HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 525 (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) Catherman loaded the engine on the two cars and thus towed them across the bay on a scow, and there unloaded them, doing the whole in one day, a feat deemed almost impossible. Mr. Catherman married in 1844, Clarissa Gregg, who spent her entire life in Sandusky, her birth occurring in 1823, and her death in 1907. Her father, Benjamin Gregg, a native of New Hampshire, married Clarissa Hibbard, who was born and bred in Vermont, and soon after that happy event the young couple journeyed westward to Ohio, becoming pioneer settlers of Sandusky. Mr. and Mrs. Catherman reared five children, namely : Josephme ; Georgia ; Franklin ; William ; and Erastus, who died at the age of fifteen years. Josephine, the eldest child, became the wife of Albert Clemons, of Marblehead, Ohio ; and their only daughter, Georgia demons, married William Stokes, and died in early womanhood, leaving one son, Albert Stokes. Franklin Catherman, the eldest son, now residing in Kansas City, Missouri, married Abbie Wager, and they have live children, Dorothy, Laura, Clara, Georgia, and Herbert. William Catherman, a resident of Oregon, married, and is the father of four children, Lillian, Bessie, William, and Freda. Georgia Catherman, the only member of the family living in Sandusky at the present writing; in 1915, has taught in the first grade of the public schools for a period of thirty-five years, her term of service in that capacity bespeaking her efficiency and popularity as a teacher. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church to which her father likewise belonged. Mr. Catherman cast his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, in 1840, the Whig candidate, and after the formation of the republican party was one of the most earnest supporters of its principles.   IRA T. DAVIS. A man of sterling worth and pronounced ability, the late Ira T. Davis was for many years closely associated with the advancement of the mercantile of the mercantile interests of Sandusky," and later, as an extensive dealer in rea1 estate, did much toward promoting the business prosperity of the city. A son of David Davis, he was born, March 22, 1831, at Coram, Long island, New York, coming from substantial Welsh ancestry. A native of New York, David Davis was born on Long Island, December 18, 1801. Learning the trade of a carpenter, he followed it in his native county until 1840, when he migrated to Oswego County, New York, locating near Phoenix, where he bought a tract of timbered land, and when not busy at his trade was engaged in tilling the .soil. Disposing of his rm in 1848, he purchased a home in Baldwinsville, Onondaga County and was there a resident for six years. Coming to Erie County, Ohio in 1854, he settled permanently in Sanduksy, and was here employed as a. carpenter and builder during the remainder of his activelife, dying life, dying at his home on April 5, 1879. He married Charity Bayless who was who was born on Long Island, where her father, Thomas Bayless, spent his entire life. She passed to the higher life June 1, 1895, at the venerable age of eighty-eight years. She reared five children, namely : Urania, Ira T., John R., Maria A., and Joshua Bayless. Brought up and educated in the Empire State, Ira T. Davis came to Sandusky to live about 1850, and soon after established himself in the grocery business on the east side of Columbus Avenue, between Market and Water streets, where he built up the extensive business now so successfully conducted by his nephew, Frank E. Davis. He continued there twenty-one years, and was afterwards engaged in the dry goods business or five years. His health failing, owing to his close confinement in the store, he sought employment that would keep him out of doors, and. embarking in the real estate business, built up a lucrative patronage, and continued a resident of Sandusky until his death, which occurred April 1, 1911. 526 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY Mr. Davis married, October 30, 1856, Eunice Ann Woolsey, who was born March 27, 1838, in Auburn, New York, and is of honored English ancestry, being a collateral descendant of Cardinal Woolsey. Her father, Luther S. Woolsey, Jr., was born in New York State, as was his father, Luther S. Woolsey, Sr. Soon after his marriage, he bought land in Jordan, New York, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at the comparatively early age of fifty-three years. His wife;, whose maiden name was Keturah Bloomer, was a native of New York, - her birth having occurred at Marlborough on the Hudson, November 27, 1795. She survived her husband, and died at the home of her son Hiram, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at the advanced age of four score and four years. Luther S. and Keturah Woolsey became the parents of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to years of maturity, as follows : Elizabeth ; Isaac B. ; Asa T. ; David ; Johnston V. ; Rebekah ; Eveline ; Luther S.; Charles; Mary ; Eunice Ann, now Mrs. Davis; and Hiram B. On October 30, 1906, Mr. and Mrs. Davis celebrated their golden wedding in the very home in which they began life together as bride and groom, and in which Mrs. Davis and her daughter Caroline are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Davis reared five children, namely : Adelbert B., Jennie D., Caroline 0., Hattie, and Charles W.': Adelbert married Lucy Cook, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and they have two children, Seth and Leonora. Jennie, now the wife of Dr. Charles E. Stroud, D. D. S., of Sandusky, has two children, Edgar J. and Ira T. Hattie, who married Burt I. Lamb, of Sandusky, now of Norwalk, Ohio, has eight children, Eunice, Horace, Margery, Davis, Robert, Edward, Willis, and John. Charles W., of Dallas, Texas, married Hester Perry, of Baltimore, Maryland, and they have two children, Caroline and Perry. Seth Davis, the eldest child of Adelbert Davis, married George De Witt, of Sandusky, and they have three children, De Witt, Seth, Jr., and Margery Ann. Ira T. Stroud, the oldest son of Dr. and Mrs. Stroud, married Josephine Renner, and they . have two children, Charles and John. Edgar J., of Fort Wayne, Indiana, the youngest son, married Opal Pursley of Fort Wayne. As will be seen by the above record, Mrs. Davis has fourteen grandchildren now, in June, 1915, and five great-grandchildren. Mrs. Davis, although well advanced in years, retains full possession of her mental faculties, and show few of the marks of age, unless we regard as such the wisdom and serenity that happily come from useful activity, wide experience, and cheerful content. Miss Caroline Davis was graduated from the Sandusky High School with the class of 1884, and since January, 1886, has been successfully engaged in teaching. Becoming interested in Masonry through her father, she is now a member of the Eleanor Chapter No. 331, Order of the Eastern Star. Fraternally Mr. Davis was a member of Science Lodge No. 50, Free and Accepted Masons ; of Sandusky Chapter, No. 72, Royal Arch Masons ; of Sandusky Council No. 26, Royal and Select Masters ; and of Erie Commandery No. 23, Knights Templar. He was a regular attendant of the Congregational Church, of which Mrs. Davis is a valued member. HENRY CLAY VICTOR. In pioneer communities the tavern or inn was always an important center of community life. Much of the pioneer history of Sandusky involves the name of Henry Clay Victor, who was one of the very early settlers, and who for a number of years kept a tavern on what was then the outskirts of the village. While his life and career belong to the first half of the last century, it is an interesting fact that one of his children, Miss Florence A. Victor, is still a resident of Sandusky, her home being at 324 Fulton Street. Henry Clay Victor was born in Pennsylvania about 1790. Little is 'known of his early life, or of his ancestry, but he came to Ohio when still a young man, and knew and was known by practically all the pioneers of HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 527 Erie County. His first location was near Venice, where he kept a tavern some time, and probably as early as 1820 came to Sandusky, and there continued his service for the entertainment of travelers. He purchased land at the northwest corner of Market and Decatur streets, erecting a commodious frame building for his purposes. At that time the location was on the edge of the small but flourishing town, and surrounding the tavern was a dense growth of hazel brush and trees. His fellow citizens thought him unwise to have built so far from the center of the town, and called his place "Victor's Folly." But subsequent growth and development proved the wisdom of his choice and as is well known that location is now almost in the heart of the city. The inn subsequently went by the name of Townsend House, and was continued under that name until it burned down a number of years later. Mr. Victor sold his inn about 1840 and removed to Seneca County, where he bought a farm, and with the exception of about two years spent in Norwalk lived there until his death in 1848. He married Gertrude Nash, who represented one of the early pioneer families of Southern Ohio. She was born in New York City in July, 1799. Her maternal grandfather was Major Horton of White Plains, New York, and a soldier in the Revolution. Mrs. Victor's father came West and was one of the early settlers in Muskingum County, where he secured a large tract of land 'and founded the Town of Nashport, named. in his .honor, where both he and his wife spent their last years. A few years after the death of her husband Mrs. Victor sold the old farm in Seneca County and returned to Sandusky where she lived until her death in 1882. Her first husband was a Mr. Cooke, and by that union there was a son named William Washington. By her marriage to Mr. Victor her eight children were Mary E., Caroline M., Orville James, Henry Clay, George W., Jacob N., Gertrude H. and Florence Annette. Miss Florence A. is the only one of the family now living in Sandusky. She is a well read woman, an interesting conversationalist on different topics, and cherishes the old recollections and associations of her family with early times in Sandusky. EDWARD LEOPOLD STEUK. Among the energetic and enterprising Erie County men who have met with assured success in the culture of grapes is Edward Leopold Steuk, of Sandusky, who has established an extensive and remunerative business in that line of industry. A son of William Edward Steuk, he was born, May 7, 1850, in the Village of Doneuvitz, Province of Podolia, Russia, of Prussian ancestry. His grandfather, Johann Steuk, was born, bred and educated in Prussia. He learned the trade of cloth maker, and when the citizens of Poland gave special inducements to manufacturers willing to locate there he accepted the terms offered, he moved there with his family. A few years later he responded to a similar offer made by the citizens of Doneuvitz, Podolia, Russia, and was there engaged in the manufacture of woolen cloth until his death, in 1852. His wife, whose maiden name was Renate ittelstaet, was born in Prussia, and died in 1857. They reared three children, as follows : William Edward, father of the subject of this sketch ; Rosalia, who married Theodore Reetz, and spent her entire life in Doneuvitz ; and Johanna, who, after her immigration to Ohio, married Philip Feick, and is now living in Sandusky. William Edward Steuk was born in Jastrow. Prussia, September 29, 1816. As soon as he had completed his school life he began working in the factory, assisting his father in every department. Having mastered the details of the business, he engaged in the manufacturing of cloth in Doneuvitz on his own account, remaining in that village until 1853. Disposing then of his factory, he came with his wife and children to 528 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY America, the land of peace and prosperity. Making his way to Ohio, he located in Sandusky, which was then a small ,hamlet, much of the territory now included within the city limits being covered with brush or timber. Soon after his arrival he invested in land, buying a tract at the corner of Market and Decatur streets, and one on Adams Street. On the Market Street property there stood a grocery, which his wife subsequently managed, while he embarked in the clothing business on Water Street. The 'latter venture proved a failure, all of his ready money being swept away in a comparatively short time. In trying to decide what he should next do to. retrieve his losses, he perceived that grape culture was a success on the nearby islands, and decided to try it. Selling his Adams Street land, he bought a tract lying two miles out, on the Venice Road, and began the raising of grape roots. Meeting with signal success in his undertakings, he there started a winery, and began the manufacture of native wine, thus establishing the business now carried on by his son Edward, and was thus employed until his death, September 4, 1876. The maiden name of the wife of William Edward Steuk was Johanna Straese. She was born in Osarkow, Poland, in. 1823, coming of German ancestry, and died, November 21, 1894, in Erie County. She reared four of her seven children, as follows : Matilda Henrietta, born March 26, 1843; Huldah Amelia, born February 7, 1845; Edward L., the subject of this brief sketch; and Adelaide Margaret, born June 13, 1854. But three years old when brought by his parents to Sandusky, Edward Leopold Steuk was educated in the public schools, and as a boy and youth assisted his father in his horticultural labors. Interested in the work, he soon became familiar with its details, and in 1874 was, admitted to partnership with his father, and is now sole proprietor of the entire business, which is in a flourishing condition. Mr. Steuk's winery is located at the corner of Market and Decatur streets, on land which has been owned by the Steuk family for upwards of three score years. Mr. Steuk married, in 1881, Julia Harms. Her father, Louis Harms, was the pioneer grape grower at Put in Bay, where he was established for a few years, but later went to Euclid, a suburb of Cleveland, where he planted the first vineyard of that locality, it being now operated by his son, Mrs. Steuk's brother. Mr. and Mrs. Steuk have three children, namely : William, Ludwig, who has relieved his father of the management of the winery ; Elmer Carl; and Edward Frederick. William L. married Edith Schultz. True to the religion in which he was reared, Mr. Steuk is a valued member of the Lutheran Church, and has reared his children in the same faith. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias. CHARLES B. LOCKWOOD. One of the oldest business men still in active work at Sandusky is Charles B. Lockwood, who was for many years connected with the railroad interests of Northern Ohio, has also been extensively interested in manufacturing, and for about twenty years has been proprietor of a large box factory in Sandusky. He represents a family which has been identified with Northern Ohio for fully a century, and one which was early settled in the northeastern colonies. Charles B. Lockwood was born at what is known as Plaster Beds in Ottawa County, Ohio. His father was William Brown Lockwood, and his grandfather Samuel Mills Lockwood. From the history of the Lockwood family in America published by Frederick A. Holden and E. Dunbar Lockwood, the following information concerning the family is condensed in proper form for this article. The founder of the family in HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 529 America was Robert Lockwood, a native of England, who came to this country in 1630 and located at Watertown, Massachusetts. There he and his wife Susanna spent the rest of their days. The next in line was their son Gershom Lockwood, who married Lady Ann Millington, daughter of Lord Millington of England. They lived in Greenwich, Connecticut. The next in line was their son Joseph, whose son Joseph married Charity Knapp, and they were the parents of Jared Lockwood. Jared Lockwood, the great-grandfather of Charles B., served as sergeant during the Revolutionary war, and had interesting record as a soldier which can be found in the pages of the family genealogy above mentioned. Sergt. Jared Lockwood married Betsey Skelding. From Connecticut they removed to Albany, New York, where they spent the rest of their lives. Betsey survived her husband, and for several years was a pensioner. Samuel Mills Lockwood, grandfather of Charles B., was born in Connecticut January 28, 1787, lived a number of years in Albany, New York, and from that city started to the West soon after the close of the War of 1812, about 1816, and with wagons and teams crossed New York and arriving in Ohio located on the Peninsula of Ottawa County. He had come to Ohio as agent for the sale of "fire lands" and surveyed and sold most of the district in Danbury and Portage townships. , He ,built a substantial stone house in that section which is still standing and is owned and occupied by his descendants. Samuel 31. Lockwood was twice married. His first wife was Mary Doughty and his second was her sister Gertrude Doughty. Their father, Samuel Doughty, was a civil engineer, and surveyed a large part of New York City, where he lived and died. William Brown Lockwood, who was born in Albany, New York, in 1811, was five years of age when the family came to Ohio. He attended some of the primitive schools of Ottawa County, and in early life followed farming, leaving that occupation to become a partner with George B. Smith, under the name Lockwood & Smith, engaged in the operation of plaster beds for a number of years in Ottawa County. In 1850 he came to Sandusky and bought the Bay City Flour Mills, which at that time had a capacity of 125 barrels of flour per day. This mill was under his management a few years, after which he became associated with L. S. Hubbard in the grain business, later was with Thornton & Fitzhugh, and still later for a number of years was in-the grain trade by himself. He continued to live at Sandusky until his death in 1892 at the age of eighty-two. William Brown Lockwood married Sarah A. Hyde, who died December 25, Christmas Day, 1865. She reared five children, whose names were Mary, Lane, Sarah, Charles B. and Kate. The daughter Sarah married a Mr. Deyo, while Kate married Lawrence Hastings. Charles B. Lockwood spent his boyhood and early youth in the locality known as Plaster Beds in Ottawa County, attended country schools there, and finished his education in Sandusky. His has been a long and active business career, and faithfulness and hard work have accomplished in his case the usual rewards. On leaving school he became bookkeeper for F. T. Barney at the Bay City Flour Mills. A few months later he entered the employ of the Mad River Railroad Company, and continued in the railroad business with this company and its successors as clerk, agent and general freight agent for a period of twenty-three years. He was then agent for the Midland Line for one year, resigning that place to engage in the manufacture of sulky plows for one year. He then accepted the position of auditor of the I. B. & W. Railway, and after this return to railway service continued from 1885 to 1890. Two years after his resignation from the office of auditor he spent as secretary 530 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY of the Sandusky Tool Company, and since that time has been engaged in the box manufacturing business, having operated a large plant with. steady success for the last twenty-two years. In October, 1866, Charles B. Lockwood married Marion C. Pierce. She was born in Dalton, Massachusetts, a daughter of William 1\1. and Lucinda Pierce, and her death occurred in 1907. Mr. Lockwood cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, and continued to vote the republican ticket until 1884, at which time he became an independent in politics. Since youth he has been hard of hearing, and in spite of this handicap has been an unusually successful business man.. On account of this defect he was not accepted for service in the Civil, war, but was a member of a home guard organization known as the Loyal Legion. Outside of business his chief diversion has been in boating, and he has owned several notable sail and power boats, and has sailed them in different regattas and boat races, has been awarded several prizes, and among his trophies has loving cups and a number of medals. On . account of his interest and activity in boating circles at Sandusky he is familiarly known among his friends and associates as Commodore,. Lockwood. LANE LOCKWOOD was born April 22, 1838, in Ottawa County, Ohio, and is a son of W. B. and Sarah (Hyde) Lockwood. W. B. Lockwood was born at Albany, New York, and in early life came to Ottawa County, 'where he entered upon a career in which he was engaged in various pursuits, all connected with the rising commercial and industrial interests of this rapidly advancing part of Ohio. One of his earliest ventures was in mining gypsum. In 1850 Mr. Lockwood took up his residence at Sandusky, where he entered the mercantile business. His energies also found an outlet in shipping, operating a line of boats on the bay and Great Lakes. He took an interest also in public affairs, was active in politics and at one time served as auditor of Ottawa County. In early life a whig, when the republican party was founded he joined that organization and remained a stanch advocate of the principles of the grand old party up to the time of his death. He was the father of five children, of whom four are living, Lane being the second in order of birth. Lane Lockwood was reared in Ottawa County, where he received a somewhat limited education in the public schools, and when the Civil war came on joined an Ohio regiment of volunteer infantry and served under the flag of the Union. He was paymaster's clerk several months and served 100 days in 1864. In 1867 he began his banking career, which extended over a period of forty years, and this line of endeavor continued to occupy his labors and ability until the time of his retirement. He was assistant postmaster for about six years. Mr. Lockwood was a member of the Sandusky Board of Education for eight years. Fraternally he is well known in Masonry, having gone through all the Masonic bodies up to and including the commandery. He has always taken an interest in his old army comrades and is a member of McMeans Post No. 191, G. A. R., of which he was adjutant five years. His first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, and since that time he has supported the candidates and policies of the republican party. On November 23, 1864, Mr. Lockwood was united in marriage with Mary P. Gill of Ottawa County, and the children born to this union are as follows : Mrs. Louise L. Crawford, Mrs. Anna G. Fyffe and Miss Mary Ruth Lockwood. DELOS C. RANSOM. More than ninety years have gone since the Ransom family -first became established in Erie County, Ohio. The work and influence of several generations have entered into the fabric of present day civilization, and as farmers, business men, soldiers and all PICTURE OF DELOS C. RANSON AND HIS WIFE CAROLINE TAYLOR HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 531 around good citizens they have played a most honorable part. DeLos C. Ransom, who has for many years been identified with the real estate business in Sandusky, is a native of Erie County, enlisted from this county for a long and active service in the Civil war, and for a number of years followed farming before his removal to Sandusky. DeLos C. Ransom was born in Perkins Township of Erie County, August 28, 1840. He is the great-grandson of Joseph Ransom, who was born in Connecticut, and with the Connecticut state troops served the Revolutionary war. He was wounded in the battle at Saratoga. Late in life he followed some of his children to Huron County, Ohio, and lived with his son in Eldridge Township, in what is now Berlin Township of Erie County. After a few years this old soldier and his cousin John embarked on a sail vessel from Huron with the intention of visiting Connecticut. After the boat left port nothing was ever heard of it nor its crew and passengers. The wife of the old Revolutionary veteran survived him several years and was buried on the Wood farm in Berlin 0 Township. The grandfather of DeLos C. Ransom was Russell Ransom, who was born in Connecticut, and in 1823, With wife and children, Came out to Ohio. The trip was made overland with teams and wagons, and they were a month on the way, camping out by the roadside or stopping at the inns which flanked all the roads of .overland travel in those days. Arriving in what is now Erie County he bought land in Berlin Township. It was covered with a dense growth of forest and his first work was to put up a log cabin. After that he began clearing off the trees and put in a crop among the, stumps. As is well known to historical students, this section of Northern Ohio was still an almost unbroken wilderness, and the pioneers found abundant supplies for their table in the wild game which was everywhere in the woods and along the streams. Russell Ransom in time had cleared up a large tract of land, replaced the old log house with a substantial frame building, and lived there until his death at the age of eighty years, his wife having preceded him to the better land. Her maiden name was Wickham. Their nine children were named Isaac W., Mitchell, Diodot, Henry, Asa, Frederick, Lydia, Harriet and Lois. When the Ransom family first settled in Northern Ohio there was practically no market for grain. Most of the settlers raised their own provisions, and for supplies that could not be grown on their own land or found in the woods they paid by raising live stock, which was driven to distant markets. The opening of better communication between the west and the eastern markets through the completion of the Erie Canal about 1825 made the raising of grain profitable, and after that the Ransoms and other agricultural settlers in Northern Ohio began to prosper. Isaac Ransom, father of DeLos C., was born in Connecticut in 1814, and was about nine years of age when he came out to Ohio with the other members of the family. Though a boy of tender years he accomplished almost the entire journey on foot. After reaching maturity he secured a tract of land in Perkins Township, erected a log house with only a small window to let in light and air. He had the usual experiences of the pioneer of the '30s and '40s, and with his own toil and the aid of his children cleared up a good farm. Ill time his prosperity was measured by the erection of a fine brick house with suitable farm buildings, and he lived there until his death on February 22, 1888. Isaac Ransom married Mary Wright. She was born at Fishkill, New York, in 1818 and died January 15, 1897. Her father was Benjamin Wright, who was born in Fishkill, New York, and was a soldier of the War of 1812. He came to Ohio about 1830, settling in what is now Berlin Township of Erie County, where he bought land and improved a farm and lived there until his death at the age of eighty-eight. Benjamin Wright married a Miss Baker, who was also a native of Fishkill and who died before her 532 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY husband. Isaac Ranson and wife reared two sons: DeLos C. and George A. The latter died at the age of fifty years, leaving two sons named Ross Delos and Webster Hamilton. These boys at the time of their father 's death were aged twelve and ten respectively,. and after that were reared in the home of their uncle, DeLos Ransom, who was their guardian and looked after their interests and welfare until they were independent and self-supporting. DeLos C. Ransom attended the country schools of Perkins Township,. and in 1860 graduated from the Sandusky High School. After that he taught for a time in the old schoolhouse near the brick church in Perkins Township, during the winter of 1860-61, his wages being a dollar a, day, and as was the custom of the time, "boarding around" with the various families who were patrons of the school. The quiet pursuits of civil life were interrupted by the outbreak of the war, and in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Infantry. He went south with this regiment, and was with it in its campaigns, marches and battles. The regiment was captured June 15, 1863, and for a short time Mr. Ransom boarded with Jeff Davis at Libby Prison in Richmond. After being paroled he was detailed as clerk at brigade headquarters, and was present at the surrender of Lee, and only a few rods from the "Lane House" where Grant and Lee met and arranged terms of surrender. He witnessed the stirring scenes at Appomattox, when the Confederate soldiers were disbanded and started for their homes, stripped of their arms but loaded with provisions given them by Uncle Sam. The One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Regiment received special praise in a report from General Grant, in which it was said that this small aggregation of troops, comprising 600 men, including a portion of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio and Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania, had inflicted a loss upon the enemy of more than their entire number. Mr. Ransom was honorably discharged in June, 1865, and after his return to Erie County became associated with his brother George in managing the old. homestead. Since 1877 Mr. Ransom has lived in Sandusky, and has transacted a large aggregate of business in real estate lines. He was a member of plating commission of Sandusky for two years which was its length of existence. On December 24, 1869, he married Caroline Taylor, who was born March 24, 1839, a daughter of Nelson and Martha (Akins) Taylor. Nelson Taylor was a farmer of Perkins Township and served as a member of one of the early boards of commissioners of the county. Mrs. Ransom died October 6, 1901. Mr. Ransom is affiliated with McMeen's Post of the Grand Army of the Republic and has 'always stood high in Grand Army circles and in the general business and social life of his home city. The engraving accompanying this article pictures the home life of Caroline Taylor Ransom and DeLos C. Ransom. He has two serial stories (partly read to her in her last sickness) to have her hear him finish in that land of wholly happy intellectual companionship in which he soon hopes to rejoin her. LOUIS W. HERBEL. A resident of Erie County from the time of his birth to the present, Mr. Herbel is a scion of one of the sterling German families that was here founded more than sixty years ago, and like his father he has stood exponent of productive industry, steadfast integrity and loyal citizenship. Since March, 1913, he has held the responsible and exacting office of superintendent of the Erie County Infirmary, and his administration has been marked by circumspection, excellent executive policies, careful attention to all details conserving economy, and kindly consideration for the unfortunate wards entrusted to him and to HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 533 his devoted wife, who is the matron of the institution, both being held in high esteem by all who know them. Mr. Herbel was born in the City of Sandusky, this county, on the 10th of May, 1855, and is a son of John and Catherine (Weier) Herbel, both of whom were born and reared in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, a district that has contributed an appreciable quota to the population of this favored section of the Buckeye State. John Herbel continued his residence in the German fatherland until 1852, when he immigrated with his wife and their children to the United States, the long and weary voyage having been made on a sailing vessel of the type common to that day. They landed in the port of New York City and soon afterward made their way to Ohio. For a short time they resided in Sandusky, which city was then a mere village, and then the father established the family home in Milan Village, in which place he resided ten years and was employed as head sawyer in the Samuel Merry saw mills. On September 4, 1864, he was enlisted as a private in Company E of the 179th Ohio Infantry and served ten months, and at the expiration of that time received an honorable discharge on June 27, 1865. He then became the owner of a farm in Oxford Township, and on this homestead both he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives, he having passed away on the 1st of May, 1890, and his devoted companion having followed him to eternal rest twenty-two years later. Louis W. Herbel acquired his early education in the schools of Oxford Township and has not failed in later years to profit fully from the lessons fined under the direction of the wise head-master, experience. He came one of the progressive and successful farmers of Oxford Township, where he continued his operations for a term of many years. He en removed to the City of Sandusky, which has represented his home during the intervening years, and in him the people of the county have found a most able and popular incumbent of the position of superintendent of the county infirmary, which is situated in the immediate vicinity of the city. In politics Mr. Herber accords unswerving allegiance to the democratic party and he has been active as a worker in its local ranks. On the 11th of January, 1882, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Herbel to Miss Louisa H. Keller, a daughter of the late Joseph Keller, of Milan Township, and the one child of this union is Fred. J., who still resides in Sandusky. CLARENCE DOOLITTLE PECK, D. D. S. The leading dentists of Erie County have no more worthy representative than Clarence D. Peck of Sandusky who has won for himself a prominent and honored name in professional circles, and is widely known as secretary of the Northern Ohio Dental Association. He was born in Streetsboro Township, Portage County, Ohio, a son of Rufus Henry and Amerza (Doolittle) Peck. His mother was the second wife of his father, whose first marriage was to Sarah Lappin. Gleaning his first knowledge of the common branches of study in the public schools of his native township, Clarence D. Peck subsequently attended the Kent High School. Leaving that institution he learned the business of cheese and butter making, and for several years was forman of his father's cheese factory and creamery. At the age of nineteen he assumed charge of the district school in which his father had he first taught. His natural tastes and aptitude leading him to choose a professional career, he subsequently entered the dental department of the University of Michigan, and was graduated with the class of 1881. Returning to Ohio, Dr. Peck engaged in the practice of his profession at Martins Ferry for a year, and then settled in Sandusky, where he has 534 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY since remained. He has been successful from the start, winning a note worthy position in the community not only as a skillful dentist but as a popular and esteemed citizen. Dr. Peck married June 18, 1895, Jennie Farwell, who was born in Sandusky, a daughter of Captain Jonathan Walter and Cordelia Ann (Till) Farwell. The only daughter born of the union of Dr. and Mrs. Peck, a beautiful girl, named Katherine, died at the age of eight years. Dr. Peck belongs to numerous organizations, being a member of tit e Ohio State Dental Association, of the Northern Ohio Dental Association, the oldest dental organization in existence, having been formed in 1857, and of which he has been secretary for nine years. For twelve years he was a member of Company B of the 16th Ohio National Guard, and dur- - ing that time served in consecutive order as private, corporal, sergeant, first sergeant, second lieutenant and first lieutenant. He was one of the pioneers in rifle practice of the state, and participated with a team from Company B against other teams from his regiment and from other regiments in various rifle contests. Fraternally he is a member of Science Lodge No. 50, Free and Accepted Masons, and both he and Mrs. Peck belong to Eleanor Chapter No. 331, Order of the Eastern Star. Both are likewise members of Grace Episcopal Church. CHARLES GRAEFE, M. D. A distinguished physician and surgeon of Sandusky, Ohio, Charles Graefe, M. D., has not only gained marked prestige in his profession, but is widely known as a progressive and public-spirited citizen, and a man of ability and integrity. He has invented several devices that are quite generally used in surgery, and has been quite an extensive writer, contributing articles of much interest to various magazines and periodicals. A native of Sandusky, he was born January 10, 1859, being a son of Dr. Philip and Dordthea (Kranz) Graefe, of whom a brief sketch may be found elsewhere in this work. Springing from a family noted for its mental attainments, many of its members having won distinction in literary and professional circles, and being the son of an able physician and surgeon, Charles Graefe commenced life under very favorable circumstances. Obtaining his rudimentary education in the Sandusky schools, he continued his studies at Oberlin College. In the meantime he took up the study of medicine with his father, and later entered the medical department of the University of Wooster, where he was graduated with high honors in 1880. He subsequently received a diploma from the Western Reserve College, in Cleveland, after which, in order to further advance his professional knowledge, Dr. Graefe spent three years in Europe, taking a practical course of training in the hospitals at Heidelberg, Leipsic, and Vienna. Returning then to Sandusky, his mind broadened and intellect quickened ; not only by extensive travel and intelligent study, but through contact with men of superior ability and talent, he at once entered upon a practice which he has since successfully continued, being now one of the leading physicians and surgeons of this section of the state. Since casting his first presidential vote, in 1884, for Grover Cleveland, the Doctor has been prominently identified with the democratic party, in 1902 being his party 's candidate for state senator. For twelve years he was president of the Sandusky Board of Education. At the time of his election to that important office there was a school indebtedness of $100,000, and during his term of service not only was the entire indebtedness paid, but three fine schoolhouses were erected and equipped. Dr. Graefe is a member of the Erie County Medical Society ; of the Ohio State Medical Society ; of the American Medical Association ; of the North West Ohio Medical Association, which he served as president in 1896 ; and is Fellow of the American College of Surgery. HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 535 In 1891 Dr. Graefe married Catherine Dorn, a daughter of John Philip and Margaret (Kern) Dorn. Three children have blessed the union of Doctor and Mrs. Graefe, namely : Carl F., Catherine. and Elza. Mrs. Graefe is a very accomplished vocalist and graduated in Cincinnati from the Conservatory of Music and studied for two years in Berlin. She takes part in most of the musical events in her home city. She is a member of the library board and a member of the advisory board of the Good Samaritan Hospital. JAMES D. PARKER. On January 18, 1915, James D. Parker passed from the scenes of his labors in Erie County, but the memory, of his pure life, his many benefactions and his kindly deeds still remains. A man of sterling character, he was honorable in business, stanch in his friendships, sincere in his religious professions and true to every trust, and probably no man has ever lived in Perkins Township whose death caused more general regret and a sense of greater community loss. James D. Parker was born near Monroeville, Huron County, Ohio, February 17, 1850, and was nearly sixty-five years of age at his death. His parents were Joshua and Jane (Francis) Parker, both of whom were born in England and were of substantial English stock. They came to America and settled in Huron County, and for many year's lived at Monroeville. James D. Parker grew up near that village, and his primary education came from the public schools, including the Monroeville High School. When in his eighteenth year he went to Sandusky and for a time was a student in the old Buckeye Business College in that city. Here there came in evidence a quality which was manifested frequently in his maturer years. That was an ability not only to comprehend but to make others understand the knowledge which was so clear in his own mental channels. He became an instructor in the business college, and subsequently bought the school and conducted it as its proprietor until 1875, when on account of ill health he was obliged to sell out. Following this business experience Mr: Parker moved to a farm in Perkins Township, locating on what is known as Yankee Street, and was profitably engaged in general agriculture there for six years. He then turned his attention to merchandising, and bought the general store at the little Village of Bogart, and was the successful proprietor and the genial merchant at that point for more than twenty years, until 1902. It was only a logical expression of his character that in his work as a merchant he should be known for a strict integrity and high standard of commercial methods, which governed all his transactions. He had a large trade, and his customers were constant in their patronage. He also served as postmaster of Bogart fourteen years, and in 1897 succeeded Thomas Wood as superintendent of the Sandusky, Milan and Norwalk Electric Railroad, and managed that intcrurban line during 1897, 1898 and 1899. He was one of the original promoters of this railway, which was a notable distinction as having been among the first electric interurban lines in the United States. In 1902 Mr. Parker retired from merchandising at Bogart and removed to the home where he had his residence thirteen years until his death. During that time he served a number of years as justice of the peace in Perkins Township and was also a notary public. For three years preceding his death he was secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of Erie County. His part as a citizen was characterized by the utmost public spirit, and throughout his life he labored unselfishly to improve conditions in his home township and county. In politics he was a republican, and was a member of the Erie County Humane Society and at one time president 536 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY of the Erie County board of visitors. He was one of the prominent Masons of Erie County, having affiliations with Science Lodge No. 50, F. & A. M. Sandusky City Chapter No. 72, R. A. M.; Sandusky City Council No. 26, R. & S. M.; Erie Commandery No. 23, Knights Templars ; and with the thirty-second degree of Scottish Rite. The Knights Templars had charge of his funeral services. Aside from these varied interests Mr. Parker's enthusiasm was perhaps best manifested in his relations to the Perkins Grange. It is said that his activities in that body would constitute an important part of its entire history. He served for several years as master of the grange; and his genial manner and good humor brought pleasure to every gathering. He exemplified throughout his life a sterling Christianity. Personally he was noted for his dry humor, which always gave a certain spice of interest to his conversation, but probably his dominant trait was his tireless industry. He was for many years identified with the Methodist Church, which he served as treasurer, trustee and steward. He had united with the Methodist society in Sandusky soon after his marriage, and thence transferred his membership to the Perkins church and surrendered his official places in that society only a short time before his death. Mr. Parker was married November 3, 1869, to Miss Sarah S. Gurley, who survives him. Mrs. Parker was born at Avery in Erie County, Ohio, a daughter of William B. and Nancy J. (Stevenson) Gurley, her, father a native of Connecticut and her mother also of New England stock. Mrs. Parker's grandfather was Rev. William Gurley, one of the Methodist pioneers of Ohio. Throughout his career as a minister Rev. William Gurley displayed the enthusiasm which he had acquired by his early associations with the founder of Methodism, Rev. John Wesley: Rev. Mr. Gurley was ordained in Ireland by this noted divine and after coming to the new world located in Bloomingville, Ohio, in 1811.. He was one of the earliest circuit riders, and for many years carried on his arduous and self-sacrificing labors in behalf of humanity, and two of . his sons followed his calling in ministry. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Parker were born five children : Eva J., now deceased, who married Mr. James Jarrett, of Erie County; Laura F., who died in infancy ; Dr. Jay D. Parker, a successful and well known physician at Sandusky ; Mrs. Jessie A., the wife of Lee S. Merriam, of Bogart, Ohio ; and Leila M., who is a graduate of the Milan High School and lives at Bogart with her mother. Mr. Parker was also survived by two half-brothers, Charles and Lewis Parker, of Shelby, Ohio. At the time of his death there were also seven grandchildren. Mrs. Parker and her daughter enjoy the comforts of a modest and desirable home at Bogart, and are esteemed members of social circles in Perkins Township. JAMES D. PARKER, M. D. One of the leading homoeopathic physicians of Sandusky, James D. Parker, M. D., was born in Perkins Township, Erie County, Ohio, a son of James D. Parker, Sr. Joshua Parker, the Doctor's paternal grandfather, was born and reared near Boston, England. Immigrating to America when young, he came directly to Erie County, settling in the vicinity of Milan. Ohio was then but sparsely settled; and there being no railroads in the state Milan was a shipping point for a large stretch of country, people living a hundred miles distant taking their surplus products there to sell or exchange. Working for Thomas Butman, his first employer, a number of years, he saved his scant earnings, and later bought a tract of land lying between Norwalk and Monroeville. On the farm which he cleared HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 537 lid improved, he spent the remainder of his days. His wife, whose maiden name was Jane Francis, was also a native of England. Born on the home farm in Huron County, February 17, 1850, James D. Parker, Sr., acquired his elementary education in the rural schools of his native district, afterward continuing his studies at the Monroeville High School. At the age of seventeen years he came to Sandusky to attend the Buckeye Business College, and after studying there a year became a teacher in the institution. Two years later he bought out the institution, which he conducted successfully for six years. Being forced to give up teaching on account of failing health, he sold out, and moved to Perkins Township, where he carried on general farming until 1881. Disposing of his land in that year, he was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Bogart until 1902, when he rctired from active business, although he subsequently served as deputy county treasurer, and as deputy county auditor. He continued his residence in Bogart the remainder of his life, dying January 18, 1915. He was a member of Science Lodge No. 50. Free and Accepted Masons; of Sandusky City Chapter No., 72, Royal Arch Masons; of Sandusky City Council No. 26, Royal and Select Mas ters; of Erie Commandery No. 23, Knights Templars ; 'and of the Toledo Consistory. He was a stanch republican in politics, and served as justice of the peace, and as postmaster at Bogart. The maiden name of the wife of James D. Parker, Sr., was Sarah Gurley, who was born in Huron County, Ohio, a daughter of William D. Gurley. Her paternal grandfather, Rev. William D. Gurley, was born, reared and educated in County Wexford, Ireland, and there, after serving an apprenticeship at the silversmith's trade, was for a while, engaged in the jewelry business. Converted, and ordained as a preacher by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, he, with other Protestants, was persecuted and imprisoned. In 1801 he immigrated to the United States, and after spending a few weeks in New York City went to Norwalk, Connecticut, where he was engaged in the jewelry business for ten years. In 1811, accompanied by his wife and five children, he made an overland journey to Ohio, coming by team to Erie County. From his brother-in-law, John Beatty, he bought land lying near the present site of Bloomingville, becoming a pioneer of that section of the state, and the first preacher to locate permanently in that vicinity. He preached in different places, assisted in organizing many churches, being ever an active, faithful worker in the Master's vineyard. Ile died at his farm house, near Spears Corners, his remains being laid to rest in the rural cemetery near Bogart. He married Susan Beatty, who was born in Ireland, and died on the home farm in 1848, the same year that he did, at the age of seventy years. William D. Gurley, the Doctor's maternal grandfather, was born July 31, 1811, in Norwalk, Connecticut, and was but an infant when brought to Erie County, where he grew to manhood amid pioneer scenes. It is said that in 1832 he walked from Milan, Ohio, to Chicago, where he found a very small village, containing a fort, five stores, and six houses, all of which were made of logs. Returning to Ohio, he followed his trade of a wagonmaker in Perkins Township, and also engaged in general farming, remaining there until his death, in 1896, at the venerable age of eighty-five years. The house which he and his family occupied was quite a pretentious structure for those days, having been built of stone in 1822. He married Nancy Jane Stevenson, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1817, and died in Perkins Township in 1880. They reared six children, their daughter Sarah, the Doctor's mother, being now a resident of Bogart. To her and her husband four children were born, as follows: Eva; James D., the special subject of thissketch ; Jessie ; and Lelia. Vol. II-5 538 - HISTORY OF- ERIE COUNTY Completing the course of study in the district schools, James a Parker was subsequently graduated from the Sandusky High School with the class of 1894. Going then to Cleveland, he attended lectures at the homoeopathic medical department of the Ohio State University, and was there graduated in 1900 with the degree of M. D. He has since been successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at Sandusky, where his professional knowledge and skill have won for him an extensive and lucrative patronage. The Doctor belongs to the leading medical organizations of the country, including the Ohio Homoeopathic Medical Association ; the American Institute ; and the American Railway .Surgeons' Association. Fraternally he is a member of Science Lodge No. 50, Free and Accepted Masons ; of Sandusky City Chapter No. 72, Royal Arch Masons ; of Sandusky City Council No. 26, Royal and Select Masters ; of Erie Commandery No. 23, Knights Templars ; and of the Toledo Consistory. Dr. Parker married, in 1900, Frances Glen Day, who was born at Elmore, Ohio, a daughter of Amos and Edna Day, and into the pleasant home thus established five children have made their advent, namely : Ruth, Virginia, James, Watson, and Lester. PHILIP GRAEFE, M. D. Prominent among the pioneer physicians of Erie County was the late Philip Graefe, M. D., who was for many years actively and successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at Sandusky, where now, in 1915, two of his sons, Dr. William Graefe and Dr. Charles Graefe, are successful physicians, and where his other son, Henry Graefe, is president of the Citizens Bank. One of his grandsons, henry Graefe, M. D., is likewise a physician, located at Sandusky. A native of Germany, Dr. Philip Graefe was born, in 1825, at Weisbaden, where he grew to man's estate, and was liberally educated, as an earnest student delving deep into the sources of knowledge. As was natural to a man of his mental calibre, he chose a professional career, fitting himself for a physician. Taking an active part in the revolu tionary movement of 1847 and 1848, he was -forced to leave Germany. Choosing America as his future place of residence, Dr. Graefe came directly to Ohio, and for a time was engaged in the practice of medicine at Sandusky, where he first located in 1848. Being induced to 'go east, he spent a year or two in Orange, New Jersey, but did not like the place well enough to settle there permanently. Returning, therefore, to Sandusky, which was then but a small city, although an enterprising one, the Doctor resumed the practice of his profession, remaining here until his death. His skill and promptness in meeting and combating the various ills to which mankind is subject, and his devotion to his patients, gained him the good will of the people, and a place of note among the more popular and successful physicians of this section of the state. Dr. Graefe married Dorothea Kranz, who was born in Weisbaden, Germany, a daughter of Balthazer and Elizabeth Kranz. She survived him. Four children were born of their union, three sons, William, Henry and Charles, who are mentioned above ; and one daughter, Elizabeth, who died at the age of thirty years. The Doctor never shirked the responsibilities of public office, but served acceptably as a member of the city council, And as a membcr of the Sandusky board of health. He was one of the organizers of the Third National Bank and its vice president for a number of years, later becoming one of the organizers of the Citizens National Bank, now the Citizens Bank, and in this institution he served as a director for a number of years. DR. WILLIAM GRAEFE. Actively devoting himself to one of the most exacting of all the higher lines of occupation to which a man may bend PICTURE PHILIP BUERKLE HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 539 his energies, Dr. William Graefe has won a prominent position among the foremost physicians and surgeons of Sandusky, where he has a large and remunerative practice. Of honored German ancestry on both sides of the house, he was born January 18, 1851, in Orange; New Jersey, a son of Dr. Philip and Dorothea (Kranz) Graefe, of whom further account may be found on another page of this volume. A small child when brought by his parents to Sandusky, William Graefe obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of this city, and under the wise tuition of his father began the study of medicine. He subsequently attended lectures at the Cleveland Medical College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1870. Desirous of further advancing his professional knowledge, Dr. Graefe then spent nearly three years in Europe, practicing in the leading hospitals of the more important cities of that country, gaining valuable experience and much skill in the use of medicine and surgery. Returning to Ohio, the Doctor located in Sandusky, where he has since made rapid strides in his professional career, and has gained to an eminent degree the confidence of the entire community. Dr. Graefe is a man of good financial ability, and is an extensive owner of city property of value. He is also a stockholder in various corporations, and is vice president of the Citizens Bank. He takes an intelligent interest in public matters, and has served as a member of the Sandusky Board of Health, and for eleven years was a member of the Sandusky Board of Education. Professionally the Doctor belongs to the Erie County Medical Society, to the Ohio State Medical Society, and to the American Medical Association. Fraternally he is a member of Science Lodge No. 50, Free and Accepted Masons ; of Sandusky City Chapter No. 72, Royal Arch Masons; of Sandusky City Council No. 26, Royal and Select Masters ; of Erie Commandery No. 23, Knights Templar ; and is likewise a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. HON. PHILIP BUERKLE. A prominent and progressive citizen of Sandusky, Erie County, Hon. Philip Buerkle has ably and satisfactorily filled various municipal offices, for four years serving as mayor of the city. A son of August Buerkle, he was born March 7, 1855, in Bergen County, New Jersey, on his father's farm. His grandparents on the paternal side spent their entire lives in Baden, Germany, as did most of their children, although two of them came to America, namely : August ; and Caroline, who became the wife of Anton Giedemann, of Sandusky. August Buerkle was born in 1828, in Orschweier, Baden, Germany, and there, soon after entering his "teens," he began an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, and while thus employed became proficient in the art of making nails by hand, the only way known at that early day. During his early manhood he served in the German army, belonging to a company of heavy artillery. In 1854, accompanied by his wife, he came to America, crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel and being sixty-two days on the water Landing in New York, he at once proceeded to New Jersey, and there, in Bergen County, was for three years engaged in tilling the soil. Migrating westward in 1857, he located in Sandusky, Ohio, where he first secured work in the blacksmith shops connected with the Mad River Railroad, later working for Ben Iceman. Early in 1865 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the termination of the war. Returning home, he became stationary engineer in the machine shop of Krotz & Kromer, and continued with that firm and its successors the remainder of his active life. He died at his home in Sandusky in April, 1905, honored and respected by all who knew him. 540 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY August Buerkle married Mrs. Barbara (Kek) Cordier, a widow with one son, Louis Cordier. She was born in the Village of Waldrenach, Wurtemburg, Germany, and died, in 1897, in Sandusky, Ohio. Of this marriage two children were born and feared, as follows : Wilhelmina, wife of Adolph Feglestahler ; and Philip. Acquiring his preliminary education in the public and private schools of Sandusky, Philip Buerkle entered the office of the Sandusky Herold, where he obtained a thorough knowledge of the art preservative. In 1872, having completed his apprenticeship, he began his career as a journeyman printer, working at his trade in various cities, including Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis. Returning to Sandusky in 1879, Mr. Buerkle was first employed in the office of the Tribune, later in that of the Register, and then in the office of the Demokrat, continuing at the printer's trade until 1891. In that year Mr. Buerkle was elected mayor of Sandusky for a term of two years, and in 1893 had the honor of being re-elected to the same important position with a large majority of the votes cast at the polls. In 1895 he was appointed notary public by President McKinley. In 1897 Mr. Buerkle formed a partnership with Albert C. Lermann, with whom he has since been prosperously engaged in the insurance, real estate and loan business. In 1882 Mr. Buerkle was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Giedemann, a daughter of John and Theresa Giedemann, of whom further account may be found on another page of this biographieal work. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Buerkle has been blessed by the birth of two children, namely : Wilhelmina, who married William B. Moon, and has two children, Virginia Moon and Richard Paul Moon ; and Amelia. Mr. Buerkle is now president of the Demokrat Publishing Company, which is in a flourishing condition. He has always been a steadfast adherent of the democratic party, supporting its principles by vote and voice. For four years he was an active member of the Sandusky board of education, and for four years served as a member of the city council, being president of that body during the, last year of service. CONRAD FREY. In the death of Conrad Frey on July 10, 1899, Perkins Township sustained the loss of an excellent and high-minded citizen, a man whose rugged integrity commanded confidence and esteem, and who well deserved all the success and popularity that came to him during his many years of residence in Erie County. A resident of this county for half a century, Conrad Frey was born in Baden, Germany, January 4, 1836, a son of Conrad and Julia (Wells) Frey. In 1848 the family left Baden and by one of the old-time and tedious sailing voyages arrived in America. They made settlement near Sandusky, in Perkins Township, and both, the parents died in this county. Conrad Frey was about twelve years old when he came to this county, and his education, begun in the public schools of his native land, was continued in English schools here. He was self-supporting before he reached adult years, and by elose attention to business and economy became head of a home and family and always bore a reputation for upright living and public-spirited citizenship. During most of his active career he engaged in gardening and also conducted a retail butcher business. At various times his fellow citizens entrusted him with public responsibilities and for nine years he was a constable in Perkins Township, and for three* years, one term, was a director of the Erie County Infirmary. In politics he was a republican. On November 7, 1860, Mr. Frey married Miss Johanna Plate, who was born in Prussia, Germany, February 9, 1842. Her parents, Carl and Marie (Cook) Plate, both natives of Prussia, brought their ehildren to America in 1850, when Mrs. Frey was about eight years of age. They HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 541 located in Erie County, lived for .a time in Sandusky, where her father taught a German school, and finally made permanent settlement in Perkins Township not far from the city. There her father died in August, 1874, while her mother had passed away in 1861. Mrs. Frey, who is still living at the old home on rural route No. 1 out of Sandusky, became the mother of eleven children, and the seven now living are : Louise M., wife of Walter Patterson, of Cleveland ; Charles C., of Perkins Tbwnship ; Frederick C., of Sandusky ; Emma, wife of Frederick Moss, of Leamington, Ontario ; Mary, wife of James Werner of 'Perkins Township ; Conrad, whose home is in Cleveland ; and Carrie S., widow of Edgar Brennan, late of Perkins Township. Mrs. Frey is an interesting lady, has a large circle of friends in her home township, and is 'a member of the German Evangelical Association in Sandusky. She and her daughter, Mrs. Brennan, occupy the old home. WILLARD M. HARSH. In one of the most attractive suburban homes near the City of Sandusky, Mr. Harsh is. living virtually retired, after a career of signal activity and influence in connection with railway affairs and other business operations of important order. Beginning, his independent career as a telegraph operator, Mr. Harsh rose through his own ability and efforts to positions of great responsibility in the executive control and direction of railway operations, and his energy- and initiative found other effective exemplifications in the domain of industrial activity, as later paragraphs in this article will indicate more specifically. He has been a man of much constructive and business ability and after years of earnest and fruitful application he has relieved himself of the exacting responsibilities that so long rested upon him, and in his beautiful home, on South Columbus Avenue, just without the city limits of Sandusky, he is enjoying to the full the rewards of former years of earnest endeavor. He is finding satisfaction and recreation in the developing of an excellent peach orchard on his rural estate of twelve acres and is engaging also in the cultivation of other fruits, so that the attractions of his suburban residence will be greatly enhanced when his orchards attain to maturity. Mr. Harsh is one of the substantial and highly esteemed citizens of Erie County and is specially eligible for representation in this history. On the homestead farm of his father in Carroll County, Ohio, Willard M. Harsh was born on the 22d of January, 1853, and he is a son of Nicholas and Jemima (Leslie) Harsh, the former of whom likewise was born in Carroll County, where his parents settled in the pioneer days, and Mrs. Harsh also having been born and reared in Carroll County, a member of one of its old and honored families.. The paternal lineage of Mr. Harsh traces back to stanch German origin and the maternal ancestral line finds derivation in fine old Irish stock. Nicholas Harsh was one of the representative agriculturists of his native county for many ears and both he and his wife continued to reside on their old home farm until their death, when well advanced in years. Willard M. Harsh found the period of his childhood and early youth passed by the conditions and influences of the home farm, and in the meanwhile he profited duly from the advantages afforded in the public schools of the locality and period. In 1874, soon after attaining to his legal majority, he initiated his apprenticeship to the trade of telegraph operator, and his initial service in this connection was in the station of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Oneida, a village in his native county, where he devoted two years to perfecting himself as a telegraphist. For five years thereafter he held the dual office of operator and station agent at Dellroy, Carroll County, in the service of what was then the Cleveland, Canton & Southern Railroad, now a part of the Wheeling & Lake Erie, 542 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY in the employ of which company he was later transferred to the position of station agent at South Cleveland, where he remained about five years. His next position was that of general agent of the Lakeside & Marblehead Railroad at Marblehead, Ottawa County, and after retaining this position about three years he served seven years as superintendent of this road, of which he then became the general superintendent, a responsible office of which he continued the incumbent about ten years, at the expiration of which he was appointed assistant general manager. • His efficient administration of several years in this position led to his advancement to the dual office of general manager and local treasurer of the company, the affairs of which he continued to direct with much of cir cumspection and progressiveness until he resigned his office and severed his association with the company, on the 1st of May, 1913. At this, juncture he removed to Sandusky and purchased his present fine suburban home, where he and his family have since continued their residence; In 1891 Mr. Harsh became associated in a financial and executive capacity with the Kelley's Island Lime & Transport Company, of which he was superintendent for about a decade, with headquarters at Marblehead, Ottawa County. A period of about the same duration thereafter found him in tenure of the position of general superintendent, and he then became assistant general manager, in which office he had full charge of all new construction work, repairs and general operations at the plants of the company at Clay Center, Kelley's Island and Marblehead, Ohio, and at Akron, New York. He severed his active connection with this important corporation in September, 1912. Liberal and public-spirited as a citizen and taking loyal interest in all that concerns his home community, Mr. Harsh is found aligned as a stanch supporter of the principles of the republican party, though in local affairs he maintains a. somewhat independent attitude and gives his support to men and measures meeting the approval of his judgment, irrespective of strict partisan lines. He is prominently identified with the time-honored Masonic fraternity, in which he has received the thirty-second degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, his present York Rite affiliations being principally with the Masonic bodies in the City of Sandusky. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian Church in Sandusky and are popular figures in the representative social circles of the community, the while their spacious and beautiful residence is a center of hospitality. Mr. Harsh has made various investments in Erie County aside from the purchase of his fine home property, and he has been a member of the directorate of the Commercial National Bank of Sandusky from the time of its organization. On the 17th of May, 1881, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Harsh to Miss Davis, of Dellroy, Carroll County, and they have three children : Earle C., Dwight B., and Wilda V. Earle C. Harsh is a graduate of the Case School of Applied Science, one of the leading technical institutions of the Middle West, in the City of Cleveland, and he is now established in the work of his profession as a consulting engineer, with residence and business headquarters at Carey, Wyandotte County, this state. Dwight B. Harsh remains at the parental home, and the only daughter, Miss Wilda, is a member of the class of 1916 in the Woman's College of historic old Western Reserve University, in the City of Cleveland. CORNELIUS SCHNAITTER. An octogenarian in years, Cornelius Schnaitter has spent more than half a century of his lifetime in the City of Sandusky. For over a quarter of a century he was well known to local business as a merchant tailor, but is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his previous industry. He has pursued the quiet and even tenor HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 543 of his way through life, has participated in few of the abnormal events, but his career is none the less deserving of praise and is fitly given record in this history of Erie County. Cornelius Schnaitter was born in the Town of Egern, Bavaria, September 2, 1830. His father was Sebastian Schnaitter, whose birthplace was Dirnbach, Bavaria, where he was reared and educated, served four years in the army of the king of Bavaria, and completed an apprenticeship at the tailor's trade. In 1847 he brought his family to America, living for several years in Canada, after which he came to Sandusky and lived in that city until his passing at the age of sixty-one. His wife, Catherine, was also a native of Bavaria. She reared seven children, all of them born in Bavaria, their names being Kunigunde, Henry, Katherina, Cornelius, Nora, Karl and Frances. Cornelius Schnaitter as a boy attended school steadily until about the age of fourteen, and also took up and learned the tailor's trade under the direction of his father. He was sixteen years old when the family left Bavaria and came to America. The trip was made on a sailing vessel which was sixty days from the time it left the European port until it landed its passengers at Quebec. Mr. Schnaitter lived in Canada until the spring of 1849 and then came to Sandusky. Here he was employed by the tailoring firm of Kneen & Knel, until after the outbreak of the Civil war. In youth as in later years he was a noted musician and volunteered his services as a musician and was assigned to the Fourth Regiment of Michigan Infantry. With that regiment he experienced all the hardships and vicissitudes of a soldier's life for fourteen months, at the end of which time all the regimental bands were discharged. He then returned to Sandusky and resumed work at his trade as a journeyman. Soon after the war Mr. Schnaitter formed a partnership with Anton Buders and they did a flourishing business as merchant tailors for a period of twenty-six years. Since the firm went out of business Mr. Sehnaitter has lived retired. In 1855 he married Susanna Krantz. She, was born in Weisbaden, Germany, August 12, 1831. Her father, Bathaser Krantz, was also a native of Weisbaden, and in 1848 brought his family to America. Arriving in Erie County he bought a farm on the Huron road, three miles east of Sandusky, and spent the rest of his life as an industrious farmer. Mrs. Cornelius Schnaitter died in 1896. Mr. Schnaitter is now the head of a notable family, young men and women who have taken independent positions in the world, and he is surrounded not only by his, own children but by his children's children and great-grandchildren. His five sons and daughters are named Frank, Antoinette, Cornelius, Sarah and Hattie. The son Frank married Christina Boos and has four children— Antoinette, Edward, Gertrude and Florence. Antoinette, the second child, married Edward Moos, and her four children are Anna, Cora, Hilda and Wesley. Cornelius., Jr., married Christina Hertlein and has three sons—Eugene, Irving and Arthur. Sarah is the widow of William Claus, and her four daughters are Aimie, Maud, Susan and Mildred. Hattie, the youngest child, is the wife of Frank Wetzler, with two daughters, Lauretta and Susanna. Of the grandchildren the following are married : Antoinette Schnaitter married Freeland Smith, and has four children, Elizabeth, James, Frank and Margaret. Edward married Winifred Platt, and has two children Robert and Alice. Cora Moos married Joseph Gillard, and her four Children are Richard, Sallie, Constance and Joseph. Hilda Moos married Elmer Brehm, and has a son named Edward. Aimie Clans is the wife of Jerome Herbig, and has a daughter. Ailien. Susan Claus married John Lay. Cornelius Schnaitter from early youth manifested exceptional gifts as a musician, and when a boy learned to play the violin quite expertly. 544 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY He has always been interested in musical affairs, and for many years was one of the leaders in musical activities in Sandusky. When a young man he joined the military organization known as the Jaeger Company. In 1852 he was one of the chief promoters of the first band ever organized in Sandusky and was its leader. There were few functions in Sandusky during the early days at which his services were not in demand for musical entertainment. Mr. Schnaitter is affiliated with McMeens Post No. 19 of the Grand Army of the Republic. WILLIAM Y. MURSCHEL. Enterprising, far-seeing and progressive, William Y. Murschel is numbered among the useful and valued citizens of Sandusky, where he is now living, retired from active business pursuits, although the management of his private interests keeps him quite busily employed. A son of Jacob Murschel, he was born February 10, 1859, in Norwalk, Huron County, Ohio, of substantial German ancestry. Jacob Murschel was born in Bernhausen, Wurtemburg, Germany, where his parents spent their entire lives. One of his brothers, Michael Murschel, came to America, settling in Sandusky, where numerous of his descendants are now living, and a sister, also immigrated to Ohio, and here married a Mr. Stump, of Flat Rock, Seneca County. In common with the boys of his native land, Jacob Murschel attended school until about fourteen years of age, after which he served a full apprenticeship at the baker's trade, and likewise spent three years in the German army. Enthused by the glowing stories told of the glorious opportunities America offered for increasing one's financial condition, he decided to follow the ocean course previously taken by so many of his countrymen, and set sail on a stanch vessel bound for New York, where, at the end of six weeks, he landed. From that city he proceeded by rail to Buffalo, thence on a Lake Erie boat to Sandusky, which was then but a modest-appearing village. Continuing his journey to Huron County, he worked a short time at his trade in Norwalk, and then bought the City Hotel, which he managed himself in addition to running his bakery. Shortly after he assumed its possession, an epidemic of cholera struck the city, eighteen people dying of that terrible disease in his hotel. Closing it, he took his family to Flat Rock, Seneca County, where he remained until all danger from cholera had passed, when he returned to Norwalk, and resumed his former business pursuits. In 1862 he removed with his family to Bellevue, Huron County, and was there in active business two years. The year following he was engaged in farming at Weaver's Corners, and in 1865 he came to Sandusky, and having purchased the Bing House, located on West Market Street, he conducted it successfully for five years. Then, buying out Leonard Good's grocery store, on East Market Street, he operated it four years, building up a good trade. Selling out in 1874, he removed to Hayes Avenue, where he continued in the grocery business a few years. Again he made another change, disposing of his grocery, and buying the hotel located opposite the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway depot, which he conducted five years. He then sold the hotel, and subsequently lived retired until his death, in 1893. Jacob Murschel married Margaret Yingling, who was born in Rudesheim, Wurtemburg, Germany, and at the age of fifteen years came to this country with several other young ladies of about her age. After living with a German family in Sandusky for a time, she went to Norwalk, and there lived in the family of Mr. Gardner, the banker, who died in 1915. an esteemed and venerable man of ninety-five years. Mrs. Jacob Murschel survived her husband many years, passing away April 5, 1915. She was file mother of five children, as follows : William Y., the special subject of this brief sketch ; Charles; Jacob ; Fred, and Albert. HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 545 Having completed the course of study in the public schools of Sandusky, William Y. Murschel began as a boy to assist his father, working in hotel and grocery, and finally succeeding him in business. Mr. Murschel established the hotel known as the Murschel House, which stands opposite the new Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway station, and managed it successfully until 1910, being a most genial and popular host, ever attentive to the wants of his guests. Since leaving the hotel, he has lived retired, devoting his time and attention to the direction of his . private affairs. At the present writing, in 1915, he and his son Alfred are erecting an up-to-date six-apartment building on West Washington Street. Mr. Murschel has been twice married. He married first, in 1881, Anna Scheadler, who was born on Kelleys Island, a daughter of August and Christina Scheadler. She died eighteen months later, leaving one daughter, Clara, who became the wife of Fred W. Grabel, and has one Child, William Grabel. In 1884 Mr. Murschel married for his second wife Elizabeth Louise Wilke, who was born in Allison, Clinton County, where her parents, Gottlieb and Johanna Louise (Arndt) Wilke, first lived on coming to Ohio from their German home, near Berlin, although they spent the larger number of their years in Ottawa County. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Murschel has been brightened by the birth of three children, Alfred, Arthur and Leona. Alfred married Mah Appel, and they have one child, a son named Alfred William. Leona married Donald Kelley, son of Hon. Malcolm Kelley. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and of Sandusky Lodge No. 285, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Murschel enjoys seeing new places and new things, and having traveled quite extensively he has gained a comprehensive knowledge of many parts of our own and other countries. In 1899, accompanied by Mrs. Murschel, he toured Mexico, visiting the principal points of interests therein, and in 1900, with his son Alfred and his daughter Clara, made a trip to Europe, and while there went to Wurtemburg and saw the houses in which his father and mother were born. He also visited the more important cities of Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France and Eng¬land, in Paris attending the World's Fair, then in progress, and later witnessing the presentation of the passion play in Ober Ammergau. CHARLES KUBACH. Noteworthy among the native-born citizens of Sandusky who have spent their lives within its precincts, aiding as far as possible the city's growth and development, is Charles Kubach, a man of unquestioned ability and integrity. He comes of excellent German ancestry, his father, Frederick Kubach, and his grandfather, George Kubach, having emigrated from Germany to Ohio during the first half of the last century, settling in Sandusky. George Kubach was born, in 1791, in the Village of Liedolsheim, Kingdom of Baden, Germany, and was there bred and educated. Fitting himself for a veterinary surgeon, he served as such in the German army for a number of years. In 1835 he embarked with his family On board a sailing vessel, and after a tedious ocean voyage of forty-two days landed in New York. Coming directly to Ohio, he arrived in Sandusky on June 8th of that year. Looking about for a desirable location, he bought a tract of timbered land in Perkins Township, five miles south of the Sandusky courthouse, on the Bloomingville road, now known as .oath Campbell Street. Clearing a space in the forest, he built a log house, covering it with clapboards rived by hand, and fastened with poles. and making a clay and stick chimney. This was the first home of the Kubeck family in America. Bears, deer, wild turkey and other kinds of game were plentiful, and, with the fish caught in the near-by 546 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY streams, were of much importance in the filling of the family larder. A man of perseverance and resolution, he at once began the improvement of his land, for several years thereafter having no horse, but doing the work with oxen. With true German thrift, he utilized all the timber he cut off, selling the giant oaks to shipbuilders, and the cord wood to the boat owners, at the boat landings. He likewise burned charcoal, which was then used by all blacksmiths, making a good profit thereby. He likewise established a smithy on his farm, and did blacksmithing for himself and his neighbors, making and saving money by so doing. He cleared thirty acres of his estate, and subsequently replaced the original log cabin with a substantial two-story house made of hewed logs, and erected a frame barn. On the homestead which he so well improved, he spent the remainder of his life, dying in September, 1854. The maiden name of the wife of George Kubach was Eva Catherine Heimberg. She was born, December 20, 1799, in the Village of Bleinkenloch, Baden, Germany, and died September 4, 1878. To her and her husband eight sons were born and reared, as follows : Frederick, Louis, August, Henry, John Albany, William, Adam, and Gottfried. Frederick Kubach was born, in 1822, in the same village of Baden,. Germany, in which his father first saw the light of this world, and as a boy of thirteen years came with his parents to Ohio. He assisted his father in clearing the land and tilling the soil for a few years, and then, being the eldest son of a large family of boys, began, life on his own account. Moving into the City of Sandusky, he was busily employed in different kinds of work until his death, at the early age of forty-six years. His wife, whose maiden name was Magdalene Schoepfle, was born in the Village of Kreitzingen, Baden, Germany, and is now living in Sandusky, at the venerable age of eighty-two years. She bore her husband five children, as follows : Frederick, deceased; Christina, deceased; August ; Charles, and William. Acquiring his early education in the public schools of Sandusky, Charles Kubach began his active career when young as a clerk .in the grocery store of his uncle, George Van Hansen, with whom he remained three years. Subsequently learning the trade of a sheet metal and copper worker, he continued at that occupation about seven years. For five years thereafter Mr. Kubach was connected with the grocery business, and the following two years belonged to the city fire department. He was then employed for a while in the Baltimore & Ohio Express office, but resigned his position to become a clerk for Lay Brothers' Fish Company. At the end of thirteen years he was appointed deputy county treasurer, and filled theposition satisfactorily for three years, when he was elected county auditor, an office that he held for six consecutive years, his length of service in that capacity bespeaking his ability and trustworthiness. The following two years Mr. Kubach was in the employ of the Booth Fisheries Company. Then, having become financially interested in the Post Fish Company, he was made secretary of the corporation, and has held this responsible position since. In 1877 Mr. Kubach married Miss Lena Hassenpflug, a daughter of George Hassenpflug, who emigrated from Germany to America, settling in Sandusky, Ohio. Four children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kubach, namely : Frederick, who married Elizabeth Schneider ; Lillian ; Allen, who married Minnie Schneider ; and Alma. Politically Mr. Kubach is a democrat. He served for twelve years as a member of the Sandusky Board of Education, ten years of the time being secretary of the board. At the present writing, in 1915, he is a member of the city council, having been elected as a member at large. Fraternally Mr. Kubach is a member of Sandusky Lodge No. 128, Knights of Pythias ; of Garfield Company, Uniform Rank No. 13; of HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 547 Sandusky Aerie No. 444, Fraternal Order of Eagles ; of Hobson Camp No. 5649, Modcrn Woodmen of America; of Sandusky Court No. 739, Independent Order of Foresters; and of Sandusky Lodge No. 285, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. CHARLES A. CRAIG. A business man of long standing at Sandusky, Charles A. Craig is now filling the office of county treasurer. He is well fitted for public responsibilities by his varied and successful experience in business affairs, and has the additional incentive to creditable perforance in places of public trust because of the fact that his father gave up his life while battling as a soldier on the Union side during the Civil war. Charles A. Craig, who represents an old American family of Scotch antecedents, was born in the City of Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio. His father was Capt. Alfred T. Craig, a native of Philadelphia, while the grandfather was William Craig, a native of New Jersey. William Craig, to trace the ancestry still further back, was a son of Elias, Jr., and a grandson of Elias Craig, Sr. The Craigs, on coming from Scotland, settled in New Jersey when that commonwealth was a colony. William Craig was a machinist by trade, and when a young man he moved to Philadelphia and lived in that city and worked at his vocation the rest of his life. He married Sarah Hutchinson, who was born in the State of Delaware and spent her last days in Philadelphia. Capt. Alfred T. was reared and educated in his native city, and took up the same trade followed by his father. In 1854 he came West and settled in Dayton, Ohio, was employed there until 1858, and then established his home in Sandusky. He was a capable workman and was quietly prosperous and influential until the outbreak of the war. He responded to the first all for troops, m a three-month regiment, and became a private in Company E of the Eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the end of three mouths this regiment re-enlisted for a longer period, and Captain Craig about that time received his commission as second lieutenant and subsequently was promoted to first lieutenant, then captain of Company of the Eighth Ohio. He led his company gallantly and faithfully in its many battles and endured the hardships and shared with his companions the rigors of army life. He fought in many minor engagements, hut the historic battles in which he participated were those at Fredericksburg, Antietam, Gettysburg, Winchester and the Wilderness. He was wounded at the battle of Winchester, was twice wounded at Antietam and on May 6, 1864, lost his life in the terrific struggle of the Wilderness. His body was never recovered, and his companions reported that, it must have been consumed by the flames. Captain Craig married Eliza McCrea, who was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, having come to America with an older sister. She died in 1899 in her seventieth year. The four children reared by her were Fannie E., Charles A., Mary T., and Carrie W. The daughter Fannie married John B. Woolson, while Mary is the wife of Henry Hahn. Charles A. Craig has lived in Sandusky since early childhood, and gained his early education in the public schools of that city. When his father went away to the war the family was left in very moderate circumstances. and with the death of Captain Craig increased burdens of responsibility were thrown upon the shoulders of the young lad, then about thirteen years of age. Instead of attending school he began earning his living by work as a delivery boy in a grocery store. His next employment was in the Woolworth handle factory, where he remained several years; was then for about three years clerk in the B. & 0: express office, and for four years with E. R. Alvord & Company. In whatever capacity 548 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY he has worked his service has been characterized by diligence and faithfulness. For twelve years he was bookkeeper with E. B. Hodgman Manufacturing Company, and after that for three years was with the Jarecki Chemical Company three years. He resigned his place with that firm to become manager and treasurer of Kilborn & Company, and is still officially identified with that well-known Sandusky concern. In politics Mr: Craig cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield in 1880, and has been regularly identified with the grand old party for fully thirty-five years. For several years he served as chairman of the Republican County Central Committee. In 1899 he was republican candidate for the office of county auditor, and in 1914 was elected to his present offiee as treasurer of Erie County. Mr. Craig is affiliated with Garfield Lodge of the Knights of Pythias and is a member of the Sunyendaend Club. LOUIS DUENNISCH. Many of the more prominent and prosperous citizens of Ohio were born on the further side of the Atlantic, and since coming to this country to live have been active and useful in advancing the industrial, commercial, financial and social interests of town, county and state. Conspicuous among the' number may be mentioned Louis Duennisch, of Sandusky, who, through his own efforts, has acquired a competency, and is now living retired from active business, devoting his time and energy to his extensive private interests. A native of Germany, he was born September 4, 1842, in Ostheim, Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach, where his childhood days were spent. His father, Andrew Frederick Duennisch, was born in Koenigshofen, Bavaria, in 1803. He learned the trade of a millwright when young, and followed it as a journeyman in different places in Germany, among them being Ostheim, Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach. He owned and operated a grist mill until his death, in 1855. His last place of business was at Fladungen, Bavaria, where he resided. He married Marie Elizabeth Engel, a native of Ostheim. She survived him, and in 1857, two years after his death, came with her son Louis to Ohio, locating in Sandusky, where she continued her residence until her death, in 1886, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. She reared two children, namely : Christian and Louis. Christian Duennisch immigrated to Ohio in 1853, and after living for a time in Sandusky purchased a farm near Venice, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at a comparatively early age. Louis Duennisch attended school at Melfers, until after the death of his father, when he assisted his mother in the management of the mills until she sold out, in 1857. In that year, desirous of joining his brother Christian, he came with his widowed mother to the United States, setting sail from Bremen July 4, and landing in. New York August 29, 1857. He spent a short time in Sandusky, after which he lived for a year with his brother on a farm. Returning to Sandusky, he continued his studies at the English school, and when sufficiently familiar with the native language to be of use, entered the employ of J. E. Norcross then sole proprietor of the Sandusky Sash, Door & Blind Company. Shortly after, Mr. Norcross sold an interest in the business to Mr. E. E. Upp, who became junior member of the firm of Norcross & Upp. At the age of nineteen, Mr. Duennisch was ma de foreman of the shop, and continued with that firm and its successors for a period of thirty-five years, at the time of his resignation the firm name being George R. Butler & Company. Since resigning his position with that company he has been busily employed in looking after his private affairs, which are many and important. PICTURE OF MR & MRS LOUIS DUENNISCH HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 549 Mr. Duennisch has been twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Newman, was of German parentage. She passed to the life beyond in 1875, in early womanhood. He married, second, in 1878, Margaret Ebert, who was born, reared and educated in .Sandusky. Her father, Conrad Ebert, was born in Bavaria, where his father, a manufacturer of sash, doors and blinds, was a life-long resident. Educated in Bavaria, he learned his father's trade while working with him, and also obtained a thorough knowledge of cabinetmaking. In 1853, at the age of twenty-eight years, Mr. Ebert came to Ohio, and thereafter followed his trades in Sandusky through his active life, residing in this city until his death, at the age of seventy-four years. Mr. Ebert married Margaret Denninger, who was born in Maroldswersach, Bavaria, the daughter of a life-long farmer of that locality. She came to this country at the age of thirty-one years ; was married to Mr. Ebert in 1853, and died at the age of fifty-eight years. She was the mother of three children namely : Karl Ebert ; Margaret, now Mrs. Duennisch ; and Conrad Ebert. Mr. and Mrs. Duennisch have traveled extensively, both in this country and abroad. In 1895 they visited the "Land of the Midnight Sun" at a very fortunate time, when the weather was clear and the atmosphere free from fog. On this trip they also visited throughout Europe. In 1899 they toured Mexico, and in 1900 they again visited Europe, going to the place where he was born, and also seeing the principal points of interest in France, Switzerland, Belgium and England. They likewise had the pleasure of witnessing the Passion Play at Oberammergau. They also made an extended trip through the Holy Land, visiting all places of interest to the traveler, including among others the City of Jerusalem. They also made stops in Gibraltar, Malta, Algiers, Alexandria, Cairo, Constantinople, and Athens, becoming familiar with the people of those noted places and their customs. Among their cherished possessions Mr. and Mrs. Duennisch have a Bible which has been in the family nearly 300 years, bearing the dates 1643 and 1644. Mr. Duennisch also has a watch upwards of a hundred years old. It is of the bull 's-eye type, with a separable case, and at the end of the silver chain attached is a seal, upon which his father's monogram is engraved. Fraternally Mr. Duennisch is a member of Perseverance Lodge, No. 329, Free and Accepted Masons ; of Sandusky City Chapter, No. 72, Royal Arch Masons; of Sandusky City Council, No, 26, Royal and Select Masters; of Erie Commandery, No. 23, Knights Templars ; and of Sandusky Lodge, No. 285, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Both Mr. and Mrs. Duennisch were confirmed in the Lutheran Evangelical Church, but are now members of the Christian' Science Church. PROF. ROY D. MITCHELL. As proprietor of the Sandusky Business College, Prof, Roy D. Mitchell is personally identified With an important educational institution of the city, and is contributing his full share in so developing the business ability of the young men and women of Erie County as to make them a self-reliant and self-supporting class of people. He was born November 4, 1873, in a sod house five miles north of the present site of Bradshaw, York County, Nebraska. He saw a train of cars for the first time when the Burlington road was extended into Bradshaw; he was then nine years old. He is a lineal descendant of Hugh Mitchell, who emigrated from Ayr County, Scotland, to America in 1782, the line of descent being as follows : Hugh Mitchell, John Mitchell, William Mitchell, James Mitchell, and Roy D. Mitchell. William Mitchell, the Professor's grandfather, was born September 14, 1811. At Cadiz, Ohio, October 18, 1838, he married Mary Ann Atkison, and there was a resident until 1855. In the spring of that year, 550 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY accompanied by his family, he removed to Lynnville, Jasper County, Iowa, going by way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Keokuk, thence by team to Lynnville, where he became a pioneer settler. At that time there were no railroads west of the Mississippi, and all of the country roundabout was in its original wildness. His wife died in 1864 and is buried in Lynnville cemetery. After farming a few years in that locality, he moved to Boone County, Iowa, and there spent his last days, at his death, which occurred June 6, 1887, being buried in the Mitchell cemetery, three miles west of Zenorsville. He married Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson at Ridge Port, Iowa, in November, 1868, who survived him at the time of his death. The birth of James Mitchell occurred June 13, 1845, in Cadiz, Ohio, where the first, ten years of his life were spent. Going then to Iowa with his parents, he was there reared to agricultural pursuits. On December 31, 1869, he was united in marriage with Lucinda Myers. The following spring he joined the Myers colony, which included his wife's father and mother, brothers and sisters, and made an overland journey, driving an ox team to York County, Nebraska. All of that section of the Union was then owned either by the Government or by the railroad companies, and antelope and other wild game native td that section were plentiful, and not very far away large herds of buffalo roamed the prairies. Each autumn the pioneer settlers used to go in parties in search of buffalo, and would cure the large quantities of buffalo meat brought home by the sportsmen for future use on the table. Securing a tract of Government land, Mr. James Mitchell built a sod house which the family occupied a number of years, and began the improvement of a homestead, doing all of his farm work and marketing with oxen, having no horses. The sod house made possible the settlement of the prairies, as no wood was obtainable without hauling it a great distance. The walls were thick and the houses comfortable both summer and winter, but the settlers endured many hardships and discouragements on the wind-swept plains the first few years. Columbus, sixty miles away, in Platte County, was the nearest trading point, and he not only frequently went there, but he also made trips with oxen to Lincoln, which was still further distant. Succeeding well in his agricultural undertakings, he improved his land, erected a good set of farm buildings, and there lived until 1914, when he sold out his Nebraska interests, and now makes his home with a son who lives not far from the old homestead. His wife died November 11, 1904, leaving four sons, as follows : Charles B., York, Nebraska ; Chauncey H., Oklaunion, Texas ; Roy D.; and William P., who resided at Telluride, Colorado, at the time of his accidental death there May 24, 1911. Having obtained his preliminary education in the rural schools of his native district, Roy D. Mitchell continued his studies at York College, later teaching three terms in the rural school of his home district. He then completed a full course at the Omaha Commercial College, in Omaha, Nebraska, after which he entered the Woodbine (Iowa) Normal School, where for two years he still further advanced his studies' in preparation for teaching. In 1898, on July 11, Professor Mitchell came to Sandusky to accept a position as teacher in the Sandusky Business College, and taught under T. W. Bookmyer, the proprietor for nine years. On June 1, 1907, the professor succeeded to the ownership of the institution, and in its management has met with success, his school being well patronized, and its graduates being well fitted for business positions ; he' is also closely identified with some of the financial and manufacturing interests of the city. On June 28, 1899, at Woodbine, Iowa, Professor Mitchell married Bertha Emily Hall, who was born in Harrison County, Iowa, a daughter of John and Camilla Hall. A woman of culture and refinement, she HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 551 was educated in Iowa, being graduated from the Woodbine Normal School, and is now a teacher in the Sandusky Business College. The professor is identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Perseverance Lodge No. 329, Free and Accepted Masons; of Sandusky City Chapter No. 72, Royal Arch Masons; of Sandusky City Council No. 26, Royal and Select Masters; and of Erie Commandery No. Knights Templar. SAMUEL IRVINE. For a quarter of a century identified with the business interests of Sandusky, Samuel Irvine, now living retired from active pursuits, is a veteran of the Civil war, and eminently deserving of special meat ion in a work of this character. A son of John Irvine, he was born, May 28, 1834, in the City of Philadelphia, of Scotch-Irish descent. His paternal grandparents, who were of honored Scotch ancestry, were lifelong residents of County Antrim, Ireland, although several of their children came to America to settle, including, the following. David, Samuel R., William, John, and another son, who after living a few years in New York City returned to Ireland. David located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, where he spent his remaining days. Samuel R. settled first in Philadelphia, from there coming, in 1852, to Ohio, locating in Sandusky, and a few years later moving with his family to Toledo, which was afterwards his home. William lived in Pittsburgh for a time, from there going to Mississippi, where he married, and was subsequently engaged in the culture of cotton until murdered by one of his slaves. John Irvine came to America directly after his marriage, and after following having his trade of carpenter in Philadelphia for a time settled in Pittsburgh. Leaving that city in 1847, he came by stage to Sandusky, Ohio were, the following spring, he was joined by his family, who proceeded by boat up the Ohio River to Beaver, Pennsylvania, thence via canal and lake to Cleveland and Sandusky. Following his trade of a carpenter and builder, he erected some of the more important buildings of that early day, including a number of fine residences. Going to St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1858, he was engaged in contracting there for a short time, and then moved to Elwood, Kansas. In 1860, joining the tide of emigration surging westward, he crossed the plains with ox teams to Denver, from there going to the divide, where he took up Government land, and embarked in the culture of potatoes, home-grown ones at that time bringing eight cents a pound, and other provisions, all of which had to he transported by teams, were correspondingly high. Two years later he settled in the valley, half way between Denver and Pueblo, in the place later known as Irvine Station. Securing 500 acres of land, he irrigated and improved the place, and there resided until 1886. He then sold a part of his ranch and moved to Pueblo, where his death occurred. July 3, 1887. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Boyd, was horn in County Armagh, Ireland, and died October 6, 1906, in Los Angeles, California, leaving five children, Samuel, John, William, David A., and Milton B. Having obtained a practical knowledge of the common branches of learning in the public schools of Sandusky; Samuel Irvine served an apprenticeship at" the carpenter's trade with his father, and subsequently accompanied the family to St. Joseph, Missouri, later going to Kansas, where he continued at his trade until after the breaking out of the Civil war. On October 12, 1861, inspired by patriotic enthusiasm, Mr. Irvine enlisted in Company I, Seventh Kansas Cavalry, under command of Capt. J. M. Anthony. In 1863, having faithfully performed his duties as a brave soldier in camp and field until the expiration of his term of enlistment, he veteranized, and with his command went to Corinth, Mis-   552 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY sissippi, where he spent much of his time in guarding the railways of that section of the country. Honorably discharged from .the service as first lieutenant on September 29, 1865, Mr. Irvine followed his trade at Waukon, Kansas, until 1868. Coming back then to Sandusky, where he had spent the days of his boyhood and youth, he entered the employ of the Sandusky Wheel Company, with which he was actively connected for twenty-two years, during the last eight years of the time being superintendent of the business. Since severing his connection with that company, he has lived retired from busIness activities and cares. Mr. Irvine married, July 1, 1866, Daphne R. Foster, who was born in Erie County, Ohio, a daughter of William Howell Foster. Born November 21, 1810, in St. Albans, Vermont, Mr. Foster there acquired a good education in his youth, and while a young man started westward in search of fame and fortune.. Coming to Erie County, Ohio, he taught school for a while at Seven Mile House, and then, having met with most encouraging success in his labors, he returned\ to the Green Mountain State, where he married, and with his bride came back to Ohio, coming by the Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence by Lake Erie to Cleveland,. and from there to the interior with ox team. Locating near Castalia, he bought land, but soon sold that property, and purchased another, farm in the same township. He was subsequently there successfully engaged in tilling the soil until his death, February 26, 1874. Mr. Foster married Caroline Charlotte Brush, who was born at St. Albans, Vermont, September 22, 1810, and died in Erie County, Ohio, March 17, 1901. She reared three children, as follows : Helen Charlotte, Daphne Rhoda, and Romeo William. Mr. and Mrs. Irvine became the parents of four children, and the two living are John W. and Justin S. John W. Irvine, a resident of Cincinnati, married Rose Kirkpatrick, and they have three children, Daphne, Carrie Luella, and Helen Lucille. Justin S. Irvine, who lives in Cleveland, married Carrie Dunlap. Carrie, born November 14, 1866, died January 10, 1894, and Helen L. born October 16, 1868, died May 7, 1887. Mr. Irvine is a member of McMeens Post No. 19, Grand Army of the Republic, and Mrs. Irvine belongs to the Woman's Relief Corps. WILLIAM A. WALDOCK. Worthy of special mention in a work of this character is William A. Waldock, who holds an assured position among the esteemed and respected citizens of Sandusky, his industry, integrity and thrift having gained for him the confidence and good will of the community in which he resides. A son of the late Frederick David Waldock, he was born August 10, 1866, near Bloomingville, Erie County, Ohio, on a farm, and is of English descent, his grandfather Waldock, who as an ironmonger dealt in metals and implements, having been a lifelong resident of Huntingdonshire, England. Frederick David Waldock was born in 1832 in Huntingdonshire, England, where, at the age of twelve years, he began an apprenticeship at the butcher's trade. Embarking in business on his own account in his native place, he carried on butchering until 1859, when, accompanied by his family, he crossed the ocean to the United States. Coming directly to Ohio, he joined his brother-in-law in Erie County, hoping to soon find remunerative employment. Business was then very dull throughout the Union, and the times unusually hard. Being offered the job of digging a ditch, he agreed to do the work for fifty cents a day. As the man demurred at giving so much for the labor, Mr. Waldock offered to take the job by contract at fifteen cents a rod, the ditch to be five feet wide at the top, two feet at the bottom, and three feet deep. The man agreed to the price set, and at that rate Mr. Waldock earned seventy-five cents per HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 553 day. A year after his arrival in Erie County; he purchased four acres of land half way between Bloomingville and the "seven-mile-house," and there started in the butchering business, having one horse and a wagon, and retailing his meat in Sandusky. He was soon enabled to buy eight more acres of land, and as his means increased he bought live stock, and greatly enlarged his operations. He bought a farm situated one mile north of the seven-mile-house, and there continued his business successfully until his death, in 1912. He was a man of good business judgment, and made wise investments, at the time of his death having title to 365 acres of valuable land. He married Fannie Greene, who was born at St. Ives, England, and died in Erie County, Ohio, in 1913. Of their union eight children were born, as follows : Frederick ; Lizzie, deceased; John ; Charles; Annie, deceased; William A., the subject of this brief sketch ; George ; and Fannie. Educated in the district schools, William A. Waldock learned the trade of a butcher when young, and in early manhood became associated with his father in the live stock and butchering business, and has been actively engaged in the same business until the present writing, in 1915. In 1900 he bought a farm lying one mile south of Sandusky, and occupied it until 1913, when he removed to his present beautiful home on Wayne Street, Sandusky. Mr. Waldock married, on April 26, 1900, Ida Erbe, who was born on a farm in Margaretta Township, Erie County, of German ancestry. Her father, Philip Erbe, was born, reared and educated in Baden, Germany, and as a young man there learned the trade of a miller. In 1849, lured by the wonderful reports of the prosperity of the Americans, he came to the United States, being six weeks in making the ocean voyage in a sailing vessel. After spending a very few days in New York City, he came to Ohio, and for a while operated a mill in Castalia. When ready to invest in land, he purchased a farm in Margaretta Township, Erie County, and was subsequently engaged in tilling the soil until his death, at the age of seventy-six years. Mr. Erbe married Emilia Warnke, a. native of Mecklenburg, Germany, who in 1849 came to America with her parents. Her father died a few years later, leaving his widow with eight children, four sons and four daughters, the sons being Charles, Frank, Ernest and William, and the daughters Charlotte, Louise, Minnie and Amelia. Mrs. Emilia (Warnke) Erbe, who died at the age of seventy-four years, reared seven children, as follows : Anna, Caroline, Tillie, Charles, Rose, Ida and Minnie. Mrs. Waldock taught in the Castalia High School for twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Waldock are the parents of four children, namely : Frederick, William, Lucille and Marion. Fraternally Mr. Waldock is a member of Sandusky Lodge No. 669, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and of Sandusky Council No. 278, United Commercial Travelers. HON. CYRUS B. WINTERS. An esteemed and eminently useful citizen of Sandusky, Hon. Cyrus B. Winters is widely and favorably known in the legal circles of Erie County, and as a representative to the State Legislature has taken an active part in the administration of public affairs. He was born in a log house in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, on the farm of his father, the late Benjamin Winters. His paternal grandfather, Christian Winters, was born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. Leaving his native state in early manhood, he lived for a time in Maryland, from there moving with his family to Canada. Upon the breaking out of the War of 1812 he returned to the United States, and subsequently served in the army until the close of the conflict. He continued to reside in the East until 1821, when he mi- Vol. II— 6 554 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY grated to Ohio, settling as a pioneer in what is now Huron Township, Erie County. Buying a tract of land that was in its primitive wildness, he cleared and improved a homestead, on which he spent the remainder of his life, dying when about seventy-two years of age. He was very successful as a farmer, and in addition to his original purchase of land bought 600 acres in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, a tract that subsequently came into the possession of three of his sons, Daniel, John and Benjamin. His wife, whose maiden name was Ann Palmer, was a native of Pennsylvania. Born in Canada, near Fort Erie, Benjamin Winters was about fourteen years old when he came with his parents to Ohio. He assisted his father in the arduous task of redeeming a farm from the wilderness, and when of age assumed possession of that part of the land lying in Townsend Township given him by his father. After erecting a log cabin and the necessary buildings for carrying on general farming, he began to improve his property, and there remained a resident until his death, in September, 1861, at the age fifty-four years. He married, first, a Miss Whitmore, and, second, Delia A. Downing, who was born in Logan County, Ohio, where her father, Milton Downing, was a pioneer settler. His first wife died in early life, leaving him with three children. By his second marriage he became the father of seven children, as follows: Bruce M.; Cyrus B., the special subject of this brief sketch ; Milton I.; Delia B.; Eugene B.; Benjamin W., and Wilmer D. Mrs. Winters was a woman of much ability, and kept her family together until all were grown and had homes of their own. Acquiring his elementary education in the rural schools of his native district, Cyrus B. Winters subsequently completed the course of study at Milan Normal School, after which he assisted in the management of the home farm for two years. The ensuing two years he was deputy clerk in the office of the clerk of the courts. In the meantime he employed all of his leisure in the study of law, and in 1874 was admitted to the bar. After practicing his chosen profession for a short time in Fremont, Mr. Winters located in Sandusky, where he has built up a large and lucrative practice, and has identified himself with the leading movements tending towards the uplifting and betterment of the city. In his political affiliations Mr. Winters is a democrat. He has rendered excellent service as a member of the Sandusky Board of Education, and for six years was prosecuting attorney of Erie County. In 1905 he was elected as a representative to the Ohio State Legislature, and has had the honor of being three times re-elected to the same high position. While in that body he served as chairman of the Committee on Cities, on Codes, Courts and Procedure, and as a member of the Committee on Ways and Means. He is an authority on matters pertaining to legal affairs, and is well known as the author of the public utility law. Mr. Winters married, in 1874, Helen E. Clason, who was born in Logan County, Ohio, where her father, Dr. Thomas S. Clason, was a prominent physician and surgeon. Six children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Winters, namely : Bessie H., wife of Howard H. Brown ; Cyrus B., who married Dorothy Streetman ; Mabel I. ; Thomas C.; Katherine, and Richard. HAYES M. ADAMS. Widely and favorably known as county auditor of Erie County, Hayes M. Adams, of Sandusky, has proved himself eminently worthy of the confidence and trust reposed in his integrity and ability, invariably giving to his work, however humble It may be, his highest efforts. He was born August 29, 1875, in Crawford County, Ohio, which was likewise the birthplace of his father, Ephraim H. Adams, a son of Eli Adams, a pioneer settler of that county. Coming HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 555 from honored New England ancestry, he is a descendant in the sixth generation from John Adams, the second President of the United States, and his wife Abigail (Smith) Adams, their grandson, Ephraim Adams, having been his great-grandfather. Born and bred in Massachusetts, Ephraim Adams lived there until after his marriage. Migrating to New York State with his family in 1806, he became a pioneer settler of Cayuga County. After the burning of Buffalo by the British in 1813 he again started westward with his family, going with a team to Lake Erie, thence by schooner to Ohio, landing at Ogontz Place, the present site of the City of Sandusky. Nearly all of Ohio was then a wilderness, being the hunting ground of Indians, who had held the country for centuries and were not pleased with the advances of the white-faced strangers. Taking up a tract of heavily timbered land on the present site of Milan, he erected a log cabin, and on the homestead which he improved he and his wife spent their remaining years. Born near Boston, Massachusetts, March 13, 1803, Eli Adams was scarce three years of age when brought by his parents to Erie County. Growing to manhood beneath the parental rooftree, he assisted his father in the pioneer task of clearing the laud, freely giving his time and labor, and at the death of his father receiving, it is said, as his share of the estate, a scythe, which he at once traded for a pair of shoes. Subsequently taking up Government land in Texas Township, Crawford County, Ohio, he built the customary log cabin of the pioneer, and in the course of time improved a productive farm. He spent the later years of his life with his children, in Bloomville and La Timberville, dying at the home of a son in the latter named place at the advanced age of eighty-six years, He married, in 1827, Myra Angeline Andrews, whose father, James Andrews, a native of Chester County, Pennsylvania, was a pioneer of Crawford County, Ohio. She died in Bloomville, Ohio, in 1875. Four of the sons born of their union served during the Civil war in the Union army. Ephraim H. Adams was born December 9, 1831, in the log cabin erected by his father in Texas Township, Crawford County, and there grew to man's estate, as a youth learning the carpenter's trade. He subsequently settled in Lykens Township, Crawford County, and at the breaking out of the Civil war there enlisted in the regiment known as the "Mechanics' Fusileers," an organization that had not been authorized by the Government, and was not accepted. Enlisting, in 1864, in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he went with his command to Virginia, and there continued with his regiment until honorably discharged from the service at the expiration of his term of enlistment. Returning to Crawford County, he worked at his trade until 1880, when he moved to Sycamore, Wyandot County, which was his home for three years. In 1883 he came to Sandusky, and has been a resident of this city, or of Clyde, ever since. The maiden name of the wife of Ephraim H. Adams was Letitia Brown. She was born, of English ancestry, in Hamilton, Ontario, a daughter of Asa and Nancy (Lee) Brown, and died in 1887. Three children were horn of their marriage, as follows: Asa Eli ; Harry, who lived but five years; and Hayes M. Asa Eli Adams was born in Crawford County, Ohio, /August 28, 1864, and at the early age of ten years began working at the carpenter's trade. An able mechanic, skillful in the use of tools, he soon beanie proficient at his trade, which he has followed continuously in Sandusky since 1884. He married, July 4, 1887, Miss Sallie Livinia Martin, who was born at Martins Point, Margaretta Township, Erie County, Ohio. Her father, C. Nelson Martin, was born July 21, 1834, in San- 556 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY dusky, where his parents, Richard and Sallie Martin, were pioneer settlers, and married in early manhood Phebe Reed. Mr. and Mrs. Asa Eli Adams have four children living, namely : Phebe Letitia, Gracie Maude, Cecil Livinia, and Mabel Dorothy. Gleaning his first knowledge of books in the rural schools of his native district, Hayes M. Adams subsequently continued his studies in Bloomville, and later attended the public schools of Sandusky, making his home with his brother Asa in the meantime. At the age of fourteen years he began an apprenticeship at the barber's trade, with which he was actively associated for nine years. He afterwards entered the employ of the Sandusky Gas Company as meter reader and collector, and while thus occupied made good use of his leisure time by taking a correspondence course ip bookkeeping. He was subsequently twice promoted by his employers, first to the position of teller, and later becoming cashier of the company. At the end of seven years Mr. Adams severed his connection with the gas company and accepted the position of general bookkeeper in the Citizens Bank, in which he was later made individual bookkeeper, continuing with the bank in that capacity until his election as county auditor of Erie County. When Mr. Adams was first chosen to this responsible office, in November, 1912, he had .a majority of 106 votes only, but in November, 1914, he received a majority of 2,893 of the votes cast, the large increase in his favor showing his popularity as a county official. Mr. Adams married, in 1899, Miss Katherine L. Bier, who was born in Sandusky, and was there brought up and educated. Her father, Henry Bier, a native of Hessen, Germany, immigrated to America in 1852, settling in Sandusky, where he met and married Mary L. Stocker, who was born in Berne, Switzerland, and came to this country in 1871. A stanch republican in politics, Mr. Adams cast his first presidential vote for William McKinley, and has ever since taken an active and intelligent interest in public affairs. He is officially identified with various fraternal organizations, being a member and chancellor commander of Sandusky Lodge No. 128, Knights of Pythias ; a member and past commander of F. W. Stevens Tent No. 1293, Knights of the Maccabees; a member of Sandusky Lodge No. 285, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; a member of Sandusky Aerie No. 444, Fraternal Order of Eagles; and of Sandusky Herd No. 471, Loyal Order of Moose. HON. MALCOLM KELLY. Bringing to the practice of his chosen profession an earnest zeal, a well trained mind, and habits of industry, Hon. Malcolm Kelly, a leading citizen of Sandusky, has won success as an attorney-at-law, and holds an honored position in the legal circles of Erie County. A son of the late John Kelly, he was born in Danbury Township, Ottawa County, Ohio, of excellent Irish ancestry on his father's side, and Puritan New England ancestry on his mother 's side. His paternal grandfather, William Kelly, was born in 1779, in the Parish of Gardaughy, County Down, Ireland, where he began life for himself as a linen draper. Shortly after his marriage with Jane Reed, a native of County Down, he started for America in 1805, arriving in Philadelphia, and from there going to New York State. In 1818, taking passage at Buffalo on the sailing vessel Perseverance, he came to Ohio, landing in Sandusky after a lake voyage of six weeks, in the month of December. With his family, he spent the following winter in a log cabin that had been used as a cooper's shop. He was very well educated for those days, and for some time after coning to Ohio was employed as clerk in the office of the county auditor at Port Clinton, Ottawa County. He spent the last of his life with his son John, dying there in 1867. PICTURE