BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF WYANDOT COUNTY, OHIO. JOHN R. LAYTON. It is not an easy task to describe adequately a man who has led an eminently adequarterly busy life and who has attained a position of relative distinction in the community with which his interests are allied. But biography finds its most perfect justification nevertheless, in the tracing and recording of such a life, history. It is, then, with a full appreciation of all that is demanded and of the painstaking scrutiny that must be accorded each statement, and yet with a feeling of satisfaction, that the writer essays the task of touching briefly upon the details of such a record as has been that of the honored subject whose life now comes under this review, Mr. John R. Layton, former president of the Commercial National Bank of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Our subject is a native son of Pennsylvania having been born in Bedford county, that state, on the 13th of August, 1831. His parents were Moses B. and Susan (Rolin) Layton. The father was of English - 13 - and Scotch extraction, was a native of Bedford county, Penn., and was there reared upon a farm. He married Susan Rohn and in 1832 migrated to Knox county, Ohio, and remained there about two years. About 1834 he moved to Erie county, Ohio, and, renting a farm, followed the pursuit of agriculture. In 1835 his wife died and, putting his four children into homes in Sandusky, City, he went to Mt. Vernon, this state, and -for five years engaged in the butchering business. In 1840 he went to Marion, Ohio.. and bought a farm upon which he remained! until 1851, when he sold it and again broke up housekeeping. Then for five years he was occupied in buying and shipping live Stock. Coming to Upper Sandusky, he bought a home and for a time also conducted a hotel here. At this time he married again, and about the same time bought a farm situated west of Upper Sandusky. This place he operated until 1860, when he sold it to his son, our subject, but for a year longer continued to make it his home. In the fall of 1861, feeling that his services were needed 220 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. to aid in the suppression of the southern insurrection, he entered the military service of his country, joining the Fifteenth Ohio Regiment as a private. He was later made wagon-master, and served in that position about a year when, on account of ill health, he was discharged from the service. Three or four months later, however, he re-enlisted, this time in the Sixty-first Ohio Regiment, and did service in Virginia as ambulance master. After the battle of Gettysburg he was detailed to transport the wounded to Jersey City, N. J., and not long afterward, in 1864, he received an honorable discharge and returned to Ohio, making his home, as before, with our subject. In 1865 he went to Putnam. county, Ohio, and bought a farm, on which place he passed the remainder of his days. While on a trip through Pennsylvania, September 29, 1889, he was smothered by gas in his room at a hotel. At the time of his death he was eighty-two years old. His remains were brought back to his Ohio home for interment. He was an active man, self-made, and though he made money, he lived fully up to his earnings. Politically he was a Republican, though not active in party matters, and was a member of the Christian church. The first wife of Mr. Layton, and the mother of our subject, was born in Bedford county, Penn., and died in Erie county, Ohio, at the early age of about twenty-five years, her death resulting from a severe cold. Four children were born to Moses B. and Susan Layton, as follows : Mary is the wife of a Mr. Davis; Isabelle died in 1863; John R., our subject, and Matilda is a resident of Putnam county, this state. John R. Layton was but five years of age when his mother died and he went to live with a man by the name of Willis, at Sandusky City, in whose family he remained a year or two, when his father took him to Mt. Vernon, and he there remained until the spring of 1840. At that time he went to Indiana, near Covington, and through the following winter chopped cordwood for fifty cents per day. The next spring he went to Illinois and for eight years rented a farm in Vermilion county. He was fairly successful there and by hard toil and rigid economy managed to save about two thousand five hundred dollars. Then, in December, 1859, he returned to Ohio and bought his father's farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres, adjoining the corporation of Upper Sandusky. As his father did not have the farm entirely paid for our subject was obliged to go into debt over three thousand dollars. He remained on this place and by persistence and energy was enabled to pay off the indebtedness ; when he was clear of this in-cumbrance he branched out into the live stock business. He not only bought, sold and shipped live stock of. different kinds, but also bought considerable wool and, building an elevator, handled grain for twenty-five or thirty years. During all these transactions he maintained an active supervision of his farming interests, and was also one of the organizers of and a stockholder in the Ohio Thresher and Engine Company, but later disposed of his stock in the latter company. During the gas boom in his neighborhood Mr. Layton sold ninety-seven acres of his land for two hundred dollars per acre, and afterward bought it back for seventy-five dollars per acre. He has also purchased other agricultural property, so that now he owns one hundred and ninety acres, comprising the home farm, one hundred and BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 221 sixty acres a mile and a quarter west of the first tract, and two hundred and fifty acres in Putnam county, this state. On the 1st of January, 1895, Mr. Layton assisted in the organization of the Commercial Bank, a private banking institution at Upper Sandusky. On the 5th of July, 1900, the institution was nationalized and opened for business under the name of the Commercial National Bank. Mr. Layton had for three years served as president of the old bank and after the reorganization retained the position until January 8, 1902, at which date he resigned his position as president of this institution and has since devoted his time to private matters. When the old Wyandot Bank failed Mr. Layton was appointed the receiver and satisfactorily performed the onerous duties of that position, it requiring about six years to close up the affairs of the defunct bank. January 1, 1861, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Hannah I. Bennett, of Upper Sandusky, the daughter of David and Phoebe Bennett. This union was a happy one and has been blessed by the birth of ten children, as follows : Laura is now the wife of Milton M. Hollingshead; John Bruff is a merchant at Marion, Ohio; Alonzo E. engaged in the mercantile business at Bowling Green, Ohio; Charles Henry, deceased, was a bookkeeper in the Commercial National Bank, Upper Sandusky, and was very popular ; Hugh D. is a farmer in Wyandot county ; Robert Bennett is in the telephone business at Greenville, Ohio; Phoebe Grace became the wife of Arlington E. Coen and is a resident of Bowling Green, Ohio; Moses B. is on the home farm; Walter Earl is a student in the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio; the youngest, Susie Blanche, eighteen years old, is still at home. Mrs. Layton, her daughters and two of the sons are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, while politically Mr. Layton is a Republican, though he never takes an active part in the campaign other than exercising his right of franchise. The family home is still on the old farm, situated about one mile from the bank with which our subject is connected. All are popular among their acquaintances, and Mr. Layton has truly attained an enviable standing among his business associates. As an architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well and the success that crowns his efforts is richly merited. HENRY ALBERT TRACHT. It is a well recognized fact that the most powerful influence in shaping and controlling public life is the press. It reaches a greater number of people than any other agency and thus has always been, and in the hands of persons competent to direct it, always will be a most important factor in moulding public opinion and shaping the destiny of the nation. The gentleman, to a brief review of whose life these lines are devoted, is prominently connected with the journalism of northern Ohio, and at this time is editor and publisher of the Daily Chief, one of the most popular papers of Wyandot county, comparing favorably with the best local sheets in this section of the state in news, editorial ability and mechanical execution. The county recognizes in Mr. Tracht not only one of the keenest newspaper men, but also a representative citizen, whose interest in all that affects the 222 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. general welfare has been of such a character as to win for him a high place in the confidence and esteem of the people. The Tracht family has long been identified with the history of northern Ohio, Philip Tracht, the subject's father, having been born April 1, 1834, in the neighboring county of Crawford. His parents were German immigrants, who came to the United States in 1831, and settled in Crawford county, where they spent the remaining years of their lives. Adam Tracht, father of* Philip, and long since deceased, was a soldier in the army of the great Napoleon; he served under that distinguished commander for a period of ten years, and took part in nearly all the noted campaigns and sanguinary battles which marked the troubled times of Europe during the latter years of the eighteenth and the beginning of the nineteenth century. Philip Tracht for a period of forty-four consecutive years was a successful boot and shoe merchant of Upper Sandusky, and at the time of his retirement from active life, in November, 1901, the oldest business man in point of service there, and is still living in the city where so much of his life has been spent. His wife, Lucinda Keil, whose parents were also natives of Germany and among the early pioneers of this part of the state, was born in Crawford county March 20, 1837. Henry Albert Tracht is a native of Wyandot county, born on the 26th day of August, 1862, in the city of Upper Sandusky. When of proper age he entered the public schools and made rapid progress, but, much to his regret now, discontinued his educational experiences upon his promotion from the A grammar grade to the high school, being but fourteen years old at the time. For some time prior to laying aside his studies he acted as agent for a firm that printed name cards, and the success. which crowned his efforts while selling these cards imbued him with a desire to do his own printing and thus realize greater profits. On the 16th of August, 1876, with a two-dollar outfit, the lad launched upon his career as a printer, an.d from this modest beginning has gradually but surely grown the large and successful business which he today commands. Encouraged by the success which came to him during the first two years of his experience in the printing line, Mr. Tracht, in 1878, ventured into the domain of journalism by establishing the Wyandot Chief, the first number of which made its appearance in May of that year. The Chief was first issued as a monthly, but within a short time was changed to a semimonthly, and through its columns much interesting news was given publicity, besides serving as a medium for the local literary talent of Upper Sandusky. At that time it was only a quarto sheet of twenty-by-forty paper, but in typography and general appearance suffered nothing by contrast with much older and more pretentious sheets. Subsequently, August, 1879, the subscription list and advertising patronage justified Mr. Tracht in making the Chief a weekly, and in July of 188o it was enlarged to a seven-column folio, and later to an eight column, continuing meanwhile to increase rapidly in circulation and influence. As a weekly, the Chief made its regular appearance until 1886, in September of which year it was changed to a semi-weekly, and as such it visits its many subscribers today. In May, 1886, a. German edition of the paper was started, but the venture not BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 223 proving very successful was discontinued after a limited period. The high degree of favor with which the public received the Wyandot Chief induced its publisher to start a daily, which he did in February, 1896, when the Daily Chief, one of the sprightliest and most newsy papers of its kind in the county and now the recognized official organ of the local Democracy, made its appearance. From the beginning the daily has more than met the expectations of the proprietor and its many friends, growing constantly in favor with the reading public until its circulation is now second to no other sheet in Upper Sandusky, and without doubt the plant is far better equipped and more valuable than that of any other newspaper property in the county. Mr. Tracht is a clear and concise writer, and in discerning the various questions of the day is a keen, though courteous, antagonist, and his influence has brought him to the favorable notice of the leaders of his party in this section of the state. In a business sense the Chief has brought liberal financial returns upon the capital invested, and as already indicated has proved a series of successes since the first number appeared as a claimant for public patronage. Aside his printing business, which has assumed large proportions, Mr. Tracht at different times has been connected with various other enterprises, nearly every industry of the town having his name identified therewith with or contributor. He has always stood for progress and improvement and through the medium of the paper and otherwise has lent his influence to all movements and measures promising to advance material interests of Upper Sandusky or further the development of the county and its resources. He added much to the appearance of the town by erecting, in 1890, the handsome pressed brick building in which he has his office, in addition to which he has been largely instrumental in inducing others to invest capital here, proving in this, as in many other ways, his interest in Upper Sandusky. The motto, "Merit always commands its reward," is strikingly exemplified in the modest career of Mr. Tracht. He early learned that knowledge, backed by well directed energy, is the key with which the poor boy could open the door of success and cull its choicest fruits. The result is that, though beginning in a very humble way at the foot of the ladder, he has steadily advanced, overcoming by persevering toil every obstable in the pathway of progrgess, until he now occupies a conspicuous place in business circles and an influential position in the public and political affairs of Upper Sandusky and the county of Wyandot. Like all enterprising men, he gives close personal attention to every detail of his business, exercises sound judgment in making his plans and seldom fails to carry to successful conclusion anything to which he addresses his mind and energies. His popularity with the people extends beyond political ties, and in every relation which he has sustained to them his conduct has been that of a man whose aims have been correct and whose integrity has never been questioned. Fraternally Mr. Tracht belongs to the Royal Arcanum, and religiously inclines to the doctrines of the Lutheran church, a communion with which his family worships. He was married in Upper Sandusky, December 24, 1885, to Miss Anna M. Engel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Engel, 224 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. and is the father of two bright sons, Robert E. and Stanley P., aged sixteen and fourteen years respectively; the former is a student in the high school and the latter belongs to the next grade below. JUDGE DARIUS D. CLAYTON. The legal profession is noted all over the civilized world for the acumen and seemingly natural penetration of its members, and for the facility with which they arrive at conclusions, generally correct, upon a statement of the simplest clew touching a case at law, and untangling with ease the most complex and knotty problems upon the slightest evidence. Darius D. Clayton, one of the leading attorneys of Wyandot county and a resident of Upper Sandusky, was born in this county February 19, 1850. John, Clayton, father of Darius D., was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and was reared on, a farm, came to Wyandot county when a young may about 1832 or 1833, and settled in Antrim township, now of Wyandot county, but then a part of Crawford county, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land east of Little Sandusky, this county. The father of John Clayton was a native of England and on coming to America settled in Virginia. Mrs. John Clayton, whose maiden name was Julia A. Woolsey, was a native of Ulster county, N. Y., and in 1819, when nine years of age, came to Ohio with her father, William Woolsey, who settled at Little Sandusky, in Pitt township, where he entered land from the government, but died there in 1820, when about fifty-five years of age. The Woolsey family was also of English extraction. Mrs. Clayton died. in 1862; at the age of fifty-two years, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She had a family. of eight children: Two of them died in infancy; the eldest of the adults, Jasper, 'died when about thirty years of age; Jeremiah was a member of the Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry during the Civil war, and is also probably deceased, as he has not been heard from for many years; John is a farmer in Wyandot county, Ohio; Julia is the widow of R. Steel; of Wayne county ; Amanda is the wife of David Wallace, of Canton, Ohio, and the youngest is Darius D., the subject of this sketch. Darius D. Clayton passed his boyhood days in Little Sandusky, and there attended the public schools until seventeen years of age, when he began teaching. He attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, during the years 1869 and 1870, from which time he continued his studies at Oberlin College until his graduation in 1876. In the meantime he paid his expenses from his earnings as a teacher. In 1877 he became superintendent of the schools of Upper Sandusky, which position he filled very satisfactorily during 1877 and 1878. He had been appointed school. examiner in 1876 and held the office eight years. In November, 1878, he was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Ohio, and began practice in partnership with Curtis Berry, Jr., of Upper Sandusky,. Ohio; which connection extended over a period of three years. He then practiced alone until the fall of 188?, when, at the age of thirty-two, lie was elected probate judge of the county, a plain exhibition of the confidence the public had in his abilities and of his popularity with the BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 225 Democratic party, of which he is a stanch and active member. M the expiration of his term of office he was elected to succeed himself, thus serving six years. At the close of his second term he returned to the practice of law, in which he has since continued. His standing as a lawyer has been won not only by his undeniable legal ability, but by his strict integrity and conscientious attention to the interests of his patrons. Judge Clayton was united in marriage July 29, 1877, at Oberlin, Ohio, with Miss Ella J. Eastman Strong, who was also graduated from Oberlin College. This union has been graced with five children, one of whom died in infancy. The survivors are Gertrude L., who is now teaching in the public schools of Upper Sandusky ; Cora M., who os attending the School of Applied Arts in Philadelphia, Penn.; Clarence L. and Edward E., still at school. Mr. Clayton and his wife and daughter are members of the Presbyterian church, to which they liberally contribute financially, and Mr. Clayton is a member of the Royal Arcanum, National Union, and the Foresters, and the social standing of the family is with the best people of the city. GEORGE A. KLAHR. This successful young banker and prominent citizen of Sycamore, Wyandot county, Ohio, is a native Buckeye and was born in Bloomville, Seneca county, October 13, 1864. His parents, Conrad and Catherine Klahr. were born in Rieken, Baden, Germany, and were early pioneers of Seneca county, where the father was a prosperous farmer and a gentleman of great influence in the community. He was one of the benefactors of the village of Bloomville, and platted that part known as Klahr's addition. In fact he laid out the greater part of that town. Although these parents came from Germany, they were married in this county, and their happy union was graced with five children, viz. : Dr. F. P., now in active practice in Harrison, Wis. ; J. A., cashier of the Exchange Bank of Bloomville, Ohio; Mrs. H. S. Samsel, now a widow ; Miss Ella C.; and George A., the subject proper of this biographical notice. George A. Klahr passed his youthful days and earlier manhood on his father's farm, but was blessed with excellent educational opportunities. After being prepared in the usual manner at the Bloomville high school, and at the Normal University at Ada, Ohio, he entered the Heidelberg University at Tiffin, Ohio, in which he passed the freshman, sophomore and junior classes, and then relinquished his studies to engage in banking; but in the meantime he had taught school for three years. Mr. Klahr was but twenty-four years of age when, in 1889, he embarked in monetary transactions at Sycamore, in which, up to the present time, he has displayed the keenest insight and most profound sagacity, and has exercised an executive ability somewhat surprising in one who may still be considered as within the limits of adolescence. He is possessed of a broad and comprehensive public spirit and a commendable pride' in the progress of Sycamore, the territorial limits of which he has expanded by laying out Klahr's addition, consisting of one hundred and ten lots. He has also erected an elegant public building, known as Klahr's 226 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. Opera House, as well as the Telephone Exchange, and otherwise manifested his busifrness acumen by entering the bank as cashier at its organization. In politics Mr. Klahr is a gold Democrat; as might naturally be inferred from the nature of his business pursuit, and under the, auspices of his party he has filled the office of township treasurer several terms and likewise, that of treasurer of Sycamore corporation. He is also a ..charter ber, director and treasurer of the Sycamore Fire Association and holds the same relations with the Building & Loan Association. Fraternally Mr.. Klahr first became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Sycamore, and so sympathetic was he, and so active in the work of the order, that he was rapidly advanced from chair to chair until he attained the dignified office of past grand. Later he became a Freemason, is a charter, member of his lodge in Sycamore, and in his lodge now presides as worshipful master. He was also at one time a member of the encampment at Bucyrus, Ohio, but his attendance at the meetings of that exalted body; so far away from his home. and so interfering with his business, Were found to be inconvenient and he withdrew his membership. The religious connection of Mr. Klahr has been with the German Reformed church since 'he was fourteen years old. As an evidence of his sincerity in this faith he became a charter member of the church at Sycamore, has been superintendent of its Sunday-school since its organization, and also elder of the congregation since its organization. He has twice been elected by Tiffin classis to represent that body in the general synod of the United States at its sessions held in Tiffin; Ohio, and Baltimore, Md. June 24, 1888, George A. Klahr was most happily united in matrimony at Chatfield, Crawford county, Ohio, in the German Lutheran church, with Miss Anna M. Kirgis, daughter of Henry Kirgis, Sr., one of the most extensive landowners of Seneca county, in the same state. This union has been crowned by the birth of one child, Herman A., born September i6, 1895. The family, it is almost needless to add, sustain the highest possible position in the social circles of Sycamore. Mrs. Klahr was educated at the normal school at Ada, Ohio, and for a number of years was a teacher in Seneca. county, this state. She was also. thoroughly instructed in instrumental music. Mr: Klahr is now filling his second term as a member of the board of education and of the board of visitors of Heidelberg Theological Seminary at Tiffin, Ohio, having been elected to that office by the Ohio synod of the Reformed church. ROBERT CAREY. In no profession is there a career more open to talent than is that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more 'careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application and intuitive wisdom and determination fully 'to utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 227 conservator of justice; and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be encountered and overcome and the battles to be won, for success does not perch on the banner of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the legitimate result of capability. Possessing all the requisite qualities of the able lawyer, Robert Carey stands today among the eminent practitioners of Wyandot county, Ohio. Mr. Carey, who is the senior member of the well-known law firm of Carey & Parker, was born on the 17th of February, 1846, in Demorestville, province of Ontario, Canada. His father, Hugh Carey, was a native of County Belfast, Ireland, and came of a well-to-do family. The family was of Scotch origin and bore the name of McCarry, but gradually the "Mc" was dropped and the name merged into Carey. In his native locality Hugh Carey was reared to the life of a farmer and was also married there. Believing that better opportunities for advancement presented themselves in the new world, lie emigrated about 1834 here and settled in Prince Edward county, Canada, where he engaged in farming and there spent the balance of his days. The mother of the subject, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Hamilton, was also of Scotch descent, and a native of Country Belfast, Ireland. She died in Canada., when eighty-two years old. To this couple were born eight children, all of whom grew to years of maturity. They are enumerated, as follows: May became the wife of Luke Turney and died at the age of fifty years; Patrick, when a youth, served in the Union army during the Civil war, and died as the result of exposure ; Archibald was a farmer in Wyandot county, Ohio, and died at the age of fifty-eight years ; John is engaged in the poultry business in Upper Sandusky ; Robert, the subject of this review ; Margaret is the wife of Edward Fisher, of Detroit, Mich.; James died when about twenty-eight years old and Hugh is a physician in the city of Detroit. The boyhood of Robert Carey was passed it his Canadian home, where his energies were applied to the cultivation of the farm. His preliminary education was received in the village of Demorestville, and so proficient was he in his studies that at the age of seventeen years he began teaching in the country schools. During the period of his pedagogical labors, he also attended the Provincial Normal School, at Toronto, and received a certificate from that institution. He then taught for a while in the high school of Picton, Ontario, but later came to Upper Sandusky, Ohio. In 1873 he became superintendent of the schools at Marseilles, this county, holding the position one year ; he then located in Upper Sandusky, where he was superintendent 'of schools from 1874 until June, 1876. While in this city, he turned his attention to the legal profession and, as a preparatory step, went to Detroit, Mich., and read law in the office of D. W. Brooks. In October, 1876, he entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and pursued a full course in that institution. After his .graduation in the fall of 1879, he returned to Upper Sandusky and spent the winter in the further study of the law. On May 5, 188o, Mr. Carey was admitted to the bar and immediately began the practice of his profession. In May, 1887, he formed a partnership with David C. Parker, a business arrangement 228 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. which has continued ever since. Mr. Carey's success as a legal practitioner was pronounced from the start and he has always had his full share of the business in this county. In 1898 Mr. Carey was appointed the United States referee in bankruptcy for this district, and upon the expiration of his term was reappointed. He is the owner of a two-hundred-and-twenty-acre farm near Marseilles, this county, while his wife owns three hundred acres of land in Pitt township, both of which tracts are under his management. In connection with farming, he also breeds and raises stock extensively. Robert Carey was first married February 23, 1876, the lady of his choice being Miss Adelaide Terry, daughter of Ethan Terry, one of the early settlers of Wyandot county. She was a graduate of Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio, and an active member of the Presbyterian church. Her entire life was spent in Wyandot county, and she passed into the other life July, 189o. She was the mother of four children, named as follows : Robert H. died when about nineteen years old ; Edmond died at the age of fifteen years ; Jam T., a lawyer, was graduated from the law department of the Ohio State University, at Columbus, in 1901, and Annabel is at home. The second marriage of Mr. Carey took place in November, 1893, Miss Edith Straw becoming his wife. She was the daughter of Lewis Straw, of Wyandot county, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. This union has been without issue. Mr. Carey is a stanch Republican in politics and has taken a prominent part in the campaigns of his party. One fact in his career worthy of notice is, that in 1896 he was elected mayor of Upper Sandusky, a city normally Democratic, by one of the largest majorities ever given a candidate for the office. Socially Mr. Carey is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was a charter member of the lodge in Upper Sandusky, and was its first chancellor commander. He was also its first representative to the Grand Lodge. Religiously his sympathies are with the Presbyterian church. He is now president of its board of trustees, having held that position when the present fine temple of worship was erected. He and his wife hold enviable positions in the social circles of their city and are earnest in their support of all moral and educational interests. As a lawyer Mr. Carey is rated among the leaders of his profession in Wyandot county, having much more than local reputation. His life record is unclouded by wrong or suspicion of evil. He has always clung to whatever is of good repute and his name is a synonym, for all that is honorable and straightforward. WILLIAM NAGEL. For many years the subject of this re view was one of the leading agriculturists of Wyandot county, but since 1898 he has been living a life of retirement in Upper Sandusky, enjoying the well-earned fruits of his long and arduous labors.   Frederick Nagel, his father, was born November 17, 1812, in Germany, and in early life learned the tailor trade, which he followed in his native country until about 1833, when he came to the United States and located in Philadelphia, Penn. He BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 229 continued at his chosen calling in that city until 1844, at which time he moved to Upper Sandusky, where he did a successful tailoring business until purchasing a farm two years later. Mr. Nagel's land consisted of one hundred and twenty acres in the township of Salem and shortly after moving to the same he bought an eighty-acre tract near by, both places being heavily timbered and containing, at the time but little improvement farm upon worthy of note. By hard and continuous toil he removed the greater part of the forest growth and in due time a well improved and valuable farm, upon which he continued to live and prosper until about 1876, when he retired from the place and took up his residence in Upper Sandusky, where he resided about two years, then returned to his farm and resided there until called to the other world on January 18, 1880, in his sixty-ninth year. In many respects Frederick Nagle was more than an ordinary man. In his native country he enjoyed good educational advantages and, endowed by nature with strong mentality, he became remarkably well informed upon the questions of the day and enjoyed a position of local prominence among his neighbors and fellow citizens. He was an active politician of the Democratic school and as such was a number of times elected trustee of his township, besides serving for a number of years on the school board. Additional to these two positions, he was called from time to time to various other official stations, in all of which he acquitted himself ably and in every relation of life proved himself worthy the confidence reposed in him by the public. As a member of the Church of God he did much to promote the cause of religion and morality in the community where he lived, and for a number of years he was a leader and an official in the local congregation in Salem township. He was a successful business man and at the time of his death was the possessor of a handsome property, among which was the old homestead, a part of which is now owned by his son, the subject of this article. Mr. Nagel was married in Philadelphia, Penn.,. to Eliza Fallbright, who was a native of that city, and was born January 13, 1813. She survived her husband some time,. dying September 1o, 1895, in her eighty-third year. Like her husband, she was an humble and devout communicant of the Church of God, and possessed those elements of character which made her popular in her neighborhood and caused her memory to be cherished by all who knew her.. The family of Frederick and Eliza Nagel consisted of six children, the youngest of whom, Catherine, died when but three years old. The others are: Mary, wife of Joseph Warner, of Kansas ; Henry C., member of the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteers in the late Civil war, was killed in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., when twenty-one years of age; Elizabeth, who lives in Wharton, this county, is the widow of the late George Drew ; Hannah is the wife of Moses Kear, a retired farmer living at Wharton, this county; and William, the subject of this review, is the next to the eldest member of the family. He first saw the light of day in Philadelphia, Penn., on the 14th day of January, 1842. At the age of four years he was brought by his parents to Upper Sandusky, and two years later he went to the farm, where he grew to manhood's estate. Reared to agricultural pursuits, he early became a 230 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. strong and vigorous. lad, capable of performing a man's duties on the farm long before attaining his majority. In the district schools he obtained a knowledge of the common branches, and though not educated in the sense the term is ordinarily used he has always been a reader and close observer, by which means he came into possession of a large and valuable fund of information which placed him among the most intelligent men of his community. Mr. Nagel remained with his parents until twenty-two and a half years old, when he purchased of his father forty acres of -land and engaged in agricultural pursuits upon his own responsibility. On the 31st of August, 1865, he was ;united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Rebecca Gantz, and immediately thereafter began housekeeping on the above place, where he had previously prepared a comfortable dwelling for the reception of his bride. From that time until his retirement from the active duties of life, in 1898, he devoted all of his time and attention to his farming interests and became quite successful, adding to the acreage of his place from time to time and laying aside his surplus earnings until he found himself the possessor of a handsome competence. 'He always tried to be an up-to-date farmer and spared no pains in the improvement of his -place, making it one of the model rural homes in Wyandot county. By carefully studying the nature of soils he learned how to obtain the best results from the amount of time and labor expended, in addition to which he also paid considerable attention to live stock, thereby adding greatly to his income. His home farm, consisting of one hundred and two acres, contains many val uable improvements and is in a high state of tillage. He also owns an eighty-acre tract two miles to the west, which is cultivated according to the latest and most approved methods of modern agriculturists. As already stated, Mr. Nagel continued farming and stock raising with most encouraging financial results until 1898, at which time he rented his farms to his son and son-in-law and moved to Upper Sandusky, where, surrounded by everything conducive to his comfort, he is now spending his declining years in the enjoyment of the peace and quiet which those who have battled long and successfully with the world know so well how to appreciate. He has a beautiful and comfortable city residence, the abode of a genuine old-fashioned hospitality, which he delights to dispense to his many friends and neighbors in Upper Sandusky and elsewhere. On June 6, 1896, Mr. Nagel lost his beloved wife by death. She vas a native of Richland county, Ohio, and the daughter of David and Mary Gantz, who were among the pioneer settlers of Salem township, this county. The father, a native of Pennsylvania., was a successful farmer and for many years a Democrat of much more .than local prominence, having been one of the leaders of his party in th early days of Wyandot county. He was a zealous Christian, a member of- the Lutheran church, and departed this life at the age of sixty-nine. His wife, also born in the Keystone state, was of German lineage, and died in her sixtieth year. Mrs. Nagel was twelve years when brought to Wyandot county and she spent the remainder of her life within its borders. She was reared in the Lutheran faith and remained loyal to the church till death, having been active in BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 231 all its good work and untiring in pressing the claims of religion on the minds of her children and others with whom she came in contact. Six children .resulted from Mr. Nagel's first Marriage, namely : Ida May, wife of Joseph Bachman, the present recorder of Wyandot county ; Cora, now Mrs. J. K. Dilley, lives on one of her father's farms; Henry C., a farmer and stock raiser of Salem township; Nettie A. died when twenty-five years old; William Frederick, who farms one of his father's; places;' and Stella, wife of George Krebs, of Upper Sandusky. Mr. Nagel's second Marriage was solemnized with Mrs. Jennie Everhart, widow of the late James Everhart. She is a native of New York, and was born on anuary 26; 1843, the daughter of Isaac and Sarah M. (Jewel) Harvey. In his religious views Mr. Nagel adheres to the creed of the Church of God, in which he was reared and in Which for a number, of years he has held the responsible position of elder. He is one of the leading members of the local branch to which he belongs, earnest in his efforts to disseminate the principles of religion and liberal with his means in supporting the gospel at home and in foreign fields. In politics he is a Democrat, but by no means a partisan, being more liberal in his views than the majority of party men. He has been honored by his fellow citizens of Salem township with different official positions, among, which were clerk, constable, trustee and treasurer, in all of which he acquitted himself to the satisfaction of the public. Indeed he has been in office of one kind or another the greater part of the time since his twenty-second year, a fact which speaks well for his ability and integrity. Mr. Nagel is classed with the most enterprising and successful agriculturists of Wyandot county, and in every walk of life he is widely respected as a courteous, kindhearted, generous man of perfect integrity and pure moral worth. Thus far he has. acted well his part in life, and the future- awaits him with abundant rewards. DANIEL L. INGARD. The record of Mr. Ingard is that of a. man who by his own unaided efforts worked. his way frotn a modest beginning to a position. of affluence and influence in the business world. His life has been of unceasing industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable method's which he has followed have won him the unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens: of Upper Sandusky and Wyandot county. Daniel L. Ingard was born February 24, 1858, in the town of Rainsburg, Bedford county, Penn., the son of William and Rebecca Ingard, both natives, of the Keystone-state. By occupation the father was a farmer, and he lived and died in the county of his birth. He was a self-made man, accumulating through his own industry .and economy a liberal share of this World's good's, owning at the time of his death a fine farm of two hundred and. forty acres besides valuable personal prosperty. Descended from sturdy German ancestors, he inherited many of the characteristics of that. race and his influence, always potent, was exerted in behalf of the moral and spiritual. advancement of the community in which he resided. He died at the age of sixty-one,. 232 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. honored and beloved by all who knew him. Rebecca Ash, wife of William Ingard, is still living, having reached the age of seventy-eight years, in full possession of her mental and many of her bodily powers. Like her husband, she has been a lifelong and devout member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and in the, rearing of her children, ten in number, she failed not to implant in their youthful minds and hearts the principles of morality apd religion and to impress upon them a reverence for things sacred. Of the children born to William and Rebecca Ingard, but three are living at the present time, Daniel L. being the .youngest of the number. The boyhood and youthful years of our subject were spent on the home farm, and, like the majority of country lads, his early life was comparatively uneventful, .being spent amid the routine of labor in the summer time, while in the winter seasons he attended the public schools of his native town. After becoming familiar with the rudimentary branches he took a course in a first-class select school in, Rainsburg. and such was his progress that while a youth of sixteen he was sufficiently advanced to obtain a license entitling him to teach in the public schools of Bedford county. During the three succeeding years he taught during the winter months, spending the remainder of the time on the farm as his father's assistant, strengthening his mental faculties by. diligent study and developing his bodily powers by vigorous and healthful out-door exercises. In the spring, of 1877 Mr. Ingard came to Wyandot county and engaged as a farm hand near Upper Sandusky. While thus employed he secured a school in Salem township for the ensuing winter. During the two years fallowing he taught successful in the country and then accepted a position as teacher of the A grammar grade in the Union schools of Sandusky, which position he held for one year. While. successful an instructor he did not see fit to make educational work a profession; accordingly in 1881, he severed his connection with the schools and engaged with Henry Waters as a general utility, man in the latter's lumber yard in Upper Sandusky. He remained with that gentleman until 1884, and then accepted a lucrative position with his successor, Mr. S. A. Dennis, in whose employ he continued until 1886, in January of which year he effected 3 copartnership with D. A. Smith and purchased the lumber yard and planing mill, going into debt for the great part of his interest in the concern. The firm thus constituted began operation under very favorable auspices and lasted three years, at the expiration of which time Mr. Smith disposed of his interest to a Mr. Young, with whom the subject maintained business relations until 1892, when the firm suffered a severe loss by fire. This proved a serious disaster, the mill and machinery being completely ruined, but the lumber was saved, thus preventing a total collapse of the enterprise. For six months following the fire Mr. Ingard operated the lumber yard alone and succeeded in greatly retrieving his fortune and establishing the business upon a sound financial basis. He then took in as partner Mr. Frater, the present postmaster of Upper Sandusky, and continued the relation until January I, 1897, when the latter re- BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 233 tired from the business and the present associate, Mr. Gregg, became a member of the firm. Since casting his lot with the citizens of Upper Sandusky Mr. Ingard has won. an honorable place in, the business and industrial circles of the city by perseverance and a willingness to take hold of large and important enterprises. Such qualities as he possessed are always in demand, and it was not long until he found himself on the sure highway to success and affluence. The business of which he is now executive head and financial manager has continued to grow in magnitude until, in due-time, it became the largest and most prosperous concern of the kind in the city. The firm. manufactures all kinds of doors, frames, sash, wood mouldings, indeed every article in the building line, and additional thereto handles all kinds of hard and soft wood lumber, doing an annual business conservatively estimated at from forty-five to fifty thousand dollars. hey control the trade in this city and enjoy a reputation in commercial circles here and elsewhere second to that of no other firm in this section of the state. Mr. Ingard is also connected with the OhioBrick Company, which has recently been fitted with a steam dryer, and has a daily capacity of fifteen thousand. Mr. Ingard is essentially the architect of his own fortune, and his career presents series of continued advancements until he now occupies a conspicuous place in the front rank of Upper Sandusky's most enterprising and successful business men. His name is a synonym for honorable dealing and his record demonstrates. the utmost conormity to the ethics of commercial life. Not infrequently is it the case that men: of large business interests often neglect the duties devolving upon them as citizens and factors in the social circle. Mr. Ingard, has not only contributed liberally to church and benevolent work, but has given much of his time and energy to the promotion of that splendidly organized and systematic charity known. throughout the world as the Masonic fraternity. For many years he has been an humble and devout communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which for nearly a quarter of a century his name appears in connection with various official positions. As an active member of Warpole Lodge No, 16, F. & A. M., he has done much to disseminate the principles of that noble order in the city of his residence. He is also identified with the Pythian Brotherhood of Upper Sandusky, and for some years his name has adorned the records of the local lodge, Royal Arcanum. Mr. Ingard is a Democrat in his political preferences and as such was elected in 1892 mayor of Upper Sandusky, serving four years and making an enviable record as an able and popular executive. As a member of the city school board, on which he served. for a period of fifteen years, he did much to promote the cause of education in the city, taking an active and influential part in the inception and erection of a number of splendid school buildings and exerting his influence to secure a corps: of teachers of recognized ability and high professional standing. He was also one of the prime movers in the organization of the Commercial National Bank of Upper Sandusky, and has since been connected with the same a stockholder and director. Possessing finan- 234 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS cial ability of a high order, his counsel has much weight in all matters pertaining to the' above institution. From the beginning of his business career. Mr. Ingard has been actuated by a laudable ambition to succeed in the enterprise to which his time and attention have been devoted, but at the same time his interest in the material growth and prosperity of the city has "never" faltered, nor has he lost sight of. the fact that the public has certain property rights: in each of its citizens. In view of the latter fact he has ever taken an active part in all public affairs, and endeavored under all circumstances to discharge worthily his dUties as a factor in the body politic. On the 19th day of September, 188, his marriage was solemnized with Miss Dora J. Moody, of Upper Sandusky, a union blessed with two children, Ralph, who works for his father, and Mamie, her mother's assistant and confident. The son when but seventeen years old enlisted .in Company B, Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the Spanish-American war, being the youngest member of the regiment. He accompanied his command to Chickamauga, Tenn., and served till the cessation of hostilities, proving himself a capable and popular soldier like her husband, Mrs. Ingard subscribes to the Methodist creed and the congregation worshiping in Upper Sandusky has in its membership no more earnest or pious communicant. She is alive to all good work of the church and is noted for her many kindly offices in behalf of the poor and unfortunate of the city. Thus briefly, but we believe correctly, have been set forth the salient facts in the life and character of one of northern Ohio's intelligent men of affairs. His career and position illustrate most happily for the purpose of this work, the fact that, if a young man possesses the proper attributes of mind and heart, he can unaided attain to a position of unmistakable precedence and gain for himself an honored position among the men who are the foremost factors in shaping the destinies of cities, communities and states. His life proves that the only true success in this world is that which is accomplished by personal effort and consecutive industry. It also demonstrates that the road to position is open to all who possess the courage to tread) its pathway and serves as an inspiration to the young of the present and future generation's, teaching by incontrovertible facts that true success is ambition's legitimate answer. ROBERT N. McCONNELL, M. D. This distinguished physician and enterprising business man has figured conspicuously in the recent history of Wyandot county, and is entitled to mention as one of the representative citizens of this section of the commonwealth. His father, Dr. James McConnell, for many years the leading physician of Upper Sandusky, was a native of Huntingdon county, Penn.., born on the 2d day Of March, 1802. John and Sarah (Armitage) McConnell, parents of James McConnell, were also natives of the Keystone state and descendants of old and respected families that came, to America about 1750 from the north oeIreland. Dr. James MCConnell was educated in the pioneer schools of his day and while a BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 235 youth began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. John Henderson, a well-known physician of Huntingdon county. After a course. of preliminary reading he entered the Baltimore Medical College, from which he was graduated in due time. Immediately thereafter he entered upon the practice of his profession at Lewiston, Penn., where he remained until 1845, when he disposed of his property and removed to Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He soon built up a. large and lucrative practice in his new field of labor and it was not long until he took rank as one of the leading physicians and surgeons in this part of the state. He was faithful to his calling until advancing age compelled him to abandon the practice, which he, did with great reluctance in 1868. From that date until his death he lived a life of honorable retirement, turning over his large business to his son, Dr. Robert N. McConnell, who has proven a worthy successor to such a distinguished man. He was eminently successful in his profession and accumulated a large amount of property, consisting principally of lands, lots, business houses, all of which are in possession of his descendants. Dr. James McConnell was married at Columbus, Ohio, in 1842, to Miss Margaretta Nelson, daughter of Robert Nelson, of that city, and five children resulted from the union, only one of whom is living, Dr. Robert N. The deceased are John B., Martha S., Jane. and one that died in infancy. The Doctor was one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Upper Sandusky, possessing a character of stern excellence, while his social as well as his professional career was characterized by the utmost sincerity and candor. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church and in politics he - 14 - was a stanch supporter of the Republican party. In his prime he was a splendid specimen of robust physical manhood, a fine constitution, which he carefully maintained by correct habits, extending to him its results. to the extent that he rarely suffered bodily afflictions. As, already. stated, he was one of the early physicians of Upper Sandusky, and he never lost faith in the ultimate growth and prosperity of the place. In some re, spects he was regarded as eccentric, yet this phase of his nature was a pleasing one, which greatly endeared him to the people.. His it was to be enthusiastic and positive; but the silver lining to this peculiar quality was always a willing consideration for the opinions of others, with whom he was almost sure to be at variance. Ever kind and genial, with a heart overflowing with sympathy and good fellowship, he took a deep interest in all that affected the people and for many years he was a forceful factor in the public affairs of both city and county. He had a strong attachment for neighbors and friends, especially those connected with the early settlement of the town ; this preference was Made quite manifest in his daily walk and conversation. During the last fifteen years of the Doctor's life he contented. hiinself with looking after his valuable property interests, which was the result of judicious investment in an early day when real estate of all kinds was remarkably cheap. His long and eminently successful career as a professional man and citizen was without a blemish and, although positive. in his conclusions and never loth to assert his convictions he had not one enemy. He was one the purest and best of men, honest and upright in all of his actions, living with a desire to see others enjoy life and was never 236 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. negligent, in his response when a friend needed his service or. advice. In short the Doctor was an exemplary Citizen, living a life worthy of imitation, and his career may be profitably studied by those whose destinies are yet to be achieved. His death occurred on the 12th day of April, 1884, at the ripe old, age of eighty-four years. Dr. Robert N. McConnell, whose name appears at the head of this review, was born in Lewiston, Penn., April 29, 1843. He came to Upper Sandusky with his parents when but two years old and received his preliminary education in the public schools of the town. Subsequently, 1859, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he took a preparatory course and later became a student of Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Penn., with the object in view of completing a classical course. This arrangement was thwarted, however, by his enlistment, September, 1862; in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, Ohio Infantry, to serve as private in the late Civil war. Soon after entering the service he was commissioned hospital attendant, in which capacity he continued until the battle of Winchester, June 15, 1863, when the entire regiment was captured and confined on Belle Island. After four weeks the Doctor was released on parole, and returning home, attended a course of lectures at Starling Medical Institute, having begun the study of medicine while in the service. In the spring of 1864 he was discharged from the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio by special order from the war department to accept a commission as assistant surgeon in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio National Guards. He continued with the latter command until the expiration of its term of service, in the fall of the same year. Leaving the army the Doctor entered the medical department of Wooster University, Cleveland, Ohio, from which he was graduated in .1865, in the first class that ever completed a course in institution. Immediately after receiving his degree he was appointed by his. uncle, Gov. Brough, assistant surgeon general of the state and continued in that position until the office was abolished, one year later. The Doctor then returned home and during the winter of 1866-67 attended Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, after which he opened a drug store in Upper Sandusky in connection with the practice of his: profession. In 1869 he disposed of his interest in the drug trade and devoted his entire time to the practice, attending a course of lectures in the winter of 1870-71, at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York city. In order to lay the foundation for more complete success in his. chosen calling, Dr. McConnell went to Europe in 1878 and attended the Imperial Medical University, at Vienna, Austria, returning to. Upper Sandusky after an absence of about, one year. In 1878 he was appointed by Gov. Allen director of the Ohio Penitentiary, in which capacity he served with credit to himself and to the. institution, for a period of two years. In 1882 he entered into a partnership with Dr. Isaac N. Bowman and ha continued in practice since. As a physician Dr. McConnell has spared neither pains nor expense in acquiring a thorough knowledge of his profession and by common; consent he has long ranked with the most learned and distinguished medical BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 237 men of the state. His success has been commensurate with the ability and energy displayed in the practice and for many years his services have been eagerly sought by the best people in his city and county and not infrequently has he been called long distances to minister to critical cases requiring much more than ordinary skill in treatment. He Is widely and favorably known in medical circles throughout Ohio and has personal acquaintances with many of the most eminent professional men of the country, among whom he is considered as standing in the very front rank as a profound student and successful healer. He is an honored member of the F. & A. M., having attained the thirty-second degree; he is also a member of Marion Commandery, K. of P., and is a charter member of the Ohio. Sons of Revolution, at Cincinnati, Ohio. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and, like all good citizens, takes an active interest in political matters, having wielded the election franchise in behalf of the Republican party since his twenty-first year. Not as a physician only has Dr.. McConnell achieved distinction in Wyandot county, but as a progressive man of affairs, largely interested in the material prosperity of Upper Sandusky, his name haS been long and favorably known. He has. manifested commendable zeal in public enterprises and by the judicious investment of capital has added materially to the beauty and attractiveness of the city of his residence. A few years ago he erected at a cost of twenty thousand dollars the large and elegant opera house, known as the "Auditorium," which was opened in 1899; he was also one of the promoters of the gas industry here and its president as long as it had an existence. While the latter enterprise did not prove financially successful, he has not hesitated since that time to encourage, by his means and influence, any laudable movement tending to promote the industrial and business interests of the city and county. Shrewd and farseeing as a—business man; his various enterprises, as well as his practice, have resulted in large gains, and he ranks to-day with able financiers and wealthy men of this part of the state. He still practices but confines his attention principally to cases in the city where his profound knowledge long ago placed him at the head of his profession. He is a large-hearted man, broad and liberal his views and in many ways has proven a benefactor of his race. Liberal in the expenditure of his means for the aid of the poor and 'unfortunate, his name is cherished in many households where his benefactions have been felt, and hundreds of his fellow men are ready to call down. the blessings of heaven upon his head. In the language of another, "He is a good man and a just," than which no more worthy compliment was ever passed upon a mortal. Dr. McConnell was married March 4, 1891, to Miss Leefe Beery, daughter of Isaac H. and Leefe (Fowler) Beery, the father a native of Fairfield county, this state, where his birth occurred on the 19th of February, 1820. Isaac H. Beery was the son of George and Catherine (Cradebaugh) Beery and lived in the village of Bremen in the above county. He was feared to. agricultural pursuits in Bern township and at the age of twenty-three engaged in the mercantile business at Bremen' in partnership with his brother-in-law, John Ashbaugh. He continued merchandising there until 1850, at which time, in company with two brothers, 238 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. he came to Upper Sandusky and erected a frame building on the site now occupied by the Beery block. Here he opened a general store, which under the firm name of J. H. & B. Beery, at once grew into popularity. and in time became one of the leading establishments of the kind in the town. Later the frame building gave place to the substantial brick structure which now occupies the site, and beside this, the grain elevator, the handsome residence and many other building erected by the firm, .attest the prosperity which marked the career of these enterprising business men. Mr. Beery continued merchandising until 1880, from which time until his death, on the 21st day of March, 1884, he was not actively engaged in any kind of business. He was a stockholder in the Wyandot County Bank, and to him, as much as to any one man in the city of Upper Sandusky, is that institution indebted for the large measure of prosperity which it now enjoys. He was an energetic business man of the strictest integrity, ever one of the foremost citizens of the community and .amid all his efforts to advance the material interests of the place he wore the white flower of a blameless life. His marriage to Miss Leefe Fowler, daughter of Dr. Stephen Fowler, of this city, was solemnized in September, 1852, and resulted in the birth of four children, namely : S. Fowler, Leefe, Foster and Minnie Beery. Mrs. McConnell was born in Upper Sandusky and has spent her life, thus far, within the limits of her native town; she is the mother of two children, Robert and Beery, both bright and promising lads in whom are centered many fond hopes. for the future. DANIEL STRAW, DECEASED. This old settler, :who has been dead man years, tame to the county of Wyandot when much of the land was covered with primeval forests and many wild animals were to be seen in the vicinity of the clearings. He was born in Montpelier, Vt., in July, 1810, and grew to maturity in that city. He received a good education in youth which he supplemented later by study, reading and self-study and culture. Possessing by nature a good mind, he was able to grasp the problems of our civilization and our public institutions, and therefore was always regarded as one of the most intelligent members of the community in which he re-, sided. In early -life. he learned the cabinetmaker's trade, at which he became very skillful. On November 17, 1833, while yet in Vermont, Mr. Straw married Miss Flavia Neal, a native of Canada, born August 17, 1815, a lady possessing more than the ordinary graces and refinements of womanhood. Three years after their marriage they came west to Bowersville, Pitt township, this county, where they remained for a short time, removing finally to Brownstown, where he entered a tract of government land and erected thereon a rude log cabin with one room, into which he moved his little family. Soon after locating here he secured the necessary room and started a tavern, which he conducted with success for a period of twenty-two. years, or until his death, January 13, 1858. During his lifetime Mr. Straw was one of the prominent men of this section of the county. He served sixteen years as justice of the peace, which BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 239 fact alone attests the respect and esteem in which he was held. At the time of his death. he , was the owner of one hundred and forty acres of land. For many years lie carried on the dairy business with much success and upon an extensive scale. In politics he was a Democrat of the old school, and took much interest in the success of his party and the advancement of public improvements of all kinds. His widow lived many years after his death, passing away on the 16th of May, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Straw were the parents of eleven children, four of whom are living: Julius, who resides in Butler county, Kan.; Chester M. lives in Ashley, Okla. ; William R., a resident of Mifflin township; and Mary .E., the wife of Charles Malifsky. Mary E. was united in marriage April 23, 1889, to Mr. Malifsky, and they are the parents of three children, as follows Frank, who died in infancy; Stella M., born March i8, 1893; and Julia, who was born March 11, 1896. Mrs. Malifsky is the owner of eighty acres of excellent land in Mifflin township, and has a beautiful home supplied with many of life's comforts and conveniences. She and her huSband are among the highly esteemed people of their community, respected by a large circle of friends for their many sterling qualities. GEORGE WISE. Any person who will investigate the facts in the case will be surprised to learn of the great number of people of Germanic descent now living in the United States. Unquestionably the greatest number of emigrants reaching the shores of the new world comes from that nation, and statistics show that there is more Germanic blood in the United States than: any other. This being a fact, it is. easy to account for the prosperity and morality of this country. Not only that, but it will afford an explanation for the love of learning shown by the people of this vast nation. Germany is famous the world over for its remarkable universities, for its educated men, for its poets and philosophers, and for the industry, patience, intelligence, morality and sturdiness of its citizens. These qualities, have been brought to this country by the immigrants, and are now part and parcel of our wonderful nation—its progress in domestic economy, its advancement in every branch of material improvement, and its love of country and home. George Wise, of Mifflin township, is a member of this sturdy European race. He was born in the province of Baden, December 24, 1841, and is the son. of George and Christinia (Hoover) Wise, both natives of the Fatherland and people of well-known respectability. He grew to manhood on his father's farm and while thus, engaged received a good education, such as is given to all youths in the German empire. Desiring to improve his condition, and learning that he could undoubtedly do so in the United States, he crossed the Atlantic ocean in 1863, while the country was engaged in the throes of a gigantic civil war, and landed at New York city; he made the voyage on a steam vessel and was ten days en route. He soon afterward came to Upper Sandusky and secured employment in a brewery and was thus employed for a period of three years. He then engaged in the manufacture of brick, which business occupied his atten- 240 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. tion for the succeeding two years. At the end of that time he possessed sufficient means to begin operations on his own account ; accordingly he bought the place where he now lives, there being no clearing or improvement of any kind when the purchase was made. He erected a log cabin of two rooms in the heavy timber and began the hard work of removing the dense forest growth. The farm now consists of eighty acres, all of which is cleared except five acres, and every foot is well ditched, drained and tiled. He replaced the original dwelling in 1868 with an excellent residence, which is one of the best houses in the neighborhood. The Soil is extremely fertile. Mr. Wise carries On general farming and stock raising, and is prosperous and contented. He takes considerable interest in public affairs, and in politics is a member of the Democratic party: He. is not a member of any church, but is a liberal contributor to all worthy enterprises and improvements. His wife, to whom he was married December 26, 1868, was formerly Miss Maggie Horn, of this county. After a happy wedded life of a little over thirty-four year's duration Mr. Wise was called upon to part with his. faithful and loving companion, who died on the 2d day of February, 1902. Amid the silent shades of Oak Hill cemetery she was laid to rest, and there her body sleeps the sleep which is only to be broken by the angel of the resurrection. JUDGE ALLEN SMALLEY. In Perry township, now Ashland county, Ohio, on the 26th of December,. 1841, Judge Allen Smalley was born.. His father, Isaac Smalley, came with his parents from Jefferson county, Ohio' , in 1814, when he was only four years old and settled with them in the wilderness on the muddy fork of the Mohican, in what was then Wayne county, Ohio. The grandparents had come from New Jersey. to their Jefferson county home on Yellow creek in 18o6. Upon the lands so entered in Wayne county, in 1814, the grandfather, Richard Smalley, continued to reside until his death in 1844. In 1836 Isaac Smalley married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Lydia Pittenger Smith, of Perry township. These maternal grandparents. trace their lineage to Ireland and Wales, while the paternal line goes back to England and. Holland. Judge Allen Smalley, the subject of this Sketch, found himself in both branches: of his family in the direct line of succession to the occupation of farming. In those days the active services of a healthy boy were utilized at a very early age, and Allen was no exception to the rule. In the spring of 1848, he removed with. his parents to an humble log house on sixty acres of land near Perrysville, for which the father had traded, located among the everlasting hills of Ashland County. Here almost constant work upon the partly cleared, little hill-farm with intermittent attendance at the district school, filled the measure of the fleeting seasons until October, 1853, when the family removed to a new purchase, near Crawfordsville, in Wyandot county; Ohio. Here the ordinary work of the farm was closely attended and a good sized "clearing" opened so that grubbing brush, burning, logging, . rail-making and the like claimed all time that 'under present conditions would be enjoyed as holidays. BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 241 The winter term of the common school, usually of four months duration, was as constantly attended as circumstances would permit, so that by the close of the winter of 1860-61 Allen had completed the local common-school. course and sought increased educational facilities. In the fall of 1861 he attended one term at the Seneca County Academy, under the direct supervision and control of Prof. Aaron Schuyler. Immediately after the close of this term at the academy he commenced teaching his first school at Crawfordsville, boarded at home and did the "chores." The clay after this school closed he enlisted as a private soldier in Company I, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under that gallant colonel, William Gibson. On the march from Battle Creek, Tenn., to Nashville during the celebrated military race between the armies of Generals Buell and Bragg, Allen was taken sick, as the result of undue exposure, so that he with all of the sick of the Cumberland army was left at Nashville while the two armies raced on to Louisville, Ky. As a result of this illness lie was honorably : discharged at Nashville in December, 1862. He regained sufficient health and strength. to finish the winter in teaching school. At the close of this term he entered upon a special course of study in the Ohio Wesleyan University. During the summer of 1863 he was commissioned by Gov. Todd as a captain in the State Guards. He resigned this commission and again enlisted as a private volunteer for three years or during the war in the United States Signal Corps, and was finally assigned to the Department of the Gulf,. with head quarters at New Orleans, La. In the capacity of a signal officer he served twenty-eight days on the United States man-of-war "Ossipee" in Adthiral Farragut's MexiCan Gulf squadron, and during this time participated in the terrible battle of Mobile Bar, August 5, 1864. In November, 1865, he was honorably discharged from the regular army, and this discharge contains this unique certificate, which was unsought, and therefore came as a pleasant surprise, viz : "Distinguished for intelligence and courage; a brave soldier and a reliable man." In the fall of 1866 Allen Smalley entered the law department in. the University of Michigan and graduated therefrom in the spring of 1868. Thereafter he taught school in Illinois and Indiana and returned to Wyandot county, Ohio, in the spring of 1870, and ever since he has continued to reside in Upper Sandusky. He was chosen as superintendent of the Upper Sandusky Union Schools, served in that capacity for one year and then entered into a law partnership with ex-Judge Chester R. Mott. In 1890 be was elected to the office of common pleas judge, in which position he continuously served ten years. On the 3d of September, 1867, the subject was married to Miss Ellen Burke, of Crawfordsville, and she continues to preside over the home on Honey Hill in.. Upper Sandusky. Nine Children were born of this union, only three of whom are now living. The Judge has always been and Continues to be a Jeffersonian Democrat; has taken an active interest in politics and is a frequent attendant at state and. national conventions, while his services from the stump are appreciated far and wide. He believes in the Christian religion, but has never united with any branch of the church. He is a friend of mankind, regardless of wealth; 242 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS rank or station, and his friends are legion wherever he is known. His name has frequently been mentioned in connection with .high political stations, but he is now marching with the 'minority in the ranks of the great common people. In 1898, at the organization of the Imperial Building and..Loan Company, of Toledo, Judge Smalley was chosen to act as president. This company has since been reorganized 'and reincorporated -Under the name of the Imperial Savings Company, with an authorized Capital of one million 'dollars, and the subject of thiS. sketch has retained the office of president. SAMUEL L. WALTER, DECEASED. The gentleman whose name forms the caption of this article was long a prominent, well-liked citizen of Wyandot county, and a contractor whose efficient and painstaking business methods. gave him an enviable reputation—a reputation not bound by the confines of his own county. Samuel L. Walter was a native of the Keystone state, having been born in Philadelphia on the 15th of September, 1833. In that staid old Quaker city he was reared and he received his education in its public schools. Being taken to Chicago, Ill., when a boy by his parents, he learned there the trade of a mason and for a time pursued that vocation. Becoming a very proficient workman, he went to Kenton, Ohio, and there entered into the business of contracting on his own account, continuing this business about three years. About this time he was married and in 1863 moved to Upper Sandusky, Wyandot county, whichplace he made his home for thirty-six years, or until the time of his death. He passed away on the 27th of July, 1899, in the sixty-sixth year of his age. Mr. Walter has been twice married, the first time in Chicago, to Miss Harriet Powell, who died about one year after the celebration of the nuptials, leaving one son Charles P., a traveling salesman for a Chicago furniture house; his home is in Tomal Wis. On the 2d of January, 1861, occurred Mr. Walter's marriage to Miss Candace A. Stevenson; who was born and reared in Bucyrus; Ohio. This union was a happy one, blessed with the birth of six children namely : William S.,. a printer living in Toledo, Ohio; Samuel L., a mason and contractor of Upper Sandusky and prior to his father's death had worked with him for several years; Ella, wife of Albert Katzenmyer, of Upper Sandusky ; Mary Ann, wife of Charles Shealy, who is the proprietor of a large lumber yard and manufacturing establishment in Upper Sandusky; Grace is the wife. of Virgil H. Gibson, a veterinary surgeon, and Hazel is at home with her mother. In his political belief Mr. Walter was a Democrat and was active in his efforts to advance the party. interests. For several years he was a, member of the city council Upper "Sandusky and enjoyed the high esteem of his fellow citizens because of his honesty of purpose and his activity in endeavoring to advance the varied interests of the city. Socially he was. a member of the Masonic Order, Warpole Lodge, No. 176, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. While engaged in the business of contracting he erected the Wyandot county jail, BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 243 the Billhardt block and a large number of other business blocks the Upper Sandusky. in the truest sense of the expression he could be called a "self-made man;" starting with little capital besides those elements which contribute so largely to success—sound judgment, energy and .determination, he attained to a commendable position in life, and left to his widow a comfortable home, besides six other pieces of real estate in Upper Sandusky. The subject's father, Rev. Samuel L. Walter, was for many years a Methodist Episcopal preacher, and moved from Philadelphia, Penn., to Chicago, Ill., when Samel L. was a boy. MICHAEL CORNELY The well-known farmer and gallant ex-soldier of the great Civil war whose name ppears above is a native of Germany and on of Jacob and Magdalena (Kunert) Cornely, both. parents. born. arid reared in Luxembourg. Paternally the Cornely's are of French. descent and it is matter of family history that the subject's great-grandfather gained distinction as a brave and gallant officer in the army. of the great Napoleon. When the star of that renowned conqueror of kingdoms and creator of dynasties went down in defeat at Waterloo Mr. Cornely's ancestor settled in Germany, married there and became the father of a large family, numerous representatives of which are still living in various parts of the Fatherland. Jacob Cornely, a farmer by occupation, remained in his native country until 1853, at which time he carried out a desire of long standing by disposing of his worldly effects and emigrating to the United States. The voyage was an eventful one by reason of the ship being wrecked in mid-ocean, resulting in the loss of forty-five passengers by drowning and the death of quite a number by starvation. A violent storm struck the ship, stripping it of its rigging and causing a break in the hull, through which the waters rushed with such force and volume that all the able-bodied passengers were obliged to take turns at the pumps, which were kept going night and day to prevent the vessel from sinking. The storm continued several days with unabated fury and for nearly a week after the minds subsided, the passengers meantime suffering untold mental and physical anguish on account of. hunger and the immediate prospect of going to the bottom. Four days after the storm the ship was sighted by a small vessel which rendered all the assistance possible, but on account of its size could take but few of the passengers on board. Later two other ships came in view and in due time the remnant of the nine hundred people who had taken passage were rescued and relieved of their sufferings. Mr. Cornely and family, consisting of eleven members in all, were fortunate enough to be rescued by the first vessel, but by reason of the over-crowded condition of every available space and the lack of provisions they were compelled to undergo the pangs of hunger and other terrible sufferings until reaching the harbor of New York a number of days later. On reaching his destination Mr. Cornely at once proceeded westward to Tiffin, Ohio, near which place he purchased twenty acres of timber land containing no improvements 244 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. beyond a small log cabin. Into this rude structure he moved the few effects still in his possession, the greater part of his goods, including bedding, clothing, household utensils, in fact almost everything except the raiment on the backs of the family, having been lost in the wreck. Mr. Cornely at once set to work to make his family comfortable, but he was not destined to realize this desire as death overtook him eighteen months after moving to his new home in the forest of Seneca county. He was fifty-four years old at the time of his demise and is remembered as a kind husband and father, a devout Catholic in his religious belief and a man of honesty and sterling worth. After his death, which occurred in the year 1855, his widow and children. continued to look after the farm, some of the older boys contributing to the support of the family by working for farmers in the, neighborhood. Mrs. Cornely remained where the family originally settled until February, 1864, when she sold the place and moved to the county of Wyandot, purchasing a farm of sixty acres in Salem township, where she made her homeuntil called from the scenes of her earthly labors and trials. She was a woman of energy and determination and demonstrated .great wisdom and prudence in caring for those dependent upon her after the death. of her husband. She, too, was a pious member of the Catholic church, and throughout her long and arduous struggles while providing a livelihood for her family never failed to impress upon the minds. of her children the importance' and necessity of observing the claims of religion and morality, At the time' of her death.. she was seventy-nine years of age, having spent a goodly part of her life in the United State's. Michael Cornely was born December 25, 1841, in Luxembourg, Germany; and spent the first thirteen years of his life near the place where he first saw the light of day. He experienced, with. the rest of the family, all the sufferings and horrors of ship-wreck; and on reaching the new home in Ohio was set to work to assist his father on the farm. After his father's death he started out for himself and for several years labored as a farm hand in Ohio, subsequently traveling over parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Arkansas and Louisiana, meantime working at any honest employment he could find. After roaming about for a couple of years he returned to Ohio and at the breaking out of the war enlisted in Company G, Twenty-first Ohio Infantry, for three months' service. During his period of enlistment he took part in one campaign in Virginia and participated in several minor engagements. At the expiration of his term of service he returned to his home in Seneca county, and shortly thereafter, November 8, 1862, entered the army the second time as private in Company H, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, with which he served for a. period of three years. Mr. Cornely's experience as a soldier embraced some of the most exciting campaigns and bloody battles in the south and southwest, including Shiloh, Corinth Yazoo Bayou, Morning Sun, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Raymond,. Black River and Missionary Ridge, after which he was detailed as nurse in a field hospital with the army under Gen. W. T. Sherman. Serving eleven months in the latter capacity, he rejoined his command and took part in the operations against the Confederate forces under General Hood and shortly thereafter received his discharge, BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 245 having served his full time and proved. his gallantry: and patriotism in some of the most sanguinary engagements of the war. On leaving the army Mr. Cornely came, to Wyandot county, his family meantime having taken up their residence in the township of Salem. During the six months following his return home he made a livelihood by cutting cordwood, and then went back to Seneca county, where for about three years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits on rented land. Discontinuing farming, he purchased a sawmill in the above county and for some time did a lucrative business as a manufacturer of lumber. In 1872 he built a flouring mill, in which he retained a half interest, but continued as before to devote his time and attention to his lumber interests, .which he carried on successfully until 1880. In that year he traded the sawmill for land in Seneca county, which he sold two years later and invested the proceeds in an eighty-acre farm in Richland township, Wyandot county; there he lived the life of an enterprising and successful tiller of the soil until his removal, in 1898, to the town of Kirby. The maiden name of Mrs. Cornely was Johanna Sprunk ; she is a native of Luxembourg, Germany, and daughter of John and Catherine Sprunk, who came to America when she was a little miss five years of age. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cornely, Charles V. and John J., the former agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad at Kirby, and the latter manager of one of his father's farms. Mr. Cornely has proven himself a remarkably successful financier and it is a well attested fact that every undertaking to which he has addressed himself has fully met his; expectations. By his own unaided efforts he has accumulated a handsome property, including a fine farm in Richland township and a beautiful place containing an elegant. residence and ten acres of ground adjoining the town of Kirby, where he now lives practically retired from active labor. He started in life a poor, penniless lad, dependent entirely upon the work of his hands for a livelihood, and the position he now; occupies among the successful and well-to-do men of the community demonstrates good judgment, keen discernment and sound business principles. He has always been an industrious man, and it is his honest conviction that labor and consecutive effort, directed by intelligent foresight, are the primary requisites to success in every laudable endeavor. As a citizen he is. loyal to his adopted country; he proved his 'patriotism by following' the stars and stripes throughout the critical period that tested the stability of our free institutions. In politics Mr. Cornely may be termed a Democrat. He entertains intelligent views relative to the great questions before the American people, but has never been an active partisan, nor .has he ever been an aspirant for public honors. At one time he was elected a justice of the peace, but refused to serve as such; later, much against. his wishes„ he was chosen mayor of the town of Kirby. He discharged worthily the duties of the latter position for two years and retired therefrom with a fixed determination of never again permitting his name to be used in connection with official station of any kind. He was born and reared a Catholic and throughout life has remained 246 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS: loyal to the church, active in all of its good works and zealous in defending the faith of his ancestors. JACOB P. BEAR. This old soldier and well-known citizen, :is a native of Franklin county, Penn., having been born near Chambersburg on January 26, 1839. He grew up amid the usual surroundings of a country boy, having his share of hard work and his meager supply of schooling in the old schoolhouse of the neighborhood. But nature gave him a good. constitution and fitted him for the severe hardships he was destined to undergo in the service of his country in the great war for the preservation of the union of the states. At the age of twenty-one years he began an apprenticeship of two years at the carpenter's trade, which lie faithfully completed, and then came to Upper Sandusky, Wyandot county, opened a shop and began working at this trade. Think he continued for some time, or until the beginning of the Rebellion; when, on August 28, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio, Volunteer Infantry, and. was soon afterward sent with his regiment to the front, which meant active service and plenty of it, accompanied with great danger and numerous hardships. The first engagement in which he participated was. the first battle of Winchester: All students of history know the bloody nature of that memorable struggle, but Mr. Bear came through the ordeal unscathed and with an enviable record among his comrades for distinguished bravery. In his second engagement, June 15, 1863, he was, taken, prisoner, and was taken to the famous Libby prison, in Richmond, and later to Belle Isle for a period twenty-four days, when he was exchanged and sent to parole camp at Annapolis, M, In the fall of 1863 he rejoined his regiment at Martinsburg, and later participated in the famous battles of Cedar Creek, Fisher Hill, Piedmont, and in, the historic raid to Lynchburg under General Hunter. In all of these movements Mr. Bear bore an honorable and conspicuous part. The march were long and arduous, the skirmishes an battles bloody, the fevers and fatigues of the camp were wearing and hazardous, but all were submitted to with patience and fortitude, all knowing that the result in the en would pay the dreadful cost, later Mr. Bear fought at the battle near Winchester, at Snicker's. Ferry, after which his regiment was transferred to the Army of the Potomac, and participated in all its famous marches, countermarches, skirmishes, battles, retreats, defeats and successes. M Bear was engaged with his regiment Petersburg and in the movement on Richmond, and the following day, while far in the front, was taken prisoner again with nine companies of his regiment and kept with the army of General Lee until the surrender, which occurred soon afterward. With flaunting of scarred flags and with martial tread his gallant old regiment can marching proudly home, from the field of war, to be received first with the pomp an circumstance of victory in public function as they swept down Pennsylvania avenue at Washington, and then to be received wit joyous acclamations and delight by the friends and neighbors at home. Mr. Bear immediately laid down the arms he had carried so bravely and honorably through thr BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 247 bloody battles and harassing campaigns of the Rebellion, and took up the tools of peace and resumed his work at his old trade. He worked for a time at Sandusky, but later went back to Chambersburg and continued at the carpenter business for four years, when he returned to Ohio, locating in Mifflin township, Wyandot county, where he settled upon the farm where he now resides. He now owns one hundred and three acres, all the improvements on which have been made by himself. Upon his return from the army, while at Chambersburg, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Hite. They have had six children, as follows: Alice G., John. T., Edward I., George W., Laura E. and Emery E. Mr. Bear takes much interest in public questions and in politics affiliates with the Republican party. The esteem in which he is held by his neighbors is shown by his election to the position of township trustee. He is a member of the Methodist tpiscopal church. His long and distinguished service in the army, his steady habits, his love of country and its institutions and his sound judgment constitute him one of the most prominent men in this section of the county. GEN. ISAAC MINER KIRBY. Gen. Isaac M. Kirby, one of the bravest soldiers that ever carried a musket or drew a sword during the fearful struggle to preserve the nation from disruption in 1861-65 and who rose from the ranks through sheer bravery, personal merit and force of character, is now living in retirement in Upper Sandusky, Wyandot county, Ohio, where his integrity as a business man has won him almost as high a position in civil. life as that which he achieved in his military career, both of which will be more fully dealt. with as this biographical mention progresses. Moses H. Kirby, father of the General, was a native of Halifax county, Va., born in 1798. There he was reared on the homestead, but was educated at Chapel Hill,. N. C., where he was a schoolmate of the late James Knox Polk, who became President of the United States in 1845. The mother of Moses H. came to Ohio before the latter had completed his education and located at Hillsboro, Highland county, and after the son had finished his collegiate course he, too, came to the same town and read law under the tutorship of Richard Collins, and was there admitted to the bar when about twenty-two years of age. He was also in practice in the same town and represented Highland county in the legislature. He was, appointed the first secretary of state, in 1832, and then went to Columbus, Ohio, where he was actively engaged. in his profession until 1841, and then came to the village of Wyandot, Wyandot county, and thence to Upper Sandusky in 1843, making a fine reputation at each place. To Upper Sandusky, however, he came as Indian agent and receiver of the land office, and, being a Whig in politics, was in the land office in Upper Sandusky from 1843, until 1845, when, the Democratic party coming into power, he was. displaced. He then resumed the practice of law, served as prosecuting attorney several years, was judge of the probate court for several terms, and was sent to the state senate when eighty-two years old, just sixty years after- 248 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. he had been a member of the legislature, and in the senate he served two terms. In his politics Moses H. Kirby was first a Whig; was next a Republican, and next, in President Andrew Johnson's time, became a Democrat. As a Republican he was a delegate to the first presidential 'convention held by that party. Mr. Kirby was a most eloquent Orator 'and keen debater, and "stumped" the state in support of Harrison :for the presidency. He was made a Mason in North Carolina when twenty-one years .old, and was probably the oldest Mason. in Ohio at the time of his death, which took place in 1897, when he Was ninety-one years old. He retained possession of all his brilliant faculties until after he had reached ninety years of age. The Masonic lodge and .chapter were his church, but he was a true Christian. at heart and his life was without .a stain. He was generous to a fault, however, and (and this was: his only fault) would give his last dollar to any one that 'might 'ask for it Jacob Kirby, M. D., twin brother of Moses H. Kirby, led the same boyhood life, .and both these boys came to Ohio with their widowed mother. The Doctor had an extensive practice in Hillsboro, but was possessed with the same excess of generosity that characterized Moses H. He practiced his profession. in Hillsboro for about sixty years, and was never known to make a charge on his books nor to ask for payment by a patient of even one dollar, and when he passed away, at the age of eighty years, the ladies of the town erected a monument sacred to his memory. These twins had an elder brother, Samuel, who was captain of a Virginia company in the war of 1812 and was killed in the. service; of two . other. brothers, John, a farmer, died in Wyandot county, Ohio, in middle age, and Pleasant died in Kansas. Obadiah and Ruth (Hendrick) Kirby, parents of Moses H. Kirby, were both natives: of Virginia, where the father was a planter on a large scale and owned many, slaves. At his death, when about fifty years old, his, widow, who was a Quakeress, disposed of her human chattels and came to Ohio with her five sons. The parents were of English and Holland descent. The mother of Gen. Isaac Miner Kirby was Emma Miner before marriage and was a native of Ohio (probably of Franklin county) and a daughter of Judge Isaac Miner, a native of York state, also of English descent and who traced his first ancestor in America to Thomas, one of the Pilgrim fathers. Judge Miner came to Ohio in an early day, purchased a large tract of land near the future Columbus, was one of the canal commissioners and a very prominent man in state affairs, and died when about fifty years of age. The General's mother was reared near the site of the present capital, and died in 1850, at forty-two years of age, leaving five children, viz: Isaac M., the subject of this sketch; Emma, the deceased wife of Curtis Berry, of Upper Sandusky; Thomas and George, twins, the former of whom served as a private in a Kansas regiment all through the Rebellion —three years in the cavalry in the west and then in Hancock's veteran corps in the East; he died in 1899, when fifty-nine years old. George served in the Civil war in the Fifteenth Regiment, Ohio Infantry, and died in a military hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, in December, 186i. Anna, the youngest of the family, died on the Mis- BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 249 ssippi river, near Vicksburg, in 1870, which making a trip. Gen. Isaac M. Kirby, the subject proper of this biography, was born in Columbus, Ohio, February 10, 1835, and was eight years of age when brought to Upper Sandusky: Here he attended the public schools until the spring of 1847, when he went to Hillsboro and attended the old Hillsboro Academy until the fall of 1850, when, at ie death of his beloved mother; he returned to Upper Sandusky and was himself sick until the spring of 1852, when he became connected with a civil engineering corps employed in surveying for the Pittsburg Railway. At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion Mr. Kirby had charge of the construction of a railway west. from Havana to Pino del Rio, Cuba, but relinquished this contract and hastened home to join the military forces being raised for the defense. of the national flag. He arrived at home on a Monday, and on the following Saturday (April, 1861) enlisted in Company I, Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was promoted to a captaincy before the company had left the state. The regiment was sent to West Virginia; and at the expiration of the term of enlistment the regiment was reorganized for three years and the company name was later changed to D ; of this company Captain Kirby had command, and during this time his brother was with him. The Fifteenth Regiment was now assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and after the battle of Shilioh, under General Buell, Captain. Kirby returned! home and. assisted in forming the One Hundred and First Ohio Regiment, in which Captain. Kirby was given command! of Company F, in July, 1862: Just prior to the battle of Stone River, in December, 1862, Captain Kirby had been promoted to major, and on the first day of the big fight the colonel and lieutenant colonel of the regiment were, killed and Major Kirby was placed in command. He was promoted colonel soon after the battle, and was given command of a. brigade at the opening of' the campaign; of 1864. He was made a brigadier-general at Nashville in December, 1864, which rank he held until the dose of the war. He fought in all the battles in, which his regiment had a part. He was wounded several times, sustaining five wounds in one day at Kenesaw Mountain, but never missed a day from duty, either from wounds or sickness. He received his honorable 'discharge June 15, 1865. On his return to Upper Sandusky General Kirby engaged in the hardware business, in which he met with well-deserved success. After about twenty years passed in this trade the health of General Kirby began to fail and he retired to private life, having among business men a pure and! unsullied, name, of which: his fellow townsmen, as well as himself, may well feel proud. They marriage of General Kirby took place at Newark, Ohio, June 6, 1867, to Miss Anna White, a native of Ohio., and the highly accomplished. daughter of Rev. John W. White, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. This Union has been blessed with four children namely : John W., whose untimely death occurred when nineteen years old; Mary E. and Anna C., at home ; and Thomas W., who is a student in the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In politics General! Kirby has been a