300 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. one hundred days, and thence proceeding with his command to assist in defense of the national capital, at Fort Hagerty receiving his honorable discharge at the expiration of his term. He then returned to his home in Eden township, and in 1879 he purchased his present fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, where he has been duly successful in his farming operations and in the raising of an excellent grade of live stock. An air of thrift and prosperity pervades the place, the permanent improvements being of excellent order and every detail showing the careful supervision of an energetic and progressive owner. His political support has ever been given to the Republican party and he has neglected none of his civic duties, doing all in his never to conserve the best interests of the community and being here held in the highest esteem. Mr. Thornburg has never married. ELIAS W. CRUM. The Crum family is of sterling old German origin, but has been established on American soil since the colonial epoch, the original representatives in the United States having located in Pennsylvania, with whose annals the name has been identified for several generations. The subject of this review, one of the highly esteemed and prosperous farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, may well be considered a representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state, since his father came here forty-five years ago and cast in his lot with the people who were here developing the forest lands into fine farms, inaugurating the work which has been so splendidly carried forward and which has made the county one of the most attractive and prosperous sections of the old Buckeye commonwealth. Many of those who figure as founders and builders of the county find representation in this publication, and we are pleased to thus consistently make reference to the Crum family and to the individual career of the gentleman whose name initiates this review. Elias W. Crum was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, on the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 301 28th of April, 1846, being the son of Frederick and Susanna (Reeme) Crum, of whose eight children seven are living at the present time, namely : Daniel, a prominent farmer of Hopewell township; Elias W., the immediate subject of this sketch; Frederick, a resident of Hamilton county, Indiana; Theodore, a farmer of Pleasant township; Wesley, engaged in agricultural pursuits in Eden township; Savilla, the wife of Deroy C. Dunn, of Hopewell township; and Oliver, a successful merchant at Bascom. The father of our subject was likewise born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1816, being the son of Leonard and Catherine (Stein) Crum, the former of whom was also born in the same county, whither his father had emigrated from Germany. Grandfather Leonard Crum passed his entire life in his. native county, passing away at the age of eighty-four years and having devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, owning three hundred and twenty acres of land in Dauphin county. His son Frederick grew to maturity on the old homestead, and for six years after his marriage was engaged in farming on a tract of land owned by his father. He then purchased. a farm of eighty-seven acres in his native county and there made his home until 1857, when he came with his family to Seneca county, Ohio. where he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres now owned by our subject. Five years later he purchased the eighty-acre farm where his son Daniel L. now resides, and in 1871 he purchased another farm, comprising one hundred and thirty-four acres, located three miles north of Tiffin, in Clinton township, where he made his home about four years. He then purchased forty acres adjoining this last farm and there erected a commodious and attractive residence. Here be was living at the time of his wife's death, July 16, 1889, and two years later he removed to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Dunn, where he remained until his death. on the 5th of January, 1899. He was a man of spotless reputation and noble character, was one of the world's sterling workers and gained independence and prosperity through his own efforts, ever commanding that unalloyed esteem which indicates objective appreciation of genuine worth. He was one of the influential citizens of his community, and though he never sought official preferment he gave an unfaltering 302 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. allegiance to the Republican party. He was eighty-three years of age at the time of his death, and his cherished and devoted wife, who was born in the same county as was he himself, passed away at the age at sixty-four years. Elias W. Crum, as may be inferred, was surrounded with the beneficent influences of a true hone, though it was humble in character, and he waxed strong in mind and body while assisting in the work of the homestead farm, his educational advantages being such as were afforded in the common schools of the period. His marriage occurred in 1871, and his father then removed to Clinton township, leaving the homestead farm in his charge. Here he continued in the vocation to which he was reared, and his energy and progressive methods were attended with such results that he was enabled to effect the purchase of the homestead in 188o, and here he has ever since maintained his home, bringing to bear the most approved and scientific methods and facilities in the cultivation of his land, and making the best of improvements, including a. substantial and handsome brick residence, which he erected in 1890 and which is to be noted as one of the fine homes of this township. In addition to his homestead farm he is also the owner of sixty-five acres in Clinton township, this place being in charge of his son-in-law, Sibs Bretts. Mr. Crum has commanded, for the same reasons, the esteem and confidence so freely accorded to his venerated father, and the family hold a. prominent position in the social life of the community. In politics Mr. Crum exercises his franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Republican party, but the honors and emoluments of public office have had no allurements for him. He and his wife are devoted members of the Protestant Methodist church, and he has been a member of the board of trustees of Bethel church for the past five years. On the 31st of January, 1871. Mr. Crum was united in marriage to Miss Frances Lambright, who was born in Maryland, the daughter of Henry Lambright, who came with his family to Seneca county in 1856, settling in Clinton township. where he passed the residue of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Crum are the parents of three children.— Minnie CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 303 I., the wife of Clement Barnes, a farmer of Hopewell township; Mary O., the wife of Silas Bretts, who has charge of our subject's farm in Clinton township; and Herbert L., who remains at the parental home ISAAC W. COOKSON. The pioneers of a country, the founders of a business, the originators of any undertaking that will promote the material welfare or advance the educational, social and moral influence of a community deserve the gratitude of humanity. One of the leading factors in the mercantile activities of Kansas, Ohio, is the hardware store of Isaac W. Cookson, who is at all times a public-spirited and progressive citizen, never withholding his support from any movement which tends to advance the public good. A native son of the Buckeye state, his birth occurred in Sandusky county, December 19, 1836. His father, Joseph Cookson, was also born in that county, in 1834, to which place his parents had removed from Pennsylvania. There the son Joseph was reared and married, and when the time came for him to begin the active battle of life on his own account, he located on a farm in Sandusky county, which continued to be his home until 1894. In that year he came to Kansas, Ohio, where he and his wife still reside. She bore the maiden name of Mary Sprout, and their marriage was blessed with four children, three- of whom still survive, namely : Isaac, the subject of this review; David F., who still makes his home in Sandusky county; and Jacob- C., a prominent agriculturist of Liberty township.. Isaac W. Cookson chose as a life occupation that to which he had been reared, and at the age. of twenty years he began farming on rented land, thus continuing for the following ten years. In 1886 he removed to Sycamore, Ohio, where he gave his attention to the creamery business for the following three years, and on the expiration of that period, in 1889, came to this city to engage in the hardware business with his 304 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. brother, David F. This relationship was of short duration, however, for within a year our subject became its sole owner and has ever since conducted the business alone. Since entering upon an independent career he has made good use of his opportunities and has prospered from year to year, conducting all business matters systematically and in all his acts displaying an aptitude for successful management. But not alone in the business world has he won prominence, for in the ranks of the Republican party he is recognized as a leader. While a resident of Sycamore he was elected and served as a member of the town council, but was obliged to resign that position on account of his removal from the city. In 1892, under Harrison's administration, he was made postmaster of Kansas, in which capacity he served for four years, discharging his duties in that important position to, the satisfaction of all concerned. In his social relations he is a member of Kansas Lodge, No. 183, Knights of Pythias, and of Kansas Lodge, No. 405, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is a past grand and past chancellor, respectively. December 19, 1876, Mr. Cookson was united in marriage to. Miss Laura Byers, a native of Loudon township and a daughter of Philip Byers. They have two children,—Lulu. the wife of Ralph Smith, of Fremont, Ohio; and Maud E., at home. The family hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Cookson has served as a steward and as president of the Epworth League. AMOS KELLER. Amos Keller is one of the prominent business men of Seneca county, his home being in Seneca township. He has met with creditable success and has commanded uniform confidence and respect by his business methods, so that the record of his career is full of interest. In all his trade transactions he has been honorable; at all times he has been energetic; he forms his plans readily, carries them forward to successful completion, and is now enjoying well merited prosperity. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 305 Mr. Keller was born near Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, December 26, 1839, and is a son of Joseph Keller, whose birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1797. The grandfather of our subject was Henry Keller, who, about the year 1809, removed with his family to Fairfield county, Ohio, and there Joseph Keller was reared to manhood upon a farm. He was about twelve years of age at the time of his removal to the Buckeye state, and through the period of his youth he assisted in the operation of the old homestead. On attaining his majority he began working at the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed for two years, and then decided to resume farm work, purchasing a tract of land which he owned and operated until 1849. In that year he removed to Clinton township, Seneca county, and became the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land, two miles from Tiffin. This is now owned by Mr. Schoffner and Mr. Schreikel. This farm was partially improved when it came into the possession of Mr. Keller, and he and his family became the occupants of a log cabin that had previously been erected upon the place. While his wife attended to the household duties he took his place in the fields and continued the cultivation of the soil until 1855, when his life's labors were ended in death. He held membership in the Evangelical Association and his life was consistent with the teachings of that denomination. He was three times married, his first wife being Mrs. Catherine Hite, by whom he had one child, who died in infancy. For his second wife he chose Miss Elizabeth Tussing, and they became the parents of six children, namely : Mary, who became the wife of Solomon Meisse and died in 1899; Reuben, who was a resident of Seneca county and died in 1882; Sarah, who is the widow of David Meisse and makes her home in Springfield, Ohio; Isaac W., a resident of Fairfield county, this state; Amos, the subject of this review ; and Joseph, who died during the civil war, while at Camp Dennison, in 186.4, was wounded at the battle of Stone River, but the immediate cause of his death was an attack of smallpox; he belonged to Company H of the. One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which he was orderly sergeant. After the death of his second wife, Joseph Keller. 306 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Sr., married Nancy Good and they had one son, Noah, who is living in Fairfield county, Ohio. Amos Keller spent the first ten years of his life in his native county and then accompanied his family to Seneca county, where he pursued his elementary education in the public schools, later continuing his studies in Heidelberg College. There he remained' as a student from 1857 until 186o. In 1861 he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, with the intention of becoming a teacher of the higher branches of learning, but on account of ill health he was forced to abandon his college course. He was afterward engaged in teaching school until May, 1864, when he responded to his country's call for aid, joining Company A of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for one hundred days' service. The regiment was sent to the defense of Washington, and on the expiration of his term Mr. Keller returned to Seneca county, where he worked on a farm during the summer months and in the winter seasons continued his educational work, being a most successful and competent teacher. In the year 1866 he purchased a tract of twenty-eight acres of land, with a sawmill, the place being known as the old St. John property. For seven years lie operated the sawmill and in 1874 he erected a gristmill. He also placed a circular saw in the sawmill, in 1877, and in addition erected a planing mill, conducting the three departments of his business, in all of which he has met with success. The capacity of the flour mill is fifty barrels per day. The plant is equipped with a full roller process and the flour manufactured is of a very high grade, thus finding ready sale on the market. His planing mill and sawmill are equally well adapted for the uses to which they are put and in both lines Mr. Keller is receiving a liberal patronage. Upon his place he has made splendid improvements, including the erection of a beautiful three-story brick house, which was built in 1883. He has ninety-five acres in the home place and his land has become very valuable by reason of the growth in population in the county and also owing to the many excellent improvements which lie has placed upon his property. He also owns a separate farm. of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he has over sixty thousand tile, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 307 whereby the place has been converted into a tract of rich fertility; and also has a third farm, of fifty-five acres, making a total of two hundred and seventy acres. On the l0th of. October, 1867, Mr. Keller was united in marriage to Miss Martha Sneath, who was born in Pleasant township, this county. on the 1st of September, 1846, being a daughter of William and Martha Sneath. The family came to Ohio from Maryland in the early pioneer days, first locating in Trumbull county and thence coming to Seneca county, where they were numbered among the early settlers of Clinton township. Robert Sneath, a brother of Mrs. Keller, is one of the representative citizens of the county. Mrs. Keller was summoned into eternal rest on the 11th of March, 1902, leaving two children,—Rufus E. and Abbie F. The daughter is a graduate of Heidelberg College, in Tiffin, in which her husband, Professor A. D. Keller, is now an instructor. Our subject and his wife also took into their home, at the age of four years, an orphan girl, Elsie May Somers, and she received the care and advantages which they accorded to their own children. Mrs. Keller was a woman of noble and gentle character, ever ordering her life in harmony with the deep Christian faith which was a dominating element in her nature, and being devoted to her home and family, though she thoroughly enjoyed the advantages of travel, in company with her husband. She had been exceptionally strong and vigorous, both mentally and physically, and her death came with slight premonition, casting a shadow over the entire community in which she had been so highly esteemed. Her memory rests as a benediction upon those who came within the sphere of her gracious influence. In his political views Mr. Keller is a stanch Republican, giving an earnest support to the party, and for twelve years he has served as a member of the school board, being president of the board during this entire period. He also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church at McCutchenville, in which he is steward and trustee. Other offices he has filled, and he is ever interested and active in support of the cause, doing all in his power for the spread of Christianity. In the year 1900 he attended the Paris exposition and traveled extensively abroad, visit- 308      - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ing France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Belgium and England. Mr. Keller well deserved this period of recreation and rest, for his has been an active and busy life. There is no element of indolence in him and his unremitting diligence has been the means of bringing him a handsome competence as he has carried forward his business affairs. T. C. LOOSE, M. D. During the years which mark the period of Dr. Loose's professional career he has met with gratifying success, and during his residence in. Bloomville he has won the good will and patronage of many of the leading citizens and families of the place. He is a great student and endeavors to keep abreast of the times in everything relating to. discoveries in medical science and methods of treatment. Progressive in his ideas and favoring modern methods as a whole, he does not dispense with many of the true and tried systems which have stood the test of years. A native son of Seneca county, he was born in Clinton township. March 15, 1874, a son of Eli and Jennie (Bader) Loose. The father was a son of John Loose, who became one of the early settlers of the locality, coming to the Buckeye state from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. and on his arrival here he took up his abode in Clinton township, three miles north of Tiffin, where the son Eli grew to years of maturity on the homestead farm. Later he became a student in Heidelberg College, where he prepared himself for the ministry, and was ordained in the Evangelical church. At the close of his studies, however, he purchased a farm adjoining his father's place, and for many years thereafter gave his attention to farming, preaching only at intervals. and without taking regular pastoral work. After devoting about twenty years of his life to agriculture he sold his farm and accepted a charge as resident min, ister of the United Brethren church at Attica. having in the meantime CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 309 withdrawn from the Evangelical church on account of there having been no society of that denomination near him. Remaining in Attica for three years he accepted a charge in Oceola, where he remained for a similar period, going thence to Whitesville, where he spent the following three years. During the next two years he ministered to his church at Green Spring, and from that point went to Johnsville, Morrow county, his present location. During the past twelve years he has devoted his life entirely to the work of the Master, and his efforts have been blessed with a religious awakening that has been highly gratifying. His wife was born in Fairfield county, Ohio. Her father was a native of Germany, but when a boy he accompanied his father on his removal to America, and after their arrival in this country they took up their abode in Fairfield county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Loose were born three children, but only two are now living, the brother of our subject being Arthur, who is a resident of Green Spring, Seneca county, where he is engaged in the provision business. T. C. Loose, whose name introduces this review, acquired his elementary education in the schools of his native locality, and at the early age of eighteen years he became a teacher in the district schools, following that profession for two terms. Wishing to follow the practice of medicine as a life occupation, he accordingly, in 1891, entered the office of Dr. C. A. Force, of Attica, remaining under his preceptor age until his entrance into the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, in 1892, and during his vacations he still continued his reading under Dr. Force. In the spring of 1896 Dr. Loose was graduated in the Starling Medical College, receiving one of the five honorable mentions given by the college for best grades, and a set of gynecological instruments for the best work in gynecology. On the 1st of April following his graduation, he located in Bloomville, where he has built up a lucrative and constantly increasing practice. In 1894 occurred the marriage of the Doctor and Miss Daisy A. Sutton, of Attica, a daughter of A. G. Sutton, a prominent banker of that city. One child has brightened and blessed the home of our subject and wife,—Bushnell A. Dr. Loose is a member of the Seneca County Med- 310 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ical Society, and also of Eden Lodge, No. 310, F. & A. M. His political support is given to the Republican party, and for a number of years past he has served as a member of the school board and as health officer. JOHN B. ZIMMERMAN. John B. Zimmerman, one of the leading agriculturists and most highly esteemed men of Seneca county, was born on the farm on which he now resides. on the 16th of December, 1838, a son of Barney and Sarah (Sager) Zimmerman. The father, who was born in Maryland in 1804, served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he followed in the state of his birth until 1836, when he came with his wife and four children to Seneca county, Ohio, purchasing eighty acres of land near where our subject now resides. His wife proved to him a faithful helpmate during this early pioneer epoch and nobly assumed the management of their farm while her husband worked at his trade. He erected many of the pioneer log cabins for the settlers in this locality, and later, when the frame houses came in vogue, he formed a partnership with Josiah Hilderbrake, and together they followed contracting and building for many years. Mr. Zimmerman was an expert workman, but later in life he abandoned his trade and retired to his farm, where his life's labors were ended in death on the 3d of March, 1888, at the age of eighty-four years. He was very liberal in his political views, but his preference was for the Democracy; and on its ticket he was elected and served as county commissioner, serving for three years, while for about nine years subsequently he was an infirmary director. For more than sixty years he was a member of the German Reformed church, at Fort Seneca, during much of which time he held office. He was a man of sterling character, never having had a lawsuit throughout his entire life, and in all movements for the betterment of his community he took an active part. The mother of our subject was born in Maryland in 181o, and her death occurred in 1897, at the age of eighty-seven years Unto this worthy couple were born six children, five of whom still CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 311 survive, namely : Jacob, a farmer of Pleasant township, Seneca county; Solomon, who resides in Sheridan, Michigan; Margaret, the wife of Rev. David Sherrick, also of Pleasant township; John B., the subject of this review ; and Sophia, the wife of Levi Repp, of Harlan, Indiana. John B. Zimmerman grew to manhood amid the refining influences of a cultured home, and his education was received in the common schools of the neighborhood. On the 9th of September, 1861, he ran away from home and enlisted for service in the Civil war, entering Company B, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under General William H. Gibson, and until November, 1862, the regiment formed a part of the Army of the Cumberland. After the battle of Shiloh Mr. Zimmerman was detailed as .an ambulance driver, but five months later was transferred to the quartermaster's department, as assistant, and while serving in the latter capacity, on the 9th of October, 1862, he was captured near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and was taken to Nicholasville and there paroled the third day afterward. Reporting for duty at Columbus, he was sent home on a furlough, and for several weeks thereafter was a constant sufferer from rheumatism, on account of which he was discharged, in December, 1862, not even having been exchanged. After recovering his health he began farming the home place on the shares, and two years after his marriage he removed to Clinton township, locating two miles north of Tiffin, where he began work at the blacksmith's trade, in partnership with a brother-in-law, and though he had no special training he was able to perform all work demanded in the shop. Eighteen months later our subject left that place for Fort Seneca, where he opened up a shop and for seven years he was there engaged in work at his trade, following which he was ,engaged in the mercantile business at that point for five years, but the latter venture proved unprofitable and at the close of that period he found himself in debt to the amount of twelve hundred dollars. Coming thence to Liberty township., he rented his father's two farms, and succeeded in clearing off his indebtedness. In 188o he purchased a farm adjoining the old homestead, paving two thousand dollars in cash and assuming an indebtedness of four thousand dollars, and this he continued to farm in connection with 312 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his father's land. In 1898, after his mother's death, he purchased the interests of the remaining heirs in the old homestead, and this has ever since continued to he his home. He belongs to that active class of agriculturists who are never ready to settle down and to "take life easy," which seems to be the goal ever in view to multitudes of farmers; he is not afraid of work and would not be content to live in quiet idleness and luxury, for he realizes that work is the salvation of mankind and idleness is a curse to one's self and the community. In 1863 occurred the marriage of Mr. Zimmerman and Miss Anna E. Omwake, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Jacob and Anna E. (Beck) Omwake, who came to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1846. Two children have blessed the union of our subject and wife,—Henry A., a prominent agriculturist of this township, married Ida B. Ensminger, of Kewanee, Illinois, and in company with his brother he recently purchased the John Birkey homestead; Homer D., who operates the old home farm. The Democracy receives Mr. Zimmerman's hearty support and co-operation, and in his social relations he is a member of General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, G. A. R., of Tiffin. For thirty-six years he has been an active member of Shiloh Methodist Protestant church, in which he has served as class leader, and for twenty-four years he has been superintendent of the Sunday-school. In business circles lie sustains an enviable reputation, and his energetic nature, strong determination, sagacity and capable management have brought to him a handsome competence. He carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and his business methods have ever been in strict conformity with the ethics of commercial life. WILLIAM HARRISON NULL. Residing in the town of Kansas and ranking with the representative farmers of Seneca county is found the subject of this review. He was born in Frederick county, West Virginia, on the 28th of February, 1821, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 313 son of Jacob and Susanna (Puffenberger) Null. The father also claimed West Virginia as the state of his nativity, and there he was reared and married, following the occupations of farming and milling- as a means of livelihood. When about twenty-eight years of age he came to Seneca county, Ohio, entering eighty acres of forest land in Liberty township, and also purchasing an eighty-acre' tract located just across the road from the John Shoemaker farm. On the latter place was a hewed-log cabin, and there he spent the remainder of his life. With the aid of his sons he cleared the land, placed his fields under a fine state of cultivation and from time to time added to. his landed possessions until he became the owner of eight hundred acres. His political support was given to the Democracy. Both he and his wife reached the ripe old age of eighty years, and she was called to. her final rest just a few days prior to her husband's death. Four children were born unto this worthy couple, namely : William Harrison, the subject of this review ; Lovina, the wife of Joseph Cesna., of Eaton county, Michigan; Sarah, the widow of John Chester and a resident of Tiffin; and Clarinda, the wife of Samuel Schrodes, also of Tiffin. William H. Null grew to manhood amid the pioneer surroundings of a new and unsettled country, acquiring but a limited education in the primitive log school-house, which he attended in his youth, for early in life he was obliged to assist his father in clearing and cultivating the farm. After his marriage he farmed on rented land for two years, and. then removed to a tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres which had been purchased by his father and which he. deeded to our subject in the following year. Mr. Null is now the owner of two farms, comprising two hundred and five acres of excellent farming land, located in Liberty township, but for the past thirty years he has made his home in the village of Kansas, with the exception of three years when he returned. to his farm. His has been a busy and useful life,—a life filled with arduous and useful toil, but he is now the possessor of a comfortable: competence. Mr. Null was first married in 1846, Miss Catherine Brown becoming his wife, and after her death he wedded Miss Sarah Hawver, a - 20 - 314 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. native of Maryland. By the second union five children were born, namely : Ada D., the wife of Fred Veach, of Liberty township; Effie L., the wife of Elmer Leggitt, of Woodville, Ohio; Elizabeth, the wife of Mert Grant, of Pleasant township, Seneca. county; John K., who re-. sides on one of his father's farms; and 'William Harrison, Jr., who operates the second farm. Mr. Null gives his political support to the Democracy. Throughout nearly his entire life he has been a resident of Seneca county, and has been identified with many of the interests that have contributed to its substantial development and improvement. His probity, fidelity and sterling worth have won him the unqualified confidence of his fellow- townsmen, and now, in the evening of life, his pathway is brightened by the veneration and respect which ever follow an upright career. MRS. CATHERINE BOYD. The subject of this review has passed her entire life in Seneca county and is a worthy representative of one of its sterling pioneer families, as was also her husband, now departed this life, and thus it becomes compatible that specific mention be made of both in this compilation. Mrs. Boyd was born in Seneca county, being a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Elliott, the former of whom was born in the state of Pennsylvania, whence he came to Seneca county in an early day, locating in Bloom township-, where he reclaimed a farm and there maintained his home for many years, being regarded as one of the representative men of the county, and being honored for his sterling integrity of purpose. He is still living, having attained the venerable age of eighty-four years, and he is now making his home with one of his sons. in Reno county. Kansas. The mother of our subject died when the latter was but two years of age, and her father subsequently married Miss Elizabeth Sheidler, who died three years later, and he thereafter consummated a third marriage, Miss Polly Harnish becoming his CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 315 wife. She was a woman of noble character, and under her solicitous care Mrs. Boyd was reared to years of maturity, receiving her educational discipline in the public schools in the vicinity of her home. On the 13th of December, 1867, Miss Catherine Elliott was united in marriage to Levi Franklin Boyd, who was born in Reed township, on the 24th of July, 1842, being the son of Hiram and Jane (Reed) Boyd, who were numbered among the early settlers in Reed township. Mr. Boyd was reared to manhood on the old homestead farm and was educated in the common schools of the locality and period. His intrinsic loyalty and patriotism were quickened into decisive action when the thundering of Confederate guns against the ramparts of old Fort Sumter announced that the nation's integrity was menaced by armed rebellion, and in 1861 he enlisted as .a private in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was in active service for a term of three years, and the history of this valiant regiment is practically his own history during that period of strenuous conflict through which the Union was perpetuated. He was captured and was held in duress at Libby, Andersonville and other prisons of the south, and after receiving his honorable discharge he returned to his home and here in Seneca county he ever afterward gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. Just prior to his marriage Mr. Boyd purchased forty acres of the present finely improved homestead, subsequently adding to the same, and it now has an area. of ninety-six acres and is one of the most valuable and attractive places in the township. Here he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred on the 23d of December, 1893. For many years prior to his demise Mr. Boyd had been badly crippled with rheumatism, resulting from exposure and hardships during his term of service in the civil war, and he was practically unable to do any active work for eighteen years before his death. He was a man of spotless character and held the esteem of all who knew him. His political support was given to the Republican party, but he never sought official preferment. Fraternally Mr. Boyd was identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, and he ever maintained a warm interest in his old comrades who followed the stars and stripes on many a sanguinary battle- 316 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. field of the south. He is survived by his widow and their one daughter, Jennie, who is the wife of James Harrison, who has the management of Mrs. Boyd's homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have two children,—Hazel and Frank. Mr. Boyd was.a man of a high order of mentality, was progressive in his methods, animated by the highest principles, and was one whose life was prolific in good, while no citizen of the community was more highly honored than was he, who had here passed his- entire life, aiding in the development of the county and lending his influence in support of all worthy measures for the general good. His death was sincerely deplored by a wide circle of loyal friends. ROLLIN K. WILLIAMS. The most elaborate history is perforce a merciless abridgment, the historian being compelled to select his facts and materials from manifold details. This applies to specific as well as generic history, and in the former category biography is placed. In every life of honor and usefulness there is no dearth of incident, and yet in summing up the career of any man the writer must needs touch only the more salient points, giving the keynote of the character but eliminating all that is superfluous to the continuity of narrative. Within the pages of this work will be found individual mention of many prominent and influential citizens whose lives have been practically passed in Seneca county and who are representatives of pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state. Of this number is Mr. Williams, who was born on the old homestead where he now lives, in Adams township, and who is one of the progressive and successful farmers of the county. Mr. Williams was born on the 7th of December, 1844, being the son of Jeremiah Williams, Jr., who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in the year 1806, being the son of Jeremiah, Sr., a native of Anne Arundel county, Maryland, and a soldier in the Revolutionary CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 317 war. He emigrated to Ohio in an early day, becoming a pioneer settler of Fairfield county, as did he later of Seneca county, to which he removed with his family in 1824 or 1825, taking up a tract of government land in Eden township, where he reclaimed a good farm. The last year:, of his life were passed with his son, on the farm where Rollin K. now lives, his death occurring at the age of eighty-five years, while his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Gaither, died here also at the age of eighty-two. They became the parents of four sons and six daughters, and of this number none are living at the present time. The children who grew to maturity were Reuben, Elisha, Susan, Elizabeth, Mary, Eli and Jeremiah, Jr. Reuben settled in Warsaw, Indiana, `where he established a newspaper, the same being now edited and published by his son, General Reuben Williams; Elisha Williams removed to Fulton county, Ohio; Susan married Uriah Egbert and lived in Pleasant township; Elizabeth and Mary married and removed from this county; little is known as to Eli; and Jeremiah, Jr., was the father of our subject. About 1833 Jeremiah Williams, Jr., came to Adams township, having here purchased a quarter section of heavily timbered land, only four acres having been cleared, while a primitive log cabin had been erected. In this domicile he took up his abode, and here he inaugurated the work of reclaiming and otherwise improving the farm, which continued to be his home until his death, on the 16th of August, 1878, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife survived him only nine months, both having been devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they were active workers, while to them was given the unqualified esteem of the community where they passed so many years of their lives. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Eliza L. Kinzer. and she was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Susan Kinzer. She was reared from early childhood in Eden township, where she was married, her first union having been with John Jones, and after his death was solemnized her marriage to Jeremiah Williams. Of this second union six children were born, namely : Margaret O., a maiden lady, who died on the 15th of October, 1901, having remained at the old homestead; John, who died in infancy ; Frances Amanda, who be- 318 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. came the wife of Jacob Yotter, of Kosciusko county, Indiana, and who died in 1874; Cyrus, a resident of Kosciusko county, Indiana; Edmund B., a farmer of Adams township; and Rollin K., the immediate subject of this sketch and the owner of the old homestead. Rollin K. Williams grew to maturity on the old homestead farm, early beginning to assist in its improvement and cultivation and securing his preliminary educational training in the district schools, after which he continued his studies in the academy at Republic. With the exception of an interval of six years, when he worked at Melmore, Eden township, he has consecutively maintained his home on the old farm where he was born. A portion of the original tract has been sold, but he still owns a fine farm of ninety acres, covering the homestead, the same having the best of permanent improvements and being kept under a high state of cultivation, yielding bounteous harvests in return for the labors and care expended. In politics Mr. Williams is a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party, and he has served for fourteen years as justice of the peace, in which capacity he has rendered effective and impartial work. Both he and his wife are zealous and influential members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he holds the office of circuit steward, trustee and assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school. On the 25th of November, 1869, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Endslow, who was born September 24, 1848, in Crawford county, Ohio, the daughter of William and Eliza (Junk) Endslow, pioneers of Crawford county, where the father settled as early as 1825, having emigrated thither from Juniata county, Pennsylvania, where he was born and reared. He died on the farm which he had thus entered and reclaimed, in Crawford county, in his seventy-third year. His wife was born in Ireland, whence she was brought to Pennsylvania when eight years of age, having been reared in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, where her marriage was solemnized. She died in Crawford county, Ohio, when her daughter, Mrs. Williams, was but two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of four children, of whom we incorporate a brief record, as follows: Mary O. is the wife of Edward CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 319 Norris, of Scipio township, and they have two children, Carl and Alice; Dwight O., who is a druggist in New London, Ohio, married Miss Cora Selmann, and they have one child, Helen; Cassius A. is in the employ of the Toledo & Ohio Central railroad, at Columbus; and Rollin K., Jr., remains at the parental home. LEWIS J. CLOUSER. The beautiful cemetery of Green Lawn, at Tiffin, Ohio, owes much of its attractiveness to the effective efforts of Mr. Clouser, who has had charge of the same for more than a decade and a half, having been chosen to the office of sexton in 1885. It is ever fitting that "God's acre" should be made as beautiful as possible, typifying the ideal life beyond and bespeaking the glories of immortality in so far as is possible; and thus no community can claim to have done its duty if its cemeteries are neglected and unkempt. Tiffin has placed an able incumbent in the office of sexton of Green Lawn, where nature and art vie with each other in making attractive the city of the dead. Mr. Clouser comes of stanch German lineage, though the name has long been identified with the annals of American history, and he is himself a native of Seneca county, where he has passed his entire life, having been born on the homestead farm, in Clinton township, on the 28th. Of December, 1857. His father, Aaron Clouser, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he grew to maturity and where was solemnized his marriage to Miss Anna Aker, a native of the same county. In 1848 they came to Ohio and located in Seneca county, the father purchasing a farm two miles, northeast of Tiffin and devoting his attention to general farming there until 1876, when, his children having married and established homes of their own, he came to Tiffin and was made sexton and so served till his death, which occurred on the 18th of September, 1900, at the venerable age of eighty-two years. He was a member of the English Lutheran church and' in his earlier life had been a 320 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. quite active worker in the cause of the Republican party. He was one of 'the California argonauts of 1849, where he was fairly successful in mining for gold, remaining there nearly three years. He was a son of Abraham and Catherine Clouser, natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been a tailor and weaver by trade and a representative of a German family which located in the Keystone state in an early day. Anna (Aker) Clouser, the mother of our subject, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and died in Seneca county, Ohio, at the age of fifty-six years, having been a devoted member of the Lutheran church. She was a daughter of Joseph D. and Catherine (Mosier) Aker, natives of Pennsylvania, where they passed their entire lives, the former being killed in a storm, at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife passing away at the age of sixty-four; both were devoted members of the Baptist church. Of the children of Aaron and Anna (Aker) Clouser six grew to maturity, namely : Eliza, who is the wife of Abraham Fretz, a prominent farmer of Seneca county; Anna M., who is the wife of John E. Huffman, likewise a farmer of this county; James, a railway conductor, residing in Westchester, Pennsylvania; Lewis J., the subject of this sketch; Mary E., who is the wife of Alva H. Speck, of Tiffin, where he operates a flour mill ; and Rose Alice, who was a most devoted member of the Lutheran church, and who passed away in 1883, at the age of sixteen years. Lewis J. Clouser passed his boyhood days on the old homestead farm, early beginning to lend his aid in connection with its work, and securing his educational discipline in the district schools and the public schools in Tiffin. When twenty-one years of age he found employment at Green Lawn cemetery, with his father, who was sexton, and thereafter continued to be identified' with its care-taking at intervals until 1883, when he was made sexton of the same, a position which he has since retained, taking deep interest in the beautifying of the cemetery and in keeping it in immaculate order at all times. His services have been duly appreciated, as is evident from his long retention in the position. In politics he has ever given a stalwart allegiance to the Republican party, and he served for several years as a member of the board CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 321 of election judges. Fraternally he is prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed the degrees of both lodge and encampment, and also with the Knights of Pythias, being a member of Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, at Tiffin. He is a member of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife is a member of the Lutheran church. On the 23d of February, 1886, Mr. Clouser was united in marriage to Miss Ida Speck, who was born in Clinton township, this county, the daughter of Peter and Mary Speck, her father having been one of the pioneer farmers of this section of the state, and of this union two daughters have been born,—Martha Alice and Viola E., both of whom remain at the parental home. JOSEPH F. HOOVER. Back to stanch old German stock does Mr. Hoover trace his lineage, and that in his character abide those sterling qualities which have ever marked the true type of the German nation, is manifest when we come to consider the more salient points in his life history, which has been marked by consecutive industry and invincible spirit, eventuating most naturally in securing him) a high position in the respect and confidence of his fellow men. He has passed his entire life in Seneca county, where his father was one of the early pioneer settlers, contributing to its development and' prosperity, even as has his son in connection with the industrial activities which have conserved consecutive advancement. Joseph F. Hoover was born on the pioneer farm in Loudon township, on the 17th of October, 1843. being the fifth in order of birth of the nine children of Benedict and Frances (Miller) Hoover, and one of the four who are living at the present time, the others being Louisa, the wife of Simon Flaxenhar, of Liberty township: Andrew, of Hopewell township: and Mary, the wife of Henry Miller, of Loudon township. The parents were both natives of Germany, where they were reared and educated, coming to America while still young, their marriage having been 322 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. solemnized soon after their arrival in New York city. Soon afterward they came to Seneca county, Ohio, settling in Loudon township, where the father entered a tract of forty acres of government land, upon which he built one of the primitive log houses common to the pioneers, and set himself valiantly to the task of clearing and improving his farm. Here he and his devoted wife passed the remainder of their lives, honored by all who knew them and known as people of sterling character. On the old homestead Joseph F. was reared to maturity, contributing his share to the work incidental to the same and securing a common-school education. He was married in 1865, and since that time, with the exception of an interval of about three years, has lived on the farm which he now owns, the same having originally been the property of his father-in-law, one of the early settlers in the county. Directly after the death of this sterling pioneer our subject purchased the home farm, of seventy acres, to which he has since added by the purchase of eighty acres in Liberty township and eighty-five acres in Loudon township, so that he now has a valuable and well improved landed estate of two hundred and thirty-five acres, in three farms, while he has so directed his efforts as to gain the maximum success in connection with his agricultural operations, being recognized as one of the progressive and representative men of this locality and commanding unqualified respect and esteem. His public-spirited attitude has gained him recognition in, connection with the governmental affairs of the county, and he served two terms as trustee of Hopewell township, in which his home is located. His political proclivities are indicated in the unwavering allegiance which he has ever given to the Democratic party, and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, and of which his wife also is a communicant, being members of the congregation of St. Andrew's church. On the 3d of May, 1865, Mr. Hoover was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Anderson, who was born on the farm where they now reside, and here she has practically passed 'her entire life. Her father, John Anderson, was one of the early settlers of Seneca county, having come hither from Franklin county, Ohio, and originally entering claim to this seventy acres of government land. He later purchased an addi- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 323 tional one hundred and twenty acres, and here he passed the residue of his days, his death occurring at the age of seventy-five years. The maiden name of his wife was Candacy Chaney, and she entered into eternal rest at the age of sixty-five. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover became the parents of ten children, all of whom are living except Mary, who died in infancy. The others are: Dennis, who is engaged in farming in Hopewell township; Nettie, the wife of Henry Koerper, of Liberty township; Jennie, the wife of Joseph Swartzmiller, of Loudon; Thomas, who resides in Tiffin; Anson, of Loudon; and Frank, Harry, Lloyd and Douglas, who remain at the parental home. LEVI CORFMAN, M. D. Among the more esteemed citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Dr. Levi Corfman, who for many years has been one of the representative practitioners of this city, and who still, at the advanced age of seventy-four, gives his professional services to those who feel the confidence in his skill which his successful career has inspired. The birth of Dr. Corfman occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio, June 18, 1827, and his early years were passed on a farm. His education in the elementary branches was acquired in the district schools of his locality; and he very distinctly recalls the old log structure which was his alma mater, with its puncheon floor and slab benches. The picturesque old school-house has long passed away before the march of progress, but the lessons learned within its walls prepared the ambitious youth to take up the study of medicine while still in early manhood. His first instructor in this science was Dr. Bennan, of Elmore, Ohio, with whom he continued for some years, improving his time so well that he was then considered capable of taking charge of a practice in Belle Vernon, Wyandot county, Ohio, where he remained for two years. The young physician then moved to Pleasantville, Fairfield county, Ohio, and remained there during four years, locating then in Berwick, Seneca 324 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. county, where he remained for three months. The next four years were spent in Wyandot county, where he had made many friends during his. ,previous residence, going from his old location to Corey, in the same county, and remaining there for four years also, at the end of this period going to Findlay, where he immediately entered upon a successful professional career which continued up to the time of his removal to Tiffin, in 1881. Since locating in this city, Dr. Corfman has been a signally successful physician. Although he was educated in the old schools of medicine, long experience has made almost every human ill familiar to him, and his successful treatment and skill has proved that the foundations of medical science are the same, and also that schools and colleges do not make physicians. A real physician is born, as surely as is an artist. For a long time Dr. Corfman's services. were given upon the call of necessity, no matter how inclement the weather or how pressing his own needs ; but advancing years made it necessary to restrict his practice, and he has, for the past nine years, only given his attention to chronic cases, many of them being those given up by younger physicians. Dr. Corfman is a man of wonderful vitality, bears his years well and is more active than many men of one-half his age. He is kept busily occupied with his office practice, and he will be sadly missed when he no longer consents to give the benefit of his long experience. On October 12, 1851, Dr. Corfman was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Decker, of Fairfield county, Ohio, a most estimable lady, who still survives. The family of children born to Dr. and Mrs. Corfman were eight in number, two sons and one daughter still surviving, namely : Abraham, who is a successful physician at Toledo, Ohio; John, who is engaged in farming in Seneca county ; and Lillie V., who is a. graduate Of the high school and who resides at home. The other children were : Elizabeth, who died at the age of ten years Susan V., who died at the age of twenty-one in Findlay ; Etta, who died at the age of ten years Maggie M., who married J. D. Rolley and died at the age of twenty-eight, leaving one child, Lillie Inez, who died in childhood ; and Sarah C., who died, unmarried, at the age of twenty-eight years. In his political convictions Dr. Corfman is an adherent of the Dem-