250 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. farmers of the township, while he has retained the confidence and good will of the people of the community, being kindly and charitable in nature and ever regarding the wishes and rights of others, as is evidenced in the fact that he has never been a party to a lawsuit during his entire life. His political support is given to the Republican party. On the 7th of May, 1846, Mr. Sherman was united in marriage to Miss Leah Stalter, and their two living children are Hiram J. and Mary E. Hiram J. Sherman operates one of the farms. He married Miss Frances Jane Culver and they have two children,—Myron A. and L. Katie. Mary E. Sherman began to teach at the age of seventeen years, and taught in the schools of Seneca and Wyandot counties for twenty terms. Both she and her brother were educated in Heidelberg University. Two children are deceased,—one in infancy, and William H., who died of typhoid fever at the age of thirty years. HENRY KIRGIS. One of the leading citizens and substantial and representative farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, is Henry Kirgis, a large landholder who has been identified with the interests of Bloom township since 1872. On the paternal side Mr. Kirgis is connected with a long line of German forefathers, his father, Jacob Kirgis, having been born in Wurtemberg, Germany, coming to the United States with his father, Jacob Kirgis, in 1834. The latter settled in Seneca county, Ohio, and here bought large tracts of land, in Seneca township, the old farm now being the property of Lewis Kingseed. Jacob Kirgis was married, in this latter township, to Mary Schaffer, who was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, her parents also being pioneers in Seneca county. A family of six children was born to Jacob and Mary Kirgis, namely : Henry, who is the subject of this biography ; Elizabeth, who married John Sponsaller and lives at New Washington ; Julia, who. married Mathias Bippees, of Toledo, Ohio; William, who lives in Lukens township, Crawford county ; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 251 Daniel, who also lives in Crawford county ; and Caroline, who married Lewis Buck, of Bucyrus, Ohio. In 1834 Mr. Kirgis also entered: a tract of government land in Wyandot county, but he never resided upon it. After his marriage Jacob Kirgis removed to the farm on which our subject was born, erecting there a comfortable log cabin. Although containing but one room, its construction made it warm and perfectly adapted to the needs of the occupants. Here he reared his family and engaged in the clearing of the surrounding land, continuing to improve it until 1848, when he moved to Lykens township, Crawford county. Here Mr. Kirgis bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, cleared and improved this property also, and continued residence upon it until 1866, when he returned to his former farm. His death occurred in New Washington, in 1875, at the age of seventy-eight years, his widow surviving him two years. Both parents of our subject were worthy and consistent members of the Lutheran church, and they had lived lives of industry and honor, and had accumulated a competency. Henry Kirgis was the eldest child of his parents, and he was born in Seneca township, Seneca county, January 16, 1840. He had attained his seventh year when his parents moved to Crawford county, and there he grew to manhood, having been educated in the common schools. In February, 1862, he was married to a most estimable young lady of Crawford county, Miss Mary Shellhorn, and to this union four children were born, namely : William, who is a resident of Scipio township, Seneca county ; Mattie, who married Samuel Haines, of Bloom township; Ann M., who married George Claire, a banker in Sycamore. Ohio; and Henry M., who is a resident of Venice township. Soon after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kirgis came to Bloom township, where the former purchased one hundred and fifty-six acres of land, and they lived on that farm for six years, then disposing of the property and buying another tract of eighty acres. In 1872 Mr. Kirgis removed his family to the farm where he now resides, making a first purchase of two hundred and forty acres of land, and now owning here three hundred and eighty acres. Thus. he has a home farm of large extent, and this, under the excellent methods pursued by the owner, has become one of the most 252 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. productive in this township. In addition to this valuable property Mr. Kirgis is also the owner of a farm of eighty acres and another tract of one hundred and forty-nine acres, in Scipio township, while this does not include two hundred acres which he has generously given to his children. Mr. Kirgis has used good judgment in his investments in real estate, and his ample fortune has been accumulated by thoroughly honorable and legitimate. means. In connection with general farming and stock raising, he has dealt in wool f0r the past fifteen years. In his political views our subject has always been devoted to the principles of the Democratic party, but he has been personally a much esteemed citizen aside from politics, and he was continued in the office of township trustee for a period of eleven years. He is regarded as a liberal, public-spirited citizen, living up to the demands of the day and taking a deep interest in his section. Both he and his wife are among the leading members of the Lutheran church, to which Mr. Kirgis has long been a liberal contributor and of which he has served as trustee for several years. PAUL W. ZUTAVERN. One of the leading farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, is Paul W. Zutavern, who was born. in Bloom township, this county, June 0, 1859, being a grandson of Conrad Zutavern and a son of Henry and Margaret (Geiger) Zutavern, who had a family of eleven children,—three sous and eight daughters,—of whom seven survive. Henry Zutavern was a son of Conrad Zutavern, and both were born in Baden, Germany. Conrad Zutavern brought his family to America and' settled in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and later his son Henry came to Seneca county and here entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land, while still later he entered six hundred acres in the state of Michigan. At one time he thus owned large tracts of land, some of which he improved, and some of which he sold. Henry Zutavern died in 1874, at the age of sixty-five years, after an industrious and worthy CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 253 life. His estimable wife survived until 1879, her death occurring at the age of sixty-seven. Both parents had been consistent and valued members of the German Reformed church. The early rearing of our subject was on his father's farm, where he assisted in the work of improvement and cultivation, while be attended the district schools. At the age of nineteen years there devolved upon him the duty of taking charge of his father's estate, and he successfully carried on operations there until 1881, managing the farm with economy and ability, gaining in the meantime an experience which he has put to good use in the conduct of his own agricultural enterprise. Mr. Zutavern comes of a long line of farming people and there are few details of this industry which he does not fully understand. Being a man of progressive ideas and intelligent comprehension, he makes use of modern machinery, understands drainage and succession of crops, displaying in every branch of his business the interest and knowledge which have enabled him to take the leading position he does among Seneca county farmers. The improvements which Mr. Zutavern has made on his property are substantial and permanent, his commodious barn, which is ninety-eight by forty feet in dimensions, having been erected in 1897. All of his other buildings are in proportion, and there are few farms in this township which are so desirable in every way. Our subject has here a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of arable land, well adapted to the production of all grains and vegetable growths, and equally well suited for stock-raising, the latter being an important feature in Mr. Zutavern's operations. The marriage of Mr. Zutavern was solemnized on November 5. 1881, when Miss Alvada Spaulding became his wife. She was born in Bloom township, the daughter of Samuel D. and Mary (Trail) Spaulding. Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Harry B., Rollo H. and Ethel B., all of whom have been given excellent. educational opportunities. Mr. Zutavern has been devoted to the principles of the Republican pai ty all his life, and has exerted considerable influence in party ranks in this township. He has served in local offices, and is at present, and 254 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. has been for the past three years, one of the valued trustees of Bloom township, having recently been elected for a second term. He is a man of upright life and character, holding the esteem of all his neighbors and having a wide circle of friends. Both he and his estimable wife and family belong to the Bloomville Reformed church and are prominent in the good work it carries on. For several years he has served as deacon of the church, and he was a member of the building committee under whose direction was recently completed the erection of the present church edifice, at a cost of eleven thousand dollars. Mr. Zutavern belongs to that class of men whose word is as good as their bond. He is highly esteemed in public life and much beloved in his family, where he is a kind and careful father and husband, devoted to the welfare of those dependent upon him. ISAAC B. STINEBAUGH. One of the substantial and representative men of Seneca county, Ohio, is Isaac B. Stinebaugh, who is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Bloom township, where he owns and operates a large and valuable farm. For many years he has been identified with the industrial development and public life of this section, and is widely and favorably known. Mr. Stinebaugh is a native of the Buckeye state, his birth having taken place on the site of the present thriving town of Republic, November 14, 1829. He was the only child of Adam and Susannah (Bowser) Stinebaugh, and was born on his honored mother's nineteenth birthday. His. father, Adam) Stinebaugh, was born February 20, 1799, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in which state the family has many representatives. Adam had married early in the spring of 1829 and in the fall of that year, with his father-in-law, John. Bowser, drove from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and in Seneca county he purchased a farm of sixty acres, on which stood a log cabin, this occupying the only spot which had been cleared by the previous owner. Here Mr. and Mrs. Stinebaugh CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 255 settled and here our subject was born. After seven years of hard work on this place, Mr. Stinebaugh sold it advantageously, the Miami River and Lake Erie railroad having been built through it. He then purchased eighty acres of the farm which is now owned by his son. Here Mr. Stinebaugh continued to live until his death, which occurred in 1885. He was a man of great industry and was a very prominent worker in the Bloom and Scipio Freewill Baptist church. The death of his wife occurred in 1856. She was born in Washington county, Maryland. Isaac B. Stinebaugh, of this sketch, grew, up on the farm and was given as good educational opportunities as the local schools afforded, finishing his studies in the Republic Academy. Before he was seventeen years old he became a. teacher, and filled that position very satisfactorily for two winters., but then he returned home to take charge of the farm. Being the only son, his services were needed by his father. Mr. Stinebaugh was married on July 3, 1856, to Miss Nancy Long, who was a native of Scipio township, this county, being the estimable daughter of Michael and Hepzibah (Famuliner) Long. To this union was born a family of six children, all of whom still survive with one exception, namely, Susan B., who was the wife of Everett Cooley, and who died in 1886, aged twenty-nine years. The others are as follows : Isaac L., a graduate in civil engineering, at the Ohio State .University, is now following his. profession as a civil engineer; Sceva is the wife of Dr. A. F. Walker, of Sycamore, Ohio; Maggie J. is the wife of Hannibal L. Keller, of Clinton township, this county; Charles. E., a well known educator and a graduate of the Ada Normal School, is. principal of a school in Rising Sun, Ohio; and Lilly D. is the wife of Nathaniel Loose, of Detroit, Michigan. In his children, Mr. Stinebaugh has been peculiarly fortunate, all of them developing into respected members of society. Mr. Stinebaugh owns two hundred and forty acres of well improved land in Bloom township and is one of its leading agriculturists. His home is one of comfort and plenty, and although time has touched him and silvered his hair, it has done it gently and he is still quite capable of carrying on his. business affairs and taking his part in matters of public interest. He is a man of enlightened and progressive ideas, and 256 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. for thirty-five years has been one of the directors of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and for fourteen years was township trustee. In political life Mr. Stinebaugh has always testified to his adherence to the Republican party by ardently supporting its men and measures, being one of the intelligent citizens of this community, and one who has always kept in touch with the trend of public life. For almost a lifetime he has been actively connected with the Baptist church, in which he was reared by a careful father and mother, and for thirty-three years he was its quarterly clerk, and one of its trustees. In every relation of life Mr. Stinebaugh has lived up to' high ideals, and he is one of the most respected men of this township, honored for his public spirit and integrity of character. SAMUEL B. SNEATH. The honored subject of this. sketch bears a name which has been intimately identified with the annals of the city of Tiffin and of Seneca county since the early pioneer epoch. His father was one of the first to engage in mercantile pursuits in the little town which has developed into a prosperous and attractive city, and was otherwise concerned in the industrial progress of this section of the state; while our subject himself is a native son of the county, has here passed his entire life and has contributed' to its material progress and prosperity to an extent equaled by but few, if any, of his contemporaries. He has been an important factor in its commercial, public and industrial affairs for a long term of years and thus has done much to advance the general welfare. Few lives furnish a more striking example of the wise application of sound principles and safe conservatism than does his. The story of Mr. Sneath's success is short and simple, containing no exciting chapters, but in it lies one of the valuable secrets of the marked prosperity which it records, and his private and business life are pregnant with interest and incentive, no matter how lacking in dramatic action, for in the connection: we find the record' of an honorable and CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 257 useful life, consistent with itself and its possibilities in every particular. His interests are of diversified and important nature, his attitude has ever been essentially public-spirited, and it may safely be said that no man in the county has done more to forward the march of improvement and material progress in this section than has this sterling pioneer and honored business man. Samuel B. Sneath is a native of the city in which he now maintains his home and in which he holds prestige as president of the Commercial Bank and as the leading business man, his birth having taken place in the family homestead, on Washington street, opposite the site of the present court house, while the date of his nativity was December 19, 1828. His father, Richard Sneath, of Scottish lineage, was born in the state of Delaware, where the family had been found in the colonial epoch of our national history, and there he was reared and educated, finally removing to Maryland, where his marriage to Miss Catherine Baugher, a native of Frederick county, that state, was solemnized. In 1826 he came with his family from Maryland to Seneca county, Ohio, locating in Tiffin, where he engaged in the mercantile business and also in manufacturing, continuing to be identified with these lines of enterprise until his death, in 1842, at the age of fifty-six years. He was numbered among the first merchants in the pioneer town and was an energetic and able business man; though he met with financial reverses shortly before his death. His political support was given to the Whig party, but he was not actively concerned in public affairs of a political nature. His wife survived him, her demise occurring in Tiffin, at the age of about sixty-eight years. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They became the parents of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity, and of whom four survive at the present time, the subject of this sketch having been the sixth in order of birth. Samuel B. Sneath was about thirteen years of age at the time of his father's death, and he continued to attend the public schools of Tiffin till the age of fifteen, when he began his practical career by securing work in the fanning-mill manufactory which had been established by 258 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his father; while shortly afterward he became a clerk in a local dry-goods establishment, where he remained about three years. In 1853 he entered into partnership with Jesse Shriver, under the firm name of Shriver & Sneath, and engaged in the dry-goods and clothing busi- ness in his native town. At the expiration of about eight years Mr. Sneath disposed of his interests in this enterprise and turned his attention to the produce business, in which he continued for the long period of thirty years, within which time he had expanded the scope of his enterprise by engaging in the grain business upon an extensive scale. He purchased an elevator in Tiffin and also became a stockholder and director of the National Exchange Bank (now the Tiffin National Bank), in whose organization he was prominently concerned. In the Centennial year, 1876, Mr. Sneath effected the organization of the Commercial Bank, of which he acted as cashier for a time, finally becoming president of this important financial institution and having held this chief executive office for the past decade. About 1890, his other interests placing imperative demands upon his time and attention, he turned over his produce and grain business to his son, who then entered into partnership with A. A. Cunningham, as will be noted in the appended sketch of Ralph D. Sneath. The magnitude and importance of the enterprises and undertakings which have felt the governing hand of Mr. Sneath can not be lightly estimated in any work which has to do with the development and progress of this favored section of the Buckeye state. In 1897 he inaugurated the construction of the Tiffin, Fostoria & Eastern Electric Railway, the line of fourteen miles between Tiffin and Fostoria being completed in 1899, together with an operating plant of the best modern order. The cost of this enterprise was very large, demanding a preliminary investment which would have thwarted the designs of one less confident of ultimate results and of his own powers of accomplishment than is Mr. Sneath, the road being now in full operation and upon a paying basis, while its value to the localities touched can not be overestimated. Mr. Sneath is also the largest individual stockholder in the National Machinery Company, in Tiffin, owning one-third of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 259 the capital stock, which is placed at three hundred thousand dollars. He placed the enterprise on its feet, through his far-sighted and progressive policy, and it may well be said that his interposition in any undertaking is practically a voucher for its success. He is the owner of a half interest in the business of the firm of Sneath & Baker, conducting the most extensive carpet house furnishing establishment in the county, and he also owns what is known as the "Green Line" city railway in Tiffin, while he also figures as an extensive land-holder, having three fine farm properties in the county, in addition to valuable real estate in his home city. Mr. Sneath has been identified with every public enterprise in Tiffin, having been one of the committee of three to which was. assigned the task of securing the right of way and the putting through of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in this section, and he has been known for years as the leading business man and one of the prominent capitalists of Tiffin, his success having been attained by worthy and legitimate means and through his own efforts, so that to him has always been accorded the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem, the citizens of the county being appreciative of the value of his influence and co-operation in connection with any project or undertaking conserving the general welfare. In politics Mr. Sneath has given a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, but he is essentially a business man and has invariably refused to accept public office. Though he has now passed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, this honored pioneer retains the vigor of a man of fifty, being alert a.nd active and giving his personal supervision to his varied financial and industrial interests. He has passed his entire life in Tiffin, having witnessed its growth from a mere hamlet in the forest to its present position as a modern and thriving city, and in all these years he has maintained a secure hold on the respect and good will of the people of the community. Mr. Sneath was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Davis, who was born in Tiffin, being the daughter of Levi Davis, one of the pioneer settlers of the town. 'Mrs. Sneath was summoned into eternal rest some twelve years. later, leaving two children, Fanny S., the wife of C. 260 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. F. M. Niles, of Toledo; and Ralph D., to whom specific reference is made in the appended paragraphs. Mr. Sneath consummated a second marriage,. Miss Laura A. Stephenson becoming his wife. She was born in Findlay, Ohio, the daughter of William Stephenson, and she now presides with gracious dignity over the beautiful home, which is the center of refined hospitality. She is a member of the Presbyterian church and is prominent in the social life of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Sneath have had two children,—Marian Lee, who is attending school; and Richard W., who died at the age of seven. RALPH D. SNEATH. As may be seen from the foregoing sketch, the subject of this review is of the third generation of his family in Seneca county, and like his honored father is a native son of the city of Tiffin. Mr. Sneath is known as a young man of distinctive business acumen and sterling character, and he is a worthy representative of the honored name which he bears. He is the senior member of the well-known firm of Sneath & Cunningham, grain dealers and general commission merchants, with headquarters at Tiffin, and through his energy and progressive methods, with the able co-operation of his associate, the enterprise has been made one of wide scope and importance, having unmistakable influence on the industrial activities of this section of the state. An epitome of the career of Mr. Sneath is certainly apropos in this work. Ralph Davis Sneath was born in Tiffin, on the 31st of October, 1863, being the son of Samuel B. Sneath, of whom individual mention is made in the preceding review. Our subject secured his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools of Tiffin and supplemented the same by attending Oberlin College for one year. When about nineteen years of age he was given a clerkship in the Commercial Bank, of which his father is president, and in this institution he gained that intimate knowledge of business methods whi260has been of such signal value to- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 261 him in his later associations. He continued to be employed in the bank about four years and then became associated with his father in the grain and commission business. After three years he conducted operations on his own responsibility and thus continued until 1900, when he entered into the present partnership association with Arthur A. Cunningham, and since that time the business has been conducted under the firm name of Sneath & Cunningham, while the scope of operation is indicated in the fact that they now operate twenty-one elevators, located in Seneca and the adjoining six counties. Sneath & Cunningham are recognized as the most extensive grain dealers in Seneca county and their business is one whose value to the community is unmistakable, touching, as it does, the great productive activities of one of the best agricultural districts of the state. In politics Mr. Sneath is a stalwart Republican, though he is like his father, in never having sought or desired the honors or emoluments of public office. On the 14th of July, 1886, Mr. Sneath was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Hurst Moore, who was born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Rev. R. B. Moore, now a prominent citizen of Vineland, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Sneath are the parents of two children,—Samuel, aged fourteen years (1902). and Emma Louise, aged ten. JOHN R. HOLMES. No citizen of Eden township, Seneca county, is more widely known or highly esteemed than John R. Holmes. Of a sterling pioneer family, he and his ancestors have been prominent in the development, organization and maintenance of this. county, always being safely counted upon to endorse and support to the extent of their ability every good work, movement and enterprise. Mr. Holmes. was born in Eden township, July 27, 1837, a son of David and Maria (Downs) Holmes. The father was born in Holmesville, New York, but in 1825 he came from the Empire state to Ohio, and 262 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. for a time thereafter made his home with his brother-in-law, J. Sherman, in Eden township. He was a blacksmith by trade, and for several years he followed his trade at Melmore, while for a time he was also engaged in the operation of a threshing machine. His father, Jedediah Holmes, who was the founder and, laid out the town of Holmesville, New York, subsequently joined him in the Buckeye state. After coming to this state he located in Eden township, and died here, aged seventy-seven years. In 1859 David Holmes joined the great army of gold-seekers who were making their way to, the Pacific coast, and he made the journey to the Golden state with an ox team, and on his arrival there he located at Marysville, where he purchased cattle and drove them to the mines. After a residence of two, years on the Pacific slope he again returned to his home in this state, locating on the farm which our subject now owns, but about 1879 he put aside the cares of a business life and from that time until his death, which occurred January 4, 1891, he lived in quiet retirement at Mermore. His wife passed away in death February 10, 1882. They became the parents of three sons,—Jeremiah, who was. born in 1833, and died at the age of twenty-two years; John R., of this review; and James W., who, is a practicing physician of Tiffin., Ohio. John R. Holmes has spent his entire life in this locality and to its public school system he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth. At the age of twenty-two years he began the active duties of life on his own account, and as a life occupation he chose that to which he had been reared, namely, farming, to which he has devoted the best efforts of his life. With the exception of one year, which was spent in Lucas county, his entire life has been passed on the farm which he now owns and occupies. It can be truly said of him that he has grown up with the locality. Here be was born, here his boyhood was spent and here he determined to achieve that success in life which illustrates his industry, his intelligence and his superior business qualifications. Not daunted by any adverse circumstances but fastening his eye upon the object before. him, by persistent effort and judicious management his business career has been crowned with success. His farm CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 263 now contains one hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, and here he is extensively engaged in general farming and stock-raising. January 27, 1874, Mr. Holmes was united in marriage to Miss Annie Foley, and they have eight children,—Eva, Sheldon M., Bertha, Clara, Benton, Byron, Elson and Anna Helena. The family circle has not been broken. by the hand of death, and they occupy an enviable position in society circles in Seneca county. Eva is a bookkeeper in Cleveland, where Sheldon M. is a drug clerk; Bertha is employed in Tiffin; and all the other children are at the parental home. Mr. Holmes gives his political support to the Republican party, stanchly advocating the principles of that grand old party. HENRY STUCKY. Among the representative farmers and stock-growers of Seneca county is the subject of this review, who is the owner of a fine landed estate of more than four hundred acres and carrying on the various departments of his enterprise with that discretion and energy which are sure to find their natural sequel in definite success. To such men as Mr. Stucky we turn with particular satisfaction as offering in their life histories justification for .works of this nature,—not that their lives have been such as to gain them wide reputation or the admiring plaudits of men, but that they have been true to the trusts reposed, have shown such attributes of character as entitle them to the regard of all, and have been useful in their spheres of action. Henry Stucky comes of stanch German lineage, but is himself a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born on a farm in Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, on the 5th of August, 1850, the son of Carl and Mary (Kiefer) Stucky, both of whom were born in Germany, where they were reared and where their marriage was solemnized. In 1847 they emigrated to America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel and being forty days en route. They located on a farm in 264 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Crawford county, Ohio, the father reclaiming the same from the sylvan wilds, and in that county both passed the remainder of their lives, being folk of frugal, industrious habits and inflexible integrity of character. In his native county our subject was reared to the sturdy discipline of farm life, and his educational opportunities were such as. were provided in the common schools of the locality and period. He began his independent career at the age of twenty-two years, when he secured employment as a farm hand, and finally he rented a tract of land in Bloom township, Seneca county, where he remained eight years, at the expiration of which he located on his present homestead farm, in Eden township. The same comprises one hundred and ninety-three acres, and he also owns another farm of eighty acres in the same township, one of one hundred and twelve acres in Bloom township, and still another tract, of thirty-five acres,—thus bringing the total area of his landed property in the county up to four hundred and twenty acres. The major portion of this land is under a high state of cultivation and of marked productivity, being devoted to diversified agriculture and to the raising of high-grade live stock. Mr. Stucky commands unqualified confidence and esteem in the community, gives his influence in support of all measures for the general good, is a stanch Republican in politics and is a consistent member of the Reformed church, of which his wife also is a devoted member. On the 24th of December, 1874, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Stucky to Miss Almira. Klaiss, and they are the parents of five children, namely: Emory K., Lucius C., Eliza E., Grattan H. and Grace. CHARLES D. HOLTZ. A representative citizen of Seneca county and a member of one of the sterling pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state, Mr. Holtz is peculiarly worthy of consideration in this compilation. He is a native son of Seneca county, with whose annals the family name has been identified from the early pioneer epoch, and in connection with the indus- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 265 trial development and material upbuilding of this locality the members of the family have played an important part, ever commanding the highest confidence and esteem of the community. Charles D. Holtz was born in Pleasant township, Seneca county, on the farm now owned by his brother John, the date of his nativity being January 31, 1846. He is a son of Jacob P. and Susan (Huss) Holtz, both of whom were born in Frederick county, Maryland, the former being a son of Jacob Holtz, who was of stanch old German lineage. He was born in 1786, and his wife in 1788, and each lived to the age of about seventy-five years. Their children were as follows : William; Jacob P., the father of our subject ; Mary Elizabeth ; George; Lewis Ezra, now a resident of Putnam county ; Ann Charlotte; and Dennis, who resides on the old homestead in Clinton township. Jacob P. Holtz was born on the 14th of June, 1815, and in 1834 he came with his parents and their six other children to Seneca. county, Ohio, the trip being made with teams and wagons. The grandfather of our subject purchased several hundred acres of land in Clinton township, and there passed the remainder of his life, having reclaimed a good farm with the assistance of his sons. Here was solemnized the marriage of Jacob P. Holtz to Miss Susan Huss, who was born August 5, 1818, the daughter of David Huss, who removed with his family from Frederick county, Maryland, to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1827, locating in Eden township, of which he was. one of the first settlers. Jacob P. and Susan Holtz became the parents of three children,—Jacob S., who enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and who died in July, 1864, in Ft. Strong hospital, at Arlington Heights, District of Columbia; Charles D., the immediate subject of this review ; and John, who is one of the representative farmers of Pleasant township. Shortly after his marriage the father of our subject came to Pleasant township and located on a quarter section of wild land, reclaiming the same and adding to his holdings from time to time until he had a fine estate of about seven hundred acres. Here he continued to make his borne until his death, which occurred in 1889, his widow. surviving until August, 1896, when she passed away at a venerable age. He was a man of distinct individuality - 17 - 266 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and ability, was one of the influential citizens of the county and was a stalwart Republican in his political proclivities. His life was one of signal honor and usefulness and he was revered as one of the sterling pioneers of the county. Charles D. Holtz, the immediate subject of this review, was born on the old homestead, in Pleasant township, and was there reared to maturity, his educational advantages being such as were afforded in the public schools of the place and period. After his marriage he located on a farm of ninety-five acres, in Adams township, and there made his home for an interval of eighteen years, at the expiration of which he took up his residence in Pleasant township on the farm where he now lives, having here developed a fine property which was part of the old homestead, and having made the best of permanent improvements, including a commodious and attractive residence. He now owns three hundred and fifteen acres of land, the major portion being under a high state of cultivation, while he has also devoted considerable attention to the raising of high-grade stock, being successful in both departments of his enterprise, which is directed with ability and energy. Mr. Holtz is also the owner of two brick business blocks in the town of Green Spring, which is his post office address, and for more than fifteen years consecutively he has served as a member of the directorate of the Seneca County Mutual Fire insurance Company, whose headquarters are at Tiffin. He was treasurer of the company in 1896 and 1897, while in 1898 he was elected to the office of president, and has been re-elected consecutively ever since. He served one year as assessor of Adams township and for five years as trustee of the same township, being recognized as a capable executive and a man of spotless integrity in all the relations of life. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, of whose cause he is a zealous supporter. Fraternally he is identified with Green Spring Lodge, No. 427, A. F. & A. M., of which he has served as worshipful master. In 1874 he became a member of Union Grange, No. 1078, Patrons of Husbandry, and has been one of its influential and active workers, having served the same in the various official chairs. On the 9th of October, 1872, Mr. Holtz was united in. marriage to CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 267 Miss Mary L. Smith, who was born in Green Spring, the daughter of S. H. and Charlotte Smith, now residents of Bellevue, and of this union three children have been born, namely : Grace, who is a graduate of Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, and who is now the wife of H. W. Robinson, a leading grain merchant of Green Spring; Nellie, who is likewise a graduate of Heidelberg College and who remains at the parental home; and Jessie, who is a student in the same college, being a member of the class of 1903: MICHAEL BOROUGH. The vicissitudes and conditions of pioneer life were not unknown to the subject of this sketch, and though he has marked the intervening years with "ceaseless toil and endeavor" he has had the satisfaction of realizing that his efforts have been crowned with success, since he stands to-day as one of the prominent and prosperous farmers of Seneca county and as one of its honored citizens. Mr. Borough is a native son of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Sandusky county on the 16th of January, 1836. His father, Abraham Borough, was born in Pennsylvania, whence he was taken in his early childhood to Virginia, where he was reared and educated. He continued to reside in the Old Dominion state until 1828, when his father, Frederick Borough, removed with his family to Ohio, locating in Jackson township, Sandusky county, where he took up a quarter section of wild government land, upon which he erected a house of hewed logs, and then gave his attention to reclaiming the land. He was a tailor by trade and spent his last years with a son in Michigan, where he died at the patriarchal age of one hundred and five years, five months and twenty days. Abraham Borough married, in Wayne county, Miss Sarah Betts, and they became the parents of six sons and four daughters, namely: Samuel, a resident of Eaton county, Michigan; Michael, of this sketch ; Henry, a resident of Hancock county; Daniel, of Wood county ; Mary, the wife of David Mowry, of Fostoria; Lily, the wife 268 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of Emanuel Snyder, of Arcadia, Hancock county; Amanda, wife of Reuben Ringle, of Gratiot county, Michigan; and John, Levi and Sarah, who are deceased. In 1840 Abraham Borough removed from Sandusky county to Liberty township, Seneca county, where he remained a few years and then returned to Sandusky county, where he continued to reside until 1850, when he again came to Liberty township, and here purchased a tract of eighty acres, to whose cultivation he devoted his attention for the ensuing fifteen years. He then purchased a farm in Hancock county, but eventually came back to Seneca county, his death occurring in Fostoria at the venerable age of eighty years. His wife passed away at the age of sixty-nine years, both having been consistent members of the Evangelical church. Michael Borough, the immediate subject of this sketch, grew up on the pioneer farms owned by his father, and his early educational advantages were such as the primitive log school-house of the period afforded, and he walked one and one-half miles to the school-house each clay. He continued to assist his father in his farming operations until he had attained the age of twenty-two years, when he gave inception to his independent career by engaging in the work of clearing land and chopping wood, continuing to be thus engaged for three years. He thereafter operated a threshing outfit and also engaged in farming on rented land, thus continuing until 1869, when he took up his abode on the farm which he now owns, near Fort Seneca, Pleasant township, and here he has made excellent improvements of a permanent nature, while he has placed the farm under a fine state of cultivation, having one hundred and eighty acres of as good land as is to be found in this favored section of the state, his farm bordering the Sandusky river. In his farming operations he also devotes special attention to the breeding of short-horn cattle and Shropshire sheep. In politics Mr. Borough accords allegiance to the Republican party, and the personal estimate placed upon him in the community has been signified in his being called upon to serve in the office of township trustee. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 269 he has served as trustee, steward and class-leader for more than a quarter of a century, his wife also being a devoted worker in the church. On the 5th of December, 1861, Mr. Borough was united in marriage to Miss Mary Oswalt, and they have three children,—William H., who assists in the management of the homestead, married Annie Hushey, of Sandusky, and they have two children,—Horace and Venona; Jennie, the wife of Dr. J. C. .Bowman, of Martin, Ohio; and Lola, the wife of Alonzo Taylor, of Oklahoma. ELIJAH NIEBEL. This honored veteran of the Civil war, and now a leading agriculturist of Seneca county, may be justly termed a self-made man, for from his early years he has been obliged to make his own way in the world, and bravely and victoriously has he met adversity. He was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, January 10, 1839, a son of Levi and Elizabeth (Ritter) Niebel. The father was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in September, 1816, and in 1832 removed with his parents to Wyandot county. After his marriage he began farming in Fairfield, Ohio, and there the mother of our subject was called to her final rest in 1841, and of her two children Elijah alone survives. His only brother, John, was killed by accident at the age of thirteen years. After her death the children found a home with their paternal grandparents until the father's second marriage, about two years later, when Miss Hannah Bish became his wife. From 1844 until 1856 the father made his home in Bloom township, Seneca county, and in the latter year removed to the farm two miles southeast of Fostoria on which our subject now resides, but some time in the '70s he left this place and removed to Fostoria, and since 1901 he has made his home in Hancock county with his son Henry. Elijah Niebel. the subject of this review, received but limited educational advantages during his youth and early manhood, for in early life he was obliged to assist in the clearing of the home farm, but by 270 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. constant reading, study and observation in later life he has added greatly to his knowledge and has become a well informed man. On the 31st of October, 1861, at the outbreak of the Civil war, he nobly offered his services to his loved country and was assigned to Company D, Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving as a defender of the starry banner for three years and eight months. During his military career he took part in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, including those of Pittsburg Landing, the siege of Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson and Brandon. After the last named engagement he returned home on a thirty days' furlough, after which he returned to his regiment and took part in the battle of Paducah. He was captured on the 11th of June, 1864, near Meridian, Mississippi, during the engagement at Price's Cross-roads, and was confined in the prison pen at Andersonville for three months. after which he was transferred to Florence, South Carolina, there remaining as a prisoner of war until the 1st of the following March. He was then paroled, at Goldsboro, and returned to his home. His army experience is one of which he has every reason to be proud, for he was ever found at his post of duty, and for his promptness, bravery and strict fidelity to duty he won the praise of his officers and the respect and esteem of his comrades. In 1866 Mr. Niebel took up his abode in Fostoria, which continued to be his home for the following five years., during which time he was engaged in the arduous task of clearing land. For the succeeding twenty months he resided on his father-in-law's farm, in Loudon township, and he then became the owner of seventy-five acres of his present home place, where he has ever since continued to reside. As the years have passed by prosperity has abundantly rewarded his well directed efforts, enabling him to add to his original purchase until his landed possessions now consist of one hundred and fifty-five acres of rich and productive land. His success, however, is not the outcome of propitious circumstances, but the honest reward of labor, good management, ambition and energy, without which no man can win prosperity. On the 3d of October, 1865, occurred the marriage of Mr. Niebel and Miss Emily Young. Her father, David Young, was one of the early CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 271 pioneers of Seneca county, Ohio, coming to this locality from Stark county. They became the parents of six children,—Flora Belle, deceased; one who died in infancy; Sarah A., also deceased; Minnie, wife of William Mathers, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Clara, wife of J. H. Arnold, of that city ; and Arthur C., of Toledo. Mr. Niebel is a stanch supporter of Republican principles, and socially is a member of Norris Post, No. 27, G. A. R., of Fostoria, and has revisited some of the scenes of former strife while he was a soldier. His religious preference is indicated by his membership in the First United Brethren church at Fostoria, of which he is a zealous member and active worker, and in which he has served in various official capacities, being a trustee at the time of the building of the present edifice. HARRY E. BRADNER. Harry E. Bradner, who is president of the Fostoria Heat & Light Company, represents one of the pioneer families of the state, but farther hack into the history of this country can his ancestry be traced. His great-grandfather, the Rev. Bradner, was a native of Scotland and emigrating to America founded the family in the new world. He was a minister of the Presbyterian church and was living in New York city when William Bradner, the grandfather of our subject, was. born. William Bradner married Laura Everingham, and after residing at Niagara Falls, New York, for some years, he came with his family to Ohio, settling in Perry township, Wood county, and engaging in merchandising in Mill Grove. It was. his son, John A. Bradner, who became the father of our subject. Prominently connected with railroad building in this state, he was for many years one of the most distinguished citizens of Fostoria. He married Miss Catherine Phillips and unto them were born eight children, of whom. Harry E. is, the seventh in order of birth. Mr. Bradner of this review pursued his early education in the public schools of Fostoria, completed the high school course, and then, with a broad general education to serve as the foundation upon which to 272 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. rear the superstructure of professional learning, he took up the study of law, in the office and under the direction of Charles A. Strauch, of Fostoria. He did not practice, however, but, becoming interested in the City Heat & Light Company, he was made its secretary and treasurer, and in January, 1902, was elected its president. On the 3d of April, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bradner and Miss Edith Butterfield, a daughter of Isaac and Antonia (Griswold) Butterfield, the latter being a. daughter of Samuel Griswold, who was the first white child born in Columbus, Ohio. He became well known in connection with journalistic interests in Ohio, published a paper at Tiffin, later one at Marion, and at the time of his death was the editor and proprietor of the Fairfield County Gazette, at Lancaster, Ohio. His son Samuel, an uncle of Mrs. Bradner, was one of the editors of the Omaha Bee. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bradner has been born one child, William Robert. The parents are well known in Fostoria, where they have a large circle of acquaintances, and 'enjoy the hospitality of the best homes. Mr. Bradner is accounted one of the most progressive and energetic business men of the locality and his reliability and personal worth.make him a popular and valued citizen. OWED T. BROWN. Few residents of Fostoria have been more actively connected with its upbuilding and progress than Owen T. Brown, the president of the Mechanics' Banking Company, and no history of the county would be complete without a suitable record of his life. He was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, one the 27th of March, 1835, a son of Edward and Margaret (Williams) Brown, who on emigrating to America in 1844 settled in Newark township, Licking county, Ohio, where they spent their remaining years, the father passing away in 1861, at the age of sixty-eight, while his widow survived him until 1870, dying at the age of sixty-five. Owen T. was but a little lad of CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 273 seven years when with his. parents he crossed the Atlantic. He was reared in Licking county and attended the schools of Newark, and when he had put aside his text books he became connected with the grain trade there. In 1875 he removed to Fostoria, but still engaged in buying and selling grain in Newark, as a member of the firm of Brown Brothers. On arriving in this city he became a partner in the firm of Foster, Olmsted & Company, which connection was maintained until 1890, when he went to Europe. At that time a reorganization brought into existence the firm of Brown & Bannister, the business continuing until 1896, Mr. Brown becoming the sole owner of the business. In July, 1899, he became the president of the Mechanics' Banking Company upon the reorganization of the old Mechanics' Savings Bank Company. Under his direction the new institution has had a remarkable growth. The conservative business policy which he inaugurated has brought commensurate success, the patronage increasing until it has assumed large proportions. Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Jones, who was born in Cardiganshire, Wales, March 27, 1835. Twice have they revisited their native land and in 1901 they traveled all over the' European continent, visiting the principal points of modern as well as historic interest. Four children were born to them, but Edward, their first, died at the age of six. Wilbur Charles', Anna M. and Mamie E. are the younger members of the family. Mr. Brown has been active and influential in promoting public progress and the upbuilding of Fostoria. He is a progressive, enterprising citizen, deeply interested in every movement calculated to advance the general good. For three terms he served as a member of the city council. and was the president of the board at the time the city waterworks were established and when all the contracts for city paving were given. The council asked him to resign his position as one of its members in order to make him president of the water-works commission and allowed- him to name the other two committeemen. The building of the water-works plant, involving the expenditure of two hundred thousand dollars, was completed in a thoroughly satisfactory and business-like 274 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. manner. The same gratifying conditions existed concerning the city paving. He has ever been a Republican, strong and earnest in support of the party, his efforts in its behalf being accorded of value in party lines.. For thirty years he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity, being connected with the blue lodge and chapter. Long a consistent and faithful member of the Presbyterian church, for twenty-six years he has served as one of its trustees. He is a conservative business man of recognized ability and sterling integrity, acknowledged as a power in commercial, political, fraternal and church circles. He has not been so abnormally developed along any line as to make him a genius, but he belongs to that class of representative Americans who give clue attention to those varied lines of thought and action which most affect the general good. Among his warmest friends are those who have known him through many years,—a fact which indicates that his career has ever been honorable, and upon the pages of Seneca county's history appears the name of no man who is more worthy of public regard than Owen T. Brown. EDWARD E. HEATH. Edward E. Heath, who is connected with the development of the oil industry at Rollersville and makes his home in Republic, was born in Tompkins county, New York, February 12, 1843. His father, James Heath, removed with his family to Harford, New York, in 1849, and in the public schools of that place Edward E. acquired his literary education. At the age of seventeen years, however, he started out upon his business career, working at the tinner's trade in Homer, New York, where he served an apprenticeship to that pursuit. He was thus engaged until the 21st of August, 1862, when he placed his name upon the roll of volunteer soldiers to aid in the suppression of the rebellion in the south. On the 19th of September he was mustered in the United. States service, becoming a member of Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-