350 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. prominent and respected farmer. To this congenial union three children have been born, namely: Sanford L., a, resident of Eden township, married Emma Balliet, who has borne him one son, Leslie R. ; Ella, married to David Ekleberry, resides in Sycamore township and has one daughter, Ruth ; and. Addie, who is the wife of Ellis Brown, a resident of Eden township also. Mrs. Charlotte (Keener) Heistand was born July 29, 1838; and at twelve years of age removed with her family to Morrow county, Ohio, where she pursued her studies in the English language. She has proven to her husband a helpmate in the truest sense of the word and for almost a half century this worthy couple have, hand in hand, fought the battles of life, sharing its joys and sorrows, its prosperity and .its adversity. After marrying, Mr. Heistand moved upon his present farth of eighty acres, of which he has cleared off about fifty-five; besides this, his home place, he owns a tract of fifty acres elsewhere. On the home farm he has made all the improvements requisite for a comfortable home and the profitable pursuit of agriculture and at present rents the place to his son, Sanford L., who carries on general farming. Mr. Heistand has been a resident of Wyandot county for seventy-three years—almost three-quarters of a century—and is to-day probably the oldest citizen of Eden township. Although Mr. Heistand's opportunities in early life were somewhat limited as to education, as the old log school house which he attended necessitated a walk of two miles through the woods, he acquired suffiCient learning to triumph over all the little difficulties that come in the farmer's way when lacking a. small stock of book knowledge and ability to peruse agricultural. periodicals, to Say nothing of literature of a higher class. He has worked hard in his time and consequently can now, as the reward of his industry, afford to take life easily, and enjoy the Companionship of his many friends, by whom he is greatly esteemed. He has been a Jackson Democrat. all his life, first voted for Franklin Pierce, and has never missed an election. He lives in accordance with the Golden Rule, and his wife is a member of the German Baptist church, they having contributed generously toward the erection of the edifice. BENJAMIN MORRIS, DECEASED. One of the most prominent farmers and citizens of the county was the subject of this sketch. He identified himself with every Movement that seemed likely to contribute to' the advantage of the community and was a leader in all worthy enterprise's. He took great interest in the affairs of the county and state and was foremost in 'his contributions to benevolent projects. Of him it can be said that the world is better for his having lived. He did not a little to make his township one of the best in the county as regarding bridges and roads, and his counsel was sought by those who were placed in charge of the administration of county affairs. After a life of unusual purity and honor he went to his reward. He was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, on August 5, 1823, and died on the 22d of January, 1890. His first wife was Miss Elenor Walton, by whom he had five children, as follows : Belinda, who wedded Jacob Aster and by him had BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 351 two children, Orton and Charles, and is now a widow ; Albert H., who married Miss Addie Snover, and has one child, Fern, is farming in Crane, township; Jenrette, who became the wife of Horatio Markley, has one child, Lenore, and lives in Morrow county; Finley N., who married Christina Haller, and resides on the old home place in Eden township., has two children, Alma and Foster; Sherman G., who wedded Miss Emma Carruthers, and by her has two children, Beulah and J. B., lives in Crawford county. Upon the death of his first wife subject married, in 1868, Mrs. Jane Bowers, the widow of Stephen Bowers. Mrs. Morris is a daughter of James L. and Hettie (Gibson) Harper, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Jefferson county, Ohio. The Harpers moved to Wyandot county in 1821 and followed the occupation of farming for a livelihood. They were in every way worthy people, in touch: with all public enterprises which had for their object the upbuilding of the community and the improvement of the condition of the farmer. They located in Wyandot county in 1821, which was a very early day for that section of the state. Wild animals still roamed the woods, affording hunters great sport and contributing not a little to the trials of the settlers. They located in Sycamore township and took up government land, all of which was enveloped in an, almost impenetrable forest of heavy timber, which had to be removed before a crop could be raised. All the family began the herculean task of clearing, and none was permitted to shirk the hard work set before him or her. In 1845 they bought land in Crane township, this county, but later lived in Eden township, and here her parents died, the father July 14, 1877, and the mother September 6, 1847. The children, born to Mr. and Mrs. Harper were as follows : Samuel M., who married Miss Mary Pancoste and upon her death married Miss Sarah A. Bowers; Ellan, who became the wife of Thomas Reynolds and lives in Chicago, Ill.; James F., who wedded Miss Julia Jaqueth. and lives in Kansas; Jane (the widow of 'subject), who on July 21, 1853, was united in marriage with Stephen T. Bowers, of Richland county, who came to this county and settled in Crane township at an early day and was a shoemaker by trade; he died in April, 1861. By this union the following children were born : Brink W., who lives with his mother ; Cora E., who married John Longabaugh, and bore him three children, Harry, Carl and James, she dying in 1893; Martha J., who wedded, in I888, Horatio Markley, and has three children, Clair, Vera and J. Paul. Benjamin Morris. throughout life followed the occupation of farthing and built up a comfortable home and a name far above reproach. He left them also the record which he won on the field of battle during the great Rebellion.. He enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer. Infantry, for the one-hundred day service, National Guards, and after serving his full period of enlistment was honorably mustered out. He was, a member of the Methodist Protestant church, and was well and favorably known throughout the county. Mrs. Morris is the niece of the distinguished Gen. William H. Gibson, renowned in the military annals of the country. He was of Celtic stock and was one in a family of ten children, his birth occurring in Jeffer- 352 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. son county, in 1821. He grew up on a farm and in 1843 began the study of law._ His early education was obtained at the rude schools of the pioneers, but he possessed unusual, even remarkable, powers of mind and an indomitable will and character, and no circumstances can keep down such a man and such a spirit. He was admitted to the bar in 1845 and scion took rank as one of the foremost legal practitioners of northern Ohio. He was a member of the first board of education of Tiffin, and in 1852 was elected a member of the city council. In 1855 he was elected treasurer of the state of Ohio for two years. On July 31, 1861, he was commissioned by the governor to raise a regiment for the war, and in thirty days time he went into camp with eight hundred and sixty-six men for the Forty-ninth. Regiment. He. served with distinction in Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi and in 1864 veteranized at or near Atlanta, and participated in the march to the sea. He was mustered out of the service at Victoria, Tex., in November, 1865. His military record is among the best in: the state, and is almost identical with the history of the war in the central department. He commanded with great distinction in forty-two important battles, in which he repeatedly commanded brigades and even divisions. In the reports he was commended by every superior officer. At the close of the war he was commissioned .brigadier-general. In 1880 Governor Foster appointed him adjutant general of the state, and in 1891 President Harrison appointed him postmaster of Tiffin. His fame is not confined to his career as a warrior. He was even greater as an orator. He began to show his oratorical power when' a boy of seventeen. He- Was a master of English and a. natural leader of men. He had a splendid .voice, great personal magnetism, and the intensity of his fervid oratory carried everything before him. The charm of his manner was irresistible. While yet a student at Ashland Academy, the same year he became. twenty-one, he delivered the 4th of July oration at Jeromesville, and the prediction was then made by some of those present that he would be heard from in the future history of the state. After the war he wrote and often delivered his famous lecture "Along the Lines," one of the most eloquent essays on the action, of war ever delivered. To show his thorough method it should be known that in order to give the greatest realism to his lectures he visited the various battlefields referred to in the lecture and collected vivid descriptions of scenery where the shot and shell fell thickest. He also prepared a lecture on "Methodism," but his greatest effort was his wonderful oration, "Our Century." It was written when his powers were at their best and will compare with the efforts of the greatest speakers of the last century. In 1852 he Championed the cause of General Scott for the Presidency, and in 1856 stumped several of the states for General Fremont. His life was one of singular purity. At his death, in 1894, there were sincere mourners in all parts of the United States. GEORGE J. STECHER. Among the many talented attorneys at law in northern Ohio few surpass the members of the bar now in active practice at Upper Sandusky, among whom the subject of this sketch is an acknowledged leader. BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 353 The father of our subject, who was also named George J., was the son of Peter and Christina (Schmalzhaff) Stecher, who were natives of the "Fatherland" and were born in Ellhofen, Oberamt, Weinsberg, Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, the former March 31, 1779, and the latter November .17, 1788. They were the parents of six children, viz. : Michael, Peter, Catherine, Christina, Christoph and George J., the latter the eldest. member of the family and the father of our subject. He was born in the same place as that of his parents, having first seen the light of day October 29, 1807. He was reared in the village of Ellhofen, where he married Christina Nollenberger, who was born in the village of Otmarshein, Oberant Marabach, Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 2d day of October, 1822, and was the daughter of John C. and Christina (Long) Nollenberger, who were natives of the same place and were born in 1786 and 1790, respectively. They were the parents of five children, viz.: 'Christina, Fredericka, Christiana, Frederick and Caroline. George J. Stecher, Sr., was educated in his native country and there engaged in horticultural and agricultural pursuits. In 1854 he emigrated to America, taking passage on the sail boat "Clementine," landing in New York city in April of that year, and immediately came to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, reaching this. place on the 28th day of that month. Soon after he purchased a small tract of land within the corporation of Upper Sandusky, where he engaged in fanning and gardening. He was quite prosperous at his vocation, which he followed until within a short time of his death, which occurred February 3, 1887. He was a. devoted member of the Evangelical Association and in politics a Republican. His word was as good as his bond, his life without stain and he was highly esteemed by all who knew him. His widow still survives and resides on the old home place in Upper Sandusky, and is now in her eightieth year. She was a devoted wife and helpmate, and is now a kind and loving mother and a true and zealous. Christian, having been a member of the Evangelical Association for more than forty years. To Mr. and Mrs. Stecher was born a family of eight children, all of whom are still living to brighten 'the declining days of the venerated mother, and are named : Hannah, who is the wife of Michael Burkhardt, of Upper Sandusky; Charles F., a railroad engineer residing in Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Christian J., residing in Upper Sandusky ; Rev. Frederick C., a clergyman in the Methodist Episcopal church at Camp Point, Ill.; Gatllieb Clementine, who was born on shipboard and was named after the vessel which brought the family to the United States, is. now in. the hardware business in Upper Sandusky; George J., the subject of this review; Caroline F., who is. the wife. of John H. Kin-ley, a prominent merchant of Upper Sandusky, and Mary C., who married Emory- E. Class and resides in 'Bucyrus, Ohio. George J. Stecher was. born in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, May 29, 1857, and here attended the public schools until about fifteen years old. He then assisted his father on the ilome place until about twenty, when. he went into the employ of J. A: Gottfried & Bro., hardware merchants of Upper Sandusky; for whom, he worked about eight years. On leaving this employ he entered the Northwestern College at Naperville, Ill., where he 354 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. remained four years, taking a general course. In the fall of 1892 he matriculated at the Cincinnati (Ohio) Law School, pursuing his legal studies two years, and graduated therefrom in the spring of 1894. He then at Once entered upon the active practice. of his profession on his own account at Upper Sandusky, in which he has met with encouraging success, In the spring of 1900 he formed a partnership with Judge D. D. Clayton, of whom a sketch is given elsewhere in this volume. This partnership was dissolved by mutual consent, after having been associated together for one year, Mr. Stecher again resuming his practice alone. Mr. Stecher is a member of the Evangelical ASsociation, and in politics is an active member of the Republican party, though, while he exercises his energies and influence for its success at the polls, he has no political aspirations, being content to devote his attention to his growing practice. He is an affable and courteous gentleman, a hale fellow well met, and is very popular in the social circles of Upper Sandusky, as well as with his professional brethren and the general public. SAMUEL ALTHOUSE. The hard and confining toil of the farm is greatly relieved by varying it with stock raising and with fruit growing. The growth Of the cities has been so great—in other words the growth of the nonproducers has been so great—that the products of the farm command a higher price than ever before. This is notably so with live stock. When a farmer can get five or six cents a pound for his live. animals, he can make their raising pay him well for his labor. His labor, then, will consist chiefly in growing hay and corn for his animals and in marketing the latter. Orchard and garden products may be grown as side ventures. Wheat may be raised for the price it will bring, the same of rye and barley. The growing of oats is a necessary branch of farming because all horses thrive better on oats, especially in hot weather, than on any other grain. Mr. Althouse has made an intelligent study of farming with the best results in view and has concluded that more money can be made in the careful rearing of good grades of stock than in anything else to which the farmer can turn his attention. He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, May 12,1838, and is the son of Christian and Magdaline (Gerber) Althouse, who came to Holmes county in 1834, and made a settlement in the deep woods. This worthy couple were natives, of the little canton of Berne, Switzerland, having been born in the village of Thun. They set sail from Havre, France, in. a sailing vessel and were twelve weeks on the voyage ere they cast anchor in New York harbor, three days of the time the vessel being becalmed. He followed farming during much of his life, but was also a carpenter and millwright, and followed those pursuits to some extent. He was a man.. of unusual resources,. and was able to adapt himself easily to any surroundings. He thus made a success in life. He bought eighty acres in the woods and on that small tract made his home. He cleared it of its timber and otherwise improved it and made it habitable and productive. In his early manhood he was united in marriage with Miss Magdaline Gerber, and in 1847 they came to this county and bought one hundred BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 355 and sixty acres. They put up a rude log cabin, in which they lived until they could find time and means to build something better. They began with stout hearts the unending task of clearing off the timber. and all members of the family. were required to assist. There were no shirkers on a pioneer farm. It was a common thing for the women to pile brush, burn it and even assist in rolling logs. They also helped to sow the grain and reap it. This place was well improved by, Mr. Althouse, and is the same as now occupied by subject. Upon this farm the elder Althouse resided until his death, February 23, 1875. His widow survived until in August, 1885, when she, too, passed away. They were both members of the Evangelical church and people of strict lionety and tireless industry. Their children are as follows : Magdaline, who married Samuel Triblett, deceased, and she is now living in Springfield, Mo.; Christian, deceased ; John, deceased ; Barbara, deceased ; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Michael Denzer, who is dead; Peter, a' farmer of Crane township; Samuel, subject ; an infant that died unnamed ; Mary, who became, the wife of Charles Veith, of Crane township; Sophia, who married Eli Carpenter. Samuel lived with his parents until their respective death's: He had the fortune to attend the log cabin school house of the pioneer days, a description of which he gives substantially as follows : Size, about 18x20 feet built of round logs, with a roof of clapboards with weight poles and heated in. the old-fashioned manner. The seats were but slabs with wooden legs and the desk was a broad board resting upon pins driven into the wall. The floor was of puncheons or split logs. How different all this in. contrast with the modern handsome brick common and high school buildings and colleges. All these' changes have Mr. Althouse witnessed during his residence in. Wyandot county. January 1, 1863, he wedded Miss Sophia Kuenzli, of Holmes county, Ohio. She was born in that county on the 16th of January, 1841, and is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ramseier) Kuenzli, and was one of twelve children, six son's and six daughters; of these only three are now living Sarnuel, an agriculturist of Wyandot county ; Henry, also of this county ; and Mrs. Althouse. The latter was educated in both the English and German languages. She was twenty-one years okl when she came to Wyandot county and this has ever since been her home. Both of her parents died in that county, well advanced in years. Her father followed the occupations of farming and teaming. During his youth Samuel received a fair education, but spent the most of his time between the plow handles or with a pitchfork in his hand, also spending years in threshing. As before stated, he made a study of the successful rearing and marketing of superior grades of stock, and as a consequence has dealt largely in fat animals. He has made it a special business for twenty years, and is an acknowledged authority on the subject. He now owns three hundred and thirty-nine acres of the best land in the township, all well improved and the most cleared.. To his marriage these children were born : Henry, who was killed by lightning in 1878; Edward G., who married Miss Birdie Fernbaugh and by her has twa children, Bernice and Virgil ; he is a farmer in Pitt township: Frank, who married Miss Annie Disher and is engaged in farming in Tymochtee township; Fred, who 356 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. wedded Miss Lillie Crawford and by her has one son, Homer, and is farming in Pitt township; Albert, who married Miss Adella Swan and has two children, Florence and Vera, and is farming with subject; Ida, the wife of Henry Failor, lives in Antrim township; Della:, who wedded Jesse Swan, has one child, Eva, and resides in Crane township; Lewis, at home, associated with his. father on the estate; Alvena, the wife of Fred Swartz, and has one child, Miriam, and lives in Crane township; Bertha, at home. Mr. Althouse takes much interest in public affairs. He is. a stanch Democrat in, national affairs, but in local affairs he casts his vote or franchise for the than best fitted for the office, regardless, of party lines. His first presidential rate was cast for "the little giant of the west," Stephen A. Douglas. He has served his township two terms as trustee and is also a member of the. Evangelical church, of which he has also.been trustee and secretary and treasurer. He `is a man. of excellent morals and is active in church work. He has a fine farm and home and is one of the most prominent men in this section of the county. For thirty-nine years Mrs. Althouse has been a true and loving wife and she reared an honorable faMily of children. She nobly stood by the. side of her husband in his efforts to establish their home. This home is her pride and her paradise. Our subject and his wife have in their possession some magnificent specimens of deer antlers and have often seen deer near their home. They also possess an old parchment deed of entry of the land upon which they now reside It is dated November 5, 1846, and bears the signature of James K. Polk. There are now .few of these relics in existence and they should be treasured.. Our subject was in the early days inured to the work of driving ox teams and was considered an expert in this line. THADDEUS BANKS ARMSTRONG. This gentleman is one of the best-known agriculturists now living in Eden township, Wyandot county, Ohio, has been a resident here since 1844, and in this county volunteered as a defender of the nation's honor in the war of the Rebellion. He was born in Lewistown, Mifflin county, Penn., April 22, 1830, and is a son of James L. and Eliza Jane (McConahy) Armstrong, the former of whom was born in Armstrong county, Penn., and the later in Mifflin county, in the same state. James. Armstrong, grandfather of Thaddeus B., was a native of Ireland, and was a mere lad: when he came to America and found a home near Pittsburg, Penn., where he grew to manhood's years and passed his life in farming, partly in Allegheny county and partly in Armstrong and Clarion counties. Grandfather McConahy was also a native of Ireland, and for some time lived in Lewistown, Mifflin county, Penn., whence he came to Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, about 1832. He was a. blacksmith and wagonmaker by trade, and later became a merchant, continuing in the latter vocation after coming. to Ohio doing business in Ashland and Savannah. His children, nine in number, are now all deceased, viz : Andrew, David, John, James., Grimes, Joseph, Robert, Eliza and Rachel Ruth. To James Armstrong were born eleven children, viz: Peggy, Betsy, John, William, James L., An- BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 357 drew, Thomas, Daniel, Samuel, Joseph and Robert. James L. Armstrong early learned the trade of a blacksmith and for many years worked at his trade in New York state and in Lewistown, Penn., for six or seven years, and for some time in Clarion county, Penn. In 1839 he came to Ohio and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Ashland county from his father, who owned several large tracts of land in that county. James L. farmed on this place until the fall of 1848, and in that year they erected a hewed-log house, which was ready for the reception of the family in the spring of the coming year. In 1859 all who had been left behind came by wagon to Eden township and, entered upon the occupancy of the new structure, which stood on a tract of fifty acres in section 22, deep in the heavily timbered forest. Here the father. continued to work at his trade and to assist in clearing up his land. He became a well-known and favorite citizen., helped to lay out the public roads and was elected township treasurer and township trustee. His death took place June 26, 1883, and that of his wife January 28, 1885, both dying in the faith of the Presbyterian. church. The children born to James, L. and Eliza Jane (McConahy) Atinstrong were six in number and were named as follows : Thaddeus Banks ; Drusilla, deceased wife of Ranson Carr; Ursula, now deceased, who resided in Nevada, this. county ; Rachael E., wife of Capt. R. W. Pool, also of Nevada; James. C., an employe of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad Company ; and Peninah Jane, who died in 1857, when twenty years old. Thaddeus B. Armstrong, until the spring of 1856, lived with the old folks at home and in 1857 went to Kansas and Colorado, and engaged in freighting across the plains .between Lawrence, Kan., and Pike's Peak and up the Missouri river, making eight trips, With an outfit of his own. On one of these trips he met and conversed with Kit Carson, the famous scout and Indian fighter, with: whom he formed quite a friendship.. Mr. Armstrong was also engaged, for three years off and on, at Spanish Baranssell's Gulch and the Gregory diggings. In the course of his various business trips and excursions Mr. Armstrong had many conflicts with. Indians, and another vexatious difficulty he was forced to overcome was the growth of buffalo grass. Mr. Armstrong. was absent in the west about five years, and. on his return home he married, July' 4, 1862, Miss Caroline Beer, a daughter of Nicholas. and Elriora (Neyerr) Beer, natives of near Strassburg, Germany. She: was also a native of the fatherland, having been born October 9, 1842, in the little village of Leiling, near Strassburg, the latter place noted for its beautiful cathedral. When Caroline was four years old her parents emigrated to America,. taking passage at Havre on a sailing vessel and landing at New York forty-two days later. Thence they went to Buffalo, via the Erie canal, and in 1851 or 1852 settled in Wyandot county, Ohio. Mrs.. Armstrong still fluently speaks the German language. She is kind and affectionate in, her attitude toward others and nearly a half century has proved herself a devoted and faithful helpmeet to her husband. They began life in the virgin, frontier with very limited cash capital, but a bountiful stock of energy and ambition, and this, coupled with frugality and sound judgment, have enabled them to amass a com- 358 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS fortable competence. To this felicitous union have been born eleven children, namely : Hunter, Hattie and Mary Ellen, all of whom died young; Howard, farming in Eden township and married to Ida Haas; Benjamin R., a merchant in Little York, Ohio, was married to Addie Gifford; James M. married to Ella Haas ; Bessie J., wife of William Althouse, tile manufacturer in Sycamore, . Ohio; Myrtle and Anna Edna, at home; Robert A., in partnership with his brother in Little York, and Bernice, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have reared an honorable family and gave to each of their children gOod practical educations. Among them, Anna Edna his prepared herself for the profession of teaching, while Myrtle has acquired .a splendid musical education. The military. career of Mr. Armstrong began in Kansas, when he enlisted at Lawrence in the spring of 1861, in Company B, First Kansas Volunteer Infantry. He saw service in Kansas and Missouri with this regiment until 1861, when he was honorably discharged. In 1864 he re-enlisted, but this time in Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Upper Sandusky, for one hundred days, under Capt. Gibson and Col. Hunt. He was in numerous skirmishes and serious conflicts in connection with the Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, and received his final discharge September 1, 1864. He bore with fortitude and unwavering bravery the perils of a soldier's life, but passed through Pall without a serious injury. After his return from the war Mr. Armstrong purchased a part of the old homestead from his father and now owns' one hundred and thirty acres in all. His pu chase was covered with a growth of heavy timber which he succeeded in clearing o or at least as much of it as suited his purpose as a farmer. He made all the improvements on this farm that were necessary. for profit and comfort and in 1878 erected his present modern dwelling. As an agriculturist he has made a decided success and is now ranked among the leading farmers of Eden township. In politics Mr. Armstrong is a. Republican and has served his fellow townsmen as land appraiser and. township clerk. Fraternally Mr. Armstrong was made a Mason in Upper Sandusky in 1852 and is now a member of Nevada Lodge, No. 343, in which he has held the exalted. office of worshipful master. He is also a member of Leith Post, No. 127, G. A. R., at Nevada, Wyandot county. His family are members of the 4 Methodist Episcopal church and he is a liberal contributor financially to its support, and is also one of the most public-spirited citizens of the township, ever ready to aid in all things that tend toward the public weal. With such as he the prosperity of any township may be well assured as a certainty. FRANK HOLMES. Probably no resident of Wyandot county, Ohio, is more popular with the general public than Frank Holmes, the genial and very able editor, of the Nevada Enterprise. He was born August 4, 1862, in Upper Sandusky, this county, his father being the late Dr. Samuel W. Holmes, a prominent physician of many years standing. Dr. Holmes BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 359 was born in Marion, Ohio, and married Miss Sarah E. Ensminger, a native of Hancock county. He first practiced his profession in his native village and later moved to Wyandot county, locating at Carey, where he remained six years. He then moved to. Upper Sandusky and was a successful practitioner for twenty years, accumulating sufficient means to enable him to retire from business. He passed to his reward in 1890 and is well remembered as one of the able and skillful practitioners of the county. His widow survives him and makes her home with her son, Frank. Dr. Holmes was one of the successful men of Wyandot county and in addition to his extended practice owned and opcrated a farm. in Crane township. He was prominent in Masonic circles and an active Republican. There were eight children born to them; namely : Emma, deceased, married Avery Henderson; Charles H., who died at the age Of forty years; Anna, deceased, married N. R. Peugh; Frank, our subject; Rosie, who married Frank Hauck, and resides in the state of New York ; Mayme, wife of A. J. Shaner, a resident of Pemberville, Ohio ; Hattie, who resides with her sister in Pemberville; and Richard R., deceased. The educational advantages obtained by Frank Holmes were acquired in the schools of Upper Sandusky, and while still young in years he learned the trade of a printer, . working one year in the .Union office and six months in the office of the Marion Independent. On. May 29, 1880, he published the first number of the Sycamore Star and continued that publication three years to a. day when he sold the paper to the News Publishing Company. He is a born journalist and would be out of his element in any other business than that of editor, this field offering suitable scope for the display of his talents, which are of that order promising a rich future for him in the field of literature. November 1, 1883, he purchased a half interest in the Nevada Enterprise, his partner being J. M. Wilcox, and has raised the standard of the publication to that of one of the best sheets in the county. He has occupied the editorial chair since 1885, and his editorials are replete with logic and reasoning, touching briefly upon the important questions which occupy the public mind and expressing his views clearly and concisely. He is a deep thinker and a brilliant writer, his articles being brief, pithy and to the point. The Enterprise was started into existence January 1, 1872, by the Rev. A. B.. Kirtland, a Lutheran divine, and has grown and flourished under the administration of its present management until it has a circulation of eight hundred and sixty copies, nine hundred being put out each week. Besides the regular work of the paper the company also do a large amount of. job printing,. which is the source of a neat income. Mr. Holmes entered the matrimonial state on Christmas day, 1883, his bride being Miss Ella, daughter of John L. and Ella (McGlen) Turner, of Sycamore, Ohio. She is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Harrisburg, that state, August 16,. 1866. Two offspring have been the fruits of this union, two bright little sons, William, S., who was born July 22, 1885, and Oscar U., who, made his appearance March 15, 1898. Mr. Holmes is one of the popular young men of Nevada and is now serving his third term, as clerk of the village. He is unswerving in his allegiance to the Republican party and is prominent in social 360 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. circles, being a member of the Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 234, of this village; Lodge No. 625, I. O. O. F. ; and Nevada Court, No. 74, Tribe of Ben Hur. He is genial and cordial in his bearing, easily approached and attracts friends as the magnet does the needle, while those for whom he forms an attachment may be as certain of his unfaltering friendship as that the orb of day will appear each morning on his daily round. NOAH KOTTERMAN. A scientific and successful farmer of Salem township, whose advice is sought for and heeded in all branches of agriculture, is the worthy subject of this brief biographical account. He is a native of Perry county, Ohio, and son of Michael and Sarah (King) Kotterman, who were born in Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. When a lad of twelve years Michael Kotterman was taken to Ohio by his parents and he grew to manhood amid the stirring scenes of pioneer times, the family being among the first to locate in what is now the township of Hopewell, Perry county. His father was a typical pioneer of the early day and a man of local repute. He bore an active part in the development of the section of country where he settled and lived to be quite an old man, dying at the advanced age of ninety-two. Michael Kotterman learned blacksmithing when a young man and later carried on the trade in connection with agricultural pursuits in the county of Perry, where he continued to reside until his removal, in 1848, to Wyandot county. He purchased one hundred and eight acres of partially improved land on Sandusky river, two miles north of Little Sandusky, and, improving the same, subsequently bought an additional tract of seventy-eight acres. He became one of the leading farmers of the community and accumulated a liberal share of this world's goods) much of which is still owned by his descendants. Few men were as widely and favorably known as Michael Kotterman. He possessed a strong and active mind and for many years served his neighbors as an adviser in matters of business, by his wise counsel frequently adjusting which otherwise would have resulted in litigation. Politically he was a Democrat of the Jacksonian school and as such early became one of the party: leaders in. the township of Pitt. As a member of the Lutheran church he was instrumental in doing much good for the cause of religion and his heart and hand were ever open to the cry of the poor and unfortunate of his neighborhood. He was indeed a representative citizen and the wholesome influence which he exerted is still felt in the community, where so much of his life was spent. Coming from. a family noted for longevity, he, too, lived to a good old age, dying in his eighty-seventh year. The parents of Mrs. Kotterman were Peter and Sarah King. They moved from Pennsylvania to. Perry county, Ohio, during the pioneer period and spent the remainder of their lives on the place. where they originally settled. Peter King served in the war of 1812 and is remembered as a fairly successful man and useful citizen. Mrs. Kotterman was reared On the old homestead in Perry county and died in the county of Wyandot at the age of seventy-two; she was the mother of eight children, namely Levi, a soldier of the late Civil war, was wounded BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 361 at the second battle of Bull Run and later died from the effect of his injury.; Caroline, deceased; Susanna, deceased; Solomon, a farmer and stock raiser of Pitt township; Noah, our subject, and David, a merchant of Fairland, Ill. Two children died in infancy unnamed. Noah Kotterman dates his birth from the 3d day of June, 1841, and he spent the first seven years of his life on the home place in Perry county. In 1848 he was brought by his parents to ,Wyandot courity, where he grew to maturity, meantime attending the district schools. and obtaining as good an education as could be imparted by the teachers then employed. At the age of twenty-two he began working for wages as a farm laborer and was thus engaged about two years, when he married and took charge of his father's farm. After running the place one year he rented land in Pitt township, where he resided about the same length of time and them returned to the homestead, which he cultivated with fair success for one season. Mr. Kotterman's next venture was in the direction, of the lumber business. He purchased a. sawmill in Seneca county, which he operated two years, disposing of it at the expiration of that time and removing to Perry county, where he bought a small farm and again turned his attention to agriculture. After spending eleven years there he came back to Wyandot county and in September; i'881, purchased the place. in Salem township, which he has since made his home. This farm is situated in the oil belt and is at present leased to the Ohio Oil Company. There are now upon the place three producing wells which yield to the subject a fair annual income. Mr. Kotterman makes a specialty of the raising of Poland China hogs and has been very successful in this business. Mr. Kotterman's marriage, to which allusion has been made, was solemnized on the 29th day of November, 1864, with Miss Lovina Zartman, of Perry county, a union to which were born seven, children: Laura V., wife of Forrest Hurd; Carrie, wife of Harry Huffman; Hattie, now Mrs. Chase Clemons; Sarah, who married William Roup; Osa, wife of William Cross.; Bertha, wife of Frank Swaviel; and Calvin W. Mrs.. Kotterman died on the 17th day of July, 1900. She was highly regarded as a friend and neighbor and as wife and mother her life was a grand but simple sacrifice upon the altar of duty. In her youth she joined the Reformed church, but on coming to this country and finding no society of that denomination she united with the Methodist church. and remained faithful to the same until summoned to the church tri umphant above. Mr. Kotterman has always manifested a lively interest in the affairs of his township and for a period of six years served as its trustee. He was also constable for nine years and might have had other positions of trust and profit had he seen fit to accept them. He is a Democrat in his , political views; but in matters purely local votes for the man instead of adhering closely to party. The Methodist creed represents his religious belief and for a number of years he has been an active and influential member, filling the office of classLleader, Sunday-school superintendent and trustee. In business Mr. Kotterman has been signally successful, having, risen from comparative obscurity to a conspicuous place among the prominent farmers and stock raisers of Salem town- 362 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. -ship. He has one hundred and fifty acres of land and he has cleared and developed eighty-five acres in excellent tillage, besides meeting an obligation of five thousand dollars, which he assumed when purchasing his, place. In many respects he is a model farmer, and as a stock raiser his success has been most encouraging. He aims to be progressive in what he: does, is always in sympathy with enterprises having for their object the 'common good, and his influence is invariably exerted on the right side of every moral issue. Like all men of positive character and independence of mind, he is outspoken in defense of what he considers right, and his convictions are such that his neighbors and fellow citizens know well his position on all questions of a political, moral and religious nature. His private life has been exemplary and his amiable traits of character and many virtues have made him widely popular throughout the county. B. F. CROWL. It will be found upon examination that the Person who lives the quietest and most uneventful life, one that is free, on the one hand, from too great a degree of toil; and free, on the other, from nervous excitement, such. as falls to the lot of the dwellers in the cities, will live the longest span' on this earth It seems that all persons are given at the outset of their lives only about so much vi-- tality, and if they squander it before they reach maturity, or if they squander it too fast at any stage of their careers, it means a premature death. Like a candle, they burn out too fast and are left nothing but a wick, black and unsightly. But the quiet and steady life is what counts. Such a person has great reserves of vital force which he can call into action at any emergency and is thus enabled to make a better showing in a crisis than the person who is ready to fall to pieces at the least excitement. The subject of this sketch is one of the citizens of this county who has had the wisdom to. save his best powers for suitable occasions. He was born December 22, 1840, and is the son of .Michael and Polly (Urey) Crowl, both of whom were natives of Stark county, Ohi0, and both of Germanic. descent. The parents moved to Hancock county at a very early day, took up a. tract of wild land, which was covered. with a dense forest of timber, and after erecting a rude log house began to clear off the trees and brush. It seemed A great task, but it was not so if time be not taken into consideration. With an abundance of time at his disposal a farmer could create wonders. He could not only strip a tract of woodland of its trees and brush, but could also dislodge the stumps, which were the most annoying objects a farmer had to encounter. This is what the elder Crowls had before them and this is what they did. They created a comfortable home in the wilds, contended with wild animals, met all opposing obstacles. with faith in the goodness. of God and in time built up a splendid home to which the children in after years could look back with satisfaction and pride: The father and mother were members of the! German Reformed church, and were people of the most conservative habits. They lived honest and industrious lives and at their deaths were mourned by a large retinue of friends. They were the parents of three children, as follows : B. F., the subject; BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 363 Isaac, who lives in Hancock county on the old place,. and Rachel; who, upon reaching womanhood was united in marriage with John H. Mellott, a resident of Hancock county. The subject of this memoir lived with his parents until his marriage, managing in the meantime to save up ,a considerable sum of money. In 1875 he was united in matrimony with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Neate, of .Wyandot county. The only child born to this union was a son, who died on the 19th of December, 1879. Immediately succeeding his marriage he engaged in his trade, that of carpenter and joiner, and resided on the old farm in Hancock county, which he continued to farm until 1890. In the meantime he had bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Wood county, which he now sold, and with'the proceeds of the sale bought his present place in Eden township. He first bought one hundred and forty-six acres and purchased a home in Nevada, Ohio. He carries on general farming and also raises good grades of live stock to some extent. He has followed farming the most of his life and understands at its best that branch of industry. He has been successful beyond what falls to. the lot of many and should be given. credit for his industry and his honorable life. He is an adherent of the Lutheran church and stands high as a citizen and a man. Politically he is nonpartisan and casts his vote for the man he deems best fitted far the office. Before closing this biography, it would be fitting to, note briefly the record of our subject's immediate ancestors. Grandfather Crowl was born in Germany, but some time previous to the war of the Revolution he accompanied his parents upon their emigration to America. They settled in eastern Pennsylvania. Upon the outbreak of the war for independence grandfather Crowl.. tooyk up arms in behalf of the patriots, and served, two enlistments as private under General Washington. He participated in many sanguinary conflicts when his. comrades were killed all about him, but through all these dangers and many other hardships, and privations he safely passed. Subsequently he married and removed to the Buckeye state, locating near the Ohio river.. He became the father of six children, two sons and four daughters. Of this family our subject's father, Michael Growl, was the youngest, he having been born February 15, 1802. Afterward the family removed to Stark county, Ohio, eight miles east of Canton., where both the parents died. Here the three children of Michael Crowl were born B. F. on November 22, 1838; Isaac,. October 22, 1840; and Rachel Ann, February 14, 1843. Here also these parents both died, the gather September 26, 1888, and the mother May 18, 1853. Eli, the only 'son, of Isaac and Eliza Growl, was. born in March, 1876, and died in. January, 1886.. Their daughter, Jennie, now Mrs. Bert Price, and the daughter of Rachel, Milton Mellott, are the only living grandchildren of Michael Growl. REV. GODFREY BLASER. It is generally considered by those in the habit of superficial thinking that the history of so-called great men only is worthy of preservation and that little merit exists among the maws to call forth the praises of 364 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. the historian or the cheers and the appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake wa.s never made. No man is great in all things and very few are great in many things. Many by a lucky stroke achieve: lasting fame, who before that had no reputation beyond the limits of their neighborhoods. It is not :a history of the lucky stroke which benefits humanity most, but the long study and effort which made the lucky stroke possible. It is the preliminary work, the method, that :serves as a guide for the success of others. Among those in this county who have achieved success along steady lines of action is the subject of this memoir. He was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, on August 3, 1833, and is the son of Ulrich and Barbara (Lehman) Blaser, both of whom were natives of the same place. The father was a weaver by trade and was a man of industrious and upright habits. He came to America in 1834 and located first in Holmes county, Ohio, where he bought two hundred acres of .partly improved land. There he resided until his death. He and his wife lvere members of the German Reformed church, and both led pure, exemplary lives, passing away with the highest respect of their many friends. To them were born a fainily of fourteen, as follows : John, Barbara, Frederick, Christian, Elizabeth, Gotlieb, Mary, Elizabeth, Sophia, Godfrey (subject), Therisa,, Caroline, Ferdinand, one that died in infancy, and william. Godfrey Blaser remained at home, with his parents, obtaining a fair education in the old fashioned schools and showing great fondness for books and learning. In 1856 he married Miss Rosanna, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Kuenzli, of Holmes county. To. Mr. Blaser and wife the following family were born : Rev. J. H., of Henry county, Ill., an: Evangelical minister who was ordained in 1884, and was stationed in Ohio for six years, in Texas three Years and in Illinois nine years. His wife was formerly MiSs Tillie Gruener. Emma Caroline, who died young. Aurelia, who married William Swan and had one child, Mamie, and died at the age of twenty-three years, Williana J., who married. Miss Pearl Swan. and with subject is engaged in farming". They have three children: Wayne, Ruth and Homer. Ida, who married Frank Swan,. lives in Crane 'township and has one child—Irene Dorothy. Jonathan W., a druggist at Barberton, Ohio. Amelia, who died unmarried. Bertha, who died young. Alice, who died young. Reuben, who died in New Mexico, aged twenty-seven. Benjamin F., who attended school at Ada, Ohio, and graduated with the class of 1901 in classical course and is now a student of law in the same college. Albertina., who died unmarried; Theresa, who married B. C. Flowers and resides in Richland county, Ohio, and has one child, Neva Catharine. After his marriage Godfrey Blaser began farming operations on the old place in Holmes county, and so continued until 1860, when he came to this county and located in Eden township. He bought eighty acres on section 36, located his family there and began to farm and raise stock.. Here he has remained to the present time. His wife having died February 8, 1887, he married, on June 18, 1889, Miss Sarah Enfield, of Wayne county, Ohio. She was born in Somerset county, Penn., on the 15th of April, 1841, the daughter of Emanuel and Mary (Weimer) Enfield. She was reared in her native county. and was educated in BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 365 both the English and German languages. She is a lady of genial manner and cheerful disposition and contributes much to the happiness of the home circle. Mr. Baser has given all his children, good educations and thus fitted them for higher citizenship and more useful lives. In 1867 he was ordained in the ministry of the Evangelical church and continued to preach for that organization until 1887, having congregations in Logan, Wayne, Richland, Holmes, Crawford and Wyandot counties. He also filled other circuits, among which are Morgan and Perry counties, and elsewhere. He has been justice of the peace for three years, and is one of the strongest temperance workers in this portion of the state. Politically, on. national issues, Mr. Blaser is a Prohibitionist, but in local affairs he disregards party lines and votes for the man. he considers best qualified for the office. Religiously he worships at the church in Eden township and aided . in the erection of the edifice. It is worthy of note that Mr. Blaser has in his possession on old parchment deed, dated November 5, 1846, and bearing the! signature of President James K. Polk, and which is highly prized as a relic. He is self educated, and no citizen stands. higher in, the estimation of the people. His life has been. filled with .good deeds and right living, and. the morals of himself and family are above reproach. JUDGE THOMAS D. LANKER. Clearly defined purpose and consecutive effort in the affairs of life will inevitably result in the termination of a clue measure of success, but in following out the career of one who has. attained success by his own efforts there comes into view the intrinsic individuality which has made such .accomplishment possible, and thus there.is granted an objective incentive and inspiration, while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration. The qualities which have made Judge Lanker one of the prominent and successful Men of Wyandot county have also brought him the esteem of all with whom he has been brought into contact, for his career has been one of well-directed energy, strong determination and nonorable Methods. Thomas D. Lanker, who now fills the responsible office of probate judge of Wyandot county, Ohio, is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born at Broken Sword, Crawford county, on the 26th. of June, 1854. His grandfather, Phillips Lanker, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a pioneer of Crawford county, Ohio. He was of German ancestry, by trade was both a farmer and cabinetmaker, and politically was a Democrat. He was fairly successful in business and after an active and useful life passed away in Crawford county at the age of sixty-five years. The father of our subject, Thomas Lanker, was born in Dauphin county, Penn., and in 1832 or 1833, when about ten years of age, accompanied his parents on their migration to Ohio. His early life was spent upon a farm in Crawford county and he became thoroughly inured to the toil necessary to that calling. In 1860 he came to Wyandot county and purchased a farm in Eden township, near the county line. This tract comprised two hundred and eighty acres. of fine soil and here he made his home and lived the remainder of his life. By his 366 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. own exertions he became quite well-to-do, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. In politics he was a Democrat and held various local offices of trust and responsibility. He died February 29, 1888, aged sixty-six years. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan Cochran, was a native of Fredericktown, Md., and came to Ohio when about eighteen years of age. She survived her husband several years, passing away in December, 1893, at the age of seventy-two years. The union of this worthy couple was blessed by the birth of nine children, four of whom died in early childhood. Those who reached years of maturity were: William, a resident of Findlay, Ohio; James S., of Morrow county; Ohio; Miles B., of Van Wert, Ohip; Thomas D., our subject, and Joseph A., who conducts the old homestead. Judge Thomas D. Lanker was about five years of age when he was brought to Wyandot county and until nineteen years of age he remained at home attending to the manifold duties. of the farm, during this time also attending the public schools. So proficient was he in his studies that he was then licensed to teach., and for two terms he conducted the Oak Ridge school in. Antrim township, this county. Then. he tended a summer school, after which he engaged. in teaching for a number of years in this and Crawford counties. During this time, to the end that he might become better equipped for this work, he attended summer training schools at Fostoria and Ada, Ohio, and at Valparaiso, Ind. However, the legal profession had long had an attraction for him, so he earnestly took up the study of law and was admitted to the. bar in October, 1892, at Columbus. Returning to Upper Sandusky he immediately began the active practice of his profession and continued successfully in its prosecution until February 9, 1898, upon which date he assumed his. present office, previously having filled the office of city solicitor of Upper , Sandusky, for two years.. He was re-elected to the office of probate judge in the fall of 1900 and is still performing in a satisfactory manner the duties. of the office. At the last election, so emphatic was the demand for his retention in the office, that there was no opposition to his election. Judge Lanker has been a life-long Democrat, active and influential in the counsels of his party. When but twenty-four years. of age he held the office of clerk of Eden township, and four years later, in 1882, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace. So satisfactory was his administration of justice that he was twice re-elected to the latter office, holding it during three terms, nine years in all. As a further evidence of the high regard in which Judge Lanker has been held by his constituents, it may also be stated that he was, during this period, elected mayor of Nevada on the Democratic ticket, though the town usually casts, a Republican majority. He also served on the school board of Nevada, and has ever taken a particular interest in the educational affairs of his community. Socially our subject was a charter member of K. of P. Lodge, No. 234, at Nevada, Ohio, and after coming here became a member of Lodge, No. 174, K. of P., of Upper Sandusky. On, the 14th of March, 1878, Mr. Lanker was united in marriage with Miss Sallie E. Spocht, of Nevada., this county. She is a genial and intelligent lady and has proven a faithful helpmate to her husband. She BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 367 is a faithful and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. Our subject still owns a one-fourth interest in the old homestead, the estate having never been divided. He and his wife have earned and occupy an enviable standing in their community, being numbered among those whose efforts are always directed to the moral, educational and ...social uplifting of society. W. A. WOLFE. W. A. Wolfe, mayor of the village of Nevada, Ohio, and one of the prosperous merchants. of that commonwealth, was born in this vicinity July 18, 1860, is a son of David B. and a grandson of Joseph and Margaret (Baughman.) Wolfe, the grandfather from Pennsylvania and the grandmother from Ohio. They were the parents of eleven children, among whom. was David B. Wolfe, the father of our subject. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, January 15, 1833, and was there reared and educated, learning, the trade of a carpenter. In 1855 he came to Nevada where he worked at his trade until 1872, building up a good business and winning the confidence and esteem ofall. Two years of his life had been spent in Montana and other western states, but he found no place more to his liking than Wyandot county and in 1872 he purchased an interest in the general merchandise business of H. H. Welsh. He prospered in this enterprise and five years after he became a partner he purchased the entire interest of Mr. Welsh and conducted the store alone. He is one of the stable, reliable business men of Wyandot county whose patrons. extend over a wide territory. He was married September 27, 1859, to Miss Almira B. Souder, daughter of William, and Nancy (Stevens) Soudet, of Crawford county, and a family of five children resulted, namely: William A., subject of this sketch ; Mertie L., born February 2, .1862; Anna M., born March 21, 1878 ; and two who have entered the portals: of eternity, Otto C., who was born May 15, 1872, and died August 20 of the following year, and Paul; who was born March 7, 1876, and lived but one short month, dying April 4. Mr. Wolfe is a Democrat and served as town commissioner for several years and also as a member of the council. He is an active Mason and has acted as. worshipful master of the lodge. W. A. Wolfe is a noble product of Nevada, having been born, educated and reared in this village where his business interests are centered and where he is one of the influential citizens. After leaving the school room he entered his: father's store, where he remained as a clerk for fifteen years, his courteous and accommodating manners winning for him many friends, who liked to trade with the agreeable youth. He was a valuable assistant to his father, but was desirous of engaging in business for himself, and in 1893 opened his present store, dealing in jewelry, watches and clocks; hardware specials, bicycles, etc., while he repairs bicycles and lawn mowers and grinds knives and repairs musical instruments. He has brought with him to the new business a host of his old customers and friends and is constantly adding to his. list of patrons, his well-known integrity giving him an enviable reputation with all classes of people. He has built up a large trade and is one of the 368 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. prosperous and reputable business men of the community. Mr. Wolfe was joined in marriage November 6, 1898, to Miss. Mayme Knenzli, who is a. native of WYandot. county, but of Swiss descent. Her father met with a violent death near Nevada, having been killed by the cars. One son, Ogden B., and one daughter, have blessed their union and added joy to the household. Mr. Wolfe is. an honored member of the Knights of Pythias and is. one of the popular men of the county. He is a Democrat and is. now serving hiS tenth year as mayor of the village, his duties being discharged in such a. manner as to win the praise of even his most bitter opponent. He is public spirited to .a fault and lets nothing stand in the way of the city's. interests, while he works continually for the welfare of the community. BARNEY MICHENFELDER. The subject of this review, a well-known citizen of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, has been an important factor in business circles, and his popularity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabated energy and industry. He is public spirited and takes a deep interest in whatever tends to promote the intellectual and material welfare. of the community in which he has so long resided. Barney Michenfelder, the proprietor of the Upper Sandusky Brewery, first saw the light of day in Bavaria, Germany, on the l0th day of July, 1864. He remained in his native land until his sixteenth year, going to school some and also receiving some instructions in the art of brewing. Though young in years, he was, energetic and ambitious, and, believing that in the United States he would find better opportunities and greater reward, for honest effort, he decided to emigrate. He crossed the Atlantic on the. Steamship "Nora," and landed in New York city on the T6th or 17th of August, 1881. Proceeding at once to Detroit, Michigan, he, obtained employment in a brewery. His brief experience in the old country had, in a meastire, prepared him for this work, and so. capably .and efficiently did he serve his employers that he remained in that city for ten or twelve years. Then, still further to perfect his knowledge of the business, he went to Chicago, Illinois, and for four months. attended the Brewers Academy. Upon leaving- this institution he returned to Detroit, Michigan, and was given, charge of a brewery there, retaining that position three. years. He then went across the line into Canada and for a Erne had charge of a brewery there. In 1898 Mr. Michenfelder came to, Upper Sandusky. and bought the brewery plant here. It was not at that time in a very flourishing condition, and here he had a chance to exercise the qualities which have been the secret of his success. He at once proceeded to put the plant into, the proper. shape for the manufacture of first-class beer. He had never been' satisfied with doing things in a half-way or slip-shod manner, and he determined that the product should be of the best quality. He has always given the entire plant his personal supervision, doing nearly all the work himself, and succeeded in putting upon the market an article which has gained, a wide popularity. The "Wyanclot Pride" has the reputation of being a high-class beer. The brewery. BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 369 now has a capacity of between six thousand and seven thousand .barrels a year. Mr. Michenfelder is, at present, remodeling and improving his buildings at an estimated cost of between $8,000 and $10,000, and when these improvements are completed he will have a splendid pieCe of property. While in Detroit Mr. Micherifelder married Miss Mary Krotz, a resident of that city. She is an amiable and intelligent lady and is popular with a large circle of acquaintances. Politically Mr. Michenfelder is a Democrat, and has been quite active, in advocating the policies and principles of his party in the county of Wyandot. During his four years residence in Upper Sandusky he has always. stood for the material advancement of his city, and by his courteous manners and genial disposition has gained for himself a large circle of friends. ANDREW JACKSON BEAM. What characterizes the present age of industry, in contrast with. all that have gone before is the great and wonderful diversity of pursuits. One merchant of to-day will handle nothing but hats, another nothing but stationery, another nothing but shirts, and so on. To a considerable extent this holds good on the farm as well as in the city. The farmer turns his attention to some specific branch of farming, and only pursues the others so far as they will aid him in making a success of the one. In following the one he but observes the tendency of the times to concentrate all his attention and skill on certain lines, which are thus sure to be vastly more successful than if his efforts were scattered over many occupations. Thus it is found that some farmer's make a specialty of raising certain grade's of stock, to the exclnsion, of general farming except as the latter will aid him with his stock. It has been thus with the subject of this memoir, who is one of the leading farmers and one of the most prominent citizens of. this portion of the county. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, August 20, 1827, and is. the son of Isaac Beam, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and Martha Merritt Beam, of Washington county, the same state. The father moved. to Knox county, Ohio, and was there reared to maturity on the farm, receiving in youth a fair education at the early schools. He selected farming for his occupation through life, but concluded that it was best for every boy to learn a trade, and therefore learned the trade of coopering, which he followed in conjunction with farming. He died in Knox county in 1833, but his widow survived him until 1866, when she passed away. at Fort Wayne, Ind. During the war of 1812 he served as a bearer of dispatches and otherwise saw active service. To he and his Wife seven children were born, as follows : Sallie, who married Jacob Albaugh, both husband and wife being dead; Phoebe, who married Isaiah Wilson ; Maria, who married. E. Edwards; Sophia, who became the wife of John Kearns ; William, who married Miss Maria Bell, and upon her death married Miss May Huff Andrew Jackson, the subject; and a son that died: in infancy. When our subject's father died, at the age of forty years, his widow married David Grosbury. Andrew J. was about fifteen years old when he left home to seek his fortune. He went to live with his uncle, John Beam, and continued with him for four and a half years, or until 1848, 370 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. when he came alone to this township—to the Indian. Mills. Here he bought eighty acres and' has resided ever since, engaged in farming and rearing live stock of the better grades. He has put a vast amount of hard work on his place, as there was much standing timber when he first came here. His mother and brothers had preceded him to this county, but Mrs. Beam had gone on to Fort Wayne. Andrew J. resided in Crane township for twenty years:, He then sold his place .and went to Upper Sandusky, where he remained for two years, He then secured his present place in Eden township, buying eighty acres, of good land, known as the Folk place. In 18— he married Miss Matilda McKilby, of Germany, by whom he has the following children: Martha; who died young; John, who was married to a Miss Lowrey and is engaged in farming in Crawford county; James, at home. Mr. Beam has followed general. farming to the exclusion of other difficult branches of husbandry. He has made an excellent success of life and stands high in his county. He is a Democrat and a Presbyterian, though he does not mix the two. He is one of the self-made men of this county, and has made a success of his undertakings notwithstanding his lack of education in early years. He is. well and favorably known throughout the county. C. R. FOWLER. It is customary for the people of the United States to look upon every boy as a possible future candidate for the Presidency and as a possible occupant of every or any Office within the gift of the people. This is the reason that all rejoice in the country and its. institutions, for all parents know that their boys may some day occupy the: highest positions in the land. There is something in this. thought to work for. Not' merely the accumulation of dollars and cents, but the acquirement of a proud and honorable position in society is something worth fighting for in the great war for existence. In pioneer times. people had enough to do to make a respectable living without taking into account the higher problems of society and civilization, but that time is past and a better time has arrived, with higher hopes, promises and rewards. Accordingly, where once stood the pioneer cabin is now the large and comfortable residence of the wealthy descendant, with its organ or piano, its college graduate, and. its Multitude of books and periodicals. But the children of to-day little reckon of the weary steps. taken by their fathers to reach this desirable state of advancement and comfort. The subject of this notice is the descendant of such a pioneer. C: R. Fowler's. birth occurred in Bradford county, Penn., on December 30, 1821. He is the son of Stephen and Leafy A. (Stevens) .Fowler, the former of whom was a native of the Green Mountain state and man far above the average in point of intellect and judgment. To Stephen and Leafy A. were born eight children: Finley F., who died in 1897 at the advanced age of eighty years and who resided in Arkansas; Olive, who upon reaching womanhood was United in marriage with Dr. Orin Ferris; subject; Betsey; who married S. M. Worth; Pike, who lives in Upper Sandusky; Leafy, who was married to Isaac Beesy ; Scott, who is now living in Colorado; Sarah. Stephen Fowler, when a young man, determined to BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 371 educate himself and pursue a professional career. Accordingly, he studied medicine the required period, passed the examination, and was duly given his license. In 1828 he removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio with his family, traversing the distance in covered wagons and camping out during nights. He located in what is now Pitt township on section 2, where he bought five hundred and eighty acres of heavily timbered land, upon, which was a small log dwelling with a puncheon floor and a stick chimney. Here he began the business of clearing off the timber, farming and practicing his profession. There were very few physicians then in this part of the state, and Dr. Fowler was often required to ride very long distances to his patients. He traveled by horse, carrying his medicines in his saddle-bags, and was sometimes gone a week at a time and even longer. On these trips he journeyed as far as Tiffin and Marion, seeing a score or more of patients as he progressed. He was a skillful physician for that day, and became known over a large section of the state. His intelligence, skill, energy and individuality made him very prominent wherever he went. His life was one of great duties and responsibilities, but was borne without flinching, and when he finally passed away a large concourse of people lamented his departure. His son, C. R. Fowler, the subject of this sketch, grew up on his father's farm, and was fortunate in having parents of intelligence and refinement to manage his youth and his education. He learned the whole routine of farm management, and continued with his father until he had reached the age of twenty-four years, when he began independent operations. He located on a farm of eight hundred acres in Mifflin township, on the Wyandot Reserve, upon which tract was a small Indian, cabin in which he lived for five years. He then returned to Pitt township and stayed for two years, having charge of the old homestead. After he returned from Mifflin township he bought two hundred and fifty acres upon which he located. Since that day he has thrived very rapidly, until now he owns a total of two thousand acres, constituting one of the largest and best farms in the whole country. This splendid farM is little short of a principality, with its residences and barns, its wells and its streams, its meadow and its woodland, and its,. vast fields of waving grain. It may almost be said that its thou- sands Of sheep and cattle graze over a hundred hills. Certainly, few farms in, the state surpass it in extent and magnificence. He has made a specialty of sheep rearing and culture, and now has a herd of four thousand of these animals. His success has been almost phenomenal, and attests his intelligence and judgment. In 1844 he married Miss. Catherine Nesbitt, who bore him six children: Hiram, who lives in Pitt township; Dwight, who also, lives in. Pitt township,; and. Myrtle, Charles, Elizabeth, and Sarah, deceased. Whether as a manager of the farm or as a public officer, Mr. Fowler has shown the highest capacity: The excellence of his judgment is well known throughout the entire county. As a Republican of the stalwart sort, he was elected county commissioner, and served with great credit to himself and the satisfaction of his fellow citizens. He is a man of great industry, excellent habits, and no one stands higher in the estimation of the community. 372 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. ERNEST R. IRMER. Ernest R. Irmer is one of the enterprising business men of Nevada, Ohio, who furnishes food for the hungry inhabitants of that thriving little village and is widely known and esteemed. He is a native of the German empire, having been born in Rosslau May 16, 1849. His father, William Inner, was born November 23, 1808, and was a well-known weaver of damask goods in his native country. He died in 1875. He was married to Miss Sophia Bock, who was. born December 18, 1812, in Rosslau and died December 1, 1901, in her native home. By her he was the father of seven children, namely : Augusta, deceased; Charlotte, deceased; William, deceased; Sophia, deceased ; Ernest ; Carl, a weaver in his native land; and Albert, who is engaged in teaching school in Germany. Ernest R. Irmer was well educated in the mother language, as were his brothers and sisters, and he remained with his parents until he had passed his sixteenth year. Boys in that country were trained to lives of usefulness, it being an unusual thing to find a young man who had not learned some trade or profession. Accordingly, young Irmer was sent to learn the trade of a baker, serving an apprenticeship of three and one-half years and later working at the craft in all the large cities. He spent two years as a journeyman, visiting Hanover, Vienna, Berlin and Dresden. In 1871 he sailed on board the "Weser" for the United States, landing at Castle Garden, New York, June 30, 1871. He at once settled in Newark, N. J., remaining there until the year following when he went to Syracuse, N. Y., and later visited the following cities : Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Delaware, Ohio, and finally locating in Nevada in 1875. He had orked at his, trade for other people in the various cities he had visited and after coming to this village he opened a bakery in the Reed block, putting in a line of groceries in order to bring him more business. He was. in that building twenty-five months when he moved into his present comfortable quarters in the brick block which he had just completed. He was now much more conveniently situated and was able to carry a full line. of groceries, his room having been limited heretofore. He gave his closest attention to his business and catered to the wants of his. customers until his patronage' became so extended that is was more than he could handle in justice to either himself or his customers, and he accordingly abandoned the bakery and devoted his entire attention to the grocery department. It has been about seven: years since he closed his bakery and he is still kept busy handling the large trade which his. courteous and considerate treatment brings to his store. Mr. Irmer was married June 1, 1876, to Miss Henrietta Woolsey, who died April 10, 1886, leaving five children, only two of whom survive, Inez May and Carl W., the latter an inmate of the institution for the blind at Columbus, Ohio. On October 13, 1886, he was again married, the bride being Miss Emma King, daughter of Frederick King, of this county. This union has been blessed by the birth of four children, viz.: One that died in babyhood; Clara; Catherine and Albertina. Mr. Irmer has been one of the prominent men of Nevada, representing his ward in town council and using his honest endeavors for the well-being of 'the village: He has been one of the fore- BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS - 373 most men of the community and in booming his business, has also boomed the town, his bargains bringing Many outside people. to the place to trade. He is prominent in Republican caucuses and is a member .of Lodge No. 343, F. & A. M., of Nevada. After he ad lived in America for a few years his heart longed for a glimpse of the old home, the mother and relatives who stayed in that country, and in 1881. he set forth across the Atlantic to visit,old scenes and revive memories of childhood. The visit ended, he retraced his. steps to his home in this country, content to cast his lot with those whose. patriotism is founded on independence, and whose industry brings wealth and affluence.   SAMUEL. L. MOSER. Of all the emigrants who reach the United States from the countries of Europe none show a greater aptitude in adapting themselves to our peculiar institutions than those who come from Switzerland. Having themselves lived in a country where one citizen is as good as another if he behaves himself as well, they almost immediately understand our political methods and customs and appreciate the advantages which, are offered by our laws. The result is that they are at once contented and straightway proceed to make the most of their new surroundings. After their home is established and they have attained some degree of comfort, they look around and soon take a warm and intelligent interest in our form of government, in our schools, in our churches, in the affairs of our county administration, and so forth. People who come from some monarchy require a considerable time to adjust their old ideas to the new conditions. Not so with emigrants from Switzerland, as was shown by the parents of otir subject when they came here. They at once understood our form of government and at once were. acting in conjunction with all our customs and laws. Samuel L. Moser, their son. and the subject of this brief notice, was born on the place where he now resides in Eden township, On the 6th of January, 1859. His parents were thrifty and intelligent people of Switzerland, who concluded that they could better their condition by coming to the United States. They were residents of the Canton of Berne, and in their youth had received fair educational advantages, though they were familiarized with hard work almost from the time they were old enough to go to school. The father's name was Nich, olas Moser and the mother's maiden name Miss Maria Leichty, both. natives of the same country, the latter, born in September, 1818. maturity Upon reaching they fell in love and were married May 26, 1843, and soon afterward determined to cross the ocean to, America. Accordingly, in 1858, they took passage, and in due season. were landed in New York harbor. They immediately came west and located at Winesburg, Holmes county, Ohio, until they could have time to look around and ascertain their bearings. This was in 1858. The following year they came to Eden township, Wyandot county, and bought eighty acres of wild land on section 24, where our subject now lives, and immediately put up a rude log cabin, in which the little family made its lime. They at once began clearing off the timber and had plenty of hard work before them. In time fully sixty acres were. thus 374 - BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS. cleared by these industrious people, and crops of heavy grain took the place of the dense forests of beech, oak, walnut, etc. Upon this old place the parents continued to reside until their respective deaths. The :father passed away August 20, 1888, aged seventy years, four months and seventeen days, and the mother at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, October 22, 1896. Their lives were full of industry, usefulness and good deeds. Their six children were as follows : Frederick, who married Miss Elizabeth Barden and lives near St. Joe, Missouri, aild is engaged in farming; Catherine married Jacob Tribolett, who lives in Putnam county, Ohio, and is occupied in farming; Christian, who wedded Miss Barbara Ann Ulrich and is farming in Taylor .county, Iowa; Simon, :a farmer of Crane township, who married Miss Eliza Walton; Rosetta became the wife of Joseph L. Courtad, who conducts a laundry at Bluffton, Ohio ; and subject. Samuel Moser was educated in the common schools of the county and grew to mature years on his father's farm. Being the youngest sore, he remained with his parents until their deaths, taking charge. of the old place. On May 24, 1883, our subject married Miss Rosetta Corfrnan, daughter of Abraham and Catherine (Coon) Corfman. ..Abraham Corfman was born October 8, 1830, and died November 29, 1894, and his wife, Catherine (Coon) Corfman, was born June 9, 1833, and died May 22, 1891. They were united in marriage April 24, 1859, and were the parents. of five children, three sons and two daughters, three of whom are yet living and residents of Wyandot county. Mrs. Moser was barn Wyandot -county, October 4, 1862, and received her education in the schools of her locality and one term's attendance at the schools of Upper .Sandusky. The result of this union was the birth of the following children: Bertha May, who has passed the Boxwell examination, has also taken instruction in music and is a reader ; Blanche Belle; Earl R.; and Nora Edith. Mrs.. Moser has proven herself a worthy helpmeet to her husband and has nobly done her share in rearing the children to lives. of purity and usefulness. That she is a careful and tasteful housewife is evidenced in the appearance of their cosy, and comfortable home. The latter stands upon an eminence and commands a magnificent view of the surrounding country. At the present time Mr. Moser possesses the old place of eighty acres, and also a forty-acre tract in Crane township, on which tracts he is engaged successfully in general farming. He is one of the most progressive citizens of the county. Besides his farming interests he has helped to further other active interests of his county. For two years he was president of the Farmers Mutual Relief Association of Wyandot county and for eight years served on its board of directors. This association was organized in 1874 and incorporated June 18, 1877, and is in a flourishing condition, paying all losses promptly. Up to January 1, 1901, the amount paid on losses aggregated $58,101.48, and at the same time the amount of insurance in force was $2,378,316, and now exceeds two and a half millions. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Moser is not tightly bound by party ties, but always endeavors to cast an intelligent ballot, voting for what he considers: the best interests of his county state and nation. In religious