CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 325 ocratic party, although he takes no active interest in politics, beyond voting. Both he and wife are connected with the Evangelical church, where they are both held in high esteem. WILLIAM DUDROW. One and three-fourths miles to the southeast of the thriving little city of Green Spring is located the fine homestead farm of the subject of this review, who is one of the native sons of Seneca county, of which his father was a pioneer settler. Mr. Dudrow is prominently concerned in the raising of and dealing in high-grade live stock and his progressive methods and discriminating judgment have placed him among the successful farmers and business, men of his native county, while he has so ordered his life as to gain and retain the confidence and high regard of those with whom he has been thrown in contact. It is clearly incumbent that a sketch of his life be incorporated in a work having to do with the representative citizens of the county. Mr. Dudrow was born on the pioneer homestead, in Adams township, Seneca county, on the 22d of August, 1856, the son of David W. and Mary J. (Rule) Dudrow, the former of whom was born in Frederick county, Maryland, and the latter in Seneca county, Ohio. The father of our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, and as a young man emigrated. thence to the sylvan wilds of Seneca county, Ohio, where he was employed for a time on a farm and then rented land. Finally he purchased a tract of sixty acres, near the present home of his son Frederick W., to which latter he eventually removed and here passed the residue of his life, having reclaimed his farm and placed the major portion of the same under effective cultivation. At the time of his death he was the owner of about three hundred acres of land, his demise occurring in May, 1888, at the age of sixty-three years, while his widow is still living on the old homestead, aged about sixty-eight years." In politics he was a Republican, and both he and his wife be- 326 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. came devoted members of the United Brethren church, being honored as sterling pioneers of the county. They became the parents of eight children, of whom four are now living, namely : Byron, a prominent attorney of Fremont, Ohio; William, the subject of this review.; Frederick W., a successful farmer and stock-grower of Adams township and associated with our subject in business; and Jennie, the wife of George Baker, of Adams township. William Dudrow grew to maturity on the old homestead, early beginning to aid in its reclamation and cultivation and securing his preliminary educational training in the district schools, after which he continued his studies for a time in the academy at Republic, an institution held in high regard in the early days and the precursor of the present normal school at that place. Mr. Dudrow remained at the parental home until his marriage, which was solemnized on the 19th of October, 1881, when Miss Adelle Crockett became his wife, she being the daughter of Edward and Eliza (Brown) Crockett, pioneers of Adams township, where Mrs. Dudrow was born and reared. Of this union two children have been born,—William and Mary, both of whom remain at the parental home. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Dudrow located on his present homestead, of which his father had still retained possession, and here he has since maintained his home, having developed the place to a state of high productiveness and made the best of improvements of a permanent nature, including a commodious and attractively located residence. Here he is the owner of a tract of one hundred and forty acres, while he is associated with his brother Frederick W. in the ownership of an additional one hundred and twenty acres,—a part of the old homestead. He devoted his attention to general farming until 1890, when he entered into partnership with his brother and instituted the buying and shipping of live stock upon a somewhat extensive scale, handling cattle, hogs and sheep and gradually expanding the scope of operations until the business is now one of marked importance. In addition to thus handling stock he utilizes his farm to a great extent in the breeding and raising of high-grade cattle and swine, and the brothers have through their well directed enterprise attained a. success of pro- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 327 nounced order, doing much to advance the stock interests of this section of the state, and being honored as capable, conscientious and energetic business men. In politics Mr. Dudrow supports the Republican party, and he served for six years as trustee of his township, ever showing his interest in all that touches the general welfare of the community. THOMAS H. ARTES. Residing in the midst of the oil regions of Ohio, Thomas H. Artes, of Fostoria, is well known as an operator and contractor, having for a number of years been extensively engaged in the development of oil wells in this portion of Ohio. He is numbered among the native sons of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Warren county, that state, in 1854. His father, William Artes, was a native of Tidioute, Warren county, and was a son of Thomas Artes, a lumberman who had extensive business interests in that portion of the state. He was born in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, and as he passed through the years of manhood accumulated a handsome competence as the result of extensive and important business interests. His son, the father of our subject, was also connected with lumbering interests in Pennsylvania. He married Catherine Clark, also a native of the Keystone state. Seven children blessed this union, the subject of this sketch being the fourth son. Throughout his entire life Thomas H. Artes has been interested in the development of the oil industry. He began this work in Pennsylvania, and in 1896 came to Fostoria, where he has ever since drilled and operated in oil wells in connection with others, and all his wells have been fair producers. He is an experienced judge of oil lands and can fairly estimate the probable flow and quality of oil, so that his investments, being judiciously made, have resulted in bringing satisfactory. financial returns. In the state of his nativity Mr. Artes was united in marriage to Miss Letta L. Maultby and unto them have been born four children, a daughter 328 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and three sons, namely : Anna, Harry, Wilbur and Ben. Both himself and wife are well known in Fostoria, where they have many warm friends, ever showing a working interest in all that makes for the elevation of thought and life in the community. RAWSON CROCKER. Rawson Crocker, of Fostoria, is a representative of an honored pioneer family of this portion of the state. He was born in this city in .1841 and is of Welsh extraction, his ancestry being traced back to Seth Crocker, who resided in Washington county, New York. He was the great-grandfather of our subject, whose grandfather was John Crocker. The latter married Lucy Bartlett and immigrated westward, taking up his abode in Seneca township, Seneca county, Ohio, in 1823, and there remaining about nine years, at the expiration of which, in 1832. he removed to Loudon township. This worthy couple became the parents of two children,—Roswell and Laura. The latter was married to the Hon. C. W. Foster, of Fostoria, and still resides in this city, at the age of ninety-six years. She is the mother of ex-Governor Charles Foster, one of the distinguished citizens of Ohio, who served most capably as chief executive of the state. Roswell Crocker, the father of our subject, was born in Cambridge, Washington county, New York, May 23. 1806. With his parents he came to Ohio, and through many years he was prominently identified with the substantial improvement and up-building of Seneca county. He entered from the government a tract of land, and upon a portion of the same the city of Fostoria now stands. He made the first plat of the town, which lie called Rome. It was in 1832 when he took up his abode here and established a milling business. conducting a sawmill from that date until 1837. He then erected a gristmill which he operated until 1846. Leaving the town he then removed to a farm ten miles south of Fostoria and built a flourmill and sawmill at Springville. At that point he carried on his milling operations until CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 329 about 1852, when he sold out and returned to Fostoria, building here another flouring mill, which he conducted until 1865. In that year he retired from business, having in the meantime accumulated a comfortable competence, which enabled him to rest from his former labors. In the early days when business development was yet in its infancy, his enterprise proved of vast benefit to his fellow citizens and at the same time brought to him creditable success. He lived to be more than ninety-three years of age and passed away December 30, 1899, respected and honored by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah A. Cooper, was a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, her parents being William and Anna (Giles) Cooper. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Crocker were born two sons, but the brother of our subject, Allen Crocker, died in 1865, at the age of twenty-six years. Rawson Crocker has spent the greater part of his life in Fostoria and after attending the public schools here he continued his education in the Ohio Wesleyan University, aft Delaware, Ohio. He is also a graduate of Eastman's Business College, of Poughkeepsie, New York, and when mental training had prepared him for the practical duties of life he became a factor in business circles in his native town, where he has since remained. He was only sixteen years of age when, in 1857, he began to clerk for the old firm of Foster, Olmsted & Company, becoming a partner of that concern in 1867, and remaining for a period. of six years. Since 1875 he has engaged in the grocery business and in real estate dealing. From 1878 to 1894 he was also engaged in the insurance business, and at the present time he is a stockholder in the Seneca County Bank. His attention is largely given to the superintending of his investments and his property interests. His business career has ever been marked by diligence and enterprise and as the years have passed he has accumulated a handsome competence. In 1867 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Crocker and Miss. Lucy E. Caples, a daughter of Philip D. and Sarah (Brown) Caples.. Her mother was a daughter of Major Case Brawn, whose family came. from Canada to Ohio. The Caples were early settlers here, taking up. their abode in Seneca county in 1832. Philip D. Caples, the father - 21 - 330 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of Mrs. Crocker, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, March 5, 1816, and was a son of Robert F. and Charlotte F. Caples, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. About 1819 they came to Ohio, settling in Wayne county, and in 1832 they took up their abode in Jackson township, Seneca, county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Crocker has been blessed with four children: John R., of this city; Charles P., who is connected with the Seneca County Bank, of Fostoria; Ross E., who is with the Crouse-Tremaine Carbon Company: and Fred,—all the children being residents of Fostoria. Mr. Crocker exercises his right of franchise in support of Republican principles, and for one term served as a member of the city council. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic order. Viewed in a personal light he is a strong man,—strong in his honor and his good name. His business interests have claimed much of his attention, yet he has ever found time to faithfully discharge the duties of citizenship and promote public progress through active co-operation in all measures for the general good. HOWARD S. FREE. A prominent farmer of Reed township, Seneca county, Ohio, Mr. Free is the representative of one of the county's earliest pioneer families. He was born on the farm where he now resides, on the 21st of July, 186o, a son of John and Eliza (Wolf) Free. The father traced his nativity to the Old Dominion, his birth having there occurred about 1820, a son of George and Elizabeth (Ellenberger) Free. When a child he accompanied his parents on their removal to Seneca county, Ohio, the family being among the earliest settlers of Bloom township, where the father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, now known as the old Goose Pond farm. There the son John was reared to years of maturity, and in his youth the Indian children, who were then numerous in this portion of the state, were his playmates. Prior to his marriage he re- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 331 moved to Scipio township, there purchasing the farm now owned by James Knapp, on which he located after his marriage, and in addition to the conduct of this place he also farmed the old Free homestead which he later acquired. After his father's death, however, he sold his possessions there and came to Reed township, where land could be purchased at a more reasonable figure, and here he became extensively engaged in the raising of sheep, owning from five to six hundred head. In this enterprise his efforts were rewarded with a high degree of success and he became a very wealthy man. His landed possessions were also very extensive, consisting of five hundred acres in the home farm, one hundred and 'sixty in Scipio township and one hundred acres in Huron county. His life's labors were ended in death on the 4th of April, 1874, and from his honorable career many lessons. may be gleaned,—lessons of independence and self-reliance, of regard for the rights and feelings of others, of courage in the time of reverses and affliction. He was a Democrat in his political views, and at various times served his township as its trustee, but he never desired the honors or emoluments of public office. For many years he was a worthy member of the United Brethren church, in which he held various official positions, and was ever a faithful worker in the cause of his Master. As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Free chose Miss Elizabeth Wolf, who was born about 1823, a daughter of Samuel Wolf and Susanna Bretz. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Free five are now living, namely : Martha J., the wife of B. F. Moore, of Cherryvale, Kansas ; Euphrasia, the wife of Levi Keller, of Reed township, Seneca county ; Octavia, the wife of J. H. Cook, the history of whom follows this sketch ; Howard S., the subject of this review ; and Oresta E., the wife of W. R. Bathrick, of Norwalk, Ohio. Howard S. Free, of this review, was but fourteen years of age when his father died, and for the following five years he made his home with his brother-in-law, Levi Keller, who resided on the old homestead farm. On the expiration of that period our subject., them in his nineteenth year, took charge of the home place, renting the same, which consisted of one hundred and twenty acres, from his mother. The place was divided after 332 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. his father's death, our subject receiving as his 'share of the estate one hundred and five acres, situated just across the road from the old home, but this he subsequently sold and purchased the old Free homestead, for which he received a quit-claim deed, and here he has ever since made his home. In the business world he ranks with the ablest, and his efforts along the line of his chosen occupation have been attended with a well merited degree of success. The year 1884 witnessed the marriage of Mr. Free and Miss Cora Neikirk, a native of Reed township and a daughter of Daniel and Sarah J. (Milton) Neikirk, residents of Venice township, Seneca county. They have become the parents of three children,—Amy I., Iva M. and John 0. Mr. Free gives his political support to the Republican party, and on its ticket he has been a candidate for the positions of trustee, treasurer and justice of the peace, but at each election was defeated by a small majority as the township is strongly Democratic. He is one of the leading members of the United Brethren church, in which he has filled the offices of steward and trustee and has also served as superintendent of the Sunday-school.   JOHN HENRY COOK. J. H. Cook, one of the prominent and successful agriculturists of Seneca county, was born in Prussia, Germany, April 2, 1851, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Determan) Cook. The name was formerly spelled Koch, but the present generation have adopted the English orthography of Cook. Our subject was reared to years of maturity in his parents' home, and in the common schools of the locality he enjoyed. his early educational advantages, which, however, were extremely limited, he never having attended school after his sixteenth year. At the age of twenty-one years he began the active battle of life on his own account by working in the woods at stave-making. Immediately after his marriage he purchased one hundred and fifty-one acres of land, his present home place, and from that time until the present he has met with a well merited degree (NOTE PAGES 332 - 333 MISSING FROM THE BOOK) CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 335 instruction at Otterbein University, at Westerville, returning then to his father's farm, which he continued to operate until his twenty-fifth year: At this time, having lost his wife, he became sufficiently interested in the subject of dentistry to take up its study, for this purpose entering the office of Dr. Franklin, of Tiffin, a well known dentist of that time. Dr. Martin first located, for practice in this profession, in Westerville, in whioh pleasant town he remained for two years, coming to Tiffin in 1861, where he soon built up a lucrative practice, which continued to increase until his retirement from activity, in 1892. During all these years he has grown with the advances made in his chosen profession, and few practitioners in this locality more thoroughly enjoyed the confidence of the public. The marriage of Dr. Martin was on March 24, 1853, to Miss Rachel A. Berkey, of Liberty township, Seneca county, who was a daughter of John and Lydia (Ream) Berkey, farming people of this county. She died in 1855, having been a consistent member of the United Brethren church. She left one daughter, Rachel S., who married H. H. Neligh and now resides with her father. She has two children : Ralph A., aged twenty, and Clara Martin Neligh, aged seventeen. The second marriage of Dr. Martin was to Elizabeth A. Souder, of this township, who was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Souder, who came to this county, pio- neers, in 1825, buying land located one and one-half miles north of Tiffin. The father of Mrs. Martin was a farmer and a local preacher in the Methodist church. Mrs. Martin died in 1884, her life having been one of good deeds. In his political attachment Dr. Martin has been a life-long Republican, and has been an active member of his party and influential in its councils. For a period lasting since his twentieth year, he has been a member of the Methodist church, and is a trustee in the same. Since retiring from the practice of the profession., which he adorned for so many years, Dr. Martin has enjoyed a quiet life, having ample means. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres of excellent land, and in addition to this owns some half dozen residences in this city, while his own home on North Washington street is one of the most desirable in this locality. Dr. Martin is well known and is universally 336 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. respected. His prominence in his profession, his devotion to his party and his leadership in his church, have marked him as one of the representative citizens of Tiffin. HENRY W. CREEGER. It is eminently fitting that in this. work be entered a memoir of the honored subject of this review, who was one of the influential citizens of Seneca county, where he practically passed his entire life, lending his aid in reclaiming this section of the state from the sylvan wilds, enduring the vicissitudes and disadvantages of the pioneer epoch and ever order' ing his life according to the highest principles of honor and integrity, thus gaining and retaining the confidence and good will of his fellow men. He was a man of indomitable perseverance, distinct individuality and most kindly nature, and now' that he has passed forward to "that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns," he leaves the legacy of an unblemished life and one that was prolific in usefulness and worthy example. Mr. Creeger was of German lineage, though the family has been identified with the annals of American history for several generations. He was born in Frederick county, Maryland, on the 1st of April, 1823,- one of the ten children of Henry and Catherine (McDonald) Creeger. Of the children only two survive,---Margaret, the widow of Adam Miller, of Hopewell township; and Mary, the widow of Jeremiah Matthews, of Niles, Michigan. The father, Henry W. Creeger, was born on a farm in Frederick county, Maryland, and he was reared and educated in his native state, where he continued in agricultural pursuits until 1825. when he emigrated to Seneca county, Ohio. being accompanied by his wife and children. When he arrived in this section of Ohio he found the locality almost an unbroken wilderness, Indians still being common, while bears, deer and other beasts of the forest were to be encountered on every side. He entered claim to a quarter section of government CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 337 land, in Hopewell township, and the same is now the beautiful farm homestead of Mrs. Creeger, the widow of our subject. He built a loge cabin in the forest and in this primitive domicile the family installed their "household gods," thus dedicating the little dwelling with the sacred name of home. In noting the well tilled fields, the attractive residence and other improvements which mark this fine homestead today, it is difficult to realize that only a few years ago was to be found only this little cabin, snugly ensconced amid the giant trees of the forest primeval. What the labor involved, what the deprivations endured, what the courage and fortitude brought to bear and what the mutual aid and solicitude accorded, it remains for the pages of history to reverently record. The work of reclaiming the farm proceeded and here the father of our subject continued to live and labor until death set its seal upon his mortal lips, his demise occurring when he had attained the venerable age of eighty-one years and had begun to reap the fruits of his ceaseless toil and endeavor. His devoted wife preceded him into eternal rest, having passed away at the age of sixty-one. Later on he found a second companion and worthy helpmeet, being united in marriage to Mrs. Catherine (Wertz) Brendle, the widow of Jacob Brendle. No children were born of this union, and Mrs. Creeger, a devoted Christian woman of noble character, passed to her reward at the age of seventy-one years. She was born in Germany, where she was reared and educated and where her marriage to Jacob Brendle occurred. There his death occurred and later his widow came with her five children to America, in 1854, becoming a resident of Seneca county, where her marriage to Mr. Creeger was solemnized. The five children of the first marriage were as follows: Jacob Brendle, a farmer of Hopewell township; George, a resident of Tiffin, this county; Barbara, the lately deceased widow of Michael Walters, of Hopewell township; Margaret, the wife of Jacob Fleckner, of Loudon township; and Christena, who is the widow of the subject of this memoir and who was but an infant at the time of her father's death. By the two marriages noted the singular condition came about that she was the daughter-in-law of her own mother. 338 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Henry W. Creeger was a child of two years when his parents came to Seneca county, so that practically his entire life was here passed. He grew to maturity on the old pioneer farm in the forest and early began to assist in the work of reclaiming the land and placing it under cultivation. It is a matter of record that he aided in clearing the road from the homestead to Tiffin, this thoroughfare being literally hewed out through the forest. The schools of the place and period were necessarily primitive in character, but he took advantage of such opportunities as were afforded, and thus gained the foundation for that broad information and mature wisdom which came to him through the practical duties and associations of later years,. As a young man he assumed marital responsibilities, taking unto himself a wife, in the person of Miss Ruth A. Culverson, who was born in this county, where her parents were likewise early settlers. Of the four children resulting from this union three yet survive, namely : Osra John, of Tiffin; Chippewa L., of Cass county, Missouri; and Melissa A., the wife of Sylvester Wagner, of Tiffin. After his marriage Mr. Creeger remained on the old homestead for a time and then removed to a tract of eighty acres which he had purchased, in the same township, the same adjoining his father's farm and being now a portion of the Adam Miller property. He remained on this place until about 1858, when, his father having died in the meanwhile, he purchased the old homestead and there continued to reside until his death on the 17th of April, 1896. His life was in every way exemplary and his loss was deeply felt in the community, while to those of his immediate family his memory will ever abide as a benediction and a guide. In politics: he was a Republican, and his religious faith was that of the Church of God, of which he was a zealous Member. He left a valuable estate, and upon the home farm he operated a stone quarry for some years after his return to the same, this industry proving profitable. The attractive and commodious residence which his widow now occupies, and which is hallowed by the memories and associations of the past, was erected by him in 1876. On the 15th of January, 1864, was solemnized Mr. Creeger 's second marriage. He then wedded Miss Christina. Brendle, who was born in CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 339 Germany, and concerning whose parentage and early life due mention has already been made. She survives her husband and still resides in the old home, cherished by her children and by the wide circle of friends gained during her long residence in the county. She is a type of that noble womanhood which has played so prominent a part in the. history of the development and progress of this section, and here she has maintained her home since her childhood days. Of her ten children four are deceased, namely: Jesse Lawrence, who died at the age of two years: Minnie Viola, who died at the age of ten; Henry Oliver, who passed away at the age of fourteen; and Bertha, who became the wife of George Shaull and died at the age of twenty-one years. Of the surviving children we enter the following brief record : Elnora J. is the wife of William Conrad, of Eden township; James W. has charge of eighty acres of the old homestead; Mary Catherine is the wife of John King, of this township; Charles R. operates the remaining eighty acres of the home farm; Ida E. is the wife of Oliver King; and Burdette is still with his mother. OWEN HAINES. One of the well known and representative farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, is Owen Haines, who is a. man of means, prominence and influence in Seneca township. The birth of Owen Haines was in Carroll county, Maryland, September Is, 1830, and he was a son of Job and Ann (Sweitzer) Haines, to whom were born nine children. The names of the latter were : Uriah, deceased ; Josiah, of Adrian, Ohio; Eleanor, deceased; Jonathan, of Carey, Ohio ; Owen, of this biography ; Levi, of Carey ; Ann, deceased: Lydia, the wife of William Myers, of Tiffin.; and Mary Jane, the wife of J. J. Yent, of Adrian. Job Haines left his home in Carroll county, Maryland, in 1840, and came to Seneca county, Ohio, making the long journey by teams, bringing along as many of the old home belongings as was possible. The 340 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. farm which he selected was then owned by David Elder and consisted of two tracts, of eighty and one hundred and sixty acres, in Seneca township, the improvements being a log cabin of two rooms, surrounded by twenty acres of cleared land. For this farm Mr. Haines paid the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. Here his life ended within five years, his death being probably hastened by hard work on his farm. He was but forty-five years of age at the time, and our subject was but fifteen. The latter was spared his mother until 1856, when she, too, passed away. Owen Haines of this sketch was ten years old when his parents located in this township and county. At the age of eighteen he went to 'Tiffin and there entered upon an apprenticeship to the mason's trade, at which he worked for three years. The excitement over the discovery of gold in California had reached this town and many men both young and old left everything to try their fortunes in the mines. Among those who left Tiffin on March 22, 1852, bound for California, was Mr. Haines. He joined a party of ninety-six and reached California on August 27, 1852, after traveling five months. As this party started out over a known trail and was well equipped, each man having either a horse or a mule, they reached their destination without serious mishap. From Kansas City, which then consisted of one log cabin, they took ox teams and some four hundred milch cows. This overland trip was made by way of Salt Lake City, but the return one was made by water, in 1855, after three years of satisfactory success. After his return to Tiffin, Mr. Haines had the satisfaction of being able to purchase the old home farm, where he continued to reside until 1870, at which time he sold it, its present owner being James Pennington, and removed to the farm which he now occupies. Here he has a fine farm of ninety-four acres which he has placed under a fine state of cultivation, while he has also made substantial and permanent improvements, which have added greatly to its appearance and value. Mr. Haines was married, in 1858, to Miss Nancy Terflinger, and a family of six children was born to this union, named : Levi, Esther, Ida M., Charley, Leroy and Bertha, all of whom are still living. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 341 In his political connection Mr. Haines has been all his life identified with the Republican party. In 1864 he enlisted as a private in Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was with his regiment when it was sent to the defense of Washington city. He is a member of General W. H. Gibson Post, G. A. R., of Tiffin, and is a very active member of the Masonic fraternity, with which he has been connected for forty-eight years. He was one of the charter members of Wyandot Lodge, No. 315, of McCutchenville, with which he is still in connection, and where he has served in a number of official positions. The only other charter members still living are George Mulholland, of the vicinity of Adrian, who is still a member, and Benjamin Brundage, of Bakerville, California. Mr. Haines is one of the very intelligent, substantial and responsible men of this township. He has been a successful agriculturist and has done much to develop the resources of his fine estate, making another of the fine farms which are the pride of Seneca county. He enjoys the respect and esteem of the public as a man of integrity, while he is much beloved in the narrower circle of private life.   HON. JAMES V. MAGERS. Among the distinguished citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, James V. Magers has been prominent for a number of years, being a well-known educator and successful business man, as well as a leader in political life, and a factor of value in the development of this section of the county. He is now occupying the highest political office in the gift of his fellow-citizens. that of mayor of the city of Tiffin. Mr. Magers is a product of the state of Ohio, his birth having taken place in Canton, Stark county, May 17, 1842. The home of the paternal ancestors of our subject was for several generations in the state of Maryland, his great-grandfather having belonged to the company of gentlemen who accompanied Lord Baltimore in his visit to the colonies. Law- 342 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. rence Magers, the grandfather of James V., was a resident of Baltimore, Maryland, and there occurred the birth of Joseph E. Magers, the well known father of our subject, of this city. As soon as Joseph E. Magers attained a suitable age he entered upon an apprenticeship to a millwright, and when proficient made his way to Canton, Ohio, where there was need of his skilled services in the construction of mills. He was there engaged in mill construction, when, on account of failing health he was obliged to give up his work. He came with his family to Seneca county and engaged in farming, having invested in land in Seneca township. Afterward he bought another farm situated two and one-half miles east of Tiffin and resided here from 1871 to 1894, at which time he retired from active agricultural life, thenceforth residing in this city until his death in the following year at the age of seventy-seven. Mr. Magers had been for years prominently identified with Democratic politics and served this county as commissioner for six years with the greatest efficiency, filling at various times other offices of responsibilty. He was long a justice of the peace, also served in the capacity of infirmary director. He was a than of strong political convictions, never swerving in his adherence to the party of his choice. He was married in Stark county to Miss Mary A. Sneeringer, who was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and who accompanied her mother to this locality. Her death took place in 1897, at the age of seventy-three years. A numerous family consisting of eleven children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Magers, six of whom grew to maturity. James V. Magers was ten years old when his parents located in Seneca county. His early years were passed in attendance at school, and when about seventeen he entered Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, where he was pursuing his studies at the outbreak of the Civil war, which interrupted his college course for the time being. This interruption caused Mr. Magers to turn but more closely to an intellectual life, and he naturally engaged in teaching, occupying his winters in this way, while there was always need of his assistance on the farm during the summer seasons. For nine years prior to 1881 he devoted the entire school year to teaching in this county, making his home in New Reigel and becoming one of the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 343 most popular educators in the county. During this time he served for two years as clerk of Seneca township, and seven years as clerk of Big Spring township, during all these years making warm and loyal friendships. In 1881 Mr. Magers was elected clerk of Seneca county. Abandoning the professional life he moved to Tiffin to enter upon the duties of his office. These obligations were performed in a manner which resulted in a re-election in 1884. Later he became part owner and manager of the Tiffin Weekly News, a journal which had a large circulation throughout the county. While engaged in this line of business he was appointed assignee of a large manufacturing concern, the Belgium Glass Works Company, and as the affairs of this company were in a complicated condition he severed his connection with the paper and gave his whole attention to the final adjustment of the company's affairs. Mr. Magers then embarked in the business of fire insurance, which he carried on until 1900, although in 1899 he had been elected by his fellow citizens to the office of mayor. So well did his administration suit the populace that his re-election in 1901 gave universal satisfaction. As a public official Mr. Magers has upheld the dignity of the place and with commendable public spirit has encouraged all the measures which he has been assured would reflect honor upon the city. Mayor Magers was united in marriage on January 7, 1868, to Miss Mary J. Adelsperger, of this county, and six children have been born to this union, two of whom died in infancy, the survivors being : Charles F., who is a rising young physician, of this city ; and Olive I., Camilla E. and Victor L., the last mentioned a student of Heidelberg University. The family is one of culture and refinement and prominent in social circles. Mr. Magers has been a consistent politician, never wavering in his devotion to the Democratic party, in which he has been active since his sixteenth year. He has personal friends by the score and his political friends know that he has always been true to them. Mr. Magers is highly esteemed in Tiffin; while many do not agree with him on political matters, they give him unbounded credit for the excellent administration he has given their city. 344 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY MICHAEL ARBOGAST. Michael Arbogast, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising in Seneca township, was born iii Pendleton county, Virginia, August I, 1824, and is a representative of one of the early families of the Old Dominion. His grandfather was Henry Arbogast, whose son, Peter Arbogast, the father of our subject, was likewise a native of Pendleton county. When he had attained his majority he married Sophia Arbogast, who was born in the same locality, and they became the parents of four children: Jesse, who died near Bushnell, Illinois; Phebe, who became the wife of T. J. Windsor; Christina, who married Aaron Carr; and Michael. With the exception of our subject all have now passed away. It was in the fall of 1826 that Peter Arbogast, accompanied by his family, together with Andrew Arbogast and his family, left Virginia for Ohio. The Buckeye state was just then being opened up to civilization. Some districts had previously been settled, but the greater part of the land still belonged to the government and progress and improvement were scarcely known. The party left Virginia with a four-horse team and traveled across the country, fording streams and making their way through almost impenetrable forests until they reached Seneca county. Casting in his lot with its pioneer settlers, Peter Arbogast purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land in Hopewell township. This had previously been entered from the government and upon the farm was a log cabin containing one room. There was also a log barn and a few acres had been cleared. It is a part of the farm now owned by Mr. Zarges. Mr. Arbogast resided upon that place until his death, which occurred in 7835. He aided in laying out roads 2nd in organizing schools, always performing his share in every frontier work which has led to the present development and progress of the county. His wife survived him many years, passing away in 1861. She had received the constant care and attention of her son whose solicitude was never abated. Michael Arbogast, the youngest child, was only two years of age when brought by his parents to Seneca county, where he has spent CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 345 all the years of his childhood and manhood. He aided in the difficult task of clearing the farm and preparing the fields for cultivation, and when the land became arable he bore his. part in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. As his father died when he was only nine years of age, he and his mother carried on the farm, together operating the land, with the aid of an ox team. It was in 1855 that he took up his abode upon the place where he is yet living. All through the years of an active and useful manhood he has devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits and in the legitimate channels of business he has won a very desirable competence. On the 11th of March, 1852, Mr. Arbogast was united in marriage to Miss Jane R. Stoner, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Reagan) Stoner, and she died June 23, 1882, their union having been blessed with nine children, namely : Alice, who married Jacob Staib, is now deceased; John F. is a resident of Seneca township; Nettie is. the wife of Robert E. Lutz, of Oklahoma; Lewis is a mechanic and resides in Tiffin; Charles resides near Bushnell, Illinois; Rush operates the homestead farm; and three sons passed away in childhood. Mr. Arbogast put forth every effort to make a comfortable home for his family and to give his children those opportunities by which they were well prepared for the practical and responsible duties of life. He first purchased, in 1854, one hundred and twenty-three acres of land, the improvements on which consisted of a log house and a log barn. He went in debt for the entire amount, three thousand six hundred and ninety dollars, and this Was all paid in three years. Fifty. acres had been cleared and in course of time his fields were green with the crops that promised golden harvests. As his financial resources increased he added to his landed possessions and within the borders of the home farm are now comprised two hundred acres. He also owns another farm, of one hundred acres, in Seneca township, and upon both he has made excellent improvements, erecting in 1875 one of the most pretentious brick residences in the vicinity. He has. used the latest machinery for facilitating farm work, has erected good barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and has in every - 23 - 346 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. way a very valuable and desirable property. He has never sought office, for his attention has been claimed by his business interests. His residence in the county covers more than three-quarters of a century, ana the present generation cannot realize the changes which have occurred during this period. Mr. Arbogast remembers seeing many Indians in the locality and has driven through Tiffin with ox team- many a time when the mud came up to the hubs of the wagon wheels. The flourishing city then contained only a few pioneer cabins and the county gave little promise of its present splendid development. However, the pioneers laid broad and deep the foundation for its present progress, Mr. Arbogast performing his full share in the work of citizenship. He has ever favored reform and improvement, and his labors have been effective in promoting the general welfare. Owing to his father's death he early had to take up the responsible duties of a business career, and industry, economy and honesty have been salient features in his history, enabling him: to advance steadily until he now occupies a prominent place on the plane of affluence. AARON SHIREMAN. In recalling the well-known and highly esteemed citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, who, by honest and industrious lives have accumulated property and attained prominence in this locality, Aaron Shireman, a resident of Seneca township, demands mention. Mr. Shireman is a native not only of the county but also of the township where he now lives, having been born here on January 26. 1842, and his useful life of more than a half century has been passed in this state. His parents were Conrad and Margaret (Seip) Shireman,, both of whom were horn in Germany, where they were married and from which country they subsequently started for the United States. After reaching this country Mr. Shireman located first at Buffalo, New York, where for some time he worked at his trade, which CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 347 was that of blacksmith. Later he moved to Seneca county, Ohio, started into business in McCutchenville, and there conducted a blacksmith business for a number of years. He died at the age of seventy-four years, in 1877, the death of his wife being some ten years thereafter. They had five children, consisting of four sons and one daughter. The daughter, Kate, and one son, David, are now deceased, the survivors being as follows : Conrad, who carries on a prosperous shoe business in McCutchenville ; Jacob, who is a skilled carpenter of the city of Fostoria; and Aaron, who is the subject of this sketch. The boyhood and early youth of our subject passed away in Seneca township. Here he attended school, was a good student and became well grounded in the elementary studies. His father's farm afforded enough employment, in addition to the assistance he could give at the forge, to keep- him employed until he had decided his own vocation in life. At the age of eighteen the youth entered upon an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, having always had a natural leaning and skill in that direction. He closely applied himself and soon became an excellent workman, and for some forty years his services have been in demand though the county. He can point with justifiable pride to a number of substantial structures which testify to his industrial ability, and a number of these have been built from his plans or suggestions. Mr. Shireman is also a farmer and stock raiser, his farm of eighty acres being in a good state of cultivation, showing that his talents do not all lie in one direction. His buildings are commodious and substantial, his home being one of the most comfortable in the township. Mr. Shireman was married in 1870 to Miss Emmarilla harmon, who was born. in Seneca township, a daughter of William and Mary Harmon. One child was born to this marriage, Ida M., who married Daniel Zeis, a talented young dental student in Columbus, Ohio. In his political convictions Mr. Shireman has always been identified with the Republican party, but he is not a seeker for any political promotion, although strong, reliable, capable men like Mr. Shireman are the c nes who most faithfully bear the responsibilities of office. Whatever success has attended Mr. Shireman's efforts is due entirely to his own 348 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. energy, industry and ability. From small beginnings he gradually attained a prominence in his vicinity which entitles him to be regarded as a leading citizen of his township. His reputation is that of a man of business integrity and he is esteemed by all who know hm. SCOTT J. MATTHEWS. In connection with an industrial enterprise of marked scope and importance the subject of this review has attained a high degree of success and is known as one of the representative business men of Seneca county, of which he is a native son. He was born in the village of Bascom, this county, on the 8th of March, 1869, being the son of Henry W. Matthews, of whom specific mention is made on another page of this work. His early years were passed in the town where he has ever maintained his home, and after securing his rudimentary education in the public schools he became a student in that fine old Episcopalian institution, Kenyon College, at Gambier, Ohio, where he completed a thorough scientific course. As early as his fifteenth year Mr. Matthews initiated his active business career by being employed in the saw and planing mill of his father, who was one of the founders of the town of Bascom. In 1890 our subject went to Tennessee, in the employ of the Matthews Lumber Company, of which his father is the principal owner, and he there remained as lumber inspector during the greater portion of the time until 1894, when he returned to Bascom and assumed charge of the lumbering interests of his father, acquiring an individual interest in the business, and has continued to operate the mill ever since. His mechanical ability early became manifest, and soon after attaining his majority he began manufacturing small boats, of the skiff type, and from this. he has developed an enterprise in the line that is one of marked importance. About the year 1892 Mr. Matthews constructed his first naphtha launch, the same having been made for his own use. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 349 The boat proved to be a greater practical success than he has anticipated, and. led to his making a careful study of the science of boat-building, in which he gained a high reputation for practical skill. In 1897 his ability in this line having attracted the attention of George Burwell, superintendent of the Lozier Manufacturing Company, of Toledo, now of Plattsburg, New York, which then controlled bicycle plants in the cities of Toledo, Ohio, Westfield, Massachusetts, Toronto, Canada, and Thomsonville, Connecticut, and he was given an order for a naphtha launch of his own design. The matter of providing a satisfactory motor came up, and Mr. Burwell decided to buy the castings and manufacture the motor in the Toledo shops. The practical result was most satisfactory, and from that time on Mr. Burwell has devoted his attention exclusively to the manufacture of motors of this type, his success having been as pronounced as has that of our subject in the line of boat-building. After Mr. Matthews had constructed the boat for Mr. Burwell they entered into a copartnership in the industry of building boats in Bascom, and the enterprise is now one of the most important in Seneca county. The motors used are all manufactured by the Lozier Motor Company, Plattsburg, New York, and the boat factory in Bascom is known as the western branch of this company, though the business is conducted under the firm name of Matthews & Company. In the local factory employment is given to a corps of about forty expert workmen, and the products of the establishment have a high reputation, the business having had a consecutive expansion under the able direction of Mr. Matthews and now standing as one of the leading industrial enterprises of this section of the state. Starting with a capital of one thousand dollars in '1892, it has now an investment of twenty-five thousand dollars, from thirty-five to forty thousand dollars being paid annually for operating expenses, and annual sales in the two plants amounting to two hundred thousand dollars. All sales are made through the Plattsburg office, the boats being in demand on the great lakes and on both coasts of the United States, with a large and rapidly growing business from foreign countries. The new five-horse-power gasoline motor for Emperor William's yacht tender was made by this