700 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. elected for the eighth term. For six years he was the mayor of Fostoria, and his executive duties were so ably and faithfully performed that one could readily have believed that he had no extraneous interests and was giving his entire time to the administration of the municipal government. He was a man remarkable in the breadth of his wisdom, in his indomitable perseverance and in his strong individuality. His entire life had' not one esoteric phase, being an open scroll, inviting and challenging closest scrutiny. True his were `-`massive deeds and great" in one sense, and yet his entire life accomplishment but represented the result of the exercise of the intrinsic talent which was his and the directing of his efforts along those legitimate and prolific lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination led the way. A man of indefatigable enterprise and fertility of resource, he carved his name deeply on the records of the industrial and professional history of this section of the great state of Ohio, which owes much of its advancement to his labors. Though he had no personal political ambition, Mr. Bradner was a stalwart Republican in his political adherency, and vas ever signally true to the duties of citizenship, while his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church. His home life was ideal in character, and those to whom he was nearest and clearest find in the grateful memory of his noble and useful life a perpetual benediction, his widow still surviving him and maintaining her home in Fostoria. EDWIN RANDELL. For over seventy years this gentleman has been a resident of the Buckeye state, and throughout the long period of his residence within its borders he has ever taken an active interest in its development and improvement. His birth occurred in Rockland, Knox county, Maine, on the 19th of November, 1827. His father, William Randell, was born in Belfast, that state, and was a carpenter by trade, following that line of occupation during the time of his residence in the east. In 1831, ac- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 701 companied by his family, he made the journey by canal and the Great Lakes. to Sandusky, Ohio, and from that city the family journeyed by wagon to Seneca county. On his arrival here Mr. Randell purchased one hundred acres of land, in Eden township, which at that time formed a part of the Mohawk reservation, and a sawmill had been erected on the land. He placed his fields under an excellent state of cultivation, made many substantial and valuable improvements on his land, and his became one of the most attractive and desirable homesteads of the township. At the time of his death he was the owner of one hundred and ninety-six acres. Our subject now has in his possession a deed signed by General Henry Knox, secretary of war under General Washington, and bearing date of the year 1801, the document covering a grant of land sold to his grandfather, Thomas Randell, whose father, John Randell, was the founder of the family in America, whither he came from England. William Randell, the father of our subject, was united in marriage to Eunice Crockett, and they became the parents of the following children : Eliza, the deceased wife of Theodore Graves; Edwin, the subject of this review ; Elbert, deceased ; Nathaniel, a resident of Cass county, Missouri ; Theodore and Josephine, both deceased, as is also the youngest child, who died in infancy. The father of this family was called to his final rest in 1882, when he had attained the age of eighty-two years. He became one of the prominent and influential men of his locality, where he was. honored with a number of positions of distinctive trust and responsibility. While a resident of Maine he was a lieutenant in the state militia. Edwin Randell, the immediate subject of this review, was but four years of age when he was brought by his parents to Eden township, and here he was early inured to the labors of the farm in. all its departments, while the educational advantages which he enjoyed in his youth were those afforded by the primitive schools of the times. In 1847 he went to Napoleon, Henry county, Ohio, where he purchased one hundred and ninety-two acres of wild land, and as the years passed he succeeded in placing his land under effective cultivation, and there he made hiS 702 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. home until 1866, when he returned to Eden township. By purchase he then became the owner of the old homestead farm, where he continued to reside until 1892, in which year he removed to his present residence, in the same township, though he still retains possession of the original homestead. After a long, active and useful business career an honored retirement has been vouchsafed Mr. Randell, and he is now enjoying the fruits of former toil. He has a small tract adjacent to the homestead, and here he has erected a pleasant residence, of attractive architectural design and equipments, the same being located three miles south of the city of Tiffin and being one of the most desirable homes in this vicinity. On the 1st of October, 1853, Mr. Randell was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Palmer, and they have had six children, of whom we enter brief record as follows : Sumner, who is a resident farmer of Eden township, married Bertha Cook, and they have two children, Erwin Paul and Arthur; Harold is engaged in mining in the state of Idaho : May remains at the parental home ; Augusta became the wife of William C. Strohm and died at the age of thirty-nine years, leaving three children, Edwin, Leah and Augusta, all of whom have resided with their maternal grandparents, Edwin being now superintendent of the Home Telephone Company, at Tiffin ; and Maude and Nina died in childhood. Mrs. Strohm was an artist of fine talent, having executed many excellent paintings in oil, one of which, entitled the "First Homestead," exhibited at the Columbian Exposition, in Chicago, in 1893, depicted the first homestead entered. from the government near Beatrice, Nebraska. The picture was executed for Mrs. John A. Logan, wife of the renowned general, and by her was placed on exhibition, as noted. Several of Mrs. Strohm's productions have sold for handsome prices and a number of specimens of her art work are to be found in the pleasant home of her father, including portraits of his parents and' also one of herself. Mr. Randell has marked and appreciative literary talent and has contributed many valuable articles to the leading papers of the county, and in many other ways has he *proved a valued factor in connection with CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 703 the interests of the community. He has attained a distinct local reputation from his poetical productions, and has published a neat volume of verse, the same having afforded marked pleasure to many readers in Seneca county. Two of his poems, relating to the late Spanish-American war, are appropriately reproduced in this connection. PEACE. The deafening crash of Samson's belching guns No longer jars the ambient summer air, Nor scares the waves that lap the pleasant isle. The steel-clad ship, Erstwhile the nucleus of a battle cloud, Upon the breast of ocean peaceful lies, With all her pent-up thunders held in thrall. The inky cloud That swathed her form in battle's mad'ning hour, From which the lightning flames of battle flashed, As leaps the living flame from midnight cloud, To hurl their crashing ruin on the foe; Now, borne upon the wings of tropic winds, Float buoyant summer clouds along the skies, Or sail far off within the azure deeps. The chalices of flowers Are lovelier now than when a tryant's heel Trod out their sweet perfume. The favored land of myrtle and of palm, By freedom's inspiration roused elate, Is fanned by freedom's zephyrs; and her sons And daughters, freed from despot's galling yoke, Shall grow to fairer stature with the years That now are rising with her brighter morn. Now is closed for aye The long account of tyranny and wrong That marked the rule of medieval Spain; Where superstition's despot, with red hand, Has trodden all man's nobler impulse out And bound the aspirations of his soul. Her bloody conquests in the western world, The hosts of progress in their onward march Have blotted from the century's changing chart. 704 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. The mailed hand that carried conquest far Now falls as nerveless as if conqueror's sword Had never flashed in Cortez' mailed hand. The flames that lit Inquisitorial fires have smoldered out Before the light that science sheds abroad, To chase gray superstition's ghosts away. The bigot zeal That planned strange racks to torture men who dared Assert the right to follow reason's guide Athwart the darkness of the middle age, Is quenched before the light our era sheds, Or flies like noxious vapors from the sun. O! fair Antillean pearl, The brightest gem upon the ocean's breast Within the sitting of the tropic sea; Our ears too long have listened to the sobs, Blent with the cruel clank of chains that wore Their gory links into her bleeding limbs. Those gyves are rent asunder; rise thou up! Put on thy buskins and go forth to make Thy lovely isle the fairest of the world. SANTIAGO The Spaniard sought the bloody fray, His ships came sailing from the bay, The bay of Santiago. But Samson's grim sea lions lay Eager to bar their onward way, To rush witb fury on their prey And cloud with battle's pall that day The bay of Santiago. "Onward full speed," and on they go, With battle's madness on the foe; The sea is white with foam below; The swift ships dash the waves to snow, The battle cloud is gathering low And floating ominous and slow O'er 'leaguered Santiago. Before the carnage, fell and red, Before the conflict, fierce and dread, In vain the Spanish squadron fled; In vain on wings of fear they sped From fated Santiago. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 705 Amid the battle's deafening roar. Down on the dauntless foe they bore; The Spaniard's steel-clad hulls they tore, His decks they strewed with wreck and gore, By shuddering Santiago. Alas for Spain! her bravest fail To breast the battle's fiery gale; It rends her triple coats of mail; Her stoutest hearts begin to quail; They see the Vikings' sons assail Their squadron with an iron hail, And turn to flee with steam and sail Away from Santiago. Her stanchest ships in terror feel The shock through all their ribs of steel; The very waves beneath their keel Are scattered as the vessels reel From war-doomed Santiago. The battle lightning leaped and flashed, The battled thunders boomed and crashed, The grim sea lions onward dashed, The sea by shot was plowed and lashed, By awe-struck Santiago. To 'scape the battle's deadly roar, Their prows are turned toward the shore, Where wide-winged vultures wheeling o'er The blue waves lapping on the shore Shall wash their slippery decks of gore. By conquered Santiago. DANIEL WAGNER. He to whom this memoir is dedicated passed practically his entire life in Seneca county, and for the long span of his useful and honorable career as a farmer he was prominently identified with the industrial activities of this section of the state, his days having been part and portion of the indissoluble chain which linked the annals of the early pioneer epoch with those of latter day progress and prosperity. This record is entered as a slight tribute to a man who stood "four square 706 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. to every wind that blows" and whose strength was as the number of his days. Daniel Wagner was born in Perry county, Ohio, on the 26th of July, 1825, being the son of David Wagner, who was born in Pennsylvania, whence he emigrated to Ohio in the early pioneer days. The family came from Perry to Seneca county in 1828, locating on a tract of wild forest land on section 19, in Eden township, the place now owned by Wesley Crum. David Wagner cleared this farm of its heavy growth of native timber, placed the land under cultivation and there continued to make his home until his death, at the age of eighty years. Our subject was but three years of age at the time of the removal to Seneca county, and here he grew up under the sturdy discipline of the pioneer farm, receiving such educational advantages as were afforded in the primitive schools of the place and period. He continued to assist in the work of the old homestead until he had attained the age of twenty-one years, though he had been married a year previously, and he then took up his residence on another farm, in the same township, where he devoted his attention to general agriculture for a period of twelve years, at the expiration of which he removed to the farm where his widow now resides and where his death occurred, on the 28th of February, 1892. In the. home farm are comprised one hundred and forty-two acres, and upon the place he made the best of improvements, including a fine modern farm residence. He was the owner of three hundred and two acres of land at the time of his death, and was well known as one of the substantial farmers and' influential citizens of the community, honored as one of the sterling pioneers of the county. In his political affiliation he was arrayed in .support of the Democratic party, and his religious views were indicated in his being a devoted member of the Unted Brethren church, of which his widow also is an adherent. On the 12th of April, 1855, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Musgrave, who was born in this county, of which her father, Elijah Musgrave was an early settler. To Mr. and Mrs. Wagner seven children were born, namely: Filmore, a resident of Lyon county, Kansas Elmore, who is a farmer, maintaining his home in Fostoria; CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 707 George, a farmer of Wyandot county; Hattie, the wife of Philo, Keller, a mechanic of Tiffin; William, a farmer of Eden township; Orpha, the wife of Joseph Heck, who has charge of the homestead; and Ida, who remains with her mother in the old home. FRANKLIN J. FRY. A representative of one of the old and honored families of Seneca county, which since pioneer days has been prominently connected with the development and substantial progress of this section of the state, Mr. Fry is worthily sustaining the high reputation of the family, through his active and useful life, prominence in connection with the agricultural industries of this favored section of the Buckeye state and his influential position as one of the county's extensive landholders. There is utmost compatibility in here entering a brief review of his career, and aside from being a valuable and perpetual record the article will be read with interest by the many friends of himself and the family. Mr. Fry is a native son of Seneca county, having been born on the parental homestead, in Pleasant township, on the 14th of October, 1840, the son of Philip H. and Elizabeth (King) Fry, who became the parents of four children, of whom three survive,—Orrin J., a successful and prominent farmer of Pleasant township; Franklin J., of this sketch; and Henry P., a representative agriculturist of Liberty township. The father was a native of Prussia, where he was born in the year 1805 and where he was reared and educated, there learning the trade of carpenter. In 1831 he emigrated to America and for the first year worked at his trade in Maryland, while in the spring of 1832 he came to Tiffin, Ohio, the county-seat of Seneca county, and here assisted in the erection of the first court-house. In the fall of the following year he Went to Sandusky county and was thereafter prominently engaged in contracting and building, erecting a large portion of the most important buildings as far northward as Fremont, that county, and being associated with Joseph 708 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Moore in the building of a number of grist and cotton mills. His marriage occurred in 1837, and he then purchased a tract of thirty acres, across the line in Seneca county, in Pleasant township, which is contiguous to Sandusky county. Here he made his home and for some years he continued to follow his trade. After paying for the property mentioned he purchased another tract, of one hundred and sixty acres, in the same township, this same being eligibly located on Wolf creek and constituting the present home of his son, the subject of this sketch. He forthwith took up his residence on this place, and about 1855, in connection with his agricultural operations, established a dairy business, operating a cheese factory and doing a profitable business. In 1858 he bought another quarter section in this township and in 1866 he purchased fifty-eight acres lying between his home farm and his original thirty acres, thus throwing- the three places into one farm, with the aggregate area of three hundred and fifty-eight acres. In 1872 he purchased the old homestead of his father-in-law, Jacob King, in Sandusky county, the same comprising eighty acres, and thus his landed estate became one of no inconsiderable extent and value. Mr. Fry was a man of distinctive intellectuality, being a reader of the best literature and keeping well informed in regard to the questions and issues of the day. His individuality was forceful and his convictions clearly defined, while he ruled his life upon the highest plane of honor and probity, thus gaining a. commanding position in the confidence and esteem of his fellow men, and being one of the influential citizens of the community where he lived and labored to so goodly ends. Originally he was a stanch Democrat, supporting the principles and policies advocated by Jefferson and Jackson, but when the party repudiated paper currency his convictions as to political expediency led him to transfer his allegiance to the Greenback party. After the passing of this organization he maintained an independent attitude in politics. He served in various township offices, always efficiently and to the satisfaction of the people, and for many years he held official position in the Protestant Methodist church, of which he and his wife were devoted members. His death occurred in 1891, his widow surviving until 1901, when she passed away CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 709 at the age of eighty-four years. She was the daughter of Jacob King, who was one of the early settlers of Seneca county. Franklin J. Fry, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the parental farmstead and was accorded excellent educational advantages, having secured his preliminary discipline in the district schools, after which he continued his studies in turn at the high school in Republic, in Heidelberg College and in the Berea Business. College. At the age of twenty-one years he began teaching during the winter .terms, giving his attention to farming during the summer months, by assisting his father in the management of the homestead. In 1866 his marriage was solemnized and for the ensuing year he continued farming on the parental homestead, while the following three years were devoted to the same line of industry on the farm owned by his father- in-law. In 1871 he purchased two hundred acres of his present farm estate, taking up his residence on the place' at that time and ever since continuing to make this his home, having added fifty-six acres to its area and brought the place under the highest state of cultivation, while Ile has made permanent improvements of the best order. He also owns in this same township. (Pleasant) another farm, of two hundred and seventy-five acres, lying across the river from his home place, and this farm he rents, and he also owns a tract of two hundred and twenty acres, which was a portion of the homestead of his father-in-law. Mr. Fry has ever maintained a lively interest in all that touches the advancement of the legitimate interests of the county and state, and in the fall of 1901 he wa.s elected township trustee of Pleasant town' ship, of which office he is now incumbent, while he also served two years as township treasurer. His political affiliation is with the Democratic party, and he has taken an active interest in public affairs of a local nature. He is a member of the Pleasant Township Farmers' Social, and he and his family are prominent in the social life of the community, their friends being in number as their acquaintances, while their pleasant home is a center of refined hospitality. In 1866 Mr. Fry was united in marriage to Miss Augusta T. Titus, who was born in Pleasant township, being the daughter of Rasselas R. 710 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Titus, one of the pioneer settlers in the county. Of this union two children were born,—R. T., who is deceased; and Delene, who is one of the popular young ladies of the county, her gracious and gentle personality and marked talents winning to her the friendship of all with whom she comes in contact. She is a graduate of the Ursuline College in Tiffin, and for one year was a student in the celebrated New England Conservatory of Music, in Boston, while she is at the present time attending Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio, preparatory to finishing her musical education. in Boston. Her talent in connection with the "divine art" is unmistakable, and it is the wish of her parents to afford her the best possible advantages in the pursuing of her musical studies, to which she is strenuously devoting her attention. JOHN ALBRIGHT John Albright is one of the extensive land owners of Seneca county, and he has prospered in his undertakings through well directed efforts, capable business management and keen discernment in controlling his affairs. He to-day owns five hundred and twenty-five acres of valuable land and in the home farm has a quarter section. His residence is one of the attractive farm. dwellings of the county and everything about his place indicates the careful supervision of ;the owner. Mr. Albright is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Lancaster county, October 20, 1835. He is the eldest of the four sons of Charles and Molly (Smith) Albright. It was in the spring of 1835 that his father came by team to Seneca county, locating in Scipio township, and here he began working at his trade of carpentering. Soon after he purchased eighty acres of wild land in Adams township. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon the place. It was a timber tract on. which the trees stood in their primeval strength. A log cabin first sheltered the family, and in true pioneer style they lived while the father was clearing the land and improving the farm. In CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 711 course of time he placed it under a high state of cultivation and was enabled to add all. modern equipments and conveniences to his property. He owned three hundred and twenty acres of land, all in one body, and in connection With general farming carried on cabinetmaking and undertaking, manufacturing the coffins and superintending all of the funerals held in this section of the county. He was a member of the Dunkard, or German Baptist church, and died in April, 1886, at the age of seventy-six years, his birth having Occurred in 1810, while his wife passed away on the 8th of January, 1887. Their sons were ;Joan; Jacob, now living in Adams township; David, who died- in 1871; and Isaac, a resident of Bellevue, Ohio. At the usual age John Albright entered the district school near his home and began mastering the branches of English learning which constitute the basis of all our knowledge. He afterward enjoyed the advantages of a course in Republic Academy and when twenty-one years of age he left home and went to Dayton, where for two years he was employed at the carpenter's trade. When that period had elapsed he returned to Seneca county and resided at his present home in Adams township until his marriage, which occurred on the 1st of December, 1863, the lady of his choice being Mary Huddle, who was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, a daughter of Benjamin and Annie (Seitz) Huddle, the latter a daughter of Lewis Seitz. Of the children of our subject and his wife we record that Charles F. is a resident of Chicago Junction; Athena died at the age of sixteen years; Upton D., who follows farming in Scipio township, lives at the parental home; and Orin L., Who was adjutant of Company E, Second Ohio. Infantry, during the Spanish-American war. After his marriage Mr. Albright and his bride began their domestic life upon the farm which has since been his home. Here he owns one 'hundred and sixty acres of rich land, which annually returns to .him good harvests, a reward for his enterprise and labor. In other farms he has rich lands, and altogether has a landed estate aggregating five hundred and twenty-five acres. Upon his place are found good grades of stock, the latest improved machinery, and all modern accessories for 712 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. facilitating. his work, and the prosperity which he is now enjoying is the reward of his earnest and persistent efforts. He has. served as township trustee and fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order. Although born in the Keystone state, he has spent almost his entire life in this county, and his many excellent traits of character commend him to the respect and confidence of all with whom be is associated. JULIUS J. LONSWAY. Mr. Lonsway is the owner of one of the finest farms of Seneca county and his residence is accounted one of the best in this section of the state. It is specially attractive in appearance and, moreover, is noted for its gracious hospitality, which makes it a favorite resort of the many friends of the family. Julius J. Lonsway was born in Hopewell township, Seneca county, in 1847, a son of Peter and Amelia (Handle) Lonsway, natives, respectively, of Canada and Pennsylvania. It was in the year 1840 that Peter Lonsway emigrated from Pennsylvania to. Ohio, locating in Hopewell township, this county, where he passed the remainder of his life, reclaiming and improving his farm and being known as one of the sterling pioneers of the county. He died on the old homestead, on the 17th of April, 1886, having attained the age of sixty-one years, and his widow survived until 1888, being sixty-five years of age at the time of her death. Of their ten children we incorporate the following brief record : Emanuel M. is a. resident of Loudon township; Julius J. is the immediate subject of this sketch; Alfretta E. is the wife of Henry Wagner, of Clinton township; John V. is identified with railroading and is a resident of Kansas. City, Missouri; Almond L. is deceased; Sarah E. is the wife of Charles Coon, of Loudon township; Austin J. is a resident of Nebraska ; Jonas B. is a prominent attorney of Cincinnati; Charles P. is a ranchman of Nebraska; and Victor is deceased. The father of our subject, in connection with his agricultural pursuits, was also, engaged for a number of years in public contracting, and in this line he CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 713 was successful, his operations in the two spheres of endeavor enabling him to provide most effectively for the maintenance of his family. As a contractor he aided in the construction of the Mad River Railroad, between Tiffin and Carey. Both he and his wife were devoted communicants of the Catholic church, holding membership in St. Mary's church, in Tiffin. Upon the old homestead farm, in Hopewell township, Julius J. Lonsway was reared, and through the winter months he secured his early educational discipline in the common schools of the neighborhood. When twenty-six years of age he inaugurated his independent business career by renting the old home farm, and he continued to reside in Hopewell township until 1882, when he removed to Scipio township, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, making his home on this farm until 1901. In that year he removed to his present homestead farm, in Clinton township, and upon this place he has made the best of improvements and on every hand are to be seen the distinct evidences of thrift and prosperity. He has here a quarter section of land, known as the old Montgomery farm, and each year, as the result of his well directed efforts, he gathers excellent harvests and also receives good financial returns from the sale of his live stock, devoting particular attention to the raising of a high grade of stock. He has recently erected a commodious residence of modern and attractive design, and also a fine barn and other requisite outbuildings, and his farm now compares most favorably with the best to be found in this attractive section of the Buckeye state. In politics Mr. Lonsway gives a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, but the honors and emoluments of public office have had no attractions for him, and he has preferred to devote his time and attention to his business interests, through which he has attained a gratifying and well merited success. Industry, energy and progressive spirit have ever been dominating characteristics in his makeup and through these forces he has attained a distinctive degree of prosperity and isnumbered among the representative agriculturists of the county. He was reared in the faith of the Catholic churCh and is a communicant of St. Mary's church, in Tiffin, taking a deep interest in its work. - 45 - 714 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. On the 8th of October, 1882, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lonsway to Miss Catherine McNama, who was born in this county, the daughter of Morris McNama. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway became the parents of six children, of whom three are living,--Florence, John P. and Morris J. Mary is deceased and the other two children died in infancy. The devoted wife and mother was summoned into eternal rest on the 4th of February, 1895, having been a woman whose gracious and noble character won to her uniform esteem and the affection of a wide circle of friends. REV. JOHN R. FORRER. It gives us great pleasure to present to our readers a sketch of the life of one of whom the community may well be proud; one who has filled his daily life with that brotherly love and Christian charity which have proved a light guiding many to the better way. -Widely known in church and social circles, his life is well worthy of emulation by the young men of his age who are desirous of leaving a name that will be loved and honored. Father Forrer was born in Zuckenrist, canton of St. Gall, Switzerland, on the 7th of February, 1868. After completing a college course in his native land he came to the United States, and for the following six years was a student in the St. Mary's Seminary, at Cleveland, Ohio. He was ordained to the priesthood of the Catholic church on the 23d of December, 1893, and soon afterward was made assistant at St. Stephen's church, in Cleveland, where he continued until June, 1898. At that time he was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's church, in Loudon township, and of St. Andrew's congregation, in Liberty township, Seneca county. Since taking up his present work Father Forrer has built up the schools in his parish in a wonderful degree and has installed new life into the church work. From his youth his has been a serious and deeply religious nature, and as he has grown older the meaning and responsibilities of life have worn a yet graver aspect for him. He is CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 715 thoroughly earnest and sincere in all his thoughts, words and deeds, and his noble, manly life has proved an inspiration to many of his friends and associates. His success in his church work here has been almost phenomenal, and is due to his habits of application and to the perseverance which have characterized his entire life. His influence has ever been found on the side of progress, of liberty and of right, and the effect of his labors in this section have been far-reaching and beneficial. DANIEL BOLLINGER. Numbered among the younger business men of Seneca county is Daniel Bollinger, whose entire life has been passed in this county. He is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of Venice township, his skill and ability in his chosen calling being plainly manifest in the well tilled fields and neat and thrifty appearance of his place. His birth occurred in Venice township, Seneca county, May 4, 1863, and he is a son of Lewis and Margaret Bollinger, whose history will be found in the sketch of L. W. Bollinger in this volume. Daniel Bollinger, of this review, remained in his parents' home until 1886, during which time he attended the common schools of his neighborhood. In that year he obtained employment as a farm hand with George Heapler, with whom he remained for one year, and during the following year he remained with his parents. After his marriage he purchased forty acres of land in Venice township, and on this small farm he began to make for himself a home. In 1897, however, he sold that tract and purchased the farm which he now owns, consisting of ninety acres of rich and fertile land, and it originally formed a part of the old Bollinger homestead. His desire to make for himself a name and place among the substantial men of the Buckeye state has been accomplished, and as the record of a young man his is one of which he may justly be proud, but the success he has achieved in life is the just reward of meritorious, honorable effort, which commands the respect and 716 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. admiration of all. In matters of political importance he casts his ballot in favor of the Men and measures of the Democracy. He has served as a member of the school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a warm friend, and at all times he is public-spirited and progressive. On the 18th of March, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bollinger and Miss Louisa Deisler, a daughter of Charles Deisler. Six children have come to brighten and bless their home, namely : Orlena, Marie E., Rosetta, Clara E., George D. and Samuel E. Mr. and Mrs. Bollinger are members of the Reformed church. JOSEPH BLUM. From the study of the life history of Joseph Blum one may learn valuable lessons. The spirit of self-help is the source of all genuine worth in the individual and is the means of bringing to man success when he has no advantages of wealth or influence to aid him. It illustrates in no uncertain manner what it is passible to accomplish when perseverance and determination form the keynote to a man's life. Depending upon his own resources, looking for no outside aid or support, Mr. Blumhas risen to his present high position in the business circles of Seneca county. Mr. Blum was born in Alsace, France, on the 24th. of August, 1852, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Brumbach) Blum. The parents also were natives of that province, and there they spent their entire lives. In early life the father was appointed; keeper of the forest, and he served in that important position throughout the remainder of his life. Of their six children five are. still living, namely.: Francis, George end Joseph ; Helen, the widow of John Miller and a resident of New Washington, Crawford county, Ohio; and Mary, the wife of Charles Gosser, of Alsace. Joseph Blum spent the early years of his life in his parents' home, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 717 and the educational privileges which he was permitted to enjoy in his youth were those afforded by the common schools of his locality. In 1872, however, he left the home of his childhood for the United States, embarking from Liverpool, and after a stormy voyage of twenty-four days landed in the harbor of New York. He soon made his way to Seneca county, Ohio, walking from Tiffin to the home of his uncle, John, Blum, two and one-half miles east of Attica, where he was employed at farm labor by the month. In 1893 he rented a farm east of Attica, known as the Steigmeyer place, which continued to be his home for the following three years, and on the expiration of that period, in 1896, he purchased the Sam Rivert farm, his present home place, of one hundred and twenty acres. It will thus be seen that he is a type of the progressive spirit of the age. His undaunted perseverance, indomitable enterprise and resolute purpose have been the means of raising him from a position of comparative obscurity to one of prominence in the agricultural circles of Seneca county. He is now ,the owner of a valuable and attractive little farm, which he has placed under an excellent state of cultivation, and everything about the place indicates the supervision of a progressive owner. His political support is given to the Democracy. The marriage of Mr. Blum was celebrated in 1891, when Miss Matilda Ansberger became his wife. She is a native daughter of Seneca county, and her father, Albert Ansberger, is one of the well known agriculturists of Venice township. This union has been blessed with one child, Josephine. The family are members of the Catholic church. HENRY L. SMITH. "We build the ladder by which we rise" is a truth which is certainly applicable in the case of Mr. Smith. He is a type of the progressive spirit of the age,—a spirit which has given America pre-eminence along its various business lines,—and the undaunted enterprise, indomitable perseverance and resolute purpose which have characterized his career 718 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. have been the means of raising him from a position of comparative obscurity to one of eminence in the business world. A native son of the Buckeye state, Henry L. Smith was born in Jackson township, Seneca county, on the 6th of December, 1862, a son of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Smith. The father was a native of Germany, and from his home across the sea he came to America in 1812, when a young man, locating in Jackson township, Seneca county, where he made his home for many years. He then took up his abode in Fostoria, where he spent his remaining days, his death having occurred in 1873, but he is still held in kindly remembrance by his friends and associates who still survive. Unto John and Elizabeth Smith were born nine children, and eight of the number are still living, namely Adam, who makes his home in Elkhart, Indiana; Eva, the wife of John Smith, of Dakota; Nicholas, a resident of Long Branch, New Jersey; Henry, whose name introduces this review; Michael, a resident of Kenton, Ohio; Andrew, who makes his home in Toledo, this state; Rosa, the wife of Dennis Fullerton, of Fostoria; and Emma, the wife of William Wolf, also of that city. - Henry L. Smith, of this review, remained under the parental roof until his twelfth year, and at that early age he started out in life for himself, beginning the stern and unrelenting battle of life alone and unaided. From that time until his twenty-first year he worked at any occupation that would yield him an honest living, and he was then married and located on the Pennel farm, which is now owned by E. W. Pankhurst, where he remained as a renter for five years. On the expira- tion of that period he was able to purchase 'a tract of forty acres, on which he continued to reside for the following six years, when he sold that place and purchased his present home farm. His homestead consists of one hundred acres of land, on which are located ten valuable oil wells, and in addition to superintending the work connected therewith he also has charge of the sixteen wells located on Mr. Pankhurst's place. For a number of years past the work of his farm has been carried on by renters, as Mr. Smith's time is fully occupied with his other business interests. He is now classed among the enterprising and substantial CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 719 business men of Seneca county, and possesses the energy, determination and sound common sense of his German ancestors. At the age of twenty-one years M. Smith was united in marriage to Jennie Switzer, a native of Wood county, Ohio,. and five children have brightened and blessed their home: Cleo, Claude, Hewey, Archie and Charles, all of whom are still under the parental roof. Mr. Smith has given a lifelong support to the principles of the Republican party, and for six years he served as the efficient constable of Jackson township. He is a man of strong mentality, keen discernment, great tact and resolute purpose, and is therefore well fitted for the position he now occupies. His business. interests are capably managed and are bringing to him a handsome competence, and Ohio numbers him among her honored sons. JOHN F. ROSENBERGER. John F. Rosenberger, who resides in Liberty township, where he is successfully engaged in general farming, was born July 2, 1833, and is a son of Frederick and Catherine (Schall) Rosenberger. The father was a native of West Virginia and at an early period in the develop-men of this section of Ohio removed from his native state to Seneca county, making the journey across the country with teams. In many places the streams were unbridged and the roads lay through dense forests, showing that the work of civilization had scarcely been begun. He arrived at his destination in 1826 and settled upon a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Hopewell township, making his home there for two years. When that period! had elapsed lie came to Liberty township and entered from the government two hundred and forty acres of wild land, on which he built a log cabin and also a sawmill, operated by water power. This was the first sawmill in Seneca county and contributed in large measure to the industrial activity. of the community and was a great convenience to the early settlers who wished to secure lumber without going long distances from home. In connection with the operation of his sawmill he also conducted the work of the farm, 720 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. reclaiming the wild land for purposes of civilization. When the trees were cut .and the brush cleared' away he planted his' crops and in the course of time reaped good harvests. Upon the old homestead he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1860, at the age of seventy-three years. He took considerable interest in public affairs and was recognized as a man of prominence and influence in the community. He served as trustee, and his opinions did not a little in shaping the public policy. He held membership in the United Brethren church, to which his wife also belonged. She met her death by accident, being killed by a runaway horse only a week after her husband's demise. This worthy couple were the parents of ten children, of whom six are yet living, namely: David, a. resident of Bettsville, Ohio; Michael, who makes his home in Perrysburg; Rebecca, the wife of Samuel Mowrey, of Marion county, Ohio; John F., of this review ; Horace, of Williams county, Ohio; and Margaret, a maiden lady residing in Fostoria. Those who have passed away are George, Nicholas, Rosanna and Sarah. The subject of this review was born and reared in Liberty township and pursued his education in the log school-house at Bettsville. He early became familiar with the work of the farm through practical experience, and on attaining his majority he took charge of the old homestead, upon which he lived until 1867, when he came to the farm upon which he now resides. Here he has successfully engaged in the cultivation of his fields and in the raising of stock. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, and nearly all of the improvements thereon have been made by him. It was on the 9th of June, 1859, that Mr. Rosenberger was joined in wedlock to Miss Harriett Lynch, and their union has been blessed with eight children: Marion, of Liberty township; Alvadore, of Sandusky county; Jesse, at home; Newton, of Illinois, dealing in hardware and furniture; Della, a dressmaker of Gibsonburg, Ohio.; Catherine, a milliner at Clyde, this state; Dollie, at home; and Minnie, a dressmaker at Gibsonburg. Mr. Rosenberger is a stanch Republican in his political affiliations, and, as every. true American should, do, he keeps well informed on the issues of the clay, so that he is enabled to support his position by intel- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 721 ligent argument. He has held the office of township treasurer and faithfully discharged his duties, but has never aspired to political honors. He has always lived the life of an honest, industrious and enterprising farmer and his activity has resulted in bringing to him a comfortable home and competence. SAMUEL WAGNER. The soldier who risks his life on the field of battle for a cause in which he believes, has always received the highest praise of men; next to hint stands the pioneer, who braves the dangers and hardships of the frontier, opening up new districts to the march of civilization. Deprived of the comforts and conveniences of the older settled sections, in quiet endurance of difficulties and the overcoming of innumerable obstacles, he works on, day after day, at the arduous task of making the wild land, hitherto uncultivated, bring forth the harvests that shall provide him and his family with sustenance. In the work of early improvement and development in Seneca county the father of our subject took part, as one of its pioneers, and as our subject himself is a native son of the county and was born in the pioneer epoch, it is needless to say that he too contributed his quota to this work, while he now stands as one of the prominent and successful farmers of the county, honored as a pioneer citizen and as a man of indubitable probity in all the relations of life. Samuel Wagner was born on the old homestead farm in Eden township, on the 3d of November, 1838, being one of the eleven children of David and Susan (Up) Wagner, the former of whom was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and the latter in Perry county, same state. The father had been previously married, and his first wife left at her death two sons, Jacob and John, both of whom are now deceased. Of the children of the second marriage the following are deceased : Polly, the wife of Jacob Anden; Christiana, the wife of Adam Gunber; Nancy, who married Jacob Von Blon; Annie, who married Samuel Balon; Daniel; and Sally, the wife of Jacob Sharp. The sur- 722 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. vivors of the family are: Elizabeth, the widow of Christopher Wagner, of Miami county, Indiana; Lydia, the wife of Silas Thomas, of Kosciusko county, that state; Catherine, the widow of Jerry Sailor ; Samuel, the subject of this review; and George, a resident of Defiance county, Ohio. In the year 1827 the father of our subject removed with his family to Seneca county, Ohio, settling in Eden township and taking up a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 19, where Wesley Crum now lives, and in addition to this he later secured in the same township eighty acres of government land, the entire tract being practically unreclaimed from the forest wilds. There was a log cabin on the homestead, the same having been built by either Indians or hunters, and this primitive domicile constituted the first home of the family in this township. The father cleared and otherwise improved much of his land, and here continued to reside until his death, about the year 1864, at the age of seventy-three years, his wife surviving until 1869, when she passed away, at the age of seventy-four. They were folk of enterprise, piety and honesty, being industrious and unpretentious and representative of that exalted integrity which was characteristic of the noble pioneer element in Ohio. The subject of this review grew to maturity on the old homestead, early becoming inured to the sturdy toil involved in its reclamation and cultivation, and having such educational privileges as were afforded in the pioneer schools. After the death of his father he assumed charge of the home farm, where he remained until 1873, when he located on a farm in Clinton township, there remaining two years, and he then came to his present fine homestead farm, in his native township of Eden, where he has eighty acres of highly productive land, while the improvements on the place are of exceptional excellence, including a commodious and substantial residence. Ever mindful of the duties of citizenship and taking a deep interest in all that concerns the advancement and stable prosperity of his native county, Mr. Wagner is known as a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and he exercises his franchise in support of the Democratic party and its principles. In the year 1861 Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Maria Isabel Messer, who proved to him a devoted companion and helpmate, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 723 aiding and encouraging him in his efforts to gain a competency and a position of independence and proving a loving wife and mother. She was summoned into eternal rest on the 26th of September, 1899, leaving two sons,—William H. and Charles. William H. Wagner, who is a resident of Tiffin, married Miss Della Bour, and they have three children,—Irene, William and Paul. Charles Wagner, who has charge of the homestead farm, married Miss Cora Biles, and, they have two children,—Ross and Glenn. WILDMAN LOOMIS. The name of Wildman Loomis is inscribed high on the roll of Seneca county's honored pioneers and leading citizens; and the part which he has taken in founding and developing the county well entitles him to prominent mention in this volume. His birth occurred in Fremont, this state, March 24, 1819. His father, Reuel Loomis, was born in Massachusetts, July 12, 1775, became a tanner, currier and shoemaker by trade, and in 1811 made the journey by team to Buffalo, and from that city went by boat to Detroit, where he worked at his trades. During the war of 1812 he served as a minute man and for about six months of the time was held, as a prisoner by the British at Detroit. In 1814 he moved to Fremont, Ohio, where he secured land and from that time until 1822 was engaged principally in agricultural pursuits. In December of the latter year he came with an ox cart to Seneca county, locating in Eden township, on the farm which is now owned by our subject, securing there one hundred and six acres of school land, the purchase price being a dollar and thirty-seven cents an acre. The place at that time was covered with a heavy growth of timber, and in the midst of the forest he erected a round-log cabin, sixteen by twenty feet. In addition to the tilling of the soil, he also erected a tannery on his farm, where he followed the occupation of tanning for many years; and he also made shoes for the early settlers of the neighborhood. As a companion on the journey of life he chose Anna. Lyon, who 724 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. was born September 22, 1782, and they had three children: Samuel C., who was born on the 15th of September, 1805, and died in 1843; Rodolphus, who was born June 23, 1812, and died near Bloomington, Illinois, in 1863; and Wildman, the subject of this sketch. On the farm which he had cleared and improved the father passed away in death, on the 15th of August, 1852, while his wife survived until 1857. When three years of age, Wildman Loomis was brought by his parents to Seneca county, to the farm on which he now resides, and during early youth assisted in the' arduous task of improving the land. Practically for four-score years this place has continued to be his home, and throughout his active business career he has been continuously engaged in the tilling of the soil. He has made many improvements on the place, while his landed possessions now comprise eighty-eight acres, whereon he is successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. He early learned the wagonmaker's trade, but later became a carpenter and did contract work in addition to his farming operations. During the war of the Rebellion he offered his services to the Union cause, becoming a corporal of Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, in 1863, formerly the Sixty-ninth, and known as the Home Guards, and the .same year they were taken out to Johnson's island to guard rebel prisoners. They were afterward mustered into the United States service, and subsequently the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth was called to Arlington Heights, near Washington, where they were engaged in defending the city for one hundred and eighteen days. On the 17th of October, 1839, Mr. Loomis was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Myers, and their union has been blessed with five children, namely : George, who makes his home in Defiance, Ohio.; Elizabeth, who died young; Lucy, who became the wife of Matthias L. Weagley and died at the age of forty-four years, leaving five children, mentioned a little further on; Mary, who died young; and Omar R., a prominent farmer on adjoining land in Eden township. Mrs. Weagley's children are: Wellington D., who was reared by his grandparents and is now carrying on the homestead farm; Amos R., of Wood county; Laura, the wife of Christ Lantz; Elmer, of Los Angeles, California; and Frank, of Eden township.