A CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY, OHIO. HON. WARREN P. NOBLE. For almost sixty years Hon. Warren P. Noble has been a practitioner at the bar of Tiffin. An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have won honor and public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have honored the state to which they belong, would be incomplete were there failure to make prominent reference to the one whose name initiates this paragraph. He holds distinctive precedence as an eminent lawyer and statesman, a man of high scientific attainments and as one who occupied a unique and trying position during one of the most exciting epochs in the history of our country, in which position he bore himself with such signal dignity and honor as to gain to him the respect of all. He has been and is distinctively a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. A strong mentality, an invincible courage, a most determined individuality, have so entered into his makeup as to render him a natural leader of men and a director of opinion. Although he has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey, he is still an active factor in the business life of Tiffin, although it is his, desire to rest from the more active duties of his profession. Warren P. Noble was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, June 14, 1820, and is of English extraction on his father's side, with a strain of Irish blood from his maternal grandfather. His father, William No- 10 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. ble, was a native of Connecticut, which state had been the residence of his ancestors for several generations. He removed to Pennsylvania when a young man, settling near Berwick, then in Luzerne county, but now in Columbia county. There he married Miss Rebecca Lytle, of that place. Her mother barely escaped being one of the victims of the Wyoming massacre, in 1778, by fleeing to a blockhouse. In the war of 1812 William Noble entered the army and rendered valiant service to his country. Unto him and his wife were born ten children; and during the infancy of our subject the parents came with their family to Ohio, locating first in Wayne county and afterward in Medina county, whence they came to Seneca county in 1836, settling in Jackson township. The father was a millwright by trade and was engaged in building mills in Pennsylvania and Ohio for many years. He owned a small farm in the latter state and thereon his family lived. He reached a venerable age and died at his home near Fostoria in 1864, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife passed away in 1872, at the age of seventy-one. Warren P. Noble spent his childhood days in his parents' home, .attending the pubic schools until eighteen years of age; but the facilities for acquiring an education in those days were not of the superior order that we find them to-day. He was desirous of mental improvement, however, and became a student in the Wadsworth Academy, in Medina county, then under the control of Professor John McGregor, one of the .ablest educators of the time in Ohio. On several occasions Mr. Noble walked to and. from that school, where he remained as a student for two years, supporting himself by teaching school through the winter months. Among the most pleasurable recollections of his early life is the school which he taught in Fostoria in the winter of 1840-I. Several of the boys then under his instruction have since become distinguished men, including the Hon. Charles Foster, congressman, governor and secretary of the United States treasury. The late Judge John Lawrence, of Tennessee, was also a pupil of his at that time, as was Colonel William E. Haines, distinguished both on the field of battle and in the field of public life, serving several terms in congress. Judge John F. Caples, of Portland, Oregon, was another of that number. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 11 While engaged in teaching Mr. Noble began the study of law, and in February, 1842, he came to Tiffin, which was then a small town. Here he read law in the office of Rawson & Pennington, General William H. Gibson being a fellow student in the same office. This man's brilliancy in later years lent lustre to the Tiffin bar, and though unfortunate as state treasurer he made an enviable reputation as colonel of a renowned fighting regiment. On the 4th of July, 1843, Mr. Noble was admitted to the bar, and has since been engaged in practice in Tiffin, throughout the years enjoying a large and distinctively representative clientage. As a lawyer he is sound, logical, clear-minded and thoroughly trained. With the limitations, which are imposed by the constitution on federal powers, with the long line of decisions from Marshall down, by which it has been expounded, he is familiar, though he is at home in all departments of the law, from the minutiae in practice to the greater topics wherein is involved the consideration of the ethics- and philosophy of jurisprudence and the higher concerns of public policy. He has always prepared his cases with the greatest precision and care, has studied every point of law bearing upon his cause and has marshaled his evidence and his arguments with masterly skill. In 1846—as soon as his age rendered him. eligible—he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature, and at the close of his two-years' term was re-elected. In 1851 he was chosen by popular ballot prosecuting attorney of the county, but resigned after serving for three years. In 186o he was elected to congress on the Democratic ticket, and so capably represented his district, so loyally upheld the Union cause and the soldiers that he was re-elected by a majority of twelve hundred, notwithstanding the fact that gerrymander work had been done, adding to his district Republican counties and taking therefrom those of recognized Democratic strength. His course in congress awakened admiration and respect, and during the entire war period he was an influential member of that body. He was what was known as a "war Democrat,." and faithfully supported the administration in the conduct of the war, voting for all men and means called for from time to time; and by his speeches and contributions he helped raise every company and regiment enlisted from his 12 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. district, while he was at all times ready to help by every means in his power all soldiers, who in any way needed' assistance. This disposition, which made him popular with the soldiers and their friends, greatly aided his second election over an apparent majority of three thousand in favor of the opposite political power. He carefully and thoughtfully studied every question which came up for consideration during his congressional career, and gave his influence and support in the direction which he believed would work the greatest good for the greatest number and advance the weal of the nation. Among his contemporaries in the house at the time were James G. Blaine, Roscoe Conkling, George H. Pendleton, William Windom, James A. Garfield and Thaddeus Stevens, all of whom had marked influence in shaping the' policy of the nation during the most trying period in its history. Mr. Noble returned from congress with a reputation heightened by able and patriotic service, and resumed the' practice of law in Tiffin. Soon after he became a member of the bar he entered into. partnership with his brother, the late Judge Harrison Noble, who, had studied with him. This business relation was maintained unchanged for a quarter of a century, at the end of which time Nelson B. Lutes, one of their students, was admitted to the firm under the style of Noble Brothers & Lutes. After two years the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent and for several years Mr. Noble was alone in practice. About 1876 he formed a partnership with Perry M. Adams, a promising and able young attorney, who had been a student in his office, and who remained a member of the firm of Noble & Adams until his death, in 1891, while he was serving as president pro tem. of the Ohio senate. Mr. Noble then formed a partnership with his son, Warren F., and Guilford B. Keppel, under the firm name of Noble, Keppel & Noble, a relationship that is still continued, although the senior member does not seek further practice, and only acts as counsellor to accommodate some old client who desires his services. Many of the decisions of the appellate courts bear the impress of his patient investigation and his logical argument. His careful and systematic method of preparing cases has been a strong element in his success. In this respect he resembles the late Allen G. Thurman, employing CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 13 none of the arts and tricks of oratory, his speeches, however, being eloquent in the clearness of statement, the broad common sense of reasoning, the force of logic, earnestness and power. He always commands the strict attention of courts and juries and of his fellow practitioners, and has never been known to fail in that strict courtesy and regard for professional ethics which should ever characterize the members of the bar. His professional career is an inspiration and a noble example to the younger men who follow him. Mr. Noble has served in many important positions of business, trust and confidence outside the strict path of his profession. He was one of the directors of the Tiffin, Toledo & Eastern Pennsylvania Railroad Company from its organization until it was completed and turned over to the Pennsylvania system. He was a member of the board of trustees of the Ohio State University for about ten years, and the year after it was organized he was elected its president, being again chosen to that position, although the majority of the board members were Republicans. For many years he was president of the board of education of Tiffin, and the cause of education found in him a warm friend, as evidenced by his untiring efforts in behalf of the schools. He was the first president of the Commercial Bank of Tiffin and is now its vice-president. The first woman ever admitted to the Ohio bar—Mrs. Nettie C. Lutes—was a student in his office. In 1847 Mr. Noble was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Singer, the eldest daughter of Frederick Singer. She died March 9, 1853, leaving two daughters and one son: Belle, now the wife of William L. Bates, of Dayton, Ohio; Mary Ellen, the widow of Silas W. Groff, of Tiffin; and Warren F., who is a graduate of the Ohio State University of the class of 1879, and who is now in partnership with his father. On the 27th of September, 1873; Mr. Noble was married to Miss Alice M. Campbell, a daughter of the late Alexander Campbell, merchant and manufacturer, of Tiffin, and they have two daughters, Harriet and Alice, at home. The Noble residence is one of the finest in Tiffin and is celebrated for its gracious and charming hospitality. Socially Mr. Noble is identified with the Independent Order of Odd 14 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. Fellows and the Masonic fraternity, and in the latter is a Knight Templar of De Molay Commandery, of Tiffin, and is a thirty-second degree Mason in the Toledo Consistory, S. P. R. S. He has ever been a liberal contributor, in accordance with his means, to the various movements 8. n d measures calculated to advance the city's welfare along every line, haS given liberally to the churches and to benevolent enterprises, and so wisely and well has he used his means that the most envious could not grudge him success. Entirely through his practice and his real-estate investments he has won his fortune, depending upon his own efforts for everything that he has gained in life. He has always been strictly temperate, using neither tobacco nor liquor in any form. Nature is kind to those who abuse not her laws, and Mr. Noble is a remarkably well-preserved man, for, although he is now an octogenarian, in spirit and in interests he seems yet in his prime. His life has ever been one of the greatest activity and has won him the respect and confidence of his fellow men in a remarkable degree. Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, his history reflects credit upon Ohio's bar. WILLIAM K. BEMENDERFER. At this point we are permitted to touch upon the life history of one who, if for no other reason, merits recognition in the connection by reason of his having been a lifelong resident of Seneca county and a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of this section of the state. But superadded to this circumstance are others which render the appearance of his biography within these pages all the more consistent, for he has here attained a position of prominence in connection with the industrial activities of the county and is honored as one of the upright, genial and whole-souled citizens of his native county, having a fine farm home in Venice township and the same being a center of the most cordial hospitality,—a favorite rendezvous of a large circle of friends. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 15 William K. Bemenderfer was born on the old homestead farm, in Venice township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 2d of April, 1851, being the son of Samuel and Christina (Funk) Bemenderfer, who became the parents of seven children, namely : Henry, who is a resident of Bloom township; Edmund, who resides in Attica ; Isaac, who likewise resides in Attica; Susan, the wife of Conrad Smeltz, of Venice township; Jacob, who is a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Isabelle, the wife of George Hoke, of Tiffin; and- George, who died at the age of eighteen years. Samuel Bemenderfer was born in West Manganese, Frederick county, Maryland, on the 27th of March, 1813, and he died in Attica, Ohio, on the 7th of July, 1884. When he was an infant of two months his parents removed to Virginia, where they maintained their home until 1830, when they came to Ohio and located in Canton, Stark county, where they passed the residue of their lives. Here their son Samuel was residing at the time when he attained his legal majority, and in preparing for the active duties of life he learned the carpenter trade. In 1837 his marriage was solemnized in Stark county, this state, and he thereafter continued to work at his trade until 1842, when he came to Seneca county and located on a quarter section of land in Venice township, the same having been entered from the government by his father-in-law, Henry Funk, of Stark county, who here took up a claim of that area for each of his children. The land was heavily timbered at the time when Mr. Bemenderfer came to his prospective farm, and here he erected a log cabin and then instituted the arduous work of reclaiming the land for cultivation. As prosperity attended his efforts he purchased additional land in this section, until his estate comprised about three hundred acres. He was a man of the utmost rectitude of character, was of vigorous mentality and excellent business judgment, and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. Politically he gave an uncompromising allegiance to the Democratic party, and for the long period of thirteen years he was incumbent of the office of assessor of Venice township, while he was trustee of the township for several terms, wielding marked influence in the community and being one of the representa- 16 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. tive men of the county. His religious faith was that of the Lutheran church. His wife, Christina (Funk) Bemenderfer, was born in Stark county, Ohio, in the year 1815, and died at Attica, Ohio, on the 3d of November, 1898, at the venerable age of eighty-three years, loved and venerated for her gentle and noble attributes of character. In her early life she was a member of the Lutheran church, but in later years became identified with the Methodist Protestant denomination. William K. Bemenderfer was reared on the old homestead and received his educational training in the common schools of the locality He continued to assist in the work of the old farm until his marriage, in 1873, after which he assumed the management of the place, his parents removing to Attica within the following year. He continued to devote his attention to the cultivation and management of the parental farm. until 1893, when he removed to his present farm, which he had purchased ten years previously, the same being located on section 7, Venice township, and now comprising one hundred and forty acres of as fine farm land as' can be found in this favored section of the state. Here he has erected a commodious: and substantial residence of modern architectural design and equipments, while all other buildings and improvements on the place are of the best order, making this one of the most valuable' farm homes in the county. Mr. Bemenderfer is one of the most progressive farmers and stock-growers of this locality, and in addition to his general agriculture he has devoted special attention to the raising of thoroughbred Shropshire sheep in which line he has been eminently successful. In politics he renders an unswerving support to the principles and. policies of the Democratic party, but he has never figured as an aspirant for official preferment. Fraternally he is identified with Attica Lodge, No. 317, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and with Honey Creek Grange, No. 1346, Patrons of Husbandry. He is essentially public spirited in his attitude and is one of the distinctively popular citizens of his native county. On the 13th of November, 1873, Mr. Bemenderfer was united in marriage to Miss Susan M. Hoke, who was born in Pleasant township, CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 17 this county, the daughter of Jacob and Polly M. (Murray) Hoke, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Bemenderfer have one daughter, Effie May. WILLIAM L. REID. If one desires to gain a vivid realization of the rapid advancement made in the development and substantial upbuilding of this section of Ohio within the last few decades, he may listen to the stories and reminiscences of men who are still living here, and not overburdened with years, and whose memories form an indissoluble chain linking the early pioneer epoch with these days of prosperity and proud accomplishment as the glorious twentieth century swings into the cycle of the ages. The subject of this review, one of the prominent and influential farmers of Seneca county, and one whose reputation is unsullied by suspicion of injustice or wrong, is a native son of the county, a representative of one of its pioneer families, and has here passed his entire life. It is well that records concerning such sterling citizens and pioneers be perpetuated on printed pages of this nature, and of the career of Mr. Reid we now offer a resume. William L. Reid was born in Bloom township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 14th of January, 1838, the son of John T. and Eliza B. (Watson) Reid, who became the parents of four children, of whom three survive,— William L.; Margaret, who is the wife of Joseph Marquis, of Bloom township; and Benjamin F. Reid, of California. John T. Reid .was born in Maryland, January 1, 1807, and there he was reared and educated. His father, Archibald Reid, was a native of England, and married Catherine Talbert, of the old Maryland family of that name. In 1829, when a young man, John T. Reid came from his native state to Seneca county, in company with his uncle, John Valentine, and in 1831 he entered claim t6' a quarter section of heavily timbered government land in Bloom township, the place being now known as the old Shaffner farm. Here he built 18 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. a small log cabin and proceeded to reclaim his land and place the same under cultivation. This he accomplished, and in 1856 he disposed of the property and purchased two hundred and forty acres of the farm now owned by his son. Here he developed a fine property, making good improvements as the years passed and here continuing to make his home until within a few years prior to his death, when he turned the farm over to our subject and thereafter lived in practical and well-deserved retirement in the village of Bloomville until his death, on March 12, 1888, at the age of eighty-one years. He was one of the influential men of the community, and served for several years as township trustee. In early life he was a Democrat in politics, later became a Republican, while finally he gave his allegiance to the Prohibition party, whose cause he continued to support and advocate until the close of his life. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church, of which his wife also was a member. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, and died in 1897, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years, revered by all who knew her. In an early day she came to Seneca county from Pennsylvania with her mother, who had married Hugh McClellan, and she passed the remainder of her life here, dying at the age of ninety-two years. William L. Reid grew up on the pioneer farm, and his educational advantages were such as were afforded by a somewhat desultory attendance in the primitive log school-house in the vicinity of his home, since, when he was still a boy, he began to aid in the work of reclaiming and cultivating the old homestead. He was married in 1860 and with his bride continued to reside on the old home farm, operating the same on shares for several years. In the early '7os his father removed to Bloomville, and somewhat later our subject purchased the farm to which he has since added until he now has two hundred and seventy-seven acres of as fertile and productive land as is to be found in this section of the state; his operations being naturally upon a somewhat extensive scale, while the fine improvements and general air of thrift indicate the care bestowed by a discriminating and progressive owner. Mr. Reid has ever had the friendship and high regard of the people of the community where CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 19 his life has been passed, and. his eligibility for office of public trust and responsibility has been distinctively manifested, since he served fourteen years as trustee of Bloom township, doing much to conserve the best interests of the township and county. He gives a loyal and unswerving support to the Republican party and the principles for which it stands exponent, and fraternally is a member of Bloomville Lodge, No. 191, F. & A. M. On the 25th of April, 1860, Mr. Reid was united in marriage to Miss Martha Hershberger, who was born in Eden township, October 4, 1841, the daughter of Jonas and Martha (Mauck) Hershberger, early settlers of the county, whither they came from Frederick county, Maryland. Mrs. Reid passed away on the 25th of February, 1890, leaving two daughters,—Ellen, who is the wife of M. O. Bliss, of Bloomville, and who has one child living, Edson; and Eliza, who remains at the paternal home, and who was educated in Heidelberg University; she has taken considerable interest in art work, and has made quite a success as a chicken fancier and breeder. On the 19th of April, 1891, Mr. Reid was united in marriage to Miss Anna Sankey, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph and Almira (Lysle) Sankey, and of this union four children have been born,—Walter Merlin, Edwin McKinley, Mabel Amethyst and Alice Lysle. PETER J. FOOS. Among the earnest young men whose depth of character and strict adherence to principle have gained the admiration of his contemporaries, Mr. Foos is numbered, and in his independent business career he has shown a tenacity of purpose, an indomitable energy and that self-reliant courage whose natural concomitant is definite success. He has been the artificer of his own fortunes, and though he has met with serious reverses his courage has never flagged and he has shown himself to.be one thoroughly appreciative of the dignity of honest toil and endeavor. 20 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. He has done much to further the industrial prosperity of the thriving little village of St. Stephen, is one of the representative citizens of the community and is now the owner of a finely improved farm property in Bloom township. Mr. Foos is a native of the state of Ohio, having been born on the parental homestead, in Sandusky county, on the 8th of March, 1868, the son of Anthony and Magdalene (Weiland) Foos, of whose seven children six survive, namely : Mary, the wife of Joseph Michaels, of Bloom township; William, a resident of Millersville, Sandusky county; Caroline, the wife of Frank Frederick, a merchant at St. Stephen: Peter J., the subject of this review; George, a resident of Rochester, New York, where he is identified with the bakery business ; and Anthony, a carpenter at Fowler, Indiana. The father of our subject was born in the province of Alsace, France (now a German province), and when he was seven years of age he accompanied his parents on their emigration to America. His father, Casper Foos, was a carpenter by trade, but after coming to this country he engaged in farming in the state of New York, locating about three miles distant from the city of Rochester, and there his son Anthony was reared to maturity. After his marriage the latter removed to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he acquired a farm of about eighty acres. He there continued to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1882, when he disposed of his property and came to Bloom township, Seneca county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres. Here his death occurred in October, 1885, at the age of fifty-six years. The mother of our subject died when he was seven years old, and his father subsequently consummated a second marriage, being united to Mrs. Lena (Speelander) Rusch, three children being born of this union,—Gebhart, Andrew and Marcus. Mrs. Foos survives her husband and now maintains her home in Decatur, Indiana. Peter J. Foos was reared on the homestead farm in Sandusky county, receiving his educational discipline in the public schools, and he was but seventeen years of age at the time of his father's death, and after this he and his two younger brothers were in charge of the home farm in Seneca county until he had attained the age of twenty years. CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 21 He then, in 1888, left the home roof and secured employment in the sawmill at St. Stephen, being thus engaged for two years, at the expiration of which, in 189o, he purchased the mill, making the first payment of two hundred and seventy-two dollars at the time of the transfer, this being money which he had received from his work in connection with the homestead farm and representing all that he ever secured from the estate, so that it may be seen that he is essentially a type of the self-made man. In 1892 the mill was destroyed by fire, practically wiping out his entire accumulation, since no insurance was carried on the property and the original purchase price had not yet been paid in full. The outlook was one which would have discouraged a less self-reliant and determined nature, but Mr. Foos faced the exigencies of the case and made the best possible effort to retrieve his fortunes. He rebuilt the mill and for a time utilized the old machinery, but it had been so badly injured by the fire that it was soon found necessary to install an entirely new equipment. Appreciating his efforts and his sterling character, and realizing the value of the enterprise to the town, the citizens of this section came forward and rendered Mr. Foos material aid in the rehabilitation of his mill—a support which he holds in grateful memory. From that time forward success crowned his efforts and his finely equipped mill handled a large and important business under his capable administration and management. He is a man of marked business ability, and made the enterprise one of the leading industrial undertakings in this section of the county. He is certainly deserving of high credit for the results which he secured, and no man more thoroughly merits or commands the respect and confidence of the people of the community. In November, 1901, Mr. Foos disposed of the mill and purchased the Paul Zutavern farm, of one hundred and sixty acres, in Bloom township, and the same has been placed in charge of his brother-in-law, Joseph Michaels, but he contemplates taking up his abode on the attractive farm in the near future, being still a resident of St. Stephen at the time of this writing. To his progressive methods and public spirit is due in a large measure the advancement and material prosperity of 22 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. this village, and he has taken a loyal interest in all that has concerned the general well-being of the community. In politics he gives his support to the Democratic party so far as national issues are involved, but in local affairs is independent in his attitude, supporting men and measures as his judgment dictates. On the l0th of November, 1892, Mr. Foos was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Dick, who was born in Thompson township, this county, the daughter of Joseph Dick, an influential citizen of that township, where he is engaged in the agricultural implement and undertaking business at the village of Franks. Mr. and Mrs. Foos are members of St. Stephen's Catholic church. They are the parents of five children, namely : Corena, Walter, Raymond, Edna and Leo. MARCUS ZIRGER. Another of the native sons of the Buckeye state who has here passed his entire life and by his energy, integrity and progressive methods attained a high degree of success, is Mr. Zirger, whose fine homestead farm lies contiguous to the city Of Tiffin, eleven acres of the tract being within the corporate limits. He is a representative of one of the pioneer families. of the state, since his father located in Ohio more than half a century ago, and that he has attained his prosperity by worthy means is evident from the unqualified esteem in which he is held in the community where the greater portion of his life has been passed. Marcus Zirger was born on a farm in Crawford county, Ohio, on the 2d of April, 184o, being one of the nine children born to Louis and Regina (Danamieler) Zirger. Of the children, seven are living at the present time, namely: Sophia, Catherine, Anna, Kertilda, Frances, Victoria and Marcus. Louis Zirger was born in the province of Alsace, France, where he was reared and educated and where his marriage was solemnized, his wife having been born in the same province. In CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY - 23 1836 they emigrated to America, locating in Crawford county, Ohio, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, to whose improvement and cultivation he gave his attention during a quarter of a century. In 1861 he came to Seneca county and located in Tiffin, where he passed the residue of his life retired from active business, passing away in his eighty-fifth year. He was a devout member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, as was also his wife, who died at the age of eighty-seven years. Marcus Zirger remained on the old homestead until he had attained the age of twenty-two years, his educational advantages having been such as were afforded by the public schools of his native county. At the age noted he secured employment in a sawmill, continuing to be thus occupied for a period of four years. In 1867, about two years subsequent to his marriage, he purchased the old homestead in Crawford county, where he remained two years, at the expiration of which he disposed of the property and came to Seneca county, locating on his present fine farm of one hundred and eighty-four acres, in Clinton township, the intrinsic value of the same being greatly increased by 'reason of its being situated in juxtaposition to the thriving city of Tiffin. Here he has engaged in diversified farming, and for the past six years has conducted a very successful dairy business, using the most scrupulous care in every detail of the enterprise and catering to a representative and appreciative patronage in the city of Tiffin. He has a fine herd of milch cows, and as a dairy farm his place is not excelled in this section of the state. He has made the most substantial improvements on the place, having a commodious and attractive residence and other good buildings, and is known as one of the substantial and influential men of the county, his success being the result of consecutive and well directed endeavor, while he has ever commanded the fullest measure of respect and confidence in the communities where he has lived. Mr. Zirger is certainly worthy of that proud American title, a self-made man, since after his marriage his cash capital was represented in the sum of fifteen dollars, which was largely expended in connection with a reception to his friends on that occasion, and his energy, sagacity and 24 - CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. good business judgment have been the factors which have brought about the transformation in his financial status and placed him among the representative citizens of the county. Though essentially 'public-spirited in his attitude, he has maintained an independent position in politics, supporting men and measures rather than being guided along close partisan lines. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, in which he was reared, his support being given to St. Joseph's church, in whose maintenance he materially assists. On the 28th of November, 1865, Mr. Zirger was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Bihn, who was born in Medina. county, Ohio, the daughter of Andrew Bihn, a sterling pioneer of that section. To Mr. and Mrs. Zirger twelve children have been born, and of these only one is deceased, Clara Bertha, who died at the age of seven years. The others are all at the parental home except the two married daughters, and their names, in order of birth, are as follows : Louis, Frances, Anna (the wife of Cornelius Steinmetz, a successful farmer of Venice township), Otto, Lucy, Ida (wife of Leo Wernament, a farmer of Clinton township), Cordillia, Clara, Albert, Edward and Maximilian. JOHN H. RIDGELY. Among those who have conferred honor and distinction on the bench and bar of the sovereign state of Ohio—a state whose jurists and legists have commanded the admiration and respect of men from the early pioneer epoch to the present time,—stood Judge Ridgely, the subject of this memoir. He was a man of whose character it may well be said that he "kept himself unspotted from the world," for his flawless integrity of purpose, in all the relations of life, was the natural outgrowth of a distinct individuality whose ideals were ever of the loftiest order, insincerity or equivocation being impossible to him, though he was invariably tolerant in his attitude to those of his fellow men who were of weaker texture. Judge Ridgely was an able and thoroughly