500 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY A, 111th 0. Vol. Inf., of which he was made captain. Captain Beery was born on the east side of the Maumee River, in Wood County, Ohio, December 12, 1834, and is a son of John, Jr., and Elizabeth (Madden) Beery, and a grandson of John Beery, Sr. About two and a half centuries ago the Berry family came to America from Switzerland and settled in Virginia. In 1805, John Beery, Sr., moved to Ohio and settled in the Hocking Valley, near Lancaster. John Beery, Jr., was born in Virginia and was about 10 years, of age when his parents moved to the vicinity of Lancaster, Ohio, where he grew to maturity and lived until after his second marriage. In 1832, he moved to the place where the subject of this record was born, in Wood County, Ohio, living in a rude log cabin on the farm. In 1836, the family moved to Sandusky County, Ohio, and settled on a farm near Hessville, where they lived for many years. Subsequentlv John Beery sold his farm and moved to Lindsey, and later to Fremont, and there spent the remainder of his days. Mrs. Beery returned to Lindsey where she died fifteen years later. Capt. John V. Beery was reared on the farm in the vicinity of Hessville, and attended the old log schoolhouse three months each winter. His first business venture was in 1855 when he became a general merchant at Elmore, as a partner of Nicholas Box. After a period of two years, he engaged in the same business at Epworth, Iowa, where he remained two or three years. He continued west to Kansas where he took up and lived upon a claim until the following spring, then with his wife started for the Rockies, taking with them three yoke of oxen and two cows. They settled in California Gulch, near the present site of Leadville, Colorado, after a journey of six weeks, and there Captain Beery engaged in gold mining. He remained there until December, 1860, when he returned east to Des Moines, Iowa, and spent the winter. In the spring- of 1861, he returned to Ohio and worked in the foundry and machine shop of June & Company at Fremont. In 1862, he raised Company A, 111th O. Vol. Inf. for service in the Union Army, and was chosen as its captain, as stated above. He was in the service about nine months, when, as officer of the day at the camp at Bowling Green, Kentucky, he was thrown from his horse while making the rounds to the pickets. He was injured in such a manner as to incapacitate him for further service, and was honorably discharged. He returned to Fremont, where he purchased a home and began clerking for Roberts and Sheldon, proprietors of a hardware and tin store. After two years, he returned to the employ of D. June & Company as bookkeeper and continued with them until 1869, in which year he moved to Lindsey and established a general store. While there he became interested in the lumber business with Overmyer and Davis ; he erected a new residence and store building, but finding a greater profit in lumbering soon sold out the store. Having purchased the interest of Mr. Overmyer, the firm of Davis & Beery erected a large mill and hoop factory North of Lindsey, and another in Lindsey, and a mill in Henry County, Ohio, both of which they operated with good results for some years. In 1885, the firm moved to Fremont and bought a drop forge works, where they manufactured carriage forgings and specialties. They continued with much success until 1895, since which time Captain Beery has been in retirement. In 1856 the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Mary E. Kelly. There was no issue of their union and they adopted a child, Jennie E., now deceased, who was the wife of Palmer Kellogg. Mrs. Beery died in November, 1902, and in 1903 the Captain formed a second union with Dorothy S. Shanafeld. Fraternally he is a member of Brainard Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Fremont Chapter ; and is a charter member of Fremont Commandery, No. 56. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and served as post commander several years. For many years Captain Beery was in the employ of the Government as storekeeper and gauger. WILLIAM G. PARKS, a veteran of the Civil War and a representative citizen of Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, owns and resides upon a farm of 115 acres. He comes of an old and respected family of the county, his father, John Parks, being in his day an im- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 501 portant personage in the county. The latter served two terms as sheriff of Sandusky County, and also twice represented his district in the State Legislature of Ohio. James Parks was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, in 1799, and was a son of James Parks, Sr., who came to the United States from the north of Ireland. He was reared in his native county, and after his marriage to Mary Boyer moved overland in a wagon to Seneca County, Ohio. Arriving there in the fall of 1832, they remained until the following spring, then located in Riley Township. He wrought a home from the wilderness and took an important part in the affairs of the community. In addition to offices named above, he was for a time township clerk and superintendent of schools, and later justice of the peace for some years. He died in Riley Township October 4, 1872, aged nearly 73 years. William G. Parks, son of James and Mary (Boyer) Parks, was born in Riley Township, October 17, 1840, and received his schooling in the home district. In August, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company K, tooth Reg. 0. V. I., and served until the close of the war, a period of nearly four years, being under the command of a number of famous generals and participating in many hard fought engagements. He was for a time under Gen. W. T. Sherman, and took part in the Siege of Knoxville and the Atlanta campaign. He was mustered out of service in June, 1865, and returned to his home, where he again took up farming operations. This has been his life occupation and he has prospered beyond the average. Politically, he is a Democrat and is a firm believer in the soundness and wisdom of the principles for which that party stands. On June 22, 1875, Mr. Parks was joined in marriage with Miss Sophia M. Munsch, who was born in Ballville Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Christian and Barbara (Stahl) Munsch, natives of Germany and later residents of Ballville Township. Mrs. Parks is one of four surviving children of her parent's family, the others being: Jacob Munsch, of Steuben County, Indiana ; Christina, wife of Nathan Holzworth, of Fort Wayne, Indiana ; and Solomon, of Lenawee County, Michigan. Two children were born to our subject and his wife : Mary V., and Mabel Z., the latter being now deceased, her death occurred May 2, 1905, at .the age of 25 years. Mary V. Parks was married to Frank Martin of Riley Township, and they have two children : Parks L., and Pearl E. Mrs. Parks is a lady of education and refinement, and prior to her marriage taught school for a number of years. She is at the present time president of the Riley Township Sunday School Association. SAMUEL J. HIRT, vice president of the Colonial Savings Bank and Trust Company, at Fremont, Ohio, and the owner of much valuable farm land in Riley and Balville Townships, was born August 20, 1858, in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Casper and Verena (Vogt) Hirt. Casper Hirt, a prominent farmer of Riley Township, for many years, was born August 3, 1820, in Switzerland, and died in Sandusky County, February 3, 1881. He came to America in 1848. He lived in Ohio, from there went to California, visited Australia, then returned to California. In May, 1854, he went back to Switzerland and remained in his beloved native land until the following autumn, when he joined a colony of his countrymen and returned to America. After reaching Philadelphia, Casper Hirt married Miss Fanny Vogt, born November 24, 1826, in Villigen, Canton Aargau, Switzerland. From Philadelphia he came to Ohio and settled in Riley Township, where he subsequently accumulated a large estate. In the summer of 1878 he visited his native land for the second time. During his life he crossed the Atlantic Ocean five times and the Pacific twice. In the long and severe winter of 1881, Mr. Hirt contracted a severe cold which resulted in his death, when he was aged 6o years and 6 months. He was reared in the German Reformed Church and attended its services through life. The children of Casper Hirt were eight sons and one daughter, as follows : John Henry, born August 16, 1855, died January 21, 1877; Charles, born February 2, 1857; Samuel J., born August 20, 1858 ; Anna Maria Eliza, born June 10, 1860; Frederick Frank- 502 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY lin, born February 18, 1862; Henry Albert, born April 20, 1864; Edward U., born April 20, 1867; Adolph, born April 24, 1869, and Lewis S., born October 26, 1872. Samuel J. Hirt of the above family was educated in the common schools and reared on a farm in his native township and has engaged in farming on an extensive scale ever since he reached maturity. For twenty years he served as a justice of the peace. He was county auditor in 1896, and was reelected and served until 1899. While living in Riley Township he served as township clerk and after locating in Ballville Township in 1905, was elected township treasurer, in which capacity he still serves. He has always been identified with the Democratic party. In Riley Township, Mr. Hirt's farming land consists of 265 acres and in Ballville Township he has thirty-five acres. On the latter he has erected a beautiful residence, one of the finest in the township and perhaps in the county. It is situated one mile from Fremont and is on the electric road. On June 3o, 1904, when the Colonial Bank was organized, he served one year as cashier and was then elected vice president and director and is still so connected. Mr. Hirt married Miss Sarah Schoch, a daughter of Henry and Catherine Schoch, and they have five children, as follows: Emma C., who is now deceased, was born October 16, 1886; Henry Edward, who died December 12, 1896, was born March 29, 1888; Charles R., who was born May 24, 1891; Anna M., who was born June 16, 1894, and Charlotta A., who was born June 17, 1897. The family of Mr. Hirt belong to Grace Lutheran Church at Fremont. He is a member of the Masons, the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. JOHN MARTIN, who owns and resides on a farm of 125 acres in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, is one of the best known men of the township. He was born in Germany August 7, 1842, and is a son of Jacob and Mary Martin. Jacob Martin in 1852 moved with his family to America, coming direct to Riley Township where he established a home in the woods. He cleared a tract of land and became one of the substantial men of the community, in which he lived until his death on October 19, 1907. His wife also died on that place in the early nineties. Of the children born to them, in addition to the subject of this sketch, there are three daughters living: Mary, wife of David Beck of Erlin, Ohio; Catherine, wife of Henry Dorr of Riley Township; and Amelia, wife of Frank Swedersky of Fremont. John Martin accompanied his parents to this country in 1852 and has been a resident here continuously since that time. He attended the local public schools, and from an early age has devoted his efforts to farming. In 1866, he purchased fifty acres of his present farm, located near Erlin, and subsequently added to it until he now has 125 acres of well improved land in one tract. He has followed general farming and stock raising along improved lines and has the faculty of getting the best results from his land. Progressive and public-spirited, he has identified himself with all that pertains to the welfare and development of the community and takes a pardonable pride in its superiority. He is a Democrat in politics and served several years as a member of the township School Board. Mr. Martin was married to Miss Emeline Seiger, who was born in Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Jacob Sieger, formerly a resident of Riley Township. Nine children are the offspring of their union : Mary Jane, wife of Henry Zellar of Fremont ; Clara Amelia, wife of George Schoch of Riley Township; Lettie Elnora, of Toledo, Ohio; Ida Rosetta, wife of Frank Charley of Riley Township; Sarah Catherine, wife of George Dorr of Fremont; Minnie Lavina; Anna Estella, wife of Walter Hofelich of Erlin, Ohio; Jacob Franklin of Riley Township, and Jesse Charles, also of Riley Township. Religiously, the family belongs to the Lutheran Church of Fremont. JOHN G. NICKLES, a representative of one of Washington Township's old and substantial agricultural families. resides on his valuable farm of 110 acres, which is situated five miles west of Fremont. Sandusky County. HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 505 Ohio. He was born October 13, 1855, and is a son of Peter and Sarah ( Joseph) Nickles. The Nickles family is of French extraction. In 1836, Henry Nickles, grandfather of John G., saw his son Peter depart for America. Peter Nickles was born in France, February 26, 1815, and was then just of age. He landed in the harbor of New York but soon made his way to Sandusky County and was married to Sarah Joseph. She was born in Germany October 22, 1825, and was 7 years old when she accompanied her parents to the United States. Peter Nickles engaged in farming in different parts of Sandusky County for some years and then purchased seventy-seven acres of timber land in Jackson Township. He cleared this land and lived on it for thirteen years and then bought his farm in Washington Township, near Fremont, on which he lived until his death. in 1900. His widow still survives and makes her home with her children, a number of whom are comfortably, settled in Sandusky County. Sophia, the eldest, was born in 1846; Mary Ann, in 1848; Christina, in 1849; Margaret, in 1851, died in 1874; Sarah. in 1853; John G. ; Anna, in 1858; Catherine Jane. in 1861 ; Lydia, in 1863 ; George H., in 1866; and Minnie, in 1871. John G. Nickles was educated in the district schools and has devoted his entire mature life to agricultural pursuits. In in 1897 he bought ninetv acres, one-half of the old homestead, from his father, and to this added twenty acres. The land is of easy cultivation and oil has also been found, six producing wells yielding seevnty-five barrels of crude petroleum monthly. On March 20. 1881, John G. Nickles was married to Miss Emily L. Culbert, of Sandusky County. and they have had the following children:: Lottie Maud, born November 24, 1882, married Oscar Stierwalt and they have two children. Mildred Ruth and Donald Mead ; Lucy, born October 26, 1884, married Orville Posev; Helen, born October 30. 1886; Addie, born March 25. 1888; and Walter, born December 1, 1889, married Nellie Slates. Mr. Nickles and family attend Methodist Protestant Church. In his political views he is a Republican and at different times has served in township offices, being particularly useful as school director and road supervisor. MARTIN HOLDERMAN, a prominent capitalist of Fremont, Ohio, has large and varied business interests in Ohio and in the state of Texas, and is the owner of the M. Holderman Machine Company, which he leases. Mr. Holderman was born in Germany, August 10, 1852, and is a son of Frederick and Maria Barbara (Adler) Holderman. He was four years of age when his parents moved to America in 1856 ; they came by water to Sandusky, Ohio, then drove through to Fremont. Frederick Holderman was a baker by trade and at the time of his death in 1860, was proprietor of a bakery. His widow died four years later. Martin Holderman attended the public schools of Fremont until he was twelve years old. He became an orphan at that age and was obliged to shift for himself. He went to Cleveland and completed an apprenticeship at the confectioner's trade in a factory in that city. He then went to Elyria, Ohio; where he worked at his trade three years; in 1873, with Henry Morris as partner, he bought out the firm of Langan & Huyck, proprietors of a confectionery store, and two years later purchased the interest of his partner. He conducted a wholesale candy and cigar business in Elyria until 1886, when he returned to Fremont and became secretary of the firm of D. June & Company, founders and machinists. This firm had a branch house in Waco, Texas, and it was necessary for Mr. Holderman to go to that place each year for the purpose of checking up. In 1896 he severed his connection with the Fremont plant and moved to Waco, where he had full charge of the D. June & Company plant, of which he is president at the present time. He came into possession of the interest of David June. after the latter's death, and purchased the interest of Mr. O. S. French, the other partner, after his death in 1908. He returned to Fremont in 1908, but re- 506 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY turns to Texas for two months in the spring and two months in the fall of each year. Upon acquiring full possession of the plant of D. June & Company at Fremont, the name of the firm was changed to The M. Holderman Machine Company, and is now leased. Mr. Holderman is a director of the Croghan Bank, of Fremont ; director of the First State Bank, at Hillsboro, Texas ; president of the Mt. Calm Mercantile Company, of Mt. Calm, Texas; and has numerous other interests. September 10, 1884, Martin Holderman was united in marriage with Miss Carrie M. June, a daughter of David and Caroline A. (Owen) June, her father being head of the firm of D. June & Company, until his death in 1895. Two children were born of this union : June Frederick, a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana ; and Clarissa M. The subject of this record joined Norwalk Lodge, No. 467, F. & A. M., March 14, 1876, and upon his removal to Fremont, joined Brainard Lodge by demit. He became a member of Huron Chapter, No. 7, in July, 1882, and on demit became a member of Birchard Chapter, at Fremont. He joined Fremont Council, March 13, I March 26, 1883, be hecame affiliated with Norwalk Commandery, No. 18, and was a charter member of Fremont Commandery, No. 56. He became a Thirty-Second Degree Mason January 16, 1907. JOHN F. KARBLER, a prominent business man and postmaster of Erlin, Ohio, is a well known manufacturer and dealer in lumber and general building materials. He was born in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, June 23, 1869, and is a son of Adam and Christina (Diehr) Karbler, both natives of Germany. Adam Karbler was a small child when he accompanied his parents to the United States. They first located in Maryland, where they rented a farm, then moved west to Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and passed his entire business career. He died in the early nineties at Fremont, Ohio, whither he had moved a few years before. He is survived by his widow, who is living in Fremont, at the age of 73 years. They were parents of the following. children: William F. of Townsend Township; Theodore of Riley Township; David L. of Riley Township; Daniel of Riley Township; John F. and Adam J. of Fremont. John F. Karbler was reared to manhood in Riley Township and attended the public schools. He was occupied in farming until the age of 25 years, when he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits. He conducted a general store at Erlin for eight years, and for a period of ten years has been identified with the lumber industrv at that place. For a short time he had as a partner in the latter business, Henry B. Dickman, the firm name being Karbler & Dickman. The subject of this sketch nas been sole owner and proprietor of this business for some years, and has built up an extensive trade. He also is a stockholder in the Fremont Elevator Company and additionally is concerned in real estate and lumber interests in Clare County, Mich. He owns two good farms in Riley Township, consisting of about 200 acres. October 15, 1893, Mr. Karbler was united in marriage with Miss Mary Weiker, who was born in Riley Township and is a daughter of Jacob Weiker, deceased. Four children were born to them : Maud E., Grace C., Pearl C. and Mabel. Politically, he is a Democrat and for some years has efficently discharged the duties of the office of postmaster of Erlin. PETER WINTERS, president of the Winters Hardware Company, doing business on West State Street, Fremont. and also commander of Eugene Rawson Post, No. 32, Grand Army of the Republic, is an enterprising and progressive man whose efforts have been effective in bringing about the success of his various undertakings. He was born in Germany, March 14, 1847, and is a son of Peter and Mary Winters. In 1855, when he was eight years old, his parents came to America and brought their four sons with them, settling on a farm near Hillsdale, Michigan. The father was a brick-maker by trade. They lived on their farm AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 507 there until old age came upon them, when their son, Peter Winters, brought them to Fremont in order that he could more effectually care for them, and here the father died when aged eighty-four years, and the mother when one year younger. When Peter Winters was sixteen years old he was slight of stature, weighing not more than ninety-five pounds. When fifteen years old he tried to enlist in the army, he was refused on account of his youth, but in the fall of 1863 he. was able to pass and was accepted as a member of Company K, 27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, with all the bravery and courage that a veteran could have shown. He was wounded first at Petersburg and was confined in a hospital from the injury, for four weeks, and contracted rheumatism at the capture of the Weldon Railroad. This disease entailed months of suffering which lie spent in hastily arranged hospitals, one in the Methodist Church at Alexandria, Virginia, and later he was taken to the Siegel Barracks Hospital. When sufficiently recovered he returned to his regiment and was honorably discharged and mustered out at Washington City. Mr. Winters then returned to his Michigan home and worked for a short time in a grocery store and then went to Leavenworth, Kansas, and there learned the tinner's trade with Adam Andrews, on Choctaw Street. For three years he worked at that trade in that city and then lived one year longer at Hillsdale, Michigan. In 1872, with his brother, John Winters, he came to Fremont and they started first in the tinware business, having a small shop, and as they prospered they added a line of hardware and continued together until 1906, under the firm name of Winters Brothers. In that year, Peter Winters purchased his brother's entire interest and then formed a stock company under the style of the Winters Hardware Company, which now does a very large business, carrying one of the most complete stocks in Fremont. Of this organization, Peter Winters is president, one son, E. F. Winters, is vice president, another son, George Winters, is manager, while the secretary and treasurer is Charles E. Schepflin, who has been associated with Mr. Winters as an employe, for twenty years. Mr. Winters married Miss Josephine Peffen, of Buffalo, New York, and they have five children, namely : Mamie, Edward F., George P., Hadie and Leona. Mr. Winters and family are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church at Fremont. FRANK A. BINSACK, a well known agriculturist of Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and president of the township School Board, is the owner of a good farm of forty acres. He was born in Fremont, Ohio, May 16, 1858, and is a son of Adam and Magdalena (Gabel) Binsack, both natives of Germany. His mother was about six years old when she accompanied her parents to the United States, and his father was also young at the time of his arrival here. Adam Binsack resided for many years in Fremont, Ohio, and in 1860 moved to Riley Township, where he thereafter lived and farmed until his death. Of the children born to him and his wife, the following are now living: Rosa, wife of Leonard Snyder of Rice Township; Catherine, wife of Peter Beier of Rice Township; Mrs. Mary Chudzinski of Sandusky Township; Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Koch of Riley Township; Helen, wife of Otto Halbeisen of Riley Township; Frank A.: Henry of Huron County, Ohio; Adam of Riley Township ; and Clara of Fremont, Ohio. Frank A. Binsack was about two years of age when the family moved to Riley Township, and here he grew to maturity and attended the public schools. He has always followed 'farming and has met with good results. He has served as a member of the School Board for some years. He is a Democrat in politics, and is deeply interested in all that pertains to the welfare of his community. On April 10, 1883, Mr. Binsack was married to Miss Regina Kindle, who was born in Ohio and is a daughter of Gottleib Kindle, formerly a resident of Sandusky County. The following children were born to them : Joseph W., Albert S., Mary M., Elizabeth A., and Frank C. Religiously, the family belongs to St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church at Fremont. 508 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY CHARLES J. PATTERSON, who resides on his farm of eighty acres, which is situated seven miles from Fremont, is one of Washington Township's representative men. He was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, October 28, 1860, and is a son of Julius and Margaret (Larey) Patterson, and a grandson of Reuben Patterson, the latter of whom was accidentally drowned in the Sandusky River. Julius Patterson was born May 23, 18o8, at Syracuse, New York, from which place his parents moved to Ohio, in 1815. They lived for two years near the mouth of the Huron River and about one year in Ottawa County, in 1818 locating permanently at Little Sandusky, now Fremont. They lived in one of the block houses that then stood on the site of Fort Stephenson. Julius Patterson married Margaret Larey, who is also deceased. They had ten children, the survivors being: Robert, John, Rawson, Oscar, Sarah, Julia, and Charles J. One son, Sardis, died in Andersonville Prison. during the Civil War. Charles J. Patterson attended school at Ballville and at Fremont, Ohio. He worked as a farmer with his father for several years and then as a moulder and bridge-builder, and in 1884 he entered the employ of the Hon. R. B. Hayes, with whom he remained for ten years. He worked then for the National Carbon Company, and for one year in a flour mill at Fremont, and one year in the Christy Knife Works, going then to the Klause Oil Field Company. Mr. Patterson then turned his attention to farming, purchasing his land from Barbara Klusman, and he is so thoroughly interested in his present industries that he thinks of never changing them. In addition to cultivating sixty acres of his land, twenty being yet in timber, he has developed a large maple syrup business and finds ready sale for all he can produce. In 1885, Mr. Patterson was married to Miss Ida E. Keller, a daughter of David and Mary (Schaffer) Keller, of Allen County, Ohio. Mrs. Patterson has three brothers: Henry. Frank and Joseph. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson. namely : Raymond, who is station agent at Gibsonburg for the Lake Shore Electric Company. married Edith Lashley, of Henry County, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Ethel; Margaret, who resides at home; and Stanley E., who attends the public school in Washington Township. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his political affiliation, Mr. Patterson is a Republican, always voting with his party in National affairs, but using his own judgment when it conies to local candidates. JOHN L. GARVIN, a trustee of Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, is a prosperous farmer residing on a farm of eighty-nine acres. He has filled a number of public offices in the township, the duties of which he nas always discharged in a manner to win the commendation and approval of his fellow citizens. He was born in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, May 4, 186o, and is a son of James and Mary (Smith) Garvin, both natives of the North of Ireland. James Garvin was a young man when he emigrated to the United States, first locating in Pennsylvania. After a short residence in that State, about the year 1850, he moved west to Erie County, Ohio, and shortly afterward to Sandusky County. He settled in the woods of Riley Township and there passed an active and useful life, dying in 1897. He served creditably in the Union Army during the Civil War, and participated in the battle of Franklin and other important engagements. He was a Democrat in politics. Religiously, he was a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Of the children born to him and his wife, three are now living, as follows: Mary A.. wife of John Dalton of Townsend Township; Henry J. of Townsend Township; and John L. John L. Garvin was reared to man's estate in Riley Township and here attended the public schools. He also passed twentv weeks in attendance at the State Normal School at Ada, Ohio, after which he followed farming during the summer and teaching during the winter. He taught in the schools of Sandusky Countv for eleven winters, and gave evidence of superior ability as an instructor. He has since taken an active interest in the schools of AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 509 Riley Township, which he has done much to elevate to their present efficient standard. He has been connected with the schools, officially, for a number of years and is a member of the School Board. For a time lie served as justice of the peace of Riley Township, and is now serving his first term as township trustee. He is a Democrat in politics. Mr. Garvin was united in marriage with Miss Johanna Brady, who was born in Green Creek Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Michael Brady. Five children blessed this union, of which number four are living, as follows : Leo J., Frank E., Albert E., and Margaret M. Religiously, the members of the family are devout members of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Garvin is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus at Clyde, Ohio. DAVID JUNE, whose death occurred in 1895, was for many years the active head of the firm of D. June & Co., a manufacturing concern which added much to the material wealth and prosperity of Fremont. Ohio, where its main plant was located and where its successor, the M. Holderman Machine Company, is now in full operation. He was a man of great native ability, not alone as a machinist, but as a director and manager of business affairs. His death meant a loss to the city, not easily replaced. David June was born at Ithica, New York, May 11, 1824, and was a son of Peter June, who was a sailor and ship-rigger, and later a contractor in railroad construction work. The subject of this sketch was about nine years old, when in 1833 he accompanied his father to Portland, now Sanduskv, Ohio, where he attended school a short time. He remained with his father until he was about fourteen years of age, and in 1838. became cabin boy on the old steamer "Jack Downing," on the Sandusky River. In 1839 he served in a similar capacity on the "St. Clair" until she was laid up by the Combination Line, after which he went to the steamer "Sandusky." In 1840, he assisted his father (who was a contractor on the Sandusky & Mansfield Railroad) by driving a team at plow and scraper in the construction of the road bed from Sandusky to Monroeville. In the winter of 1840-1841, at Sandusky, he for a short time attended a school taught by Mr. Hickox, an Episcopal minister. In May, 1841, he began a seven year's apprenticeship to the trade of mechanical engineering with a firm in Sandusky, and during- this time also worked for a while with his brother-in-law, Charles Waterous, on the old Ohio Railroad. This firm was doing the general repairs through the counties of Erie and Sandusky, and Mr. June's duty was to look after pile-drivers and sawmills. A dissolution of the firm to which he had been bound released him from his apprenticeship, and in April, 1849, he went to Cleveland and found employment in the Cuyahoga Iron Works. Here lie remained about ten years, during that time filling the position of engineer on steamers of the Buffalo and Chicago Line in the summer seasons, and working in the shops during the winters. During a part of 1843, lie was second engineer on the steamer "St. Clair," and the rest of the year on the "Commerce." During the winter and spring of 1844, he assisted in building the engine of the "Empire," and in August of the same year sailed in that steamer as second engineer, remaining on that vessel until June, 1847, when he sailed on the "Boston." In the summer of 1847, he took charge of the steamer "Detroit," on which lie continued until she was sent to Chicago. The following winter he put up the engine of the "Monticello," at Fairport, Ohio, and in the spring of 1848 put in an engine for the "Ohio," and later in the year fixed engines for the "Republic." He was on the "Republic" until July 1849, when he was employed to fit out the steamer "Globe," at Cleveland, for the American and Liverpool Insurance Company, which was under contract to furnish the railroad iron from England for the C. C. & C. Railroad by January 1, 1850. The company's vessels from Liverpool could not pass up the Welland Canal, the iron being unloaded on the banks. It was the duty of Mr. June to deliver the iron at Cleveland, the tank requiring from July until the 22d of December. He then returned to the Cuyahoga shops to work the Lake Superior Line of 510 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. steamers, extending from Cleveland to Sault Ste. Marie, and he remained in their employ for eight years. In 1851, the company built the steamer "Northerner," into which Mr. June put an engine and other machinery ; it was the first steamer built for the Lake Superior trade. In 1853, they built the steamer "North Star," at a cost of $128,000. Having by industry and economy laid by some money, Mr. June in 1853 came to Fremont to engage in business for himself. With a Mr. Curtis, he bought out the plow shop of F. I. Norton, which they fitted up for the building and repairing of engines. Six months later, Daniel L. June, brother of David, bought Mr. Curtis' interest and the firm was known as June & June until 1856, when Lyman Gilpin bought out D. L. June. D. June and L. Gilpin continued as partners until November, 1859, when the former became sole proprietor. Mr. Curtis later, again became a partner in the business, but after seven years again withdrew. Three years thereafter, a partnership was formed, consisting of David June, Robert Brayton and 0. S. French, under the firm name of D. June & Co., and the business was thereafter continued under this name until some years after the death of Mr. June, when the M. Holderman Machine Company was organized to replace it. The completion of the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad in 1853, enabled Mr. June to bring engines from Cleveland for repair, and return them, cheaper than the work could be done in that city, and as a result was able to retain the trade of the Lake Superior Company. His shops also received many orders for work from the surrounding country. In the winter of 1855 he rebuilt the "Manhattan," the engines being brought to Fremont by-rail, and in the winter of 1857 he rebuilt the "North Star" at Fremont. During these years Mr. June was away occasionally on Lake Superior to overhaul steamers and make repairs, and in 1858, at the urgent solicitation of the Lake Superior Transportation Company, he left his business at Fremont in charge of his partner and went to Cleveland, where it was his duty to keep the boats in running order. In 186o, he returned to Fremont, where he thereafter resided continuously, and in 1861 began the erection of new works, which were completed in 1877. After several changes of partners as above related, he took into the firm, Robert Brayton, an old and skillful machinist with whom he had worked in Cleveland, and who remained nine years and did much to make their ventures successful. Many valuable improvements in the building of engines were made by this enterprising firm, they being inventors of a self-acting spark arrester in 1875, which has come into general use. The engines built by this firm gained high prestige and the demand for them came from all parts of the country. They established branch plants, one at Waco, Texas, and another at Council Bluffs, Iowa. They also conducted a branch at Austin, Texas, which was later sold to A. R. Gossard. In 1869, Mr. O. S. French became identified with the firm, and in 1886 a one-third interest was divided among A. June & Son, Martin Holderman and b A. M. June. In 189o, S. A. June and Peter June surrendered their stock to the company; after the death of Mr. David June, Martin Holderman bought out the June interests in the plant, and after the death of Mr. French in 1908 purchased the French interests, thus becoming sole owner of the plant. The M. Holderman Machine Company was then organized, and the plant is leased. On November 28, 1844, David June was married at Painesville, Ohio to Miss Caroline A. Owen, a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Ranson) Owen. She was born in Ontario County, New York, in February, 1823. They were parents of two children—Clarissa A., who died in childhood; and Carrie M. (Holder-man), who was born June 12, 1857. The latter was married September T0, 1884, to Martin Holderman of Fremont, and they have two children—June Frederick, born December 5, 1885, and Clara Marie, born December 12, 1886. A. E. CULBERT, who is a well known member of the Fremont bar and an associate with D. B. Love in the law firm of Love & Culbert, was born on a farm in Ballville Township. Sandusky County, Ohio, HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 513 March 27, 1862, and is a son of Elijah and Eliza (Day) Culbert. The boyhood and youth of Mr. Culbert were spent on his father's farm and after gaining sufficient educational training in the country schools, he began to teach, and proving himself well adapted for this profession, kept on teaching for some twelve years, both in Sandusky and Ottawa Counties. He then entered upon the study of law under D. B. Love, his present partner, and Judge Buckland, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1894, entering into his present partnership in 1897. From 1894 until 1897 he served as deputy clerk in the office of the probate judge. Mr. "Culbert has a large practice in connection with the firm, and individually he is attorney for the Sandusky County Building and Loan Company and is also attorney for several of the banks in Fremont. He has served as city solicitor of Fremont, elected on the Republican ticket, and while a resident of Sandusky Township, when only twenty-one years old, was elected assessor and re-elected, enjoying the unique experience of being the only man elected before or since to that office there, on the Republican ticket, and furthermore, was the only Republican ever elected township clerk on that ticket. Aside from his profession, Mr. Culbert has numerous business interests. He is a stockholder and director in the Riverside Fuel and Supply Company, of Fremont, manufacturers of brick ; is a director of the Fremont Sales Book Company ; is treasurer of the Donald Oil and Gas Company; and is president of the Bliss Shirt Company, of Fremont. He has served two terms as a member of the Fremont Board of Safety. Mr. Culbert married Miss Mary Rose, a daughter of Philip Rose, and they have had nine children, all surviving except the youngest, Harry, who died in infancy, as follows: Chester A., Estella M., Ralph, Iva, Harold, Paul, Raymond, Donald, a particularly intelligent, well educated family. Mr. Culbert belongs to the Protective Home Circle, the Red Men and the Maccabees and in the last named order is very prominent. He is past great commander of the Maccabees of Ohio, the highest office of the fraternity in the state, which he has held continuously since 1904. He is also a member of the State Executive Committee, is supreme representative and belongs to the finance committee of the National body of this remarkably prosperous order. FRANCIS L. WEBER, a very highly esteemed resident of Fremont, who retired to this city from his farm in 1905, and occupies his comfortable residence which is situated at No. 1021 Napoleon Street, still owns 227 acres of valuable farming land in Riley Township. Mr. Weber is an American in everything except birth, this having taken place in Alsace, France, now a province of Germany, on July 3, 1836. His parents were Mathias and Cecelia (Wilhelm) Weber. From Alsace Mathias Weber brought his family to America when Francis L. was a boy of eleven years, settling in Sandusky Township, three and one-half miles north of Fremont on the Sandusky River. They were almost the first permanent settlers in that region, the country then being almost covered with woods, but their German industry and thrift enabled them to succeed where less persevering people would have failed, and they developed a fine farm. The father of the family died there many years ago but the mother survived into advanced age, her death taking place in June, 1891, when aged 87 years. Of their children the following survive: Josephine, who is the widow of Frederick Fabing, resides on Garrison Street, Fremont; Francis L.; Mathias W., who served as a soldier in the Civil War, being a member of Company B, 72d 0. Vol. Inf., resides in Jefferson County, Montana; and Cecelia, who is the wife of George Held, Sr., of Fremont. Mathias Weber was a faithful Roman Catholic. He was a Democrat in his political convictions. In his death the community lost one of the worthy pioneers of his time. Francis L. Weber had but little chance to attend even the pioneer schools, as the country was but sparsely settled when his father came 514 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY to Sandusky County, and very soon he was called on to give assistance on the farm. In the spring of 1857 he made up his mind to make the long journey to California and see for himself if fortunes could be as easily acquired as was the general and prevailing idea of the eastern country. He decided on the isthmus route and went to New York, and probably in one of Commodore Vanderbilt's old vessels took passage for Aspinwall. There he crossed on the railway to the Pacific side of the Isthmus of Panama, right over the land now excavated for the great Gatun Dam, and there boarded a vessel for San Francisco, which city he reached after a 22-days period of travel from New York. Mr. Weber spent only a short time at mining but found profitable employment at farming and remained in California for one and one-half years, returning then to New York over the same route. In 1859 Mr. Weber was married and settled then in Rilev Township, on wild land that he practically cleared out of the woods. The first home was a hewed log cabin and it served very well for many years, but in 1882 lie erected the commodious brick residence, one of the best farm houses in the township, and resided there until he retired to Fremont in 1905. Mr. Weber not only made one trip to the Pacific coast but in 1865 lie went a second time, taking advantage of the Nicaraugua route. He found many changes in the old surroundings but none of them of sufficient value to attract him from Sandusky County, and after a visit of seven months lie contentedly returned to Ohio. With the easy modes of transportation now afforded. Mr. Weber might make a very enjoyable third visit. undoubtedly being able now to see most remarkable changes from the old davs. Mr. Weber was married (first) November 22, 1859, in Sandusky County, to Elizabeth Wigland, of Riley Township, a daughter of John and Catherine Wigland, early settlers there. Two children were born to this union, namely : Charles H.. who resides in Riley Township ; and Mary. who is the wife of Nicholas Klos, of Fremont. Mr. Weber was married (second) May 22, 1866. to Magdalena Schiets, who was born in Ballville Township, Sandusky County, a daughter of Lewis and Catherine (Gabel) Schiets. The father of Mrs Weber was born in Lorraine and the mother in Alsace, France, both now provinces of Germany. The father came to America when 22 years of age and was one of the earliest settlers of Ballville Township. He married Catherine Gabel, a daughter of Jacob Gabel, who was an early settler in Jackson Township, Sandusky County. Mrs. Weber has one sister and two brothers, namely : Elizabeth„ who is the wife of Lawrence Wilhelm, of Fremont ; George, who lives in the city of Lima, Ohio; and Peter, who follows farming in Rice Township. Of the nine children born to 'Mr. and Mrs. Weber, seven survive, as follows : Catherine, wife of Richard Berry, living in Jefferson County, Montana ; Cecelia, wife of Samuel Longanbach, of Great Falls, Montana ; Clara. wife of John Fleming. of Butte, Montana Odelia, living at home; Francis L., r.. of Peoria, Illinois : Louisa, residing at Fremont; and Mathias W., who is a mail clerk on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad between Cleveland and Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Weber are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church at Fremont. JACOB STULTS, a veteran of the Civil War and a prosperous agriculturist of Washington Township, resides on his valuable farm of seventy acres which is stuated three miles southwest of Lindsey. Ohio. He was born in Sandusky County, Ohio. May 3o, 1841, and is a son of Jacob and Nancy (Smith) Stults. The older Jacob Stultz. who was a son of Peter Stults, came from New Jersey and lived in Franklin County. Ohio, until 1828, when he came to Sanduskv Countv, where he resided until his death. He married Nancy Smith, who was a native of New Jersev, and they had the following children : Sarah, who is the widow of Bennett Havens ; Henry, deceased, who married Julia Berringer: Daniel, who was married ( first) to Hattie Naugle. and after her death to Clara Craft ; Jacob. of Washington Township; Jennie. who is the widow of H. A. Wolfe, resides at Fremont ; AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 515 and Israel, who married Sarah McMillan, lives in Colorado. Jacob Stultz, r., attended the pubic schools until he was about 18 years of age, and then lie worked for his father on the farm until he enlisted for service in the Civil War, in May, 1864, becoming a member of Company K, 169th 0. Vol. Inf., and was honorably discharged on September 4, 1864, having been stationed about eight miles west of Washington City. He then spent six months seeing something of the country, especially the State of llinois, after which lie returned to the home farm. Following his marriage, in 1868, he bought the farm on which he has lived ever since. On June 18, 1868, Mr. Stults was married to Miss Catherine Deemer, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Hartzell) Deemer, of Pennsylvania, whose other children were : William, deceased, whose widow, Anna (Keefer) Deemer, lives in Fremont; Thomas, who resides in Pennsylvania, married Sarah Rittenhouse; Edward, who resides at Fremont, married Martha Bowlus; Rosanna, deceased, who married Tillman Siegfried, also deceased; Sarah, who is the widow of Jacob 0. Bowlus, lives in Fremont; and Anna, deceased, who married Frank Rideout. To Mr. and Mrs. Stults the following children have been born : Charles, who married Clara Fought, has two sons, Elvin and Ralph ; Elizabeth. who is the wife of John Skilliter; Fannie, who lives at home ; Albert, who married Effie Burgoon ; Jesse, who married Pearl Seibert, has one daughter, Alice Catherine: and Elma, who lives at home. Mr. Stults and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican and he is identified with Canfield Post, No. 124, G. A. R., at Gibsonburg. He is one of the township's representative citizens. FRANK HALBEISEN, who resides on his farm in Riley Township, of which he took charge when only 15 years of age, is a representative business man of this section and operates a tile manufacturing plant in Townsend Township. near Vickery. He was born November 16. 1859, in Sandusky Township, San- dusky County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Catherine (Zeigler) Halbeisen. The father of Mr. Halbeisen was born in Switzerland. For some years after his marriage to Catherine Zeigler, who was born in Germany, and was a daughter of Martin Zeigler, a pioneer of Riley Township, he lived in Sandusky Township, Sandusky County. From there he moved to Fulton County, Indiana, but in 1867 he returned to Sandusky County and settled in Riley Township, where he died in 1871. His widow survived until 1903. Of their children the two survivors are: Odelia, who is the wife of Frank Keating, of Riley Township; and Frank. In his younger years John Halbeisen followed the trade of wagon-maker, but later gave his entire attention to agriculture. Frank Halbeisen attended school until he was about 15 years of age, when the death of his father placed many responsibilities on him. He took over the management of the farm of eighty acres and has ever since been more or less concerned in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Halbeisen has developed a large tile industry. He started into tile manufacturing on his farm in Riley Township in 1882, carrying it on there for several years, after which he had a tile plant in operation at Erlin, Ohio, for two years. In 1902 he began the manufacture of tile in Townsend Township near Vickery, where he has a plant capable of turning out some 8,000 tile per day. The business is in a prosperous condition. Mr. Halbeisen having about as many orders as he can conveniently handle without enlarging his plant. Mr. Halbeisen was married (first) to Miss Harriet Gilbert, and three children were born to them : John, residing at Clyde, Ohio; Alonzo H., residing at Vickery, and Alma, wife of Harry Spohn, of Green Creek Township. Mr. Halbeisen was married (second) to Miss Eliza King, a former resident of Gibsonburg, Ohio, but a native of England, and four children have been born to this union, namely: Gertrude, 'William, Frank and Harry M. Mr. Halbeisen has served at different times on the Township School Board in Riley Township. 516 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY GEORGE ZIMMERMAN, M. D., physician and surgeon at Fremont, is largely interested and has a large amount of capital invested in manufacturing enterprises in this city and county, and is president of the Fremont Mitten & Glove Company, and of the Henkel Company at Fremont, which is the largest plant for the manufacture of manicure instruments in the United States. Dr. Zim merman was born at St. Joseph, Missouri, April 26, 1856, and is a son of George F. and Mary Jane Zimmerman. They were natives of Maryland and died there. They resided for a few years at St. Joseph, Missouri, but returned to Frederick, Maryland, when their son George was three years old. Dr. Zimmerman was reared from that age to manhood in the city of Frederick, attending the common schools and an academy there and subsequently entering Oberlin College. In that Ohio institution he was graduated in the classical course in 1882 and then spent the sophomore year at Hillsdale, Michigan, after which he entered the Homeopathic Medical College at Chicago, where he was graduated in 1884, coming directly to Fremont and entering here into active practice. In 1899 he took a post graduate course at Hahnemann College, Chicago, receiving a degree. Dr. Zimmerman continued in the successful practice Of .his profession until 1902, when he became interested in manufacturing. In association with his brother, Harry Zimmerman, he started the mitten and glove factory and together they conducted it for two years and then incorporated, with the following officers : George Zimmerman, president; J. B. Johnson, vice president; Harry Zimmerman, secretary and treasurer; and John F. Gottron and John L. Reineck, directors. At the present time of writing (1909) the company is operating three factories, there being an extensive plant on North Wood Street, Fremont, giving employment to 125 hands; one at Oak Harbor, where there are 16o machines operated by 16o girls, and a third factory at Sandusky, which is equipped with 260 machines operated by the same number of girls. The main office and shipping point is Fremont. In addition to attending to the carrying on and expansion of this large enterprise, Dr. Zimmerman is also president of the largest plant in the United States for the manufacture of the delicate instruments made use of in manicuring. Dr. Zimmerman married Miss Angeline Truesdall, a daughter of James Truesdall. She was born in Huron County, Ohio. For a number of years she has been prominently identified with club work and at present is president of the Federated Clubs of Fremont. Dr. and Mrs. Zimmerman have two daughters: Ruth, who is a student at Oberlin College; and Helen P., who resides at home. Dr. Zimmerman and family are members of the First Presbyterian Church and he is president of its board of trustees. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Association. JOSEPH BRITENBURG, who has been a resident of Riley Township, Sandusky County, for over a quarter of a century and has lived on his present valuable farm of eighty acres since 1903, was born in Prussia, Germany, February 20, 1845. His parents were William and Mary Britenburg. In 1853 the parents of Mr. Britenburg emigrated to America and lived for a short time at Albany, New York, coming from there to Sandusky County, Ohio, where Joseph grew to manhood. In December, 1863, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company K, 3d Reg. Ohio Vol. Cav., which became a part of the division commanded by General Wilson. Mr. Britenburg participated in the battle of Selma, Alabama, and in many skirmishes of more or less importance and continued in the faithful performance of his soldierly duty until he was honorably discharged on August 4, 1865. Mr. Britenburg lived for a short time at Sandusky after returning from the army, and then took up his residence in Green Creek Township, Sandusky County, but later returned to Sandusky and from there, some years later, came to Riley Township and has continued to live here ever since. He engages in general farming and stockraising. His parents are no longer living but he has two brothers and three sisters, namely : Anthony, who lives in Michigan ; Jacob, who lives in Van Wert County, Ohio ; Julia, who is the wife of AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 517 Michael Kriss, of Townsend Township, Sandusky County; Rosa, who is the wife of George Sweegles, of Sandusky ; and Lena, who is the wife of Peter Herl, of Van Wert County. Mr. Britenburg was married December 7, 1869, to. Miss Henrietta Wott, who was born in Prussia, Germany, January 9, 1848, a daughter of Carl and Charlotte Wott. She was 18 years of age when she accompanied her parents to America, living for a short time in Erie County, Ohio, and afterward in Green Creek Township, Sandusky County, where both parents died. The following brothers and sisters of Mrs. Britenburg are still living : Henry and Charles, both residents of Green Creek Township; William, residing at Oak Harbor, Ohio ; August, living in Michigan ; Albertina, wife of Carl Ferkel, of Riley Township ; and Wilhelmina, wife of Ludwig Werth, of Riley Township. Mr. and Mrs. Britenburg have had the following children : Emma, residing at Sandusky, Ohio; Lewis, living in Townsend Township; George, August and Robert, all living in Riley Township ; Charles, a resident of Townsend Township ; Rosa, wife of Frank Pocock, of Green Creek Township ; Charlotte, wife of Charles Wobser, of Townsend Township ; Ida, wife of Henry Karbler, of Riley Township ; Anna, wife of Frederick Wahl, of Clyde, Ohio ; and Olive and Edna, both of whom live in Riley Township. Mr. Britenburg and wife are leading members of the Lutheran Church at Clyde. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a welcome and valued comrade in the G. A. R. Post at Clyde and he en joys the respect and confidence of his neighborhood. MRS. MARGARET SAAM, one of Washington Township's most esteemed ladies, widow of the late Philip P. Saam, resides on her farm of sixty-seven acres, which is situated in Washington Township, Sandusky County, Ohio. Mrs. Saam was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Christian and Maria (Seigenthaler) Auxter. The parents of Mrs. Saam came to America from Germany. The father was an educated man and taught school for some years at Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the mother lived in Philadelphia at the time of their marriage. They then came to Sandusky County and spent the remainder of their lives here. On April 7, 1863, Margaret Auxter was married to Philip P. Saam. Philip P. Saam was born in Germany, March 24, 1824, and was 26 years of age when he came to America. From New York he came to Ohio and settled at Flat Rock in 1860, purchasing his farm in Washington Township, on which he lived until his death. He was an excellent farmer, a good neighbor and a useful citizen in his community. Philip P. Saam was first married August 25, 1852, to Catherine Bahler, who was born August 27, 1836, and they had six children, of whom two are now living: Louis E., who married Emma Auxter, and they live in Washington Township; and Fanny E., who married Henry Stausmire, of Gibsonburg. Louis E. Saam and wife have seven children : John, Chester, Charles, Ervin, Harry, Cora Blanche and Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Stausmire have one son, Edward Philip. To his second marriage, to Margaret Auxter, the following children were born : Henry, who married Geneva Kimball, resides three miles west of Gibsonburg, and they have six children : Ollie, Wesley, Eva, Nora, Fred and Hazel; Sarah Caroline, who married John Weng, lives two miles west of Hessville, and they have one daughter, Alice ; Edward, who married Emma Bender, lives in Washington Township, and they have one son, Paul L.; John Frederick, who is now deceased ; Cora Pauline, who married William Beeker, lives two miles south of Lindsey, and they have one son, Harold Philip; and Alice Amelia, who married Clifton E. Long. Mr. and Mrs. Long have two sons : Leroy Edward, who was born April 16, 1905, and Lloyd Philip, who was born January 7, 1907. Clifton E. Long was born in Ottawa County, Ohio, and is a son of Levi and Mary (Smith) Long, and a grandson of Philip and Susan Long. Mr. and Mrs. Long reside on the farm with Mrs. Saam and he attends to its cultivation. Wheat, oats, corn, hay and stock are raised. Mrs. Saam has the satisfaction of having all her children settled reasonably near her. She is a member of the Lutheran Church. 518 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY DR. J. W. LUSE, an old and venerated citizen of Clyde, Ohio, has been a resident of that village for more than half a century and has been prominently identified with its growth and development. He engaged in the practice of medicine off and on during a greater part of this time, also conducted a drug store many years and engaged in the manufacture of a number of well known remedies which bear his name. Doctor Luse was born at West Greenville, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, October 28, 1827, and is a son of Caleb and Margaret (Culverson) Luse. Caleb Luse was born in New Jersey, and was about four years old when brought by his father, David Luse, to the eastern part of Ohio. He lived there and in western Pennsylvania for many years, owning a farm in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, for some years prior to his removal to Sandusky County, Ohio. He followed the subject of this sketch to this county and purchased what was known as the old Gale farm, located about three miles southwest of Clyde, in Green Creek Township. There he lived until his death. which occurred on February 3, 1872, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was married to Margaret Culverson, who survived him some years, dying August 5, 1881. They were parents of ten children, of whom Dr. Luse was next to the eldest. John Wylie Luse, whose name heads this record, spent his boyhood on the home farm in Mercer County, which he helped to clear, and went to school in an old round-log schoolhouse, which was equipped with the primitive slab benches and desks. At the age of twenty years he began teaching school and during the summer months worked on the farm. He taught for six winters and two summers in the district schools of Mercer County, and in the summer of 1852 taught at Niles. Ohio. where he had as a pupil the illustrious William McKinley, who was then a lad of nine years. During that time he was studying medicine with Doctor Ray at Greenville, and he later attended the old medical college at Cleveland. Ohio. In 1854 he en tered into partnership with Dr. G. W. Hughett at Petersburg, Pennsylvania, about one hundred and forty miles east of Pittsburg, and continued there for three years. At the end of that time he entered a medical college at Ann Arbor, Michigan, from which institution he moved to Clyde, Ohio, in May, 1857, the village at that time consisting of but a very few houses. His degree of M. D. was obtained from the medical college at Cleveland. He practiced here with great success, and a part of the time engaged in the drug trade. During the past twenty-five years he has made a specialty of the manufacture of different medicines, the most famous of which is Dr. J. W. Luse's Eclectic Liver Pills, which have had a remarkable sale. About the year 1900 he formed the J. AV. Luse Medicine Company, but later disposed of all his stock, reserving his office rights. His office and residence are both located on Main Street. In the spring of 1854 Doctor Luse was married to Miss Elizabeth C. Patterson. of Mt. Jackson. Pennsylvania, and they became parents of four children : Allie V. M., who is the wife of Rev. S. M. Dick, a Methodist minister located in Minnesota ; Trudie, who died at the age of eleven years : Marion, who is the wife of Dr. William E. Chenery, of Boston, Massachusetts. who is a professor of eye, ear and throat diseases in Tufft's Medical University, one of the most famous practitioners in that special line of surgery and Fay, who died at the age of seventeen months. Dr. Luse is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and has filled many of the church offices. In his younger days he also was an instructor in vocal and instrumental music. In politics he was originally a Free Soiler, but became a Republican during the administration of President Lincoln. He has been a supporter of the temperance cause and was twice honored with the nomination for member of Congress by the Prohibitionists. WILLIAM H. FERKEL. an enterprising agriculturist of Riley Township. who is mak- HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 521 ing a success of general farming and stock-raising, was born September 18, 1881, in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Carl and Albertina (Wott) Ferkel. The parents of Mr. Ferkel were born in Germany and some thirty years ago they emigrated to America and settled in Sandusky County, where they still live, people who are respected and esteemed. They are leading members of the Lutheran Church at Clyde. Six of their children still survive, namely: Lena, who is the wife of Henry Albrecht, of Fremont; Charles A., who resides in Los Angeles, California; Emma B., who is the wife of William A. Cobleigh, of Los Angeles; Otto C., who is a farmer in Riley Township; Minnie, who is the wife of William Last, residing near Bellevue, Ohio, and William H. William H. Ferkel was reared on his father's farm in Riley Township and attended the township schools. He has enjoyed the advantages which come from travel and has seen a large part of the western section of the great country of which he is a good and law-abiding citizen. In 1904 he attended the great St. Louis Exposition. and after enjoying all it had to offer. went further west, to the Pacific coast. He remained at Los Angeles, California, until 1905, when he traversed the beautiful San Joaquin Valley, and then took a steamer at San Francisco for Portland, Oregon. He spent some time at Portland and at Spokane. Washington. and then returned to San Francisco by way of the Sacramento Valley. He made a return visit of some months at Los Angeles and then turned eastward and in a few days was again among the old scenes with which he had been acquainted since childhood. The pleasures of the trip, however, will never be forgotten. On May 6, 1908, Mr. Ferkel was married to Miss Emma Young, a daughter of Albert Young, of Riley Township. They are members of the Lutheran Church at Clyde. In politics Mr. Ferkel, like his father, is identified with the Democratic party. C. R. M'CULLOCH, who, for sixty-four years has been identified with the drug business, for sixty years occupying the same site at Fremont, Ohio, is one of the pioneer business men of this city. He was born April 4, 1825, in Chenango County, New York, and is a son of Jonathan and Cynthia (Graves) McCulloch. The parents of Mr. McCulloch moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, when he was 18 months old and he remained there until he was 13 years of age, when he left home and made his way to Buffalo, New York, where he learned the drug business and remained four years. In 1840, a brother, C. G. McCulloch, came to Fremont, and in 1842 the subject of this sketch joined him in the drug business, after which the brother went to Chicago, where he subsequently died. Some years later the parents came to Ohio and located at Milan, about twenty-eight miles east of Fremont, and they died there. Mr. McCulloch has continued in the drug business all these years, never seeing any necessity of changing his location and probably there is no better known citizen in Fremont. Mr. McCulloch married Rhoda Gould, who died November 3, 1905, aged 79 years. She was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, but was reared in Sandusky County, being motherless from infancy. Her father was David Gould. To Mr. and Mrs. McCulloch were born the following children : Jessie, Charles' Rollin, Fannie, Margaret, Rollin S., Josephine and Julia. Mr. McCulloch is a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church. Quietly observant of the passing events in a long and busy life, Mr. McCulloch has taken no inconsiderable part in the development of the better phases of existence in this city, but to a large degree he has kept aloof from politics. He has contented himself in the main with quietly performing the duties of a good citizen, and he recognizes such responsibilities. ANTHONY B. MEYER, a prosperous and well known citizen of Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, of which he has been a lifelong resident, was born January 22, 1856, and is a son of John C. and Elizabeth (Schmitz) Meyer. 522 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY John C. Meyer and wife were born in Prussia and they came to America in 1848. They were early pioneers in Riley Township, their first log cabin being situated in the woods, near the present site of Erlin. John C. Meyer lived into extreme old age, dying in his 94th year, at Fremont, having survived his wife for many years. Five of their children are yet living, namely: Annie, who is the wife of Anthony. Reineck, of Riley Township; Eva, who is the widow of Anthony Kiser, and lives at Fremont; Mary, widow of Lewis Reineck, resides at Fremont; May A., who is the wife of Stephen Kiser, lives at Elyria, Ohio; Anthony B., the youngest. John C. Meyer was one of the best known pioneers of Sandusky County and had been honored on many occasions by tributes of respect from his fellow citizens. He was a faithful member of the Catholic Church. Anthony B. Meyer grew to manhood in Riley Township and attended the public schools and St. Joseph's Parochial School at Fremont. He has devoted himself continuously to farm pursuits and owns 100 acres of valuable land, eighty of this comprising his home farm. In his almost daily struggle with the soil, he has accomplished more than the usual amount of satisfactory results. Mr. Meyer married Miss Margaret Fitzpatrick, a native of Riley Township, and a daughter of Michael Fitzpatrick, and they have had eight children, the survivors being as follows : Frank J.; Cordelia B., wife of John Halbeisen, of Clyde ; and Clarence M., Oran P., Anthony J., and Frederick W. Two are deceased : Clara E. and Rosa G. Mr. Meyer and family belong to the Roman Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat and has served his township very acceptably in the office of road supervisor. HARRY A. BOLEN, who is engaged in cultivating a fine farm of 100 acres, which is the property inherited by his wife from her father's estate, and is located about six miles west of Fremont, was born February 22, 1857, at Fremont, Ohio, and is a son of Lewis and Sarah (Smith) Bolen. Lewis Bolen, father of Harry A., was reared by a family named Spohn, which came to San dusky County from Perry County, Ohio. He married Sarah Smith, who was a daughter of Israel and Caroline Smith, who came from Franklin County to Sandusky County, Ohio, where they both died. Lewis and Sarah Bolen were the parents of the following children: William, now deceased; Mary is the wife of Samuel Klots, of Jackson Township, Sandusky County ; John Wesley, a resident of Jackson Township, married Emma Hite; Harry A., the subject of this record ; Emma, is the wife of Alvin Spangler, of Gibsonburg; Russel B., married Alma Roberts, and resides in Washington Township; Clarence, married Zella Owen, and is a resident of Bloomville, Seneca County, Ohio; Fanny, is the wife of Alfred Knepper, of Wood County, Ohio; and Albert lives on the homestead farm in Washington Township. Harry A. Bolen received his early education in the schools' of Fremont, and the district schools of Washington Township, and after leaving school worked for his father on the farm until the time of his marriage, since when he has resided on his wife's farm, as stated above. Mr. Bolen was united in marriage November 21, 1878, with Clara Waggoner, who is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Miller) Waggoner, and to their union has been born one daughter, Sarah Edna, who graduated from the Fremont High School in June, 1909. Mr. Bolen is a Republican in politics and has served as a member of the School Board for ten years. during which time he was president for four years. Mr. Bolen and his family are members of the United Brethren Church, known as the Mount Calvary Class and located four and a half miles west of Fremont. WILLIAM T. HUFFORD, one of Sandusky Township's representative men, a member of and formerly president of the township school board, resides in Section 31. and owns two well improved farms of 197 acres in all. He was born September 26, 1851, in Sandusky Township, Sandusky County. Ohio. and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Fisher) Hufford. Jacob Hufford, the grandfather, was born in Virginia, the Huffords having been among HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 525 the settlers of Jamestown. and members of the family still live along the eastern coast, and family records show that both the Hufford and Fisher families were represented among the heroes of the Revolutionary War. James Hufford, father of William T., was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, November 23, 1812, and with his parents came to Sandusky County in 1836, where he died March 31, 1895. The Huffords were among the earliest settlers in Sandusky Township, locating in the lonely woods, on the outskirts of civilization at that time. James Hufford proved a strong, reliable, earnest man and during a long and active life so lent his influence that its good effect made an impression on his community. He was one of the founders and liberal supporters of the Muscalonge M. P. Church in Sandusky Township. He was twice married and was the father of four children, the only survivor being one son, William T. William T. Hufford was given excellent educational opportunities and attended the common and High School at Fremont, after which he spent several years as a school teacher in Sandusky Township. Since retiring from the educational field he has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits and is numbered with the successful farmers of the township. Mr. Hufford was married December 25, 1873, to Miss Sarah J. Rideout, of Ballville Township, Sandusky County, a daughter of William and Mary A. (Huggins) Rideout. William Rideout was born in Maine and his wife in Pennsylvania. They were early settlers in Sandusky County, where they lived for a number of years and then moved to Douglas County, Illinois, where both died. Mr. and Mrs. Hufford have had three children, namely : Eugene L., who is now deceased; James F., who resides in Fremont; and Ray. V., who married Rosa King, and has two children, Thelma and Dorothy. He resides in Sandusky Township on the other farm owned by his father. Mr. Hufford and wife belong to the Muscalonge M. P. Church, of Sandusky Township. In politics he is a Republican and has long been an active and valued citizen. He is identified with the order of Odd Fellows and belongs to Croghan Lodge, No. 77, at Fremont. THE HERBRAND COMPANY, manufacturers of carriage hardware, wrenches, and the Herbrand Safety Razor, is one of Fremont's important business concerns. It was incorporated in 1881, by Charles Thompson and others, and he has been its president from the first. He was born, reared and educated here. The Herbrand Company occupies a large brick building on East State Street, Fremont. The business was started with a small force of men and has made such steady progress that at present employment is afforded z00 hands or more, the larger number of these being skilled workmen. The plant is equipped for drop forgings of all kinds. For fifteen years they have manufactured razors, at first the old style plain razor, but in recent years have devoted themselves to the manufacture of the special Herbrand Safety Razor. They make a great many different styles covering a retail price from $1 to $5. The officers of the company are: Charles Thompson, president, and G. E. Hall, secretary and treasurer. Mr. J. J. Fetzer, who has been vice president for many years, died on February 9, 1909, and the vacancy has not since been filled. His home was at Columbiana, Ohio. DAVID DAUB, a veteran of the Civil War and well known retired farmer of Bur-goon, was for many years one of the leading agriculturists of Jackson Township. He was born February 18, 1845, in York County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Michael and Katherine (Harmon) Daub, the former a native of Germany and the latter of York County, Pennsylvania. Michael and Katherine Daub were the parents of the following children: Lydia Ann, deceased; David, subject of this record ; Rebecca ; Katherine ; Sarah; Henry M., and Michael, all of whom, with the exception of our subject, reside in Putnam County, Ohio. Michael Daub passed out of this life at the age of eighty-two years, 526 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY his wife dying at the age of about sixty years. David Daub was about ten years old when his parents moved from York County, Pennsylvania, to Lancaster County, where he was educated and grew to man's estate. On February 20, 1864, he enlisted at Philadelphia in Company B, in the 45th Penna. Vol. Inf., and served throughout the entire war, participating in many important battles, including the Battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and the Battle of Petersburg. On July 30, 1864, when the mine was exploded at Petersburg, he was taken prisoner and confined for a period of seven months in the Andersonville Prison, being taken from there to Libby Prison pending an arrangement for an exchange of Federal and Confederate prisoners. In two days he was released from prison and given a fifty days furlough after which he returned to the regiment and served on guard duty until the close of the war, being discharged July 17, 1865, at Alexandria, Virginia. After the war he came to Sandusky County, Ohio, and located on a farm of 120 acres in Jackson Township, where he followed farming in a general way until April, 1901, when of came to Burgoon, where for a number of years he was engaged in the hardware business and acted as agent for farming implement firms. His hardware establishment was destroyed by fire on February 23, 1908, since which time he has been living in retirement. Mr. Daub still owns his farm, which is operated by his son-in-law, J. I. Rinebolt, and has an interest in a gas plant in this locality. August 27, 1868, Mr. Daub was married to Lydia Shale, a daughter of John and Katherine (Crites) Shale, who were among the early settlers of Sandusky County. Mr. and Mrs. Daub became parents of the following children : Alice D., married. Charles Ritzman, of this county and has one child, Leona M.; Sarah C., lives at home ; Minnie V., married William White, of Turner, Michigan, and they have two children, Garrett and Virgi ; Charlotte, married Elmer White, a brother of William White, her sister's husband, and they reside in Gratiot County, Michigan, and have five children; Daisy, Clarence, U. V., Annie and Emma, twins; U. V., who lives on the home farm in Jackson Township, married J. I. Rinebolt, and has one child, Gertrude; Lillie, died aged five years. Mr. Daub is a member of the G. A. R., Eugene Rawson Post, of Fremont, Ohio. He takes an active interest in politics, has served as road supervisor, and was appointed by the County Commissioners to see that old soldiers without money were given a proper burial. He is a member of the Evangelical Union Church. JOSEPH MEYER, who for many years has been prominently identified with affairs in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, is a prosperous farmer. He was born in that township March 9, 1854, and is a son of Jacob and Regina (Zecher) Meyer. Jacob Meyer was born in Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, and in 1837 emigrated to the United States. Early in the forties he moved to Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and settled in the woods near where is now the village of Erlin. He lived here amid primitive conditions, struggling early and late to make a home and clear his land. Wolves abounded in those days and were troublesome, and many were the hunts in which he participated. He lived a long and useful life, honored and respected by his neighbors, and died in 1898. His wife died some three years before, on January io, 1895. She also was a native of Alsace-Lorraine and came to this country in 1831. They were parents of the following children : Louisa, wife of Andrew Rimmelspach of Ballville Township; Regina, widow of Sebastian Walby, and a resident of Jackson Township: Mary, who lives in Ballville Township; Joseph. and Ambrose, who also resides in Riley Township. Mr. Meyer was a Democrat in politics and for years served as trustee of Riley Township. Joseph Meyer was reared and educated in his native township, and has always engaged in farming. He is the owner of a valuable farm of 107 acres, all under a high state of AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 527 cultivation and improved with good substantial buildings. He follows general farming and stockraising and in the management of his affairs has displayed superior business qualifications. He was for six years treasurer of the township and also was for a period a member of the School Board. On November 15, 1880, Mr. Meyer was united in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Susan Meyer, a daughter of John C. Meyer, late of Riley Township. Her death occurred July 17, 1897, and she is survived by her husband and the following children : Urban A., of Riley Township ; Othmar A., of Riley Township, manager of the Erlin Elevator; William J., Garold, Clatus W., Dorothy E., and Celesta R. Religiously, the family belong to St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Fremont. JAMES D. BENNER, a leading agriculturist of Washington Township, residing on a fine farm of 128 acres, of which twenty acres are in timberland, was born June 16, 1835, in Union County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Mathias and Elizabeth (Overmyer) Benner, and a grandson of John Benner. Mathias Benner came to Sandusky County in 1844 and resided here the remainder of his life. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Overmyer, who also died in this county, and to them were born the following children : Harriet, who was first united with Samuel Reed, by whom she had one son, Edwin, and after whose death she married Henry Sweet, which union resulted in the following children—Marv, Sadie, Lawrence and William ; Mary Jane, who married Adam Hensel, and is the mother of one son and one daughter, James D. and Mabel: Charles E., who is now deceased ; James, the subject of this record ; and William Henrv, who is a resident of Fremont, Ohio. James Benner came to Sandusky County in 1844 with his parents and was reared here and attended the district schools of this township. In 1864 he enlisted in Company K, 69th Ohio Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the Civil War, his company during this period being on guard duty at Washington, D. C., and he received his discharge in 1865. In June, 1857, Mr. Benner married Rebecca Thierwechter, who died in 1894. She was the daughter of Samuel and Mary Thierwechter, who came from Berks County, Pennsylvania, and settled in Washington Township on this farm. Mr. and Mrs. Benner were the parents of the following children : Charles E., James M., Mary Ann, Calvin A., Sarah, Frank, Luella May and William Henry. Those deceased are Mary Ann and William Henry. Charles E. Benner, who operates the home farm for his father, married Jane Bowersox, a daughter of E. S. and Cordelia (Overmyer) Bowersox, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Sandusky County. Charles E. Benner and wife have nine children, namely : Irwin A., who is a carpenter by trade; Winnifred, who married J. F. Doll, of Sandusky County ; James G., who, is employed at the county farm; Pearl L., who resides at home; Ola V., who is a student at the Fremont Business College; and Forest G., Golland, Lulu and Harold, all attend the Washington Township schools. James M., second son of James Benner, married Nellie Gates and they reside in Chicago. Calvin A., who married Margaret Wolfe, resides in Sandusky County. Sarah, who married Charles Waitman, has one child, Luella. Frank, who has been twice married, has two sons by his second union, with Alvesta Cramb, Floyd and Howard. His first marriage was with Effie Hetrick, who is deceased. Luella May, the youngest daughter of James Benner and wife, married Charles Glatz and they have one son, James Monroe. Mr. Benner takes an active interest in the success of the Republican party, but has never cared to hold office. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. GUSTAVUS A. WRIGHT; a venerable and respected citizen of Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, is the owner of a farm of thirty acres in section To. He was born in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, October 22, 1837, and is a son of Gustavus and Julia (Braley) Wright. The paternal grand- 528 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY father Wright was one of twelve brothers who came from Scotland and settled near St. Albans, Vermont. He lived there as a boy when the battle was fought at Plattsburg, and later he moved to that place. Gustavus Wright, father of the subject of this record, was born near Plattsburg, New York, in 1813, and was reared in that vicinity. In. 1832 he emigrated to Sandusky County, Ohio, and located in Townsend Township. where he lived some years. He cleared land at ten dollars an acre, and in that way got his start. About the year 1840 he moved to Riley Township, where he lived on a farm in section 35 until his death, which occurred February 14, 1849. He was married to Julia Braley, who was born in Connecticut and after her husband's death lived in Michigan, where she died in 1850. Of their children, two survive, namely : Gustavus A. and Alpheus A., the latter being a resident of Knox County, Nebraska. Gustavus A. Wright was reared in Riley Township, and there, in 1845, began attending school in an old log cabin, which was taught by Frank Merriman, a well-known pioneer teacher of this vicinity. He became an orphan at the early age of thirteen years and thus was early thrown upon his own resources. He is mainly a self educated and a self made man, all that he possesses being the result of his own labor and endeavor. For a time he was employed by James Woolworth in the manufacture of ax and other handles from hickory, but farming has been his principal occupation through life. He is a Republican in politics, with independent tendencies, and his first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln in 186o. On October 25, 1860, Mr. Wright was joined in marriage with Miss Mary A. Gibbs, a daughter of Jonas Gibbs, a prominent early resident of the township. The following children were their offspring : Hosea V. of Riley Township; Emma J., deceased; Lillie A., wife of Ira Beck of Riley Township; Clara. wife of Frank Lindsay of Riley Township ; Martha, wife of Clarence Jones of Riley Township; Mrs. Melia Daniels, a widow residing in Riley Township; Ida M.. of Riley Township ; Frank E., who lives near Adrian, Michigan; John B. of Fremont; Ernest L. of Riley Township; and Hazel, wife of Charles Miller of Riley Township. Thus, Mr. Wright has ten children living and has thirty-five grandchildren. The mother of this family died in May, 1892. Mr. Wright formed a second marital union December 5, 1895, with Mrs. Margaret (Dailey) Cramer, widow of J. E. Cramer, of Fostoria, Wood County, Ohio. Religiously, he is a member of the United Brethren in Christ Church. THE LEHR AGRICULTURAL COMPANY, one of Fremont's most important and prosperous manufacturing concerns, in which a large amount of capital is invested and commensurate returns realized, was founded in this city in 1873, by two brothers, Nicholas P. and Joseph W. Lehr, both skilled machinists and practical workmen. The brothers Lehr conducted their first foundry with a large measure of success and continued as partners until 1890, when the growth of the business necessitated expansion in every way and the Lehrs decided to form a stock company and erect a plant where their many lines of manufacturing could be adequately clone. The present business style was then assumed and of this organization, G. F. Buchman, an old and substantial business man of Fremont, became president and Joseph W. Lehr vice president. The company gives employment to about eighty workmen, mostly skilled, machinists, molders, blacksmiths and woodworkers. a general repair shop being maintained, foundry work carried on, and gas engines built, while the bulk of manufacturing includes sulky-cultivators, disc harrows, spring-tooth harrows, peg-tooth harrows, cotton planters, stock cutters, land rollers, clod crushers, road scrapers and sanitary hog troughs. Nicholas P. Lehr, of the above company, was born and educated in Monroe County, Michigan. At the age of fourteen years he went to Toledo, Ohio, and there learned the coachsmith and blacksmith trades. He became an expert and before coming to Fremont, in 1873, he worked in many large cities over the country, including : Cincinnati, New York, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 529 Philadelphia and New Haven, coming to this city from the latter place. Joseph W. Lehr was also born in Monroe County, Michigan, and he learned the foundry business at Toledo, where he later went into the business, conducting it there for several years before coming to Fremont. He married Miss Rosa Schmidt, who died in the fall of 1908. She is survived by six children, namely : Flavia, Leona, Cyril, Louis, Rose Mary and Esther. Joseph W. Lehr and family reside in one of the finest homes on Birchard Avenue, a handsome stone residence which he has recently built. Both Nicholas P. and Joseph W. Lehr are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. They are identified with the great Catholic society, the Knights of Columbus. CHARLES A. WERTH, a well-known citizen and member of a highly respected family of Riley Township, Sandusky County, resides on his carefully cultivated farm of eighty acres which is one of the best producers in this section. He was born in Sandusky Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, February 25th, 1874, and is a son of Lewis and Minnie (Wott) Werth. The venerable father of Mr. Werth was born in Mecklenberg, Germany. In 1853 he crossed to the United States, making the voyage in a sailing vessel, which consumed eleven weeks and three clays before the family landed in New York City. From there they made their way to Buffalo and thence, by lake. to Sandusky, Ohio. They settled in the vicinity of Venice, Ohio, where they lived for some years and then moved to Sandusky Township, Sandusky County. In 1875, Mr. Werth and his family moved to Riley Township, where he has since lived. He is a Democrat in his political views but has never sought to hold office. He married Minnie Wott, who is some years younger than himself, and they have four living children : John F., Charles A., Clara M., wife of L. S. Hirt, and Anna, wife of William Martin, all being residents of Riley Township. Charles A. Werth was about one year old when his parents moved from Sandusky to Riley Township, and here he grew to manhood and secured a public school education. His business has been farming and his well cultivated land shows that he has given it intelligent care. He raises wheat, corn, oats and hay and enough stock for his own use. On June 18, 1902, Mr. Werth was married to Miss Augusta Wobser, a daughter of the late August Wobser, formerly a farmer in Townsend Township, and they have one son, Karl L., a sturdy little fellow born February 16, 1908. Mr. Werth and wife are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Clyde. In politics he is a Democrat in National affairs, but in local matters claims the right to vote as his judgment dictates. He is only in middle life but he has witnessed many changes in the neighborhood in which he lives, particularly in methods of farming. He remembers seeing the first wheat binder that was ever introduced here, when he was about seven years old, and the gradual entrance of what lie now considers necessary farm machinery. He remembers also the excitement caused in this section when the first steam traction engine appeared. JOSEPH WAGGONER, one of the leading citizens of Hessville, and owner of a fine farm of eighty acres in Washington Township, was born April 19, 1843, in Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel and Susanna (Overmyer) Waggoner, and a grandson of John and Mary (Bowman) Waggoner, all of whom were natives of America. The Waggoner family was established in this country by John Waggoner, the great-grandfather of Joseph Waggoner, who came from Alsace Lorraine, Germany, and located at Hagerstown, Maryland. He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and served as a private in the bodyguard regiment of General Washington. To Daniel and Susanna Waggoner, parents of Joseph Waggoner, the following children were born : Louisa, who married J. L. Loose and they have three children living—Ida, Mary and Elam ; Joseph ; John, who is now deceased, married Lucinda Burnham, by whom he had one daughter, Grace ; Amos E., married Laura Saine, and has one child, Clyde M. ; 530 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY Ellen, who is the wife of Samuel Knecht, and has one son, Howard. Joseph Waggoner has resided all his life in Sandusky County and is a man of public spirit and enterprise, always taking an active interest in all that concerns the welfare of the community in which he lives. He has served twenty-four years continuously as justice of the peace, and has served his township in all other offices. He was married to Isabel L. Karchner, who is a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Box) Karchner, and their union resulted in the birth of the following children: Horatio A., who married Hattie Fought, has two children, John F. and Lila Marie; Harry J., who married Estella Wingard; and Alice Maud, who died November 24, 1880. Politically, Mr. Waggoner is a Democrat, and the family holds membership with the Reformed Church of Hessville. LUTHER GIBBS is a prominent farmer and stock dealer of Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, where he is the owner of 340 acres of valuable farm land. He was born in that township, as was his father, Jason Gibbs. who is well remembered by the citizens of the community. Jason Gibbs was a son of Jonas and Rachel Gibbs, who came from New York State at an early date and were among the pioneers of Riley Township. They settled in the woods. made a clearing and erected a cabin, and lived amid pioneer conditions. One of their sons, Isaac Gibbs, was killed in this vicinity by the Indians. Jason Gibbs was a well-known and influential farmer and lived all his life in Riley Township, his death occurring on the old home place on January 9, 1905. He was married to Elizabeth Coonrod, also a native of Sandusky. County, and they reared four sons, namely: Albert J. of Riley Township : Luther, subject of this record; Burton of Clyde, Ohio; and John, who lives in Norman, Oklahoma. The father of this family was a Republican in politics, and was influential in moulding the affairs of his neighborhood. Luther Gibbs was reared on the home farm and received a good common school education. He has always followed general farming and stock raising, and buys and sells and ships stock, dealing extensively. His farm is well improved, and all under a high state of cultivation, being one of the best tracts in this part of the country. He is a Republican in politics and is serving on the School Board. He was trustee of the township for three years, and during a part of the time was president of that body. Mr. Gibbs was united in marriage with Miss Myra Beebe, who was born in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a daughter of the late William Beebe. The following are the offspring of this marriage: Clara G., widow of Leroy Parks of Riley Township; Alva J. of Riley Township; Viola M., wife of Henry Pearson of Fremont; Frank L. of Fremont; Pearl, wife of Leon Jones of Townsend Township; Hazel, wife of Albert Miller of Townsend Township; Viva, wife of John Pearson of Riley Township; Denzil C. of Riley Township; and Gladys. Fraternally, Mr. Gibbs is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees at Fremont. ADAM WEIKER is a prosperous farmer of Rilev Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is the owner of a fine farm of 105 acres. He was born in this township, July 23, 1866, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Byers) Weiker, both natives of Germany. Jacob Weiker was born October 13, 1826, and was in his nineteenth year when he emigrated to America. He at that time settled in Sandusky County, Ohio, first locating at Four-Mile House in Sandusky Township. and lived there a number of years, and began farming, and then settled in the woods of Riley Township on the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch, and cleared and improved the place. He was one of the substantial men of the township and was widely known among its citizens. After a long and useful life, his death occurred March 5, 1909. Jacob Weiker was first married to Elizabeth Caspers, and thev had two children, of whom one is living, Peter, who lives in North Dakota. His second wife, who in maiden life was HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 533 Elizabeth Byers, died December 12, 1878. They were parents of seven children, of whom four are living, as follows: Anna C., wife of Daniel Ehrman, of Michigan; Adam ; Mary, wife of John F. Karbler, of Erlin, Ohio; and Jacob, who lives in Riley Township. The father of this family was a Democrat in politics, and religiously was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church at Fremont.' Adam Weiker was reared on the farm on which he now lives and attended the district school and worked on the farm in his youth. He has always followed general farming. making no specialty, and has made steady progress in a business way. He also is a Democrat in politics, and takes an earliest interest in the affairs of the com- munity. On August 20. 1901, Mr. Weiker was married to Eliza M. Ankney. who was born in Paulding Countv, Ohio, and is a daughter of George and Maria (Myers) Ankney. Her mother is deceased and her father still resides in Paulding County. Our subject and his wife have two children, Carl and Mildred E. Thev are members of the Grace Lutheran Church at Fremont. ARTHUR C. FRANK. a representative business citizen of Lindsey, cashier of the German Banking Company and also the owner of property in Henry County. Ohio. was born at Napoleon, Ohio. June 7, 1881, and is a son of Daniel G. and Catherine (Reimund) Frank. Daniel G. Frank was born at Cleveland, Ohio. a son of Adam and Catherine Frank. He married Catherine Reimund, who was born in Henry County. Ohio, and thev became the parents of the following children ; Arthur C. Ernest. who is a printer residing at Detroit, :Michigan. married Althie Heliger; William, who is engaged in a grain business at Frankfort, Indiana; Cora, who teaches school; and Ray, who attends school at Napoleon. Arthur C. Frank attended the public schools at Napoleon and after leaving the High School became a student in the National Correspondence School of Washington, D. C., and later took a commercial course in the Tri-State Business College, at Toledo, Ohio. For several years afterward, Mr. Frank put his education to a practical test in different lines of business and prior to coming to the Lindsey financial institution, filled the position of clerk for the Ohio German Fire Insurance, Company, of Toledo. Mr. Frank maintains his home at Lindsey, but he still retains property in the pleasant town of Napoleon, .consisting of a comfortable residence and town lot. On September 10, 1906, Mr. Frank was married to Miss Madge Yeager, a daughter of Rolandus and Anna (Gillman) Yeager, residents of Napoleon. Mrs. Frank has two sisters and one brother—Hope, Bessie and Harry, all residing at Napoleon. Mr. and Mrs. Frank have two children : Catherine, born July 14, 1907, and Merle, born July 25, 1908. Mr Frank and wife are members of the Reformed Church and they are associated with the Christian Endeavor society, taking a deep interest in its aims and work. Mr. Frank is a Republican in politics and in fraternal life is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Lindsey Lodge No. 668. EUGENE MYERS, one of the farmers of Townsend Township, residing on his valuable property of eighty acres, was born June 15, 1860, in Seneca County, Ohio, and is a son of Perry and Sarah A. (Brown) Myers. Perry Myers was a life-long resident of Seneca County, where he died in 1897, when a long and useful life of seventy-one years ended. His widow still survives and is a beloved member of the household of her son Eugene. There are two other children : Roscoe, who lives in the city of Indianapolis; and Clara, who married James Gilbert of Vickery. Eugene Myers was educated in Seneca County. In 1881 he came to Sandusky County and several years later went into the mercantile business in the village of Vickery, as one of the first merchants, there being only two houses in the place at that time. He continued his business there for eight years. In 1892. Mr. Myers purchased forty acres of land in Townsend Township, on which he now lives, and later purchased a second tract of forty acres, situated east of his first farm. His agricultural operations are carried on 534 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY according to modern ideas and with the use of improved and labor-saving machinery. Mr. Myers was married April 6, 1886, to Miss Susie King, a daughter of L. N. King, one of the pioneers of Townsend Township, and seven children have been born of this union, namely : Charles E., Alton F., Lloyd N., Cecil, Hilene, and Nina and Zina, twins. Mr. and Mrs. Myers attend the Methodist Episcopal Church at Vickery. In politics he is a Republican, but outside of party he takes a good citizen's interest in public matters and makes his influence felt. CLARENCE E. JONES, one of Riley Township's enterprising citizens and successful agriculturists, residing on his farm in section 12, is serving in the office of road superintendent in District No. 1, in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, in which locality he was born, February 24, 1870. His parents were John W. and Rebecca (Pearson) Jones. Rev. William Jones, the grandfather, who came of sturdy Scotch-Irish ancestry, came from Wyandot County, Ohio, to Sandusky County, bringing with him his family, and established his pioneer home on Green Creek, in Riley Township. He was a man of sincerest piety and for years traveled through these then wild regions, on horseback, carrying the mission of the United Brethren faith. John W. Jones, father of Clarence E. Jones, was born in Wyandot County but the greater part of his life was passed in Sandusky County. He was one of Riley Township's most respected citizens. He died October 23, 1899. He married Rebecca Pearson, who was born in Sandusky County, and still survives, residing at Vickery. They had three sons, all of whom have grown into representative men of this part of the county, Irving W., John A. and Clarence E. The late John W. Jones served io0 days in an Ohio regiment during the Civil War. He was a worthy member of the North Riley Methodist Episcopal Church. Clarence E. Jones secured his education in the Riley Township schools and has devoted himself pretty closely all his life to agricultural pursuits. He was married April 10, 189o, to Miss Martha E. Wright, a daughter of G. A. Wright, of Riley Township, and they have four children : Mabel M., Dessie M., Galen W. and Gladine D. Mr. Jones and wife are members of the Riley Center United Brethren Church, in which he is both a steward and a trustee. In politics he is a Democrat. He is one of the leading members in the lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America, at Vickery. Several years ago, Mr. Jones, accompanied by his family, made a journey to the far West and spent a whole summer in the bracing air of Washington and Colorado. RUSS J. CHRISTY, president of The R. J. Christy Company, manufacturers of razors, president of The Christv Knife Company, whose products are known all over the civilized world, is also president of the Fremont Home Telephone Company, and has been a resident of this city since January 7, 1891. He was born at Clyde, Ohio, February io, 1862, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Ramsey) Christy. The father of Mr. Christy was born in New York and the mother in Ohio. From his father's side he probably inherited a measure of inventive faculty, which, through its exercise has carried the Christy name to distant lands. The mother's people were agricultural and the father was an excellent cooper. but before his school days were over, Russ J. Christy decided to become a machinist, and in 1879, when he entered the shops at Salem, Columbiana County, Ohio, it was immediately recognized that he would prove an apt pupil. Later, with constantly increasing skill he worked at his trade in many of the large shops in the country, and it is safe to say that he gained technical knowledge in every one that kept adding to his skill. In 1882, he reached Erie County and it was in a Sandusky foundry that he invented what is known as the Christy knife, a utensil, that for many purposes has supplanted every former invention of its kind. Mr. Christy was hampered, as many inventors have been before, by a lack of capital, but he possessed many of the qualities which have made his fellow citizens, the now famous Wright Brothers, successful, one of these being courage and the quality of perseverance in the face of dis- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 535 couragement. He worked until he received his patent, then kept his invention before the public, and in the course of time its utility was so recognized that he was able to secure backing for its manufacture. The first Christy knives were put on the market in 1888 at Sandusky, Ohio, and a company for manufacturing same was organized at Fremont, Ohio, in 1891, where the factory is now located. As soon as the invention was properly introduced to the trade, the success of the knives was beyond all question, their superior advantage being immediately recognized. Mr. Christy has made several improvements on his original knife, and at present, the Christy products are known and recognized as standard throughout the world. The R. J. Christy Company are a successful corporation manufacturing safety razors, the invention of Mr. Christy, and employ one hundred people on this work alone. In quality and utility, the razor is in the same class as the Christy knife, having become a standard article and recognized as an indispensable accessory everywhere. Mr. R. J. Christy married Miss Amelia Myers, of Sandusky City, and they have four children : Fay, Arthur, LaMar and Clyde. The family home is a beautiful residence at No. 804 Hayes .Avenue. LEONHARD SCHNEIDER. one of Rice Township's prominent and public-spirited citizens, who acceptably served for six years as township trustee, is the owner of 115 acres of fine land, seventy-four acres being in the home farm. He is a native of Austria, born August 31, 1842, and is a son of Martin and Mary A. Schneider. When he was in his seventeenth year, the parents of Mr. Schneider emigrated to America, coming directly to Sandusky County and settling in the woods, in Rice Township, Mr. Schneider's present productive farm. being that same tract of wild, uncleared land. The mother was sick during the voyage to this country and died two days after the arrival in Fremont, but the father lived to extreme old age, dying in 1897, when 92 years old. Of their children the following are still living : John G., of Ballville Township; Leonhard ; Martin, of California; Johanna, wife of Frederick Fisher, of Fremont ; and Mary, residing in Sandusky Township. Leonhard Schneider assisted his father for some years after coming to Rice Township and then engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself, and through continued industry and good management, he has acquired his present valuable property. In April, 1870, he was married to Rosa Binsack, of Riley Township, and they have five children, namely : Annie, wife of Albert Darr, of Rice Township ; Ida, wife of Charles Moser, of Fremont ; Rudolph M., of Rice Township; Edward, an employe of the bridge construction department of the Lake Shore Railroad and Arnold, of Fremont. Mr. Schneider and family are members of the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Fremont. In politics he is a Democrat. C. R. TRUESDALL, M. D., one of Fremont's most prominent physicians, has been in practice in this city since 1891 and maintains offices at No. 317 Birchard Avenue. He was born in North Monroeville, Huron County, Ohio, June 23, 1866, and is a son of James and Jane (Reed) Truesdall. Dr. Truesdall was reared at North Monroeville and received a preliminary education in the public schools at that place. He completed a classical course in Oberlin College, and received his professional training as a student in the Chicago Homeopathic College at Chicago, Illinois. He was graduated from the latter institution in 1891 and immediately thereafter moved to Fremont, Ohio, where he has 'since been in active and successful practice. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Association. Dr. Truesdall was married to Miss Elizabeth West, a daughter of Henry West, and two children have been born to them, Hiram and Mary Elizabeth. Religiously, he is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, to which his wife also belongs. Fraternally, he is prominent in Masonic circles. IRVIN FETTERMAN, a prominent citizen of Rice Township and one of its board of 536 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY trustees, is a member of an old pioneer family of this section, his grandfather, John Fetterman, ,having settled here as soon as he came from Pennsylvania. Mr. Fetterman was born on his present farm, in Sandusky County, Ohio, January 24, 1869, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Fought) Fetterman. The parents of Mr. Fetterman still survive and reside on the home farm- of 120 acres, in Rice Township, on which George Fetterman was born. He has been a leading citizen of his township and has been elected on the Democratic ticket to local offices, serving as constable for some years. With his wife he belongs to the Lutheran Church. They have three sons, Irvin, Frank and Wesley, all residents of Sandusky County. Irvin Fetterman was reared on the home farm and attended the public schools of his township. He has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits and has reaped satisfactory results from his life of industry. Mr. Fetterman has made manv improvements on the place and owns considerable stock. On April 21, 1891, he was married to Miss Almeda King, who was born in Rice Township, a daughter of George King, a prominent citizen, and thev have two children, Ada and Neva. Mr. Fetterman and wife are members of the Lutheran Church at Four Mile House. In politics he is a Democrat and is serving very acceptably as a trustee of his township, taking an interest in his duties and performing them faithfully. GEORGE H. WAGGONER, one of Sandusky Township's prominent citizens and successful farmers and stock raisers, belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Sanduskv Countv. He was born in Washington Township, Sandusky Countv, Ohio, November To, 1851, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Miller) Waggoner, a grandson of George Waggoner and a great-grandson of John Waggoner, the latter of whom was a soldier in the Revolutionarv War and at one time a member of the body guard of General Washington. Samuel Waggoner was born in Perry County, Ohio, in 1827, and in 1830 accom panied his father, George Waggoner, from Perry County, Ohio, to Sandusky County. He still survives and resides in his comfortable home on Birchard Avenue, Fremont. When the Waggoner family settled in Washington Township they had few neighbors as the pioneers were just then beginning to come and for many years a log house sheltered the family and until his death, George Waggoner was engaged in the clearing up of his timbered land. Samuel Waggoner continued the improvements his father had commenced and remained in Washington Township until advancing years caused him to seek retirement, when lie removed to Fremont. He is a leading member of the United Brethren Church. In spite of the weight of years Mr. Waggoner still takes an interest in public affairs, particularly in the success of the Republican party, with which he has been identified since its formation. His wife and a number of his children have passed away, but six of the latter still survive, as follows: George H.; Clara, wife of Harry Bolen, of Washington Township; Henry, of Washington Township ; Melvina, wife of Charles Keefer, of Washington Township; Charles E., of Washington Township; and Hattie, wife of C. E. Wolfe, of Fremont. George H. Waggoner was reared to manhood in Washington Township and all his life has been more or less interested in agricultural pursuits. He was educated in the township schools and enjoyed one term at Oberlin College, after which he settled down to farming and stockraising. He owns a valuable farm of 140 acres, situated in Sandusky Township, and a second farm, of fifty-five acres, located in Washington Township. These farms are well stocked and finely improved. On December 31. 1907, he moved with his family to a tract of sixteen acres located a mile west of the city limits of Fremont, on which he had built a fine home in the summer. Formerly Mr. Waggoner raised Shorthorn cattle, but no longer makes that a feature. HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 539 On December 10, 1874, Mr. Waggoner was married to Miss Mary E. Engler, who was born in Washington Township, December 4, 1854, and in her infancy was brought to Sandusky Township by her parents, who were Nehemiah and Sarah A. (Shively) Engler. Both parents were born in Ohio. After the marriage of their daughter, they moved back to Washington Township and there the father died December 26, 1905. Mrs. Engler is a beloved member of Mr. Waggoner's household. For a number of years the late Nehemiah Engler was a man of high standing in public life in the county, serving two terms as a member of the board of directors of the Sandusky County Infirmary and also in local offices in Sandusky Township. He was a man of fine education and was one of the pioneer school teachers of the county. Of his children the following survive: Mary E. William W., of Washington Township; Minerva J.. wife of Noah Hetrick, of Douglas Countv. Kansas : and Perrv S., of Carey, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner have four children, namely : Ora O., who is the wife of Walter Root, and thev have five children—Walter 0., Mary B.. Perry, Eva M. and George D.: Chester C., who lives in Oklahoma : and Verna M. and Elmer E., both of whom reside at home. Mr. Waggoner and family are members of Mount Calvary United Brethren Church, of Washington Township, of which he is a trustee. For vears he has been active in the work of the Sunday School and has served as its superintendent for a period of thirty-five years. In politics. Mr. Waggoner is a Republican and some years since was chosen by his party as its candidate for county commissioner. He is an interested and useful member of the Sanduskv County Pioneer and Historical Society. HERMAN LINDSAY, merchant at Vickery Village and also postmaster, was born in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, January I, 1863, and is a son of E. C. and Julia (Lance) Lindsay. E. C. Lindsay was a lifelong resident of Riley Township. He met an accidental death in August, 1906, at the Vickery Crossing, on the Railroad. His age was eighty years. His widow survives and resides at Vickery. Herman Lindsay spent his boyhood days on the home farm, and attended the district schools in Riley Township and later the State Normal School at Ada, Ohio. In 1889 he gave up farming and purchased the general store conducted by Robert Vickery, at Vickery Village, and for fifteen years he had C. Daniels as a partner. In 1904 he bought Mr. Daniels' interest and since then has been sole proprietor. This village taps a rich agricultural district and Mr. Lindsay keeps an assortment of reliable goods to meet a steady demand. In January, 1898, he was appointed postmaster, this being the first political office he ever held, although he has been a zealous Republican for a number of years. On September 23, 1885, Mr. Lindsay was married to Miss Effie Pearson, a daughter of Jonas Pearson, of Riley Township, and they have one daughter, Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Vickery. He is fraternally associated with Vickery Camp, No. 4471, M. A. W. Mr. Lindsay is an active citizen and takes an interest in all movements which promise to be of permanent benefit to his section. PORTER W. WRIGHT, one of Riley Township's most substantial citizens, having about Boo acres of valuable land in his home community, devotes the larger part of it to general agricultural and stock raising. He was born May 7, 1834, in the State of New York, and is a son of Orison and Esther (Sumner) Wright. The parents of Mr. Wright were natives of Vermont. The paternal grandfather and one of his sons, Benoni Wright, were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. From Vermont, the parents of Mr. Wright moved to New York and later to Oakland County, Michigan, and came from that section to Sandusky County when Porter W. was in his fourth year. They settled first near Clyde, Ohio, but later located permanently on section 1, Riley Township. 540 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY Their log shanty was situated in the dense woods and many years went by before the place grew into the semblance of a cultivated farm. In the early days oxen were used in place of horses and Mr. Wright remembers well how prodigious was their strength. The Wrights were among the earliest settlers in Riley Township. The surviving children of Orison Wright and wife are: Porter W.; William, of Clyde, Ohio; Mrs. Nancy Gardner, of Vickery, Ohio; Benjamin F., of Riley Township; Mary, wife of Thomas McCreery, of Riley Township; and those deceased are : Jonathan, Elhanon and Permelia (Gibbs). Porter W. Wright has spent almost the whole of his long and busy life in Riley Township. His education was secured in one of the pioneer school houses which was built of logs and had slabs for seats. He has given close attention to his agricultural industries for some years and his farm is finely improved, the residence being of brick construction, and all the buildings on the place are appropriate and substantial. Hunting ducks for market and trapping was his principal business until he was about fifty years old. Though ducks were cheap he was able to make as high as ten dollars a day frequently and always received a good price. He owned close to 600 acres of marsh, a part of which he obtained from the Government. This he bought at $1.25 per acre and sold for $16,000. He then purchased his present farm from time to time. He has in his possession a deed signed by Andrew Jackson, to a tract of forty acres which he formerly owned. On March 22, 1886, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Emma Bardus, who was born in Prussia-Germany. She is a daughter of Frederick and Johanna Bardus. Her father was born in Holland and died about 1879. aged 6o years. Her mother was a native of Prussia and died December 3o, 1908, when aged 76 years. They came to Sandusky County when Mrs. Wright was 12 years old. She has one brother and one sister : Otto H., of Riley Township, and Ida, who is the wife of James Neely, of Riley Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Wright were born five children and of these three survive, namely : Ida M., a popular teacher iri Riley Township; and Porter H. and Herbert L., both of this township. Those deceased were Emma Cecil, who died at the age of eight months; and Robert Lee, who died at the age of three years and six months. In his political views Mr. Wright is a Republican. Both he and wife are members of Grace Lutheran Church at Fremont. D. A. HEFFNER, a leading member of the Fremont bar, has been a resident of Sandusky County since 1856. He was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1849. Mr. Heffner spent his youth on his father's farm in York Township and attended the local schools. In 1869 he entered Hillsdale College, Michigan, leaving in the following year to take charge of a school, and from then on until 1875 he spent his summers on the farm and his winters as a teacher in the country schools. In the spring of 1875 he became a student in the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, where he remained for two years and won his degree of B. A. He then turned his attention to the study of law in the office of J. H. Rhodes of Clyde, continuing, however, to teach in the winter seasons. In April, 1879, he was admitted to the bar and entered into practice in partnership with Hon. S. S. Richards. During this time, in 1882, he graduated in the pioneer class of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. Mr. Heffner has proved himself an able lawyer and in his relations with his fellow citizens has further gained their approbation as a scholar and gentleman. On May 27, 1879, Mr. Heffner was married to Miss Belle Haff, who was a daughter of Hiram Haff, a substantial farmer of Townsend Township, Sandusky County, by whom he had a daughter, Helen. She died in October, 1893, and in 1902 he married Miss Ella B. Pickett, a daughter of G. S. Pickett of Clyde, Ohio. Mr. Heffner took a post-graduate course at Baldwin University, where he was graduated with the degree of M. A. He is a member in good standing of the Masonic order. MRS. REBECCA STINE. There are few residents of Sandusky Township who are more highly respected than Mrs. Rebecca Stine, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 541 widow of William D. Stine, who has resided on her present farm of 120 acres, for more than a half centurv. She was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 15, 1834, and is a daughter of John and Catherine (Rheinheimer) Stout. Both parents of Mrs. Stine were born in Pennsylvania and they came to Pickaway County among the earlv settlers in that re- gion There Mrs. Stine was reared to useful womanhood, obtaining- her education in the country schools, and there, on December 5, 1852, she was united in marriage with William D. Stine. He was born in Pennsylvania, December 9, 1827, and was a son of Philip Stine. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Stine resided in Fairfield County, Ohio, until the spring of 1853, when they came to Sandusky County and settled on her present farm in Sandusky Township. Here William D. Stine died August 11, 1885. William D. Stine engaged in the undertaking business for some years after coming to Sandusky Township, but finally retired from that business. He was an honest, upright man and one who had the good will of his neighbors and the esteem of many friends. He was a quiet, home-loving man, one who discharged every duty according to his best judgment.. He voted the Republican ticket. but never desired to hold political office. He provided well for his family and left his widow a fine, well stocked farm. This, with the assistance of her son, she has very capably managed and its value has increased with the years. To William D. Stine and wife were born five children, three of whom survive, namely : Sarah C., who is the wife of Eugene Crowell of Sandusky Township ; Lovina E., who is the wife of S. S. Crowell, of Sandusky Township ; and Isaac F., who also is of Sandusky Township. He married Saloma Elizabeth Bender, 2nd they have three children : Laura Ellen, John William and Walter Sylvanus. Mrs. Stine is a valued member of the Reformed Church at Fremont. W. R. DEEMER, M. D., has been engaged in the practice of medicine at Fremont, Ohio, since July, 1898, and maintains an office in the I. 0. 0. F. Block. He was born in Fremont, November 13, 1873, and is a son of William A. and Anna S. (Kiefer) Deemer. Dr. Deemer attended the local public schools and was graduated from Fremont High School in 1892. He then pursued a classical course in Oberlin College, after which he entered Toledo Medical College, from which institution he received his degree of M. D. in 1898. After practicing a few months in Toledo, Dr. Deemer became established in Fremont, where he takes high rank among professional men. The subject of this record was married to Miss Fannie E. Harps and they have two children, Ruth and Elizabeth. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In religious attachment, he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor has a wide acquaintance in Sandusky County, and enjoys great popularity. EDWARD DEEMER, one of Sandusky Township's representative and highly respected citizens, residing on his excellent farm of 13o acres, situated in Section 32, settled on it in 187o, and has lived here ever since. He was born March 25, 1837, in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Jacob H. and Elizabeth (Hartzell) Deemer. Mr. Deemer is of German ancestry on both sides of the family. His father was a farmer in Northampton County and from there, in 1858, the family came to Sandusky County, settling not far from the farm now owned by Mr. Deemer in Sandusky Township. Both parents died on that place. They were most worthy people in every way and were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of their children, there are four survivors, namely : Thomas, residing near Easton, Pennsylvania ; Edward, of Sandusky Township; Sarah E., widow of Jacob O. Bowlus, of Sandusky Township; and Catherine, wife of Jacob Stults, residing in Washington Township. Edward Deemer was educated in the schools of Northampton County, where, at that time, he enjoyed much better advantages than would , 542 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY have been possible in Sandusky Township, where, at that time almost pioneer conditions prevailed. He has devoted himself mainly to agricultural pursuits and owns a very valuable farm, well stocked, and a comfortable home situated in an excellent, law-abiding neighborhood. On January 25, 1866, Mr. Deemer was married to Miss Martha S. Bowlus, who was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, September 9, 1840, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Keller) Bowlus. Her father was a native of Maryland and her mother of Fairfield County, Ohio. They came to Sandusky Township among the early settlers, when Fremont was known as Lower Sandusky. To Mr. Deemer and wife were born seven children, namely : Estella K., now deceased; Elizabeth R., wife of George F. Keefer, of Ballville Township ; Charles H., residing in Ballville Township ; Thomas J., residing at Newark, Ohio ; Annie M., wife of Cyrus F. Hufford, of Washington Township ; and Leroy F., and Edward R., residing in Sandusky Township. Mr. Deemer and family are members of the M. P. Church of Sandusky Township, of which he is a trustee. In politics he is a Republican and he has always been a loyal citizen. During the progress of the Civil War he gave assistance to the government in the quiet way of patriotic citizenship, and in the spring of 1864 he entered the service. He served until he was honorably discharged in the following September, as a member of Company K, 169th Ohio Vol. Inf., being stationed during the larger part of the time at Fort Ethan Allen, near Washington City. He was a member of Manville Moore Post, No. 525, G. A. R., at Fremont, until the post was disbanded. CHARLES B. MORRIS, general farmer. who lives with his daughter, Mrs. King, and owns a farm of fourteen and one-half acres, situated at Robertson Corners, Townsend Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, is a veteran of the Civil War, who saw three years active service. He was born at Buffalo, New York, February 22. 1845, and is a son of John and Caroline Morris. John Morris was born in Vermont, later moved to New York and followed the trade of shoemaker at Rochester for many years and subsequently died there. His widow continued to make her home in Rochester also until the close of her life. They had two children, William and Charles B., the former of whom died in New York. Charles B. Morris came to Sandusky City in 1857. As a boy he attended school and worked on farms, and when the Civil War broke out he went into the army, enlisting as a private in Company M, 1st Ohio Artillery. He remained in the service until the close of the war and then returned to Sandusky City, which he reached August 24, 1865. He resumed farming and has continued in agricultural pursuits ever since, purchasing his present farm in 1883. In 1868 Mr. Morris was married to Miss Caroline Jones, a daughter of John Jones, of Attica, Ohio, and they have four children, namely : John B., who resides at Tiffin, Ohio; James E., who lives in Townsend Township; Maria E., who married Elmer Mesnard, of Townsend Township ; and Caroline B., who is the widow of Harvey King, who died in Townsend Township in March, 1909. Mr. Morris has always been a staunch Republican, but he has never accepted a political office. HENRY A. GARDNER, the genial proprietor of the popular Bay View House, which is located on the shore of Sandusky Bay, in Riley Township, Sandusky County, owns also a valuable farm which contains 313 1/3 acres, which he has under a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Gardner was born near Troy, New York, September 1, 1845, and is a son of Samuel P. and Esther (Lewis) Gardner. The father of Mr. Gardner was born in Vermont and his mother in New York. In 1853 they came to Ohio and settled for a time in Ottawa County, but later came to Sandusky County. They remained at Fremont for a short period, then moved to a farm in Sandusky Township, and from there to Riley Township, and prior to their decease, to Woodville Township. The survivors of their family are : Henry A.; Samuel B., residing in Woodville Township; HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 545 William, residing in Lucas County, Ohio; and Ida J., wife of Samuel Caldwell, residing near Canton, Ohio. Henry A. Gardner was reared and educated in Riley Township and he has spent a large portion of his life here. In 1893 he came to his present place and has operated his hotel ever since. It is delightfully situated and has a large amount of patronage. Mr. Gardner has been one of the active and enterprising men of this section and from early manhood has demonstrated his qualities of good citizenship. He is a member of the G. A. R. at Fremont, having served in the Federal army during the spring of 1864, being a member of Company G, 169th O. Vol. Inf. He was stationed at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia, and when his term of enlistment had expired he was honorably discharged. Mr. Gardner was married (first) to Miss Nancy Wright, who was a daughter of Orison Wright, a prominent pioneer settler of Riley Township. She was survived by two children, Orison G., a resident of Riley Township ; and Walter, a resident of Townsend Township. Mr. Gardner was married (second) to Miss Sarah M. Ruddock, a daughter of the late John Ruddock. of Rilev Township. Her parents were of English birth. Mr. Gardner has been a member of the F. & A. M., at Clyde, Ohio, for a number of years. WARREN A. BOWLUS, a lifelong resident of Sandusky Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, born here August 15, 1850, owns one of the excellent farms which make this section of the county notable, a well improved tract of 160 acres. The parents of Mr. Bowlus were Henry and Rebecca (Williamson) Bowlus. The parents of Mr. Bowlus came from Maryland and settled near Fremont, Sandusky County, and Henry Bowlus developed two farms from the wilderness and was one of Sandusky Township's useful and respected pioneers. He lived into advanced age, dying in 1901. He was twice married, his first wife bearing the name of Keller and she was survived by four children, namely: Harrison, living at Fremont; Mahala, wife of. Solomon Wolfe, of Tiffin, Ohio; Martha, wife of Edward Deemer, of Sandusky Township; and Catherine, wife of M. Hobart, of Wood County, Ohio. His second marriage was to Rebecca Williamson and four children were born to that union, as follows: Warren A.; Annie, wife of Cyrus Smith, of Jackson Township; Henry, of Wood County; and Robert, who lives about seventy miles south of Columbus. The late Henry Bowlus was a man of christian life, a worthy member of the United Brethren Church. He was a Republican in spite of his southern birth. Warren A. Bowlus has followed farming and stockraising continuously ever since he reached mature years. He obtained a public school education in the country schools and was carefully reared by a good father and mother and as an evidence of their teaching, he united with the church in his youth and has always lived consistently according to its precepts. In 1874 he married Miss Carrie Ingaman, a daughter of Samuel Ingaman, one of the early settlers of this township, and they have had eight children, as follows : Clarence, of Sandusky Township; Richard P., of Perry County, Ohio; Earl, of Youngstown, Ohio; Lloyd, of Wood County; Ross P., of Sandusky Township; Edna and Reebe, both of Sandusky Township; and Foster, who died in infancy. Mr. Bowlus, his wife and all their children were born on the farm on which they live, one that was formerly owned and cleared from the woods, by the late Henry Bowlus. In his political views Mr. Bowlus is a Republican. EDWARD H. GANZ, ex-president of the Board of County Commissioners of Sandusky County, Ohio, and still a valued member of this important body, is one of Riley Township's substantial citizens, owning a superior farm of 250 acres. Mr. Ganz was born November 14, 1866, in Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Carl and Adelina (Pate) Ganz. The father of Mr. Ganz was long a representative citizen and successful farmer of Sandusky County. His death occurred December 19, 1904. 546 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY Edward H. Ganz spent his school clays in his own township and chose farming as his occupation in life, and, although he has become interested in public affairs and has accepted a directorship in the Colonial Savings Bank at Fremont, he has never been induced to give up his agricultural pursuits or to move from his comfortable farm home. In 1901 Mr. Ganz was first elected a county commissioner, on the Republican ticket, having been a member of that political party for years. He was twice elected president of the board, first in 1904, and again in 1907, serving two years as such. Mr. Ganz was married to Miss Clara Smith, a daughter of Fred Smith. They are leading members of Grace Lutheran Church at Fremont. Mr. Ganz belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. WILLIAM J. SMITH, a representative citizen of Rice Township and one of its board of trustees, whose excellent farm is situated in Section 3, was born in Rice Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, December 23, 1862, and is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Kiser) Smith. The venerable parents of Mr. Smith are among the most highly esteemed residents of Sandusky Township. Frederick Smith was born in Germany and was small when he was brought to America by his parents, his father, John Smith, being one of the earliest settlers in Rice Township, where he lived until his death. Frederick Smith remained in Rice Township until after his marriage, moving in the seventies to Sandusky Township. He has always been a useful citizen and in both townships has served in the office of treasurer. The surviving children of Frederick Smith and wife are the following : Frederick, Jr., residing in Los Angeles, California; William J., residing in Rice Township; Edward F., living at Erie, Pennsylvania ; Carrie, wife of Louis Nickel, of Rice Township; Elizabeth, residing in Sandusky Township ; Clara, wife of E. H. Ganz, a county commissioner of Sandusky County, from Riley Township; and Amelia, living in Sandusky Township. In politics Frederick Smith is a stanch Democrat. William J. Smith was reared in Sandusky Township. He attended the public schools at Fremont and later took a commercial course at Milan, Ohio, after which he settled on his grandfather's old farm in Rice Township, where he has carried on farming and stock-raising ever since and is recognized as one of the capable agriculturists of this section. Mr. Smith was married February 12, 1895, to Miss Maude Kinman, who was born in White Pigeon. Michigan. Her father bornied there, but her mother survives and resides at Otsego, in that state. "ho Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born five children, namely Mildred L., Verna A., Harold F., Ralph W. and Helen Hannah Elizabeth. As his children have reached school age, Mr. Smith has given them good educational opportunities which will enable them to acceptably fill any position in life. In politics he is a Democrat, and in November, 1907, he was elected township trustee and is now serving in that capacity. HENRIE CLAUSS, manager of the Clauss Shear Works of Fremont, Ohio, has been connected with that concern for a period of nineteen vears and has been a resident of the city that length of time. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, January 30, 1870, and is a son of Henry and Johannette Clauss. Henry Clauss was an ironworker, having learned the trade in Germany. John H. Clauss, brother of the subject of this record, started what is now the Clauss Shear Works, in Elyria, Ohio, in 1878, it being then known as the Elyria Shear Company. In 1887 the plant was removed to Fremont and the business has since been carried on under the name of the Clauss Shear Companv. Henrv Clauss was a partner in the plant from its inception until his death in 1896. John H. Clauss is now a resident of Toledo ; and John Becker, president of the company and a brother-in-law to the subject of this sketch, resides in Cleveland. An average of more than 400 people is employed in this plant, which is one of the most important in Sandusky County. Henrie Clauss was reared in Cleveland. Ohio, where he attended the public schools until he was 16 years old. He then entered AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 547 the employ of the Eberhart Manufacturing Company of that city, with which he was identified for four and a half years, being purchasing agent at the time he left the company's employ. He then came to Fremont and began his connection with the Clauss Shear Company, of which he is now manager. Mr. Clauss was married to Miss Daisy -Krebs, a daughter of DeWitt Krebs of Fremont. and they have two children, Ralph K. and Florence K. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and the Order of Elks. JAMES C. BARNES, a representative citizen of Sandusky Township, whose fine farm of eighty-three acres is situated in Section 21, on Muscalonge Creek and Oak Harbor Road, has lived on this place since 1861. He was born in St. Lawrence County, New York, March 31, 1833. and is a son of Norman A. and Sybil (Parker) Barnes, both parents being natives of the same state. James C. Barnes was educated in the schools of St. Lawrence Countv and at Oberlin College. at Oberlin, Ohio, and when 18 years of age began to teach school in Huron County, Ohio. to which section he came in 185o. He has been mainly interested in farming and stockraising, but for forts- years lie spent an annual period in the school room and was always considered a capable instructor. In addition to the farm on which he lives, Mr. Barnes owns the old Cole farm of eighty-four acres, which is situated in Sandusky Township just outside of Fremont. In addition to this, lie has a third farm of eighty acres, which lies in Ballville Township. Mr. Barnes is a self made man and in the accumulation of his property lie has exercised only a natural clearness of judgment and a persevering industry that has brought about large returns. He is no longer active in the operation of his farms, his son, James A., having assumed this responsibility. On August 17, 1859. Mr. Barnes was married to Miss Frances M. Cole, who was born at Buffalo, New York. and is a daughter of Capt. John L. Cole, who was born at Solon, New York. Her mother, Elizabeth C. (French) Cole. was born in England. In his day, Captain Cole was one of the best known water men in this section. He was commander of his own vessel and for many years sailed on the lakes. Mrs. Barnes was two years old when her parents came to Sandusky County, locating at Lower Sandusky, now Fremont, and there the family lived for eight years, when Captain Cole purchased a farm two and one-half miles from Fremont, in Sandusky County. She was given educational advantages and attended the public schools at Fremont and Oberlin College. When 17 years old she began to teach school and continued until 23. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have had four children, namely : John E., who resides in Chicago, Illinois; James A., who is engaged in farming and stockraising in Sandusky Township; Charles W., whose home is in Chicago; and Frank C., who was a conductor on the Lake Shore Electric Railway, on which he was accidentally killed near Toledo, Ohio, in September, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Fremont. In politics lie is a Republican. Both he and wife are valued members of the Sandusky County Pioneer and Historical Society. RAYMOND S. FULLER is located upon a farm of eighty acres in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is engaged in general agriculture. He was born on this farm June 1o, 1874, and is a son of Wallace W. and Clara (Stone) Fuller. Wallace W. Fuller was born on the Fuller homestead in Townsend Township in 1848, and was a son of David Fuller, who was one of the pioneers of the township. After his marriage he purchased the eighty acre farm on which his son now lives, and there passed the remainder of his days. He died in 1899, at the age of 51 years, and his widow. died in 1901. They had two children, namely : Raymond S., and Zella, who is the wife of E. H. Matthews, and resides in Tacoma, Washington. Wallace W. Fuller was prominently identified with the development of the township for more than twenty-five years and was a useful citizen. He was a Republican in politics and served his township as clerk and school director. 548 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY Raymond S. Fuller was educated in the district schools and has given his entire attention to farming. He was married in September, 1898, to Miss Bertha Miller, daughter of August Miller of Clyde, and they have two children, Howard and Corrine. Mr. Fuller affiliates with the Republican party but has never aspired to public office. He devotes his time exclusively to the farm and is one of the successful young agriculturists of the township. Religiously, the family attends the Methodist Church at Vickery. CHARLES H. BUCK, who, for more than forty years has been a resident of Sandusky Township, where he owns a well cultivated farm of eighty-seven acres, was born December 28, 1841, in Stark County, Ohio, and is a son of John and a grandson of John Buck, the latter of whom assisted in the defense of Fort Stephenson, under Colonel Croghan, when it was attacked by the British General Proctor and his Indian allies. Charles H. Buck was in his ninth year when his parents moved from Summit County, where they had lived a couple of years after leaving Stark County, going thence to Seneca County and there the mother died, the death of the father occurring at a later date at Fostoria, Ohio. The survivors of their family are: Charles H.; Jacob, residing at Lyons, Michigan; Winfield A., also residing at Lyons; and Harriet, wife of Archibald Grubb, living in Sandusky Township. After his mother died, this domestic affliction coming when he was 14 years of age, Charles H. Buck left Seneca County and came to Sandusky, where, for years he engaged in farm work. In 1861 he was married and shortly afterward settled on a timbered tract of thirty-seven acres, located in Section 29, Sandusky Township, and for some years devoted himself to clearing this land and making of it a good farm. He moved then to Fostoria, Ohio, for several years and then returned to Sandusky County and engaged in farming near Fremont. He continued his activity about his farm until 1902, when he practically retired, finding it no longer necessary to labor so hard. On November 14, 1861, Mr. Buck was married to Elizabeth Henricks, who was born March 22, 1843, in Washington Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, a daughter of Rev. Noah and Catherine (Reed) Henricks. Rev. Noah Henricks and wife were both born in Perry County, Ohio. He was an early and faithful minister in the German Baptist Church and he also developed an excellent farm in Washington Township, Sandusky County. He died at Lindsey, Ohio, and his surviving children are : John, who lives in Washington Township; Emily, wife of John Anspach, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Mrs. Buck. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Buck, namely : Emma Ida, who is the wife of Eugene Overmyer, of Washington Township; Mary J., who is the wife of M. W. King, of Fremont; and Noah D., who resides at Fremont. Mrs. Buck is a faithful member of the German Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Buck has always been identified with the Democratic party. He was for five years a director in the Sandusky County Agricultural Society. GERHARDSTEIN BROTHERS, well-known brick and tile manufacturers of York Township, whose yards are located about one mile southwest of Bellevue, Ohio, where they own a tract of sixty acres, also own another tract of twenty acres in York Township. Their yearly output of brick averages between 500,000 and 800,000, and they also manufacture a large amount of tiling of different sizes, which necessitates their employing seven or eight men constantly. The business was originally established by Edward Kern, who failed in the undertaking and sold the yards in 1891 to Anthony Gerhardstein, father of Robert and Thomas Gerhardstein. Anthony Gerhardstein was born in 1847 in Sherman Township, Huron County, Ohio, where lie was reared and where he later operated a brick and tile yard until 1891. He then came to Sandusky County and located in York Township, where he operated the yards now owned by his sons, until his death in March, 1909. He married Theresa Ruffing, of Huron County, Ohio.