CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 725 Mr. Loomis, the subject of this sketch, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as steward for more than forty years; and his wife has been identified with that denomination ever since her fifteenth year. In political matters Mr. Loomis gives an unfaltering support to the principles of the Republican party. He has passed the eightieth milestone on the journey of life, and his path has been marked by good deeds, honest purpose, commendable industry and worthy motives; and when the final summons comes he will leave a record worthy of emulation. REV. M. R. SCHMAUS. Father M. R. Schmaus, in charge of St. Stephen's church, was born in Bavaria, Germany, on the 18th of May, 1867, a son of Leopold and Teresa (Fischer) Schmaus. They became the parents of nine children, all of whom survive and with the exception of our subject all are residents of their native country. Father Schmaus received a education in Dillingen. and Augsburg, Bavaria, and after receiving a classical course he joined the Fathers of the Precious Blood and prepared for the priesthood. In 1886 he came to the United States and entered the St. Charles Seminary at Carthagena, Ohio, where he studied philosophy and theology. In 1891 he was ordained to. the priesthood, first serving in the dioceses of Fort Wayne and Cincinnati, and since 1897 he has been located at St. Stephen's. The church was established about sixty years ago and its membership now numbers about twenty-nine families. Under his supervision a parsonage is now in course of erection, at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars, and also a modern school building. Father Schmaus' influence is ever found on the side progress, liberty and right, and the effect of his labors has been far reaching. He has filled his daily life with that brotherly love and Christian charity which ever prove a light to guide many to. the better way, and he is loved and honored by his parishioners and by all who know him. 726 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. JOHN ROBERTSON. John Robertson is an octogenarian and, in fact, has almost completed the half of another decade, but old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness or inactivity; it need not suggest as a matter of course lack of occupation or helplessness, for there is an old age which grows stronger in many ways with the passing years. This is true in the case of John Robertson, who yet superintends his farming interests and keeps in touch to a large extent with the progress which is being made along many lines of activity in the world. He is a native of Paris, France, although of English parentage. He was born December 16, 1817, a son of Edward Robertson, who took part in the famous battle of Waterloo, under the Duke of Wellington. When John Robertson was two years of age his parents became residents of Portsmouth, England, where he was reared to manhood and entered upon his business career, but the new world attracted him and he came to "the land of the free and the home of the brave," crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, for it was before the day of rapid navigation in steamboats. The vessel in which he took passage dropped anchor in the harbor of New York city and he proceeded to Centerville; that state, where he worked at the weaver's trade until 1846, when he came to Ohio. Mr. Robertson chose Seneca county as the scene of his future labors, and here purchased fifty acres of land in Liberty township. There he built a log cabin and began life in the west in true pioneer style, devoting his energies to the cultivation of the fields and the improvement of his farm until October, 1861, when he put aside all, business cares and personal considerations in order to respond, to the call of his adopted country for aid. He donned the blue uniform and joined Company F, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and with his regiment proceeded to the scene of action. The first battle in which he participated was at Bull Run, and later he took part in the engagements at Slaughter Mountain, Chancellorsville and Galesburg. He served, faithfully and loyally for three years and then, with a creditable military record, returned to his home. Again arriving in Seneca county, Mr. Robertson resumed work CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 727 upon his farm, which he operated for seven years thereafter and then purchased his present home, which has since been his place of abode. The farm comprises one hundred and thirty-three acres and on it are many substantial improvements and modern equipments. This farm was entered from the government in 1820 by our subject's uncle, who was a resident of Virginia and never located on his Ohio claim. Throughout the long years of his residence in Seneca county, covering more than sixty years, Mr. Robertson has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and along this line of honorable business industry he has won a desirable competence. He has ever been as true to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the old flag upon southern battlefields. In politics he has been a stanch Republican since the organization of the party, and although he has never sought office he has clone all in his power in a quiet way to secure the success of the party. He found in America the opportunities for advancement which he sought, and never has he regretted his determination to make his home in the new world or in Seneca county, where he is now an honored and respected citizen. SAMUEL DRENNING. The Drenning family of which our subject is a representative had its origin in England. His grandfather came to the new world, establishing his home in Pennsylvania. There, in Bedford, Samuel Drenning, his son, was born, and there lived and died. He married Jane Bridges, who was of Scotch lineage and a daughter of Abraham Bridges of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, whose father came from the land of the heather to the United States at an early period in American history. Samuel Drenning, whose name introduces this review, was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania, in the year 1842. He spent his childhood and youth in his parents' home and in the public schools'. of the neighborhood acquired his education. Wishing to try his fortune in a more western district than that in which he was reared he made his way to 728 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Fostoria, in March, 1863. Feeling that his country needed his services and aroused by a patriotic spirit, he enlisted in November, 1863, in Company E, Forty-ninth Ohio Regiment. He started on the Atlanta campaign, but at the battle of Resaca he was wounded. This necessitated his apsence from further active field service until March, 1865. He afterward served in Tennessee and in the southwest, being mustered out at Victoria, Texas, in November, 1865. On returning to Fostoria, Mr. Drenning engaged in the wood-working business, which he has since followed. In this line he has met with a fair degree of success, so, carefully conducting his business. interests that his patronage has steadily increased and his sales have been yearly augumented. Mr. Drenning was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Milheim, of Fostoria, where she was born and reared, her father coming from the Keystone state. Three children grace the union of our subject and his wife, namely : Nellie, now the wife of W. E. Baker, of Findlay; James, who resides. in Toledo; and Laura, who is still under the parental roof. Mr. Drenning retains pleasant relationship with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, and with them. likes to recount the incidents of the camp and the battle. During his residence in Fostoria he has become widely known and the elements of an upright manhood have gained for him] the respect and confidence of all with whom he is associated. WILLIAM MERGENTHALER. For almost a third of a centry William Mergenthaler has been identified with the industrial interests of the city of Fostoria, being well known as a carriage manufacturer. Seneca county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Loudon township, on a farm located five miles south of this city, in the year 1850. His father, Godfrey Mergenthaler, was one of four brothers who settled in Seneca county at an early period in its development and bore a very active part in the work of improvement and progress. The other three broth- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 729 ers were Jacob, John and Gottlieb. All four came to Seneca county with their father and each took up land from? the government and inaugurated the work of developing the same into fertile and productive farms. They were natives of Wittenberg, Germany, and on crossing the Atlantic to the new world made their way direct to Ohio. The father of our subject was twice married, his first union having been with Miss. Heiserman, who likewise was a native of Germany, and they became the parents of two sons and one daughter,—Jacob and Melcher, who are well known citizens of Fostoria; and Mary, who is the wife of Philip, Deywalt, and resides near Bascom, Hopewell township. After the death of his first wife, Godfrey Mergenthaler was united in marriage to Miss. Magdalena Hilghay, who was born in Germany, and of this union five children were born,—Catherine, Henry, William, Caroline and Magdalena,—all of whom are living with the exception of Henry, who died at the age of twenty-six years. William Mergenthaler, the immediate subject of this review, passed the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old homestead farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, while to the public-school system of the place and period he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. Since the year 1869 he has been identified with the manufacturing interests of Fostoria, having in that year here established a carriage manufactory, which he has since conducted with success. He purchased land on East Tiffin street, where his shop and brick block ate now located. He sells his products throughout the state of Ohio and also ships to Indiana. and Pennsylvania. He manufactures a full line of wagons and buggies and has recently inaugurated the manufacturing of automobiles. His. plant is thoroughly equipped with the latest improved machinery for the facile carrying on of the business, and the excellence of his products,. noted for their durability as well as style and workmanship, has secured. to Mr. Mergenthaler a patronage which is steadily increasing and which-has made him one of the prosperous business men of the attractive city where he maintains his home. Mr. Mergenthaler exercises his franchise in support of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, but has never been an aspir- - 46 - 730 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ant for office, his time being fully occupied by his business affairs, in which he is meeting with signal success. All that he possesses he has gained through his own efforts and unfaltering energy and enterprise. Ever alert to adopt new methods which commend 'themselves to, his judgment as tending to improve or facilitate his business, he has steadily advanced along the highway which leads to definite success, and he is accounted one of the prominent and prosperous business men of Fostoria, where he commands unequivocal confidence and esteem. In 1872 Mr. Mergenthaler was married to Miss Mary Zennet, of Findlay, Hancock county, and they became the parents of four children, namely : Lulu, who died at the age of twenty years; Harry Mi., who is now associated with his father in business and who is one of the popular and progressive young business men of Fostoria, being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and still residing at the parental home: Laura, who is the wife of Delmo Eberhardt, of Fostoria, and has one child, Florence E.; and Nellie, the youngest of the children, remains at the home of her parents. JOSEPH VAN NEST. One of the representative and honored citizens of the city of Tiffin, Ohio, is Joseph Van Nest, and such has been his life record as to particularly entitle him to consideration in a work of this nature. Mr. Van Nest was born in Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 15th of January, 1843, being a son of Peter and Susan Van Nest, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, on the 15th of May, 1813, and there he passed his earlier boyhood days, early starting out in life on his .own responsibility, as will later appear in this connection. His parents were John and Catherine Van Nest, both of whom were native of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Wayne county, Ohio, in the early '30s, their son Peter having preceded them, to that locality. John Van Nest, who was a valiant soldier in the war of 1812, was a. harness-maker by trade, and this vocation he continued to follow until his death. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 731 His only surviving son is John, Jr., who still resides in this state, having attained the venerable age of eighty-six years. As the name unmistabably indicates; the Van Nest family originated in Holland, where John Van Nest, the great-grandfather of Joseph Van Nest of this sketch, was born, emigrating thence to America and settling in New Jersey, where many of his descendants are yet to be found and where the family has. ever been held, in high regard and honor. Rev. Peter Van Nest, a brother of this original Holland ancestor, became a. renowned preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, having- been led into the ministry under the eloquent pleadings of the Wesleys. Peter Van Nest, the father of our subject, began carrying the mail at the age of eight years, thus demonstrating the intrinsic energy and self-reliance of a lad who was eventually to become a large manufacturer and successful man of business. At the age of thirteen years he made his way on foot from Pennsylvania to Wooster, Ohio, where he entered upon an apprenticeship in a blacksmith shop. When he was about nineteen years of age he sent a conveyance to, the old home in Pennsylvania and with the same his parents came through to. Wayne county, passing the remainder of their lives in Ohio. Peter Van Nest retained his residence in Wooster until 1848, when he came to Tiffin, where he engaged in carriage-making, building up a business second to none of similar order in northern Ohio. He carried on this enterprise, with cumulative prosperity, until his death, on the 22d of February, 1877. He was a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a man of great business ability and high moral worth, commanding unqualified confidence and esteem in all the relations of life. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan Bucher, was a woman of noble Christian character. She was born in Maryland, on the 5th of September, 1818, and came thence to Wayne county, Ohio, with her parents, Christian and Elizabeth Bucher, the former of whom was born January 19, 1775, devoting- his life to agricultural pursuits and passing away at the age of seventy-nine years, while his wife, who was born in 1771, lived to attain the extremely venerable age of ninety-eight years. Mrs. 'Van Nest was a girl when the, family thus. came to Ohio, and here she passed 732 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. the residue of her life, her death occurring on the 15th of July, 1861.. She was a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and her life was sustained and beautified by her Christian faith. Peter and Susan (Bucher) Van Nest became the parents of the following children: Sarah, who now makes her home with her brother Joseph; John, who served as a private in, the Fifteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years, was wounded at Shiloh and he died at the age of forty-seven years; William H. served about six months during the Civil war, being a member of the One Hundred and Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he is now a prominent business man of Tiffin, as will be incidentally noted later on; Joseph is the immediate. subject of this sketch; George, who likewise enlisted in the Union army during the Rebellion, served about six months as a clerk in the department at Nashville, and he died at the age of forty-four years; and Martin died in childhood. Joseph Van Nest was but five years of age when the family removed. to Tiffin, and in the public schools of this city he received his early educational training. After leaving school he was employed in his father's factory until the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion. In April,. 1861, he enlisted as a soldier, but as the quotas were filled he was not assigned to any regiment until August 11, 1862, when he became a member of Company I, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry,. with the rank of corporal. The regiment was assigned to the First Brigade of the First Division of the Fourth Army Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. He was engaged with his regiment in all the great. battles in which it participated, including the engagements at Perryville, Knob Gap, Stone River and Chickamauga. In the battle of Stone River he received three severe wounds,—two in the left leg and one in the left arm,—and as a consequence he was incapacitated for active service foraperiod of five months. On the 13th of January, 1863, Mr.. Van Nest was taken prisoner, at Harpeth Shoals, on the Cumberland river, and was paroled with other prisoners on the same date. He rejoined his command and was in the battle of Liberty Gap, Tennessee,. while he had the distinction of being color guard of his regiment during Sherman's memorable march to the sea. Thus he participated in the CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 733 ties of Tunnel Hill, Buzzard's Roost, Dalton and Resaca, in which last engagement he was again severely wounded, in the right knee, on May 14, 1864, being struck by both shell and bullet, though the bullet was not found until three years later, when, it was extracted. These wounds have proved a permanent disability, and Mr. Van Nest had been confined to the hospital for more than a year prior to his discharge from the service, on the l0th of July, 1865. After his return from the army, where the fortunes of war had .so cruelly treated him, Mr. Van Nest returned to Tiffin and again became identified with the carriage manufacturing business of his father, having been a partner in the enterprise for three years prior to the latter's death. He then entered into a partnership with his brothers, John, 'William and George, and they continued the business successfully until 1889, when William Van Nest purchased the same and has since carried forward the important industry individually. Joseph Van Nest was not thereafter actively engaged in any vocation until 1894, when he was brought prominently before the citizens of the county by his candidacy, on the Republican ticket, for the office of sheriff. Seneca county is re. garded as belonging to the Democratic party, but Mr. Van Nest, nevertheless, was elected, and that over the most popular candidate on the Democratic ticket. He was the first sheriff elected on the Republican ticket in thirty-five years, and he would doubtless have been re-elected had not an unusual occurrence awakened political animosity. In October, 1895, Sheriff. Van Nest, with a small force of deputies, repelled an immense mob, maddened by drink and thirsting for revenge for the murder of Tiffin's popular marshal, August Schultz. Nothing but death, which was administered to two of the leaders of the mob, was sufficient to check its. impetuosity, and volley after volley was fired by the sheriff and his five deputies before the corridor of the jail was finally cleared of the ferocious multitude. The. coolness of Sheriff Van. Nest in this ordeal and also in the trying hours afterward, when he laid and executed a plan by which Lee Martin escaped with his life to the Fremont jail, brought into high relief the true soldierly qualities and mature judgment of the man. President McKinley, who was then governor of Ohio, compli- 734 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. mented Mr. Van Nest on his bravery in performing his duty. The sheriff had, a very narrow escape himself, as, in the tumult and excitement of the time, a number of bullets were fired at him. Although he felt at the time that he had done only his duty, 'Mr. Van Nest was later reminded that this fulfilling of his trust was not forgotten by that great and noble man, Governor McKinley, for through him he received an appointment as land appraiser for the government, in Indian Territory, the duty involved being the providing of the proportionate allotment of the lands to the five civilized Indian tribes,—the Chickasaws, the Choctaws, the Cherokees, the Creeks and the Seminoles. About one hundred and seventy appraisers and equalizers were appointed to visit the territory, and in September, 1900, Mr. Van Nest took charge of his portion of the work, returning to Tiffin the following July and having performed his prescribed duty with the efficiency which has marked his entire public and business career. In the Indian Territory the appraisers maintained seventeen camps, in each of which were six of their number, besides a cook and two teamsters. They would establish headquarters in a certain township and would then carefully inspect each quarter section, for the purpose of equalizing the allotment among the Indians, such an equal division of the land having not been previously been made, and after giving the work his most careful attention Mr. Van Nest returned to his home in Tiffin, where he is now living retired from business activity, enjoying the comforts of a delightful home and conscious that he. is beloved within the circle of his intimate acquaintanceship, as is he also esteemed and respected by his fellow citizens at large. In politics it is scarcely necessary to state that he is a stalwart supporter of the Republican party and the principles for which it stands exponent, and fraternally he is one of the popular and valued members of General William H. Gibson Post, Grand' Army of the Republic. in Tiffin. In the year 1868 Mr. Van Nest was united in marriage to Miss Marian L. Morehouse, a young lady five years his junior. She was born in Onondaga county, New York, where she was reared and educated. She was a woman of gracious and beautiful character, was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church,-and when she was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 735 summoned into eternal rest she was deeply mourned by a very large circle of appreciative and devoted friends, her death occurring on the 29th of November, 1900. She is survived by her three daughters: Arlie S., who is the wife of Andrew Greer, of Wyandot county ; Jessie E., who remains at the paternal home; and Nellie Belle, who is the wife of W. W. Bmisderfer, of this county. JACOB WERTZ. From a little German home across the sea Jacob Wertz was brought to the new world and entered upon a career which seems almost incredible; yet it is not simply the outcome of propitious circumstances, but the honest reward of labor, good management, ambition and energy. His birth occurred in Wittenberg, Germany, on the 29th of December, 1850, his parents being George and Barbara (Brendle) Wertz. With his wife and children the father took passage on a sailing vessel and came to America, spending thirty-four clays on the water, and after his arrival at once made his way to Bascom, where he engaged in the mercantile and sawmilling business. This venture, however, did not prove profitable, and the savings of many years of hard and laborious toil were swept from him; but he immediately set to work to retrieve his lost possessions and embarked in the cultivation of the soil. This proved a more profitable employment and he was soon recognized as one of the leading and successful farmers of Seneca county. He has now reached the seventy-eighth milestone on the journey of life. Mr. and Mrs. Wertz became the parents of ten children, four sons and six daughters, but only five of the number are now living, namely : Jacob, the subject of this review; Barbara, the wife of Michael Weller; Henry, a successful farmer of Hopewell township; George; and Mary, the wife of Charles Miller, of Scipio township, Seneca county. When four years of age Jacob Wertz was brought to Ohio, and in the public schools of this locality he received the educational advantages which he enjoyed in his youth, At the early age of fourteen he 736 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. began the battle of life for himself, working for four dollars a month for eight years, and during that time he saved eighteen hundred dollars. With the means thus acquired he was able to purchase his present farm of one hundred and forty acres, near Bascom, and he has placed the same under an excellent state of cultivation, and here he is actively engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is in every sense of the word a self-made man,—one who, without any advantages at the commencement of life, has battled earnestly and energetically, and by indomitable courage and sagacity has achieved both honor and affluence. In April, 1879, Mr. Wertz was united in marriage to Elizabeth Smith, and they have two children,—Emma and Jacob, both at home. The Democracy receives Mr. Wertz hearty support and co-operation, and all movements and measures which have for their object the advancement of his fellow men find in him a firm friend and active worker. Since ten years of age he .has been a member of the Reformed church, and for the past ten years he has served as a deacon therein. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed in the community in which they have so long made their home, and their well wishers are legion. PAUL MILLER. We now come to a consideration of the more salient points in the life history of one of the representative business men of Seneca county, one who stands forward as a native son of the county and a member of a sterling pioneer family. His name has ever been synonymous with upright manhood and good citizenship; he has given his influence' and means to the betterment of society, to schools and church, to the support of good government and to the industries which have had important bearing on the advancement of the prosperity and material up-building of the county. Mr. Miller was born in Venice township this county, on the 5th of May, 1840, being the son of John M. and Frederica (Writer) Miller, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 737 who became the parents of ten children, namely : John M., David T., Lewis, Elias, Christian C., Paul, Aaron and Moses. (both deceased), Solomon, and Hannah, who is the widow of Mr. Gruner. John M. Miller was born in Germany, on the 15th of June, 1801, and was there educated, learning the weaver's trade. He was there married, and in 1832 emigrated to America, locating in Medina county, Ohio, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for a period of four years. In 1836 he came to Seneca county and purchased a quarter section of heavily timbered land, in Venice township, having to cut a way through the forest to reach his place. Here he built a primitive log cabin, and he cleared the farm and brought it under a fine state of productivity, while the success which had attended his efforts was attested by the fact that prior to his death he had accumulated about five hundred acres of good land in this county. He was a zealous member of the Lutheran church, and held various local offices of trust and responsibility. His first wife died in 1850, and he subsequently married Miss Catherine Kalb, who died in 1880, there having been no children born of their union. The father of our subject passed away in 1885, at the venerable age of eighty-four years and honored as one of the sterling pioneers of the county. Paul Miller, the immediate subject of this sketch, was reared on the old homestead and acquired his early educational discipline in the public schools. He thereafter learned the carpenter trade, and in January, 1864, he enlisted in the Union army as a mechanic, working at his trade in St. Louis, thence being sent to Nashville and later to Johnsonville, Tennessee, where his command remained until driven out by the Confederate forces, when they returned to Nashville, where Mr. Miller received his honorable discharge, in the spring of 1865. He then returned home, and for a time was located in Lykens township, Crawford county, whence he removed to Tiffin, Seneca county, where he purchased a sawmill, which he operated four years, and then removed to Swanders Station, Shelby county, where he remained four years, at the expiration of which time he came to Bloomville, where he has since maintained his home and where he has conducted an important business in the way of milling, lumbering, contracting and building and farm- 738 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ing, being one of the active and progressive business men of the county and having shown a marked capacity for affairs of wide scope and importance. He has owned seven different sawmills, and also is at the present time owner of a well equipped sash and door factory in. Bloomville. He is a stanch Democrat in politics and served for four years in the office of justice of the peace, while for more than a decade he was a member of the town council of Bloomville. His religious faith is that of the Reformed church, of which his wife also is a member. In 1863 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Marshall, who was born in Venice township, this county, the daughter of Jacob Marshall, who was born in Germany, whence he came to America, becoming one of the pioneer farmers of Seneca county, Ohio, where he owned several hundred acres of land at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had eight children, namely : John B., of Bowling Green, Ohio; Elizabeth A., the wife of E. D. Swanders, of Bowling Green; Emma C., the wife of C. F. Sponseller, of Cleveland; Benjamin F., Harry N. and Charles B., who are at the parental home; Ilona, who is deceased; and Iva Pearl, who is at home. T. D. STEVENSON. T. D. Stevenson, an insurance broker of Fostoria, has been a resi dent of this place for a comparatively brief period, locating here in 1890. During the past three years he has represented various insurance companies and has has secured a good clientage in this line. A native of Sandusky county, Ohio, he was born in Green Creek township, in November, 1842, his parents being David and Mary (Madden) Stevenson. The parents were born in the north of Ireland and both were of Scotch-Irish lineage. They became early settlers of Sandusky county and there the subject of this review was reared. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted, in 1861, for three months' service, as a member of the Eighth Ohio Infantry, joining the regiment at Tiffin, after which he went to Camp Chase, but being one of the youngest recruits he was CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 739 sent home. Not deterred, however, he resolved to carry out his determination of becoming a Union soldier, and going- to Morrowville, he jcined the Third Ohio Infantry, for three years' service. For two years he was with that command in the Army of Cumberland, serving under Generals Buell, Kilpatrick and Sheridan, and in other commands. In the battle of Stone River he sustained two wounds and on account of his injuries he was discharged and then returned home. When he had sufficiently recovered, however, he re-enlisted, becoming a member of the Ninth Ohio Infantry, and he served until discharged at the close of the war. He had previously learned the harness-maker's trade and in the Ninth Ohio he ranked as saddlery sergeant. While residing in Sandusky county Mr. Stevenson was for fourteen years engaged in teaching, beginning in the district schools. In 1877 he was admitted to the bar, having previously studied law, and while residing in Gibsonburg he engaged in practice. Mr. Stevenson laid cut the. town of Gibsonburg on the farm which he owned, and he named the place in honor of Colonel Gibson, of Tiffin, giving him an interest in the property. The little village has flourished and grown as the years have passed. Mr. Stevenson engaged in the real-estate business, dividing- his land into lots, developed the town and placed it upon a substantial foundation. He established a good school there and was ever active in the promotion of the interests of the community until his health failed. In 1884 he was elected county clerk of Sandusky county and then removed to Fremont, where he filled the office for three years. He was also justice of the peace of Gibsonburg for fourteen and one-half years and in these positions of public trust and responsibility he proved himself capable and loyal. In the year 1890 he came to Fostoria, where he established a grocery store, successfully conducting it until 1899, when he became an insurance broker, representing various fire, life, accident and tornado insurance companies. The policies which he writes amount to thousands of dollars each year, and his commissions thereon return to him an excellent income. In Wood county, Ohio, Mr. Stevenson was united in marriage to Miss Rosetta A. Fowler, a daughter of Amos D. and Castara T. (Enead) Fowler. Her parents were early settlers of Erie county, Ohio,. 740 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. and in 1861 removed to Wood county, where her father engaged in -farming. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson has been blessed with four children : Amos Claude, the eldest, is now an attorney of Toledo. He is a graduate of the Union schools of Fremont, of Stedman Business College, at Toledo, and completed the classical course in Oberlin College. He then began preparation for the legal profession, pursuing his law course in the Ohio State University, at Columbus, and in the capital city he was admitted to the bar. He is now one of the enterprising and capable young attorneys of Toledo, where he is rapidly winning .advancement. Ray D., who is a graduate of the high school of Fostoria, will complete a course of study in the Ohio State University with the class of 1903. Thomas D., who was a graduate of the Union schools -of Fremont, Ohio, died in December, 1892, at the age of twenty years. .Edson M. died in October, 1892, at the age of ten and one-half years. In his fraternal relations Mr. Stevenson is a Mason and for thirty-nine years has been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled all the offices. He also belongs to the post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Fostoria. He is to-day as true to his .duties of citizenship as when he followed the starry banner upon the battlefields of the south. Whatever he has accumulated in life is the result of his own efforts. He entered upon his business career without -capital and without the aid of influential friends, and has advanced steadily to a prominent position. All who know him esteem him very highly for his genuine worth and although- he has been a resident of Fostoria for a comparatively brief period he has made many warm friends here. PHILETUS NYMAN. Among the men of prominence and substance who have assisted materially in the growth of the industrial enterprises of Tiffin, Ohio, must be mentioned the late Philetus Nyman, whose death occurred at his residence in this: city on January 7, 1892. For a long period he was the junior member of the well known manufacturing firm of Loomis CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 741 & Nyman, of Tiffin. He was descended from Revolutionary stock, his maternal grandfather, Mr. Woolvor, having taken a prominent part in the Continental army. Philetus was born in Ithaca, New York, November 12, 1822, a son. of John and Elizabeth (Hower) Nyman, the former a native of Holland. He came to the United States during his youth, locating in the state of New York, was there married, and when his son Philetus was still a child removed to Ohio, where he engaged. in farming. Young Philetus grew up on the farm, taking advantage of all educational opportunities, though limited, which came within his reach, and at about the age of eighteen years entered a shop at New Haven,. Ohio, where he learned the trade of machinist. This knowledge was put to practical application after he settled in Tiffin, Ohio, in 1848. Here he formed a business partnership with John D. Loomis, in the manufacture of all kinds of farming machinery in use at that time, making a specialty of plows. Although the beginning was small the industry and energy of the partners soon made it known, and it grew into one of the largest manufacturing plants of this city, for many years the firm name of Loomis & Nyman being a guaranty of a superior make of goods in that line. With almost unvarying success this business flourished, and the partnership continued until 1891, when it was dissolved by the mutual consent of both. At the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Nyman assisted in the formation of a company of one hundred day men for action in case of state invasion, and of this he was made lieutenant, but their services were not needed and they returned from Cleveland to their homes. He was in sympathy with stable government,. being ever an upholder of law and order. The marriage of Mr. Nyman occurred on October 7, 1848, in Crawford county, Ohio, to Miss Anna Hanes, daughter of Daniel. and Susanna (Bordner) Hanes, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, but came to Ohio in an early. day and located in Crawford. county. Mrs. Nyman was born in Stark county, Ohio, January 1, 1831. Seven children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Nyman, only four of whom grew to years of maturity, namely: Alice, the wife of Charles F. Searles and a resident of Port Clinton, Ohio; Ella, who married 742 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Henry L. Thornton and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio; Ida, who married James T. Lynch, of Tiffin; and Etta, who married James. W. Knott and lives in Toledo, Ohio. The children were all highly educated and are leaders in their various social circles. Mrs. Nyman is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Nyman's kind heart made him ever ready to respond to the call of 'charity, although his unassuming habit and retiring manner made many of his benefactions known only to the recipients of his bounty. He was a man who took his greatest pleasure in the comforts of his home and the welfare of his family, for whom he had carefully provided a competency. Although not a man of exceeding wealth, his means were ample, and the beautiful home now occupied by his widow is a sample of his provision of her comfort. It is located on Melmore avenue, and its attractive grounds make it a beautiful feature of that handsome thoroughfare. The death of Mr. Nyman was caused by an affection of the heart. He left behind him a spotless reputation and a large circle of devoted friends. HENRY F. SCHEERER. In the death of Henry F. Scheerer, in the year 1898, the little city of Bloomville sustained the loss of one of its able business men and most highly esteemed citizens,—one who was honored, in the community not less by reason of his sterling character than on account of his public-spirited attitude and his influence in the furthering of the progress and substantial upbuilding of the town. It is certainly fitting that a memoir to him be incorporated in this work, and in the connection it will be found that he was the architect of his own fortunes, and that his life was one dominated by the highest principles of honor and integrity. Mr. Scheerer was born ih the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, on the 21st of April, 1829, and was there reared and educated, remaining in the fatherland until he had attained the age of twenty years, when, in 1849, he emigrated to America, believing that here were to, be found superior advantages for the young man dependent upon his own re- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 743 sources for a maintenance. Soon after his arrival he made his way to Ohio, locating in Bloom township, Seneca county, where he learned the trade of shoemaker, in the shoe and cabinet shop. of the Shideler Brothers, remaining there for three years and then taking up his residence in the little town of Bloomville, where he worked at his trade until 1857, in which year he opened a. general store, handling clothing, boots and shoes and groceries, and soon afterward he enlarged the scope of his business enterprises by engaging in the handling of poultry, wool, hogs and sheep, and for a great many years his wife had charge of the store while he was absent in connection with his other branches of business. He disposed of his mercantile business in 1872, and within the following year completed the erection of the Scheerer Block, a two-story brick structure, and one of the best business buildings in the town. In 1872 he had erected the attractive and commodious residence in which his widow still makes her home, the same being then the largest and most pretentious residence in the town, and he was also the owner of a. considerable amount of other town property, improved and unimproved. Mr. Scheerer was a man of mature judgment and marked business ability, and his interest in all that conserved the advancement of his home town was unflagging. He was a Democrat in his political proclivities, and he was naturally called upon to serve in various offices of trust and responsibility, having been for a number of terms incumbent of the offices of township trustee and township treasurer, and having also done effective work in the position of street commissioner, in which capacity- he established the first turnpike streets in Bloomville, while he was a member of the town council for many years. He was one of the influential members of the Reformed church, in which he served as deacon and trustee, his widow also being a devoted member of the same church. Mr. Scheerer was summoned into eternal rest on the 16th of September, 1898, and his loss was deeply felt in the community where he had passed so many years of his active and useful life and where his friends were equal in number to his acquaintances. On the 1st of September, 1853, Mr. Scheerer was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Hunsicker, who. was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Michael and Hannah (Clements) 744 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Hunsicker, who came thence with their family to Seneca county in 1843, locating in Bloom township, where Mr. Hunsicker purchased a farm and where he continued to reside until after the war, his latter years being passed at Berlin, Canada, where both he and his wife died. He was a weaver by trade and followed that vocation for several years. His son John, who died December 22, 1901, was one of the first dry-goods merchants in Bloomville. The eldest daughter, Anna, who married Conrad Briner, died April 6, 1902, aged seventy-seven years. Mrs. Scheerer still resides in the beautiful home so hallowed by the associations and memories of the past. She proved a devoted companion and helpmeet to her husband, aiding him in the attaining of a position of independence and a success worthy the name. They had no children, but they made a home for one little girl, Emma Charity McGaha, who entered their home as a child of two years, and remained until she attained womanhood. She is now the wife of B. Newcomb, of Toledo. Mr. Scheerer was ever most liberal in his donations to the support of the church, one provision of his will being an endowment, the interest being used for perpetual support of the minister of the Reformed church in Bloomville. He had also made two quite important donations to Heidelberg College, one of which was for a scholarship which rendered substantial benefit toward the education of several students. Mrs. Scheerer continues this active interest in all such benevolences, thus carrying out not only her husband's desires but also following the bent of her own inclinations. A handsome family vault and monument of Vermont granite have been erected in Mount Pisgah cemetery. JACOB M. SCHATZEL. Jacob M. Schatzel has for eighteen years been the city clerk of Fostoria. Further comment concerning his ability and faithful discharge of duty is hardly necessary. He enjoys to an unusual degree the respect and confidence of his fellow men, and his connection with the public interests of Fostoria has been of the greatest benefit to the city CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 745 in promoting its advancement along lines of substantial and desirable progress. Mr. Schatzel is a: native of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and a son. of John and Margaret (Ripple) Schatzel, both of whom were natives. of Geunthersblum, Germany. His father came to America when twenty-four years of age, making his home in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. When the mother crossed the Atlantic to the new world she became a resident of Pittsburg. During the boyhood of Jacob the family removed to Texas, in 1856, but two years later returned to Pennsylvania,. but subsequently again made the journey to Texas. In 1860 they came to Sandusky, Ohio. At the age of sixteen years Jacob entered his country's service. Four times before he had enlisted, but each time he was rejected on account of his youth. In 1865, however, he was ac cepted and served for seven months as a member of Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, his services being in the Shenandoah valley. After the war Mr. Schatzel returned to Upper Sandusky, where he learned the tinner's trade, which he followed for six years. Subsequently he conducted a tin and hardware store in Whitehouse, Ohio, for six years, and was not only a leading merchant but an enterpris ing citizen, and for a time was also a member of the city council. He came to Fostoria in 1876 and established a hardware store and tinshop, which he conducted for five years, being for two years in partnership. with Mr. Faulhaber. In Lucas county, Ohio, Mr. Schatzel was united in marriage to Miss Mary K. Fiscus, of Whitehouse, a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Myers) Fiscus, who were natives of Alsace, France. After coming to America they located in Cleveland and later moved to Whitehouse. Mr. and Mrs. Schatzel have five children: Juliet L. is a graduate of the high school and is now a successful teacher in the public. schools; George P., also a graduate of the high school, read law in the office of J. V. Jones and C. A. Strauch, was admitted to the bar in 1898 and is now practicing in Fostoria.; Albert F. is a graduate of the dental department. of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and is practicing his profession in Fostoria; Leo J., who completed the - 47 - 746 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. high-school course, is now a student in chemistry at Ann Arbor. Don H., the youngest, is a student in the home schools. For twenty years Mr. Schatzel has served as notary public, and for five years he was secretary of the gas board. For seventeen years he has held the position of clerk of Loudon township and for eighteen years he has been city clerk of Fostoria, having first been chosen to the office in 1884, when Fostoria was but a village, and after its incorporation, in February, 1889, he was continued in the position in which he is now serving with marked credit to himself and the city. He was president of the Fostoria Library Association, to which he was elected upon its organization in 1901, and is the present secretary. In the Masonic fraternity he is regarded as a worthy and exemplary member. belonging to the blue lodge and chapter of Fostoria and to the commandery at Tiffin. He is also connected with the Grand Army post and for five years was its quartermaster. The family .attend the Presbyterian church, taking an active part in its work, and every movement that tends to promote public progress and improvement receives the endorsement and co-operation of Mr. Schatzel. In whatever relation of life we find him—in the government service, in political circles, in business or in social circles—he is always the same honorable and respected gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him. LEE NIGHSWANDER. A gentleman of ability, determination, enterprise and laudable ambition, Lee Nighswander has for some years been identified with educational interests in Ohio. as a capable instructor, and at the present time he is loyally serving Seneca county as its auditor, making his home in Tiffin. He was born in Fort Seneca, on the 13th of March, 1854. a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Bare) Nighswander. He is of Swiss descent, his paternal grandparents, Christopher Nighswander and wife, being natives of Switzerland, the beautiful land of the Alps. Emig-rat- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 747 ing to America, they were residents of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, at the time of the birth of their son Joseph Nighswander, who became the father of our subject. He was reared in his native city, learned the blacksmith trade and ere leaving the Keystone state was married to Elizabeth Bare, who also was born in Pennsylvania. About 1852 they came to Ohio, settling in Seneca county, the father purchasing a farm at Fort Seneca, in Pleasant township. To the further development and improvement of his eighty acres he gave his attention until seventy-two years of age, when his life's labors were ended in death. He was truly a self-made man, owing his success entirely to his own efforts, and by perseverance and diligence winning a comfortable competence. In early days he gave his political support to the Republican party, but in his later life voted with the Democracy. By reading and observation he *became a well informed man, and his upright life was in harmony with his profession as a member of the Dunkard church. His wife passed away when sixty-eight years of age. She was reared in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and like her husband was a member of the Dunkard church. This worthy couple were the parents of twelve children, all of whom reached maturity, our subject being the tenth in order of birth. Upon the home farm Lee Nighswander spent the days of his boyhood and youth and, after acquiring his preliminary education in the common schools, at the age of seventeen he entered the normal school at Republic, Ohio. Subsequently he spent several years in Heidelberg University, in Tiffin, and then began teaching, being engaged in the district and village schools and also in conducting a summer normal school in connection, with Heidelberg College, for two years. He devoted about fourteen years to the profession and then a a position in the United States railway-mail service, running between Sandusky and Lima, Ohio, on the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, for eight months. He then resumed teaching and was numbered among the capable educators of this part of the state until he accepted his present office, on the 18th of October, 1898, having been elected to the position in 1897. He was very efficient in the work of the school-room, giving excellent satisfaction. He was able to maintain an orderly school and not only 748 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. had he the power of discipline, but also the ability to impart clearly and concisely to others the knowledge he had acquired. Mr. Nighswander was united in marriage to Miss Addie Barto, Who was born in Watson, this county, a daughter of Elias and Mary (Gamble) Barto. Her father is now! living a retired life in Watson. The home of Mir. and Mrs. Nighswander has been blessed with one daughter, Maude, who assists her father in the office. Mr. Nighswander is a stanch Democrat in politics, has given active aid in advancing the work of the party and rejoiced in its success, but he has always refused to accept office until he became 'a candidate for county auditor, in which office he is fully justifying the confidence of his friends in his capability and his trustworthiness. He has a very wide acquaintance in Seneca county, and his social, genial nature and upright manhood render him very popular. ALBERT J. HENZY. Albert John Henzy is an active factor in commercial circles in Tiffin, where for many years he has successfully conducted a furniture store. He is also well known in connection with public affairs and at the present time is serving as sheriff of Seneca county. His business career has been characterized by enterprise integrity and diligence; his official service by faithfulness and capability, while his good intent is manifest in the prompt and fearless discharge of his duties. Mr. Henzy is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Sandusky, Erie county, on the 4th of October, 1864. His father, Joseph Henzy, was a native of Switzerland and there spent his youth, early learning the stone-cutter's trade and later engaging in contracting. When twenty-two years of age he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, and taking up his abode in Sandusky he there engaged in contracting along the line of his chosen vocation until about five years prior to his death, which occurred in 1890, when he was sixty-four years of age. He became a leading contractor, doing an extensive and important- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 749 business, and as the years passed a handsome competence rewarded his labors. He was associated with Clemmens Brothers, who had the contract for the building of the first lock in the Sault Ste. Marie canal. His thorough understanding of mechanical principles, his practical workmanship and his enterprise made his services in great demand, and lie executed some very important contracts in Ohio and other states. He was entirely a self-made man, for he started in life empty-handed, and when he came to America his only foundation for success was his knowledge of his trade, but his enterprise and diligence soon won 'recognition and for many years a most liberal patronage was accorded him. He held membership in the Catholic church and was a Democrat in his political faith, but never sought or desired office. He married Teressa Ebenclinger, a native of Baden, Germany, who came to America in her early womanhood and is still living, at the age of seventy-five years, being well preserved and active for one of her years. She too is a member of the Catholic church. In the family were four children: Katherine, who married Thomas Ward; Elizabeth, who died at the age of twenty-two; Albert J., of this review ; and Charles, who is a salesman in a furniture store in Toledo, Ohio. When Albert J. Henzy was six years of age his parents removed with their family to Marblehead, Ohio, but after four years returned to Sandusky. He attended the district schools in the former place, and St. Mary's parochial school and the high school in Sandusky, Ohio. When about fifteen years of age he began clerking in a furniture and undertaking establishment in Sandusky, where he remained for four years, after which he was employed in a retail shoe store for two years. On the expiration of that period he accompanied his mother on a voyage to Europe, visiting many points of interest in that country, and upon his return to his native land he accepted a position as salesman in a furniture store in Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained about six months. In 1884 Mr. Henzy came to Tiffin and has since been identified with the business interests of this city. He was employed as a clerk in a shoe store until 1887, when in partnership with Otto Wagner, he purchased the furniture and undertaking business of Philip Rummel & Son. After a year Mr. Wagner sold out to J. W. Huffman and four 750 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. years later Mr. Henzy purchased Mr. Huffman's interest and was alone in business until 1889, when he admitted two of his employes to a partnership in the store, which has since been conducted under the firm name of A. J. Henzy & Company. For twelve years he continued at his first location and then removed to Washington street and purchased the store of Feigie Brothers. He has been very successful since he embarked in merchandising on his own account and his patronage has increased, for he conducts a thoroughly modern store, carrying a large line of goods of all grades, for which he asks reasonable prices. His business methods will bear the closest investigation and his careful attention to the wants of his patrons, together with his honesty and diligence, have brought to him gratifying business. On the 25th of May, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Henzy and Miss Rosa M. Kibbler, a daughter of Anthony Kibbler. She was born and reared in Tiffin, and by her marriage she became the mother of five children, of whom one died at the age of two years. The others are Irvin L., Herman, Helen and Louisa. In his political views Mr. Henzy is an earnest Democrat and has always taken a deep interest in the growth and success of his party. In 1900 he was elected sheriff, entering upon the duties of the position in January, 1901. He is a capable and trustworthy officer and deserves commendation for his fidelity in the public service. He and his wife are communicants of St. Joseph's Catholic church, and in the community they have gained many friends, while the hospitality .of many of the best homes of Tiffin is freely extended them. JOSEPH HARTER. Among the prominent citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is Joseph Harter, who has been identified with the growth and -development of this city for a very long period, during which time he has not only assisted in the various enterprises which have built up Tiffin, but has also established a business of large proportions for himself, and has gained the esteem of his fellow citizens. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 751 Mr. Harter is of German birth and parentage and worthily represents the land and people of his nativity. He was born on March 24, 1837, near the river Rhine, in Baden, Germany, being a son of Nepempuck Harter, who was a tailor. The family consisted of himself, two older brothers and two sisters, the brothers coming to America prior to 1854. In that year our subject accompanied his mother and sisters to the United States, and joined the older brothers, Frederick and Benedict, who were engaged in business in Tiffin, the latter being a tailor. The mother died of cholera within that same summer. Frederick Harter was then carrying on a stone-cutting business here, and Joseph entered his yards and remained working for his brother for two years, becoming a reliable and' skilled stone-cutter. Mr. Harter then went to Cincinnati, where he found work at his trade in one of the numerous yards in that city, and finally, with a desire to see more of the country and its possibilities, he went as far west as Chicago, spending one summer there at work, but finally decided that Tiffin offered as many advantages for business as any place he had seen. It was in a very modest way that Mr. Harter, in 1859, opened up a shop and yard in this city, depending upon his excellent work to bring him patronage. He had made some headway when the business• convulsion caused by the outbreak of the Civil war paralyzed many lines of trade. Being a musician of no mean ability, Mr. Harter decided to enter the army in that capacity, and enlisted, on October 8, 1861, in the Fifty-fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. During the various movements of this regiment he was a valued musician, his playing of the E flat cornet more than once inspiring hope and energy in the despondent and homesick soldier lads who were then but new to the stern game of war. Mr. Harter participated in the engagements which took place through Virginia, was at Danville, Cross Keys and Cedar Mountain, and was honorably discharged at the close of one year and returned to Tiffin. Upon his return Mr. Harter resumed his stone and marble business, applying himself closely, looking after every detail personally, and succeeding as a result of this energy and industry. He has now one of the largest marble and granite yards in this city and enjoys the patronage 752 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of not only Seneca but adjoining counties, traveling through them himself and still personally looking after the details. This he is sure is one reason of his success, that he has never delegated the business to others, but by this close and steady application has never lost sight of the demands of his trade and the best possible way of meeting it. His is one of the oldest business houses in Tiffin, and the success which he has attained is wholly due to individual effort. Mr. Harter was married August 28, 1862, to Miss Lena Wehrle, who was born in Seneca county, a daughter of Xavier Wehrle, who was a farmer and later a business man of Tiffin, dying of cholera in 1854. They have had six children, three of the children dying in infancy. The three daughters at home are Elizabeth, Emma and Tillie, the last named a teacher in the Tiffin public schools. While devoting close attention to his personal affairs, Mr. Harter has been public-spirited and has contributed in every way in his power to the upbuilding of the city. He has: given his interest, time and means to many noble enterprises. In political life Mr. Harter assumes an independent attitude in local affairs, but in national matters he votes with the Democratic party. He is a valued member of William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, C. A. R., of Tiffin, and takes an active interest in it. He is a man who for business integrity as well as personal attributes, is held in the highest esteem in Tiffin. Although Mr. Harter insists that he is sixty-five years old, his friends find it difficult to believe that he has reached the half-century mark, his youthful energy still directing all his movements. Few men of Tiffin can claim a larger circle of personal friends. FREDERICK MANECKE. For a third of a century Frederick Manecke has been a representative of Fostoria and has been closely and prominently associated with the development of the oil industry in this portion of the state. He is a man of sound business judgment and of keen discrimination, and the prosperity which he has achieved is the direct outcome of his own CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 753 labors. He is numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Washington township, Hancock county, two miles from Fostoria, April 9, 1848. His father, Henry Manecke, was one of the pioneer settlers of that township, having located there in 1838. He was born in Germany in 1801 and when a young man of about twenty years determined to seek his fortune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Subsequently he removed to Stark county, Ohio, and in the year mentioned came to Hancock county. He took up his abode upon a farm composed entirely of wild land, only two acres having been cleared. He owned at first but a quarter section, but as the years passed he added to his property until his landed possessions aggregated one thousand acres. This place is highly improved with fine buildings and all modern equipments and accessories which go to make up a model farm of the twentieth century. The property is now owned by William and Peter Manecke, brothers of our subject, the former being also the vice-president of the Mechanics' Savings Bank of Fostoria. The father died in 1860, at the age of fifty-nine years. His wife, to whom he was married in Philadelphia, bore the maiden name of Christina Markley, and was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. With her parents she came to the new world, the family settling in Hardin county, Ohio, near Ada. Mr. and Mrs. Manecke became the parents of the following children: William, who is vice-president of the Mechanics' Savings Bank of Fostoria., as already stated; Peter, who is living on the old homestead; Emily, the wife of Andrew Bowman, of Decatur, Illinois; Jefferson, who is extensively engaged in farming near Decatur; Frederick, of this review.; Harmon, who is also an. extensive farmer living near Decatur and for one term represented his district in the state senate of Illinois; and Albert, who is agent for a machinery business at Decatur, Illinois. Under the parental roof Frederick Manecke spent his boyhood and youth and early became familiar with. all the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His education was acquired in the public schools, and he assisted in the improvement of the home farm until 1869, when he came to Fostoria, which has since been his place 754 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. of abode. Throughout the intervening years: he has been an active factor in business circles: He was first employed in a planing-mill as a joiner and afterward became superintendent of a foundry and machine shop, but since 1889 has been connected with the gas and oil producing business, becoming a contractor and superintendent of the city gas plant. He is now interested in forty producing wells, having sunk nearly eight hundred wells under contract. He is also a stockholder in the Eureka Planing Mill & Lumber Company. His efforts in these directions have been attended with a high degree of success and to-day he is the possessor of a handsome competence acquired entirely through his own efforts. Mr. Manecke was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Hosier, the only daughter of Peter and Susan Hosier, pioneer settlers of Fostoria. Removing from this city to Washington township, Hancock county, he was interested there in farming until his life's labors were ended in death in 1898 when he was seventy-four years of age, though for twenty years he lived in Findlay. He served as county treasurer for two terms in: Hancock county and was prominent in its public affairs. In addition to his agricultural interests he established the Farmers' Bank of Findlay, of which he was the president until he sold his interest, and then aided in the establishment of the City Bank of Findlay, of which he was the president until his death. For many years earlier in life he was engaged as a building contractor in Fostoria and thus his business interests were extensive and of an important character, bringing to him well merited prosperity. He married Miss Susan Sheman of Stark county, Ohio, whose people were from the vicinity of Hagerstown, Maryland. Mr. Hosler's people also were from the same locality and both families became pioneer settlers of Ohio. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Manecke has been blessed with one son, William, who is engaged in business with his father. Mr. Manecke belongs to the little group of distinctively representative business men who have been the pioneers in inaugurating and building up the chief industries of this section of the country. He early had the sagacity and prescience to discern the eminence which the future had in store for this great and growing country, and, acting in ac- CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 755 cordance with the dictates of his, faith and judgment, he has garnered, in the fullness of time, the generous harvest which is the just recompense of indomitable industry, spot integrity and marvelous enterprise. He is now connected with many extensive and important business interests. WINFIELD S. WAGNER. Upon a few principles' of natural justice is erected the whole superstructure of civil laws tending to meet the desires and relieve the wants of all alike. It has been said that "the business of the lawyer is not tot make the laws but to apply them to the daily affairs of men." But the interests of men are of so 'diverse a nature, and so intermingled and complex, that the problem' presented to both lawyer and judge often seems to demand the wisdom of an oracle. The relations of life are constantly changing; the exigencies of the law are those of to-day, and a lawyer is essentially a man of the present and must meet the issues of the hour. His work is such as to bring him into contact with every relation of life; and, thus the worthy devotee of the legal profession must needs be a man of natural ability and broad mental grasp, in addition to being thoroughly read in the science of jurisprudence. Among the representative members of the bar in Seneca county is Judge Winfield Scott Wagner, who noW presides on the probate bench of the county, and who figures as one of the county's native sons, who has here attained distinction. We shall here note the more salient points in his genealogical and individual history. Winfield S. Wagner was born on the homestead farm in Pleasant township, Seneca county, on the 27th of June, 1862, being the son of Edmund Carpenter Wagner, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared under the invigorating discipline of the farm. As a young man he emigrated thence to Ohio, in 1843; and, after passing about a year in Tiffin, located on a farm near Fort Seneca. He soon afterward purchased, in that locality, a tract of wild land, which he reclaimed, there continuing his residence until 1862, when he purchased a farm in Liberty township, where he made his home 156 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. until 1884. He later resided a few months in the city of Tiffin and then removed to Cowley county, Kansas, where he bought a tract of land, though thereafter he resided in Winfield, until his death, in 1889, at the age of sixty-nine years. He espoused the cause of the Republican party at its organization, but in 1874 transferred his allegiance to the Democratic party, with which he was identified until his demise. He was a self-made man, having depended upon his own exertions from early youth, and he so ordered his life as to merit and retain the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. He was a son of George and Josephine (Carpenter) Wagner, the former of whom was born in Berks ?county, Pennsylvania, and the latter at Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, Maryland. George Wagner was engaged in farming and stock-growing in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, until about 1854, when he came with his family to Seneca county, Ohio, buying land in Pleasant township, where he remained until his death, at the age of .eighty-one years, while his wife passed away at the age of eighty-six, having been a devoted member of the Reformed church. Two of her brothers were active participants in the war of 1812-13. The maiden name of Judge Wagner's mother was Catherine Berkey, and she was born in Seneca county, Ohio, in 1830, being the of John and Lydia (Reeme) Berkey, who were born and reared in Pennsylvania, where their marriage was solemnized. They were numbered among the early pioneers of Ohio, having settled in Perry county as early as 1818, and there residing until 1829, when they came to Seneca county, and were among the first settlers in Liberty township, where Mr. Berkey took up a tract. of government land in the virgin forest. He improved a farm and there died, at the age of fifty-nine years, his wife surviving him until 1867, when she passed away at the age of sixty-nine years. The mother of our subject was born on the old homestead and recalls that during her childhood the Indians were still numerous throughout this section, where the white settlers were rapidly encroaching on their original domain. She is still living, making her home in Topeka, Kansas, having attained the venerable age of seventy-two years. Of her eight children Judge. Wagner was the sixth in order of birth and is one of the five vet living. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 757 Winfield S. Wagner grew up on the homestead farm, attending the. public schools until 1879, when he was matriculated in the Northwestern. Ohio Normal School, at Ada, where he completed a two-years course. Thereafter he put his scholastic acquirements to practical use by engaging in pedagogic work, being one of the successful teachers in the public schools of his native county for a period of six years. He then. began the reading of law in the office of George E. Schroth, a prominent member of the bar of the county, residing in Tiffin, and in 1889 he was duly admitted to the bar of the state. He then engaged in the. practice of his profession in Tiffin, gaining prestige as an able and discriminating lawyer and securing a representative clientage. He was in control of a growing and lucrative practice of general character until 1896, when he was elected to the office of judge of the probate court of the county, of which he has since continued in tenure, by successive reelections, his able and signally discriminating administration having gained to him the most unequivocal endorsement on the part of his professional confreres and the general public. Judge Wagner has ever given a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, of whose principles. and policies he has been an effective advocate, having rendered material assistance in forwarding the party's cause in the local field. Prior to his election to the probate bench he had served for two years as chairman of the Democratic central committee of Seneca county, and he was again chosen to this office in the spring of 1901. The Judge is a man of gracious personality and has the power of winning and maintaining strong friendships. His popularity is thus assured, and yet no one shows greater tenacity of purpose or is firmer in the courage and defence of his convictions. On the 16th of April, 1884, Judge Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Bealer, who like himself is a native of Seneca county. She is the daughter of Andrew and Catherine Bealer, two of the sterling pioneers of the county. Judge and Mrs. Wagner have one daughter,. Gertrude, who was born on the l0th of November, 1885. The pleasant home of the family is a center of gracious hospitality and our subject: and his wife are prominent in the social life of the community.