150 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. about the year 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel are the parents of ten children, namely: John, a farmer of Reed township ; Joseph, a resident of Tiffin; George and August, also farmers of Reed township; Catherine, the wife of Henry Roth, of this township; Frank, who is "Father Christian," C. P. P. S., a priest of the Catholic church and the professor of mathematics at St. Joseph's College at Rensselaer, Indiana ; Edward and Mary, who are at their parental home; Charles, a successful teacher ; and Rosa, who remains with her 'parents. JOHN P. BORK. The subject of this review is one who is to be individually considered as one of the representative citizens and successful farmers and stock-growers of Seneca county, and, in a more abstract sense, as a member of a family whose history has been honorably linked with this section of the Buckeye state for many decades. The fine farm property of our subject is located four miles southeast of the county seat, Tiffin, in Eden township, and with its admirable improvements and general air of thrift well deserves mention one of the model homesteads of the county. Mr. Bork was born in Bloom township, his county, on the 14th of October, 185o, and when he was ten years of age he accompanied his parents on their removal to another farm, in Seneca county, and there he grew to manhood, contributing his due quota to the work of the farm and receiving his early educational training in the public schools of the neighborhood, the same being very primitive as compared with those of the present day, but being of the sort from which have gone forth many of the representative men of our nation. He remained at the parental home until his marriage, at the age of twee- -six years, when he located on the farm where he now lives, the property having been at the time owned by his father. At the expiration of three years he purchased the farm, in which is comprised one hundred and nine CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 151 and one-half acres, while in addition to this he also owns another tract, of fifty-four acres, both being located in Eden township. He has made the best of permanent improvements on his homestead, including a commodious and attractive brick residence, which he erected in 1884, and a large brick barn, constructed in 1899. The land has been placed under a high state of cultivation and Mr. Bork also devotes special attention to the raising of high-grade cattle, principally of the short-horn type. He is held in the highest esteem as a progressive and liberal-minded citizen and as one of the successful farmers of he county. In politics, while never an aspirant for official preferment, Mr. Bork has given a stanch support to the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which. he was reared; he is a communicant in St. Joseph's church at Tiffin. On the 17th of April, 1877, Mr. Bork was united in marriage to Miss Emma Case, who is likewise a native of Seneca county, and they bEcame the parents of five children, of whom four are living,—Louisa, Frederick, Eugene and Austin. The other child, Melia, died at the age of six years. HORACE HUBER. Among those whose lives and labors have conferred honor and distinction on the history of Seneca county was the subject of this memoir, who was a man of inflexible integrity, high intellectuality and marked business acumen. He was one of the pioneer settlers in Clinton township, where he held prestige as a representative farmer and stock-grower until the time of his death, while he so ordered his life as to command at all times the confidence and good will of his fellow men. It is fitting that in a work of this nature a suitable tribute be paid to him as a man, a pioneer and a sterling citizen. Mr. Huber was a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born April 22, 1822, in Fairfield county, where he was reared. He received his early educational discipline in the public schools, thereafter corn- 152 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. pleted a college course at St. Clairsville, Belmont county, and finally gave his attention to the reading of law, being admitted to the bar of the state and entering upon the practice of his profession. He continued this a comparatively brief time, ill health compelling him to seek less sedentary occupation, and during the residue of his life he devoted his attention to the noble art of agriculture and to the raising of high-grade live stock. His mother died when he was a child and he was reared in the home of his aunt, Betsy Huber, who, having no children, afforded him every possible advantage. In consideration of her kindness to him, she, after becoming a widow, was afforded a permanent home by Mr. Huber, the latter years of her life thus being made pleasant by his devoted care and appreciation, her death occurring at his home about 1854. In his native county was solemnized Mr. Huber's marriage, and soon afterward, in 1847, he came to Seneca county and located on the farm where his widow and son now live. His wife's father, Valentine Reber, had taken up this land in an early day, securing the same from the government, and upon taking up his abode here our subject inaugurated the work of clearing and improving the homestead, developing the same into one of the finest farm properties in this section of the state, and here continuing to make his home until death set its seal upon his mortal lips. He passed away on the 19th of February, 1881, at the age of fifty-eight years. honored by all who knew him and revered as one of the founders and builders of the county. In his political adherency Mr. Huber was stanchly arrayed in support of the Republican party and its principles, but he never sought nor desired the honors of public offices, though his influence was invariably given to the support of all legitimate projects and undertakings for the public good. He was an active and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and one of the most influential of those identified with the church organization at Rock River. He was a man of broad human charity and tolerance, a student of the best literature and well informed in regard to the issues, questions and events of the day, while his calm and mature judgment caused his advice to be sought in both public and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 153 private affairs. He stood four square in all the relations of life and his death was deeply regretted by the community in which he had lived and labored to so goodly ends. On the 22d of October, 1846, Mr. Huber was united in marriage to Miss Mary Reber, who likewise was born in Fairfield county, near Lancaster, being the daughter of Valentine and Magdaline (Van Reid) Reber, both natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania, where they were reared and where their marriage was solemnized. Soon afterward they came to Ohio, and located on an improved tract of land near Lancaster, Fairfield county. Mr. Reber secured by government entry and by purchase a large area of land in Fairfield and Seneca counties, and of the places he thus retained in the latter his daughter and son-in-law became the eventual owners, the •greater portion of the properties being still held by Mrs. Huber and her sons. Mr. Reber was one of the extensive land-- holders of this section of the state, though always living in Fairfield. county, and was a prominent and influential citizen. He was one of those who served under General Crawford in the conflict with the Indians. in this locality, and it is a matter of history that the valiant colonel was burned at the stake by the crafty red men, in the adjoining county of Wvandot. From the time of her marriage Mrs. Huber has lived on the old homestead in Clinton township, and during the long intervening years she has taken a prominent part in the social life of the community and has endeared herself to all with whom she has come in contact, so that now, at the venerable age of eighty years, while many of the companions of the earlier days have been summoned to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns," she still finds herself surrounded' and cheered by a host of friends., retaining her mental and physical vigor in a marked degree. The old homestead comprises two hundred and' forty acres, beautifully situated on Rock creek, and equipped with the best of improvements, being one of the most valuable and attractive• places in the township. Of the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Huber one, Charles., died at the age of nine years; the others being John R., one of the successful farmers of this township; and 'Eugene B., who - 10 - 154 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. is unmarried and who has charge of the old homestead, being one of the popular and progressive citizens of the county. John R. Huber was born near Tiffin, and was married in 1876, to Salinda Kegerreis, of Pennsylvania birth. They have two children : Mary, the wife of J. R. McDonell, of Tiffin ; and Eva, who is a graduate of the Tiffin high school, and who remains at the parental home. JACOB HOUCK. For nearly a score of years the honored subject of this sketch has served consecutively in the office of justice of the peace, while he is known and esteemed as one of the successful farmers of his native county, being associated with his brother Isaac in the conducting of a fine landed estate of two hundred and forty acres, eligibly located in Reed township. Mr. Houck is one of the well known and popular citizens of Seneca county, and in all the relations of life he has been dominated by that inflexible integrity of purpose whose natural concomitant is objective confidence and esteem. His reputation as an effective auctioneer has brought his services into requisition in the most diverse sections of .the county, and through this means he has formed an exceptionally wide acquaintanceship, and it may be said, without fear of contradiction, that his friends are in number as his acquaintances. Mr. Houck is a native of Hopewell township, Seneca county, where he was born on the loth of May, 1854, a representative of two. of the sterling pioneer families of Seneca county. He is one of the nine children of Isaac and Mary (Heirholzer) Houck, and eight of the number are living, namely : Mary, the wife of Casper Zerolf, a resident of the state of Oregon ; Magdalene, the wife of Emmanuel Lonsway, of Loudon township, Seneca county ; Joseph, a resident of Clinton township; George, who resides in the city of San Francisco, California:, Jacob, the subject of this review ; Armenia, who is unmarried and who maintains her home in Sacramento, California; Peter, of Hopewell township; and Isaac, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 155 who is associated with our subject in business. Isaac Houck was a native of Germany, where he was born in the year 182o, being the son of Isaac Houck, Sr., who emigrated to America when his son and namesake was a lad of eleven years, entering a tract of land in Big Spring township, Seneca county, Ohio, where the family were numbered among the earliest settlers. Here the father of our subject was reared to maturity and here his marriage was solemnized, after which he settled on 'the old home farm, where he continued actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until about 1878, when he removed to Tiffin, where he passed the residue of his long and useful life, passing away on the 5th of August, 1893, in the fulness of years and well earned honors. He was an influential factor in the local councils and work of the Democratic party, but never sought the honors or emoluments of political office. He was a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, as was also his wife. She was likewise born in Germany, in 1821, and as a child accompanied her parents on their emigration to Seneca county, the family also becoming pioneer settlers of Big Spring township. She died in the year 1884, at the age of sixty-three years, having been a woman of noble and gentle character. Jacob Houck, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared under the sturdy discipline of the old homestead farm, and his educational advantages were such as were afforded by the common schools of the locality and period. In 1877 he went to Hancock county, where he cultivated one of his father's farms on shares. In 1882 he and his brother Isaac located on their present fine homestead, in Reed township, this likewise having been the property of their father, and they have continued to be associated' in their agricultural and stock-growing operations, which have been attended with gratifying success, their position being one of prominence in connection with this line of industry in this section of the state. In his political proclivities our subject has been a stalwart supporter of• the Democratic party and he has been one of the active and zealous advocates of its cause in his section of the county. In 1883 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and has served continuously ever since, giving a most able administration of the 156 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. affairs of the same, while his counsel and advice are held in high estimation in the community. In the spring of 1896 he was elected township clerk, and was in tenure of this office for two terms. In the spring of 1901 he was one of twelve whose names were considered in convention in connection with candidacy for the office of county commissioner, and notwithstanding the implied opposition in the convention he missed the nomination by but seven votes: In 1900 Mr. Houck was elected treasurer of the Seneca County Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and was incumbent of this office for two years, doing much to advance the interests of the organization. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, being a communicant of the church of Sts. Peter and Paul at Attica, and of which he has served as trustee ever since the erection of the church. He is one of the influential men of his township, and to him is accorded the fullest measure of confidence and esteem in the community. October 15, 1884, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Houck to Miss Carrie Walters, who was born near Bryan, Ohio; and of their six children all are living except Mary, the second born, who died at the age of six years. Those surviving are Alice, Walter, Anna, Clara and Ida. GEORGE W. CUNNINGHAM. In business, military, fraternal and political circles George W. Cunningham has gained honorable distinction, and well he may be numbered among the representative and influential citizens of Fostoria. He is to-day the honored and capable mayor of the city, elected to that position on the Republican ticket. That party is more than fortunate that has the loyal, unswerving support of intelligent men who are ever willing to largely devote the energies of their nature to the upholding of its principles and who assist in fostering its progress and promoting its welfare in the community which they honor with their presence, and the Republican ranks of Seneca county has a valued addition in George W. Cun- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 157 ningham, whose allegiance arises from firm faith in the party principles and unfaltering devotion to the nation's good, both of which he places before personal aggrandizement. Mr. Cunningham is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Allen county. After acquiring his preliminary education in the public schools he became a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, this state, and later he was matriculated in the National Normal School, at Ada, Ohio. For four years he engaged in teaching, and was recognized as a capable instructor. In 188o he came to Fostoria and has since been identified with its business interests, as proprietor of a drug store, which he has successfully conducted, enjoying an ever increasing patronage. He has a neat and attractive store, well equipped with a large line of drugs and other articles found in such an establishment, and his honorable business policy and earnest desire to please his patrons have brought to him a large business. September 15, 1887, Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage, in Fostoria, to Miss Mary Kenower, a daughter of J. L. Kenower, a pioneer resident and business man of this city, now deceased. Their union has been blessed with two sons—Harold and George. Both our subject and his wife have many warm friends here, and the hospitality of the best homes of Fostoria is extended to them. Mr. Cunningham takes a deep interest in military affairs, and in 1897 he became a member of Company D, Sixteenth Regiment of the Ohio National Guard, of which he was made a second lieutenant. When trouble arose with Spain and hostilities were inaugurated, on the 25th, of April, 1898, he went to Columbus, where with his regiment he was mustered into the United States service, on the 12th of May, as a member of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served as second lieutenant until the 1st of November, when he was made first lieutenant and was assigned to Company G, of the same regiment. The command proceeded to Chickamauga park, thence to Knoxville, Tennessee, and from there was ordered to Cuba, his regiment being the first of the American soldiers to land at Cienfuegos. After four months spent on the island, the regiment was ordered back to this country, and after thirteen months 158 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. in the service was mustered out, on the 24th of May, 1899, at Augusta, Georgia. Mr. Cunningham is also an active and prominent member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is, serving on the staff of Brigadier General Minshull, of Cleveland, with the rank of colonel. He is equally prominent as a Knight Templar, and in the commandery has served with the rank of generalissimo. From the time age gave to him the right of franchise Mr. Cunningham has been an earnest Republican and, having closely studied the issues and questions, of the day, he is able to support his position by intelligent effort and to so direct his political labors as to make him an active and valued factor in party ranks. He has served as a member of both the city and county committees and of the former has been chairman, in which capacity 'he controlled the campaign forces so as to bring desired results. From 1893 until 1897 he was a member of the city council and the last year served as its president. In April, 1901, he was elected mayor of Fostoria, and is now the chief executive of the city. His administration, business-like, practical and progressive, is giving excellent satisfaction to all fair-minded citizens and is furnishing additional proof of Mr. Cunningham's loyalty to good government and the welfare of his adopted home. His public career has ever been honorable and straightforward and in his life 'history there are no esoteric chapters, all being an open book. Much is worthy of emulation, all is above condemnation, and thus it is that George Cunningham command's and receives the respect and confidence of his fellow men. ALBERT HUGHES. Albert Hughes was born on the 3d of March, 1848, on the farm in Liberty township which is now his honk, and he represents one of those old families of Ohio that from pioneer days, in the development of this locality has been connected with' the promotion of interests leading to its substantial improvement. His father, Thomas Hughes, was born in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 159 Franklin county, Ohio, and in the year 1827 came to Seneca county, settling in Liberty township. Much of the land was still in possession of the government and in consequence was in its wild state, destitute of all improvement. Thomas Hughes entered one hundred and sixty acres and built thereon a substantial cabin of round logs. His farm was covered with a dense growth of timber, and soon the woodman's ax awakened the echoes of the forest as he cleared his land for purposes of cultivation. Upon his farm he continued to labor until his death. He met his death by accident, being killed by a train, near Fremont, in 1864, when sixty-three years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth McCracken, and they became the parents of ten children. David died in Williams county twenty-three years ago; Ephraim, who lived in Williams county, died February 7, 1902, just twenty-three years after David's death; Elihu is deceased; Harvey is also deceased; Gilbert resides in Indiana; Rena is. now living in Liberty township; Minerva has passed away; John is a resident of Seneca county ; Albert is the subject of this review ; and one died in infancy. The mother is still living at the old homestead and has attained the very advanced age of ninety-three years. In many respects the life of Albert Hughes has been a quiet and uneventful one, for he has always lived upon the home farm. When old enough to handle the plow he began to work in the fields and from that time to the present he has continued to devote his attention to the cultivation of the land. On attaining his majority he took charge of the old homestead, and now he owns the original tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which his father entered from the government and transformed from a densely timber region into fertile fields. In his farming operations he is progressive and practical. In his fields he produces the cereals best adapted to the climate, and in his pastures are found high grades of cattle, for he makes stock-raising an important branch of his business. On the 23d of February, 1876, Albert Hughes was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Good, a most estimable lady, and their union has been blessed with three children, Nora, Ada, and Bertie, all at home, the family circle yet remaining unbroken by the hand of death. In his polit- 160 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ical views Mr. Hughes is a Republican, supporting the men and measures of that party but never seeking office for himself. His time and attention are closely occupied by business affairs. He is a man of strong purpose and unfaltering industry, and by the capable management of his farm he has gained a comfortable competence. His friends—and they are many—know him to be a reliable and enterprising gentleman, faithful to his duties of citizenship and working in harmony with all progressive measures for the general good. H. BERNHARDT BERLEKEMP. The career of the subject of this review illustrates what is possible of accomplishment on the part of the honest and industrious young man who leaves his native land and identifies himself with the industrial activities of the great American republic. Mr. Berlekemp is a sterling representative of the German-American element in our national life, and is now one of the successful farmers and stock-growers of Seneca county, having come here without other reinforcement than a stout heart and willing hands and having attained a high measure of prosperity through his own efforts. Mr. Berlekemp is a native of Prussia, Germany, where he was born on the 12th of October, 1843, being one of the eight children of Henry and Mary Berlekemp, both of whom passed their entire lives in Prussia, where the father gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. The subject of this review was reared on the homestead farm and received a limited educational training in the schools of his native land. At the age of twenty-three, in accordance with the laws of the country, he entered the Prussian army, and his military service covered a period of three years, including the Austro-Prussian war. At the expiration of this time, in 1869, he severed the ties which bound him to home and native land, emigrating to America, where he felt superior opportunities were afforded for individual accomplishment. He came to the city of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 161 Cincinnati, where a sister was already living, and there he was employed in a brick-yard for one year, and then came to Seneca county, where the lady who later became his wife was living. He was employed at farm work in Pleasant township for Byron Rule, and there he remained two years. After his marriage he rented a farm in Pleasant township, starting married life with about two hundred dollars, and there continued operations for nine years. He then purchased eighty-five acres in Adams township, but disposed of that and in 1883 bought his present farm, where he has ever since maintained his home, the place being located in Pleasant township. His first purchase here comprised one hundred and eight acres, for which he paid nine thousand, four hundred and eighty dollars, assuming a debt of over six thousand dollars. In 1899 he bought an additional tract of one hundred and seven acres at fifty dollars per acre, so that he is now the owner of a fine estate of two hundred and fifteen acres, in two farms. He has made the best of improvements on his farm property, building a modern residence in 1893 and a fine barn in 1899. He has been very successful in his farming and stock-raising, his energy and industry being unflagging, while his efforts have been directed with signal ability and discrimination. In his political adherency Mr. Berlekemp is identified with the Republican party, and his religious faith is that of the German Reformed church, in which he has served as deacon for six years, being one of the influential members of the church at Fremont, of which Mrs. Berlekemp is also a devoted member. They are held in the highest esteem in the community and their pleasant home is one in which a genial hospitality is ever in evidence. On the 1st of February, 1871, Mr. Berlekemp was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Cook, who was born in Prussia, the daughter of Fred and Elizabeth Cook, and of their union eight children have been born, namely : Amelia, the wife of Lawrence Sheddenhelm, of Adams township; Louisa, the wife of Edel Farver, of Pleasant township; August, who died at the age of seventeen years; Jennie, the wife of, William A. Oiler, of Tiffin; and Frank W., Oscar, Charles and Robert, who remain at the parental home. In 187o Mrs. Berlekemp came to Ohio with her 162 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. parents, who located on a farm at Republic, where they both died, the father passing away in 1889, aged seventy years, and the mother in I884„ aged sixty-six. JACOB ZEIGLER. Few sections of Seneca county, Ohio, are more justly noted for fine. farms and for a high' class of citizenship, than is that part known as Bloom township, and one of the most prominent and substantial agricul turists of this locality is Jacob Zeigler, the owner of two hundred and seven acres of valuable land. Mr. Zeigler's farm is one of the most desirable in this township, and is well adapted to the purposes to which it is put, a general line of farming and the raising of stock, both branches-of his enterprise being carried on by Mr. Zeigler with complete success. Jacob Zeigler is not only a native son of the state, but he is also a native of Seneca county, having been born in Venice township, February 12, 1859. His ancestry is of German extraction, and his parents were Henry and Louise Zeigler, who removed to Eden township when he was five years of age. There their lives were spent, and there he grew up a farmer boy, and all his life has been identified with agricultural affairs. He obtained a good common-school education, assisting during his-youth in the farm work, and when his school days were concluded he took charge of the home farm, conducting it successfully until he was twenty-seven years old, leaving it at the time of his marriage, to settle-upon a farm of his own. September 24, 1885, Mr. Zeigler was married to Miss Hanny Brauser, who was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, OhiO,. being a daughter of Rudolph and Catherine Brauser. Mr. and Mrs. Zeigler have a family of seven children, namely : Alva George, Charles Adam, Hattie Catherine Louisa, Eddie J., Florence M., Mary E., and Wernie Joyce. After his marriage Mr. Zeigler moved to the farm which he has ever since occupied, and where he owns and operates two hundred and seven CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 163 acres, although he is a large landholder in Crawford county also, owning there a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located in Texas township. Mr. Zeigler is a man of progressive ideas and believes in the use of modern methods and machinery, and he has done much in the way of the introduction of such in this locality. His interests have been centered in agriculture for so many years that there are few details with which he is not thoroughly acquainted and he is justly regarded as one of the leading farmers of the township. He has been very successful also in the raising of stock, having very practical ideas on their scientific breeding as well as economic feeding, and his methods are regarded as most sensible and valuable, his success testifying to their practical importance. Mr. Zeigler has been a lifelong Democrat and has been an active and intelligent upholder of the principles of the Democratic party. He has been no office-seeker, but has taken an interest in good government and in the progress and advancement in his locality. He is a liberal supporter and a consistent member of the German Reformed church, in which he is highly valued. During a long and industrious career Mr. Zeigler has not only gained a strong position by the ability with which he has managed his business, but as a man of force of character, upright and honest in his dealings: with his fellow citizens, and as: a kind husband and devoted and careful father, he has gained the esteem of all who know him. WILLIAM H. PATTERSON. To go back in the history of the state of Ohio to the time of the founding of the Patterson family, would carry us to the early settlement of a great part of the state, to the beginnings of the vast canal system, and to a date when no railroads connected northern Ohio with sister states. Prior to 1829 the records tell of the location of members of this family in Seneca county, whither they came from Perry county, where Edward Patterson lived, and where his son, Daniel H. Patterson, was born, in 1818. The son accompanied his father to Seneca county, and 164 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the latter bought two hundred acres "of land in Scipio township. From this family of early settlers, descended William H. Patterson, who is one of the prominent citizens of Bloom township. Daniel H. Patterson, who was the father of our subject, lived in Scipio township until his marriage, moving then to Adams township, and finally locating in Bloom township, prior to the birth of his son, William H., of this sketch. He was united in marriage to Catherine Seitz, and they had a family of twelve children, five of whom are still surviving, namely: William H., who is our subject; James K., who resides in Sidney, Ohio; Martha, who is the wife of John K. Spitler, of Bloom township; Clara A., who is the wife of A. F. Spitler, of Mansfield, Ohio; and Ida J., who is the wife of Henry Spitler, of Melmore, Eden township. After his marriage Daniel. H. Patterson carried on farming in Adams township, where he became a well known man. From there he removed to Bloom township, and located on the farm where his son-in-law, J. K. Spitler, resides, and there his death occurred at the age of seventy-two years. His wife passed, a:way in 1861, and subsequently four of the children, Jasper, Lewis, Ellen and John, also were removed by death. William H. Patterson was born April 3, 1844, on the home farm, in Bloom township, Seneca county, and his boyhood and early youth were spent .amid rural surroundings. He took advantage of all educational opportunities offered and displayed such attainments that his parents willingly consented to his securing an academic course in Republic, and later he had higher educational advantages in the normal school at Lebanon. Mr. Patterson naturally adopted the profession of teaching after completing his course in the normal school, and followed this, with unusual success, for eight winters, being regarded as one of the most reliable educators in Seneca county. During all this time Mr. Patterson was associated with his respected father in business enterprises and in the management of the home farm, but he did not remove thither until 1894, since which time this has been his pleasant home. His property includes eighty acres of well cultivated CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 165 land, most desirably situated, and here Mr. Patterson has developed into a first-class farmer and intelligent and successful stock-raiser. In his methods he is energetic and progressive, and he worthily represents an old agricultural family. In 1891 Mr. Patterson was united in marriage to Miss Ida. Seiple,. who was born in Illinois, a daughter of B. F. and Maria (Spitler) Seiple. To this marriage was born one son, Jesse G., a bright and interesting child. Mrs. Patterson died October 9, 1896, having been a devoted wife and mother. Mr. Patterson is a man of intellect and has shown his interest in educational matters by long service on the school board. His views: on public questions are not in accord with either of the dominant parties, inclining in the direction of socialism. In private life he is devoted to the welfare of his family; his section of the county contains many of his warm personal friends; and the interests of his country are very dear to him. WILLIAM PALMER. The biographical history of Seneca county would be incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of Mr. Palmer, who has passed his entire life on the farm which is now his home. In his youth he was familiar with the scenes and incidents of pioneer life, his father having been one of the early settlers in the county, coming here at a time when the section was practically an unbroken forest, when Indians and wild animals were still plentiful and when the homes of the settlers were log cabins of ,the most primitive type. Reared thus on the frontier, as it was then called, our subject has borne his part in the work of development, as did his honored father, both having been factors in bringing about the transformation which has made this one of the leading counties in the state, with its highly cultivated farms, thriving towns and villages, its school-houses, churches and all other evidences that show the mark of progress and culture. William Palmer was born on his present homestead, in Eden town- 166 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ship, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 18th of September, 1846, and that the name has been identified with the annals of the Buckeye state from the earliest pioneer epoch is evident when we revert to the fact that Daniel Palmer, the father of our subject, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1804, only two years after its admission to statehood. He was reared in his native county and there learned the trade of carpenter and cabinet maker. In 1821 he came to Seneca county, as a youth of about eighteen years, in company with John Gibson, making the trip with a team of horses. He located in Eden township, where he remained until his marriage, when he established his home in the little hamlet of Melmore, where he continued to follow his trade for some time. He then purchased eighty acres of government land in Eden township, and on the same erected a log cabin of two rooms. He then set himself to the task of literally hewing out a farm from the forest wilderness, remaining on that place for a period of fifteen years and then purchasing the northeast 'quarter of section 31, the tract being covered with a dense growth of timber and being entirely without a clearing. He began the erection of a house of hewed logs, and while engaged in its erection walked back and forth from his home, six miles distant, each day until the work was completed and the house made ready for the occupancy of his family. He reclaimed a considerable portion of the farm as the years passed, and also aided materially in the construction of roads through the forests, and in the establishing of the primitive schools which are often referred to as "log-cabin colleges." He passed the residue of his long and honorable life on this farm, which is now the home of his son, and passed to his reward on the 13th of March, 1880, at the venerable age of seventy-six years. He was a Republican in his political adherency from the time of the organization of that party, and his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church. He was a man of unbending integrity and strong individuality, impressing a beneficent influence on the community in which he lived and labored to such goodly ends. He was united in marriage, in Eden township, to Miss Nancy Wagner, daughter of John Wagner, likewise a representative of one of Ohio's pioneer families, and of this union seven children were born, namely : John, de- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 167 ceased; Rachel; the widow of John Bare, of Wyandot county; George, deceased; Jane A., the widow of Jacob Heshberger, of Wyandot county; Amanda, a maiden lady, who is likewise a resident of that county; William, the subject of this sketch; and Ellen, deceased. The devoted mother of our subject attained extreme longevity and enjoyed excellent health until a short time before her death, being cared for with true filial solicitude by her children and passing away in 1897, at the venerable age of ninety-one years. William Palmer, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was reared on the old homestead, early beginning to contribute his quota to the work of reclaiming and cultivating the same and receiving his educational training in the common schools of the place and period. At the age of twenty-two years he assumed charge of the homestead, and after the death of his father he, as the only living son, purchased the interest of the other heirs, so that he is now the owner of the fine farm, which comprises the original quarter section, of which forty acres have been cleared under his direction, while the entire tract is now under most effective cultivation with the exception of twenty-five acres, which are still covered with the native trees. He has improved the farm with commodious and convenient buildings, his residence being modern in style and, equipment, and the entire farm presents a pleasing and attractive view. His 'efforts have resulted in the opening of the main road to Sycamore, adding materially to the convenience of the neighborhood. He has shown himself to be a capable and progressive farmer and discriminating business man, and in addition to his agricultural operations he has also been very successful in the raising of the best grade of live stock. His interest in all that concerns the progress and prosperity of his county is unabating, and those who have known him during his 'entire life are numbered among his cherished and. devoted friends, while he commands unequivocal esteem in the community at large. His political franchise is exercised in support of the principles and policies of the Republican party, of which he is a stanch supporter. On the 13th of April, 188o, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Palmer to Miss Jennie M. Cook,, the daughter of Solomon and Lida 168 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. (Lineberger) Cook, of Seneca county, and of their four children only one is living,—Leila, aged fourteen years. Frank died at the age of eight, Bert at the age of four and the other child in infancy. JOHN HOLTZ. One of the present trustees of Pleasant township is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is a scion of one of the pioneer families of the county and his present fine farmstead has been his home from' the time of his birth', so that there are many points which render peculiarly apropos a consideration' of his genealogy and personal career in connection with a publication of this order. He is one of the extensive and representative agriculturists of the county and one of its influential citizens, and the confidence and esteem in which he is held in his native township is clearly manifested in his tenure of the responsible office of which he is at present incumbent. On the old homestead farm where he now lives Mr. Holtz was born, the date of his nativity being February 15, 185o. Here he grew to maturity, early beginning to contribute his quota toward the cultivation and improvement of the homestead and securing his educational discipline in the public schools. His parents were Jacob and Susan Holtz, both natives of Frederick county, Maryland, whence they came to Seneca county in an early day and here passed the residue of their lives, the father passing away in 1889 and the mother in 1896. They were folk of sterling character and all who knew them accorded them a full measure of esteem. Our subject is one of three children, of whom two are living at the present time. He was associated with his father in the improving and operating of the homestead until the death of the latter, since which time he has' individually carried forward' the work, having now a fine landed estate of three hundred and eighty acres, improved with modern buildings and' under a high state of cultivation. The farmstead is given over to diversified agriculture and to the raising of high-grade stock, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 169 and Mr. Holtz is. known as one of the most progressive and successful farmers of this section of the state, while the regard in which he is held in the community would seem to set at naught the old scriptural adage that a "prophet is not without honor save in his own country." In politics Mr. Holtz accords an unequivocal allegiance to the Republican party,. and he has maintained a constant and lively interest in local affairs of a public nature, doing all in his power to conserve the material prosperity and general welfare of his township and county. In 1901 he was elected. to his present office, and in this capacity he is giving signal and effective service. Mr. Holtz is one of the leading members of the Masonic fraternity in the county, and has advanced to the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite in this noble and time-honored organization. His' affiliations. are with Green Spring Lodge, No. 427; Tiffin Chapter, R. A. M.; De Molay Commandery, No. 9, at Tiffin, while in the Scottish rite he is a member of Cincinnati Consistory, S. P. R. S., at Cincinnati. On the 26th of September, 1883, Mr. Holtz was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Corthell, who was born in Clinton township, the daughter of George and Susan Corthell, and of this union one child has been born, Fannie, who is now a student in Heidelberg College at Tiffin. Mrs. Holtz died May 18, 1889, of consumption. The family has taken a prominent part in the social life of the community, and the attractive. home is a center of refined hospitality. LEROY J. MICHAELS. In connection with this work, touching upon the life histories of those who have figured as the founders and builders of this. favored section of the Buckeye state, there is definite interest attaching to the career of Mr. Michaels, who stands as a representative of two of the early pioneer families of Seneca county, who is himself one of the prominent and influential citizens of the county and whose is the distinction., of being a veteran of the war of the Rebellion. - 11 - 170 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Mr. Michaels is a native son of Seneca county, having been born in Liberty township, on the 4th of September, 1845, the son of John and Eliza (Abbott) Michaels, of whose ten children only three are now living, namely: Elmina, the wife of John W. Baker, of Clinton township, .Seneca county, Ohio; Leroy J., the subject of this sketch; and Annie E., the wife of E. T. Olmstead, of Clinton township. Of the other three of the six children who lived to maturity we enter the following brief record: Jane F., who became the wife of David Rosenberger, died at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving three children: Jennie, the wife of Edward Heilman; Eli; and Mary Esther, the wife of David Zimmer-:man. George F., who was a farmer in Clinton township, removed to Vandalia, Illinois, about four years. ago, and there his death occurred on the 19th of February, 1902, at the age of sixty-eight years, his children being as follows : Eva, the widow of Adolphus Blue; Florence, the wife of Eli Rosenberger; Oriette, the wife of Frank Rosenberger ; William and Burton, who reside in Seneca county; and Arthur, a resident of Washington. Saraphina became the wife of Henry Houser and she died in 1869, at the age of thirty-three years, being survived by her daughter, Miss Minnie Houser. John Michaels was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of January, 1804, and when he was about fifteen years of age his parents, Philip Michaels and wife, removed to Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, where they passed the remainder of their lives, being numbered among the early pioneers of the state. Their son John grew to maturity in, Fairfield county, whence, about 1826, he removed to Seneca county, settling in Liberty township, where he purchased a quarter section of government land, at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, this being the place now owned by Philip Stuckey. When he established his home here his place was covered with a heavy growth of oak and walnut, and he made a clearing in the forest and there erected a good house of hewed logs, after which he gave his attention to the reclaiming of the land and placing it under cultivation. He there remained until T856. when he removed to the farm now owned by his son, the subject of this review. At the time of his death he was the owner of eight farms CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 171 in the county, having six hundred and forty acres in Liberty township and five hundred and thirty acres in Clinton township, making him the most extensive owner of improved lands in the county. He attained marked success through his agricultural operations, his stock-raising and landed investments, and was known as one of the progressive and influential men of the county, ever commanding unequivocal confidence and esteem, by reason of his unswerving integrity in all the relations of life. In his early life he was a stalwart Jacksonian Democrat, later gave his support to the Whig party, still later became identified with the Know Nothing organization, while upon the formation of the Republican party he transferred his allegiance to the same and thereafter continued a stanch supporter of its principles and policies, deeming that they were most nearly in accord with the old Jacksonian ideas. Though he wielded marked influence in public affairs of a local nature he invariably refused to accept nomination for political office. He always had a deep appreciation of the elemental truths and teachings of the Christian religion, but he did not identify himself with any religious body until late in life, when he became a member of the Methodist Protestant church, of which his wife had long been a member. His death occurred on the 4th of October, 1884, at which time he had attained the venerable age of eighty years. His wife, Eliza Abbott, to whom he was married December 25, 1831, was a native of Massachusetts, where she was, born in the year 1809, being the daughter of Moses and Eliza (Snow) Abbott, who came to Seneca county about 1826 and settled in Clinton township, on the farm now owned by Henry Best. She died June 23, 1882, aged seventy-three years. Leroy J. Michaels, was reared to the discipline of the farm and acquired his early educational training in the public schools, after which he continued his studies for a time in Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, and supplemented this by a course in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware. It had been his intention to prepare himself for the profession of civil engineer, but as he was the only son remaining at the parental home, his father persuaded him to abandon his plans and continue in the vocation of a farmer. Such has been his success in this line, and such 172 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the independence maintained in the great basic art of agriculture, that he has never had occasion to regret the change made in harmony with his father's admonition. On the 22d of May, 1864, Mr. Michaels enlisted as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and he served one hundred days, doing guard duty in the defenses around Washington, and being mustered out on the 27th of August of the same year, when he received his honorable discharge. He then returned to his home, and was here associated with his father in fanning enterprises until his marriage, in 1867, when he located on the farm now owned by Jacob Hunker, the place having at that time been the property of his father. Here he continued his farming operations, renting the: land until 1881, when he removed to the farm now owned by Jacob Zeis, the same having likewise been a portion of his father's estate. This place continued to be his home until after the death of his father, when the estate was settled; and our subject, by the payment of the amount of valuation above his share of the inheritance, secured the old homestead farm of one hundred and forty acres, which is one of the most valuable in the county. having the best of improvements and being under most effective cultivation. The fine barn on the place is one of the best in this section of the state, being -constructed of brick, with the main portion forty by eighty feet in dimensions and with a wing thirty-five by eighty feet. This building was erected in 1876, by our subject's father, while he himself, in 1887, erected the handsome and commodious brick residence which adorns the fine farm. For eight years, in the '8os, Mr. Michaels successfully operated a stone quarry, and since 1892 he has conducted a very successful dairy business known as the Willow Spring Dairy ; in connection with his farming and stock-raising. In 1892 an oil well was sunk on his farm, and the same has produced more oil than any other in this field. In his political allegiance Mr. Michaels is stanchly arrayed in support of the Republican party, but, like his father, has never sought the honors or emoluments of public office. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Protestant church, of which his wife also is a CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 173 member, and fraternally he is identified with General W. H. Gibson Post, of the Grand Army of the Republic, at Tiffin. He is one of the influential men of his community, and in his native county he retains the unreserved confidence and esteem of the people, being a worthy representative of early pioneer families of this section. On the 8th of October, 1867, Mr. Michaels was united in marriage to Miss Mary I. Baker, who was born in Clinton township, this county, the daughter of William and Margaret Baker, who came to the county about the same time as did the father of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Michaels became the parents of seven children, all of whom are living except Bessie, who died in childhood. The others are Ola B., Courtland L., William H., Margaret E., John, and Corinne D., all of whom remain at the parental home with the exception of Courtland, who is employed by the Sun Oil Company, in Tiffin. PHILIP H. CULLER. Philip H. Culler, new deceased, was for a number of years actively associated with farming interests in Seneca county. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1820, and was a son of Jacob Culler, who removed with his family to Ohio in 1825, taking up his abode in Richland county. There he purchased and developed a farm, on which he reared his family. Philip Culler was one of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters. He spent his boyhood and youth upon the old home place, in Richland county, and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On the 1st of July, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Koller, a native of York comity, Pennsylvania, born in 1825. They resided in Richland county until 1856, and on the expiration of that decade came to Seneca county, settling upon the farm which is still the home of Mrs. Culler. A tract of land of ninety acres was first purchased, and later the boundaries of the 174 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. farm were extended by the additional purchase of eighty acres. Throughout his entire life Mr. Culler was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and his labors brought to him a comfortable living. Mr. and Mrs. Culler had no children of their own, but out of the kindness of their hearts, reared three, giving homes and loving care to them. For many years Mr. Culler held membership in the Lutheran church, and he died in that faith on the loth of May, 1894, respected by all who knew him. His wife is a member of the same church. Since her husbands death she has continued to live upon the farm and superintend the property. An estimable lady, her friends are many and well does she deserve mention in the history of this locality. ABRAHAM RINEBOLD. Through a long period the name of Rinebold has been prominently connected with the history of Seneca county. It is an untarnished name and one that is familiar to the people of this section of the state by reason of the honorable and useful lives of those who have borne it. Abraham Rinebold, of this review, is a gentleman whose history forms a connecting link between the pioneer past and modern present. He saw the country in the days when it seemed almost on the borders of civilization, its land wild and uncultivated, its forests standing in their primeval strength, its log-cabin homes widely scattered, and its evidences of development few. In the work of progress and development that has since wrought marvelous changes he has borne his part, and to-day ranks among those substantial and valued citizens of the community who laid broad and deep the foundation of the present prosperity of the country. Mr. Rinebold is a native of Perry „county, Ohio, where he was born on the 13th of October, 1822, being a son of John and Catherine (Weininger) Rinebold. The father claimed Pennsylvania as the state of his nativity, and there he was born in January,. 1797. When he was but three years of age his father, Matthias Rinebold, also a native of the