REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
MARION COUNTY, OHIO
1907 HISTORY
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TIMOTHY FAHEY, (PICTURE) president of The Fahey Banking Company, of Marion, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, has been a resident of Marion County for a period approaching 60 years. During a large part of this time he has been identified with the business interests of Marion. He was born in Ireland, and is a son of Dennis Fahey, who was a small farmer there.
Mr. Fahey came to America in 1847 and, after a short season in New York, proceeded to Sandusky, Ohio, thence to Kenton, and in the fall of 1847 came to Marion County. Even in youth, Mr. Fahey possessed much business acumen and was able to seize and turn to account every opportunity. He engaged in several lines of business prior to 1872, when he embarked in a banking business, beginning with a capital stock of $5,000, which has grown to $300,000, Mr. Fahey owning almost all of the stock. The Fahey Banking Company enjoys the confidence and patronage of the business men of this section.
Mr. Fahey's wife, Ellen, died in 1892. They had eight children, as follows: Richard, a merchant of Marion; Kate, wife of M. H. Kirchner, of Manon; Mary, widow of M. O'Brien, who was a merchant of Toledo, Ohio, and whose son Michael is assistant cashier of The Fahey Banking Company; Julia, wife of A. C. Edmondson, cashier of The Fahey Banking Company; Emma, deceased, who was the wife of M. J. Sullivan, of Lima, Ohio; Ella, wife of A. O. O'Hara, superintendent of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company, with headquarters at Springfield, Missouri; Nona, wife of Frank A. Huber, vice-president of The Fahey Banking Company and vice-president and treasurer of The Marion Steam Shovel Company; and Maggie, a Sister of Charity in Cincinnati. All of the children were afforded fine educations.
Mr. Fahey is a prominent member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and is a liberal contributor to the support of many of its benevolent enterprises. As a business man and citizen, he is a representative resident of Marion. In politics he is a Democrat
JAMES G. FAIRBANKS, president of The Fairbanks Steam Shovel Company, at Marion, has been identified with the important business enterprises of this city for over a quarter of a century. He was born in Geauga County, Ohio, November 3, 1858, and is a son of Orrin C. and Lydia (Wilson) Fairbanks.
After completing his apprenticeship to the machinist's trade at Urbana, Ohio, and working as journeyman at different points he came to Marion in March, 1878. He was employed in the local plants for a time and then became superintendent of The Huber Manufacturing Company and was associated with that large industry for 19 consecutive years. Later Mr. Fairbanks became a manufacturer and organized The Fairbanks Construction Company, which in 1903 was followed by the organization of The Fairbanks Steam Shovel Company. He has filled the position of president from the first. The other officers are: William E. Scofield, secretary; R. C. McCullon, treasurer; and R. M. Imbody, vice-president. This is a stock company which is capitalized at $200,000. It is one of Marion's most important industries and gives employment to 200 people.
Mr. Fairbanks was married to Amanda Shutt and they have had three children: Charles W.; Wave, who died aged four years; and John W. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In political sentiment Mr. Fairbanks is a Democrat.
WILLIAM HARRY FARNUM, a well-known agriculturist of Prospect township whose farm consists of 106 acres, was born in Prospect, Ohio, September 23, 1862, and is a son of Dr. James L. and Anna Eliza (Wottring) Farnum.
The grandparents of our subject were Erastus and Nancy (Robinson) Farnum, the latter a cousin of Governor Robinson, of Massachusetts. They were married in Vermont, Mr. Farnum's native State, when he was about 20 years of age, and immediately came to Marion County, Ohio, settling in the wilds of Pleasant township, where Douglas Farnum, the greatgrandfather of our subject, owned a large tract of land. Douglas Farnum, who died and was buried in Pleasant township, offered his son Erastus a tract of land on the condition that he should come here and live just one hour before his son arrived, Douglas Farmun was killed by a falling tree, and through some rnisunderstanding, his son never got the land. Erastus located in Pleasant township on the farm where J. J. Beringer of the "White Stock Farm" now resides, and there after a very eventful life died at the age of 90 years. His widow survived him for some years, passing away at the age of 94 years. They had a family of seven children, namely: Rosamond, who married Martin Johnson both now deceased; James L.; Richard, deceased; Allen, deceased; Noah, deceased: Rosella, who is the widow of B. McAdams: and Emma who married H. Moore of Marion, Ohio,
James L. Farnum was born in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio. His primary education was received in the country schools, and then he took a medical course at the Ohio Medical College. Cincinnati. After leaving school he taught for several terms at Prospect
and Richwood, Ohio,, and then embarked in the practice of his profession at Prospect, where he continued until his death, which occurred September 25, 1885. He married Anna Eliza Wottring, a daughter of Jacob J. and Hannah (Mohr) Wottring and a sister of Lewis H. Wottring, whose sketch appears in this work. Mrs. Farnum died September 23, 1905, aged 73 years. Four children were born to our subject's parents, as follows: Benjamin, who died in infancy; Mary Ellen, deceased, who was the wife of William Dill; Samuel J., deceased; and William Harry.
William H. Farnum was reared in Prospect and obtained his education in the schools of the village. He remained at home until about four years after his marriage, as his mother was alone after the death of his father. In 1893 he moved to his present farm, which he obtained from his father. This property, known as the old Freeman farm, was settled by Mr. Farnum's grandfather, Jacob J. Wottring, when he came from Pennsylvania in 1838, and was originally a tract of 400 acres, all in timberland with the exception of about 40 acres. Here our subject has since been engaged in general farming, raising considerable grain, cattle, sheep, etc. His farm is situated one mile north of Prospect on the traction line, on the east side of the Scioto River. The house sets well back from the road and on each side of the wide drive leading to it is a row of beautiful maples, which were set out by Mr. Farnum. He also owns a house and lot and 16 1/2 acres in Prospect.
Mr. Farnum was married December 25, 1889, to Irene Turner, a daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth (Dynes) Turner. He and his wife are both members of the Reformed Church, of which he is a trustee. Politically, he is a Democrat.
CHRISTOPHER FAZLER, a highly respected citizen of Pleasant township, who owns a valuable farm of 120 acres, located in section 16, was born October 15, 1841, in Hafnerhaslach, Wuerttemberg) Germany and is a son of Charles and Philomena ( Philipine J. Oehler) Fazler, natives of Germany.
After farming in his native land for many years,, Charles Fazler, with his wife and family, came to the United States and located in Marlon County, Ohio, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1899, at Marion. His wife died in November, 1873. They had, a family of five children, namely: Catherine, wife of Martin Price, who resides in Union County, Ohio; Christopher, Sophia, who married Fred Retmeyer, is deceased; Frederick, residing at Marion, who married Etta Harber; and Rachel who married Henry Reidel both now deceased.
Christopher Fazler was 16 years old when he accompanied his parents to America and had attended German schools. His father located first in Prospect township, Marion County, where he bought a farm of 50 acres, which Christopher assisted in clearing. He also aided his father in building a log cabin, which is still standing and in good condition. The father sold his first farm and bought another tract of 100 acres, to which he later added 80 acres. Christopher remained at home until after his marriage. In 1872 he moved to a farm five miles west of Green Camp, where he lived for about seven years after which he bought his present farm of Christopher Wasserbeck. who bought Mr. Fazler's farm in Green camp townshiip. The present house of our subject was on the place at the time of purchase, but the large barn. which is one of the finest and largest in the township, was erected by Mr. Fazler in 1892. and is the third barn which has been built here. The first barn was destroyed by fire; and the second barn, which Mr. Fazler assisted in building. was constructed of logs. Although Mr. Fazler still resides on his farm, he has retired and is enjoying a well-earned rest from business activity, employing George Seiter and Harvey Sangman to cultivate the land for him
Mr. Fazler was married in 1870 to Philomena (Emilie Phillippine Gorenflo born June 27, 1841 in Friedrichstal, Baden to Jacob and Philippine Karle Gorenflo) Gorenflo and they have four children: Emma, who married William Binder, lives in Waldo township, and has three children Arthur, Irene and Roy; Sarah, who married Christopher Bensler, of Pleasant township, and has two children-Clara and Oliver; Clara, who married Albert Folick and lives in Pleasant township; and Sophia, who married Adam Leffler and lives at Marion. Mr. Fazler is a Democrat and has served as road supervisor. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.
JACOB DAVID FETTER, who is engaged in general farming in Claridon township, was born September 15, 1860, and is a son of George and Mary (Mauntz) Fetter.
His grandfather, George Fetter, Sr., entered 328 acres in Claridon township at an early day and built a frame house where the subject of this sketch now resides, later removing to Marion where he resided until his death. During his early days he was a shoemaker. He married Elizabeth Kyle, who also died in Marion, after surviving her husband some years.
George Fetter, father of our subject, was born in 1836 on the homestead in Claridon township, where he was reared to manhood and lived until his marriage, when he moved to a nearby farm and still later to a farm in Richland township, which his maternal grandfather owned. He remained there for some years and then bought 186 acres across the road from his grandfather Kyle's property and later added another tract of 80 acres on the east. On this farm he lived until his death in 1884. He married Mary Mauntz, a daughter of Gottlieb Mauntz, who was born in Pennsylvania and became an early resident of Richland township. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fetter, namely: George, who lives in Marion; Jacob David: Mary Amelia, who died aged 26 years, and her twin, who died in infancy; Samuel H., who lives three miles west of Marion; William, who resides in Marion; Frank, of Marion; Clara, wife of O. B. Almendinger,
and her twin, Alice, who died in infancy; and Edward, a resident of Marion. Mr. Fetter was a Democrat in politics and served for some years as trustee of the township. His widow died February 11, 1899.
Jacob D. Fetter was reared on his father's farm in Claridon township and attended the district schools. He remained at home until 21 years of age, when he located on his present place, renting from his grandfather for about a year and a half. He then lived on the Haines farm for two years, on the farm of Edward Burts for two years and on the farm of William Burts for three years, after which he returned to his present farm, which he bought from his mother, who had purchased it from his grandfather. Mr Fetter built his present home and also the small barn and the granary on the place, besides making many other substantial improvements. He followed dairying for two years and a half and now is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. For some years he was interested in sheep raising. At present he feeds a large number of cattle.
On October 17, 1884, Mr. Fetter was united in marriage with Elizabeth Yager, who was born in Pleasant township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a daughter of David and Margaret (Rapp) Yager, David (Jaeger) Yager was born Oct 6, 1789 in Erdmannhausen, Wuerttemberg) (Margaretha Catherine Rapp was born Feb. 12, 1832 in Rosswag, Wuerttemberg) who were among the early settlers of Marion County. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fetter, as follows: Alice Emma; Clara Ella, who married Wesley Lehner and lives in Richland township; Harry, who died June 11, 1891, aged 10 months; Bertha May; Frederick David and Sadie Marie. Mr. Fetter is a Democrat in politics and has served one term as township trustee and also as a school director. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.
MICHAEL FETTER, owner and operator of a fine farm of 101 acres located in section 5, Richland township, was born in Marion, Ohio, December 17, 1849, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Lynn) Fetter, and a grandson of John Fetter, Sr.
John Fetter, father of Michael, was born in Germany, where he was reared and learned the shoemaker's trade from his father. He was married to Elizabeth Lynn in his native land and continued to work there for some time at his trade, afterwards coming to this country with his wife and one child. He first located in Marion, Ohio, and worked for about three years at his trade, and then bought a tract of 15 acres of timberland in Richland township. At that time the township was still in an unsettled condition, although more thickly peopled than the country still farther north. He continued to work at shoemaking until about 60 years of age, after which he devoted his time exclusively to farming, having acquired a little more land in the meantime. His death occurred May 17, 1899, at the good old age of 81 years, 7 months and 3 days, his wife having died some time previously. John and Elizabeth (Lynn) Fetter had a family of six children, namely: Martin, who was born in Germany; John, deceased, who was born on the ocean when the parents were coming to this country; Michael; Henry, deceased; Mary, who is the widow of John Hursey; and Peter.
Michael Fetter was a small child when his parents moved to the farm in Richland township, where he was reared, assisting in the work on the farm and enduring many of the hardships incidental to pioneer times. After reaching maturity, he worked out by the month for seven years, for the first two years for Jacob Mautz. After his marriage, he rented a farm in Waldo township for five years and then purchased of George Dietsch his first farm, a tract of 30 acres situated in Richland township, which he afterwards sold, buying his present farm, a well-cultivated tract of land located on the old "Mud" pike, which was the first road built through the township. His barn which is one of the largest in this section; of the county, stands prominently on the road bearing his name. The large frame house on the farm was erected by Mr. Fetter in 1886. He bought his land in three different tracts; he first purchased 41 acres from Mrs. Kline in 1886; then bought 23 acres across the road from William Coul in 1893, and in 1901 added 36 ½ acres, which he bought from Geo. Epply.
On November 22, 1871, Michael Fetter was united in marriage with Catherine Christman, the only child and daughter of Frederick and Mary (Rider) Christman. Mrs. Fetter's father, who was a native of Germany, came to this country when a young man and located in Ohio. He was killed by lightning when his daughter was a little girl and his widow subsequently married Michael Meiley, by which marriage she had six children, as follows: Catherine, Caroline, Mary, Minnie, John and. Christopher. Both Mrs. Meiley and her husband are now deceased.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fetter, namely: Charles, residing on a farm north of his father, who married Alice Beringer; Lola, who married David Bishop, has three children, Mildred, Harley and Lydia, and lives in Marion; Albert; George, who married Gertrude Kaelfer; Lydia, who married Edward Heyby and has one child, Esther; Harry; and Minnie, who lives at home.
Mr. Fetter has always farmed and is one of the most prosperous representatives of the calling in his section. For about.two years he and John Roush owned a threshing machine, which they operated throughout the country; finally two of his sons Charles and Albert, bought out Mr. Roush's interest, and in 1905 bought an outfit of their own, in which business they have the assistance of the brother George, who is a carpenter by trade. Mr. Fetter has seven head of horses and has his farm well equipped with all kinds of modern machines and implements. He is a Democrat in politics, as was his father and other members of the family. He has been a member of the Lutheran Church since 17 years of age and is at present a trustee of his church
JOSEPH FIELDS, one of the highly respected venerable residents of Caledonia, who formerly resided on his farm of 125 acres, situated in Claridon township, was born March 29, 1820, in Wilmingham, near Stowe, Lincolnshire, England, and is a son of Mathew and Elizabeth (Hatfield) Fields.
In 1834 the parents and the paternal grandfather of Mr. Fields came to, this country by way of Canada, the family arriving in Claridon township, Marion County, July 2nd. The earliest members of the family came to America on the "Mayflower," and the name is widely known all over the United States. Joseph Fields was a boy of 14 years when the members of his family took passage on the vessel "St. Mary," which landed its passengers at Quebec. From there they came to what is now Slicks station, in Claridon township. Mr. Fields recalls almost every incident of this long journey, for whatever it may have been to the older members of the family, it probably was one of enjoyment to him, filled as it was with so many unusual sights.
The father of Mr. Fields acquired 20 acres of land in Claridon township, on which he resided until his death, December 2, 1851. He married Elizabeth Hatfield, who was born at Martin-on-Trent, near Gainsborough, England. They had 12 children, as follows: John, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Wells, who died in England; Ann, deceased; Mary, deceased, wife of Ralph Spring, of Marion; Mathew, deceased; Henry, deceased; Joseph; Mrs. Sarah Warwick, Benjamin and William, deceased; Edward D., residing in Caledonia; and Mrs. Dinah Keeran, who resides in Oklahoma.
Joseph Fields assisted his father clear the 20-acre tract which is now a part of his own farm, as he bought out the other heirs. Mr. Fields was married (first) January 1, 1845, to Mary McGindley, and they had one son, John H., who is a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, residing at Ada, Ohio, also one daughter, Sarah Elizabeth. Mr. Fields was married (second) October 27, 1853, to Sarah Badger, who left a family of children at death, as follows: Joseph Archibald and Mathew (twins), the former of whom lives on a fine farm on the Russell turnpike, and the latter operates the home farm; Robert C., who died aged seven years; Ace, who, lives near Kenton; and William and Annie (twins), the former of whom lives at Lima, and the latter died in infancy. Mr. Fields was married (third) September 18, 1898, to Jane (Hancock) Henness, widow of the late George Henness, who was editor of the Caledonia Argus for 11 years. Mrs. Fields was born in Midlands, Northamptonshire, England, in September, 1872, and is a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Barnes) Hancock, who died in England.
Mr. Fields is a local preacher of the United Brethren Church at Adelaide, and a member of the Sandusky Conference. In this capacity he has filled vacancies and has always been an acceptable preacher, being a deep thinker and gifted in oratory. Several of his children have developed great musical talent, his son, Joseph Archibald Fields having been at the head of the Fields Family Band, of Caledonia, an organization which for a number of years, has been before the public as entertainers. Politically, Mr. Fields has always been identified with the Republican party, but never accepted any offices except those of supervisor and school director.
JOSEPH ARCHIBALD FIELDS, general farmer and stock-raiser in Claridon township, and a well-known and representative citizen, was born February 21, 1860, on a farm half a mile west of his present home. He is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Badger) Fields.
The father of Mr. Fields was born in England and accompanied his parents to Claridon township when he was 14 years of age. He was thrice married, Joseph A. being a son of his second union The mother of Mr. Fields is deceased, but the father, in spite of advanced years, is still active. He is a local preacher of the Sandusky Conference of the United Brethren Church and resides at Caledonia.
Joseph A. Fields has made agriculture his occupation through life and has always had his home in the same neighborhood. On March 10 883, Mr. Fields was married to Charlotte S. Thew, who was born on the site of the present home, April 29, 1860, and is a daughter of William P. and Charlotte (Cherry) Thew. William P. Thew was born September 1, 1812, in Lincolnshire, England, and was 12 years, of age when he accompanied his parents, Richard and Anne (Bothamly) Thew, to New York, in 1822. Richard Thew settled in Richland County, Ohio, where he lived until 1831, when he removed to Marion County, where the Thew family has been one of substance and consequence ever since.
Mr. and Mrs. Fields have two children, Lewis Thew and Reid D. The former was born September 15, 1887, and at this writing is a student at Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio, taking the electrical engineering course preparatory to entering Case University. The younger son was born October 21, 1892, and is a pupil in the Caledonia Union School.
The Fields family is exceptionally musical, each member having a favorite instrument and in combination they make up a fine band, which has been heard on many occasions and has been very favorably noticed by a number of the local newspapers. When the elder son is at home the Fields Family Band is open for engagements, having proved popular entertainers. On one occasion the Marion Star commented as follows on a performance given: "Instrumental music was furnished by the Fields Family Band, of Caledonia, the youngest member of which is only five years old, but his music can not be judged by his age." This refers to Reid D., who had a perfect mastery of the bass drum when a child of five years. He is a member of the Caledonia Band, playing trombone. The elder son plays clarinet and Mrs. Fields plays tuba. Mr. Fields has been, connected with the Caledonia Band more or less ever since 1884 and was its leader in 1906. Pictures of the family organization have been seen in many of the newspapers of this section and it has an established reputation all through Marion County.
Politically, Mr. Fields is a Republican and has served in township offices at various times He was twice elected township trustee and served through two full terms and a half year more.
WILLIAM FIES, who is serving in his fourth year as city clerk of Marion, was born in Ellmendingen, Baden, Germany, October 17, 1841, the son of William and Magdalena (Egley) Fies, and was five years old when his parents emigrated to the United States.
William Fies, father of William, was a butcher by trade and after coming to this country worked in New York City until 1852, when lie brought his family to Marion, Ohio. Here William, the younger, went to school until the age of 13 years. Two years later he begin house painting, at which he worked about a year. He then served an apprenticeship to the cabinetmaker's trade, working for three firms in the meantime, but when the Civil War broke out, he gave up all plans in order to enlist in the service of his country. On October 30, 1861, he entered Company B. 64th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., being mustered into the service at Mansfield, Ohio. His regiment was sent direct to Louisville, Kentucky, and took part in all the battles of the Army of the Ohio and, later, of the Army of the Cumberland, including the Atlanta campaign, Chickamauga, Jonesboro, Franklin. and Nashville. At the battle of Franklin, Mr. Fies was taken prisoner. He was sent to Corinth, thence to Marietta, Georgia, and thence to Andersonville, where he managed to live through two months, when he was paroled and sent to Vicksburg, where he boarded the ill-fated "Sultana," which was to take about 2,000 Federal soldiers, released from Rebel prisons, to the North. At 3 o'clock on the morning of April 27, 1865, when the steamboat was about seven miles above Memphis, Tennessee, one of the boilers exploded. She immediately took fire and in the short space of 20 minutes was burned to the water's edge About 1,500 people perished in this, the most terrible of all steamboat disasters. Fortunate indeed were those who escaped death or serious injury. Mr. Fies sustained hurts which confined him first in a hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, and later, in the Trepler Hospital at Columbus, Ohio. He was mustered out of the service by a special order of the government, in May, 1865. Twice previously he had been slightly wounded, once at Stone River and again at Spring Hill. He entered the service as a private and was mustered out as a sergeant.
After his return from the army, Mr. Fies worked at his trade for one year and then entered into partnership with Henry Schaffner and Albert Dreyer, for the manufacture and sale of furniture, under the firm name of Fies. Schaffner & Dreyer, which lasted until 1877. Then Mr. Fies engaged in a furniture and undertaking business for himself, which he continued until October 1, 1902, when he sold out. In the following May he was elected city clerk by the City Council for two years, but by reason of a change in the election law he served two years and eight months. In January, 1906, he was reelected by the Council for a term of two years. In 1878, Mr. Fies was elected clerk of Marion when it was a village, and served from April 10, 1878, to April 12, 1882, so that he is well acquainted with the duties of this office. He is a very popular official.
For 20 years Mr. Fies served as chief of the Marion Volunteer Fire Department. He served two terms in the City Council and for nine years was a member of the Board of Education, a part of this time being its treasurer. He is interested as a stockholder in a number of different concerns and is one of the directors of the Marion Building, Savings and Loan Company.
Mr. Fies was married November 14, 1867, to Anna C. Haberman, a daughter of Justice Haberman, and they have had eight children. The seven survivors all reside at Marion, as follows: Katherine, William J., Mary L., Hortense, George, Harry and James.
Mr. Fies is a Mason and belongs to the Blue Lodge, Council, Chapter and Commandery, at Marion; and the Consistory and Shrine at Columbus; he is past eminent commander of Marion Commandery. He is also identified with the Odd Fellows. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church.
CHARLES A. FINEFROCK, physician and surgeon, at Green Camp, is building up a, large practice at this point and in the vicinity and is proving himself an able member of his profession. Dr. Finefrock was born in Prospect township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Edward A. and Jane (Adams) Finefrock.
Edward A. Finefrock was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and in boyhood accompanied his parents to Marion County, where his father acquired farming land in Prospect township. Edward A. Finefrock engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1892, when he retired from business activity and removed to Prospect, where his death occurred in 1901. The mother of Dr. Finefrock still survives and resides at Prospect. They had the following children: Rufus H., a practicing physician at Prospect; Dora, deceased at 31 years of age; Nellie, deceased, at 18 years of age; Charles A., of this sketch; and Thomas, who remains on the home place.
Charles A. Finefrock spent his boyhood on the home farm and attended the district schools. After his father moved to Prospect, he entered the public schools there and in the class of 1901 graduated from the Prospect High School. In September of the same year he entered Starling Medical College, Columbus, from which he graduated in the spring of 1905. He lost little time before entering upon the active practice of his profession, opening his office at Green Camp in August, 1905. he has gained the confidence and good will of this community, both personally and professionally.
In June, 1905, Dr. Finefrock was married to Grace Roberts. He is a member of Durward Lodge, No. 155, K. of P., at Prospect.
RUFUS H. FINEFROCK, M. D., a leading practitioner at Prospect, was born on his father's farm in Prospect township, Marion county, Ohio, September 7, 1868, and is a son of Edward A. and Jane (Adams) Finefrock.
Edward A. Finefrock was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and came to Marion when 16 years of age, settling in Prospect township, where he died in 190l. His widow still survives. They bad five children: Rufus H. Dora, deceased; Nellie, deceased; Charles A. a physician at Green Camp; and Thomas, who lives on the homestead in Prospect township.
During his boyhood and early youth, Rufus H. Finefrock attended the district schools and the schools of Prospect, and later was a student at the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, for one year, following which he taught school for two years. In 1892 he entered Starling Medical College, Columbus, where he was graduated in 1896, after which he returned to Prospect and has been engaged in practice here ever since, enjoying the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens to a large degree.
Dr. Fine frock was married in June, 1897, to Norma Clafflin, who was born at Cardington, Morrow County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Ira and Elizabeth Clafflin. They have one daughter, Mary Lucille. Dr. and Mrs. Finefrock are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally, he is connected with Prospect Lodge, No. 483, 1. 0. 0. F., and the Encampment; also with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
JOHN FIRSTENBERGER (FUERSTENBERGER), JR., residing on his well-appointed farm of 119 3/4 acres, which is situated in section 8, Richland township, owns a second farm of 40 acres, one mile South of his home place. Mr. Firstenberger was born September 1, 1862, in Richland township, and is a son of Daniel and Caroline (Mautz) Firstenberger, and a grandson of Charles Firstenberger.
Charles Firstenberger (was born in Wiesloch, Baden, Germany) and his wife, Lora (Elenora) Miller (was born in Baiertal, Baden, Germany), were natives of Germany; they came to Richland township, Marion County, 0hio when this part of Ohio was a vast wilderness. The first home was a rude log cabin and in its wide chimney were burned black walnut and oak logs, such, as would bring large returns if sold at the present time. These pioneers suffered many hardships and the father lived only into middle life, dying on his farm in Richland township at the age of 48 years. His children were: Margaret, who married Daniel Eichorn both now deceased; Daniel, deceased; Sophia, wife of Philip Loyer; Elizabeth, deceased; and John, of Richland township.
Daniel Firstenberger was born in Germany and was two years old when his parents came to Ohio. He assisted his father clear the land, and after his marriage continued to live on the original home farm, adding to it until at the time of his death he owned 290 acres.
Daniel Firstenberger married Caroline Mautz, who was a, daughter of Gottlieb Mautz, and they, had 10 children, as follows: Jacob, Mary, Daniel, Christiana, John, Philip, Frederick, Lydia, Catherine and Lora.
John Firstenberger was reared on the home farm and his education was secured in the local schools. He remained with, his parents until the death of his father and continued to farm the home place. The comfortable Old farm-house of seven rooms, which was erected by his father in 1868, was built entirely by hand work, there being no machinery in this locality at the time, even to cut the lumber. It is still stanch and strong and has long survived its builder. With the old homestead Mr. Firstenberger inherited a number of family possession,,; and one of these is in old German family Bible, which dates back 129 years, and was the property of his grandfather, who was a very pious man. Mr. Firstenberger has refused $100 for the, sacred book. On his farm stood. the first church ever built in this locality, his grandfather having given the land.
On January 30, 1890. Mr. Firstenberger was married to Catherine Hinamon, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (McNeal) Hinamon. George Hinamon was born in Niederbetschdorf, Alsace-Loraine, France and was a son of George and Margaret Hinamon, who settled in Richland township when their son George was two years old. George Hinamon, Jr., was one of a family of nine children and next to the eldest. At maturity he married Elizabeth McNeal, a daughter of Thomas McNeal, who brought his family to America from Ireland. The eight children of George and Elizabeth Hinamon were: John L.; Samuel F.; Margaret, wife of George Retterer; Elizabeth, first the wife of George Webber and after his death, the wife of Charles Starkey; George T.: Mary, wife of George Retterer; Catherine; and Sophia unmarried. The father of Mrs. Firstenberger was such an early settler in Richland township that when he went from home he had to blaze the trees so that he could find his way back. He was a very ardent politician, and just before his death in 1894, when in his 80th year, went in a carriage to the polls to cast his vote for the Democratic candidates. His widow still survives and lives on the farm of 80 acres, left by her husband.
Mr. and Mrs. Firstenberger have an adopted daughter, Mabel E., who is a granddaughter of the venerable Jacob Schoenlaub, who is the only survivor of the Mexican War, in Marlon County. Mr. Firstenberger carries on general farming, and from long experience and a large measure of success is regarded as an authority on agricultural matters In his neighborhood.
Politically he is a Democrat. He is one of the leading members of the Reformed Church, in which he holds the office of deacon.
FREDERICK FIRSTENBERGER (FURSTENBERGER), who owns and operates a well-improved farm of 106 acres, is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Marion township. He was born January 21, 1867, in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel and Caroline (Mautz) Firstenberger.
Daniel Firstenberger was a native of Wiesloch, Baden, Germany and when but two years old came to America with his parents, Charles and Laura (Miller) Firstenberger, who after a two-years' residence at Galion, Ohio, settled in Richland township, Marion County. Here he was reared and educated and spent the rest of his life, his death occuring January 23, 1887. He married Caroline Mautz, who died in 1876. They were the parents of 10 children: Jacob, who is a resident of Green Camp township; Mary, who married William Klingle, residing in Richland township; Daniel, who died aged 18 years; Christiana, who married D. W. Yager and resides in Richland township; John and Philip, both residing in Richland township; Frederick; Lydia; Kate, who married George Ault, and resides in Pleasant township; and Lora, who is the wife of Henry F. Behner, residing in Pleasant township.
Frederick Firstenberger was reared and educated in Richland township, where he continued to live until the spring after his marriage, when he moved to Union County, Ohio, and bought a farm of 87 acres near Rush Creek. He was a resident of Union County for about six and a half years, when he sold his property there and bought his present farm, where he has resided since April 1, 1903. Mr. Firstenberger was married December 24, 1896, to Elizabeth Bickle, who is a daughter of Leonard Bickle. They have three children, namely: Mary; Carl and Mildred.
PHILIP FIRSTENBERGER (FURSTENBERGER), who owns one of the finest farms in Richland township, consisting of 220 acres, located in section 17, was born on the home place in that township, January 8, 1865, and is a son of Daniel and Caroline (Mautz) Firstenberger, old and respected residents of Richland township.
Charles Firstenberger,the grandfather, was born in Wiesloch, Baden, Germany and came to America in 1832. He had married Lora (Elenora) Miller in Germany and she, with their two children, accompanied him. They first made their home at Gallon, Ohio, for two years, and then came to Marlon County and bought wild land in Richland township. The uncultivated, unsett1ed condition of this now fertile country as it was then, can only be realized by the old settlers who still survive. The first home of the family was a rude log cabin, which was but little more than a shelter and which, in later years, was replaced by a larger and better one. Game was so abundant that the question of keeping the larder supplied with meat was an easy one, but hundreds of things which are now regarded as common necessities of living were then luxuries. It required strong frames and stout hearts to live in the wilderness, combat the forces of nature and find reasonable comfort out of life, and also to be able to leave behind property for the support of widow and children. Charles Firstenberger died a comparatively young man, being but 48 years of age. His widow survived him many years, dying in 1877, at the age of 77 years. The children of Charles and Lora (Miller) Firstenberger were: Margaret, who married Daniel Eichorn both now deceased: Daniel, deceased; Sophia, who married Philip Loyer; Elizabeth, who died aged 17 years; and John, who resides in Richland township.
Daniel Firstenberger. father of our subject, was born in Germany and was two years of age when his parents came to America and settled at Gallon and he was still a child when they came to Richland township, where he continued to live until his death. He was the owner of 290 acres of land, which were amicably divided among his children. Both he and his wife died on their own farm, old and respected residents. They were among the early founders of the Reformed Church in their part of the township. The children of Daniel and Caroline (Mautz) Firstenberger were: Jacob; Mary, who married William Klingle; Daniel, deceased; Christiana, who married D. W. Yager; John; Philip; Frederick; Lydia; Catherine, who married George Ault; and Lora, who married Henry F. Behner.
Philip Firstenberger was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools. His occupation has always been farming. After receiving 30 acres of the home farm, he kept adding to it until now he owns 220 acres and a one-fourth; interest in 120 acres of the home place. His large, comfortable residence was built by his father in 1882, but the substantial barn was put up by himself. He has made many improvements here and his property would command a large price if put upon the market. For a number of years an old log church stood on the farm, it being one of the first erected in this section.
In April, 1888, Mr. Firstenberger was married to Hattie Lewis, who was a daughter of Samuel and Harriet (Barnhart) Lewis. Mrs. Firstenberger died December 6. 1890, leaving no issue. Politically, Mr. Firstenberger is a Democrat and has served as township trustee. He is a member of the Reformed Church. The Firstenberger family is a numerous, respected and substantial one of Marion County.
LEMUEL FITE, deceased, one of Marion County's early and most respected citizens, was born in Trumbull County. Ohio, December 20, 1827, and died in Marion County October 14, 1900.
In 1857 Mr. Fite came to Marion and the following year was married to Louise Smiley, of Shelby, Richland County, Ohio. Mrs. Fite still survives, with five children, as follows: John J., who is engaged in a wholesale hardware business at Cleveland, Ohio; William, assistant professor of mathematics at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, who is a graduate of that institution with the degrees of A. B.. and Ph. D.; Emerson, who graduated from Yale College with the degree of A. B., where he is now filling the chair of history, and took his Ph. D. degree at Harvard; Jeanette, who resides at home; and Anna W., who graduated first at Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan, took a special course in mathematics at Wellesley College, Massachusetts, for four years was principal of the Marion High School and is now instructor in mathematics. The whole family is one noted for high intellectual attainments.
The late Lemuel Fite was one of the earliest produce merchants at Marion and was an extensive wholesale dealer in butter and eggs for years. He was also engaged in the manufacture of baking powders and was interested in other successful enterprises at various times. The latter part of his life was devoted to looking after his large real estate interests and to the management of his farm.
Mr. Fite was one of the founders of the Central Christian Church at Marion and it was largely through his efforts that the present fine edifice was erected. He was a man of personal honor and his large business transactions were carried on with the strictest integrity. He commanded the respect of his fellow citizens in every phase of life and enjoyed their esteem wherever known.
JOHN HERMAN FLACH, a leading farmer of Green Camp township, who owns 111 acres of fine farm land, was born at Zimmersrode, Hessen-Nassau, Prussia, Germany, April 13, 1850, and is a son of Conrad and Martha (Martin) Flach.
John Herman Flach was reared on a farm in Germany and attended school until he was 14 years old. The main occupation of his father and other male kindred was black smithing and he learned this trade under his father, who also trained him in farming. When he was 16 years old, his sister Catherine emigrated to America and he accompanied her. They located at Grove City, Franklin County, Ohio, where Mr. Flach worked for one year on a farm. In the spring of 1869 he went to work for his uncle, Louis Martin, whose farm was situated one mile west of Marion. After working three years for his uncle and three years for Daniel Uncapher, he took a farm of 50 acres and for two years worked it on shares. In the meantime he had purchased a good team and a fine lot of farming implements. After his marriage in 1877, he rented land for five years and then bought 71 acres of his present farm, a tract now lying within the corporate limits of Green Camp. In the spring of 1892 he purchased the other 40 acres, which lies three-fourths of a mile north of his home. farm. The latter purchase has no buildings on it but is otherwise well improved and both farms are managed by Mr. Flach. He engages in general farming and raises a large amount of stock, turning off a good number of fat steers a year, from 50 to 60 head of hogs and 50 lambs.
When Mr. Flach came to his present farm, a frame dwelling stood on the land and this he has twice remodeled, the last having been in the fall of 1906. It is now in every way a desirable farm residence. In 1901 he built his substantial barn which has a cement floor and is 40 by 82 feet in dimensions. His other buildings are all in excellent condition, his, hog house also having a cement floor. A large amount of small fruit is grown here and in good seasons the family has more raspberries, plums and peaches than they can make use of.
On December 27, 1877, Mr. Flach was married to Rosena Bricker or Bruegger, as was the old German spelling. The father of Mrs. Flach died April 20, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Flach have eight children: Martha Adella, who is in the millinery business; Daniel H., residing in California, who is in the lumber business; Carrie May, the very capable stenographer for the Brown Hoisting Company, at Cleveland, who attended Oberlin College and taught school for three terms in Green Camp township, being given a teacher's certificate when but 15 years old; Milton John, shipping clerk in a rolling mill at Middletown, Ohio, who attended Oberlin College, and married Florence Ruth; Mary Alma, who married Otto Haberman and has one child, Esther May; Werner Wilford, who assists his father with the farming; Vena Esther, who attends the local school; and Lewis Leonard.
Mr. and Mrs. Flach are members of the German Reformed Church, of which he has been a trustee. Mr. Flach and family are very highly respected residents of Green Camp township.
JOHN A. FOOS, (PICTURE) whose fine farm of 463 acres is located in section 5, Claridon township, is a pioneer of Marion County, and one of her venerable and esteemed citizens. Mr. Foos was born in Delaware County, Ohio, October 31, 1819, and is a son of John and Mary (Aye) Foos.
Mr. Foos belongs to a pioneering family. His father was born in Tennessee, and his mother in Maryland. When the former was a child, his parents moved from Tennessee to Kentucky, and from that still unsettled region to Franklin County, Ohio, when John Foos was 15 years of age. He was 21 when he accompanied his parents. to Delaware County, Ohio. In 1831 John Foos became one of the very first settlers in Scott township, Marion County. He took up prairie land long before any of the results of civilization were apparent there, before roads had been laid out or even many cabins erected. Later in life he made one more removal, to Pulaski County, Indiana, where he died. Of the children born to his first marriage, two survive, namely: Catherine, widow of Hiram Knowles, of Scott township, now in her 89th year; and John A., of this sketch.
Our venerable subject remembers his boyhood in Delaware County, where he first went to school, being 12 years of age when the family became pioneers in Scott township, Marion County. His youth was that of an active, healthy boy, early trained to hard work on the farm and it is possible that the invigorating, out-door life has contributed largely to Mr. Foos' living into enjoyable old age. He has always been a farmer and has been considered a very good one. In 1858 he removed from Scott to Claridon township, settling in section 5, where he has lived for over 48 years.
On December 28, 1843, Mr. Foos was married to Elizabeth Lindsay, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 26, 1922, and is a daughter of John and Jeanette (Reed) Lindsay. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and were early settlers in Scott township after a few years residence in Fairfield County. Of the six children born to our subject and wife, but one survives, Andrew R., who was born in Scott township. He resides with his aged parents and manages the home farm. The children who are deceased are: James M., Nathan, Benjamin, George B., and Jane E.
Both Mr. Foos and his son are identified with the Democratic party. All his life he has taken great interest in all that concerns the well-being of his neighborhood and has found appreciation in the regard and respect of his fellow-citizens. He is widely known and has the esteem of many friends.
Mr. Foos relates that the last deer to be killed in Scott township, was shot by Elijah Russell, Adam Coonrod and John Morral, and the last bear slain in Scott township was by James Hipsher.
Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Foos accompany this sketch.
PHILANDER F. FOREMAN, who served two terms--1902 to 1906 as treasurer of Marion County, is a prominent factor in Democratic politics and is also a leading business man of Marion County. He was born in Morrow County, Ohio, January 10, 1859, and is a son of William and Sarah J. (Harrison) Foreman, who settled at Caledonia when our subject was but a few years old.
Philander F. Foreman obtained his education and spent the earlier years of his life in Caledonia. After reaching maturity, he engaged as a clerk in a dry goods store in Marion for three years and then went to Caledonia, where he engaged in a grain business. Later he was interested for a period in a grocery business at Marion, and subsequently conducted a similar business at Caledonia.
Mr. Foreman has always been a stanch Democrat. After serving as deputy county treasurer, he was elected treasurer in 1901, and approval of his official acts was shown in his reelection in 1903, by a majority of over 700 votes. Since retiring from office, he has resumed business at Marion.
On December 17, 1896, Mr. Foreman was united in marriage with Josephine B. Hines, a daughter of Albert and Eunice (Brooke) Hines, and they have three children, namely: Lucile, Freida and Dwight Francis. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their pleasant home is at No. 899 East Church street, Marion. Mr. Foreman takes an active interest in the Knights of Pythias.
HON. GEORGE H. FOSTER, who is serving his second term as probate judge, is one of the representative citizens of Marion. He was born September 7, 1872, in Marion County, Ohio, and is a son of Francis M. anfl Maria (Kauble) Foster.
For many years the late Francis M. Foster was a well-known resident of Marion County, where he was largely interested in the breeding and shipping of fine horses. He became a man of substance in his locality and died in this county in 1880. He reared a family of four children.
George H. Foster was reared in Marion, in whose schools he completed his education. At the age of 17 years he entered the service of the government here, becoming mailing clerk in the Marion Post Office and at a later date being advanced to the position of assistant postmaster, serving in this position under three national administrations. He thus hecame well known to the whole community. From youth he was interested in politics and public matters, consistently supporting the Democratic party. He was first elected probate judge in 1902, when he received a majority of 445 votes, defeating E. T. Boyd. He was subsequently reelected with the flattering majority of 1,677 votes, defeating H. J. Nichols.
Judge Foster is a Mason of high degree, and in Marion Lodge, B. P. O. E., he holds the position of exalted ruler. He belongs also to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He resides at No. 343 West Church street, Marion.
WILLIAM B. FOYE, formerly one of Marion's best-known citizens, was born February 2, 1844, at the old Foye homestead, "The Pines," situated two miles south of Mount Gilead, Morrow Comity, Ohio, and died suddenly, of heart failure, February 1, 1901. He belonged to one of the old and long established families of Ohio.
During the larger part of his life, Mr. Foye was identified, in a business way. with drug interests. When 17 years of age he entered this line at Cardington, removing later to Lima and still later to Canton, establishing at each point a reputation for business ability and personal integrity. In 1884, after a long business career at Canton, Mr. Foye came to Marion and shortly afterward constructed a business block and invested largely in residence property, as he had previously done at Mount Gilead, Lima and Canton. He embarked in a drug business on West Center street, which he successfully conducted until his death.
On May 20, 1873, Mr. Foye was married to Josephine Snyder, a daughter of Gen. Daniel Snyder, formerly a very prominent citizen of Champaign County, Ohio. Mrs. Foye survives, with four children, three sons and one daughter, namely: Frank M., who is engaged in business at Canton ; William B., who is with The Houghton-Merkel Company: Florence, who is the wife of C. F. Merkle; and George K., a student at school.
Mr. Foye was a man of sterling character, active in church and benevolent work, a reliable and interested citizen and one who won regard in social life and the domestic circle At the time the present sanitary code was adopted by the City Council, he was a member of the Board of Health and worked in its interest. For a long period Mr. Foye was a member of the Baptist Church and was a liberal contributor to both its home and missionary work.
HOPKINS C. FRAME, (PICTURE) (HREF="http://www.heritagepursuit.com/MHP414.jpg") (PICTURE) a representative agriculturist of Big Island township, whose well-improved farm of 191 acres is almost wholly under cultivation, was born. in this township, November 3, 1850, and is a son of Smith and Lovey (Clark) Frame.
Smith Frame was born in 1803 in Pickaway County, Ohio, and died in Big Island township, Marion County, at the age of 72 years. His wife was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1811, and died in Grand township Marion County, at the home of her daugllter, Mrs. Martha E. Dodds, at the age of 70 years. Of their six children, Hopkins C. Frame is the youngest.
With the exception of five years of residence in Marion, Mr. Frame's whole life has been spent in Big Island township, where he has always been interested in agricultural pursuits, being widely known as a successful sheep raiser. He bears the reputation of being one of the most successful farmers in his locality, to which the fine condition of his farm gives ample testimony. It is a valuable property and under Mr. Frame's management is a very productive one.
For many years Mr. Frame lived in the old home built by his father, which still stands on the farm about a quarter of a mile back from the road, but in 1894 be built a large modern frame house, of which he is justly proud. It is situated in the midst of a spacious lawn and fronts on the highway. A view off this house is shown on a near-by page.
On September 23, 1883, Mr. Frame was married, in Paulding County, Ohio, to Alice Burt a native of that county, and they have two children, namely: Cecil, who is the wife of Herbert Davis, and Hazel, who is the wife Anson Parish. Accompanying this sketch is a group picture of Mr. and Mrs. Frame and their two daughters.
Mr. Frame is a member of Marion Lodge, No. 70, F,. & A. M., and Marion Commandery, No. 36, K. T.
JOHN J. FRANCIS, who is engaged in market gardening and resides on land known as the McNeal farm, which is situated just outside the corporate limits of Marion, belongs to one of the old families of the county. He was born on his present farm, in Marion township, July 10, 1877, and is a son of Lewis Marsh and Belle (Manahan) Francis.
Lewis Marsh Francis, father of John J., was born at Caledonia, Marion County, October 13, 1846, and resides on his valuable farm just west of Marion. He is a son of Alfred P. and Elvira (Townley) Francis was born in Oneida County, and his wife in Tompkins County New York. The father of Alfred P. Francis, Job Francis, served as a soldier in the War of 1812. His birth and death occurred in New York. The grandparents of John J. Francis came to Ohio in the year following their marriage, and settled at Denmark in what was then Marion but is now Morrow County. They resided at Denmark from 1836 until about 1842, when they, removed to Caledonia. Alfred P. Francis had engaged in hotel keeping at Denmark, but after settling at Caledonia he embarked in a mercantile business, in which he continued for 10 years and then bought a farm in Morrow County, just east of Caledonia, and there resided until his death, December 28, 1868. His widow survived unitil March 4, 1872.
Lewis M. Francis was small when his parents settled on the farm where he grew to manhood. On May 1, 1864. he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company A, 136th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., to serve 100 days, and during the larger part of this time was stationed at Fort Lyon, Virginia. At the expiration of his term of enlistment, he returned to Marion County, but on October 8, 1864, he reenlisted for one year, in Company 1, 38thReg., Ohio Vol. Inf., which was sent directly to Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a part of General Sherman's force. Mr. Francis reached the regiment just after the capture of Atlanta and participated in the subsequent battles of Averysboro and Bentonville, North Carolina. He was one of the great army that marched to the sea under Sherman's banner, and later to Savannah, Goldsboro and Richmond, and then in triumph to Washington, where he took part in the Grand Review. He was mustered out of the service at Louisville, Kentucky, July 19, 1865, and returned to his Ohio home.
On May 7, 1874, Lewis M. Francis was married to Lydia Belle Manahan, a daughter of John H, and Catherine (Belson) Manahan. Mrs. Francis was born in Richland township, Marion County, Ohio, where her parents settled in 1844. Her father was born in Frederick City and her mother in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis M. Francis have had three children, namely: James, who died in infancy; John J. and Catherine.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis M. Francis settled on their present farm in 1877, Mr. Francis purchasing in partnership with his brother-in-law, the late John F. McNeal, at one time a prominent lawyer at Marion, a tract of 122 acres. In a subsequent division, Mr. Francis acquired 62 acres, which he has devoted to general agriculture. He has made the larger number of improvements here and has, a valuable property.
John J. Francis was reared on the farm where he was born and secured a good, common-school education. When 24 years of age he began to work as a fireman on the Pennsylvania Railroad, during winter seasons, working on the Grand Trunk and "Nickle Plate" roads, and for a number of years has devoted his summers to gardening. He rents 70 acres, 60 acres from the McNeal estate and 10 acres from his father, and devotes 35 acres to truck farming and the remainder to general agriculture. He also has been very successful as a stock-raiser. Mr. Francis has been interested in truck gardening ever since he was 19 years old, when he became successor to J. B. Virden, whose property lies just across the road from that belonging to our subject's father. Mr Francis has resided on the McNeal farm since April 1, 1904. On March 2, 1904, Mr. Francis was married to Jane Lewis, who is a daughter of Frederick and Minnie E. (Haskins) Lewis.
HARRISON L. FRANK, who has ably filled the position of Superintendent of the Marion public schools for the past five years, is an educator whose experience in his profession covers many years and one whose abilities place him very high in public esteem. He was born in Darke County, Ohio, and is one of a family of six children born to his parents, Solomon and Acca Frank, who were well-to-do farming people.
After securing a common-school training, Mr. Frank became a student at Otterbein College, from which he was subsequently graduated in 1876. The past 30 years have been given over almost exclusively to educational work. In 1879 he became teacher of science and mathematics in the Greenville, (Ohio) High School, in which position he remained for six years. In 1884 he successfully passed the State examination and obtained a first grade life certificate to teach in the public schools of Ohio. In 1885 he was elected superintendent of schools at West Liberty, Ohio. This position he held for five years an was reelected, but in June, 1890, he was elected superintendent of the schools of Fostoria, Ohio. He remained in this position for eight years, during which time the school advanced greatly in numbers and efficiency. Mr. Frank left the Fostoria schools in 1898 to take up post-graduate work in the University of Chicago. After spending a year and a half as student in the University, he served for two years as superintendent of the public schools of Frankfort, Indiana. At the close of this period, he assumed (1901) his present position, succeeding Arthur Powell. The schools of the city have made decided progress in the period of Mr. Frank's incumbency, not on y in the superior character of the work accomplished, but also in numbers, as Marion's growth in population in this period has been quite remarkable. In the past five years two new buildings--the Olney Avenue and Oak Street--have been built and the Forest Lawn building enlarged to accommodate the increased school attendance. Mr. Frank is well known all over the State as an educator of ability and is identified with many educational organizations.
Mr. Frank was united in marriage with Mable Riffle, a daughter of Captain Riffle, of Richmond, Indiana, and they have two children living. With his family Mr Frank belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party, while fraternally he is a member of Lodge No. 402, Knights of Pythias.
DANIEL FREE, M. D., one of the oldest and most eminent physicians of Marion County, who has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Green Camp for the past 42 years, was born July 31, 1832, in Pleasant township, Marion County and is a son of Michael and Catherine (Curfmann) Free.
Michael Free, the father of Dr. Free, came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, settling in 1826 in Pleasant township, Marion County, among the earliest pioneers. The land he entered at that time has always been retained in the possession of the family. Michael Free was accompanied to this section by his wife, who was a native of Maryland. Both died in Pleasant township, the mother in 1842 and the father in 1860. Of their 12 children, three are still living, as follows: John, who still lives on the old homestead, never having married; Daniel, of this sketch; and Wesley, a survivor of the Civil War, who now resides in Missouri.
The boyhood of Daniel Free was spent on his father's farm and his education was obtained in the district schools. When 18 years old he taught a term of school in Pleasant township and another in Marion, and then went to Mercer County, where he taught for six months at Neptune, and later taught two terms in the country. In the meantime he had been preparing for medical college and shortly after closing his last school he entered the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute. After one term of lectures there, he went to Van Wert County and resided there for a short time, but after his marriage immediately removed to Williams County, where he practiced his profession from 1858 until 1865, when he came to Green Camp. In point of continuous practice, Dr. Free is the oldest physician in Marion County. His long residence has made him known to almost every one, and with, all the oldest families of this section of the county he has been associated in the intimate relation of family physician. His recollections of the development of Green Camp and the surrounding country are most interesting. He has always kept abreast of the times in the advances made in his profession, combining old methods with the use of modern appliances, and still is regarded as one of the county's most eminent medical men. He is a member of the Ohio Central Eclectic Medical Society.
On April 11, 1858, at Willshire, Ohio, Dr. Free was married to Mary Ann Thomas, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, her parents having come to this State from London, England. Of the six children born to this marriage, but one survives. The record is as follow's : Francis Marion who died aged 18 years: Lucy Mary, who died aged 14 years; Charles, who died just after the family had reached Marion County, aged two years; Arena, ,vho died aged 19 months: Daniel Gilbert, and Zoe, who died shortly after her marriage to Edward Farris.
Daniel Gilbert Free, the surviving son of Dr. and Mrs. Free. is the proprietor of a piano store at Canton, Ohio. He is a graduate of the Ohio Normal University at Ada, and of the Cincinnati Musical College, and is a musician of great ability.
Dr. Free has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1860. He is a member of the Free Baptist Church.
ELIAS FUERSTENBERGER, a representative agriculturist of Richland township where he owns a fine farm of 60 acres in section 8, was born on this farm, December 23, 1854, and is a son of John Frederick and Harriet (Kelley) Fuerstenberger.
John Frederick Fuerstenberger was born in Wiesloch, Baden, Germany and was 18 years of age when he came to America, having been preceded by his half-brother, who had already settled in Marion County, Ohio. John F. also settled in Marion County, purchasing a tract of 80 acres, in the heart of the woods in Richland township, which had a log cabin standing on it at the time. The country was so wild and unsttled at that period, that hardships were inevitable and for a number of years he was obliged to work very bard. Subsequently he married his first wife, Harriet Kelley, who was born in Pennsylvania, and soon sons and daughters were growing up about them. This wife was the mother of these children: John F.; Mary, wife of Adam Klingel; Sophia, wife of David Beringer; Daniel; John F.; Lydia, deceased; Henry; Elias; Solomon, deceased; Louisa, wife of' W. Linder; and Rosa J., deceased, who was the wife of V. D. Singer.
John Fuerstenberger was married (second) to Mrs. Louisa (Bobblenz) Laner, widow of Christian Laner, and the mother of three children by her first marriage, namely: Louise (deceased), John and Christian. To this second marriage of John F. Fuerstenberger were born four children, as follows: Lydia, William, John and Frank. Both parents of these children are now deceased, the death of the father occurring November 3, 1882. He left a large estate, some 700 acres of land, a business block in La Rue, and a hardware and furniture store.
Elias Fuerstenberger was educated in the district schools and has given the larger part of his life to the development and improvement of the farm on which he lives. In 1883 be bought 80 acres of the farm, later added 40 acres and still later decided to dispose of a part of it, selling 40 acres to Henry Klunfelted and 20 acres to his father-in-law, J. W. Hensel. He carries on general farming and as his land is kept in fine condition by constant attention his crops are above the average.
On January 6, 1876, Mr. Fuerstenberger was married (first) to Mary E. Hensel, who died November 10, 1900, leaving no issue. On May 28, 1902, Mr. Fuerstenberger was married (second) to Jennie Estella Sechrist, who was born February 23, 1880, and is a daughter of Charles and Mary Sechrist. They have one daughter, Marie Elizabeth, who was born May 18, 1903. Mrs. Fuerstenberger was born at Zanesville, Ohio, and is the eldest of a family of five children, the others being: Mary, Roy, Charles and Anna. Mr. Sechrist was in the government service as railway mail clerk until through accident he lost an arm; since then he has been a mail clerk at Marion.
Mr. Fuerstenberger has long been one of the influential members of the Democratic party in his township. He has served on the School Board and in 1887 was first elected infirmary director and was subsequently re-elected, serving six years. For three years he was township trustee, and in all the official positions to which he has been elected he has; enjoyed the esteem and approbation of his fellow-citizens, irrespective of party.
Since 1890 Mr. Fuerstenberger has been a member of the Knights of Pythias, and since 1888 he has been an Elk. His whole kindred belong to the Reformed Church and he has served both as elder and deacon. Mr. Fuerstenberger has a beautiful home, which he built in 1883. It is a commodious nine-room residence, to which he has added many improvements.
