100 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. a lofty plane of thought and action, inviting the closest scrutiny and offering a lesson to all who have appreciation of the true ethical values in the scheme of human existence. He passed to his reward on the 13th of March, 1892, rich in the honors and respect which follow an upright life that has ever been true to its ideals and its highest possibilities, and it cannot be doubted that death came as a consistent crown to a worthy life. Strong in his individuality, Mr. Pennington never lacked the courage of his convictions, but kindliness, a lively human sympathy and an abiding charity were dominating elements in his composition, softening and glorifying his life in every phase. It is fitting that a memoir be here entered concerning this good man and true. Robert G. Pennington was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, on the Lab of December, 1816, of stanch old English lineage and sterling Quaker stock. The ancestry is traced back to Isaac Pennington, an English gentleman of large influence and broad Christian charity. His daughter married William Penn, with whom he was associated in. the organization of the Society of Friends, together with George Fox, Robert Barclay, Thomas Elwood and others. The first American representative of the Pennington family was Edward, a son of Isaac before mentioned. He emigrated to Pennsylvania in company with his brother-in-law, William Penn, in 1682, and he carried a daughter of Governor Jennings, of New Jersey. From this source the Penningtons of New Jersey and Pennsylvania claim to have origin, and the name has been prominent in the annals of our national history in the several generations following the early settlement in the seventeenth century. When Robert G. Pennington, the subject of this sketch, was eight years of age his parents, Joseph and Sarah Pennington, removed from Pennsylvania to Cayuga county, New York, where the ensuing nine years of his life were passed, his father being a mechanic by trade and also a successful farmer. With a view to securing more land he made a visit to Ohio and purchased a tract of land in Seneca county, where he located with his family in 1834, our subject being then seventeen years of age. He had secured good educational advantages prior to this time, and upon the removal of the family to the pioneer wilds of Seneca 102 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. county, he entered Huron Institute, at Milan, where he completed the academic course. Mr. Pennington then began reading law under the direction of Abel Rawson, then a leading member of the Ohio bar, with headquarters in Tiffin. Mr. Pennington was admitted to the bar of the state in 1842, whereupon he entered into a professional partnership with his former preceptor, the firm of Rawson & Pennington obtaining until 1850, when the senior member retired. It was in the office of this firm that H0n. W. P. Noble and General W. H. Gibson read law and won their professional spurs, and the latter later became associated in practice with Mr. Pennington. Later, J. C. Lee, former lieutenant governor of Ohio, became Mr. Pennington's partner, and still later Judge John McCauley was associated with him in practice until he (McCauley) was elected to the bench of the common pleas court. In these years Mr. Pennington. had gained no uncertain precedence at the bar, his powers being of a high order and winning him recognition as a careful and conscientious advocate, and a safe and conservative counsel. Such a nature as that of Mr. Pennington could not fail to manifest a decided repugnance to human slavery, and thus his sympathies were given to the Union cause when the integrity of the nation was menaced by armed rebellion. In 1861 he assisted in raising and organizing the Fifty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he went to the front in the capacity of quartermaster. Later he became adjutant on the staff of General Sigel, but after two years of service he was compelled to retire, by reason of ill health, and then returned to Tiffin and resumed the active practice of his profession. His devotion to his profession was exceptional, and early in his career he gained the reputation of being a most painstaking and honest lawyer and one who had a deep appreciation of the true ethics of his profession. This high reputation he maintained during his entire life of practice, covering a period of nearly half a century, and none ever presumed to question his integrity of purpose or his desire to forward the ends of justice by every means in his power. In his political proclivities Mr. Pennington was originally found to be an ardent supporter of the Free Soil party, taking an active part CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 103 in the campaign of 1856 and showing marked power as a public speaker. In the same year he was a member of the electoral college, casting his ball0t in support of Bell for the presidency. Subsequently he transferred his allegiance to the Republican party, of whose principles he continued a zealous supporter throughout the residue of his life. He was often nominated for various official positions, but his defeat came as a normal political exigency, since the county is strongly Democratic in its coma plexion. In 1883 he served as a member of the committee which had the supervision of the erection of the new court house at Tiffin. He was at all times ready to lend his influence and aid in the promotion of public utilities and the conservation of the general good, his keen business sagacity making him a valuable coadjutor in any enterprise with which he became identified. In 1847 Mr. Pennington was one of the organizers and incorporators of the Seneca County Bank, the first establishment in the county. He became a member of its directorate and also served for an interval as its cashier. At the time of his death he was a director and large stockholder in the Tiffin Commercial Bank, while other important enterprises to which he gave the benefit of his wisdom and powers were the Tiffin Gas Light Company, of which he was the projector and of which he served for several years as president; and the securing of railway facilities for the city and county ; thus for several years he served as president of the Tiffin & Fort Wayne and the American & Central Railroads ; while he also fostered numerous manufacturing projects, in several of which he met with financial losses. He was successful both as lawyer and a business man, continuing to practice his profession up to the time of his final illness, having given his attention m0re largely to office practice, as a counselor, during the later years of his life. In person Mr. Pennington was of medium height, carrying himself erect and having a face which showed the strength of his character and also the genial and kindly nature which was so intrinsically his. He was a man of high intellectuality, and in all the relations of life he was found to be true and well worthy 0f the confidence so freely and uniformly reposed in him. On the 22d of February, 1842, Mr. Pennington was united in mar- 104 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. riage to Miss Caroline A. Kuhn, who was born on the 24th of September, 1822, on the island of Minorca, a Spanish province in the Mediterranean, being the daughter of Captain Joseph L. Kuhn, of the United States navy, and the granddaughter of General Lewis Chadwick Hargrave, then British consul-general to the Spanish Balearic isles. Dr. Henry Huhn, who was One of the prominent and talented early physicians of Tiffin, was an uncle of Mrs. Pennington, and married a sister of the subject of this memoir. Mrs. Pennington, now venerable in years but alert in both mind and body, survives her honored husband and still resides in the beautiful old homestead, so hallowed with the associations of years. She is a woman of gentle refinement and unfailing courtesy, and within the long years of her residence in Tiffin has gained and maintained a strong hold on the affections of a large circle of friends, still taking a deep interest in the social life of the community. Of the three daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Pennington we make brief record, as follows : Eugenia H. is the wife of Almon Hall, a successful and prominent member of the Toledo bar ; Caroline C. is the wife of Hon. W. R. Steel, ex-member of congress from South Dakota; and Louise A. is the wife of Samuel J. Keech, of New York. FREDERICK W. BERLEKEMP. The great empire of Germany has sent to the United States some of its most valued citizens and the vitality and stability contributed by this element in our national life can not be overestimated. One of the sterling German-American citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, is the gentleman whose name introduces this paragraph and who is one of the progressive and successful farmers of Pleasant township. He has won a position of independence through his own industry, and his honesty of purpose has never been questioned, so that he commands the respect of all who know him and is well worthy of a place in this work. Mr. Berlekemp was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 17th of January, 1834, coming of stanch old German lineage, and there he was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 105 reared to man's estate, receiving his educational discipline in the excellent schools of his native province. There; in October, 1856, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Eliza Kipper, who likewise was born in Prussia, and to them six children have been born, namely: Arnold, who is a successful farmer near Tiffin, this county; Eliza, the wife of Jacob Sheerer, of Pleasant township; Henry, a farmer of Sandusky county, Ohio; -Minnie, the wife of Henry E. Berg, of Lodi; William J., engaged in farming in. Pleasant township, Seneca county; and Adolph, who still remains at the parental home, and who married Ida Ellen Lottig. In 1876 Mr. Berlekemp emigrated with his family to America, coming to Seneca county, Ohio, where he was employed on a farm for a period of about six months and then took up. his residence in the village of Bloomville, where he operated a stone quarry on shares for six years. Then coming to Pleasant township, he here leased a farm of one hundred and twenty-three acres, giving his attention to its cultivation and directing his efforts with such energy and ability that at the expiration of ten years he was enabled to purchase the place, paying seven thousand dollars, with three thousand dollars indebtedness. The farm is now unincumbered, is well improved, and the thrift and neatness. everywhere in evidence indicate the care which has been bestowed by the enterprising and industrious owner. In politics Mr. Berlekemp gives his support to the principles and policies of the Democratic party, taking a lively interest in the questions and issues of the hour, and his religious faith is that of the German Reformed church, of which his wife is also is an active member. EDWARD WENNER. Edward Wenner is now living a retired life, after many years connection with the tailor's trade. His success and rest are well merited, for his business career was ever a diligent and honorable one. Mr. Wenner was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 6th 'of February, - 7 - 106 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 1826. The.family is of German lineage. John Wenner, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Germany and came to the United States when a young man, settling in Pennsylvania, where he carried on farming with a fair degree of success. In his political views he was a Whig and' in religious faith was a Lutheran, long holding membership with that church. He married Elizabeth Kimel, who was a native of Pennsylvania and there died at the age of eighty years, while John Wenner departed this life at the age of eighty-four years. Their son, William Wenner, the father of our subject, was a native of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, was reared upon a farm and followed that pursuit throughout the remainder of his life. He owed his success entirely to his own efforts, for he had no assistance when he started out upon his business career. He, however, secured a good home and a comfortable competence. He voted with the Whig party, but was not an active worker in political circles, his energies being more zealously devoted to the Lutheran church, in which he had long held membership. His death occurred when he had reached the age of seventy-four. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Strouss, was born in Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Henry Streuss, who was likewise a native of the Keystone state, but was of German extraction. Mrs. 'Wenner always resided in her native state, and died at the age of fifty-nine years, in the faith of the Lutheran church, to which she gave her allegiance and support through a long period. Edward Wenner was the seventh in order of birth in his parents' family of ten children, all of whom reached mature years, although our subject is the only one now living. He spent his early boyhood clays in his parents'. home and at the age of sixteen years began preparing to face the responsibilities of business life, by learning the tailor's trade, at which he served a four years' apprenticeship near Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he afterward worked for a year. In May, 1848, he came to Tiffin, where he followed his chosen calling for a time, after which he was employed as an expert cutter for many years. After working about nine years he opened a shop of his own and later added a stock of ready made clothing and men's furnishing goods, carrying on his store CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 107 for five years, when he sold out and became cutter for a firm in Tiffin. He was employed in a similar capacity in Daytonfor two years and in Bucyrus, Ohio, for ten years, and then returned to Tiffin, where he has since lived a retired life, enjoying a well earned rest afer many years active labor. Here he has an attractive home, and to some extent lie deals in real estate, but is practically living retired. Mr. Wenner was united in marriage to Miss Susan Thompson, a native of Ulster county, New York, and unto them were born three children : William E., who died at the age of nine years.; Henry L., a practicing physician of Tiffin; and Ralph J., who died October II, 189o, at the age of thirty years. He was a successful medical practitioner of Cleveland, Ohio. In addition to his pleasant home in Tiffin Mr. Wenner owns a good farm a mile north of the city, which he rents, the place comprising seventy-four acres. He belongs to the Baptist church, as did also his cherished and devoted wife, both having been long recognized as earnest and consistent Christian people. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and ibis life exemplifies its beneficent teachings. At the time of the Civil war he was drafted for the service but the medical examiners found that he was not qualified to meet the rigors and hardships of war. In his political views he is a stanch Republican and is a loyal citizen. Although his life has been quietly passed in business pursuits, he has formed an extensive acquaintance and commands uniform regard by reason of his sterling worth. Mrs. Wenner passed away on the l0th of January, 1902, having been an invalid for several months, and her memory remains as a benediction resting upon those who came within the sphere of her gracious influence. W. S. MUMAW, M. D. As a member of the medical profession Dr. Mumaw has won distinction, and, although but a few years have passed since he became one of its representatives, he enjoys an extensive and remunerative prac- 108 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tice. A native son of the Buckeye state, his birth occurred in Wilmot, on the 16th of May, 1865, his parents being George and Lydia (Fisher) Mumaw. His father was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, January 20, 1820, but when four years of age he was taken by his parents to Holmes county, Ohio, a location being made near the Stark county line, and there his parents died in later life. There, also, the father of our subject was reared, married and reared his children, and the county is still his home. He is now in his eighty-second year, and is feeble in health. He owns two hundred and fourteen acres of valuable and well improved land, a part of which is located in Holmes county and the remainder in Stark county. His political support is given to the Republican party, but although he has always been a public-spirited and progressive citizen he has never sought or desired the emoluments of public office. He is a member of the Mennonite church. The mother of our subject was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, about 1825, and she, too, is still living. Unto this worthy couple were born fourteen children, ten of whom are now living, namely : Jacob and John, twins, the former a farmer of Stark county and the latter of Geauga county; Henry, engaged in the marble business in Marshall, Michigan; Wesley, also a farmer of Geauga county ; Albert ; W. S., the subject of this review; Sarah, the wife of Christian Lentz, of Baltic, Ohio; Hettie, the wife of Isaac Kilmer, of Geauga county ; Emma, the wife of Emanuel Shelter, of Beach City, Ohio; and Maggie, at home. W. S. Mumaw spent the early years of his life in his parents' home, and in the common schools of his native locality he received his early educational advantages. At the age of twenty years he entered the school room as an instructor, and for three winter terms he followed that profession, but in 1888 he abandoned that occupation to engage in the drug business, becoming a registered pharmacist in Michigan. For the following six and a half years he conducted a drug business of his own in Detroit, and on the expiration of that period, in 1893, he began reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. J. H. Crawford, of that city. In 1894 he entered the Detroit Medical College, in which he was graduated in the spring of 1897, but he still continued the conduct of his drug CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - l09 business until the following year. Selling his store in Detroit, the Doctor then engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in Bascom, Seneca county, Ohio, and in August, 1900, he took up his abode in the village of Kansas. where he is now located, and here he has built up a lucrative and constantly growing patronage. He is progressive in his methods, constantly reading and studying, and keeps in close touch with the spirit of the times. The marriage of Dr. Mumaw was celebrated on the 25th of October, 1899, when Miss Margaret Gordon became his wife. She is a native of Detroit. One little son, George, has come to brighten and bless their home. In his social relations the Doctor is a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 282, K. 0. T. M., of which he is the examining physician, and he is also a member of the Kansas Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political support is given the Republican party, but he is liberal in his views. He inspires personal friendships of unusual strength, and all who know him have the highest admiration for his good qualities of heart and mind. JAMES H. PLATT. For the high rank of her bench and bar Ohio has ever been distinguished, and it is gratifying to note that in no section of the commonwealth has the standard been lowered at any epoch in its history. To the subject of this review, who is senior member of the firm of Platt & Black, of Tiffin, Seneca county, we may refer with propriety and satisfaction as being one of the able and representative members of the legal profession in the state ; and that he is a native son of Ohio lends somewhat to the significance of the prestige which he has here attained. Mr. Platt was born in Columbiana county, on the 22d of August, 1854, being. the son of George Platt, who was born in. England, where he was reared and educated ; and where also he learned the miller's trade. When about twenty-one years of age, about the year 1849, he came to 110 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the United States, locating in Columbiana county, Ohio, where he followed his trade for a time, then continuing in the same line of vocation at Paris, Stark county; Oneida Mills, Carroll county; and Findlay, Hancock county, in which last mentioned place he died, being about thirty-nine years of age. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and in politics gave his support to the Democratic party. George Platt was married after his emigration to America, being united to Miss Eva Faulk, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and who is still living, having attained the age of seventy-four years and maintaining her home in Findlay. She is a devoted member of the Lutheran church and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the Buckeye state. All of her eight children are living, the subject of this review having been the second in order of birth. James H. Platt remained at the parental home until he had attained the age of thirteen years, when his father died ; whereupon he came to Tiffin and entered the home of his uncle, Benjamin F. Myers, meanwhile continuing his studies in the public schools, where he prepared himself for matriculation in Heidelberg College, which he entered when sixteen years of age, completing the classical course and being graduated a a member of the class of 1875. Thereafter he taught one term of school in Summit county, while for the following three years he was engaged as a teacher in the public schools of Tiffin, being eminently successful in his pedagogic endeavors. In 1879 he here began reading law in the office of the firm of Noble & Lutes, and when a dissolution of the partnership occurred he continued his studies under the effective direction of Mr. Lutes, making such progress that he was duly admitted to the bar of the state in October, 1881. He at once entered upon the practice of his profession, being associated with Harrison Noble until the early part of 1885, after which he conducted an individual practice until 1887, when he entered into the present professional alliance with Harry P. Black, with whom he has since been associated in the general practice of law, retaining a representative and important clientage and holding high prestige as a lawyer, thoroughly read in the science of jurisprudence, as an able advocate and as one safely conservative in counsel. His course CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 111 has been such that he has ever commanded the confidence and esteem of his professional confreres and of the general public. In politics Mr. Platt has ever been known as a stalwart advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, in whose cause he has rendered effective service in Seneca county. He held the office. of city solicitor of Tiffin for a period of eight years, was a member of the board of county school examiners for six years, a member of the city board of education for two years; and for a similar period was a member of the city board of school examiners, while at the present time he is a member of the board of regents of Heidelberg University and has been president of the executive committee of the board for a year past. He and his wife are prominent members of Grace Reformed church; and fraternally Mr. Platt is a member of Tiffin Lodge, No. 80, Knights of Pythias. He maintains a lively interest in the questions and issues of the hour, is a thorough student and an earnest promoter of the cause popular education. On the 31st of July, 1883, Mr. Platt was united in marriage to Miss Rosa M. Warner, of Tiffin, and they have two sons, Nevin E. and George R. Mrs. Platt, at the death of her father when she was a mere child, became a member of the family of Benjamin F. Myers, and was thus a playmate and companion of her husband for fifteen years previous to their marriage. ROSCOE L. CARLE. Roscoe L. Carle is the eldest and only surviving son of the late Jonas H. Carle, a native of Maine, and Mrs. Priscilla F. (Egbert) Cade, a member of a well-known Seneca county family. Both families trace an unbroken lineage to Anglo-Saxons of the 9th century, the Carles being yeomen of old England, and one of the Egberts being chief of the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy. Our subject was born in Geneva, Wisconsin, May 20, 1863, and has resided in Seneca county since childhood. He received his elementary education in the village school of 112 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Green Spring and the district school of Clinton township. Later he continued his studies at Heidelberg Academy, in Tiffin; at the Ohio State University, in Columbus; and was graduated in 1890 at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, with the degree of Bachelor of Letters. Since graduation he has followed the editorial profession in his county. In April, 1901, he was nominated by the Democrats of Seneca county as their candidate for representative in the seventy-fifth general assembly, receiving fourteen hundred more votes than his opponent at the primary nominating election. In the general election, in the following November, he was elected, leading his ticket by two hundred votes. In the legislature, although a new member, he at once received recognition, and was placed on the important committees of taxation and common schools, and was chosen secretary of the committee on hospital for epileptics. He became conspicuous for the part taken by him in the caucus for United States senator, and for placing the Republican majority in an uncomfortable position on the question of popular elections of United States senators. In the issue of tax reform, retrenchment of public expenditure, investigation of state institutions, and the interests of agriculture and labor he took a leading and popular part. AARON SEITZ. A representative of one of the early families of Seneca county, Aaron Seitz was born in Bloom township, on the 12th of March, 1844. It was in 1825 that his father, Lewis Seitz, had come to this county. casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers and sharing in all the difficulties and discouragements that beset those who make their way into an undeveloped region. The latter's father also bore the name of Lewis Seitz and was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, but about the year 1800 he removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, establishing his home near Lancaster. A tract of two hundred and forty acres of land, which he had purchased at the public land sale, he afterward divided among  CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 113 his children. A minister of the Baptist church, his life was devoted to that holy calling and his influence was of no restricted order, for he contributed largely to the moral development of the community in which he made his home. It was in Fairfield county that his son, Lewis Seitz, the father of our subject, was born, October 21, 1802. He, too, became a preacher of the Baptist denomination, but as he accepted no pecuniary remuneration for his services his livelihood was gained through the tilling of the soil, and in the little log cabin, in the midst of the forest, which was the home of the family in pioneer days, he lived for some time. In 1864, however, he removed to Wyandot county, but after a few years returned to Bloom township, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1890. For sixty-six years he served as the pastor of the Baptist church at Honey Creek, and on the Democratic ticket he was elected to a number of township offices, while in ante-bellum days he was county treasurer for one term. Lewis Seitz, Jr., married Barbara Kagy, who was a consistent Christian woman, identified with the Baptist church, and in that faith she died, at the age of forty-two years. In their family were fourteen children, twelve of whom reached years of maturity, and among this rumber was Aaron Seitz, of this review. The work of the home farm early became familiar to him, for as soon as he was old enough to handle a team he began to assist in the cultivation of the fields and also to haul logs to his father's mill. As he had opportunity he attended the district schools, thus acquiring his education. In 1864 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Seitz and Miss Eliza Shock, a native of Bloom township and a daughter of Jacob and Lana (Shanour) Shock. The young couple began their domestic life upon rented land and for several years Mr. Seitz continued to operate farms which he leased, but in 1873 he took up his abode on the farm which he now owns and which he purchased in 1871, becoming the owner of eighty acres. Since that time his attention has been devoted to its development and improvement and it is now supplied with all modern equipments. About 188o he purchased an additional tract of one hundred and six acres, so that his place now comprises one hundred and 114 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. eighty-six acres. The greater part of it is under a high state of cultivation, and in 1891 he erected an attractive modern residence. The home has been blessed with four children, but Alvin J., the second, is now deceased. The others are Irvin L., Mattie May and Mertie Blanche. The last named was educated in the common schools and the Ada Normal University, at Ada, Ohio, and is now engaged in teaching in the district schools. Mr. Seitz is a Democrat in his political affiliations, but takes no active part in politics as an office-seeker, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his farming and stock-raising interests. At the time of his marriage he possessed only two dollars and a half, and around this nucleus he has gathered a comfortable competence, which he richly deserves. PHILIP GRIFFIN. Philip Griffin is now living a retired life in Republic. He has attained to the age of seventy-four years and his career has been so honorable and upright that he has won and ever enjoyed the respect and confidence of his fellow men. His present home is far from his birthplace, for he was born in Norfolk, England, on the 9th of April, 1828. In the common schools of that country he secured his education, and in 1851 he severed the ties that bound him to his native land, in order to establish his home in America, believing that he might have better business opportunities in this country. Accordingly he took passage on a sailing vessel, which, after a voyage of four weeks, dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. From the metropolis he made his way to Auburn, New York, and in that locality secured work as a farm hand. Later he spent a. year and a half in following the carpenter's trade, and in 1854 he came to Republic, Ohio. Here he also was identified with building interests for about three years and he then secured employment in the carriage shop. owned by Mr. Osborn, in whose service he remained for a few years, after which he was made manager of the car- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY         - 115 riage shop owned by Squire Stickney. But the country became involved in civil war and he could not content himself to remain at home while his adopted country was endangered by the rebellious spirit of the south. In May, 1864, he offered his services, and became a corporal of Company K, One. Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which went to the south for one hundred days' service and was there engaged in the defense of the capital city. On the expiration of hiS term of service Mr. Griffin returned to Republic and the following spring he removed to Reed township, where he carried on agriculture and worked at his trade for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he once more came to Republic and established a wagon and carriage shop, which he conducted for many years, meeting with signal success in his undertakings, and acquiring the capital which now enables him to live retired, in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Indolence and idleness have ever been utterly foreign to his nature, and although he started out in life on his own account empty-handed, he placed his dependence in the substantial qualities of perseverance and energy. These have served as a.n excellent foundation for his later success. May 14, 1854, Mr. Griffin was united in marriage to Miss Emeline Sutphen, a native of New York, and they now have four living children : Annie, the wife of William Dildine, of Green Spring, Ohio; Alton C., who is conducting a meat market at Chicago Junction; Mildred, the wife of J. L. Newcomer, a farmer of Bloom township, Seneca county; and Edson C., who is employed as a brakeman on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. They also lost four children, Emma S., William H., Clinton, and one who died in infancy. In his political affiliations Mr. Griffin has been a stanch Republican since he became an American citizen, and has done everything in his power to promote the growth and success of his party. He has been honored with a number of local offices. He was trustee of Scipio township for three years and for seven consecutive years served as assessor. In 1900 he was elected mayor of Republic and capably filled the office for eighteen months, his administration being progressive and 116 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. practical, but on the expiration of that period he resigned. For more than twelve years he has been a member of the school board and for several years he has served as a member of the town council, and whether in office or out of it he has always labored earnestly and ef- fectively for the public welfare. Fraternally he is connected with Republic Lodge, No. 40, I. 0. 0. F., of which he is vice grand. He also belongs to Captain Robinson Post, G. A. R., in which he has served as commander. Upon the battle fields of the south he rendered his adopted country faithful allegiance, and among the native sons of America there is no more true or loyal citizen than Philip Griffin, who is greatly attached to his adopted country and her institutions. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to make his home in the -United States, for here he has prospered, advancing to the plane of comfort and prosperity through determination and honorable effort. HENRY A. KOLLER. Henry A. Koller, who has a wide acquaintance in Scipio township and is numbered among the progressive and intelligent farmers, was born in Wooster, Ohio, November 1, 1839. His father, Henry Koller, was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, born August 5, r S00. "When he arrived at years of maturity he married Elizabeth Smyser and removing to Wooster, Ohio, he there conducted a tavern on the stage road, continuing business at that place until 1843, when he removed to Perryville, where he operated a grist mill and saw mill. After six years, however, he crossed the plains to California, attracted by the discovery of gold upon the Pacific coast. During the last eight hundred miles he made the journey alone, meeting John C. Fremont, who was traveling eastward with provision's for the immigrants. For seven days he had lived on herbs and roots, for his supply had become exhausted. He was told by Fremont to go to Sutter's mill or ranch, and there he worked for three days, cutting grass for twenty dollars per day. He CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 117 then began prospecting, which he followed through the summer, and in the succeeding autumn he secured a position as superintendent of the United States Mining Company, acting in that capacity for several months. He then erected a sawmill on Yuba river, near Sutter's ranch, were he remained for two: years. After his mill was in successful operation he admitted Isaac Brecker, of Shelby, Ohio, to a partnership in the business. In 1852 he returned to the east on a visit, but again went to California, when he sold his malls. During his absence, a man to whom he had given the power of attorney over his property succeeded in beating him out of seventy thousand dollars. In the spring of 1853 Henry Koller, the father of our subject, took up his abode in Bloom township, Seneca county, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, which he owned and operated until 1866, when he sold that property and removed to Clinton township. On the expiration of that period he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the latter township,• making his home thereon until his death, which occurred when he was eighty-six years of age. He was a very industrious and energetic man, and when he was seventy-six years of age he cradled seven acres of oats in a single day. His wife passed away the year previous to her husband's demise. They were the parents of six children, four reaching maturity, namely : Sarah A., the widow of Philip H. Culler, of Scipio township.; Caroline, who married Rev. J. Culler and who died in 1898; Mary C., the widow of Samuel Koller, of Scipio township; and Henry A., of this review. Henry A. Koller was only thirteen years of age when he came to Seneca county. His education here was continued in the public schools and in Republic Academy, after which he became a student in Heidelberg College. A liberal education thus well fitted him for life's work. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence and keeps well informed on questions and issues of the day. In 1861 he was united in marriage to Jennie E. Swigart, and they became the parents of two children: Lizzie M., the wife of J. W. Rollins, of Lima, Ohio; and Harry G., of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who is employed as a traveling salesman. 118 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Soon after his marriage Mr. Koller took up his abode in Bloom township, where he had a valuable tract of one hundred and seventy-two acres. Upon this he built a fine residence and substantial barn. In 1866 he purchased three hundred and ninety acres of land in Scipio township, and made his home thereon until 1874 when he removed to Tiffin, which continued to be his place of abode for two years. He then purchased a hotel in Muncie, Indiana, conducting it for four years, after which he took charge of the Oak Ridge Sanitarium at Green Spring, Ohio, which he superintended for four years. On the expiration of that period he went on the road as a commercial salesman, and three years later returned to Ohio. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Clinton township, besides other property. In his business affairs he has been very successful, capably controlling his interests and thereby winning creditable prosperity. Mr. Koller has always been a loyal citizen, and at the time of the civil war he manifested his patriotic spirit by responding to. his country's call for troops, in 1864. He joined Company G, One Hundred Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and went to the front for one hundred days' service, the regiment being assigned to the duty of defending Washington. Mr. Koller has always been a Republican in politics. 'Wherever he has resided he has been widely and favorably known as a man who has true regard for his duties of citizenship and toward his fellow men. JACOB EPPLER. Back to stanch old German stock does Jacob Eppler trace his lineage, and that in his character abide those sterling qualities which have ever marked the true type of the German nation, is manifest when we come to consider the more salient points in his life history, which has been marked by consecutive industry and invincible spirit, eventuating in his securing 'a high place in the confidence and respect of his fellow men. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 119 Mr. Eppler was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany,' on the 4th of March, 1827, being the son of Jacob and Christina (Bitzer) Eppler, of whose five children three now survive, namely : Mary, the wife of George Zink, of Lucas county, Ohio; Christina, the wife of John Stutz, of Williams county ; and Jacob, the subject of this sketch. Jacob Eppler, Sr., was a farmer by vocation and passed his entire life in his native land, where his death occurred in 1850, his widow' passing away three years. later. The following spring 0854) our subject was married and immediately afterward he and his bride embarked for America, being accompanied by two sisters and one brother of our subject, said brother, John, having entered the service of the Union as a member of an Ohio volunteer regiment, in the war of the Rebellion, in which he sacrificed his life. They all settled in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Eppler secured employment in the iron and zinc. mines, and he continued his residence in Pennsylvania until July, 1862, when he came to Fostoria, Ohio, where the first year was devoted to working in a brick-yard and a tannery. In the fall of 186,3 he purchased a farm of forty acres. in Hancock county, two miles southwest of Fostoria, and there gave his attention to the improvement and cultivation of the place for a period of six years, when he sold the property to one of his neighbors and purchased an eighty-acre farm in the same vicinity. Four years later he exchanged this for an adjoining farm of one hundred and twenty acres, where he maintained his home until 1888, when he disposed of the same and bought his present fine homestead of one hundred and sixty acres., in Loudon township, three miles east of Fostoria, Seneca county, where he has since gained prestige as one of the progressive and successful farmers and stock-growers of the county, his farm being a model of neatness and thrift and having improvements of the best order, including a spacious and comfortable residence. He is one of the most prosperous citizens of the township, and the success which is his is all the more gratifying when the fact is taken into consideration that it has been attained entirely through his own well directed efforts. His integrity of purpose has •never been questioned in all the years of ceaseless toil and endeavor, and he is well 120 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. worthy of the respect and confidence so freely accorded him. In politics Mir. Eppler exercises his franchise in support of the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church. In March, 1854, Mr. Eppler was united in marriage to Miss Regina Bitzer, who accompanied him on his removal to America and who died in Pennsylvania a few years later, in 1857. They became the parents of three children, of whom only one survives,—Joseph, Jr., who is associated with his father in the management of the homestead. In 1868 Mr. Eppler was again married, Miss Mary Dreitzler becoming his wife, and of this union four children were born, of whom three survive, namely: Emma, the wife of German Hartzog, of Williams county; Lulu, the wife of William Coyer, of Loudon township; and Charles, who is at the paternal home. Mr. Eppler was again called upon to mourn the loss of a devoted companion and helpmeet in 1887, when his wife was summoned into eternal rest. WILLIAM D. SEEMUTH. Success does not depend so much upon the possession of talents or powers unusual to the majority of mankind, as upon the exercise of those qualities which are common to all. Hope is of the valley, while Effort is climbing the mountain side, so that personal advancement comes not to the one who hopes alone but to the one whose hope and faith are those of definite action. We may then hold in high regard the result of individual accomplishment and accord due credit and honor to the man who has won success by worthy means, be his life one of majesty and power or noble application to the humbler but not less noble application. The subject of this review holds the responsible position of engineer of the city water-works of Tiffin, and his life has been one of consecutive effort and integrity of purpose, while his advancement and success have come as a diametrical result, and to him has not been denied the fullest measure of confidence and esteem. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 121 Mr. Seemuth is a native of Baden, Germany, where he was born on the 7th of February, 1846, one of the four children of William and Frederica (Bender) Seemuth, both of stanch old German lineage. Of the children, two are D., of this sketch ; and John, who resides in Tiffin. The father of our subject was likewise a. native of Baden, where he was reared and educated and where he learned the trade of stone mason. He came to the United States with his family in. 1849, our subject being then a child of three years, and located in Tiffin, Ohio, where he continued to follow his trade until his death, in 186o, at the age of about thirty-four years. His widow subsequently became the wife of Mr. Myer, and they are still residents of Tiffin, no children having been born of their union. William D. Seemuth was reared and educated in Tiffin where he attended the public schools, early learning to lend his aid in the support of the family. At the age of nineteen years he began an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, and after serving nine months he enlisted, •in 1864, as a blacksmith in a regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Army of the Cumberland. He continued in the service for ten months, when the war closed, and he then returned to Tiffin, and thereafter continued to work at his trade, as a journeyman, for a number of years, turning his attention to any other honest work that offered when not able to find employment at the trade. In 1878, when the work of installing the system of water-warks in Tiffin was inaugurated he secured employment on the construction force, and after the system was completed he was sent to Towanda, Pennsylvania, and later to Oswego, New York, where he assisted in the construction of water-works for the same company which put in the plant at Tiffin. In November, 1879, he returned to his home city and was here given charge of the street work for the same company, and he rendered effective service in this .capacity for a period of ten years, at the expiration of which, in 1889, he was promoted to his present position as engineer of the works, this preferment being a fitting recognition of his capable and faithful service. He has so lived as to gain and retain the good will of all with whom he has been thrown in contact, and is one of the popular citizens - 8 - 122 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of the place where he has. made his home for the greater portion of his life. In politics he gives his support to the Democratic party, keeping well informed in regard to the questions and issues of the day. In 1866 Mr. Seemuth was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ruth, who 'was born in Hopewell township, this county, daughter of John Ruch, who emigrated to the county from Pennsylvania in the early pioneer days, becoming' one of the prominent farmers of the township mentioned. Mr. and Mfrs. Seemuth are devoted members of the Reformed church, and their two daughters married clergymen of that denomination,— Cora being the wife of Rev. W. H. Tusing, of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania; and Anna the wife of Rev. Clement Alsbaugh, of Akron, Ohio. HON. JOHN C. ROYER. Whatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it can not be denied that members of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs than any other class of the community. This is but the natural result of causes which are prima facie. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which t0uch the general interests of society. Among the able members of the bar of Seneca county is Hon. John C. Royer, who has been called upon to serve in offices of distinguished trust and responsibility and who is at the present time representing Seneca county in the senate of the state. He is a worthy representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the state and of the county in which he now lives, and of which he is a native son. Thus as a man, a lawyer and an official we may well find satisfaction in incorporating in this work a brief review of Senator Royer, junior member of .the law firm of Bunn & Royer, of Tiffin. The Senator was born on a farm in Thompson township, this county, on the 6th of May, 1856, being the son of Samuel Royer, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio. the son of John Rover, who was the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 123 original representative of the family in the Buckeye state. He was a native of Pennsylvania, where the original ancestors, presumed to be French Huguenots, had located in an early epoch. John Royer came from Pennsylvania to Wayne county, Ohio, in an early day, as is evident from the fact that he came from that county to Seneca county in 1829, taking up a tract of wild government land in Thompson township, where he reclaimed a good farm, and there passed the residue. of his life, dying at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. His son Samuel was but four years of age when the family came to Seneca county, and here he was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm, securing such advantages as were to be had in the schools of the early days and continuing to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits in this county until his death, at the age of fifty-nine years. He was a man of sterling integrity and commanded unqualified esteem in the county where practically his entire life was: passed, being a devoted member of the Reformed church and a man of able intellectual powers. He married Miss- Mary Ann Bunn, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1833, being brought by her parents to Seneca county when a child of three years. She now makes her home with her son, John C., to whom this article is devoted. She is a zealous and active member of the Reformed church and her life has been one of kindliness and unselfishness, while to her is accorded the deepest filial solicitude by her children, who are eight in number. Senator Royer passed his boyhood days on the old homestead farm in Thompson township, and he attended the district schools until he had attained the age of eighteen years, when he was matriculated in Heidelberg- College, at Tiffin, where he completed his literary course, being graduated as a member of the class of 1879. Thereafter he began the work of technically preparing himself for the practice of law, taking up his reading under effective preceptorship and being admitted to the bar of the state, by the supreme court, in 1881. He at once began the active practice of his profession in Tiffin, and such was his reinforcement through alert mental grasp and thorough preparation that his novitiate was reduced to the minimum. He entered into partnership with Judge 124 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. J. C. Rickenbaugh and later with Judge Frederick Bunn, his uncle, and his present coadjutor, under whose direction, he had prosecuted his studies. In November, 1887, Mr. Royer's active practice was interrupted by his election to the bench of the probate court of the county, and so capable and satisfactory was his administration that he was elected to succeed himself in 1890. After the expiration of his second term, in 1894, he again turned his attention to the active work of his profession, winning renewed and greater prestige and securing a representative clientage. He has been an active and enthusiastic supporter of the cause of the Democratic party, and has done much to forward the same in this section of the state. In 1883 he was elected mayor of Tiffin, and his administration of municipal affairs was discriminating, wisely economical and yet progressive and based upon thorough business principles. The estimate placed upon his efforts in this connection was indicated by his re-election in 1885. His election to the senate of the state, as a representative of his native county, occurred in 1899, and in the upper house of the legislative body his record was such as to be gratifying to his constituents and to confer credit upon him and his county. He was assigned to many important committees during the first session, and has shown himself to, be an active working member, doing all in his power to promote wise and effective legislation through the deliberative body of which he was thus made a member. He was chairman of the standing committee on sanitary laws and regulations, and a member of the judiciary committee and those on finance, corporation's other than municipal, public works and public lands, insurance, universities and colleges, manufactures and commerce, fees and salaries, state buildings, state library and revision and enrollment. Mr. Royer was renominated by his party on the 5th of June, 1901, and was re-elected in November, 1901, without opposition from any party. He is a. member of the following committees : Federal relations, fees and salaries, judiciary, library; insurance, public printing, railroads and telegraphs, privileges and elections, sanitary laws and regulation's, and revision of bills. He is one of twelve Democratic senators and was on the committee to place the members. The majority conceded eleven committee chair-