HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 751 agricultural pursuits. He and his wife both died on the home farm in Wayne County at the age of eighty-four years. They were parents of the following children : Harmon V. Mary, deceased wife of Thomas C. Heffner ; Jerry, deceased, who served in the Union Army during the Civil War; Ann, wife of I. C. Wells ; David D., who also served in the Union Army during the Civil War ; wife of John Palmer; and Murray, deceased. Harmon V. Becker was reared on the home farm until he was seventeen years old, dividing his time in working on the farm and attending school during the winter. At that age he left home to learn the trade of a cooper. which he followed for six years. He then resumed farming- operations, first on the home farm and later on a farm of fifty acres which he purchased. He continued on that place some, four years after his marriage and then sold out. He purchased a hotel and livery at Red Creek, in Wayne County, New York, which he conducted for five years, and then for two years continued in the same business at Wolcott. in Wayne County. Meanwhile he was also for a time engaged in operating a stave and heading factory, and at different times served as deputy sheriff, constable and tax collector. About the year 1869 he moved his stave factory west to Elmore, Ohio, where he continued the business until 1893, also operating a sawmill during a part of the time. In 1892, he began the manufacture of bicycles and in a short time was employing from forty to fifty men, the Elmore Bicycle becoming well known and having a large sale. He was in the meantime elected township clerk of Harris Township, Ottawa County, and had the distinction of being the first Republican ever elected to that office. He also served nine years on the School Board and was treasurer of the township. In 1894, he moved his factory to Clyde, Ohio, and continued the manufacture of bicycles for two years, employing, some sixty men. He then began the manufacture of the Elmore Automobile under the firm name of the Elmore Manufacturing Company, the plant being located on Amanda Street, between the L. S. & M. S. and the Wheeling railroads. There has been a steady increase in business from the starting of the factory, and from time to time it has become necessary to enlarge the plant to meet the demands of trade. Two hundred men are now employed and the company will manufacture approximately i,000 machines during the year of 1909, the estimate being based upon the output during the first half of the year and the continued demand for the Elmore. Mr. Becker helped to organize and has since been president of the Clyde Telephone Company, and is stockholder and president of the Elmore Oil Company, of which he was one of the original promoters. On December 3, 1856, Harmon V. Becker was married to Miss Lavina J. Johnson, a daughter of Ansel and Sarah (Hallet) Johnson of New York State, and they became parents of the following children : Della, Mary, James H.. Burton A. and two who died in infancy. Della Becker was first married to Thomas E. Baynes, deceased, and they had four children : Helen, who married Scott Crockett of Clyde and has two children, Thomas and James ; Jessie, who is the wife of Harry Whittlesey and lives in Detroit ; Bertha, who is the wife of Clarence Whittaker of Clyde and has two children, Robert and Gordon ; and Harmon, who married Bea Rule and lives in Clyde. Mrs. Baynes formed a second union with Frank Austin of. Green Springs. Mary Becker, second daughter born to our subject and his wife, was married to Dr. S. T. Drombold of Elmore, and they have two children : Dora, who married W. Dolph of Genoa, Ohio, and has two children, Laura and Mary; and John, who married Florence Witte and lives in Cleveland, Ohio. James H. Becker, formerly manager of the Elmore Manufacturing Company, was married to Metta Angell and lives at Clyde. Burton A. Becker is present manager of the Elmore Manufacturing Company. He married Bertha Damshroeder and has two children, Mildred and Howard. Fraternally, the subject of this record became affiliated with the Masons while a resident of New York State, and is now a member of that order at Clyde. He resides in a comfortable home on West Buckeye Street in Clyde. 752 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY BASIL MEEK was born at New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, April 20, 1829. He came of Anglo-Saxon ancestry, his paternal great-grandfather having come from England to Virginia, whence later he moved to North Carolina, finally settling in Maryland. His maternal great-grandfather, James Stevenson, a native of Pennsylvania, but moving to North Carolina and finally settling in Tennessee, served as a soldier during the War of the Revolution and held a commission as captain in that war. His paternal grandfather, John Meek, moved from his native state of Maryland to Pennsylvania when the father of the subject of this sketch, whose name was also John, was a small boy, but after a few years' residence there, in 1788. emigrated with his family and all his effects to Kentucky, settling at New Castle, Henry County, in that state, where he died in 1803. He had been owner of slaves in that state, but in his will he manumitted the last one he owned. John Meek, father of Basil, a farmer, was born in 1774, near Ellicott's Mills, now Ellicott City in the state of Maryland — going with his father first to Pennsylvania and thence to Kentucky, where he grew to manhood, and at New Castle, Kentucky, July I. 1792, married his first wife. Miss Margaret Ervin, who bore him nine children—six sons and three daughters, their names and dates of birth being as follows: William, May 29, 1793; Joseph, March 3, 1795; Sarah, _____ , 1797 ; Mary, _____1800: Jeptha, November 3, 1803; Jesse, May 27, 1806; Elizabeth, August 9. 1808; John (date lost), and Lorenzo Dow, May 29, 1812. These all married and reared families. Of them Sarah, married at Richmond, Indiana, John Smith, son of one of the founders of that city ; and Joseph married Gulielma, sister of John Smith. Mary became the wife of Rev. Daniel Fraley, a pioneer Methodist preacher of Indiana. Elizabeth was the wife of Rev. John Davis. a local Methodist minister who died at Wabash, Indiana ; she died at Stratford, Ontario, Canada, in 1893, aged eighty-six years. These have all died, after surviving to good old ages, respectively. John Meek, about 1812, moved from Kentucky to Wayne County, Indiana, and settled at Clear Creek on a farm now embraced within the limits of the city of Richmond. Here his first wife died while Lorenzo D. was a small boy. He continued to live there some years and then moved to New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, where in 1827 he married Miss Salina Stevenson, daughter of John Stevenson. She was only twenty, while he was fifty-three years old at the time. There were six children born to them of this marriage, four sons and two daughters. of whom are now living the subject of this sketch and Capt. James S. Meek, who, was born August 17, 1834.. now living in Indianapolis. Indiana ; Laurinda Clement. born June 2, 1831, now the widow of Stephen Clement, Newton, Iowa, and Cynthia Clement, wife of Jesse Clement. of Scandia, Kansas. One of the sons died in infancy : the other son, Thomas J., born January 15, 1843. died in early manhood. The mother of these died at the home of her son. Capt. James S. Meek, at Spencer, Indiana, in May, 1883, aged seventy-five years. In the year 1832 John Meek returned from Henry to Wayne County, and there resided until 1841, when he moved with his family to Morgan Township, Owen County. Indiana, then a very new and unimproved section of the state, with but very limited school or other privileges. Here he died in 1849. and was buried in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. in Morgan Township. Basil was only twelve years old when his father settled in Owen County and having no opportunity of Attending any of the higher educational institutions, his school education was limited to that of the common schools of that comparatively new country. He, how- ever, improved every opportunity that was afforded for self improvement. in the use of which he acquired a fairly liberal education. In later life he graduated from the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, and has ever since continued his association with the Chautauqua Movement and is president of a local circle. While residing at Cataract Village, Owen County. Indiana, December 23, 1849. he married Miss Cynthia A. Brown, daughter of Abner Brown, of Morgan Township. The result AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 753 of this union was four children, namely : Minerva Bullitt, Mary E., Lenora Belle, and Flora B. Of these Minerva B. died at Clyde, Ohio, November 22, 1869, in the eighteenth year of her age. Flora B. died in infancy, Mary E. is the wife of Byron R. Dudrow, attorney at law, of Fremont, and Lenora Belle, who married L. C. Grover. She died December 4, 1907. The mother of these died in Spencer, Owen County, Indiana, in August, 1861. On September 30, 1862, he married Miss Martha E. Anderson, daughter of Alvin and Hariet (Baldwin) Anderson, of Bellevue, Ohio. By this marriage there are two children, Clara Meek Edgerton, wife of Dr. H. G. Edgerton, dentist, Fremont, Ohio, and Robert Basil Meek, M.. D., who is practicing his profession in Fremont, His grand-children are Robert Basil Grover, Mary B., Rachel, Dorothy and Henry Meek Edgerton. Mary B. is the wife of Victor Zahm, of Fremont, Ohio. In 1853 at the age of twenty-four, he was elected clerk of the Circuit Court of Owen County, Indiana, and moved from Cataract to Spencer, the county seat. He was re-elected without opposition in 1857, serving two terms of four years each. During these eight years he devoted such time as could be spared from his official duties in studying and in 1861 was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership at Spencer with Hon. Samuel H. Buskirk, of Bloomington, Indiana, who subsequently was a judge of the Indiana Supreme Court. In 1864 he removed from his native state to Sandusky County, Ohio. making, at first, his residence on a farm which is now within the village of Clyde. In 1871 he became a member of the Sandusky County bar and practiced until February 10, 1879, when he entered upon his duties as clerk of courts, to which office he had been elected at the previous fall election, by a large plurality, running largely ahead of his ticket. He removed with his family to Fremont in the fall of 1879, where he now resides. At the close of his term he was reelected by a majority of 1,100 votes, and served six years in all. On retiring from this office he resumed the practice of his profession until he was appointed by President Cleveland postmaster at Fremont. He took charge of this office September 1, 1886, • and served until March 1, 1891, a period of four years and six months. In this office he took much interest and devoted his entire energies in rendering an efficient and what was a satisfactory service to the public. It was during his term and through his efforts that the free delivery system was extended to this office and put into very successful operation under his management and that of his son Robert B., who was his first assistant postmaster. Three of the five letter-carriers appointed by him have been retained till this writing, 1909. On April I, 1891, he became associated with his son-in-law, Byron R. Dudrow, in the practice of law, in which he has since been engaged. In 1905 Mr. Dudrow, owing to severe and protracted illness, retired, since which Mr. Meek has been alone in the practice. As a member of the board of education he was influential in the reorganization of the high schools in 1895, in creating the principalship, adopting new courses of study and supporting other measures tending to advance the interests of the school and establishing therein methods of instruction both modern and practical. He was also active in making free kindergartens, now in successful operation, a part of the public school system of the city. He takes much interest in the public schools of the city, and delights in aiding all movements for the promotion of the cause of education among the people. He was a member of the school board for nine years, most of which time he was its president. Politically he has all his life been a Democrat, loyally supporting the measures and candidates of his party, and cheerfully working for the promotion of its principles, serving several occasions as chairman of the county executive committee, with acceptability to his party. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church from 1857 till 1901, when he connected himself with the First Presbyterian Church, of Fremont. Ohio. and is one of 754 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY the elders of this church. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1854. JOSEPH OTTNEY, JR.; a trustee of Madison Township and proprietor of a restaurant and manufacturer of all kinds of soft drinks, at Gibsonburg, Sandusky County, Ohio, was born in this town on June 12, 1867, and is a son of Henry and Rosa (Hess) Ottney. The mother of Mr. Ottney died in September, 1884, and the father in November, 1886, and they rest side by side in the Millersville Cemetery. They had five children, two of whom, Lewis and Joseph, survive. Henry Ottney and wife were members of the Catholic Church. In politics he was a Democrat. Joseph Ottney attended school at Gibsonburg and then entered the employ of the Zorn-Horning Company, manufacturers of staves, and he remained there for eight years, during which period he married. Following his marriage he continued in the stave-mill and then became carpenter foreman for Peter Wolcott, with whom he was connected for ten years. Mr. Ottney then secured a farm of forty acres in Isabella County, Michigan, and this he operated for four years, when he sold out and bought a farm of 112 acres in Madison Township, Sandusky County. On that farm Mr. Ottney remained for six years and then disposed of it to advantage and came to Gibson-burg. Here he founded his present business, one that he has successfully carried on, at present doing a large amount of manufacturing and owning his restaurant and a lunch counter and dealing also in tobacco and cigars. On December 24, 1886, Mr. Ottney was married to Miss Amanda Urch, a daughter of Charles and Caroline Urch, and they have had seven children, namely : Otto, who was killed by a Lake Shore electric car at Toledo, September 14, 1907, at the. age of twenty years; Garth, who works with his father at Gibsonburg; Ollis, who is engaged in teaming for his father ; Flossie, who with Guy and Leta, attends school; and Alton, who is yet small. Mr. Ottney is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is master of the local lodge. He is more or less interested in local politics and is identified with the Democratic party. J. F. HUTCHINSON, a retired farmer residing in Section 5, Scott Township, is one of the substantial men of this locality and one of the leading citizens. He owns 144 acres of well improved land, situated in Sections 5 and 6, on which he has lived for the past thirty-three -years. He was born in Medina County, Ohio, April 23, 1836, and is a son of John W. and Mary (Fritz) Hutchinson. Mr. Hutchinson is descended on both sides from men who achieved distinction in military affairs. His great-grandfather, William Hutchinson, governor of Massachusetts under King George III, served under the latter in the war with the American Colonies. while in the Continental Army was enlisted his maternal great-grandfather, Martin Fritz. His grandfather, John Hutchinson, and Jacob Fritz served in the American army during the War of 1812. John W. Hutchinson, his father. desired to enlist in the war against Mexico, but was prevented by reason of his age, and in the Civil War Jacob F. Hutchinson added to the military achievements of the family. John Hutchinson, the grandfather, was born near Fredericksburg, in Virginia, where his father had received thousands of acres in grants from the King. His sister Elizabeth became the wife of President Andrew Jackson and presided as mistress of the White House in Washington. John Hutchinson moved from Virginia to -Wayne County. Ohio, where his son John W. was born January 26, 1814. The latter moved to Medina County, Ohio, thence to Sandusky County, where he died in April, 1894. He was buried near Bradner. His wife had died in June. 1889, and her burial was at the same place. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children were five in number, namely : J. F., Mary C., Elizabeth, John and Jane. J. F. Hutchinson attended school in Medina County and lived there until January 26, 1854, and then accompanied his parents to Sandusky County, locating in Section 6, Scott Township. He helped his father clear the pioneer farm and did a large amount of ditching in those days. HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 757 He then enlisted for service in the Civil War and was a member of Company C, 72nd O. Vol. Inf. In June, 1864, he was captured by the Confederates and spent about eleven months in the terrible prisons at Andersonville, Savannah and other places, but was finally exchanged and honorably discharged, April 28, 1865. Mr. Hutchinson can tell some true and thrilling tales of that period. At the time his incarceration began he weighed 206 pounds and when released but 119 pounds. He returned to Sandusky County and in 1866 was married, but continued to live on the homestead for a time and then moved on a rented farm in Scott Township, on which he resided until he came to his present farm in 1876, having bought sixty-four acres of it, located in Section 5, in 1875. There were twenty acres left to clear. He has put down about 5,000 tile, has two sets of good farm buildings, and has thirteen oil wells on his land. His tract of eighty acres located in Section 6, Scott Township, was first entered by Millard Fillmore, afterward President of the United States, who then was unmarried but lived on the place for two years. For many years Mr. Hutchinson worked hard. but for some time has been retired, having sons who have relieved him from responsibility. He is much given to travel and while viewing the points of interest in some forty-four of the United States has met with some interesting experiences. Upon one occasion while in Chicago he encountered an Italian, who had in his possession a violin with which he was willing to part for any sum he could get, as he needed the money. Mr. Hutchinson, who has an ear for music and knows a good instrument when he hears it, readily paid him $15.00 for it. It is an old Italian violin of exceptional tone and he has refused $300 which was offered for it. On November 8, 1866, Mr. Hutchinson was married to Miss Emmeline Keller, a daughter of John A. and Rowenna (Plantz) Keller, and they have had eight children, namely : Albert S., who married Anna Bailey and has four children—Herbert R., Luella, Jacob and John B. ; Herbert, who died in 1876; Amos and Mary, both of whom are now deceased ; William C., who lives on the home farm; Mina, who married Asa Olmstead, and has two sons —Francis and Fred Lina, who married F. E. Smith and has two surviving children—Inez and Clarence; and Ralph B., who married Etta Hatfield and has one son, Dwight Keller. Mr. Hutchinson and family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican and has served for three years as a member of the school board. For many years he has been an Odd Fellow and has passed all the chairs of the Bradner Lodge, and he is also identified with Hamilton Post No. go, G. A. R. at Bradner. L. F. AVERS, a representative citizen of Gibsonburg, who is serving both as township clerk and as clerk of 'the school board, is a general farmer and is caretaker of the Gibson-burg Cemetery. He was born October 3, 1864, at Woodville, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Clara (Wichman) Avers. The parents of Mr. Avers were born in Hanover, Germany, and the father was brought to America when six years old and was reared near Elmore, in Ottawa County, Ohio. The maternal grandparents, Fred and Mary Wichman, came to America when Mrs. Avers was sixteen years old and settled along Sugar Creek in Woodville Township, Sandusky County. Henry Avers and wife were people of Christian life, members of the Lutheran Church. The former died August 18, 1902, and the latter March I I, 1908, and they were interred in the Gibsonburg Cemetery. L. F. Avers was mainly educated at Elliston, in Ottawa County. In 1879 he accompanied his parents to the southeastern part of Arkansas and during a residence of six years there, helped his father farm and raise cattle. In the fall of 1884 the family moved on a farm of forty acres, in Madison Township, near Gibsonburg and shortly afterward, L. F. Avers entered the employ of the Tiffin Hedge Company of Tiffin, Ohio, with which he remained for five years. In 1892 he came with his parents to Gibsonburg and worked for two years gathering cream for the Zorn-Hornung Company, then went into the planing mill at Gibsonburg for a time and after that was employed 758 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY as a painter by B. F. Reineck. After he was married he built a house at Gibsonburg, in which he lived until 1906, when he moved to his present home. He has had charge of the cemetery here for a period of four years. He has been an active man in local politics, a stanch Democrat, and for ten years has been township clerk. He served also for two years in the Gibsonburg council. On June 6, 1893, Mr. Avers was married to Miss Lena Sollman, a daughter of Louis and Carolina Sollman, and they have two children : Alice and Helen, both of whom attend school. Mr. and Mrs. Avers are members of the Lutheran Church. Louis Sollman was born near Elmore, Ohio, and followed farming in Ottawa County until some years after his marriage. He then moved to Sandusky County, locating three miles north of Woodville, and about the year 1881 moved to Madison Township, where he lived until he retired. The last years of his life were spent at Gibsonburg, where he died July 11, 1906. Mrs. Sollman now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Avers. MICHAEL OBERST, a practical farmer and public spirited citizen of Sandusky Township. owns 123 acres of cultivated land, located in Section 21, which he devotes to general agriculture. He was born December 8, 1848, in Sandusky Township, this county, and is a son of Michael and Anna (Mohler) Oberst. The father of Mr. Oberst was born in Baden, Germany, and before he came to America in the forties served as a soldier according to the military laws of his country. This military training served him well when he participated in the Mexican War under General Scott, and again in 1861, when he willingly took tin arms for the third time, evincing soldierly courage and resolution at a time when those qualities were in hourly demand. He married after coming to Ohio and then went into the army and after his return from Mexico he became a pioneer settler in Sandusky Township, taking up land in Section 20, which was then a wild and uncleared tract. He and his estimable wife endured many hardships with fortitude, but survived them all, and Mrs. Oberst is still living and residing on the old homestead. Although now in her eighty-second year she is in possession of all her faculties and is a remarkably well preserved and intelligent lady, an example to the younger generation of the advantages of the plain and simple life. Her husband, the elder Michael Oberst, died in 1898. Two of their children are living: Michael, whose name appears at the head of this sketch; and Mary, who is the wife of Marvin Hix, of Steuben County, Indiana. Michael Oberst (the present bearer of the name) has always made his home in Sandusky Township, with the exception of two years which he spent at Hillsdale, Michigan ; his industrial life has been taken up chiefly with agricultural pursuits. He takes an active and .useful part, however, in public affairs, having served the township as road supervisor and as school director. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Oberst married Miss Sarah Lobdell, a daughter of the late Philetus and Margaret (Duncan) Lobdell, of Sandusky County, and they have eight children born to them, namely : Olive E., wife of Charles Zeigler, of Riley Township; Charles W., residing in Sandusky Township ; Lucy W., wife of C. Edward Wolfe, of Sandusky, Ohio ; Frank P., of Greshard County, Michigan ; Anna L., wife of A. L. Cocanour, of Toledo, Ohio ; Earl M., now deceased, who was educated in the Fremont High School and at Angola College, Angola, Indiana ; Claire R.. of Sandusky Township. and Wilbur L. Earl M., above mentioned, was a young man of great promise, but met a tragic death, being killed on the railway at Waterloo, Indiana. Struck by an engine while at the station, he died from the effects of his injuries on June 16, 1909, his untimely decease causing great sorrow to all the members of the family and to his numerous friends throughout this locality. JOHN LYON, a representative citizen of Townsend Township, residing on his farm of forty acres, on which he carries on a general line of agriculture, was born June 15. 1848, in Cambridgeshire. England, and is a son of William and Mary Ann (Alcock) Lyon. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 759. The parents of Mr. Lyon came to America in 1858. For two years thereafter William Lyon engaged in farming three miles from Tonawanda, Erie County, New York, later came to Erie County, Ohio, and subsequently to Sandusky County, where he settled on the farm which is now owned by Elisha Haff. In 1866 he bought forty acres in Townsend Township, from James Temple, to which he added eighty acres on the west, which he purchased at a good price, and he continued to live on and develop his 160 acres during the remainder of his active life. His life was prolonged far beyond the average, his death occurring in June, 1906, when he was ninety-five years old. In England he married Mary Ann Alcock, who died in 1901, aged eighty-seven years. They had a family of nine children born to them, six sons and three daughters. namely : William, residing at North Baltimore; Ann, wife of Nelson Winters, residing at Clyde; John, living in Townsend Township ; Christopher, living in Riley Township ; Samuel, residing in Townsend Township : Fanny. wife of Fred Mapes, of Ballville Township ; Robert, living near Sandusky ; George, residing at Sherwood, Defiance County, Ohio ; and Alma, wife of Charles Green Cleveland, of Rosedale, Ohio. John Lyon was ten years old when he accompanied his parents to America. He has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits and resides on the forty-acre tract which was his father's first purchase of land in Townsend Township. Mr. Lyon is a Democrat in politics. He is a director of the Sandusky County Fair Association. His parents were members of the United Brethren Church at Vickery, and. in this faith he was reared. Mr. Lyon has never married. PETER SPIELDENNER. a respected citizen and retired farmer of Scott Township, residing on his valuable property in Section 15, where he owns eighty acres of excellent farming- and oil producing land, was born in France, June 27, 1850. The parents of Mr. Spieldenner were Andrew and Margaret (Silers) Spieldenner and they came to America when their son Peter was one and one-half years old. They settled first near Fremont, in Sandusky County, and came from there to Scott Township, where the father died in 1869 and was buried at Ludwick Cemetery. The mother survived formany years, her death occurring December 14, 1892. They were devoted members of St. Mary's Church at Helena. Peter Spieldenner always lived at home. He. went to school all through boyhood and gained a fair education. Before his marriage he. worked for his father and afterward continued to live on the homestead, of which he cleared. twenty-five acres and has eighteen acres in timber. He erected all the substantial buildings now on the place, drilled a water well and has. clone a large amount of under-draining. There are twelve oil wells on his land and seven of these are producing. For many years he worked laboriously, but now lives retired and enjoys the comforts his industry has brought. around him. On January 16, 1872, Mr. Spieldenner was. married to Mary Hoffman, who was born April 30, 1842, a daughter of George and Catherine (Young) Hoffman, and they have had six children, namely : William, who is deceased; John, who has charge of the farm ; Catherine, who married Harry Cook ; Louise, who married William Hughes ; Peter, who lives at home; and Alice, who is now deceased. Mr. Spieldenner and family are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Millersville. Like his. father, he is a Democrat, and has filled important township offices, serving as a member of the School Board for several years, as township, treasurer and for ten years was roadmaster. JOHN T. GARVER, of Garver, Garver &. Garver, a prominent law firm of Fremont, has. been a leading member of the.Fremont bar for more than thirty years and has also served Sandusky County in the office of prosecuting attorney. He was born July 26, 1848, at Congress, Wayne County, Ohio, his people being among-the representative ones of that section. Mr. Garver attended school in Congress and an academy at Smithville, and later taught school for several years. In March, 1867, he. entered upon the study of law, and remained in the office of Hon. H. G. Blake, at Medina, Ohio, until September, 1869, laying a firm- 760 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNT Y foundation for his subsequent studies in the Ohio State and the Union Law College, at Cleveland. He was admitted to the bar March 17, 1870, and was graduated from that college on the 29th of the following June. Later he was admitted to practice also in the United States, District and Circuit Courts. He settled immediately at West Salem, from which place he came to Fremont, in May, 1871, and with this city he has been identified ever since. The firm of Garver, Garver & Garver is composed of two brothers—John T. and Bert S.—and Percival D., a son of John T. They have convenient offices located over the Fremont Tea Store. While the firm has won a prominent position, its members individually have secured equal prominence. From the outset of his career, John T. Garver commanded attention by the earnest and intelligent methods he employed and both the bar and the public recognized his ability very early. In 1873 he was put forward by his party as a candidate for the office of solicitor of Fremont, was elected and served through two terms, and in 1877 he was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, in which arduous office he also served two terms. When the Circuit Court was organized he was nominated as one of the Democratic candidates for circuit judge, but, on account of the district being largely Republican, he, with others, was defeated. He has been a man of noted public spirit and has continuously forwarded all movements looking to the permanent welfare of the city and county. He has been particularly interested in educational affairs and has served on the county School Board. In February, 1878, Mr. Garver was married to Miss Sarah E. Guilbert, who was a native of M.edina County, Ohio. In his political affiliation he has always been a Democrat. JACOB H. ZWEILY, a well known citizen and successful agriculturist of Sandusky Township, who has resided on his excellent farm of eighty-two acres, situated in Section 22, since 1885, was born in Sandusky Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, November 8, 1862, and is a son of Benedict and Ann (Bauman) Zweily. The parents of Mr. Zweily were born in Switzerland. The father, Benedict Zweily, accompanied by his brother, John Zweily, emigrated to America and came to Fremont a short time before the first Roman Catholic Church edifice was built. The brothers secured work here, Benedict being a stone mason by trade. The brother, John, was accidentally killed while at work on this structure. Benedict continued to labor as a mason for a number of years, after which he secured land in Sandusky Township and cleared up a farm from the forest. He survived until 1892. Of his children, the following are living : Mary, who is 'the wife of Joel Waitman, of Sandusky Township; Louise, who is the wife of Charles Kiser, of Sandusky Township; Jacob H. : Charles W., who resides at Clyde, Illinois; and George, who lives in Sandusky Township. Jacob H. Zweily attended the country school near his father's farm when he was a boy and, with his brothers, had duties to perform on the home place, the same that usually fall to 'the lot of the sons of farmers, and thus from youth he has been accustomed to an agricultural life. About the time of his marriage he settled on his present farm, and to the cultivating of the same and the improving of his property he has devoted the larger part of his time ever since. On October 8, 1885, Mr. Zweily was married to Miss Sarah R. Crowell, a daughter of the late George Crowell, of Sandusky Township, and six children have been born to this union : Earl R., Reuben L., Frank E., Clara E., Claude W. and Hattie E.. Mr. Zweily is interested in having his children well educated and he supports the public schools and lends his influence to aid all measures which promise to bring about better conditions, realizing his responsibility as a leading man. In politics he is a Democrat. GEORGE NUHFER, whose well developed farm of 110 acres lies just east of the village of Woodville, Sandusky County, Ohio, was born at Woodville, June 29, 1864, and is a son of Anthony C. (Whipking) Nuhfer. The late Anthony C. Nuhfer was born at Buffalo, New York, and was two years old when he was brought to Sandusky County by HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 763 his parents in 1840. His father was a Methodist preacher. Anthony C. Nuhfer worked as a shoemaker at Woodville until 1872, when he retired to the farm now owned by his son and also occupied by his widow, and there he died in March, 1908. The family was small, consisting of a son and daughter, the latter being Helen, who married George Walter. George Nuhfer went to school in Woodville and then accompanied his father to the present farm which he has operated ever since. The excellent farm buildings were erected by Anthony C. Nuhfer, but the present owner has found plenty of improving to do, making the place of more and more value each year. He makes no particular specialty of any feature, but carries on a general agricultural line. Mr. Nuhfer was married (first) to Julia Gerkin and they had one child, Ella, who died young. He was married (second) to Emma Medford, a native of Sandusky County, and they have three children : Clarence, William and Dorothy. Mr. Nuhfer and wife are members of the German M. E. Church. In politics he is a Republican. ELI KLINE, one of Scott Township's most substantial retired farmers, whose large estate of 248 acres is situated in Sections 28, 32 and 33, was born in Jackson Township, Seneca County, Ohio, April 18, 180. His parents were Paul and Lydia (Rinebold) Kline. Both are now deceased, the mother dying when her son was small, and 'the father in 1898. Their burial was in the Lutheran Cemetery, in Jackson Towsnhip. Eli Kline obtained his education in the Jackson Township schools and was his father's helper on the home farm until his own marriage, in 1872, when he came to his present farm, settling here on October TO, 1872. He cleared about seventy acres and erected all the farm buildings now standing. He has done a large amount of other improving, including considerable under-draining. This is all valuable land and is profitable for crop producing, pasturage, and also for oil development, there being about twenty oil wells on the place. Mr. Kline has been one of the township's most progressive farmers, a systematic one and has carried on his successful operations with the help of first class farm machinery. He has other investments and is a stockholder in the Sun Hardware Company of Rising Sun. About twenty-five years ago he and his father took an active part in securing the construction of Mud Creek in Scott Township. He was one of the first, as trustee, to secure the making of turnpike roads in this township, and has taken an active interest in the improvement of roads ever since that time. On October 10, 1872, Mr. Kline was married to Miss Martha Seagraves, a daughter of Frank and Sarah (Knous) Seagraves, and they have two children, namely : Sarah, Lydia, who married Charles Essex; and Francis Paul, who married Ida Hollenbaugh, a daughter of Elias Hollenbaugh. They have four children : Lalu, Wilber, Martha and Melvin. In politics Mr. Kline is a Republican. He is one of the influential men of this section and was largely instrumental in securing the rural free delivery service from Rising Sun. He has served as a member of the township School Board and several terms as trustee. With his family he belongs to the United Brethren Church. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is identified with the lodge at Rising Sun. HENRY E. BLACK, who has conducted a coal and elevator business at Whitmore Station, Sandusky County, for some years and until recently was a general merchant at that place, was born in 1866, in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Beebe) Black. John Black came to Sandusky County in 1864, from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and bought what is known as the Paul Tew farm, in Townsend Township, where he resided until 1889, when he removed to the town of Clyde, where he now resides. He married Rebecca Beebe, a daughter of James Beebe, who was one of the pioneers of 'the township. They had a family of four daughters and two sons, namely : Bertha, who died in 1884, aged fourteen years ; John, who died in 1907, at the age of twenty-eight years ; Henry E., born in 1866 ; Maude, born in 1874 ; Ada, born 764 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY in 1876, and Emma, born in 1882, all survive and all are married. Henry E. Black went from the public schools to the Normal University at Ada and later took a commercial course in a business college at Fostoria. For about four years he engaged in teaching and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and for fourteen years suc•essfully followed farming. In 1905 he entered into a general store business at Whitmore Station and also started his coal and elevator business there. The former interests he disposed of on July 1, 1909, at which time he removed his place of residence to Vickery Village, where he had erected his present comfortable residence. Mr. Black was married in 1891, to Miss Elizabeth Storey, a daughter of George Storey, of Townsend Township. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Vickery. Mr. Black is a Republican in his political views and he has served as a member of the Board of Education. He has long been a representative citizen of Townsend Township. JOHN OTERMAT, one of Rice Township's representative citizens and successful farmers and stockraisers, who owns 154 acres of well developed land, situated in Section II, was born in Rice Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, March 20, 185o, and is a son of Anton and Christina (Martin) Otermat. The father of Mr. Otermat was born in Switzerland and the mother in Baden, Germany. Anton Otermat had lived in Baden, Germany, prior to coming to America with his mother, in 1847. He settled in Sandusky County, Ohio, north of and near what is now the village of Kingsway, formerly known as Crane's Harbor. It was then a wild, uncleared region and Anton Otermat was one of the early pioneers there. He never moved to any other section, living there continuously until his death, in 1881. His widow survived until 1893. John Otermat remained with his parents as long as they lived, being a dutiful son in every respect. He obtained his education in the public schools. His business in life has always been of an agricultural nature. When twenty- two years old he assumed the ownership of the home place, which consisted of seventy-four and one-half acres, with the understanding that he care for his parents the remainder of their lives. This Property he subsequently sold and purchased his present farm of 154 acres, on which he has spent much time and money in improving. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never accepted any office except that of township treasurer, in which he served several years. Mr. Otermat married Miss Elizabeth Longanbach, daughter of Martin Longanbach, who formerly was a county commissioner. To this marriage were born nine children, namely : George H., of Rice Township ; Charles M., of Rice Township ; Edward F., of Sandusky City ; Oscar 0., who is at home ; Amelia A., wife of Henry Balsizer, of Washington Township ; Ida S., at home ; Laura S., wife of Reuben Nickel, of Rice Township; and Lucy M., at home ; and Samuel G., who is deceased. Mr. Otermat and family are members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rice Township. Formerly he was church secretary and when the present church edifice was put up, he was a member of the building committee. ALBERT S. MYERS, one of Scott Township's leading citizens, who, for twelve years has been a justice of the peace and a notary public, resides on his farm of fifty acres, which is situated in Section 29, Scott Township, Sandusky County. He was born in the Canton of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, March 1, 1847, and is a son of Christian and Magdalena (Schweitzer) Myers. Christian Myers brought his family to America from Switzerland. They took passage on the Ferdinando Francisco, sailing from Havre, and after a voyage of forty-eight days, landed at the port of New York on April 2, 1855. From New York City they made their way to Ohio and for one year Mr. Myers worked as a laborer, at Canton, and then secured work in the ore mines situated twelve miles south of that city. From there, in 1859, three years later, he came to Sandusky County and the first night was spent on the place of Michael Putman, Sr. On the following day he moved AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 765 to the farm in Scott Township on which he resided until his death, which occurred February 21, 1909. His wife had died August 18, 1895, and both were buried at Trinity Cemetery. They were worthy people in every way and were faithful members of the Lutheran Church. Albert S. Myers was eleven years old when his parents came to Scott Township and he lived at home until his first marriage, after which he settled on his present farm, which was formerly known as Lease Fields. About twenty acres of his land he cleared himself and has all well drained and put up all the farm buildings now standing. He has six oil wells on his property. With his agricultural activities and the duties pertaining 'to public office, Mr. Myers is a busy man. He is a stanch Democrat and has frequently been elected to township offices and served one year as constable, two terms as trustee and for a dozen years has been a justice of the peace. Mr. Myers was married (first) to Hannah A. Newkorn, who was born in Switzerland and died in Scott Township, October 21, 1891, and her burial was in Trinity Cemetery. She left five children, namely : Henry W.. Albert F., Wilhelm H., George S., and Edward A. Henry NV. married Alta Hollenbaugh and they live at West Mansfield. Albert F. married Mertie Kline and they live at Rising Sun. Wilhelm H. lives at home and is in the oil business. George S. is preparing for the law and is a student at the Western Reserve University. Edward A. lives at McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Mr. Myers was married (second) September 19, 1893, to Mrs. Barbara A. Schock, who was born in Switzerland and was fire years old when her parents emigrated to America in 1849. They were John J. and Elizabeth Baumann and they settled in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio. Mr. Myers has been a member of the Lutheran Church at Bradner since 1872. He is a man of broad views and enlightened understanding and has not only seen a large portion of the interesting parts of the world, but has taken advantage of the different expositions to see the treasures collected from them all. He has visited the Great World's Fair at Chicago, the wonderful Paris Exposition and the equally interesting St. Louis Exposition. In 1900 he went back to Europe and enjoyed a visit of three months in his native place. LEWIS BALSIZER is a well known citizen of Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, residing on a farm of fifty acres in Section 19. He was born in Seneca County, Ohio, May 15, 1852, and is a son of John and Emma (Mahr) Balsizer, both of whom were born in Germany. John Balsizer emigrated to America in 1848 and was followed shortly by his wife. They were for a time located in Seneca County, Ohio, and in 1857 moved to Riley Township, Sandusky County, where they lived until their respective deaths. They were well known among the early settlers and enjoyed high standing in the community. They were devout members of the Lutheran Church, and he was a Democrat in politics. Lewis Balsizer was about five years old when he was brought by his parents to Riley Township, where he was reared to maturity and attended the public schools. He later attended the Normal School at Fostoria, Ohio, after which he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, at which he has been very successful. He has a well improved farm of fifty acres, on which he has resided since 1903. On December 18, 1878, Mr. Balsizer was married to Miss Laura Gessner, who was born in Riley Township and was a daughter of Dr. Lewis Gessner, late of Riley Township and formerly a well known physician of Fremont. The following children were ,born to them : Elmer Z., of Riley Township; Ethel M., wife of Edwin J. Martin; Lewis E., of Fremont; Elizabeth, wife of John Martin, of McKenzie County, North Dakota ; and Lester G., of Fremont. Mrs. Balsizer died on March 10, 1890. Elmer Z. Balsizer, son of the subject of this record, was born near Huntsville, Alabama, July 9, 1879, and was reared in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, where he now lives and is the owner of a farm of eighty-nine acres. He received a superior educational training in the public schools and in the Normal School at Ada, Ohio, and for six terms 766 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY engaged in teaching school in Sandusky County. He was married December 27, 1906, to Miss Emma M. Weichel, a daughter of William Weichel, of Riley Township. He is a man of good business ability and ranks among the most progressive and successful young men of the township. On October 31, 1894, Lewis Balsizer formed a second marital union with Alice M. Rine, who was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Isaac H. Rine of that county. One son, Harold R., was born to bless their union.. Mr. Balsizer is a Democrat in politics, and served three years as clerk of Riley Township and at the present time is a member of the School Board. Religiously, he and his family are affiliated with Grace Lutheran Church at Fremont. BYRON A. FOUCHE, a member of the Fremont bar, who has been engaged in law practice in this city since 1888, is an active and representative citizen and is serving as a member of the city council from the First Ward. Mr. Fouche was born September 8, 1858, in Wayne County, Ohio. His parents were Josiah and Susannah (Stutzman) Fouche. Mr. Fouche traces his paternal line to France. From that country his paternal grandfather accompanied the Marquis de Lafayette when he came to the assistance of the colonies in the dark days of the American Revolution. After the war was over, Grandfather Fouche settled in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and there his son Josiah was born in 1830. Josiah Fouche was a man of intellectual attainments and during the larger part of his life was engaged in teaching school. From the age of twenty-three years he lived in Wayne County, Ohio, but as an educator he was known through many adjacent counties. He married Susannah Stutzman, who was born in Wayne County, and they became the parents of nine children. Byron A. Fouche completed his education in the University of Wooster, at Wooster, Ohio, graduating in the class of 1883. To his credit it may be added that he provided for this course by previously teaching school. He then began to read law under Judge John McSweeney, and was admitted to the bar in 1886, two years later locating permanently at Fremont. He has made his profession his main interest, in this being unlike many others who consider their knowledge of law and their bar membership as but a stepping-stone to political preferment. Nevertheless, Mr. Fouche recognizes his duties as a good citizen and in, that light has occasionally accepted public responsibilities, having served seven years as one of the Deputy State Supervisors of Elections for Sandusky County and later a member of the Fremont Council, representing the First Ward. He has been connected with much important litigation in this section, and on many occasions has rendered the greatest possible service to his client, and has proved his capacity both as a counselor and as a defender. Mr. Fouche maintains his office at No. 103 1/2 South Front Street. Mr. Fouche was married December 31, 1887, to Miss Jane Parmeter, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Isadora, who was born September 8, 1896. The family home is at No. 422 South Front Street. THOMAS P. DEWEY, who has been engaged in the successful practice of law at Clyde, Sandusky County, Ohio, for more than a quarter of a century past. and who is also closely connected with the financial interests of the place, was born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1852, son of George and Harriet (Ensign) Dewey. His father, who was born in 1818, is descended from an old Massachusetts family of Scotch origin. Mr. Dewey's mother was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1822, and died in 1881, at the age of fifty-nine years. They were the parents of six children, all of whom are still living, namely : Carlie, who married Henry Bruning, of Toledo, Ohio; Charles, a resident of Fremont, Ohio; Thomas P., whose name appears at the head of this sketch ; George, who is engaged in mercantile business at Shelby, Michigan; and Hattie and Mattie, twins. Thomas P. Dewey began his literary education in the public schools of his native town. HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 769 He afterwards attended a good select school at Kelloggsville, Ohio, and subsequently devoted considerable time to private study. Thus equipped he began his special preparations for the arduous profession to which he has since devoted himself, with the firm of Tinker & Alvord, of Painesville, Lake County, Ohio, this being in 1876. In the following year he came to Clyde, where he continued his law studies under the mentorship of Judge John M. Lemnion. On the 22d of April, 1879, he was admitted to the bar, and began practice at Tiffin, in the following autumn.. About a year later, however, he returned to Clyde and for three years subsequently was engaged in the active practice of his profession here without a partner. In 1883 he became a member of the law firm of Finch & Dewey, which for many years had an extensive and lucrative practice here. It was dissolved in the fall of 1906, since which time Mr. Dewey has practiced alone. He is vice president and a director of The Peoples' Banking Company, his wide acquaintance and general knowledge of business conditions throughout this section making his services valuable in this capacity. In his political principles Mr. Dewey is a strong Republican and has been quite active in advancing the interests of his party, of which he is one of the local leaders. Mr. Dewey was married September 9, 1879, to Miss Jennie Stilwell. and they have been the parents of three children—Hattie, Benjamin, and Lucy. Mr. Dewey is the owner of two fine farms about a mile west of Clyde, which he purchased a number of years ago, chiefly for purposes of recreation. He has since brought them into a high state .of. cultivation. On one of them he was fortunate enough to strike a. -mineral fountain spring having a stream of nearly five inches in diameter, the water possessing great healing and medicinal properties. It is highly valued by the people of this vicinity, who resort to it in large numbers to drink of and secure supplies of this valued water. JAMES H. GARVIN, who owns and resides upon a farm of fifty acres in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, is a suc cessful farmer and a well known citizen. He was born in this township December 1, 1863, and was the third child born to Henry and Mary Garvin. Henry Garvin came from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1855, and took up a tract of land in Townsend Township, which he cleared of the timber and improved, experiencing the hardships endured by all of the pioneers. After a number of years in this township he removed to Riley Township, where he purchased the homestead farm now owned by his son, John H. Garvin. He served in the 100-day service in the Civil War, was trustee of the township and in every way was a useful citizen. He died September 19, 1900. Mr. Garvin was married to Mary, a daughter of Stephen Garvin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they had the following issue : Henry, deceased; Annie, wife of Henry Dalton; Mary, deceased ; James H.; Stephen J., of Clyde; Austin E., of Clyde; Elizabeth, wife of James E. Reardon, of Fremont; John T., who died in infancy; and John H., who resides with his mother on the old homestead in Riley Township. James H. Garvin was educated in the district schools and engaged in teaching for a few terms after he grew to manhood. He began life as a farmer and has met with much success at his chosen occupation. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served his township as school director and clerk. On September 4, 1889, Mr. Garvin was united in marriage with Miss Anna Dalton, daughter of Matthew Dalton, of Townsend Township, and they have four children : Margaret Winnifred, born December 6, 1890; Matthew D., born December 13, 1892 ; Lawrence J., born September 25, 1896; and Leonard H., born December 4, 1900. Religiously, they are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Garvin is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and also is affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees. JOHN RIMELSPACH, who, for seven consecutive years served as a trustee of Sandusky Township, during this long period being president of the board a large part of the time, is a representative citizen and a successful 770 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY farmer and stock raiser. His valuable farm of 150 acres, which is situated in the eastern part of Sandusky Township, he has owned since 1900. He was born in Ballville Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, February 28, 1855, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Gabel) Rimelspach. George Rimelspach and wife were both born in Germany, the former in Baden and the latter in Alsace. They came to America in 1836 and settled as pioneers in Ballville Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, where George Rimelspach cleared up a farm from the forest. A few years prior to his death, in 1896, he retired to Fremont. He was respected and esteemed by the other pioneers and did his part in bringing about many of the improved conditions in Ballville Township. He changed the family name a 'trifle, as a matter of convenience, omitting a final syllable, the old spelling being Rimelspacher. Of his family of children, the following survive : Jacob, residing in Ballville Township; Andrew, residing in the same township ; Helena, widow of Henry Ochs, of Fremont; Catherine, wife of Anthony Swint, of Sandusky Township ; Mary, widow of Andrew Ochs, residing at Buffalo, New York ; William, living in Sandusky Township, and Amelia, wife of Jacob Swint, of Fremont. John Rimelspach was reared and educated in Ballville Township and there engaged in agricultural pursuits until he came to Sandusky Township, nine years ago. On August 1o, 188o, he was married to Miss Theresa Cuffman, born in Ballville Township, a daughter of George Cuffman. Of the nine children born to this marriage seven survive, namely : Seraphine A., Josephine, Cyril, Wilbert J., Albert, Leo and Hilda. Mr. Rimelspach and family are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church at Fremont. F. J. WHITTEMORE, M. D., physician and surgeon, for many years a resident of Clyde, Ohio, occupies a prominent position among the medical men of Sandusky County. He was born January 15, 1828, in Massachusetts, and is a son of Amos and Clara (Hamilton) Whittemore. Dr. Whittemore is of Welsh-Irish descent and of Revolutionary stock. At a very early day, the paternal great-grandfather came from Wales to New England, locating at Spencer, Massachusetts. The maternal grandfather was John Hamilton and he came from Ireland, and after serving as an officer in the Patriot Army until the surrender of General Burgoyne, settled at Chester, Massachusetts. The parents of Dr. Whittemore passed their lives in Massachusetts, where the father was a farmer and railroad man. He lived until seventy-six years of age. The mother died at the age of fifty-seven years. They had two sons, F. J. and Louis W. Dr. Whittemore enjoyed excellent educational advantages, completing his preparations for college at Williston Seminary, a noted school at East Hampton, Massachusetts, after which he entered the New York University, where he was graduated in the class of 1851. He soon turned his attention to the study of medicine and took his medical degree in the New York University, following which he settled first at Plymouth, Connecticut, where he remained for ten years. He then removed to New Haven, and was there in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative practice at the time he turned it over to his son, in order to come to a new field, at Clyde, Ohio. He is a member of both the county and state medical societies and takes an active part in all professional organizations and movements of note in this section. For a number of years he has made a specialty of scientifically treating chronic diseases and is considered an authority in this line of practice. Dr. Whittemore was married (first) to Miss Fallah Terry, who was a daughter of Eli Terry, whose name is linked with the manufacture of clocks. To this marriage the following children were born : Frank H., a graduate of Bellevue Medical College. New York, who was a student of medicine in Europe, for a time, and is a leading physician and surgeon at New haven; William R., now- deceased, who was an attorney in active practice ; Clara, who married Rev. E. Oakley ; and Lillie, deceased, who was the wife of Charles L. Knapp, of New York. Dr. Whittemore was married (second) in 1887, at New Haven, Connecticut, to Miss AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 771 Alice J. Blackman. Dr. and Mrs. Whittemore are members of the Congregational Church. In politics the former is a Republican. His attitude on public affairs has ever been that of a broad-minded citizen, and his interest in the advancement and prosperity of Clyde has been frequently manifested. Mrs. Whittemore is a member of the Episcopal Church. ELIJAH POCOCK, a successful and experienced farmer of Riley Township, who has resided on his valuable estate of 128 acres in Riley Township, since 1867, was born September 1o, 1840, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Malone) Pocock. The father of Mr. Pocock was born in Maryland and went from there to Ohio, where he later married Elizabeth Malone. They lived in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, until 1845, when they moved to Sandusky County and settled in the woods in Green Creek Township, where Daniel Pocock developed an excellent farm, on which he resided until the time of his death, in 1895. He had survived his wife since 1889. Of their children 'three sons and one daughter survive, namely : Elijah; Elias, who lives in Green Creek Township; Mary, who is the widow of Sidney Walters, of Steuben County, Indiana ; and George, who lives in La Grange County, Indiana. Elijah Pocock grew to man's estate on his father's farm and he did quite a large part of the necessary clearing. With the other children of the household he attended the near-by log schoolhouse whenever he could be spared from home, and thus gained a fair knowledge of books. He continued to live in Green Creek Township until 1867, when he came to Riley Township and took possession of his present property. This land is favorably situated for agricultural purposes and under Mr. Pocock's management gives excellent returns. Mr. Pocock married Miss Sarah Fishell, of Riley Township, Sandusky County, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Fishell, both now deceased. Mr. Pocock has always been a good citizen and a busy man and can tell in an interesting way of the many changes that have taken place in this part of Sandusky County during his lifetime. He is an independent thinker on public questions and votes as his judgment dictates. PETER BOWSER, one of Gibsonburg's prominent business men, who, for twenty years has been associated with the National Supply Company, which has its main offices at Toledo, Ohio, and at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and of which he is district manager, was born May 4, 1857, in Madison Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Rosanna (Fickes) Bowser. George Bowser was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1856. He bought a quarter section of land in Madison Township, Sandusky County, the northeast corner of Gibsonburg now standing on what was once his farm. At that time all this section was covered with woods or was under water, for lack of drainage, but through his own efforts he developed a productive farm here. He died in 1869 and was survived many years by his widow, whose death occurred in February, 1906. They were interred in the Gibsonburg Cemetery. Peter Bowser remembers attending school in a log cabin that stood, in his boyhood, on the present site of the Zorn-Hornung store and later he went to the higher grade schools which took the placd of the primitive one. For two years after he laid his books aside, he worked at the carpenter's trade and helped in the building of some of the first houses erected in Gibsonburg. For several years more he worked in a saw-mill and for two years was in the employ of the Gibsonburg Natural Gas and Oil Company and superintended the putting in of their plant. Mr. Bowser then became identified with the Buckeye Supply Company, which was changed in January, 1896, to the National Supply Company, with which he has since continued. He is a stockholder in this enterprise and also in the Colonial Bank of Fremont, a stockholder and director in the Home Banking Company, of Gibsonburg, and also in the Gibsonburg Garage Company, of which he is president. 772 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY On September 13, 1882, Mr. Bowser was married to Miss Anna R. Beegle, a daughter of Emanuel and Rebecca Beegle, of Bedford, Pennsylvania; and they. have five children, namely Goldie M., who is a successful teacher; Bertha E., who married Harry M. Bowlus, and has two children—Elizabeth and Josephine; Clarence E., Fleetie A. and Harry M., all of whom attend school at Gibsonburg, where the family has resided since 1882. In politics Mr. Bowser is a Republican. He has served both as a member of the town council and of the school board and at present is serving as a member of the board of public service. He has witnessed the wonderful development of this town and has had much to do with the establishment of its solid business enterprises and with its progress along many lines. HON. LOUIS H. HARTMAN, mayor of Woodville, serving in his second term, is one of the substantial men and representative citizens of this section of Sandusky County. He was born in 1865, in Wood County, Ohio, and is a son of the late Rudolph Hartman. Rudolph Hartman was probably born in Germany. He was in early boyhood when he accompanied his parents to Wood County, where he acquired property and continued to live until 1869, when he came to Sandusky County, settling on the edge of Woodville. He purchased land which is owned by his sons and which has continually increased in value, a part of it now being within the corporation limits of Woodville. He carried on large farming operations for many years. He was a leading member of the Lutheran. Church. Mr. Hartman lived to the age of seventy-one years. Louis H. Hartman obtained his education in the Woodville public schools and a commercial college. He entered into business as his father's assistant on the farm and later engaged in the oil business, in association with two brothers. The firm, working under the style of the Hartman Brothers, have oil leases all over the country, and own Soo acres of land in Sandusky County. Mr. Hartman is a stockholder in the Woodville Savings Bank, also in the Ohio Savings Bank and Trust Company, at Toledo, Ohio. He has been largely identi fied with the development of Woodville along many lines. His handsome residence, erected in 1900, adds much to the attractive appearance of the place. He has been a member of the town council for a number of years and his election to the mayoralty, in 1907, was in recognition of his good citizenship and public spirit. Mr. Hartman married Miss Minnie Bruns, a daughter of Henry Bruns, and they have five children, namely : Otto, attending the Ohio State University at Columbus; Carl, a High School' student at Toledo; and Alma, Arthur and Laura. Mr. Hartman and family are members of the Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN EDGAR COLLINS, superintendent of the Fremont public schools, has been identified with educational work ever since he was eighteen years of age. He was born in Adams County, Ohio, on his father's farm, situated two miles south of Peebles, and is a son of John R. and Mary (Wright) Collins. Although yet a young man Superintendent Collins has been for many years a participant in the school affairs of Ohio. serving on various committees of the State Association, and has the friendship and regard of the best school men of the state. He is also an active member of the National Educational Association. The following sketch is based largely upon facts taken from a recent history of Adams County and written by an intimate friend and classmate of Mr. Collins : John Edgar Collins is a descendant of the English family of the same name, a branch of which emigrated to Maryland just prior to the opening of the War of 1812. The great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch had spent his early life upon the sea and now rendered valiant service against England in her impressment of American seamen. .After the close of the war he came with his family to settle in the Ohio Valley. Isaac Wright, another great-grandfather of Mr. Collins. also served in this war. his father. John Wright, having been one of the first settlers near Manchester. Ohio. These two families have therefore been identified with the development of HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 775 the Ohio Valley from the time of the opening of the Northwest Territory. Superintendent Collins has one brother, H. O. Collins, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one sister, Mrs. Robert T. Jackman. He with his brother and sister attended the country schools for the usual term of six months, working upon the farm in the summer, until at the age of seventeen he was granted a certificate to teach. He spent a term in study at the National Normal University, at Lebanon, Ohio, and has taught each succeeding year since he was eighteen years of age. Although his father was able and willing to provide his children with a college education, the prospective teacher preferred the experience of making his own way through college by teaching, believing that familiarity with all kinds and grades of school work would be no less valuable to him than his professional training in the college. He believed from the beginning that the summer vacations were the teacher's opportunity for professional advancement. He also believed that the judicious teacher prepared for the work he is doing had no greater need of months of rest than had the business man and that, by diligent application, college courses as a means to professional advancement could be worked out in time too often -spent in accomplishing but little. He has therefore spent the summer months each year almost without exception in college, first as a student until the regular college courses were completed, and more recently as an instructor. Mr. Collins taught three years in the country schools, at the end of which time he graduated in the Scientific Course of the National Normal University, at that time the leading Normal school in the state. During the next three years he served as superintendent of schools at Peebles, at the end of which time he resigned to assume similar duties at -West Union, the county seat of his native county. He continued at this place from 1896. until 1899, when, being elected to the superintendency of both the West Union and the Batavia schools, he chose the latter, as it offered him a somewhat wider field of effort, the Batavia High School having even then been considered a leading public school of southern Ohio. Mr. Dyer, now superintendent at Cincinnati, and many other excellent men had been superintendents of the Batavia schools. Mr. Collins served the schools of Batavia by unanimous re-election for seven years and in this time organized the township and village schools into one system, the first organization of its kind in southern Ohio. The grade schools took high rank and the high school was a recognized school of the first class. In 1906 Mr. Collins declined a unanimous three-year re-election at the highest salary ever attached to the position to accept the superintendency of the Fremont schools. At the age of twenty-five Mr. Collins had taught the required fifty months and upon examination was granted a state common school certificate for life. The next year he received a state high school life certificate, the complete examination covering twenty-six branches. He was the youngest member of the class to receive a certificate. By continued special examinations and summer work at Delaware he was graduated in 19o3 from the Ohio Wesleyan University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He has done some postgraduate work at Harvard and in recent years has been an instructor in the Miami University summer school. He has had many more testimonials of his efficiency in the profession which he has made his life work. Teaching has with him been his enthusiasm, his delight, and it is needless to add, his success, for, with every effort directed toward a single purpose compensation is almost sure to follow. His energies have aroused enthusiasm in others. In 1893 and before the state normal schools had been established he inaugurated the Tri-County Summer Normal and personally conducted it at Peebles and West Union until 1899, an admirable training school the advantages of which were recognized by teachers in southern Ohio and also by students from other states. Superintendent Collins in addition to his talents as an educator, has shown unusual executive ability. Personally he gives the impression of well balanced force, tact, self control and broad culture. On August 15, 1900, Mr. Collins was married to Miss Ina E. Treber, who is the accomplished daughter of R. W. Treber, a prominent resident of West Union, Adams County, 776 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY Ohio. After graduating from high school Mrs. Collins entered Ohio University at Athens, where in addition to the regular course she specialized in the modern languages and music. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have one child, Charles Treber. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ISAAC M. PARKER, who, for eighteen consecutive years has been a member of the Fair Board of the Sandusky County Agricultural Association, is one of York Township's prominent citizens and resides on his valuable farm of 101 1/2 acres, which is situated on the North Ridge Road, about four miles northeast of Clyde, its location being on the eastern line of the township. He was born on his father's farm, in the center of York Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, August 5, 1866, and is a son of Levi and Caroline (Michael) Parker. Levi Parker was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, and in early manhood he accompanied his parents to Sandusky County. His father, Isaac Parker, located at Mt. Pleasant and went into partnership with a Mr. Kern in a grist-mill enterprise, which they conducted together for a few years. Isaac Parker then retired and bought a farm in York Township and later went to Michigan, where some of his children had settled, and there he died. Levi Parker engaged in farming in York Township and resided here until the time of his death, August 30, 1905. He married Caroline Michael, whose father, George Michael. was born in France. She is still living and is in the enjoyment of good health and frequently entertains her numerous friends. To Levi Parker and wife were born seven children, namely : George W., who is a prominent farmer in York Township : Charles M.. who is also a substantial farmer of York Township; Isaac M., Mary, who is the wife of Perry Miller, of Clyde; Orrin A., who resides in Erie County; Emma, who is the wife of George Michael, of York Township ; and Nettie D., who is the wife of Oliver Musser, of York Township. Isaac M. Parker was reared in York Township, attended the country schools and afterward took up the duties of a farmer. Almost from boyhood he has been accustomed to the work of raising crops and feeding stock and no doubt a large degree of his success is owing to his practical knowledge of everything pertaining to a farm. His judgment is frequently consulted and his methods followed by others. He has always taken an active interest in farmers' organizations and eighteen years ago accepted a position on the Fair Board and his services have never since been dispensed with, he being the oldest member of this body in point of service although the youngest in years. He settled on his present farm, then the property of his father, immediately after his marriage. This event took place December 26, 1886, when he was united to Miss Alberta Arnold, a daughter of E. L. and Rachel S. (Oliver) Arnold. Mrs. Parker was born in Thompson Township, Seneca County, Ohio, where she lived until she was eight years old, at which time she accompanied her parents to York Township, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have five children : Lester, Ivor, Ignoto, Florence and Lucile. In politics Mr. Parker is a Republican. He served acceptably for six years as assessor of York Township. For the past nine years he has been adjuster for the Mutual Fire Insurance Company. WALTER FRANKLIN HUBER, a prominent farmer and saw-mill operator of Green Creek Township. Sandusky County. Ohio, is the owner of a farm of 16; acres on both sides 'of the Green Springs Road. located about six miles east of Fremont. He was born at Green Springs, Ohio. July 5. 1839, and is a son of Jacob and Harriet (Hutchens) Huber, his father being a native of Switzerland and his mother of New York State. Jacob Huber was but a boy when he accompanied his parents from Switzerland to the United States. they settling in later located in the city of Philadelphia for a time, and then came west to Green Springs. Ohio, where he worked at his trade of shoemaker. He died at the home of the subject of this sketch in 18o4. at the age of eighty-seven years. He was married to Harriet Hutchens, who preceded him to the grave. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 777 They had the following children : George, deceased; Walter Franklin; Levi, deceased; Matthew ; Mary, widow of John Goldwood; and Merritt. Walter F. Huber spent his boyhood days at Green Springs and attended the common schools. He worked on the farm until he was seventeen years old, when he went to Mich- igan and worked in a saw-mill for six years. In 1861 he enlisted as a member of Company B, First Regiment, Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, and served to the close of the war. He was in the thick of many hotly contested engagements, among which may be mentioned Stone River, Shiloh, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and the siege of Atlanta. He was with Sherman's Army throughout the Atlanta Campaign, and participated in the famous march to the sea. He entered the army as a private and rose to the rank of second lieutenant. Among his most treasured possessions is the sword presented him by the members of his company. At the close of the war, Mr. Huber returned to Ohio and purchased fifty acres of the farm he now owns in Green Creek Township, from Robert Smith. He at once opened up his sawmill and later bought the water privilege from Mr. Smith. He first rented 'the water-mill and later purchased it. He operated this mill some four years, when it was destroyed by fire. Then in partnership with Mr. N. E. Ellsworth, he installed the steam-mill which is now in operation. He later purchased the interest of his partner and has since carried on the business alone and with great success, employing some five men. He added to his landed interests until he owned 165 acres and this land he has had farmed, in addition to looking after his mill interests. July 5, 1866, Mr. Huber was united in marriage with Miss Emeline Young, who was born in Green Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Rev. Noah and Arlintha (Brown) Young, and a granddaughter of Charles Young, who purchased land in Green Creek Township from the Government. Rev. Noah Young was but seven years of age when he accompanied his parents to Sandusky County, prior to the departure of the Indians from this vicinity. His union with Arlintha Brown resulted in the following issue : Norman, who was drowned at the age of twelve years; Emeline (Huber) ; Norton, deceased; Sidney; Charles, who was killed while driving across the electric car tracks; Chauncey ; Olive, wife of Oliver Huss ; Burton; Edwin; Nattie, Wife of Ed. Ferguson; and Sevilla, wife of James Smith. After the death of the mother of these children, Rev. Young formed a second union with Louisa Braun. He was a minister of the United Brethren Church. Mr. and Mrs. Huber became parents of the following: Ida Leone, who is the wife of William Thraves and has two children, Winnifred and Leona Harter ; Vernon D., who is married and has two children, Doris and Merritt; Edith, who married Arthur Rathbun; Floyd; and Ward, who is attending Adelbert Medical College at Cleveland, Ohio. The subject of this sketch is a Republican in politics. Fraternally, he is a Mason and belongs to the Blue Lodge at Green Springs and to the Chapter at Clyde. MICHAEL E. LONG, a prominent citizen of Gibsonburg, Sandusky County, Ohio, is a retired farmer and oil producer. He was born in Madison Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, February 27, 1852, and is a son of Rev. John B. and Lydia (Fry) Long. Rev. John B. Long was born in Pennsylvania, probably Bedford County, whence he moved to Sandusky County, Ohio. Here he preached in the United Brethren Church in Scott Township for some years, and then in Madison Township, where he farmed as well. Some five or six years before his death he moved 'to Wood County, but later returned to Gibsonburg. He at one time had thirty-six appointments, riding back and forth through the woods on horseback and oftentimes fording dangerous swollen streams to reach his destination. The people of the present generation little realize the difficulties encountered by the country ministers in times gone by. Riding day and night, it was possible for him to reach some of his charges but once a month. He was a quiet and reserved man, greatly devoted to the work in which he was engaged, and was honored throughout this part of the country. 778 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY His first marriage was with Miss Lydia Fry, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Fry, and they became the parents of the following children : Louisa, Samuel, Jacob, Daniel, Rebecca, William, Wesley, Arcanus, Michael E. and Samantha E. Mrs. Long died while they lived in Wood County, and was buried at Bowling Green. He formed a second marital union with Betsy Marshall, who lives with her children at Bowling Green. Michael E. Long spent most of his school days where the village of Gibsonburg now stands and attended the district schools. He remained at the home of his parents until he was twenty years of age, then worked around the neighborhood as a farm hand. After his marriage in 1875, he rented a farm of his father-in-law in Wood County, near Pemberville, and later the farm of Dudley Lumbas for one year. He then purchased a farm of 120 acres near Prairie Depot, a fine farm which he greatly improved and lived upon for four years. He disposed of that farm to good advantage and purchased the quarter section of land he now owns south of Gibsonburg, in Madison Township. He remodeled the buildings, laid about 1,200 rods of drain tile, and otherwise improved the place, which is one of the best in the township. He followed general farming with much success and later was favored with the production of oil on this farm, which yields him handsome returns. He has eighteen wells which produced about 1,500 barrels per month when first drilled in. He is the owner of some 415 acres of land, including the farm above mentioned, and three farms in Fulton County. In August, 1902, he retired from business activity and moved to Gibsonburg, where he owns a fine residence on West Madison Street. December 17, 1875, Mr. Long was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Fish, a daughter of John and Margaret Fish of Wood County, and they have three children : B. M., who married Ethel McMillan, a daughter of Samuel McMillan ; Ethel, wife of Harry Klotz ; and William, who is freight agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad at Gibsonburg. Politically, Mr. Long is a Republican, but takes no active part in political affairs. V. D. BUTMAN, who carries on a general insurance business at Fremont, with offices in the Sherman-Proctor Block, has been identified with this line for the past twenty-one years. He is a native of Fremont, born in this city May 26, 1868, and is the only survivor of a family of seven children born to his parents, who are W. L. and Josephine (Mead) Butman. V. D. Butman was reared and educated in this city and is a graduate of the Fremont High School. He was an expert stenographer and for three years worked as a court stenographer. He married Miss Bernice Lease and they have two children, Carroll and Statira. He is an active and useful citizen and is serving as a member of the Board of Public Safety. Fraternally he is an Elk and a Mason. GRANT FORGERSON, deceased, formerly one of Rice Township's most respected and prominent citizens. self-made and largely self-educated, lived a long, useful and exemplary life. He was born in Sandusky Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, February 22, 1829, and died on his farm in Rice Township, December 17, 1906. His parents were Thomas and Mary A. (Hull) Forgerson. The Forgerson family originated in Scotland and the Hulls in England. The grandfather of the late Grant Forgerson settled in Orange County, New York, and there Thomas Forgerson was born and came from there to the wild regions of Sandusky County, in early manhood. becoming one of the pioneers on the borders of civilization. His was one of the first log cabins erected in the woods of Sandusky Township and his earliest neighbors were Indians. He married Mary A. Hull, whose parents kept a hotel in early days, on the present site of the First National Bank at Fremont. Mr. Hull was a victim of cholera. The late Grant Forgerson was a clerk in the early postoffice at Fremont. When only eighteen years of age he enlisted as a soldier for the Mexican War, entering as a drummer boy but later carrying a musket and participating in the dangers and triumphs of the campaign under Gen. Winfield Scott. He returned to Sandusky County, but shortly after- HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 781 ward went to Iowa, having a soldier's warrant for land, and there entered 16o acres, living on it for a short period. He then came back to Sandusky County and early in the fifties settled on the farm in Rice Township on which his widow continues to reside. At that period this section was yet in a wild state and the present farm had to be developed from a forest. Mr. and Mrs. Forgerson passed through many hardships incident to pioneering-, but they survived to enjoy the comfortable home which their industry and good management secured. This farm of 134 acres is one of the most valuable and desirable in the whole township. Mr. Forgerson was an excellent farmer and for many years gave his close attention to the cultivation of his land and the raising-. of good stock. In all his efforts he was ably seconded by his wife, who was equally capable. On January 1, 1854, Mr. Forgerson was married to Miss Nancy G. Park, who was born in Union County, Ohio, April 29, 1835, and is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Longbrake) Park. James Park was a native of Kentucky and his wife of Union County, Ohio. At an early clay he settled in Bay Township, Ottawa County. Two of his sons enlisted for service in the Civil War, one of them, John G., getting no further than Camp Chase, when stricken with the measles, from which he died. The other, James W., served through the war as a member of the 111th 0. Vol. Inf. During this period Mr. Park, wife and one daughter, moved to Fremont, where he owned and for a time operated a tannery on Ohio Avenue. This was subsequently operated with much success by his son James W., and the building is still standing. He died there in 1874. Mrs. Forgerson has one sister, Sarah J., who is the wife of A. G. Walters, and they reside at Fremont. To Mr. and Mrs. Forgerson were born four children, namely : Mary E., wife of Joseph Young, of Rice Township ; James G., residing in Riley Township; Ada F., wife of Frank Foster, of Fremont; and Ida A., who is now deceased. In politics, the late Grant Forgerson was a Republican and was ever an active and useful citizen of his community and served as township clerk for several years. He was a man of sound sense and great understanding. He had been left fatherless in boyhood and had been forced to make his own way and his success proved the value of right living and the formation of habits of industry and frugality. He was identified with the Fair Association and when the celebration was held at Fremont, he and wife contributed to the general good feeling and solid comfort of .the people by conducting a first-class dining concession, one that was thoroughly appreciated. Mr. Forgerson was a liberal and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church at Fremont. He was a man of charitable impulses and gave to the needy without making his generosity known. His widow is a member of the Sandusky County Pioneer and Historical Association. She recalls many of the most interesting events of the early days in this section, when she and her late husband began life here together, and she is held in the highest regard by those with whom she has lived in peace and concord for so many years. On January I, 1904, they celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary at their beautiful home in Rice Township. FRANK R. KLOTZ, general merchant at Gibsonburg, dealing in dry goods, notions, fancy groceries and hardware, is a representative business man of this place. He was born in Jackson Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, December 23, 1858, and is a son of Martin and Julia Anna (Metzgar) Klotz. Martin Klotz was born in Pennsylvania, his parents having moved to that state from Holland, their native country. He moved from Bedford County, Pennsylvania, directly to Sandusky County, Ohio, locating first in Jackson Township and finally in Madison Township, where he now lives. Mrs. Klotz is now deceased. Frank R. Klotz was reared on his father's farm and remained at home until he was of age. He was given excellent educational advantages and attended some well known schools. When he started out for himself he rented a farm of 100 acres in Madison Township on 782 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY which he lived two and a half years. In addition to this farm he then rented and moved upon a farm of eighty acres on the opposite side of the road. He lived upon the latter for a similar period and then moved to Gibsonburg, where he went into railroad work, on what is now known as the Pennsylvania Road. He then entered the employ of the Zorn-Hornung Company and worked in their creamery for three and a half years and later was engaged by the Standard Oil, Company and worked for that Corporation at Gibsonburg, for thirteen years and a half. Mr. Klotz then embarked in business for himself and has prospered. He is a stockholder in the Gibsonburg Banking Company. Mr. Klotz purchased a residence in Gibsonburg prior to his removal there and at different times has remodeled and enlarged it until he now has one of the finest residences in the city. He is also the owner of a two-store business block, which he erected and which is occupied by his store. Mr. Klotz was married August 23, 1881, to Miss Ella Slates, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Fleck) Slates, and they have two children : Ulus S. Klotz, who is employed in his father's store ; and Lorn S. Klotz, who attends school. Mr. and Mrs. Klotz are members of the Christian Church. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Democrat. J. J. BRESLIN, who has attained considerable prominence in educational work and is superintendent of the schools of Lindsey, Sandusky County, was born March 9, 1861, in Brown County, Ohio. He is a son of Anthony and Mary (Gilligen) Breslin, being the eldest of four children born to them. The others are. Mary E.. who became the wife of Darius Brown, and died in May, 1901: Michael J., and Margaret. E.. who is the wife of A. T. Baines and has one son. Emmett. Mr. Breslin received his early education at Fayetteville. Brown County. Ohio. ;Ind at the Hillsboro High School, after which he took a course at the Georgetown and Lebanon, Ohio, normal schools. Upon completing his studies he taught first at Fayetteville. where he was subsequently appointed superintendent of the schools. His next charge was at Midland City, Ohio, and in 1898, while teaching school near Fostoria, he was called to Kansas, Ohio. He remained at that place as superintendent of schools until he resigned to accept a similar position at Burgoon, Sandusky County, Ohio. Here he remained in charge of the schools until 1908, when he became superintendent of the Lindsey schools, in which he is greatly interested. In 1891 Mr. Breslin was united in marriage with Minnie B. Keith. of Blanchester. Ohio, and to them were born two children : Loduska, born in 1892, who died in August, 1893, and Norman H., born September I, 1894, who is a student at the Fremont High School. Mrs. Breslin died July 24, 1909. J. T. ANDERSON, manager of the Jackson Shear and Razor Company, one of Fremont's important and prospering business enterprises, has filled his present responsible position since 1890. He was born at Fremont, Ohio, July 7, 1851, and is a son of William and Lucy Anderson. Losing his father by death when he was but two years of age and his mother a year later, Mr. Anderson became that unfortunate being. an orphan child. In the home of a much older sister, Mrs. Sarah Morton, he was sheltered and cared for until he was eleven years old and after that mainly looked .after himself. He went to school and secured employment with various parties until he was seventeen years old, when he decided to learn the molder's trade, entering one of the city foundries. This trade proved too laborious for his physical strength. and after a trial of one year, by order Of his physician, he gave it up and then learned telegraphing, under W. L. Butman. Later he was appointed agent at Bluffton. Ohio, for the Lake Erie & Louisville, now the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, and remained at that point for nine years, then coming back to Fremont, where he served as agent for the same railroad for twenty-one years. He then accepted his present position as manager of the Jackson Shear and Razor Company. The output of this plant is mainly razors, shears. scissors and, as a specialty, the Swift Safety razor. Employ- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 783 ment is afforded to about one hundred and twenty-five men, most of whom are skilled artisans. In 1872 Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Mary Barringer, a daughter of Mathew Barringer, and they have three children, namely : Frank H., who is vice president and general manager of the A. H. Jackson Manufacturing Company, of Fremont; Carl C., who is the present member of Congress from the Thirteenth Congressional District of Ohio ; and Maud L., who resides at home. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Royal Arcanum. DANIEL I. POCOCK, who follows general farming on a tract of fifty-six acres in Green Greek Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, was born on his present farm February 16, 1869, and is a son of Daniel and Rebecca (Pocock) Pocock. Daniel Pocock. father of Daniel I., was born in Maryland, where his father, Elijah Pocock, who was a soldier in the War of 1812, was engaged in farming. When a lad of eight years he accompanied his parents to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where the father met death by an accident. Here Daniel was reared and later married to Elizabeth Malone, with whom he came to Sandusky County in 1845, locating on a tract of timber and Green Creek Town. ship. Daniel and 'Elizabeth Pocock were the parents of twelve children, of whom but five grew to maturity : Levi ; Elias, (deceased) ; Elijah, Mary Ann, and George, Daniel formed a second marital union with Rebecca Pocock. and to them were born Eliza Jane, Ruth Ella, Daniel I., the subject of this sketch, and Eve A. Daniel died in March, 1891, at the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife in 1903, aged seventy-three years. "Daniel Pocock in his youth attended the district schools of the township. He has spent his entire life on his present farm, it being a part of the old home on which his father settled in 1845. Here he has always followed agriculture and 1893 erected his present comfortable home and large barn. He was married November 25, 1893, to Ida Louise Hofelich, who died in 1897. He formed a second matrimonial union, April 10, 1900, with Anna Miller, a (laughter of Joseph Miller, of Sandusky County, and to them have been born two children, Gwendola and Francis. In polities Mr. Pocock is a Democrat. S. B. STILSON, who conducts a piano and music business at Gibsonburg, anda stockholder in the Home Banking Company of this place, was born January 27, 1848, at Edinburg, Portage County, Ohio, and is a son of George B. and Charlotte (Peck) Stilson. The parents of Mr. Stilson were well known residents of Edinburg, where the father conducted a music business for many years. He died in Gibsonburg in 1902, his wife having died in 1868. S. B. Stilson was educated at Edinburg and Oberlin College and then went into a drug store for three years, after which he came to Gibsonburg and started the pioneer drug business .here. After his marriage in 1869 he resided for one year at Malden, Illinois, three years at Oberlin, and then settled permanently at Gibsonburg. He deals in music and pianos and has the exclusive right of sale of pianos in three counties. Mr. Stilson was married June 16, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Kellogg, a daughter of Dr. A. H. Kellogg, and they have had three children, namely : Clarence K., who died in 1877 ; Helen, who married B. Middlekough, and has six children : George, Walter, Thomas, Helen. Catherine and Richard, and Clarence S., who is his father's assistant in business. Clarence S. Stilson was married September 1, 1909, to Miss Carrie Veh, of Gibsonburg. Mr. Stilson and family are members of the Evangelical Church and he is the Sunday School superintendent. In politics he is a Republican and is an active citizen and at present is serving as clerk of the school board. B. O. KREILICK, M. D., physician and surgeon at Fremont, where he has been engaged in the practice of his profession since 1907, with office in the Hidber Block, on the corner of State and Arch Streets, was born on a farm in Ottawa County, Ohio, February i6, 1883. His parents were John and Caroline (Auxter) Kreilick. 784 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY Dr. Kreilick was left an orphan when young, his mother dying when he was an infant and his father a few years later. He was nine years old when he came to Fremont and during his school period resided with his half sister, Mrs. M. F. Engler. In 1901 he was creditably graduated from the Fremont High School and then became a student of medicine in the Ohio Medical University at Columbus, completing his course and receiving his diploma in 1907. He returned to Fremont .and immediately opened his office here. He has no outside interests, but devotes all his time and attention to his practice and this shows a satisfactory increase in full proportion as his ability becomes known. Dr. Kreilick is unmarried. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. In memory of college life he retains membership in his Greek letter society, the Alpha Kappa Kappa. SIMON M. FRONIZER, auditor of Sandusky County, Ohio, has been identified with the agricultural and the oil interests of Sandusky County for many years. He was born in Ballville Township, Sandusky, County, Ohio, January 20, 1857, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Young) Fronizer. The parents of Mr. Fronizer were of German extraction. They came to Ballville Township in 1853, from near Buffalo, New York. They had a family of eight children. Henry Fronizer was an honest, industrious man and he acquired property and gained the respect of his neighbors. He reared his children in the Roman Catholic faith. Simon M. Fronizer went to the country schools during his boyhood and then helped his father on the home farm until his own marriage, when he bought farming land for himself, which he has continued to operate until the present, as far as his public duties have permitted. He has also been largely interested in the oil business. Mr. Fronizer was first elected to the responsible office of auditor of Sandusky County in the fall of 1902 and was re-elected in 1905, proving one of the most popular public officials among the many who have served during the past decade. Mr. Fronizer was married (first) to Miss Jennie R. Dean, a daughter of John C. Dean. Mrs. Fronizer died April 11, 1893. He was married (second) to Miss Anna McNally, a child being born to each marriage. Mr. Fronizer and wife belong to the Catholic Church. They have a very attractive home at No. 710 Birchard Avenue, Fremont. Mr. Fronizer is both an Elk and an Odd Fellow. FRANCIS J. GIEBEL. The Giebel family has been favorably known in northern Ohio since the establishment of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. The elder Giebel, whose Christian name was given to his son, the subject of this sketch, was a native of Hesse Cassel, Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1847. His wife was a native of Rhenish Bavaria. which country she left for America in 1839. Her maiden name was Miss Marie S. Duerr. Their son here mentioned was born to them in Fremont, Ohio, March 14, 1851. He was then educated in both the parochial and common schools, and there he began the industrious and successful career in which he still continues. Positions of trust and responsibility appear to have had a great attraction for him. Hence at the early age of eighteen he was a trusted clerk in the office of the treasurer of Sandusky County. From that preferment he passed to a like position in the county auditor's office, and finally after four years of service in the office in the capacity of clerk, the people elected him to the auditorship and re-elected him, thus bestowing upon him two terms in that office, the duties of which he performed with marked efficiency and accuracy. as the records of the office will show. Later he filled an unexpired term as county treasurer. From this latter office he stepped to the position of assistant cashier of the Farmers' Bank ; then to assume a like responsibility, and later that of a director in the First National Bank, and finally in 1890 he became a director and the cashier of the Fremont Savings Bank, the duties of which he continued to discharge until he was chosen vice-president, which position. and also that of director, he continues to hold. He held the office of city clerk in 1873-74 and was a member of the Fremont City Council HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 787 two terms, and from 1885 to 1891 he was a member of the city board of education. Since 1903 he has held the important position of a member of the city board of sinking fund trustees. There are numerous other evidences of his activity and worth in official and business stations in his native city and county. These facts are luminous in indicating the capability and character of Mr. Giebel, and of his reliability, his faithfulness to his trusts and also of the esteem in which he is held by neighbors, who have known him since boyhood, and of his unquestioned honesty in all his official or private transactions. Mr. Giebel is genial and happy in his temperament and cordial in his friendships. He is a faithful and consistent member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and has filled many important trusts in the interest of the church, and is always regarded by his rector as one of his right-hand men when counsel is needed. January 27, 1874, Francis J. Giebel was married to Miss Clara Ochs, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Ochs, of Fremont, Ohio. Seven children were born to them, viz : Arthur A., Irene E. Walter J., Urban A., Hedwig G., Estelle R. and Olive A. Of these, Arthur A., Irene E., and Walter J., died in early infancy ; Urban A. died August 31, 1900, in the twenty-second year of his age. He was educated in St. Ignatius College, Cleveland, and was the hope and pride of his parents. Estelle R. died September 3, 1902, leaving only Hedwig G. and Olive A. surviving. A. H. MILLER, a representative business man of Gibsonburg, where he deals in coal, ice, cement and sand, was born at Bettsville, Seneca County, Ohio, November 1, 1856, and is a son of John A. and Mary (Pence) Miller. The father of Mr. Miller was a merchant and had a general store at Bettsville. He died in 1866 and left a widow and children. He married Mary Pence, who died in 1896 and was buried at Old Fort. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A. H. Miller was educated in the schools at Bettsville, after which he learned telegraphing and became operator and agent for one of the railway lines at Gibsonburg, later embarking in his present business, which he has handled successfully. On April 21, 1888, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Edla Ferrenburg, a daughter of Edward and Catherine Ferrenburg, and they have three children ; Alice L., who is her father's bookkeeper ; Ralph C., who is deceased; and Bertha F. Mr. Miller and family attend the Methodist' Episcopal Church. He is identified with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. FRANKLIN POCOCK, whose excellent farm of fifty acres is situated in one of the most desirable sections of Green Creek Township, was born on his father's farm in the same township, Sandusky County, Ohio, August 16, 1864, and is a son of Elias and Margaret (Fishel) Pocock. Elias Pocock was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in April, 1836, and is a son of Daniel Pocock, who moved from there to Sandusky County, in 1845, settling among the pioneers in Green Creek Township. Elias Pocock helped to clear up the farm and still resides on it. He married Margaret Fishel, of Riley Township, who also survives. They had four children, Martha, Franklin, Dexter and Chauncy. Franklin Pocock attended the country schools and as he was the oldest of the sons, had to begin farm work very early and he continued to help his 'father until his own marriage. He bought his farm from Calvin Stet-2y, in 1887, and here carries on general agriculture, growing crops and fruit and raising stock. On December 2, 1889, Mr. Pocock was married to Miss Rose Ann Britenberg, a daughter of Joseph Britenberg, of Riley Township, and they have three children, Orrin, Lucille and Floyd. In politics Mr. Pocock is a Democrat, and he has served his township very acceptably- as supervisor. WILLIAM C. BRINGE, general farmer, who is successfully cultivating his forty acres of valuable land, situated in Section 13, Madison Township, Sandusky County, was born in one of the large provinces of Germany, June 788 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 17, 1863, and remained in his native land until he had acquired a good education. Mr. Bringe was eighteen years of age when he came to America, Ohio being his objective point. He spent a few months at Toledo and Pemberville and then came to Sandusky County and engaged in farm work near Woodville. On February 15, 1890, he was married (first) to Miss Sophia Spade, a daughter of Garrett and Mary (Hartman) Spade. She died January 3, 1895, and was interred in the Gibsonburg Cemetery. She was survived by three children, Frank, George and Fred. Mr. Bringe was married (second) March 17, 1897, to Miss Elizabeth Witt, a daughter of August and Minnie Witt, and to this marriage six children have been born, namely : Anna, Ida, Amelia, Helen, Edward and Lydia. Of these, Ida and Helen are deceased. Following his first marriage, Mr. Bringe bought the farm on which he has resided ever since and almost all of the buildings on the place have been since put up. He has his land in fine condition, well drained and it returns him a satisfactory enough income without his making any tests for oil. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics he has always been identified with the Democratic party and has served two years as road supervisor in Madison Township. ORLIN W. HARRISON, one of Clyde's leading citizens, identified for 'many years with its railroad and other business interests, is also a veteran of the Civil War. He was born October 4, 1844, in Chautauqua County, New York, and is a son of William Marks and Adaline (Wright) Harrison. Mr. Harrison bears a distinguished name, one that has been honored through many generations of American history. John Harrison, his ancestor, landed on Plymouth Rock. William Marks Harrison lived in New Jersey and he was the great-grandfather of Orlin W. The grandparents of Mr. Harrison were James and Clarinda (Rose) Harrison, the former of New Jersey and the latter of Windsor, Vermont. They were residents of Galway. New York, when their son, William Marks, father of Orlin W., was born, March 9, 1809. He was seventeen years old when his parents moved to Chautauqua County and there he subsequently purchased over one hundred acres of land and entered upon its improvement. From there, in 1845, he came to Sandusky County, purchasing a tract of eighty acres situated one-half mile east of Clyde, and resided here until 1865, when he left the farm and located in the town. He was a man of more than usual prominence in his community, a factor .in politics, a very prominent Mason, a member of Erie Commander), No. 23, Knights Templar, at Sandusky, and a leader in movements of charity and reform. In his political attachment he was a Democrat and for more than thirty years he served as deputy sheriff of Sandusky County. His death took place December 4, 1884. William Marks Harrison was married July 4, 1836, to Adaline Wright. She was born at Avon, New York. April 2, 1816, and died at Clyde, Ohio, March 18, 1895. Her parents were Eli and Martha (Bullard) Wright, natives of Massachusetts and direct descendants of Revolutionary soldiers. Eli Wright served in the War of 1812, later settled in New York and from there came to Clyde. Ohio, in 1845. His seven children all spent their lives in Ohio. To 'William Marks Harrison and wife were born three children : Helen, Orlin W. and Viola. Orlin W. Harrison attended the Clyde schools and assisted his father on the home farm until he enlisted for service in the Civil War. When but seventeen years of age, October 12, 1861, he enrolled in Company A, 72nd Regt., O. Vol. Inf. Following the battle of Shiloh, Mr. Harrison was prostrated with typhoid fever, which almost caused his death, a strong constitution only enabling him to stirvive weeks of suffering first in a hospital tent, later on the steamboat which carried him up the river from Shiloh to Cincinnati. The seriousness of his illness made necessary a furlough of sixty days and when he deemed himself ready for the field again, the examining surgeons decided otherwise and he was discharged before being permitted to join his regiment. Although his military ardor was not HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 791 diminished nor his loyalty to the cause forgotten, he realized the wisdom of the medical decision and as soon as he had gained sufficient strength to undertake new duties, he turned his attention to the study of law, at the University of Michigan. After a course there he returned to Clyde and shortly afterward enlisted in the 5oth O. N. G., and was made sergeant of Company B. This company in 1864 was incorporated with the 169th Regiment and was stationed at Fort Ethan Allen during the summer, and on September 4, 1864, was honorably discharged. Mr. Harrison still further proved the sincerity of his patriotism by immediately beginning recruiting, which he continued until the following February, when the imminent close of the war made effort in this direction no longer a necessity. From 1867 until 1876, Mr. Harrison's time was spent in the railroad service in connection with several express companies, and during this time he served the Merchants' Union Express Company and the United States. Express Company and had charge of offices at Elyria, Monroeville and Tiffin. For several years thereafter he traveled for a wholesale house, but since 1883 he has been and is at present connected with the Lake Shore and Big Four Railroads, in their offices at Clyde.—with the exception of three Years when he filled a position in Judge Lemmon's office in connection with railway work—for the same companies. He has been so closely identified with the public for so many years that he is well known to his fellow citizens and his faithful and courteous services have gained him their respect and personal regard. Mr. Harrison was married in 1870, to Miss Anna L. Brown, who was born at Tiffin, Ohio, and is a daughter of Abordas and Mary A. (Taylor) Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have one daughter, Clara, who married Otto Volz in April, 1908. He is at present preparing himself as a mechanical engineer and resides with Mr.. Harrison. Like his late father, Mr. Harrison has been closely connected with Masonic life for many years. When he had but reached his majority he was received into Monticello Lodge, F. & A. M. ; is a member of Morton Council, No. 38, at Clyde, and of Erie Commandery, Knights Templar, at Sandusky. In politics, Mr. Harrison is a Republican. GEORGE H. HARTMAN, oil producer, dairyman and general farmer, residing in the old Hartman homestead, adjoining Woodville Village, in Woodville Township, is one of the substantial citizens and enterprising men of this section. He was born in Woodville Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, July 3, 1874, and is a son of the late Rudolph Hartman, who, for many years was an extensive farmer and large land owner in this section. He came from Wood County, where he had been an early settler, to Sandusky County in 1869. and resided in Woodville Township until his death, which occurred when he was aged seventy-nine years. George H. Hartman attended the Woodville schools and then worked for a time for his brother, in the tile mills. After his marriage he settled down to farming and started his dairy industry, one which has been developed until he now has the largest milk route at Woodville. He keeps fine Jersey cattle and his dairy products command a high price. Mr. Hartman owns 104 acres of fine land, over thirty of which are situated within the corporate limits of Woodville. His handsome brick residence is one of the most commodious and attractive in the place. He is associated With his brothers in the oil business and is a stockholder in various concerns. Mr. Hartman married Miss Minnie Meinert, a native of Woodville and a daughter of Louis Meinert. They have had four children : Hulda, Vera, Richard and Leo. The eldest died when aged four months. Mr. Hartman and family are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat. LOUIS MICHAEL, a general farmer and representative citizen of Madison Township, residing on his valuable farm of 100 acres, situated in Section 34, was born one mile south of Gibsonburg, Ohio, March .22, 1864, a son of Frederick arid Sophia (Haas) Michael. 792 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY The parents of Mr. Michael were farming people and for many years lived in Madison Township and there both died, the father in July, 1887, and the mother in February, 1889. Both were buried in the Gibsonburg Cemetery, a quiet spot where many of the old residents sleep their last sleep. Louis Michael attended a school in his boyhood, that stood on the present site of Gibson-burg, and after his school days were over, he worked for his father until he was twenty-one years old and then engaged in farm work by the month. After his marriage he settled south of the old homestead and lived on that farm until the death of his mother, two years later and then moved onto the old place and remained there for seven years. He then bought sixty acres in Section 34 and later forty acres more. The farm buildings, which he has improved, were all here except the corn house, and Mr. Michael made that addition when it became a necessity. He has about fifteen acres of valuable timber a sufficient number in pasturage and the remainder of his land he drained, putting in about twelve thousand tile, of different sizes, as the lay of the land demanded, thereby making its cultivation easy and profitable. On March 20, 1890, Mr..Michael was married to Miss Etta Voelm, daughter of Jacob and Mary Voelm, and they have two bright boys, Charles W. and Floyd. Mr. Michael and family attend the Lutheran Church at .Gibsonburg. In politics he is a Democrat and for seven years he has been a member of the township school board. WILLIAM WALTER DAVLIN, president of the School Board of Townsend Township, is one of the representative citizens and one of the largest land owners in this section of Sandusky County. He was born April 3. 1865, in Townsend Township. Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Walter and Ann J. (Whitmore) Davlin. Mr. Davlin was reared in Townsend Township, secured his education here and has always been interested in agricultural pursuits, He is a very large farmer and owns three farms, aggregating 524 acres, all situated in Townsend Township. On both sides of the family his ancestors were people of ample fortune. Mr. Davlin married Miss Effie Skilliter, who was born in Oxford Township, Erie County, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas and Ann (Waldock) Skilliter. They have a family of five children, namely : Grace, Nell, Margie, Walter, and Ruth. The family home, built by Mr. Davlin in 1899, is a beautiful modern frame residence, situated twelve miles east of Fremont, on the State. Road. A part of his land was included in the old White farm and a part in the old Whitmore estate. Mr. Davlin has always taken an active interest in educational matters in the township and, although having much business care, has consented to serve year after year on 'the school board and is now its very efficient president. He is a member of the order of Knights of Maccabees. DAVID HUMBERGER, general farmer, residing on his valuable place in Section 31, Madison Township, where he has about one hundred and sixty acres of fine land, lying on the Rollersville Road, was born January 6, 1867, in Washington Township. Sandusky County, Ohio. His parents were Solomon and Hettie (Burkett) Humberger. Solomon Humberger also was born in Washington Township, Sandusky County, where he lives on a valuable farm of 165 acres. He is one of the township's representative men and has served three terms as trustee. In politics he is a Democrat and in religious faith a Lutheran. David Humberger attended the Mosey School in Washington Township and then assisted his father on the home farm until about the time of his marriage. He then moved to a rented farm near Lindsey, which he operated for six years, when he moved to Madison Township, buying the eighty acres on which he now lives, at that time. Eight years later he added the other seventy-nine acres. Mr. Humberger has taken much interest in his property, and has done a large amount of improving, having put down 20,000 tile for drainage. In addition to the general crops of this section, Mr. Humberger raises hogs and cattle and grows a large amount of fruit, having exceptionally fine peaches. He is a representa- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 793 tive citizen and is serving his second term as township trustee, having been elected on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Humberger married Miss Sophia Diels, a daughter of Henry and Anna Diels, and they have four children, Ethel, Corinne May, Hazel Leona, and Arthur S., all at home with the exception of the eldest daughter, who married L. C. Krotzer. Mr. Humberger and family belong to the Lutheran Church. SAMUEL SMITH, a well known citizen and general farmer in York Township, where he owns sixty acres of valuable land, lying on the Gardner Street Road, about one mile west of Bellevue, Ohio, was born at Bellevue, November 24, 1859, and is a son of David and Julia (Knauss) Smith. David Smith and wife were both born in Pennsylvania. The former came to Ohio in boyhood, accompanying his father, John Smith, who settled on a farm in York Township. Julia Knauss was in her girlhood when her parents came to Sandusky County. After David Smith married he moved with his wife to Bellevue and later to the old Smith farm on the Maumee Turnpike Road, where his death occurred in 1899. In earlier years he had worked as a carpenter, but later gave his attention to farming and to acquiring property, at the time of his death owning four farms, one in Huron County and three in York Township. One of the latter he gave to his son, Samuel, by will. The widow of David Smith still survives and bears well her weight of eighty-four years. To David Smith and wife were born five children, namely : George, who is engaged in the lumber business at Bellevue; Charles, who is a carpenter residing at Coldwater, Michigan ; Samuel, subject of this sketch ; Sarah, who is the wife of David Barnhart, of Bellevue ; and Lizzie, who is the wife of Jerry Barnhart and resides on the old homestead on the Maumee Turnpike Road. Samuel Smith was fourteen years old when his parents settled on the farm and he corn pleted his education in the country, having previously attended school in Bellevue. His business has been farming; for a number of years he gave his father assistance and in 1907 came to his present place, known as the old Gardner farm. It is well improved, the fine brick residence being particularly attractive. Mr. Smith married Miss Jennie Heal. He has never been active in politics, preferring the quiet life of an agriculturist, and finds his best pleasures in his home and in the developing and improving of his heritage. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum. MICHAEL P. DOLWECK, an extensive and successful farmer and representative and substantial citizen of Sandusky County, residing in Section 12, of Scott Township, owns 200 acres of cultivated land, wood land and oil property, situated in this section and in Section 7, Jackson Township. Mr. Dolweck was born April 27, 1870, in Jackson Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, where his parents were farming people. He is a son of Alexander Dolweck, who was born in Germany and who was a boy of six or eight years when he came to this country, accompanying his father, Michael Dolweck, who purchased 16o acres in Scott and Jackson Townships, adjoining the, farm now owned by the subject of this sketch. Alexander Dolweck married Elizabeth Gabel, by whom he had ten children, namely : Michael Peter, Mary, Rosa (deceased), Celia (Hoffman), Edith (Myers), Libbie (deceased), Alexander, Urban, Clara (deceased), and Theresa. The parents of this family still live in Jackson Township, on the farm on which Mrs. Dolweck was born. Michael P. Dolweck went to the country schools in his boyhood and grew to manhood on his father's farm in Jackson Township, on which he continued after his marriage until he bought his present 200 acres. Of this land twenty acres is in valuable timber and he has three oil wells and one gas well on his farm, all of them promising profitable development. Mr. Dolweck raises large crops of potatoes, corn, oats, hay and the other products of this section, and he also has some excellent stock and first-class machinery. He raised about seventeen hundred bushels of potatoes in 1998, and put out increased acreage in 1909. He is a stockholder in the Indiana Mining Company, of Anderson, Indiana. 794 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY Mr. Dolweck was married (first) in May, 1896, to Miss Ida Gieble, a daughter of George and Mary Gieble. They had two children, George Alexander and Loretta, the latter being now deceased. Their mother died September 30, 1898, and was buried in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. On June 4, 1901, Mr. Dolweck was married (second) to Miss Mary Wilhelm, a daughter of Louis and Catherine (Toeppe) Wilhelm, and they have two children, Leona and Hilda. The father of Mrs. Michael Dolweck lives at Fremont, having moved there about six years ago from Jackson Township. His wife died September 5, 1893. Nine children were born to them, as follows : One that died in infancy; Mary M., the wife of the subject of this sketch; Frank, deceased ; Frances Catherine, who died July 21, 1893, at about twenty-five years of age; Clara M. (Omler) ; Joseph Louis ; .Alois Michael ; Helen E. (Reineck) ; Lucy 0. (Myer). Mr. Wilhelm was born in Germany and was eight years old when he came to this country with his father, Bartholomew Wilhelm, and located in Jackson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Dolweck are members of the Catholic Church. He belongs to the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association. In politics he is a Democrat, but is not a seeker for office. OLIVER M. MALLERNEE, a leading citizen of Clyde and an honored veteran of the Civil War, who, for three years of that great struggle, saw hard and continuous service, was born March 14, 1836, in Harrison County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Lydia (Burton) Mallernee. The Mallernee family originated in France and it was the grandfather, Emanuel Mallernee, who crossed the Atlantic and founded the American branch in Maryland. William Mallernee was born in Maryland in 1807 and accompanied his parents to Harrison County, Ohio, as one of a family of eight children. He was a cooper by trade and was engaged in the coopering business until about 1840, when he turned his attention to farming. In his political views he was a Democrat. He married Lydia Burton, a daughter of Thomas Burton, who was born in Scotland, but who at that time was a farmer in Nottingham Township, Harrison County, Ohio. There were eight children born to this union, namely : Ezra, of Columbus, Ohio ; Hannah, of Harrison County ; Thomas, of Oklahoma; Henry, of Harrison County ; William, of Missouri ; Rachel Ann, deceased ; Lydia, of Nebraska; and Oliver M., of Clyde, Ohio. Until he was eighteen years of age, Oliver M. Mallernee worked on his father's farm and attended the district school, afterward learning the blacksmith's trade. He completed his apprenticeship at Hopedale, in Harrison County, and worked in several other counties for a time and also, as a side line, was agent for a horse book that was designed particularly for the use of farriers. In the course of his travels he visited Oquawka, Illinois, Rock Island, Chicago, and Logansport, Indiana. He reached Clyde for the first time in October, 1857, and then went to Fremont, where he worked for about eighteen months before going on to Fostoria, Ohio, where he was working as a blacksmith when the Civil War opened. He decided at once to enter the Union Army, and on August 10, 1861, was registered as a private in the 3rd Regiment, O. Vol. Cav., and was mustered in in the following month. He was known to be an expert blacksmith and therefore was placed in charge of the blacksmith department of the regiment and the horse hospital at Monroeville, before the regiment went to Camp Dennison, thence to Cincinnati and down the Ohio River to Jeffersonville, Indiana. The next march took the regiment to Nashville, Tennessee, where Mr. Mallernee succumbed to an attack of measles. He participated in all the severe work of his regiment, which included the march to Shiloh, Corinth, Mississippi, and Tuscumbia, Alabama, from there to Woodville, and then to Perryville, Kentucky, his regiment being a part of the force under General Buell in the memorable campaign against General Bragg. After taking part in the battle of Stone River, the regiment remained at Murfreesboro until June, when General Rosecrans started out on HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 797 the Chickamauga campaign. Mr. Mallernee assisted in the siege of Chattanooga and the fighting and marching in that section until his regiment became a part of General Sherman's command and started on the Atlanta campaign. When at Jonesbcro, Georgia, Mr. Mallernee's term expired and he turned his back upon the scenes of war with which he had been so closely associated and made a short visit to his peaceful home in Ohio. A few weeks later, however, he re-enlisted and was appointed first lieutenant in the First Regiment, quartermaster's forces, and was assigned to Company F and was in command of that company at the battle of Nashville, Tennessee. He remained in that city until his honorable discharge from the army, in June, 1865. For many years Mr. Mallernee has been prominently identified with Eaton Post, G. A. R., No. 55, at Clyde, and equally so with the Union Veterans' Union, of which he has been commander and quartermaster. In resuming peaceful pursuits, Mr. Mallernee decided to settle at his trade in the pleasant town of Clyde, of which he had retained agreeable memories from his first visit. He conducted a shop there for a time and later one at Milan, in Erie County, but returned to Clyde and in 1871 he opened up a marble business at this place and also bought a farm in the vicinity, in York Township. He continued his marble business until 1882, in the meanwhile having invested to a large extent in coal lands and for some years was interested in handling such property. He has had other business interests, one of them being the Clyde Produce Company, a very successful enterprise, but in late years he has given much of his attention to the management of his York Township farm, retaining his home, however, at Clyde. He was one of the organizers and original promoters of the Farmers' Mutual Relief Association of Sandusky County, being elected its first and second president and afterwards treasurer. Mr. Mallernee Was married November 1, 1865, to Mrs. Mary (Blake) West, a war widow, who had two children, Frank and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Mallernee have one son, William S. He was born February 4, 1868, attended the Clyde schools and later a commercial college at Valparaiso, Indiana. He married Jessie Babcock. In his political views, Mr. Mallernee is a staunch Republican. Mary Blake West Mallernee was born in England, July 17, 1834, and came to America with her parents in 1837 and settled at Milan, Ohio. In 1855 she came to Clyde and afterwards was married to Elijah West, who enlisted in the 169th 0. V. Inf. in the Civil War. He died in 1864 of disease contracted in the service. She married 0. M. Mallernee November 1, 1865, therefore, she has the honor of having had two husbands in the army. She also had two brothers in the service. She was a charter member of both the Woman's Relief Corps and Woman's Relief Union, and always a worker in charity and very patriotic, and a staunch believer in the Republican party. WILLIAM URSCHEL, a man of large and varied business interests, is president and superintendent of the Woodville Lime and Cement Company, which is located about one-fourth of a mile north of Woodville, and has one of the largest plants in 'this part of Sandusky County. He was born in Waterville, Lucas County, Ohio, in 1876, and is a son of John Mary (Csenkle) Urschel. John Urschel was born and reared in the vicinity of Canton, Ohio, and for some years was engaged in farming in Stark County, Ohio. In 19o4 he became identified with the lime and cement business, but is now living in retirement at Woodville. He is a stockholder and director of the company of which his son is president. He and his wife became the parents of three children, Daniel, who lives in Kansas ; Jacob J., who is manager of the Woodville Lime and Cement Company, and William. William Urschel was reared on a farm and attended the public schools near Canton, Ohio. He followed farming operations until 1904, when the Woodville Lime and Cement Company was incorporated with a capital stock of $50,000 and the following officers : William Urschel, president ; D. H. Bittinger, vice-president and secretary; and Jacob J. Urschel, man- 798 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY ager and treasurer. The company owns about twenty acres of lime rock and has a daily capacity of 140 tons. It is the largest concern in Woodville, giving employment to a force of ninety men. The subject of this sketch is also a stockholder of the Urschel-Bates Bag Valve Company and a director and stockholder, plants being located at Toledo. He is a stockholder of the Woodville Savings Bank Company. Mr. Urschel was united in marriage with Miss Lizie Gerber of Canton, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Lucille, aged four years. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Order of Elks at Fremont. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. S. A. ZIMMERMAN, a representative citizen of Scott Township, of which he has been a trustee since 1904, resides on his farm of twenty-eight acres situated in Section 34, but devotes a large part of his time to working at his trade of mason and plasterer. He was born in Scott Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, June 5, 1863, and is a son of Adam and Maria (Mathias) Zimmerman. S. A. Zimmerman obtained his education in the schools of Scott Township. His first work was in a saw-mill and he lived at home the greater part of the time until he was twenty-four years old. For one gear before his marriage he worked at Rising Sun and afterward moved to a farm of eight acres, which he purchased before he bought his present farm. This place formerly belonged to his father, who cleared it and put up all the buildings. Mr. Zimmerman cultivates his land, but he has a reputation as a fine worker at his trade and hence devotes the larger part of his time to filling contracts all over the country. He is a stockholder in the Rising Sun Bell Telephone Company. On January 26, 1896, Mr. Zimmerman was married to Miss Zella Dalton, a daughter of John Dalton, and they have five children, Bernice, Cecil, Galland, Fern and Haven. Mr. Zimmerman and family are members of the Evangelical Church. In politics he is an active Republican and he enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens to a large degree. They have elected him to numerous township offices, the duties of which he has filled most satisfactorily. He served four years as township assessor and for five years has been township trustee. He is a member of the lodge of Odd Fellows at Rising Sun, and of the Knights of Pythias at Kansas, Seneca County. EMM.ET RIFE., who is engaged in general farming on his father's farm of eighty acres, which is located about three miles northeast of Clyde on the North Ridge Road, York Township, was born November 3, 1874, on his present farm and is a son of Robert and Maria (Dimick) Rife Robert Rife, who was born on the farm op-. posite our subject's present home, is a son of Michael Rife, and was reared in York Township, where he later followed farming until the spring of 1899. He then moved to Clyde, Ohio, where he has since lived in retirement. He married Maria Dimick and they have reared the following children : Charles, who is engaged in the grocery business in Cleveland, Ohio; Fred, who lives in California ; Emmet, the subject of this sketch ; Gertrude, the wife of D. Heyden ; and Homer, who lives in York Township. Emmet Rife is one of the progressive young farmers of York Township and has always lived on his present farm, where he follows general agriculture. He was united in marriage with Anna Craig, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of Hiram Mahala (Babcock) Craig, with whom she came to Sandusky County when a child. Mr. and Mrs. Rife have two children, Gladys and Gertrude. L. G. KELLER, whose excellent farm of fifty-two acres, on which there are nine producing oil wells, is situated in Section Eight, Scott Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, was born on a part of this farm, April 9, 1867, and is a son of John and Rowena (Plantz) Keller. L. G. Keller attended the country schools and helped his father on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, after which he engaged for a time in teaming in the oil fields. After he married he acquired fifty-two acres AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 799 of the homestead and all the buildings now standing he subsequently erected. He has also underlaid his land with tile, where necessary, and has all productive with the exception of five acres in pasture and woodland. On December 19, 1890, Mr. Keller was married to Miss Lettie Gregg, who is a daughter of William and Harriet (Henline) Gregg. They have one son, Milo. Mr. and Mrs. Keller are very active in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bradner, Mrs. Keller singing in the church choir. In politics he votes with the Republican party but is in no sense a politician. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, attending Lodge No. 429 at Bradner. JOHN JACOB RIFE. Among the old and esteemed residents of York Township, where he has lived since childhood and to the development and improvement of which he has contributed through a long and busy life, John Jacob Rife occupies a prominent place. He resides on his valuable farm of 183 acres, which is situated on the North Ridge Road, about three miles northeast of Clyde. He was born in Maryland, March 4, 1829, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Zumbrun) Rife. In 1832 the parents of Mr. Rife left their old home in Frederick County, Maryland, and by slow stages came to Sandusky County, Ohio, purchasing the present Rife farm from a Mr. Cookston, who had been one of the earliest settlers in York Township. Here Daniel Rife and his wife resided until their death, the father dying when John Jacob was fourteen years of age. This farm has been his home ever since and he has expended considerable money in improving it and enriching the soil. The old buildings which served for some years have been replaced by substantial new ones, all of these being- put up after Mr. Rife came into possession. For many years he was considered one of the township's best farmers. On December 3, 1863, Mr. Rife was married to Miss Fannie Jackson, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Cragg) Jackson. Mrs. Rife was born in England and accompanied her parents to America when she was eight years old. The family lived for one year in the State of New York and then came to Sandusky County and located in Townsend Township, where they were residing at the time of Mrs. Rife's marriage. Later they sold the Townsend Township farm and moved to York Township and both died here. They were quiet, worthy people, who are kindly remembered by all who knew them. Mr. and Mrs. Rife have two children, Alta and Belle, the latter of whom married Wallace J. Reed. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have one son, Frederick. They reside on the homestead, and Mr. Reed operates the farm. ERNEST W. WORMAN, an enterprising, and successful business man, residing at Vickery Village, owns and operates a stationery mill at Whitmore, in Townsend Township, and also a portable mill, doing an extensive lumber business at all seasons of the year. He also operates a steam threshing machine during the harvest season. He was born December 7, 1874, in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is the only son of David and Susan (Beebe) Worman. David Worman was born and reared in Sandusky County and lived for many years in Riley Township, but in 1879 he came to Townsend Township, where he began the manufacture of tile at Vickery. He followed that business for ten years and then moved to near Amsden, where he purchased a farm, that he later sold. In 1904 he bought a part of the Kidman farm in Townsend Township, on which he yet resides. He was married first to Susan Beebe, who died in 1877. She was a daughter of William Beebe, of Townsend Township. One child was born to this marriage, Ernest W. He married, second, Nora Cosgrove, of Townsend Township, and they have two children. Ernest W. Worman attended the district schools in Riley Township and his first employment was in the tile works at Vickery, where he labored for one year. He then turned his attention to lumbering and through enterprise and energy has developed a large business. He employs from six to twenty-five men in the woods and in operating his mills, and utilized from two to six teams. He fills special orders, deals largely in hardwood lumber and 'turns out all kinds of bill stuff. His