr. Epler. Benjamin Epler, Sr., father of the subject of this sketch, married Barbara Smith. They were both born in Pennsylvania, and lived and died there, leaving two children to mourn them, namely: Henry, whe married Emma Fought, by whom he has one child, and is a farmer in Pennsylvania, and Benjamin, Jr., who was born July 3, 1839. Our subject was united in marriage October 11, 1851, with Elizabeth Unger, who was born in Pennsylvania December 21, 1828, and they have had seven children, of whom we COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 809 have the following record: Rosie married Joseph Slates, a farmer in Michigan; .they had six children. George is a farmer in Michigan; he married Frances Callahan, and they have had three children. Sally married David Witzler, and has had three children; they live in Helena, Sandusky Co., Ohio. Samuel, who lives in Michigan, married Etta Ring, by whom he has had two children. John married Hannah Ickes, and they have had one child. Henry died at the age of nineteen years. Katie is unmarried and lives at home. Mrs. Epler's parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Schneider) Unger, were farming people, and lived in Pennsylvania. Mr. Epler came to Ohio in the early times, and bought eighty acres of timber land, in Madison township, Sandusky county, all but ten acres of which he has cleared. He has worked hard, early and late, and has to-day a beautiful home wherein to pass his later days. He is a strong Republican, and in religious connection is a charter member of the United Brethren Church at Helena. JOHN ANDREWS, farmer, was born in Ballville township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, March 12, 1839, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (In des) Andrews. Jacob Andrews was born in 180 1, and his wife in 1807, in France; and she died May 15, 1892. They had five children: (1) Joseph Andrews, born in 1837, a farmer of Millersville, Ohio, who married Anna Young, and has a family of seven children; (2) John Andrews, our subject; (3) Mary Andrews, born in 1841, wife of Lewis Baumgardner, a farmer, of Michigan, whose children are Frank, John and Mary; (4) Jacob, born in 1845, married to Mary Rilley, whose children are Ulaliah, Georgiana, Claude and James; (5) David, born March 11, 1843, married in 1868 to Julia. Scanlan, who was born March 7, 1850, and their children are– Peter, born September 11, 1870; Julia, born June 7, 1874; Stella, born February 25, 1880; Mary, born January 23, 1882; John L., born May 2, 1884; and Loretta, born September 11, 1891. Our subject remained at home with his parents until his twenty-fifth year. He then rented some land of his father and farmed on shares. Subsequently he bought ninety-two acres of his father, on which he now resides. He is no office seeker, but has held several offices in his township. He was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment, O.V. I., at Toledo, Ohio, whence he proceeded to Louisville and Frankfort, Ky., and spent the winter at Bowling Green. In the spring of 1863 he marched through Kentucky, back and forth, was taken sick, and lay for a time at No. 7, Louisville Hospital. After convalescence he was transferred to the Seventeenth Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps, and helped guard Rebel prisoners at Indianapolis, Ind., until discharged. He was married August 20, 18—, to Miss Mary Scanlan, who was born December 25, 1837, and they had seven children: (1) Mary, born June 7, 1862; (2) David, born February 18,1865, a mason by trade; (3) Elizabeth, born June 27, 1867, wife of Rufus Kelley, whose children are—Anna Marie, born September 18, 1889, and John, born in 1891; (4) John, born September 12, 1869, a stone Mason; (5) Frank, born June 12, 1872; (6) George E., born April 23, 1878; (7) Edward V., born March 16, 1880; the last four named are living with their parents. A record of the family of children, of which Mrs. Mary Andrews is a member, is as follows: John married, and has a family of eight children; Thomas died in childhood; Mary is Mrs. Andrews; John was a soldier in the Civil war, member of Company A, One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment, O. V. I., and died in 1893; Jeremiah; Edward married Julia Leary, 810 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and has eight children (he served five years in the Civil war, and later was a merchant at Toledo, Ohio; he died February 18, 1886); Julia, born June 7, 1852, is the wife of David Andrews; Michael, born in 1854, married Mary Camele, whose children are—Nora, William, Michael and Nellie; David, born May 9, 1857, is a police officer in Fremont, Ohio, married Margaret Donahue, and their children are—Edward, Mary, John and Frank. M. L. HUSS. To this enterprising farmer of Green Creek township, Sandusky county, is due largely the growth of the small-fruit industry in his locality. Mr. Huss lives on the ridge in the township, and was one of its first men to engage in growing and shipping small fruits on a large scale. He has made fruit-growing his chief business for many years. Mr. Huss was born in Green Creek township, March 3 I , 1848, son of Christian and Catherine (Rathbun) Huss. Christian Huss was born on Cat Island, on the Susquehanna river, Penn., February 2 I , 1815. In 1824 he came to Ohio with his parents, Noah and Mary (Burkholder) Huss, who settled on what is now known as the Kernahan farm, in Green Creek township, lived to an advanced age, and left a large family, consisting of John, Noah, Christian, Elijah, Jacob, Ellen (wife of David Hawk), Barbara E. (wife of S. S. Rathbun), Jane (who first married a Mr. Bernent, and afterward wedded Oliver McIntire; she lived on the old Huss farm), Ann (who married George Hutchins), and Martha (who married a Mr. Campbell, and moved to Iowa). Christian married Catherine Rathbun, who was born in Ontario county, N. Y., in 1818, and had twelve children, as follows: Chaplin, of Green Creek township; Eliza, wife of John Morrison, of Ballville township; Shannon, who died young; Noah B. ; Darius, who died at the age of four teen years; Burr, of Ballville township; Maurice L., of Green Creek township; Jane, who married a Mr. Gleeson, by whom she had two children, and afterward married Dr. McMillen, of Steuben county, Ind. ; Oliver P., of Steuben county, Ind. ; Barbara, wife of Chauncey Young, of Steuben county, Ind. ; Christian E., on the old homestead in Green Creek township; and Saxton. Christian Huss, the father, died February 22, 1864, aged forty-nine years. His faithful and devoted wife survived until August, 1893. Maurice L. Huss, subject of this sketch, attended the Dawley school, in Ballville township, a joint district, and on the old homestead he learned the practical value and lesson of perseverance and industry. He was married, in 1871, at the age of twenty-three years, to Miss Henrietta Storer, born in Brooklyn village, October 21, 1851, daughter of Samuel Storer, a prominent farmer of Green Creek township. To Mr. and Mrs. Huss have been born two children—Ruth and Dwight. Mr. Huss is regarded generally as one of the leading men of the township, and is essentially a progressive, active citizen. He has for twenty-two years been a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and is a charter member of Clyde Grand Encampment. He was elected trustee of the township in 1893, and is now serving in that capacity. L. S. McGORMLEY, contractor and builder, Fremont, Sandusky county, is a native of Ballville township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, born May 4, 1850, son of George and Lucy J. (Hampsher) McGormley. George McGormley was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1826, came to Sandusky county, when he was three years old, and here remained the rest of his life, dying in 1886. He was a Democrat, and a member of the M. E. Church. His father, William McGormley, who was COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 811 born in Perry county, Ohio, of Scotch ancestry, lived in Sandusky county from 1829 to 1872, when he moved to near Lansing, Mich., and there died at the age of eighty-five. Our subject's mother was born in Sparta, near Rochester, N. Y., November 3,1828, and is still living in Ballville township. The children of George and Lucy McGormley were: Susan, wife of George Cole, of Ballville township; Louis S., our subject; George F., a civil engineer, of Toledo, Ohio; Anna, wife of Andrew Miller, subject's partner in business; and Charles A., a farmer, on the old homestead. Our subject grew to manhood in Ballville township, where he attended good country schools, and at the age of twenty began to learn the trade of carpenter with Matt Earney. In 1873 he married Miss Martha Harris, of Green Creek township, a member of the Lutheran Church; and located in Ballville, Sandusky county, where he worked at his trade. He was in the employ of A. Foster, builder, about eight years. In 1882-83 Mr. McGormley became a contractor and builder on his own account, and has followed that vocation most of the time since; he built the residence of Dr. R. H. Rice, and several other fine structures. In April, 1893, he was elected a member of the city council on the Democratic ticket. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Subordinate Lodge and Encampment, and of the daughters of Rebekah; also of Canton, Uniformed Rank, K. of P. His children were: Chester, who died in 1893, aged twenty; Edith, a graduate of the high school, 1893; and Lucy Jane, at home. WILLIAM BLECKNER, a popular, representative citizen, and postmaster at Oak Harbor, Ottawa county, was born February 14,1853, at Fremont, Sandusky Co., Ohio, to Adam and Christina (Lenhardt) Bleckner. His early education was received in the public schools of his native town, and when but twelve years of age he engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he continued to follow in Sandusky county for eight years. In 1873 he entered the employ, as clerk, of J. Aixter & Co., leading druggists of that county, at the expiration of three years (in 1876) purchasing the business, and from that date until 1886—when he admitted his brother Charles as a partner—he conducted same on his own account; in 1885 he established a branch store at Rocky Ridge, Ohio, and four years later he established another branch store at Port Clinton. In 1891 Bleckner disposed of his interest in the business, his brother becoming sole proprietor, and during the years 1 8 92-93 he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, having a large and extensive trade; but in the latter year he met with a serious loss, his large store and entire stock being totally destroyed by fire. He was then extensively engaged in the manufacture of bricks and tiles for three years. In 1893 our subject, having proved himself a man of high standing and of more than ordinary ability, received (in recognition of the valuable services rendered by him to the community in which he resides) the appointment of postmaster at Oak Harbor, which incumbency he continues to hold, in an efficient manner and to the satisfaction of all. Mr. Bleckner is a director of and one of the largest stockholders in the Oak Harbor Natural Gas Co., and also a stockholder in the Savings Bank at Lorain, Ohio ; he is largely interested in timber lands in the State, and in real-estate in Lorain county, and the characteristic zeal with which he discharges the numerous arduous duties in connection with these, as well as other enterprises, denotes him to be a man of consummate energy, and has won for him the re- 812 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. spect and confidence of the entire community. In 1884 Mr. Bleckner was married to Miss Elva Gordon, who was born in Oak Harbor, January 31, 1865, a daughter of Washington and Maggie (Rymers) Gordon, and this union has been blessed with three children, viz. : Donna, Lillian and. Margaret C., all of whom survive. Mr. Bleckner in his social affiliations is a member of Oak Harbor Lodge No 495, F. & A. M. ; Fremont Chapter No. 64, R. A. M., and Toledo Commandery No. 27. MICHAEL BOWE is one of the enterprising and thorough business men of Scott township, Sandusky county, and he is a brother of Jacob, Henry, David and George Bowe. Mr. Bowe was born January 28, 1845, in Scott township, Sandusky county, on his father's old farm on the "pike." On January 6, 1866, he was married, at Freeport, to- Miss Rachel.Bordner, daughter of Michael and Leah (Buchtel) Bordner, and the young couple resided on the old home farm for one year, after which they lived two years in Wood county, and then, until 1876, made their home on Section 16, Scott township. In 1876 they moved to Section 30, there purchasing 160 acres of land which they have cleared and put under the finest cultivation; they also have erected fine buildings, and their residence would be an ornament to any city in the county. It is of modern architecture, with slate roof and finishings to correspond. A few years afterward Mr. Bowe added to this purchase another forty acres in Section 29, which he has also cleared and put in fine condition. Later he added another eighty acres, making an excellent farm .of 280 acres. Mr. Bowe deals in all kind of stock, as a rule fattening and selling about 150 sheep and eighty hogs yearly, be sides buying and shipping stock in large quantities. On January 28, 1891, Mr. Bowe launched his financial boat into the oil sea of Scott township, Sandusky county. At first he struck a " sand bar," or, as the oilers call it, a "dry hole." Not discouraged, however, he continued his work and went into Wood county, Ohio, where he leased forty acres of land, and finished his first well February 29, 1892. Formerly he had a partner, but he bought his interest, and now owns and operates the field himself. Mr. Bowe has, at this writing, eight wells in operation, which at first produced 00 barrels each per day, and now produce eight barrels each daily, or sixty-four barrels in all, worth eighty cents per barrel--making an income of over $5o per day. The expense of operating is small, there being only one man in charge of all the wells. He also has a lease in Sandusky county of thirty-five acres, on.which two wells have been made and two more are to be drilled. Mr. Bowe is a thorough business man, and like all his brothers is a highly esteemed citizen. Politically he is a Democrat. George Bowe, Sr., the father of our subject, was born in 1802 in France, and came to America in 1832, settling in New York State, near Buffalo, where he remained three years; thence he came to Ohio, where, in Scott township, Sandusky county, he entered 20 acres of land, one-half for his sister and the balance for himself. In the winter of 1834-35 he married Catherine Wegstein, who was born in Baden, Germany, daughter of Michael Wegstein. To them were born ten children, three of whom died in infancy, and the others are George, Jacob, Frederick, Henry, Michael J., David and Mary C. Fred and Mary died some time ago; the others are- yet living. Mr. Bowe was an old pioneer of Scott township. He at one time owned over 600 acres of land, which he divided among his children, thus giving each a COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 813 start in life, from which they have steadily advanced, and become well-to-do men, highly respected by all who know them. He died June 3, 1872, and his wife, the mother of our subject, died July 9, 1891; and was buried in Bradner cemetery. The maternal grandfather, Michael Wegstein, was born about 1779, in Baden, Germany, where he was married. In 1832 .he started for America, and during the voyage his wife died and was buried in mid-ocean. In his family were six children, of whom only tw0 are living, George and Mrs. Jacob Faler, of Fremont. One son, Capt. Michael Wegstein, of Company H, Seventy-second O. V. I., was killed in the battle of Shiloh. Sarah, Mrs. Dipman, died in Fremont about 1860. Mary A. Grund, of Fremont, died October 3, 1892. Mrs. Rachel Bowe, wife of Michael Bowe, is a sister of Mrs. George Bowe. She was born August 9, 1846, in Montgomery township, Wood county, remaining with her parents until her marriage, which has been blessed with eight children: Frank E., born March 10, 1867, who now resides in California; Alfred G., born January 9, 1869, who died April 23, 1880; Michael B., born June 14, 1871; Henry J., born December 16, 1873; Lewis D., born May 5, 1875; Lillie, born April 28, 1877; Jessie, born March 12, 1879, and Harry, born July 19, 1886. As already stated, Mrs. Bowe is a daughter of Michael and Leah (Buchtel) Bordner, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania February 28, 1812, the latter born about 1815. They were married December 11, 1834. To their marriage came eight children: Henry, born September 9, 1836; Mary, born October 11, 1838; Lucy, born January 25, 1841, died September 24, 1894; Calvin, born April 30, 1843, died July 28, 1862; Rachel, A., born August 9, 1846; Ellen, born, September 14, 1848; Alfred, born January 28, 1851; Sarah, born November 24, 1855, five of whom are now living. Henry and Calvin died in the army during the Civil war. The mother of these died in 1859 and was buried in Bradner cemetery. In 1862 Mr. Bordner married for his second wife Polly Yohe, of Indiana, who died in 1881. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Bowe was Peter Bordner, who was born in Pennsylvania about the year 1776; his wife, Catherine Cotherman, was born in 1770. They had nine children, Michael Bordner being the only one now living. His father died in 1816 and his mother in 1866. Mrs. Bowe's maternal grandfather, Henry Buchtel, was born in 1790 and died in 1875; his wife, Elizabeth Ayers, was a year younger than her husband, and died in 1850. They had fifteen children, two sons and thirteen daughters. FRANKLIN STOKES, one of the successful farmers of Riley township, Sandusky county, was born June 4, 1864, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Steffir) Stokes, who were married in Riley township, and lived there for a short time. Soon after their marriage Jacob Stokes, with his wife, moved to Rice township, Sandusky county, and bought eighty acres of land. Later he moved back to Riley township, and in the year 1875 bought ninety-seven acres there. They had six children, as follows: John married Jennie Axton, and they have had six children (they live in Riley township); Samantha married James Gilbert, and they have had four children (they live in Clyde, Ohio); Andrew married Josephine Bonman, and they have had four children (they live in Riley township); Ella married D. Griggs, and they have had four children (they live near Clyde, Ohio); Franklin is the subject of this sketch; and Elmer married Hannah Huffley, and they have had two children (they live in Riley township). Our subject was reared to habits of industry and economy, and worked for his father until he was married. On Sep- 814 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tember 4, 1886, in Clyde, Sandusky Co., Ohio, he was united in marriage with Clara Smith, and they then settled in Riley township. They have one child, Crelo, who was born March 28, 1891. Mr. Stokes has thus made his beginning in life on the solid basis of general farming, not venturing his labor on one product alone, or in any one exclusive department of farming. So if one undertaking fails through adverse causes, if the market is overstocked with any one product or falls below a profit-giving figure, then some other way may pay well and keep up the receipts to a living standard. Politically, Mr. Stokes is a Democrat. JOHN A. KING, one of the prosperous farmers of Green Creek township, Sandusky county, was born in Union county, Penn., July 3, 1837, the son of John and Margaret (Derman) King. His great-grandfather was an emigrant from England, who settled in Juniata county, Penn., where his son James was born, married, and lived many years, afterward removing to Union county. John King, his son, the father of John A. , was born in Juniata county. He lived for a time in Snyder county, then moved to Union county, where he married Mrs. Margaret Tibbins, nee Derman, and where he worked in the mines and on the farm until his death. In religious faith he was a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics a Democrat. The five children of John and Margaret King were as follows: Joseph and Andrew (twins), the former a blacksmith at Bellevue, Ohio, the latter a resident of Center county, Penn. ; James, who served four years in a Pennsylvania regiment during the war, and was killed in a steam sawmill accident in Pennsylvania; John A., subject of this sketch; Hannah M., now Mrs, Aaron Waller, Of Bellevue. Her first husband, a Mr. Myers, was killed in the Civil war. Both the parents of these five children had been previously married. By his first marriage John King had two children: Amos, who served in the army during the Civil war and died about two years ago, and Emma, now Mrs. Stittler, of Clinton county, Penn. By her first husband Mrs. King had five children: Samuel, John, Levi, William and Eliza. Her father had been a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The boyhood of John A. King was spent in Union county, Penn., where he attended the district schools. He learned the blacksmith trade, and in 1859 came to Ohio, settling in Bellevue, where for nearly twenty years he worked steadily at his trade. About 1879 Mr. King came to a farm in York township, Sandusky county. He engaged successfully in agricultural pursuits for five years, and during this time he also traveled. For several years he went on the road, in the southern part of the State, as a salesman of farming implements and washing machines, for Mr. Ranford, of Norwalk, and Mr. Southland, of Clyde. He then commenced business for himself, selling brackets, stationery, etc. , traveling through to Van Buren county, Mich. He was there for a part of two seasons, and was quite successful. Mr. King then moved from his farm of eighty acres, which he still owns, to a seven-acre tract at Clyde, where he now lives. He is a member of the A. P. A., and his party affiliations are not strong; in exercising the ballot he is quite independent, and at present rather favors a third party movement. Mr. King married Miss Mary Ann Diment, a native of England, and has three children: Louisa, wife of Allen G. Winnil; Hannah M., wife of James Vickery, of York township, and Minnie. Mr. King is a prosperous citizen of Sandusky, his success being due solely to his own energy and business ability. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 815 JOHN G. FISHER, a substantial farmer of Riley township, Sandusky county, was born in Austria September 15, 1849, and is a son of Nick and Anna (Geiger) Fisher, who were both also born in Austria. Nicholas Fisher was born September 28, 1816; was united in marriage with Anna Geiger in 1840; came to this country in 1853, and settled in Washington township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, and bought a farm. They had nine children, namely: Rosie, Sophia, May, Catherine, Barbara, Anna, Hattie, Gebhardt and John G. John G. Fisher had a common-school education, and for some time before his marriage was living in Fremont, Sandusky county, where he had a house and lot, and worked by the day. Selling the house and lot in Fremont, he was united in marriage, October 26, 1876, with Victoria Borer, who was born June 4, 1856. They had a family of seven children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: George F., December 30, 1877; Mary I., February 20, 1879, died March 23, 1888; Joseph, July 26, 1880; Elizabeth M., April i8, 1883; Frank D., August 2, 1885; Herman, October 3, 1888; and Albert, October 7, 1892. After his marriage Mr. Fisher moved to Green Creek township, Sandusky county, and bought fifty-four acres of land: Selling this, he moved to Riley township, and bought 04 acres, for which he paid $4,600.00, and in 1890 built a new house. He carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of raising fine horses. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been honored with public office, having been school director for five years. In religious affiliation he is a Catholic. MRS. MARY ARNOLD, a most estimable lady, now residing in Washington township, Sandusky county, was one of a family of eight children born to William and Marie (Hoke) Hay. The parents were both born in Adams county, Penn., the father May 30, 1819, and the mother January 29, 1822. In the year 1863 they settled in Ohio, taking up their residence in Wayne county, where they spent their remaining days. Mrs. Arnold was reared in her parents' home, becoming familiar with the duties of the household under the careful instruction and guidance of her mother. Af- ter she had arrived at years of maturity she gave her hand in marriage to Peter Arnold, son of Joseph and Susanna (Fleckner) Arnold, who were natives of the Keystone State and came to Ohio in 1814, casting in their lot with the early settlers of Wayne county: Their family numbered eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, but only three of the number are living at the time of this writing (1895). Peter Arnold was reared upon his father's farm and started out in life for himself by working as a farm hand, being thus employed until his marriage. In 1863 he left his old home and removed to Sandusky county, locating in Washington township, where he purchased the forty acres of land upon which his widow now resides. With characteristic energy he began its development, and soon it was all placed under the plow, and made to yield to him a golden tribute in return for the care and cultivation he bestowed upon it. He made good improvements and all was neat and thrifty in appearance, and the owner was recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the community. In his political views Mr. Arnold was a Democrat, but had no time nor inclination for public office. In religious belief he was a Methodist, and his life was in harmony with his professions. His death occurred June 30, 1889, and all who knew him mourned his departure, for he was a good citizen, a faithful friend and a devoted husband and father. Mrs. Ar- 816 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. nold still resides upon the old home place, which was left her by her husband, and is a lady held in high regard by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. She has reared a large family of children, but only one, Viola, is now at home with her. JOHN BINKLEY, farmer, Jackson township, Sandusky county, was born December 23, 1835, a son of John Binkley, Sen., a farmer from Pennsylvania, who moved in pioneer days to Perry county, Ohio, bought 160 acres of land and lived there until his death from apoplexy, in 1878. Our subject's mother was Mary (Fisher) Binkley, born October 15, 1800, and her children were: (1) Michael, born in April, 1819, who married Anna Albert, and had four children. (2) Melanction T., who married George Bixler, and had one child that died in childhood. (3) Charles, who married Annie Pressler, and whose children were Nettie, Clarence, Mary, Jennie, Annie, Irving, Carl, and an infant. Charles Binkley was a soldier of the Civil war in Company K, One Hundredth Regiment, O. V. I., served three years, was in the battles of Limestone Station, Atlanta, etc., was wounded in the right leg and laid up for six months, unfit for duty, was in Libby prison a short time, and after his release returned to Fremont. He is a farmer, a Republican and a member of the U. B. Church. (4) Tena, married George Bixler (a soldier of the Civil war, a Republican and a member of the Reformed Church), by whom she had five children; she died in 1889. (5) Mary Ann married John Surbate (a merchant of Clyde, Ohio, a Republican and a member of the Reformed Church), by whom she had three children; she died in 1884. (6) Samuel, born October 18, 1821, who married Tena Albert, whose children are —Ramanas, Amos, Mary and Tena. (7) Lydia, wife of Daniel Albert, born July 8, 1824, who had twelve children—George (who married Sarah Coe), Stella, Jefferson, Lillie, James, Claydie, Jennie and five that are dead. (8) Link, who married Hannah Reed, and whose children were—Ida, Tillie, Susie, Alice, Isadore, Emma, Francis, and four that are dead. (9) Peter, who married Jane Rider, and had a family of twelve children. (0) Mary, who married J. Grut, and had nine children. (11) Annie, wife of Peter Binkley, who had eight children, two of whom are dead. (12) Charles, who married Kate Macklin, and was blessed with five children. (13) Ellen, who married Michael Binkley, and had eight children. Margarete, who married L. Carr, and whose first two children--Commodore and Amoretta—were twins, and the others being Mary, William, John, Caroline, Adelina, and Elmer, who was killed in a railroad accident in 1876. Matilda, married Solomon Bauman, whose children are—John, Katie, Betsey, and Lydia; Mrs. Bauman died in 1869, and Mr. Bauman in 1871. Christian married Lavina Kessler, lives near Holt, Mich., and has six children. Aaron married Mary Hensel, who died leaving five children, after which he married Alice Potter, by whom he had six children, living in Ottawa county, Ohio. Hannah married Martin Stainer, and their children are—Edward, John, Levi, Cora and Ellen ; he died in the army, of fever, and was buried near Washington, D. C. Sarah, who married John Downie, a soldier of the Civil war, who died at Washington, D. C. ; they had five children ; she died in 1865. Holly, who married Lewis Hawk, a soldier of the Civil war, who died in Washington, D. C., in 1865, leaving three children—Charlie, Sherman and Fred; Mrs. Hawk is a member of the Reformed Church, and lives near Fremont, Ohio. Our subject, John Binkley, was married at Fremont, December 23, 1887, to Miss Christena Hensel, the Rev. Heller performing the marriage service. She was born September 17, 1841, and died COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 817 August 20, 18 -, leaving eight children, viz. : (1) Jane S., born March 14, 1859, and died at the age of three years. (2) May A., born February 25, 1862, wife of John Barnes, railroad agent (they have one child, Lulu). (3) James A., born April 20, 1865, who married Sarah Carter, whose children were-Grace, that died, and Fred, who is clerk in a store at Worstville, Paulding county. (4) Effie I., born June 28, 1867, wife of William Carter, married June 6, 1888. (5) Ella A., born July 25, 1869, wife of John Warren, married in the spring of 1894. (6) Clara A., born November 8, 1872, wife of J. Hardin, married in 1892. (7) Venia M., born November i5, 1878, who attended school in Cleveland (Ohio) and Peoria (Ill.). (8) John S., born May 19, 1881. On June 6, 1886, John Binkley married his second wife, Mrs. Barbara Dost; she had two children-Willie, born April 8, 1878, died April 2, 1888; and Maud, born May 19, 1880. Our subject has an honorable war record. At the outbreak of the Civil war, in 1861, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundredth Regiment, O. V. I., and went with his command from Toledo to Cincinnati, crossed the Ohio river, met the enemy, routed them, marched to Cumberland Gap, drove them to Knoxville and took possession of the town. After they besieged the place the enemy made an attack on one of their best forts. After the battle the enemy lay dead and wounded three deep. They retreated toward Virginia, and the same night snow fell to the depth of three inches, and their men being barefooted were obliged to remain in camp, and there were about 1,500 captured. After lying in eamp until April I, 1863, they started for the Georgia campaign. After Atlanta was taken Gen. Sherman divided his troops, a part going on to the sea and the rest remaining to protect his rear. The 'enemy finding they could do nothing with Serman's main army, attacked the forces in the rear. After long and hard fighting with doubtful results, the Union forces received reinforcements from Gen. Thomas at Nashville, and the tide of victory turned on the side of the Union. After peace was declared our subject returned to his wife and children in Sandusky county, and resumed farming. Himself and family are members of the U. B. Church. PETER BAKER. The German Fatherland has furnished thousands of immigrants to America, whose habits of industry, economy and thrift have made them model farmers and mechanics, and level-headed citizens. Generally, they are not afraid of hard work, plain food or coarse clothing, and usually make an honest living, pay their debts if they make any, and lay up something for a rainy day. As such an one we present the subject of this sketch. Peter Baker, farmer, Ballville township, was born in Germany, May 6, 1853, a son of Peter, Sr., and Christena (Mat-tie) Baker, whose children were: Christian, who married Minnie Brinkman, and had two children; Peter, our subject; and Christina, wife of Martin Gessner, a farmer, of Riley township (they have two children). The father of our subject was a soldier in Germany for seven years, and a police officer some fourteen years. He emigrated to America, and settled in Seneca county, Ohio, where he bought forty acres of land, and lived there until his death. Our subject, having remained with his parents until his twenty-third year, and saved his earnings, married Miss Lucy Miller, of Riley township, and entered upon life on his own account. Mrs. Miller was born August 18, 1858. The names and dates of birth of their children are Charles P., July 16, 1879; Clara E., May 31, 1881; George C. , March 26, 1884; Anna M., June 18, 1886; and William L. , September 12, 1891. Our 818 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. subject earned his money when a young man by working by the day. After marriage he rented a farm for two years on shares. In 1881 he bought forty acres of land for $4,000, and in 1893 built a new barn at a cost of $500. He follows general farming, and raises some fine Jersey cattle. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Baker takes an active interest in educational matters in his neighborhood. HENRY H. ALMROTH, postmaster and proprietor of general store at Elliston, is one of the best known young men of Benton township and vicinity, and is recognized by his wide circle of acquaintances throughout Ottawa county as a most able and progressive business man, and a valuable citizen. He is a native of Benton township, born September 28, 1865, on a farm near Elliston, son of Peter and Anna (Kurth) Almroth, who were among the earliest pioneers of the township. Peter Almroth was born in Germany, in 1831, served three years in the army of his native land, and about 1860 came to this country, sojourning temporarily in Lorain county, Ohio, where he remained about one year. He then came to Benton township, Ottawa county, at a time when the entire region was a wilderness, not even a road crossing the township. He settled near what is now Elliston, where he still lives, and bought forty acres of land, his wife paying down one dollar to bind the bargain, the dollar being a silver pocket piece she had brought all the way from New York. By hard labor they paid for their land, also purchasing an additional one hundred acres, besides which they built a fine house and barns, together with the other necessary outbuildings. The farm is now considered one of the finest in Benton township, and its appearance and fertility speak volumes for those who, by their economy and hard labor, brought it to this state by their own hands. To Mr. and Mrs. Almroth were born eleven children—eight sons and three daughters —six sons and two daughters still living and residing in Ohio. Mrs. Almroth died June 19, 1895. Henry H. Almroth spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and received a liberal education in the public schools of Trowbridge, completing the course at the age of fourteen. Commencing life for himself, he now engaged as clerk in the general store of Magee & Paffenbach, of Elmore, Ohio, where he remained four months. After two months of illness he again took up clerking, this time with G. F. Otten, at Elliston, with whom he continued seven years, without the loss of even a day. Mr. Almroth then spent one summer at home on his father's farm, where he fully recuperated his somewhat impaired health, afterward entering the store of Mr. O'Neil, of Trowbridge, Ohia, for whom he clerked one year. In February, 1887, Mr. Almroth and George Stick opened a general store at Elliston, conducting same in partnership for eight years, when Mr. Almroth purchased his partner's interest, and is now sole owner of the large and growing business. In addition to his mercantile business Mr. Almroth is a dealer in all kinds of grain—the only one in the vicinity—buying at Elliston, Graytown, Trowbridge, and Limestone. A stock company has just been formed at Elliston for the purpose of drilling for oil and natural gas, Mr. Almroth being a charter member of the company, and also its secretary. That his business ability is appreciated by his townsmen is shown by the fact that they have elected him to the office of township clerk for the fourth successive term; he has also been postmaster at Elliston for six years, the only Democratic postmaster in Ottawa county who continued in office through Harrison's administration. Mr. Almroth is now enlarging his store to ac- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 819 commodate his trade in farm machinery, in which branch he does a flourishing business. In fact, he is one of those men who succeed in everything they undertake, but there is no mystery surrounding his success, as it has been accomplished solely by the exercise of his own ability, energy and unceasing activity. On March 20, 1890, Mr. Almroth was married to Miss Myra Kirk Baldwin, of Elmore, Ohio, and they immediately settled in Elliston, where they have a fine well-kept home, and very pleasant surroundings. To their marriage have come two children: Ruth Ann, born May 1 0, 1892, and Thomas Kirk, born December 8, 1893. Mrs. Almroth was born December 2, 1867, at Elmore, Ohio, where she received a liberal education in the public schools, at the age of sixteen taking up the profession of teaching, which she followed for six years. She is the youngest of five children—two sons and three daughters—born to Thomas and Sarah (Kirk) Baldwin, of Elmore, the former of whom was born in Greene county, Ohio, June 17, 1832; the mother was born in Maryland June 7, 1832. They were married March 16, 1854, and the greater part of their lives has been spent in Elmore, where they yet make their home. Mrs. Henry H. Almroth is a member of the M. E. Church of Elmore, and Mr. Almroth, in religious connection, is a member of the Evangelical Church of Elliston. Socially he is a K. of P., and in political faith is a stanch Democrat. G. W. NEFF, who is engaged in farming in Washington township, Sandusky county, is numbered among the native sons of that locality, his birth having occurred in Sandusky county, April 21, 1860. His father was born November 13, 1813, and his mother in 1830. They had a family of four children—Ellen, wife of I. Edwards, who has one son, William, now a farmer in Sandusky township, Sandusky county; L. W., who for eighteen years has been successfully engaged in teaching in Ballville and Washington townships (he is a Democrat); and Mellisse, born in 1855, who is the wife of C. C. Ludwig, a farmer of Allen county, Ohio, by whom she has four children (her husband is a supporter of the Democratic party). Upon the home farm Mr. Neff spent the days of his boyhood and youth, no event of special importance occurring during that period. The public schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges, and he early became familiar with the duties of farm life. As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey he chose Miss Louisa Lautz, who was born August 8, 1860, and is the daughter of Simon Lautz, a well-known and respected farmer residing in Washington township. Four children grace the union of our subject and his estimable wife—Lottie, Met-tie, Maud and Elmer—and the family circle yet remains unbroken. The Neff household is the abode of hospitality, and its members occupy an enviable position in social circles. Our subject remained upon the old home farm up to the time of his marriage, when he purchased forty acres of land, his present farm, and his care and labor have transformed this into a richly cultivated tract. He is enterprising and progressive, and upon his place are seen many modern improvements. Mr. Neff attended Normal school, and in addition to agricultural pursuits he has been engaged in school teaching for a number of years. In 1892 he was elected to the office of assessor upon the Democratic ticket, and filled that position for two years, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He takes an active and commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community, and his support is given to all worthy enterprises that are calculated to advance the general welfare. He holds 820 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. membership with the Lutheran Church, and those who know him have for him the highest regard. JOHN A. NEIDECKER, proprietor of an extensive furniture establishment, and funeral director, Port Clinton, Ottawa county, was born in Chicago, Ill., May 25, 1859, a son of Peter and Anna A. (Struve) Neidecker. Grandfather Neidecker was born in Germany in 1776, and died in 1882; his wife was born in 1806, and died December 28, 1880. Peter Neidecker, father of our subject, was born in Baden, Germany, March 21, 1834, and at the age of fourteen accompanied his parents to the United States, they settling in Erie township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, where they passed the rest of their honored lives in agricultural pursuits. Their son, Peter, received a portion of his education in the Fatherland, and after coming to Ottawa county attended the common schools for a time. Removing to Chicago, Ill., he there made his home till 1865, in which year he returned to Ohio, taking up his home in Port Clinton, where in the following year he engaged in a coopering business, which he conducted in that village until 1872, when he opened out an undertaking and furniture establishment. In this line he continued until 1876, when he retired from active life. In the city of Chicago, September 25, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna A. Struve, and children as follows were born to them: Minnie, wife of George Smith, of Cleveland; George William, who for six years was a printer, and is now a physician in Brooklyn; Frank, who when fourteen years of age commenced in the drug business at Port Clinton, Ohio, and is now a resident of Cleveland; Caroline, at home; and John A., subject of sketch. The father of this family is deceased; the mother is living in Port Clinton with her daughter Caroline and two little granddaughters—children of our subject. John A. Neidecker received his educational training at the schools of Port Clinton, learned the furniture and undertaking business with his father, and succeeded to the same at the latter's death. For a time he was in the recorder's and probate judge's office, and in 1876 he was appointed probate judge, filling that position eight months. He is a man of attractive appearance, well adapted for the management of his lucrative and widely-expanding business, and enjoys an enviable popularity. SCOTT STAHL, junior member of the well-known firm of Finefrock & Stahl, attorneys at law, Port Clinton, Ottawa county, is a native of Ohio, born at Marion, Marion county, December 23, 1866; a son of Benjamin F. and Elizabeth (Finefrock) Stahl. Our subject received his elementary education at the common schools of his native place, remaining there until he had reached his fourteenth year, at which time the family removed to a farm, where he learned the rural lessons of industry and perseverance that are ever the accompaniments of a successful career. At the country school in the neighborhood of his father's farm he continued his studies, after which he taught school at Prospect, Ohio, preliminary to his legal studies. He began reading law in the office of his uncle, Judge T. P. Finefrock, of Fremont, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar December 3, 1891, after which he located in Port Clinton, where he has built up an enviable practice, and is held in high esteem by his colleagues. He is a young man of liberal views, taking a lively interest in public affairs. A stanch Democrat in his political predilections, he was, but ten weeks after locating in Port Clinton, elected to the office of city so- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 821 licitor; was re-elected at the close of the term without opposition, and is at present filling the incumbency with eminent ability. On September 8, 1892, Mr. Stahl was united in marriage with Miss Grace Dana, daughter of George Dana, one of the substantial citizens of Green Creek township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, and one child, Kate E., has blessed their union. In his fraternal affiliations Mr. Stahl is a member in good standing of the Knights of Pythias. JOHN KIRSCH, who owns and operates a good farm of 185 acres in Washington township, Sandusky county, is a native of Germany, born June 13, 1835, and a son of Nicholas and Emma (Vogel) Kirsch. The father was born November 6, 1806, and by occupation was a farmer, following that pursuit throughout the greater part of his life. In 1853 he left his native land, and with his family crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in the Buckeye State, where he and his wife spent their remaining days, her death occurring in 1885, his in 1886. They left two children, Philip and John, the former of whom married Anna Ripper and reared a family of seven children upon his Ohio farm; they are as follows: John; Ralph; Daniel, who married Theresa Hatten, by whom he had nine children, and follows farming in Oregon; Mary, widow of John Hobbart, who died leaving a family of six children; Peter, who died in childhood in Germany; Jacob; and Emma, wife of John Conrad, who is living in Wisconsin. John Kirsch was reared in his parent's home, and at the age of eighteen came with them to America, since which time he has resided continuously in Ohio. When twenty years of age he was united in marriage with Miss Lena Hobbart, and to their union were born six children, as follows: John, Peter, Tillie (now the wife of William Usher, by whom she has one child), Josh, Mary (who died in October, 1869), and Clay. On May 8, 1875, the wife and mother was called to her final rest, and her death was deeply mourned throughout the community. For his second wife Mr. Kirsch chose Mary Hass, who died May 18, 1879. For his third wife he married Elizabeth Nickles, and by this union were born six children, five of whom are still living, namely: Mary, Kittie, Robbie, Frankie and Nichols. One child, Frankie, died October 28, 1893, and the mother passed away February 8, of the same year. Mr. Kirsch came to Washington township, Sandusky county, in 1861, and a few years later purchased eighty acres of his present farm, to which he has added from time to time. His second purchase made him the possessor of one hundred acres, and in 1883 he extended the boundaries of his farm by becoming the owner of an additional tract of eighty-five acres. He thoroughly understands farming in all its details, his land is highly cultivated, and his place is well improved with good. buildings, while the owner ranks among the leading agriculturists of the community, with which he has now been identified for a third of a century. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democratic party, and in religious belief is a Catholic. F. S. HELLER, M. D., a successful medical practitioner of Oak Harbor, Ottawa county, is numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Fremont, Sandusky county, November 29, 1863. Dr. Heller is a son of George B. and Rhoda (Smith) Heller, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, and was of German ancestry, while the latter was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, and was of Scotch and English lineage. For many years they were honored residents of Port Clinton, this State, and the father effi- 822 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ciently filled the office of auditor of Ottawa county for six years. Upon his retirement to private life he engaged in the boot and shoe business in that place until 1883, when he removed to Oak Harbor, and embarked in the lumber business. He and his estimable wife are still residents of this place and are popular and highly esteemed members of the community. Their union was blessed with a family of four children, three of whom are now living, namely: Roland F., F. S. and Rufus S. The Doctor obtained his primary education in the public schools of Port Clinton, and completed his literary education by a collegiate course in the Ohio Wesleyan College, Delaware, Ohio. Wishing to take up the study of medicine and make its practice his life work he began reading with Dr. M. A. Hughes, of Port Clinton, with whom he continued for a year, and in 1885 entered the Medical Department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he took a three-years' course, graduating in the class of 1888. On leaving that school he at once began the practice of his chosen calling, establishing an office in Oak Harbor, where he has remained continuously since. From the beginning he has enjoyed a large clientele, and now has a very extensive and lucrative practice, which attests his skill and ability. In Oak Harbor, in November, 1892, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Heller and Miss E. Gertrude Metzger, daughter of John C. and Emma Metzger. One child graces their union, Louis Wellington, who was born Octobor 17, 1893. The Doctor and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are most highly esteemed residents of Oak Harbor, occupying an enviable position in social circles. Our subject is a member of the Northwestern Medical Society, and the Ohio State Medical Society, and is. also a member of and medical examiner for Oak Harbor Lodge No. 516, K. of P., and Oak Harbor Lodge No. 226, K. O. T. M. He also belongs to Alpha Chapter, Nu Sigma Nu Fraternity, of Ann Arbor, Mich. In his political views he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. He is a deep student professionally, keeping thoroughly informed on everything connected with the science of medicine, and his ability is acknowledged both by the .public and the medical fraternity. CONRAD ALMROTH, one of the popular young men of Benton township, Ottawa county, and one of the most energetic and prosperous farmers here, is the son of Peter and Anna (Kurth) Almroth, and was born September 17, 187o, on the farm where he now lives in Benton township. His parents were among the earliest .settlers in Benton township, coming here when it was a wilderness, and, by hard work and the assistance of faithful children, made one of the finest farms in the county. Conrad Almroth was educated in the public schools of Elliston, Benton township, and completed his course of studies in 1886, after which he worked on the farm for his father until 1894, since which time he has had complete charge of it. He owns the stock and machinery, and, with the assistance of one man, employed by the month, works about 18o acres of land, comprising the homestead. Mr. Almroth attends strictly to business; his farm is kept in fine condition, fences in good repair, land well tilled, and all the surroundings give evidence of a skillful and industrious farmer. His yearly output of grain averages: Wheat, sixty acres; oats, twenty; corn, thirty; and hay (cut), twenty-five acres. In addition to the regular work of the farm, Mr. Almroth is engaged in the stock business, dealing in cattle, sheep, and hogs, which he sells to local dealers. Unlike his brothers, Conrad Almroth has not yet taken unto himself a wife. His sisters Mary (born Feb- COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 823 ruary 4, 1876) and Kate (born June 5, 1878) are at home, attending to the housework, while he manages the work on the farm. The entire family are musicians, and are well known and in demand throughout the vicinity on all social occasions. Conrad Almroth is assistant leader of the Elliston Cornet Band, in which he plays the B-flat cornet. He has a tenor voice, his brother Henry sings second tenor, John first bass and George second bass. The sisters are also musicians, and there is a fine quartet in the family, with Mary for soprano, Kate alto, Conrad tenor and John bass. They are all born musicians, and none of them have neglected their talents in this direction. DR. L. B. MYERS, retired druggist, Fremont, Sandusky county, was born in Lancaster county, Penn., July 4, 1825, a son of David and Mary N. (Shively) Myers, who were natives of Lancaster county. His mother's father came from Switzerland about the time of the Reformation, and his paternal grandfather was born in Lancaster county, of German descent. David Myers, father of our subject, was a dealer in general merchandise, in Lancaster, for a number of years, after which he sold out and moved upon a farm near Lewisburg, in Buffalo Valley, Union Co., Penn. Here he followed farming until .1828, when he was injured by the kicking of a vicious horse. He was born January 16, 1788, and died January 30, 1833. He married Mary Ann Shively, who was born March 17, 1799, and died November 17, 1869. Their children were: Nathan, born November 29, 1816, died in 1892; Alpheus, born April 23, 1818, died in 1887; Matilda (Fredericks), born September 18, 1819; Elizabeth, born May 26, 1821, died May 13, 1845; Abraham, born September 27, 1822, died March 7, 1848; Susannah (Brown), born February - 52 - 26, 1824, died February 11, 1846; Lewis B., born July 4, 1825; Ann S. (Spotts), born February 17, 1827, died April 9, 1862; David, Jr., born March 20, 1830; Sarah J. (Dursham, and later McSwartz), born September 17, 1831, died 1886; Henry A., born January 28, 1833, died 1886. Of the six sons, four were physicians and two were merchants. One son-in-law was a physician. All grew to maturity, and nearly all became heads of families. Only two are now living: David, at Lewisburg, Penn. ; and Lewis B., at Fremont, Ohio. Dr. L. B. Myers, our subject, spent his childhood in Union county, Penn., and his mother died when he was three years old. He attended school a few years in Lewisburg, Penn., and at the age of fifteen went to Fairfield county, Ohio, where from the home of his uncle, Adam Sheafer, he attended the Williams Academy. Returning to Pennsylvania, he remained there to teach school until he was eighteen when he returned to Ohio. In course of time he began the study medicine at Logansport, Ind., in company with his brother, Abraham, in the office of his brother Dr. Alpheus Myers, where he studied about two years. On the removal of Alpheus to Clarion, Penn., his two medical students followed him to continue their studies. Abraham soon after died, and our subject narrowly escaped death from typhoid fever. Having finished his medical reading, and taught school a few terms among the Mennonites where he acquired a practical knowledge of the German language, he went to Union county, and thence to Cincinnati, where after two years of hard study he graduated from the Eclectic Medical College. Here he attended lectures on Homeo- pathy, and later read extensively standard works on the Old-school practice. Returning to Union county Penn., he engaged in the practice of medicine, and the prevalence at that time of a fatal epidemic, dysentery, which baffled the skill of the home 824 - COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. physicians gave him an opportunity to prove his superior skill in the treatment of that foe of childood. He had such remarkably good success that his reputation was firmly established in a few short months. Two years later he was induced by his brother Alpheus to settle in Logansport, Ind., where he practiced two years with good success. Intending to remove to Pennsylvania, he got as far as Massillon, Ohio, where he stopped to visit, and remained to practice about five years with the best success of his life. In 1860 he removed to Elmore, Ohio, where he engaged in the drug business. During the Civil war he practiced medicine in the country around Elmore. About the year 1871 he removed to Fremont, Ohio, where he engaged first in the grocery and later in the drug business. He bought out the drug store of C. F. Reiff, now owned by his son. He took in his son, Kelly, first as assistant, then as partner, and later sold out entirely to him, and his son has continued the business ever since. After leaving the drug business Dr. Myers gave more attention to the manufacture of rubber goods, by the Myers Manufacturing Co., which he had previously established, and of which he was chief proprietor and patentee. In 1889 Dr. Myers suffered from a stroke of paralysis which rendered him, physically, unable to attend to business. His son Costa R. then took charge of the business, and has conducted it ever since with good success, and has now a half interest in the concern. Dr. Myers and wife are members of the Christian, or Disciple, Church at Elmore, Ohio. He has been a Democrat and a Republican in politics, and, socially, he is a member of the I. O. O. F. The children of Dr. and Mrs. L. B. Myers were: Kelly N., born October 2, 1855, who married Lillie B. Ferguson February 17, 1881 ; David Hammond, born March 23, 1857, deceased in infancy; Laura Ellen, born October 20, 1859; Lewis Oscar, born December 30, 1861; Mary Ann, born February 22, 1865; and Costa Rica, born June 27, 1869, a sketch of whom follows. C. R. MYERS, one of the proprietors of the Myers Manufacturing Co., Fremont, Sandusky county, was born at Elmore, Ottawa Co., Ohio, June 27, 1869, a son of Dr. L. B. and Catharine (Kelly) Myers. Dr. L. B. Myers was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and was reared at. Lewisburg, Penn., where he received a literary education and became a student of medicine, graduating from a medical college at Philadelphia (Penn.) and Cincinnati (Ohio). After practicing at Massillon (Ohio), Logansport (Ind.), and Lewisburg (Penn.), he located, about the year 1860, at Elmore, Ohio. He was an eminent practitioner in his time, but, having an especially strong inventive mind, he turned his attention to the patenting of articles of various kinds. About the year 1871 he located in Fremont, where he engaged in the grocery and later in the drug business, after having bought out the firm of Gurst &Thayer. His son, Kelly N. Myers, was associated with him, first as assistant, and then, in 1882, as partner, and together they built up a successful trade. In the spring of 1887 the Doctor sold out entirely to his son Kelly, who has conducted the drug store during the past eight years. After retiring from the drug store, Dr. Myers founded and established the Myers. Manufacturing Co., at Fremont, Ohio. He was the first man to get out a patent rubber tip on lead pencils, the right of which he sold for a handsome sum, and he also invented and manufactured a patent automatic pencil, a patent sling-shot, and other articles which have been sold all over the country. He has received patents on sixteen different articles, and