250 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.   Republican ever since he has been entitled to exercise his franchise, but has. never held. a public office. Fraternally he is a member of the F. & A. M. of Upper Sandusky and Robbins Post, No. 90, G. A. R., and of the latter he has served as past commander one term and was also one of its charter members.   Any comment upon the esteem in which this brave soldier, useful citizen and progressive business man is held, although retired from the activities of life, would be a work .of supererogation.   REV. ALOYSIUS HUTHMACHER.   This gentleman is the revered pastor of St. Peter's (Catholic) church at Upper Sandusky, and deserves especial mention in a work of this character. He was born September 17, 1856, in the province of Westphalia, Germany, and is a son of Francis and Louisa (Giese) Huthmacher, the former of whom was born in the same province in 1823 and is a grain merchant and postmaster of his native town of Polsum.   The father is of German and the mother of French extraction, and have had born to them six children, five sons and one daughter, of whom the subject of this sketch is the Second in order of birth, and all his brothers are respectable business men.   Aloysius Huthmacher received his preparatory cation in private schools and then for two years attended a .normal college, walking seven miles each day to and from school. He afterward attended St. Lawrence College at Warndorf for one year, in preparation for a classical education. But, on account of the May laws, it was unlawful to ordain a priest in the German Empire, and because his studies there for the ministry would avail him nothing he came to the United States.   On arriving in this country in 1875 Mr. Huthmacher passed a year in Canisius College, conducted, by the Jesuits, at Buffalo, N. Y., and the following five years was spent at Saint Mary's Seminary, Cleveland, Ohio, where he was made sub-deacon March 30, dean, March 31, and ordained priest June 1882, by Right Rev. Bishop Gilmore, being the only one of his graduating class that Was ordained, and he was two months in advance of his time even at that. The same day he was assigned to the pulpit of Rev. Father Vatman at Canal Fountain, Ohio, was next given charge of the congregation at Shelby, Richland, county, Ohio, it's mission, Chicago Junction, Huron county, Plymouth, Richland county, and a station at Shiloh, also in Richland county. At Attica, Seneca county, he erected St. Peter and Paul church, the only Catholic church ever Luilt there, and also built St. Aloysius church, at Republic, Seneca county.   November 2, 1888, Father Huthmacher came to Upper Sandusky and took charge of St. Peter's church, but found the congregation to be in debt for eight thousand three hundred dollars., which sum Rev. Huthmacher has Paid. In 1891 he purchased an acre of ground for a school building and Sisters' house, which he himself paid for, but held it until 1897, when his. congregation had become able to reimburse him, and the property is noW theirs. The reverend father also expended several thousand dollars in improving the interior of the sacred edifice. He placed in a new altar, forty-five feet high,   BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 251   with life-sized statues imported from Paris; France; two side altars, thirty-five feet high, adorned with life-sized statues, and the fourteen stations of the cross.   St. Peter's congregation comprises one hundred and fifty families, chiefly of German and Irish nationalities. It had only one school room, with one teacher when Father Huthmacher took charge; but now has four rooms and four teachers, the Sisters of St. Dominic, from Jersey City, N. J.   Father Huthmacher is very energetic and takes an active interest in the affairs of the city and its population. He was one of the organizers of the Board of Trade, of which he was the first vice-president, and he still holds that position.. He takes pleasure in aiding all worthy plans for the improvement of the city and for increasing the happiness of its residents and is very popular with all classes, both within and without the pale of his church, his list of friends being limited only by his range of acquaintance. As an orator he has few equals in or out of the pulpit, being eloquent, but never grandiloquent, always logical and convincing and, moreover, very persuasive. He is a profound scholar and thinker and his library is probably the most expensive as.. well as most extensive in the city, being stored with volumes that treat on every subject within the scope of human knowledge, including Bibles of the ninth, fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, some of them written with a pen by monks prior to the invention of printing with movable type.   In 1898 Father Huthmacher invited the Grand Army of the Republic post of Upper Sandusky to attend certain memorial services at St. Peter's church and in recognition or acknowledgment of this courtesy the Robbins Post subsequently, June 25, 1889, passed the following resolutions   Resolved, That, duly appreciating the courtesy extended us on last memorial Sunday by St. Peter's Catholic church, fully enjoying the beautiful and solemn ceremonies of the celebration of high mass and listening with keen delight to the able, eloquent and patriotic address of Rev. Father Huthmacher, we hereby extend our grateful thanks to Father Huthmacher and his congregation and venture to express the hope that he may be long spared to do good for his people and his country.   Resolved, That the Post Commander convey in person a copy of this resolution to the Rev. Father Huthmacher.   I. M. KIRBY, Post Commander. H. W. PETERS, Adjutant.   The following description. of the exquisite interior decorations of St. Peter's church will prove interesting to the readers of this volume. However, the pen is absolutely incapable of rendering adequate description its beauty and magnificence must be seen, to be appreciated.   As one enters the church he is awed by the beautiful scene which confronts him. Suspended from the high ceiling at intervals are four handsome chandeliers, with twenty-five electric bulbs; encased in handsome, smoked glass globes and casting a mellow light upon a scene which would require a Claud Melnot to describe. The ceiling is beautifully decorated with paintings of an gels and flowers, and in the middle nave of the auditorium, divided into groups encircled: by gold and silver leaves, are fourteen tures, decorated in different colors, and appropriate streamers with flowers and inscriptions, denoting respectively the following sacraments : Baptism, Confirmation,:   252 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.   Holy Eucharist, Penance, Matrimony, Holy Orders and Extreme. Unction; the four Evangelists in their proper representations; a book with seven seals on which a lamb with a cross is resting, and a pelican opening its breast and with its bill feeding its young with its own blood, insinuating the verses of Christ saying : "My blood. is drink indeed, and my flesh is meat indeed." The side walls contain fourteen large oil paintings, namely : Ecce Homo, Christ Among the Doctors in the Temple, The. Holy Family, Jesus and His Foster Father, Joseph, Mater Dolorosa, Father Marquette Teaching the Indians, Pieta, Christ Praying in the, Garden of Olives, and St. Ann Teaching Blessed Virgin.   The pulpit in the auditorium was newly varnished and, inlaid with silver and gold, and the choir balcony presents a splendid appearance, while the baptismal has also been decorated in handsome style. Pictures of flowers and a painting representing the Holy Ghost adorn the ceiling, while the fount itself is a most beautiful work of art. The altars are artistic triumphs.. On the walls of the chancel are two fine oil paintings, the one on the right representing Christ giving the shepherd's staff to St. Peter" Feed my sheep, feed my lambs." On the left the painting represents the Savior saving St. Peter from drowning. On each side of the high altar is. a picture of the angels incensing. On the high altar are sixteen fine imported French statues, namely : St. Boniface, St. Mary Magdalene, Sorrowful Mother, Crucifixion, St. John the Apostle; ,St. Monica, .St. Paul, St. Isadore, St. Lawrence, St. Elizabeth, St. Agnes, St. Theresa, :St. Sebastian and two adoring angels. The Last Supper, Melchisidech and Abraham, and Abraham and son Isaac are magnificently done in bas-relief in panels in the lower section of the altar.   On the right of the high altar is St. Joseph's altar, above which are two angels with inscription, and around and above, sixteen American song birds, in natural, plumage, for, as the Bible teaches, every creature should praise the Lord. Here are the statues of St. Joseph with Infant Jesus, Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Patrick and St. Peter. On the left is the altar of the Blessed Virgin with statue of angels holding inscriptions of the Ave Maria and two angels pointing heavenward. This altar, is also decorated with sixteen birds in natural colors, statues of the Blessed Virgin, Immaculate Conception, Sacred Heart of Mary, St. Aloysious (the pastor's patron saint), and St. Anthony 'with the: infant Jesus in his arms.   The sanctuary is illuminated with four electroliers, two ten-light brackets and twenty other lights. arranged round the sanctuary arch. The pillars in the auditorium are inlaid with gold, silver and ebony and their foundation in Egyptian marble, giving them truly an appearance of splendor and grandeur. Ribbed glass windows have been placed on the outside of the stained glass windows; producing a beautiful mellow light. The images in. the windows represent St. Joseph, St. Peter, St. Michael, St. Francis Assisim, St. Francis Sales, St. John the Baptist, St. Cecilia, St. Henry, St. Charles, St. Patrick, St. Jane and the Blessed Virgin.   The decorations, Mural paintings and designs melt and enter seemingly into one grand idea perfect harmony. It can, however, be said with emphasis, that the ensemble effect is rich without being gaudy. The myriad tints employed merge impercepti-   BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 253   bly one into the other and, without any attempt at high coloring, are alike. "soft" and brilliant—an almost impassible effect produced by a plentiful use of gold and silver leaf. The fluted pillars alternate gold, silver and ebony, colors in radical contrast with the delicate tints of the vaulted roof. The walls, of a delicate shade, merge from a wainscoting of lightly mottled white marble. Over each of the "stations" are mural paintings, excellent drawing and coloring and faithful reproductions from the masters. Above the arched windows are festoons of vines and below imitation of onyx. Both the central and side altars, edged with gold and silver, are set in frames of twining vines, decorated with native birds and flowers. No matter which way you look there is something new—something in perfect good taste to please and attract the eye. Though great praise is due the skillful artists who so capably performed their tasks, yet the full value of credit due Rev. Huthmacher, who designed and superintended it all, cannot be estimated in words. He gave the matter years of study and thought and surely he and his congregation have just reason to be, roud of its magnificent results.   AMBROSE C. HUNT.   The methods of making money by the farmer are not confined to the cultivation of the soil merely, nor to the rearing of superior grades of stock, although both of these are of the first importance. Very often an excellent opportunity is offered to make several hundred dollars at one transaction, or even several thousand dollars, by the judicious buying and selling of other farms. But to enable the farmer to, do this if will be necessary for him to. keep a good bank account so as to be able to buy on short notice some farm that is. offered at a sacrifice, which is quite often the case. The farmer of large means, can do this without much trouble, but, the small one should keep back near the shore. One of the thriftiest farmers, of the. county, one Who is qualified to judge a good bargain and the courage to make a venture., is the subject of this memoir, Ambrose C. Hunt. His birth occurred in Pitt township., op the farm where W. S. Hunt now lives, on October 10, 1842. He is the son of Snowden and Lydia (Updegraff) Hunt, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania. They became the parents of five children : Elmira, who became the wife of George Baldwin, of Harpster ; subject; Elvira, now living in Pitt. township; Nancy, who also lives in Pitt township; and W. S., who lives on the old' home place. Snowden Hunt came with. his father from Virginia to Pickaway county, Ohio, at an early period in' the his, tory of the state. Later they came to Wyandot county and bought a tract of land where John Wood now lilies. There he resided until his death, in 1852, while comparatively young. His widow survived him many years and was the head of the family until her death, in 1878. Both were exemplary people, good neighbors, kind friends, and their lives were replete with benefactions and humane actions.   Ambrose C. Hunt was reared on his father's' farm in Pitt township. He secured, the usual country school education and became familiar with the responsibilities of his surroundings. His father dying when he   254 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.   was ten years, of age, he was placed in charge of the farm and was required at that early age to assume its duties and carry on its operations. His cares were at first partly divided, but when he was eighteen years old he assumed full charge of the same and continued thus engaged until his marriage, in 1877, to Miss Sarah J. Swartz. By her he has one child, who is living at home with her parents and whose name is Iva E. She has taught in Pitt township. After his marriage the subject moved onto a part of the old" place and improved the same. After one year he moved to Harpster, where he conducted a hotel for two year's. He then came back to the farm, and later he bought the place where he now lives. At this date he owns one hundred and: fifteen acres of good land and is engaged in farming and- stock raising. In addition to this he is engaged in buying and selling stock of all kinds. He is an excellent judge of the grades and of the condition' of cattle, sheep and horses. He has been quite successful in his outside transactions, is recognized as' one of the leading business men of this portion of the county and is highly. respected for his good character and his sound and farseeing judgment. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has held the position of township trustee for twelve Years. He takes a warm interest in the success of the principles of government which he believes best fitted to build up the republic.     WASHINGTON HORICK.   The Hollanders who came to America in the colonial days were prime factors in the development of the sentiment which led to revolt against British misrule, and were also among the sturdiest of those who afterward came to the shores of the new world and assisted in redeeming the northeastern Atlantic states from the savage aborigines. From one of these Dutch pioneers the subject of this. biographical sketch descends.   Washington Horick's grandfather, John Horick, came from Holland to America in 1799, or about, sixteen years after hostilities between England and America had been definitely concluded, and first located in Allegheny county, Penn., but later, came to Ohio,. 'and settled in Trumbull county, where his death occurred.   John Horick, .son of John Horick and father of Washington Horick, was born in Allegheny county, Penn., in 1800, and there. married Mary. Grimes, a native of the same county. Yet, although a Pennsylvanian by birth, Mr. Horick wa.s reared, in Trumbull county, Ohio, and was by trade a blacksmith. He also lived in Ashland county for some years and in 1839 came to Wyandot, then part of Crawford, county, and first entered an eighty-acre tract of land in Eden township. He later added one hundred and twenty acres, but in 1865 sold; his property here and removed to Indiana. He had Cleared up about one hundred and sixty-five acres of his Eden township land; had built the first barn in 1844, 44x70 feet in size; constructed the first bridge across the Broken, Sword on the county line; was land. appraiser and helped to lay out roads; was a township trustee and also township treasurer, and in politics was a Whig. In Indiana he bought two hundred acres of land, farmed in all! about forty years, and died in the latter state in 1883. In both states, Ohio and Indiana, he was a well-known and useful citi-   PAGES 255 AND 256 MISSING FROM THE BOOK   BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 257     WILLIAM NEEDS   The early agriculturists of Wyandot county, Ohio, will ever be held in the grateful memory of the present generation and of the active young farmers of to-day, and the husbandman who came here a half-century ago and hewed from the extremely dense forest a breathing place and erected for himself and venturesome family of wife and children a rude log cabin, and opened the country, then roadless, for the advance of a higher civilization, well deserves the respect which is accorded him after he has passed the allotted span of life. Of such as these is the subject of this brief biographical notice.   William Needs was born in Fayette county, Penn., October 6, 1828, and was a child when brought to Ohio by his elders, who located in Springfield. township, where he lived on a farm until twenty-one years old. After passing some years of industry in various locations, he came to Wyandot county in 1854 and was employed by Thomas Beard in Crane township for some little time, made a good reputation as, a farm hand, and found ready employment in the township for nine years, coming then to Eden township.   On the 8th of March, 1854, our subject wedded Elizabeth Brown, who was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, March 24, 1832, the daughter of Abraham and Frances (Coon) Brown. The parents of Mrs. Needs were early settlers of Sycamore township and among its most respected residents. The father died in Crane township and the mother in Eden township. Mr. and Mrs. Needs became the parents of seven, children, all born on the homestead and all yet living, as follows : Abraham is a farmer in Eden township, is married and has three children, James, a farmer residing in Crane township, is married and has one child; Mathew is a farmer and resides with his father on the home place; Frank is also at home.; Mary Francis is the wife of S. Hofford, a resident of Tymochtee township, and is the mother of four children ; Sarah Elizabeth is the wife of Frank Shafer, of Sycamore township, and the mother of four children ; Ida May married Dennis Bloom and resides in Tymochtee township. The mother of these children passed away on Sunday evening, September 10, 1901, and her 'remains were' 'interred in the Pleasant Ridge cemetery, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. Bender. She was a woman of many excellent qualities, and had endeared herself to a large circle of friends. She was a faithful wife and affectionate and loving. mother, and is sadly missed in the bereaved home.   After marriage, Mr. Needs worked on the old Brown homestead for three years and then purchased his present farm of forty-four acres of wild land, as the expression runs; meaning of course land that had been touched by neither ax nor plow. Of this land he has cleared thirty-sx acres, hut has made of it a most comfortable home and has reaped from it a, satisfactory competence. His crops, which are the general product of the latitude, have been prolific, and he has had cause to congratulate himself :upon his invariable success in reaping bounteous fields-at harvest time.   Mr. Needs has worked hard as a farmer and has never absented himself from home any great length of time, excepting that passed in the military service of his country. In May, 1864, he enlisted in Company A,   258 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.   One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but his army life was of short duration, as he was seized with rheumatism and heart trouble and was honorably discharged in September, 1864, on account of disability.   In politics Mr. Needs is a Democrat, his religious creed is the Golden Rule, and as a citizen he stands very high in the esteem of his neighbors. Notwithstanding the limited opportunities afforded him in his early days for educational purposes, the log school-house which he attended being a mile away from his home and to which he was compelled to walk through a dense forest, he has mastered a fair knowledge of books and current literature such as newspapers; etc., furnish, and being a close observer of men and their ways, has acquired a stock of sound practical information.   WILLIAM A. GIPSON.   In the daily laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a solid career on the part of .a business or professional man there is little to attract the casual reader in search of a sensational chapter ; hilt to a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgment, conquers adversity and toiling on, finally wins, not only pecuniary independence but, what is far greater and higher, the deserved respect and con. f deuce of those with whom his active years have brought him in contact. Such a on is found, in the person of William A. Gipso whose honorable course as a business ma and citizen and whose distinguished care as a soldier have conferred credit and dignity upon himself and heightened the fame of the county of which he has long been resident. Of strong mentality, invincible courage and determined individuality, he has entered into the history of his section of the state as to make his presence felt as factor in its industrial affairs, and in a larger sense he may be classed as a director of thought in matters of business coming within his special province.   Tracing the family, history it is learned that the subject's grandfather, Michael Gipson, a native of Vermont, moved in an earl day to Virginia. and thence migrated to Richland county when that part of the state was on the very verge of western civilization. He is said to have been the third actual settle in what is now Plymouth township of the above county and, as a typical pioneer of the period in which he lived, bore his full share of the hardships and privations which were necessary accompaniments of life hi a new and undeveloped Country.   By occupation Michael Gipson was a shoemaker, but later in life became a farmer and as such continued until his death, which occurred at the advanced age of ninety years. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Philips; a native of Michigan, was also blessed with remarkable longevity, departing this life in Richland county when ninety-five years old. Both belonged to the Lutheran church and are remembered for their piety as well as for their industry and the quiet, unostentatious lives they led. Michael Gipson was a young man when the war   BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 259   of 1812 broke out, but he .entered the service as a private and served with a creditable record until the cessation of hostilities.   Among the children of Michael and Catherine Gipson was Lorenzo Gipson, whose birth occurred in Vermont. In an early day he removed to the shores of Lake Champlain, where he resided on a farm until 1849, when he joined the exodus to California and took part in many of the stirring scenes for which the Pacific slope at that time was noted. While in the far west he was engaged, principally, in bridge building and carpentering, which he continued for about three years, returning to Ohio at the end of that time and settling in the city of Mansfield. During the eleven years following he was in the employ of a firm named Sherman & Eminger, who at that time operated a large sash and door factory in that city.   Severing his connection with his employer at the expiration of the above period, Mr. Gipson' engaged in business for himself in the manufacture of cooperage and, after spending- three years in Mansfield, changed his location in 1860 to Upper Sandusky, where he started a large cooper shop in connection with a distillery, both enterprises proving reasonably successful. Subsequently, in partnership with his son, the subject of this article, he began the manufacture of lumber and so continued until his tragic death, which occurred in 1868, When he was fifty-four years old. It was while working at the mill that his life was crushed out by a rolling log, an event which cast a lade of gloom over the entire community. Lorenzo Gipson was a man of strong personality and took an active interest in the ublic affairs of his city and county. He was a representative Democrat of the Jacksonian School, served for several years as. coroner of Wyandot county, and as a business man and citizen did much to promote the material welfare of Upper Sandusky and add to its standing as an important industrial center.   When a young man, Lorenzo Gipson married Martha. A. Fenner, a native of Bucks county, Penn., and daughter of Felix and Elizabeth Fenner, of that state. These parents preceded the Gipsons to Richland county by a short time according to local annals, they were the second white family to locate within the present limits of Plymouth township. Felix Fenner was a locksmith by trade. At the breaking out of the war of 1812 he entered the American army and was frequently detailed to make locks for muskets and otherwise repair and keep, in good condition the arms of his comrades. After the war he became a blacksmith, at which he was very prosperous, and later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, clearing and developing a. good farm in the county of Richland, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their clays. He died at the ripe old age of eighty-five, while his wife lived to be ninety-two year's old. Mr. Fenner was prosperous in all of his undertakings, accumulated a handsome competence and in the true sense of the term was an enterprising, self-made man. The Fenner family consisted of thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, all growing to maturity and becoming useful in their various spheres of life.   Lorenzo and Martha Gipson were the parents of seven children, as follows : Hiram M., who served in the late Rebellion as private in Company, F, One Hundred and   260 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.   Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died at Cumberland, Md., of brain fever, when twenty-one years old; William A., whose name introduces this sketch.; Mahlin D. died at the age of thirteen ; Arlon F., who came to Upper Sandusky in 1860 and died here in 1896, when about thirty-six or thirty-seven years of age; Tillie married Adam Stevens and lives in the city; Lucy, the wife of J. M. Craig, resides in Van Wert, this state, and Alice, who became the wife of William Cook, resides in South Whitley, Ind.   The mother of these children survived her husband some years, departing this life at the age of seventy-five. She was a woman of beautiful moral character, amiable disposition and as a member of the Lutheran church, lived a singularly pure and exemplary Christian life until called to rejoin her loved ones in the other world.   William A. Gipson, whose name forms the caption of this article, was born on the old paternal homestead in Richland county, Ohio, on the 26th day of January, 1843. His boyhood, spent on the farm in Plymouth township; was characterized by no tragic scenes or notable. digressions from the routine of labor which marked his early years. After reaching an age when he could earn an honest dollar of his own, he was employed of mornings and evenings by the Hon. John Sherman, in whose service he continued about two or three years, attending school the meantime and obtaining a fair educational training.   Later he secured employment in the factory in which his father worked, and, proving a valuable assistant there, subsequently entered the large cooper shops in Mansfield where he continued until seventeen years of age, when he came with his parents to Upper Sandusky.   In the latter place young Gipson was similarly engaged until his nineteenth year when the trend of national events changed very materially his course of action. Patriotism and loyalty still ran in the family which had been so highly honored by ancestors in the second war with Great Britain. As soon as the first gun was fired upon Fort Sumter Mr. Gipson became imbued with the loyal fervor which was then so infectious throughout the North, and, as soon as he could arrange his affairs, tendered his services to the government. On the 4th of August, 1862, when still in his teens, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, Curtis Berry being the captain and Col. W. T. Wilson commander Of the regiment. To narrate in detail the experience 0f Mr. Gipson while fighting for the honor of an insulted flag and giving some of the best years of his life that the government of his fathers should not be disrupted by the hosts. of treason, would far transcend the limits of a sketch of the character of this review. At best but a brief outline can be, attempted, as the history of the campaigns, in, which he took part and the bloody battles in which he participated, has been, permanently recorded by the pen of the historian and now forms an important chapter in the annals of the nation. He served three years as a. brave and patriotic soldier, faced death on many bloody fields and made a record for gallantry of which any defender of the Union might well feel proud.   Mr. Gipson entered the service as private, but was soon promoted corporal and as. such continued until mustered out at the   BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 261   cessation of hostilities. During his military experience, he took part, among .other engagements in the battle of Morefield, Va., ay 15, 1863, and Winchester, June 15 of the same year, being captured at the latter place and taken to Libby prison, where he was kept three days, thence to Palmer, two days, and during the next sixty-two days as in the prison on Belle Isle. At the expiration of that period he was paroled and sent to Annapolis, Md., thence proceeded to Martinsburg, Va., where he rejoined Ms regiment, which was reorganized in October, 1863. The following spring the One Hundred and Twenty-third fought in the Shenandoah Valley under Gen. Sigel and on the 15th of May, 1864, in the battle of New Market, Mr. Gipson received a slight flesh round in his left, side by a spent ball. On May 28, 1864, he started with his regiment the valley on what is known as the Hunter raid, during which was fought the engagement at Piedmont, Where Gen. Jones, the commander of the Confederate forces, lost his life. Thence the command turned southwest, via Staunton; to Lexington, Va., There large military stores collected by the army were destroyed. From Lexington he force made its way to Lynchburg, Va., where, after a stubbornly contested fight, at was defeated and withdrew to Parkersburg, thence moved to Opequon Creek.   Mr. Gipson served under Gen. Sheridan in Virginia, and while following that matchless leader participated in, the battles of Opequon Creek, on September 19, Fisher's Hill, September 22, and on the 19th of October following, while camped at Cedar reek, the tide was turned by the noted Confederate general, Early, who completely routed the Federal forces there assembled. It was during the latter's retreat from the field that Sheridan appeared upon his wild ride of twenty miles, celebrated in story and song, and, rallying the fugitives, returned to the affray and did what Napoleon never accomplished, converted a defeated, demoralized army into a. victorious host, turned the tide of pursuit, and gained a victory the parallel of which cannot be found in the history of warfare.   Shortly after this battle Mr. Gipson's regiment was transferred to the Army of the James, and subsequently took part in the fall of Petersburg and other celebrated battles of that campaign, among which wasthe reduction, of the last of the enemy's strongholds, Ft.; Gregg. Subsequently he started with the victorious army for Richmond, after the fall of which he again. encountered the enemy at High Bridge, where eight hundred Federals were captured by the Confederate cavalry, and remained prisoners with Lee's forces until his, surrender at Appomatox, Court House, at which time they were paroled as prisoners.   After his parol Mr. Gipson was sent to Washington, thence to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, where he was honorably discharged June 15, 1865. It was 'while lying at Columbus that Mr. Gipson's regiment volunteered to do guard duty over the body of President Lincoln, after which service the soldiers were mustered out and at last exchanged the deadly implements of warfare for the peaceful pursuits of private life:   On leaving the army Mr. Gipson returned to Upper Sandusky and engaged with his father in the cooperage business, which they carried on until purchasing a sawmill and embarking in the manufacture of lumber. It was at this mill that the   262 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.   father met With his death, as already de--scribed, after which the subject disposed of the business and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. After farming a few years he became. foreman in a large cooper shop at Upper Sandusky and as such continued until 1875, when he resigned the position and engaged in business for himself as a dealer in ice. For some time he carried on a large and lucrative trade, cutting and putting up ice and retailing it to the people of Upper Sandusky, subsequently starting a wood and coal yard in connection therewith, both of which more than met his most sanguine expectations.   Mr. Gipson conducted the three enterprises jointly until 1893, when he disposed of the ice business; since which time he has greatly extended the area of his operations in coal until he is now the largest dealer in Wyandot county and one of the most extensive handlers of coal in the northern part of the state. He also sells immense quail, tities of wood, lime, cement, oil, etc., in all of which he leads the market in this section of Ohio, besides devoting considerable attention to other business affairs, notably Ohio Farmers' Insurance Company, of which he has been the representative at Upper Sandusky. since 1892.   As an all round business man Mr. Gipson has few equals and no superiors in the lines he represents. Much of Upper Sandusky's prestige in the industrial world is due directly to him. His efforts toward advancing the material interests of the city are so widely recognized that they can be considered as 'no secondary part of his career of signal usefulness. He belongs to that class of representative Americans, who, while gaining individual success, also promote public prosperity, and today he stands pre-eminent among those who have conferred honor and dignity, upon the place of his residence, no less by well conducted business interests than by his upright life and commendable career in all of his undertakings.   Mr. Gipson was happily married June 12, 1870, to Miss Addie Beistle, of Upper Sandusky, daughter of Christian and Catherine Beistle, a union blessed with one child, Blanche. Miss Gipson is a young lady of varied culture and refinement and no means have been spared in. providing her the best advantages obtainable. She was graduated from the city high school. at the early age of 'seventeen and has before her a future bright with promise.   In the midst of Mr. Gipson's large and complex business interests he has found time to devote to public and political affairs; upon both of which he has sound convictions and practical views. For a number of years, he has been one of the stalwart Democratic leaders in the section of the state, taking an active part in local politics and performing effective service for the party at large. His pride in his home town has prompted him to make many sacrifices that its welfare might be promoted and there are no enterprises looking to its material and intellectual advancement that he has not either inaugurated or befriended by his influence. He has long been a friend of higher education and has done much to advance the standard of the schools of Upper Sandusky. As a member of the school board for six successive years, he used his utmost endeavors to select teachers of high character and superior professional training, also made many needed improvements in the matter of buildings an apparatus, and the commendable standing   BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 263   the city's educational system today enjoys has in a large measure resulted from the careful interest with which he looked after it.   Not only in his home city has Mr. Gipson been recognized as a valuable factor in matters educational, but elsewhere and in a larger and equally as important sphere he has demonstrated his ability to manage worthily high trusts. By reason of his practical wisdom and discreet judgment, he was recommended some years ago as a person eminently fitted for a member of the board of trustees having in charge the Ohio, Institution for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb. He was strongly recommended for the place by many of the leading men of Upper Sandusky and elsewhere, and in compliance therewith the appointment was made in 1892 by Gov. William McKinley. His elevation to a position carrying with it great possibility as well as honor was a graceful compliment to a most deserving man, and the manner in which he discharged his official functions soon demonstrated the wisdom of his selection. During his ten years' service as executive head of one of Ohio's most sacred trusts his record was far above the shadow of a suspicion, and he retired from the station with the unanimous good will of every one connected with the institution, as well as with the approval of the public at large. While serving as president of the board Mr. Gipson, at the suggestion of Gov. Bushnell, was made chairman of the committee having charge of the erection of new buildings for the institution, which duty he discharged in a manner highly creditable to himself and satisfactory to all concerned. The structure erected under his supervision is one of the finest public edifices in the, state and for the purpose for which intended is not excelled by any similar building in the union.   A pleasing event in connection with Mr. Gipson's retirement from the presidency of the board of trustees is worthy of note in, this connection. On Thursday, March 14, 1901, the board met in regular session in the city of Columbus and, after transacting. its official business, gave a reception in honor of Mr. Gipson's retirement from the office which he had so long and faithfully held. There were present at this notable gathering the members Of the board, all of the officers. and teachers of the institution, together with their wives and many other friends and prominent citizens. After an eloquent and touching address by the superintendent, in which- he referred ..to the active part taken and distinguished services rendered by the retiring president in behalf of the institution during his ten years' incumbency, a beautiful and costly diamond stud was pre' sented him as a mark of the high apprecia tion and esteem in .which he was held by the officials' and teaching corps,. between whom and himself such pleasant and agreeable relations had existed. Mr. Gipson prizes this memento very highly, not on account of its intrinsic value, althoughf it is a rare and costly gem, but by reason of the warm hearts and kindly 'spirits that promoted the gift.   The usefulness of such a man as Mr. Gipson cannot. be estimated—it is beyond. comparison. Additional to the business enterprises and honorable positions which have engaged his time and attention he is, and has been, connected with various other movements in which men of his character would naturally be interested. He is secretary of   264 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.   the First Building and Loan Association., organized in Upper Sandusky, having filled the office since 1896, and is also a stockholder in the Upper Sandusky Electric Light & Power Co., and the president of the Wyandot Plaster Works; for the manufacture of hard wall plaster, has been local agent for the Standard Oil Company since 1888, and at the present time is treasurer of the Board of Trade at this place, in the establishment of which he was a prime mover and leading   Fraternally Mr: Gipson is a Mason of high degree, belonging to the Warpole Lodge No. 176, McCutcheon Chapter No. 6, R. A. M., and Commandery No. 36, K: T. He was also largely instrumental in organizing Robbins Post No. 91; G. A. R., in Upper Sandusky, and since then has been one of its active members and prominent officials. To meet and converse with his old companions in arms is one of his chief pleasures, and a needy soldier, if worthy, never appeals to his generosity in vain. He is also a liberal contributor to religion and charitable enterprises and his hand is always ready to extend aid to those whose misfortunes have caused the dark clouds of discouragement to dim their worldly prospects. Mr. Gipson is a believer in religion in its broadest sense and most practical acceptation. Subscribing to the 'Lutheran creed, his mind is sufficiently broad and liberal as to bid God speed to all churches and other means whereby the principles of the Gospel and true morality may be disseminated among men. There is nothing intolerant in his. nature and, belonging to that class of men who believe that religion is largely a matter of conscience and politics a matter of principle, he has little patience with the bigot, but is ever ready to, accord to others the same rights which he claims for himself. He is appreciative of whatever is noble in man and recognizes in every human being, however humble, the spark of divinity which bespeaks a heavenly origin and a noble destiny. Socially Mr: Gipson is an affable gentleman; genial in manner, vivacious in conversation, popular with all who know him well—in short, a most agreeable and entertaining companion. Believing in using the good things of this world to useful and practical ends, he has surrounded himself with many of the comforts and luxuries of life, not the least of which is the large and commodious home he now occupies, a model of beauty and convenience and considered one of the finest private residences in the city of Upper Sandusky. In closing this review, it is not too much to say of Mr. Gipson that no man in the county of Wyandot enjoys a greater degree of popularity or is more worthy the success he has achieved or the honors that have been conferred upon him.   HON. CURTIS BERRY.   Distinguished as an official, legislator and public-spirited citizen, the name of Curtis Berry has long been closely interwoven with the history and development of Wyandot county. Few men in northern Ohio are as widely and favorably known and none have exercised a more potent influence in moulding and directing public opinion during the years he was actively identified with the political and official interests of this section of the commonwealth. The family of which he is an honorable representative, is   BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 265   old and eminently respectable, its history in his country going back to a period long ntedating the war for independence.   Thomas Berry, the subject's grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania and a revolutionary soldier. In the prime of life he moved to Virginia and settled near Winchester, where he became a successful planter. He was three times married and came the father of twenty-one children, early all of whom grew to maturity and earned the reputation of good men and women. By his third wife, Sarah Curtis, he ad seven children, one of whom, Curtis, as the father of the subject of this review. Sarah Curtis was born in Philadelphia, and it is reliably stated that she tied he handkerchief around Colonel Crawford's neck when that ill-fated man started on his disastrous expedition against the Indians. Thomas Berry died at the age of eighty-five, caving his widow with seven children dependent upon her for support. In, the year 1806 she settled in Richmond, Ross county, Ohio, and lived there the remainder of her days, dying when about seventy years old. Her son Curtis was born in Pennsylvania, January 15, 1786, and when four years of age was taken to Virginia. Being the oldest of the seven children, and the family quite poor, he was early obliged to contribute to their' support, and while still a young lad he worked early and late at anything to which he could lay his hand. When about twenty years old he accomcount pied his mother to Ross county, Ohio, where he found employment in the salt works, and he remained there until his re-oval, in 1827, to the county of Wyandot. Oncoming here he rented a farm in Tymochtee township and two years later purchased eighty acres in the township of Crawford, which he cleared and improved and on which he lived the remaining years of his life. Curtis Berry served in the early Indian wars under General Harrison, and it was while a soldier that he first set foot upon the soil of what is now Wyandot county. The old fort erected by General Harrison. stood on the identical spot now occupied by the house of the subject of this sketch, a beautiful and elevated site overlooking the country for many miles around and commanding a view of the Sandusky river in both directions. This is the place the subject of this sketch afterward purchased and on which he now resides. Curtis Berry, Sr., was a man of local prominence, a pronounced Democrat in his political views and is said to have been the first convert to Methodism in the county of Wyandot. He served as justice of the peace twenty-one years, took an active interest in the cause of education and in many other ways did much to promote the material, intellectual and moral advancement of the community where he lived. He died on the home farm in Crawford township, December 29, 1855.   Sallie Cavitt, wife of Curtis Berry, was born near Harrisburg, Penn., the daughter of Francis and Anna (Doherty) Cavitt, both parents natives of Ireland. The father, a tailor by trade, came to the United States when a young man and died in Ross county at the age of sixty-five; the mother lived several years after the death of her husband, dying in Wyandot county, aged seventy-four. Mrs. Berry was taken to Ross county when a young girl and departed this 'life in the county of Wyandot, September, 1855, when about fifty-seven years old. She   266 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.   was one of the early Methodists. of Crawford township and did much in shaping the destinies of her children, nearly all of whom grew up to call her blessed. Curtis and Sallie Berry had seven sons and three daughters, namely : Rachel, wh0 died at the age of sixty-three, was the wife of Roderick McKenzie; Francis died in his nineteenth year ; Jane died, aged thirty-eight, wife of Levi Hare; Thomas was killed in a runaway when eight years old, some Indians frightening the horses which he was driving; Jehu went to California in 1849 and became prominent in the affairs of that state, dying there at the age of seventy; Robert went to Colorado. in 1857, and now' resides at Leadville, engaged in the mining business; Curtis, whose name introduces this article, is the next in order of birth; John, deceased, was for many years the leading lawyer of Wyandot county and one of the distinguished jurists of Ohio; he represented the district of which Wyandot forms a part, in the congress of the United States, and was no less eminent as a statesman than as a lawyer; Samuel, who died in 1859, at the age of twenty-two years, was the 'youngest of the family.   Curtis Berry, the direct subject of this review, was born in Crawford township, this county, April 19, 1831. He was reared on the homestead until nineteen years of age and received only such educational training as the indifferent schools at that time could impart. When nineteen he began teaching in Tymochtee township and, after spending two years there, took charge of a school in Upper Sandusky, where he was engaged in educational work for a limited period. Desiring to increase his scholastic knowledge, Mr.. Berry, in the summer of 1852, entered Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, where he pursued his studies until the following fall, and then became assistant to the county treasurer at Tiffin, his duty being to collect the taxes of Seneca county. Subsequently he taught what was known as the Seneca school and returning to Wyandot county at the close of his term, was elected in the fall of 1853 clerk of the courts, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of G. C. Worth. He was reelected in 1857 and again in 1860, serving in all seven years and four months and proving himself in every respect a most capable and popular official. During the interim between his first and second elections to the clerkship, 1854-1857, he was chief clerk in the office of the general ticket agent of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, discharging the duties of the position at Fort Wayne and Pittsburg, remaining one year at the former place and the rest of the time at the latter.   While serving as clerk of the courts Mr. Berry read law under the direction of Hon. Robert McKelly and was duly admitted to the Wyandot county bar at Upper Sandusky in 1.858. He opened an office and practiced alone until 1865, when he formed a partnership with his brother, John Berry, under the firm name of Berry. & Berry. This firm took high rank, both members being recognized as lawyers of exceptional ability and their names were connected with nearly every important case tried in the courts of Wyandot county for a number of years thereafter.   In 1866 Mr. Berry was elected to represent this district in the upper house of thee general assembly and at the expiration of his term was chosen his own successor   BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 267   by a very large majority. His record as a legislator is a part of the history, of Ohio did need not be described at large in this connection. Suffice it to say, however, that he rendered efficient service to his constituents and to the people in general did was instrumental in passing a. number laws which have been of great value to the state. He was the author of the Homestead Law, which was passed after a long and bitter contest, and he also introduced the bill providing for a state reform school for girls, which through his efforts also became a part of the statutes. As a politician he early became a power and to him is due the credit of changing Wyandot from? Republican to a decidedly Democratic county. He was one of the promoters of the society organized in this part of the state in the early sixties, to counteract the influence of Know Nothingism," and from that time to the present he has been one of the party leaders in Wyandot, contributing by his wise counsel and superb management to the access of Democracy during the last half century of the county's history. In 1889 he was elected probate judge of this county and served as such until 1895, having. been once re-elected to the office. He served as vice-president of the County Agricultural Society three years and as secretary five years, and was also instrumental in organizing the County Pioneer Society, continuing an active member of the same during its existence. He also served several terms as township' treasurer, besides holding various other positions of minor importance.   Mr. Berry has borne his part in all the public improvements and enterprises of the county. In securing the Columbus & Toledo Railway, he took an active part, making the first speech in its favor at Marion and later, with Hon. George W. Berry, addressing the people at various points along the line of the road; while in the senate he was chairman of the committee on railroads, and to him mote than to any other man 'is due the credit of building the line from Newark to Straitsville, So as to reach certain rich coal fields that had been abandoned for over twenty years by reason of a lack of shipping facilities.   Mr. Berry continued the active practice of his profession until 1882, when a severe attack of rheumatism, terminating in a paralytic stroke, compelled him to retire from business; since that time he has been closely confined to his home, leaving his room only in pleasant weather. For some years past his affliction has been very grievous, resulting in total paralysis of his lower extremities,. in consequence of which he is only able to move about by means of a wheel chair. While afflicted thus, his mental powers retain all of their wonted vigor and,he still takes' an active interest in worldly affairs and bears his part in molding and directing public opinion. He still looks after certain parts of his law practice, and is frequently consulted in important cases embodying complicated legal principles, his profound knowledge of the profession making him a safe: and reliable counselor.   From the beginning of his professional career he exhibited a high Order of legal talent, coupled with which was the ability to present and successfully maintain the soundness of his opinions in cases at issue. Courteous in his treatment of opposing counsel and possessing the' profound regard of the court, he became a very popular as well as judicious practitioner, and while   268 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.   actively prosecuting his large legal business occupied a conspicuous place among the leading members of the Upper Sandusky bar.   Mr. Berry was married May 1, 1860, to Miss Emma Kirby, daughter of Col. M. H. Kirby, by whom he had six children, namely: Florence, wife of William H. Darrah, of Upper Sandusky; Robert died when two years old; Frederick, connected with the wagon works at Galion, Ohio; Anna, wife of Charles A. Snyder; Louisa; teacher in. the Deaf and Dumb Institute at Columbus, and Fanchon, who married Charles E. Fink, of Cambridge Springs, Penn. Mrs. Berry, a lady profoundly respected for her many excellent qualities of head and heart, a pious member of the Episcopal church, departed this life on the 30th day of July, 1883.   Mr. Berry's forced retirement from the great world of activity is a matter of regret, not only to himself, but to the people of the city, among whom his splendid abilities long made him a leader and a forceful factor, In every relation of life he had 'been a manly man, broad and liberal in his views, with neither the arts nor practices of the demagogue. A firm Democrat in principle and for many years a standard bearer of the party in this section of the state, he was, eminently honorable in his partisanship and always sought to win victory by unquestionable methods. Standing in the front rank of his compeers as a lawyer, he has been equally renowned as a citizen, winning by his courteous manner and genial companionship the esteem and admiration of the people of his city and county. To see Mr. Berry at his best socially it is necessary to meet him in the midst of his home circle. There his easy dignity, generous hospitality and cordial ways mark, him at once as the true gentleman. His friendships are deep and strong, his disposition genial and sympathetic and his feelings always tender. With a Character open and transparent,, and a sense of honor strong and decided, he is a striking example of what is noblest and best in manhood, and he will always be accorded a high place among Wyandot county's representative. citizens   ADOLPH BILLHARDT, M. D.   In presenting the record of this successful and representative member of the Billhardt family, the reader will not only find much that will prove interesting, but may w profit by those 'experiences which, when properly applied to those conditions that quite generally fall to the average man, invariably lead to success. The record is largely taken from his autobiography, prepared for. his immediate family. He was born in Mutzschen, a small town in the kingdom of Saxony, January 30, 1833, baptized, in the house of his parents by a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and confirmed in Leipzig, March 28, 1847. The. irst years of his childhood were passed among young disciples of music, playing promiscuously on diverse instruments. His father was a "Stadt Musicus," and as such was engaged in giving lessons to those who had chosen this trying profession.   It may be mentioned here that the subject's father, Adolph Erdmann Billhardt, who was born in Lausigk, Saxony, Septem-   BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 269   ber 28, 1808, had been compelled to learn instrumental music for a trade, as apprentices were received. by the master without pay. His father, Christian Erdmann Billharclt, born June 21, 1772, in Weissenfels, was rather, poor and could not, pay for an education of his children in the common schools. He followed the vocation of a cabinetmaker, managing during the wars of Napoleon, then existing, to eke out a scant existence.   The subject of this sketch was sent to school when four or five years old, He was considered a bright boy, being especially gifted with a clear, high voice, and was ..requently called upon to sing solo parts in arch. He was prevented, however, from ollowing his musical inclinations. As his character showed deviation to childish mischief, his mother had to be rather strict with him, keeping him as much as possible from the streets and playgrounds. He grew up a healthy and happy boy until an event occurred which altered the course of his juvenile, and in fact, his future life.   By chance he was discovered by Carl Hemming, pastor of the Lutheran church in tschoppach, who was lOoking fcr a suitable Companion for his son; Arthur. Adolph's parents gladly gave their consent to his removal to the neighboring parsonage, in as much as his education would then be materially advanced. In the autumn of 1842 he was, therefore, received almost as a member if Pastor Flemming's family. The reverend gentleman and. his wife were excellent educators. While the former taught the common branches of learning, even the first lessons in Latin and Greek, the latter instructed the boys in morals, mariners and economy. The pastor kindly advised how to observe the natural laws and to gain knowledge methodically, at the same time encouraging the enjoyment of the legitimate pleasures of life. Many hours were spent iill playing social games and in trips and visits into the neighboring country. Having been prepared for college by the pastor during a stay of three years, he entered the Thomas school in Leipzig, in September, 1845, being admitted to the fourth class and. promoted to a higher room every one and one-half years, thus spending six years in a preparatory course for the university. Those school years were happily spent, and hopeful appeared to him the future. His characteristics then were more inclined to indulgence in worldly pleasure than to the pursuit of study. During this time occurred the revolution of 1848. He remembers well the great political excitement. Too young to take an active part; he attended political meetings, sympathizing altogether with the. revolutionists. They were subdued by the reactionary forces after a strife of two years ; but, later, on, at the close of the Franco-Prussian war, a union of the German states under Emperor William I was effected without a struggle.   Vacations, during his college time, were turned into festivals. He spent most of them in his native town, where play and song were the order of the day. But the great drawback was always the want of money. His father could not assist him sufficiently, so that he was obliged to accept free dinners from distant relatives living in Leipzig. He was "one of the boys" in spite of financial embarrassments. He, however, kept pace with the average scholar, even plying himself diligently to close study, at times, and excelling in some branches of   270 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.   learning. After the final examination in the different grades of sciences, which he passed satisfactorily; he was matriculated a student of medicine at the university in Leipzig in the autumn of 1851. Like all others who neglect the course of lectures, at least during the first terms,. he plunged also into the stream of pleasure and passed a great deal of his time in all kinds of amusements. Being almost without means he was obliged to contract debts. On account of 'arrears with the landlord, he was frequently obliged to change his lodging and this was easily effected as he did not possess many chattels. The most glorious time of his student life was reached when he became a member of the Academical St. Paulus Singing Society, which at that time consisted of nearly one hundred. members, gifted with vigorous voices. Concerts sunder the very able leadership of Dr. Langer were frequently given, balls arranged and excursions* made to cities and resorts 'of the fatherland. One of the most delightful was the trip to Ballensteadt, near the Harz mountains, where a musical festival was given, the subject thinks in the year 1852. Here, under the direction of Liszt, Wagner's music was introduced. He remembers that them and then the "Pilgrim. March" from "Tannhauser" was. sung for the first time from the manuscript. A trip to Dresden for the purpose of celebrating the birthday of King Friedrick August, who was serenaded at his villa in Pillnitz, was also one of the enjoyable events. The society was frequently called upon to assist in the. famous concerts of the Gewandhaus. It gave the members a chance to meet the most prominent musicians of the day, composers as well as artists.. While Mr. Billhardt had seen Mendelssohn Bartholdy directing the orchestra in 1847, he met afterwards Wagner, Liszt, Gade; Rietz, David, Dreischock, Schuman, Spahr, Joachim, Mrs. Henriette Sonntag, Jenny Lind and others.   His entire time, however, was not spent in amusement. The serious side of life appeared, especially when want, with its grim consequences and thoughts of the future. pointed out the necessity of strenuous efforts which had to be made. He went to work and lectures were attended. After having passed the examination in anatomy he directed his earnest attention to the practical knowledge of medicine, studying obstetrics under Prof. Joerg, clinical science under Wunderlich and surgery under Guenther and Bock, serving even as recorder in 'the hospital for one year. In the meantime his financial condition had become precarious, so that he longed for the time when he could be self-depending. His mother had died and his father had again married. Unsuceessful speculation had brought the latter continually into pecuniary difficulties, in consequence of which the son's supplies became more scanty. He found himself in his normal condition, that of being absolutely penniless, and the few things that belonged to him had to be given into the care of a business friend. When his studies were. finished and examinations in the different branches of Medical science passed, his stepmother requested him to bring back her daughter. Emilie, who had accompanied her Uncle. Eberius, to America. He started at once, in 1857, by way of Bremen and New York, for Washington, .Franklin county, Mo.; where the uncle owned a farm of six hundred acres. He remained there ,until fall, then returned home safely with Emilie. Life in America had pleased him very   BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 271   much and prospects for a medical practice seemed promising, so he carried out his intention to emigrate to America in the spring of r858. This trip and the two preceding ones were made on sailing vessels, each voyage occupying a month's tine. The last one specially was eventful, as small-pox broke out on board. The care of the sick became his task, he receiving in return special favors. After remaining in quarantine for ten days, he landed, quite destitute, in New York on a beautiful May day. He went to Philadelphia, where he spent several months with Dr. Rudolph Greiss, a former university friend, and then started for his destination in Missouri. For this purpose he had borrowed ten dollars from his friend Greiss, but this took him only to Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He had a letter and garden seeds to deliver here to a former acquaintance, a Mr. Magnus. Blueher, a son of Pastor Blueher in Saxony. This acquaintance received him very kindly and provided for his physical welfare. As he was assured that one place in America was as good as another, he decided to stay here, especially as he had, as aforesaid, no pecuniary means and no knowledge of the English language. At first everything seemed strange to him. Unpractical, like all other newcomers, he passed through the different stages" of, "greenhornship," finally determined, though, to, lead an active life and to lay the foundation of his future prosperity. He rented an office, hung out a doctor's shingle and waited for patients they came. Soon he secured a medical practice which became more and more lucrative, though burdensome on account of the long rides into the country over bottomless roads. Besides this, he tried teaching at intervals, giving Getman lesson's, privately and in school, and also taught music in the elementary branches. Mr. Blueher, who was a very practical man, assisted him considerably with advice. His self-respect was awakened and spurred him to further efforts. In 186o he went with seven members of the German Saengerbund, which he had organized, to the Saengerfest at Buffalo. What delightful days must have been spent there?   We will refrain from giving a description of the Saengerfest, but will, refer only to the important consequences it had for him. The longing for a life companion had taken a tangible shape. It was a case of "love at first sight." He came; saw and conquered. After a short correspondence with his intended in Buffalo he journeyed thither again, and on the day of their first personal meeting he was united in marriage with Rosalie Fistler by. H. B. Burt, a justice of the peace, in Buffalo, August 31, 1860. She was the youngest daughter of the family, which had seventeen years before, when Rosalie was only one year old, immigrated from Luetzlow, near Prenzlow, Germany. On the evening of their wedding day they went by steamer via Cleveland to his adopted Indian village, where they were received with a hearty, welcome. After a temporary residence, at the McCutcheon hotel, they began housekeeping. The changed situation now presented stern realities. He devoted himself with still greater zeal to his increasing work. The following year, after the first son was born, another great event occurred which changed somewhat the course of his life. The war of the Rebellion had begun in April, 1861, and calls for volunteers followed in quick succession. His friend BlUeher was enthusiastically determined to join the   272 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.   army and even recruited a part of Company F, of the Thirty-seventh German Infantry Regiment of Ohio. Persuasion, love of adventure, desire to gain knowledge, prospect of promotion and, last but not least, patriotism were the powerful motives which induced him to join the ranks of volunteers, August 8, 186i. The war would only last six months, at least so he calculated. The recruits were taken to Cleveland, into Camp Brown. After some drilling the regiment was organized and moved to the front. Before this the subject was appointed hospital steward: His wife with their child visited at that time her parents at Buffalo and stayed there until his return. He has the history of the regiment, from which can be learned the various movements and encounters of the Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry.   First being marched from place to place in the Kanawha valley, W. Va., without having occasion to satisfy martial impulses, the days were. mostly passed in reconnoitering until an advance was made in the spring of 1862, by the way of Cotton Hill, Fayette,. ville and Raleigh to Princeton, W. Va. There, after an engagement with the Confederates, he .was taken prisoner by the order of Gen. Cox, so that he could take care of the wounded, while our troops returned to Flattop Mountain. Unfortunately his friend, Magnus Blueher, was shot through the knee, the wound proving fatal. The prisoners were paroled. and transported back to Raleigh. After a short stay in the hospital he obtained a furlough and went to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and Buffalo, N. Y,, Intending to rejoin his regiment in West Virginia, he met it accidentally in Cincinnati, Ohio, in December, 1862, it having been ordered to Vicksburg; Miss. The trip by steamer, in cluding a stop at Louisville, Ky., took several weeks. During that time he received his commission as assistant surgeon. After the siege and surrender of 'Vicksburg, July 4, 1863, his regiment proceeded, under Gen. Sherman, to Memphis, Tenn., and marched overland to Chattanooga, Tenn.   They arrived at Missionary Ridge the day before the battle in November, 1863, and took part on the last ,day of the three days' fight, being stationed at the extreme left wing. During the subsequent march to Knoxville, Tenn., the subject became seriously ill. Having been exposed-to the hardship of trying marches, with the insufficient food of bacon and hard-tack, and camp in the open air, he suffered continually with malaria and dysentery. He was obliged to leave the regiment on the march and went to Bridgeport, Tenn., returning later to Larkinsville, Ala., where their military baggage was stored. After a sick leave of absence of two months, which he spent in Buffalo, he met his regiment unexpectedly in Cleveland, Ohio, on his return. It had received a furlough in the meantime, as the members had volunteered in a body to serve three. more years. At the expiration of the furlough they returned to. the field and took part in the engagements of the Atlanta campaign, at Resaca, Dallas, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, the pas, sageover the Chattahoochee, capture of Decatur and the battle at Atlanta, July 22, 1864.   The description of his part therein and the incident of his capture is contained in the printed history of the regiment. While until that time the sufferings of a soldier in the field had been excessive, and his task of caring for the sick and wounded especially   BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 273   trying, there came a period when his trials became almost unbearable. That time was certainly the darkest of his life. He was taken to Macon, Ga., where the prisoners were placed in an enclosure and, after being deprived of what little they possessed, they were transported on cattle cars to Charleston, S. C. There they were incarcerated in the work-house, exposed to the fire of the guns of their own battleships, which were blocking the harbor, their rations consisting of coarsely ground corn meal and spoiled bacon. He fell sick, unto death. Reduced to a skeleton and too weak to walk, he was finally admitted into, a private hospital established by the Sisters of Charity from Fort Sumter. With good care and strengthening food he soon recovered and was able to leave the hospital to make room for others. Meanwhile it had been decided to release doctors and chaplains as non-combatants. Therefore, in September, 1864, he was taken with thirty-six others to the United States fleet stationed in. the harbor of Charleston and sent to New York on an odd rotten government boat. He arrived there in a deplorable condition, bare-footed, and clad in rags so that they objected even to receive him in the hotel. After having obtained his back pay he left for Buffalo, where he joined his'wife and children. A daughter, Emma, had been born in the meantime. Not being able to join his regiment, then with Sherman on the march to the sea, he was -mustered out and honorably discharged as assistant surgeon by reason of expiration of term of service; October 13, 1864. Thus ended his military career.   Mr. Billhardt then returned to Upper Sandusky and resumed his former occupation. With his small savings of one thousand one hundred dollars he bought a residence property on Fifth street and in 1866 established a small drug store on Main street. To, this business he has chiefly devoted his attention since, and gradually increasing it from the start, he was enabled in 1868 to occupy a larger store, where, in the same room, the postoffice was kept at that time.   In 1873, having' left his business in trusted hands, he, accompanied by his wife and two of his' children, Adolph and Oscar, was able to undertake a journey to Germany. He visited his father in Leipzig, went through Thueringen Cassel, traveled on the Rhine between Mainz and Cologne, visited Frankfort, Wiesbaden, Darmstadt, traversed the mountain road to Heidelberg, went to Stuttgart, along the Schwarzwald and met his wife in Zuerich, where she had previously gone with their son, Oscar. They remained there three months, made excursions to Luzern and Mount Rigi and took boat-rides on the Vierwaldstaedter Sea. From there he ascended the St. Gotthard, the Berner Alps and returned by way of Interlaken; Thun and Bern to Zuerich, then went to the Bodensee, Priedrichshafen and by rail to Munich. His wife and Oscar returned to Leipzig, while he made a trip to Tyrol and to the Vienna Exposition, Prague and Dresden, then back to Leipzig. In connection. with this journey we must mention an unpleasant incident. He had a letter of credit from J. Cook & Co., New York, allowing him to draw money when and as much as wanted, the amount not being limited. The day before their departure for America, J. Cook had failed.and further payments were stopped. This was the more unfortunate as he had made purchases to the amount of seven hundred dollars which he   274 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS.   had not yet paid. Luckily, he could bridge over this dilemma, his father loaning him the money for the return journey, etc. The entire trip took six months.   From this time on Mr. Billhardt's ship glided in calmer water. Days, months and years passed. monotonously. In 1874 he bought of J. H. Anderson a lot containing two acres and a spacious house-situated on North Eighth street, Upper Sandusky, which has been his residence until the present. In 1880 he built a business block of three stories on the corner of avenue and Johnson street, and transferred his drug store thereto. The structure is the finest business. house in Upper Sandusky. He identified himself closely with the business affairs of the town, and attended faithfully to his own, combining work, however, with the legitimate pleasures of life. The cultivation of vocal music especially was, and yet remains, his delight and recreation. The Wyandot Saengerbund, of which he was the director, arranged many entertainments. He recalls the participation in many large Saengerfests of the North American Society, held in Buffalo; Columbus, Louisville, Cincinnati, Cleveland, New Orleans, and Buffalo; in 1901, and. also those arranged by the societies of the Central. Ohio Saengerbund in Sandusky City, Toledo, Columbus, Akron, Dayton, Springfield, Canton and Lima. It may be mentioned here that he was elected an honorary member of the Columbus Liederkranz and the Findlay Harmonia. A mixed chorus, called the Euterpean Chorus Chill), contributed also, under his leadership, its share to social pleasures and assisted in many public entertainments in the town. He was often asked to take part in concerts and church services.   Mr. Billhardt has been a member of Robbins Post No. 91, of the Grand Army of the Republic, since June 25, 1881, was frequently elected its post surgeon and was sent as a delegate to the state conventions at Toledo and Youngstown. He also attended the national encampments at Columbus in 1888 and Milwaukee in 1889. His visit to the World's Fair at Chicago in 1893 is likewise worthy of mention. If we further name the happy hours spent in the cozy circle of friends, the celebration of birthdays, the agreeable visits of relatives, and enjoyable card parties, then we have enumerated the chief pleasures of his life.   In 1872 the subject was appointed agent for the Adams Express Company. The office added considerable work to his manifold duties and is still conducted by his sons. While business flourished in the years after the Civil war, it became from 1882 on less lucrative and competition greater, prices of goods fell, profits diminished, collections of book accounts and promissory notes, which had accumulated through the pernicious trust system so extensively and injudiciously introduced in this community, were more difficult and occasional losses were sustained. Several honorary positions were accorded him. Although he played no important role in the political field, he was twice elected a member of the board of education, served as its secretary for six years, was once a member of the Democratic central committee and frequently took part in political conventions. He was also a stockholder, and for one year vice-president, of the Central Bank, now defunct. Having been assigned to the post of weather observer in Upper Sandusky, another burdensome duty was added to his various obligations. Taking an active in-