800 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY threshing interests also add largely to his responsibilities as well as income. In 1904 he purchased a part of the Kidman farm in Townsend Township and resided there for two years, when he sold and removed to Vickery, where he owns a comfortable home. Mr. Worman married Miss Clara B. Smart, a daughter of Aaron W. Smart, and they have two sons, Eldon L. and Laurel C. Mr. and Mrs. Worman attend the Methodist Episcopal Church at Vickery. Fraternally he is identified with the Maccabees, belonging to Tent No. 222. In politics he is a Democrat and at the present time is serving as township trustee, elected on the Democratic ticket. He is a man of enlightened views and at times has given efficient service on the township board of education. CHARLES E. KEEFER, an influential farmer of Washington Township, residing on a fine farm of 140 acres one and a half miles south of Lindsey, also owns a tract of fifty-five acres of good farm land five miles west of Fremont, in Washington Township. He was born May 19, 1862, in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and came to Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1867, with his parents, William H. and Catherine (Hahn) Keefer, both of whom were also born in Adams County, Pennsylvania. William H. Keefer, a cabinetmaker by trade, now resides on a farm three miles west of Fremont. He was first united in marriage with Catherine Hahn, who died in 1871, after the family came to Sandusky County, Ohio. Of their union were born the following children : George F., who resides in Ballville Township, first married Rena Homel, who died, after which he formed a second union with Elizabeth Deemer ; Ida L., who is now deceased, was the wife of Orville Bowlus, of Fremont ; Charles E., the subject of this record ; Laura, who died aged three years; John H., who married Hattie Shaw, resides in Jackson Township; Elizabeth, who is the widow of Bert Plants, lives at Clyde, Ohio ; and Nellie May, who is now deceased. Mr. Keefer formed a second marital union in 1872 with Rebecca Engelman, who died in 1873. He subsequently married Mrs. Cyrano Grant, who died about six years after their marriage, leaving three children ; Blanche, who keeps house for her father; Ada, who is the wife of John Zollie, of Fremont; and Harry, who is deceased. Charles E. Keefer. who has been a resident of Washington Township since a lad of five years, received his education in the local schools, and early in life learned the cabinetmaker's trade with his father, following that occupation for about four years, since which time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married February 25, 1885, to Melvina Waggoner, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Miller) Waggoner, of Fremont, Ohio, and of their union have been born the following children : Pearl, at home ; Chester E., deceased ; Claude S., attends the Fremont Business College; and Harold R., Sarah E., and Verna May, all attend the district schools of this township; and Mabel, Hazel Irene and Corinne, are at home. Mr. Keefer takes an active interest in the affairs of the Republican party and has served three years as a school director of Washington Township. The family are members of the United Brethren Church, Mt. Calvary Class, located four and a half miles west of Fremont. NORTON RUSSELL MUGG, whose fine farm containing 172 acres lies on the South Ridge Road, about three miles east of Clyde, Ohio, was born in York Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, March 31, 1861, and is a son of William A. and Phebe (Russell) Mugg, the former of whom is one of the leading men of Sandusky County. N. Russell Mugg is a member of an old and most honorable family of Sandusky County. He was reared on the family homestead in York Township and after gaining a sound early training in the district schools. entered the Clyde schools, attending two years. and completed his educational course at the Ohio Normal University at Ada. His interests have always been mainly centered in agricul- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 801 tural pursuits and his large estate is managed and operated after modern methods and with the latest improved machinery. On December 31, 1888, Mr. Mugg was married to Miss Maggie Matthews, a daughter of Eugene and Viola (Harrison) Matthews. The father of Mrs. Mugg was born at Seneca Falls, New York, and from there entered the Federal army at the time of the Civil War. He was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg and was also made a prisoner by the Confederates, but was subsequently paroled at Beaufort, South Carolina. He came then to Sandusky County to visit an uncle and here met and married Miss Viola Harrison. She was born at Westerfield, New York, a daughter of William M. Harrison, who brought his family to Clyde, Ohio. The present site of the McPherson Cemetery was the first piece of land owned by William M. Harrison, in Sandusky County and Mrs. Mugg's mother was nine months old at that time. Mr. Harrison was a prominent man and served many years as a notary public and as deputy sheriff. Mrs. Mugg was born at Clyde, where her parents still reside, having occupied the same residence for forty years. Mr. and Mrs. Mugg have two children, Madolin and Maurice B. Mr. Mugg has never been active in politics, but he is a reliable, law-abiding, representative citizen. FRANK O'FARRELL, a representative member of the Fremont bar and one of the firm of Kinney. O'Farrell & Rimelspach, a prominent law combination well known all over Sandusky County, was born May 24, 1856, at Sandusky City, Erie County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Bridget (Conway) O'Farrell. The parents of Mr. O'Farrell were both born in County Tyrone, Ireland, came in youth to America, and were married in 1851, at Philadelphia, coming almost immediately to Sandusky City, Ohio. In 1859 they settled in Scott Township, Sandusky County, and there lived the peaceful lives of quiet, farming people. The father died in 1872, but the mother survived until 1881. They had six children, Frank being the third in order of birth. The others were : Mary A., who married Martin Murphy; John; Thomas, who prepared for one of the severe orders of the Catholic priesthood and died at Baltimore, Maryland; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Maurice Cummings; and Patrick Henry. Frank O'Farrell passed an uneventful boyhood on the home farm. Leaving the district schools after he had completed the usual course of study, he entered the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, at Republic, and for some years alternated school attendance with school teaching, in the meanwhile making his preparatory studies in law, having as his preceptor, Hon. J. L. Greene, of Fremont. Mr. O'Farrell continued his law studies until he was admitted to the bar, in 1881, when he located permanently at Fremont and has been identified with the interests of this city ever since. For a few years he practiced alone, afterward entering into partnership with Hon. J. T. Garver and later, with Hon. Thomas McSheey, and in 1897 becoming a member of his present firm. About this time he served as a member of the board of county school ,examiners for seven years. In addition to a gratifying amount of prominence in his profession, Mr. O'Farrell is a leading Democratic politician and for some years has been an important factor in his party in this section. He is a very loyal party man and has frequently served as a delegate to important conventions. Mr. O'Farrell has a pleasant home at No. 912 Hayes Avenue, Fremont, and an agreeable family circle. He married Miss Catherine O'Connor, a daughter of a substantial farmer of Sandusky County, and they have children, James A., Bryan Francis, Henry Vincent, Edward and Thomas. With his family, Mr. O'Farrell belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. He takes an active interest in church organizations and in .1894 was appointed State delegate from Ohio to represent the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association at the Supreme Council, held at Philadelphia, Grand Rapids and Buffalo. JAMES KIDMAN, one of York Township's leading citizens and for twelve years past a useful member of the township board of edu- 802 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY cation, resides on and operates what is known as the old Wilcox farm, in the old records, a valuable estate containing 100 acres, and which is the property of his wife. It is situated on the North Ridge Road, about four and one-half miles northwest of Clyde, Ohio. Mr. Kidman was born in England, November 2, 1868, and is a son of Jeremiah and Sarah (Wright) Kidman. When Mr. Kidman was only two years old, the death of his mother brought heavy trouble into the family. He remained with his father, however, until he was twelve years old, in the meanwhile attending school as occasion offered, and then made up his mind to cross the Atlantic and make his way to Ohio and join an older brother who was a farmer in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, Ohio. The long journey was accomplished without companions or kindred and he safely reached his destination. He immediately started to school, making the most of his opportunities and when far enough advanced in his studies, attended what is now the Ohio Northern University, at Ada, where he was a student for twelve terms. He then taught seven terms of school in Townsend and Riley Townships, his educational work being done in the winter time, his summers being given up to farming. In both occupations he proved his capacity. For some years prior to his marriage, in 1896, he had resided on the present farm, where he has lived ever since, although he also gives some attention to his own farm of eighty acres, which is situated in Townsend Township. He spent one year, 1884, farming in what now is South Dakota. In 1896 Mr. Kidman was married to Mrs. Alice L. ( Jarvis) Sparks, who was the widow of Wilbur L. Sparks.. She had one child born of her first marriage, Mabel Sparks. To Mr. and Mrs. Kidman four children have been born : Ruth May, James Leland, \Valter Neal and Sarah Olivan. Mr. Kidman and family are members of the North Ridge Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee and a steward. Mr. Kidman's long connection with educational matters, both as student and teacher, made him particularly well qualified for membership on the school board. SAMUEL SPROUT, a highly respected citizen and retired farmer of Scott Township, who resides in comfort on his fine farm of 25o acres, situated in Sections 25 and 36, Scott Township, is also one of the honored survivors of the Civil War. Mr. Sprout was born October I, 1840, in Scott Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel and Nancy (Long) Sprout. John Sprout, grandfather of our subject, came from Guernsey County, Ohio, to Seneca County, in 1834. At the same time Samuel Sprout, father of our subject, located in Scott Township, on this place and lived here until his death. The paternal grandmother was Nancy Hildebrand, who was of German parentage. The maternal grandparents were Daniel and Mary (Prill) Long. Mr. Sprout grew up on a farm in Scott Township and attended the district schools in his boyhood. When the call came for soldiers of the Civil War, Mr. Sprout was one of the farmer boys who laid down his peaceful tools to take up arms and for three long years he showed on southern battle fields the kind of youth nurtured on the farms of Ohio. He was a member of Company K, 101st O. Vol. Inf., and although frequently for days in dangerous positions, was never captured by the enemy and the two wounds he received were but slight ones. Thus practically unharmed he returned home and until he retired his main interests were of an agricultural nature. He has always lived in Scott Township and has led a busy life. His large farm is all under the plow, with the exception of thirty acres which are yet timbered, and he has nine oil wells. There are three sets of buildings on the place, excellent quarters thus being provided for both owner and tenant. Mr. Sprout was married February 13, 1889, to Miss Miriam Kuhn, a daughter of John and Mary (Miller) Kuhn. They have no children. Mr. Sprout is a Republican voter, but he has never assumed the responsibilities of public office. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post at Kansas. FRANK N. CROSBY, game warden of the State of Ohio. and ex-infirmary director of AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 803 Sandusky County, Ohio, who owns a beautiful country home and thirty-three acres of farm land on the Maumee Pike, about one and a half miles west of Bellevue, was born June 15, 1857, on a farm in Medina County, Ohio, and is a son of Edwin and Julia (Sawyer) Crosby. In 1859 his parents came to Sandusky County and located on a farm south of Clyde, where they followed farming until late in life. They then removed to Clyde, where they both died, Edwin Crosby on November 18, 1894, at the age of sixty-nine years, and Mrs. Julia Crosby, January 26, 1894, at that of sixty years. Frank N. Crosby was reared on the farm south of Clyde and when eighteen years of age began learning the blacksmith trade from Joseph Vogt at Wales Corner. He opened his first shop in Green Creek Township, between Clyde and Green Springs, remaining there about eighteen months, and then went to Fireside, Seneca County, Ohio, where he operated a shop for two years. He then moved to Flatrock, Seneca County, where on December 23, 1883, he married Mary Ella Richards, who was born on the Richards farm in York Township, and is a daughter of J. K. Richards, who was one of the prominent farmers of that township, whose land was adjoining that of our subject. The mother of Mrs. Crosby was in maiden life Harriet Dresback. She died at the age of forty-eight years, and Mr. Richards in 1884, aged sixty-two years. The land owned by Mrs. Crosby was originally part of the Richards farm, his wife having been born and reared in the large brick house adjoining his present home. Mr. and Mrs. Crosby have one son, Clarence, who married Marietta Kalb. Mr. Crosby conducted his shop in Flatrock for two or three years, then moved to his present home, where he erected a fine home, large barns and a blacksmith shop, which he ran for a number of years. Mr. Crosby is a Democrat in politics and in 1902 was elected by that party a member of the county board of infirmary directors, and was re-elected to serve a second term, during which time he was president and secretary of the board. He has been game warden for two years, his duties carrying him all over the state, and is fraternally a member of the.B. P. 0. E., No. 1013, at Bellevue. HON. HAL C. DERAN, formerly a member of the Ohio State Legislature and a very prominent member of the Fremont bar, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, December 17, 1872. His parents were Dennis and Anna (Flumerfelt) DeRan. Mr. DeRan was reared on his father's farm and in boyhood attended the country schools. He was an apt student and before he reached his majority had decided to make the law his choice of professions and with this in view, read law with a local firm and subsequently graduated from the University of Michigan. He located at Fremont and soon was in the enjoyment of an excellent practice and also became somewhat of a leader in Democratic politics. In 1897 he was elected to the Ohio Assembly and served with marked efficiency until he retired in 1901, since which time he has devoted himself to his profession. He has taken part in a large amount of the important litigation of this section for the past decade and has successfully conducted many important cases. He also manages his fine farm of 15o acres, which lies in Washington Township. Mr. DeRan married Miss Mabel Hubbard. who is a daughter of John E. Hubbard, a well known citizen of Sandusky County. Mrs. DeRan is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. DeRan is identified with the Odd Fellows and the Elks and with several social organizations. He is an active citizen, contributing of his means and lending his influence to all movements that promise to add to the reputation or general prosperity of Fremont. ALTON HETER, general farmer, who owns thirty acres of valuable land in York Township, Sandusky County, situated on the Gardner Road, cornering on a cross-road, about two miles west of Bellevue, was born in Thompson Township, Seneca County, Ohio, June 25, 1864, and is a son of Levi and Mary (Schoch) Heter. The grandfather, John Heter, came from Pennsylvania to Seneca' County, Ohio, when his son Levi was a boy, settling for some years in Thompson Township, but before his death, moved to Bellevue, 804 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY Levi Heter became an extensive farmer and the owner of much property, at one time having 200 acres of land. He still survives and is one of the venerable and esteemed residents of Bellevue. He married Mary Schoch, a daughter of George Schoch, and she was born and reared in Seneca County. Her death occurred in February, 1907. They had eight children born to them, as follows: William, who died in boyhood; Perry; Belle, who is the wife of Henry Newman; Bloom; Alton and Emma, twins, the latter of whom is the wife of Sanford Higgins; Grant; and Jessie, who is the widow of Chauncey Depew Buchanan. Alton Heter was about six years old when his parents moved to the farm, a part of which he now owns and occupies, and he has resided here almost ever since, successfully carrying on his farming operations. He married Miss Addie Wyant and they have had nine children, all of whom survive except Reuben, the youngest, who died when aged ten months. The others are as follows: Ethel, who is the wife of Irvin Kleckner; Susan, who is the wife of Warren Royer; and Flossie, Thurlow, Josephine, Levi, Claude and Harold. Mr. Heter is a member of the German Aid Society of Bellevue. WILLIAM A. MUGG, one of York Township's best known men and a worthy representative of an old pioneer family in Sandusky County, has spent almost all of a long and useful life in the section which remains his home. He was born at the village of Milo, in Yates County, New York, December 13, 1827, and is a son of John B. and Susan (Wheeler) Mugg. In 1822 the paternal grandfather, Elder John Mugg, came to Sandusky County with a view to locating here, but as a missionary of the Baptist Church, and for years he traveled back and forth through what was then a vast wilderness, with but here and there a brave pioneer's log cabin in the solitude of the forest, and administered both to the physical and to the moral ills of these isolated people. He was not even unmindful of the welfare of the Indians, still numerous, and by his good offices gained their affection and passed unmolested. He had a family to support and in their behalf he entered 400 acres of Government land, but scarcely waited for the erection of cabins for their homes before he set out again on his missionary labors. His name is yet held in reverence in this section, although many years have passed since he was laid to rest in the old cemetery at Wales Corners. His seven children grew to maturity and they were named respectively as follows : Thomas, who subsequently made a home for himself and family in Indiana ; John B., who was the father of William A.; Marcus, who became a Baptist minister and died in Michigan ; Jesse, who moved to Angola, Indiana, and died there ; William, who barely survived manhood ; and Mary and Harriet, the former of whom married a Mr. Bennett and died in Indiana, and the latter a Mr. Colvin, and died in York Township. John B. Mugg, father of William A., was born in Yates County, New York, in 18o1, and died in York Township, Sandusky County. in his seventy-ninth year, December 31, 1880. He was twenty-one years of age and married, when he accompanied his father to York Township, Sandusky County. It is probable that the hardships of the pioneering life were too heavy for his young wife to bear at that time, for in the following year, with their infant son, they returned to Yates County, not, however, losing interest in the Sandusky County lands. He resumed his old farm occupations in Yates County and operated a saw-mill and continued to reside there until 1836, when, with his wife and family of children, he again set out for Ohio, a part of the long journey being made with an ox-team. John B. Mugg found conditions somewhat improved, more settlements having been made and larger areas of land being cleared, although a goodly portion of this fertile country was just as Nature made it and William A. Mugg remembers that even in his advanced boyhood, one of his favorite winter sports was to skate all the way, on ponds, over marshy land, from Wales Corners to Sandusky Bay. Pioneer life is not easy, but it is doubtful whether our brave forefathers expected ease in life ; rather they seemed to. court hardship and in battling with Nature, built up vigorous bodies HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 807 and strong minds. John B. Mugg retained the family acres and through his industry and good judgment perhaps added to them, and when he passed away his nine children, each survivor, had a little start in life. He married Susan Wheeler, who was born in Yates County, New York, in 1807, and died in York Township, Sandusky County, March 3, 1880. Their children were Charles, Wheeler, William A., John, Elizabeth, Marietta, George, Alice, and a babe that died unnamed. One of the disadvantages that the early settlers in every section had to face was the lack of school opportunities for their children. The Mugg family had come from an old settled part of New York and were people of intelligence and education ; hence this drawback was severely felt. William A. Mugg was surrounded by excellent influences in his home, but, on account of lack of schools, obtained but a meager knowledge of books. He was taught, however, the value of industry and thrift, his parents setting the example, the father toiling with his sons in the fields and the mother performing marvels of industry at her loom and with her needle. He assisted in all the work on the farm until he reached maturity and then entered into a contract to work for his father for $200 a year and was so engaged for five years. Possessing most excellent judgment and foresight, he kept adding to his first purchase of land, each investment proving a wise one, and at one time owned 1,300 acres of land in Sandusky County. Subsequently he divided his large estate among his children, but prior to that he was the largest individual land owner in Sandusky County. Starting out with but moderate means, the accumulation of so large a property proved his possession of great business faculty. He continues to reside on the old homestead near Wales Corners, but his business interests are at various points. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank at Clyde and at present is a director and vice-president of the Clyde Savings Bank Company, of that place. On February 7, 1854, William A. Mugg was married to Miss Phebe S. Russell, who still survives and is a member also of a prominent old pioneer family of Sandusky County. She was born April 2, 1833, in York Township,. Sandusky County, Ohio, a daughter of Norton and Sybil (McMillen) Russell. Norton Russell was born at Hopewell, Ontario County, New York, June 15, 1801, of Massachusetts. ancestry. In 1822, with three other young men, all of whom became more or less notable, William McPherson, James Birdseye and Lyman Babcock, he walked the whole distance, 400, miles, from New York to Sandusky County, where he entered the southeastern quarter of Section 7, York Township. In 1825 he was married to Miss Sybil McMillen, a daughter. of Samuel and Polly McMillen, who had. come. to Ohio from New Hampshire and were pioneers in Green Creek Township, Sandusky County. Norton Russell lived to the unusual age of more than ninety-seven years, retaining to a remarkable degree his vigor and mental poise. It is remembered by prominent people of the county that on one occasion, Mr. Russell, then an old-young man of eighty-five. years, climbed the stand-pipe at Fremont, without assistance, in order to get a view of the beautiful city, so much of which had been built up within his recollection. It was a feat that men many years his junior might have hesitated to undertake. His death occurred February 16, 1899. To William A. Mugg and wife were born nine children, as follows : Nina, born December 31, 1857, married James Ungerman. Clarence M., deceased, born January 14,. 1859, married Laura Carr. He was assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Clyde. He died December 27, 1893. N. Russel, born March 31, 1861, married Maggie Mathews. Mabel, born in 1863, died in 1883. Alice, born in 1865, married A. R. Pickett, of Clyde. Moina, born in 1868, married N. F. Greenslade, of Bellevue. Amy B., born February 19, 1870, is the wife of Court Minderman and lives two miles east on the old homestead of John B. Mugg. James G., deceased, born in 1872, married Anna Needham. He died May 23, 1897, and his son, Leland S., was reared by the subject of this sketch. Florence, born May 25, 1877, is the wife of W. J. Cunningham and they live in Northampton, Massachusetts. In his political views, Mr. Mugg has always been 808 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY identified with the Republican party, but has declined to fill political positions. He is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. J. H. NAUGLE, general farmer, residing on a valuable estate of 120 acres, situated in Section 35, Scott Township, Sandusky County, owns forty acres of this tract and manages the other eighty for his children. He was born in Edin Township, Seneca County, Ohio, January 4, 1859, and is a son of David and Josephine (Nelling) Naugle. Mr. Naugle had but few advantages in his youth and had to work hard from boyhood. He has always devoted himself to farming and has placed the large farm on which he lives in very fine condition, improving it by putting up all the substantial buildings now in evidence, draining it and keeping an orchard in good bearing. He has four producing oil wells. He raises good crops and devotes eighteen acres to wheat, thirty 'to corn, eight to oats and twenty to hay. His stock is fully up to the average in this section. Mr. Naugle was married (first) to Miss Clara A. Feasel, a daughter of John and Rebecca Feasel. She died in December, 1898, and was buried in the Lutheran Cemetery in Jackson Township, Seneca County, Ohio. She was the mother of six children, namely : Howard, Zoa, Vere, Charles, Ida and Leon, the two eldest being deceased. Mr. Naugle was married (second) to Miss Nellie Whalen and they have one son, John. Mr. Naugle belongs to the German Reformed Church, and his wife is of the Methodist faith. In politics he is a Democrat. IRVING J. JORDAN, an enterprising and successful business man of Clyde, Ohio, having a large trade in dealing and shipping poultry and produce, was born near Wales Corners, in York Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, November 16, 187o, and is a son of Joseph and Hannah (Gamby) Jordan. Mr. Jordan was about four months old when his parents moved to a farm of eighty acres, situated near Colby, also in York Township, and there he was reared. He subsequently bought fifty-five acres adjoining the old home place. He was educated in the country schools and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1907, when he came to Clyde and entered into business in partnership with A. I. Kelsey under the firm name of Kelsey & Jordan. This partnership was dissolved December I, 1908, and since then Mr. Jordan has conducted his business alone. His facilities are such as to enable him to draw on a rich outlying territory and this gives him an advantage that his customers subsequently enjoy in having the freshest and best produce. Mr. Jordan was married to Miss Gertrude Diment, a daughter of George and Matilda ( Jones) Diment. She was born in Seneca County, Ohio, but was reared in Sandusky County. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan have one son, Glenn W. The comfortable family home is on South Main Street. Mr. Jordan is identified with the Masonic fraternity. ETHAN A. BEEBE, Jr., who successfully conducts farming operations in Townsend Township, owns seventy acres of excellent land and is numbered with the representative men of this section. He was born March 18, 1855, in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Susannah (Voak) Beebe. James Beebe was born in Huron County, Ohio, August 28, 1816, and brought his family to Townsend Township in 1857, where he died May 19, 1893. He was married (first) to Mary Jane Green, who died leaving one son, George. His second marriage was to Susannah Voak, who died in June, 1904. There were seven children born to the second union, namely : Nathan, deceased; Frank, residing at Clyde; Frederick, deceased; Rebecca, wife of John Black of Clyde; Myra, wife of Roscoe Myers; and Ethan A. Ethan A. Beebe was two years old when his parents settled in Townsend Township and here he attended school and later engaged in agricultural pursuits, to which he has continued to give attention. He inherited forty acres of the homestead farm and to this he added by purchase until he now owns seventy acres. His land is favorably situated and his improvements have added to the original value. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 809 In 1877 Mr. Beebe was married to Miss Mary Graves, a daughter of George Graves of Townsend Township, and they have one daughter, Maude, who is the wife of Bert West. Mr. and Mrs. West have two sons : Lawrence Beebe, who was born in May, 1905; and Lloyd, who was born April 2, 1908. Mr. West is a traveling salesman and Mrs. West resides with her parents, desiring to rear her children in the old home of her father and grandfather, with the advantages of rural surroundings. ANDREW JACKSON WELLER, who owns eighty acres of valuable farming land in York Township, Sandusky County, which is situated about one-half mile west of Colby, was born on a farm in Seneca County, Ohio, November 26, 1867, and is a son of John and Christina (Orner) Weller. John Weller was born and reared in Pennsylvania and came to Seneca County, Ohio, in early manhood. He married there a daughter of one of the substantial old farmers, and they spent their subsequent lives on their farm, being separated but a few years by death. The father survived and died in 1901. They reared eight children and all survive. Andrew J. Weller grew to manhood on the home farm in Seneca County. His education was obtained in the country schools, at the Ohio Normal School at Ada, and at Heidelberg University at Tiffin, after which he alternated school teaching in winter with farming in summer for some years, teaching fifteen terms of school in Seneca County. In 1902 he purchased his present farm, on which he carries on general agriculture, raising excellent crops, fruit and stock. He has made many improvements here, including the building of a. commodious frame residence and remodeling of the barn. Mr. Weller journeys through the country in a fine automobile. On November 16, 1893, Mr. Weller was married to Miss Gertrude Metzgar, who was born and reared on a farm in Seneca County and is a daughter of John C. Metzgar. Mr. Weller is a member of the Royal Arcanum at Clyde. MERRITT E. SANFORD, one of Townsend Township's representative men and prosperous farmers, owning eighty acres of valuable land which lies on the State Road, was born on his father's farm in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, April 7, 1853. His parents were Henry A. and Mary (Rice) Sanford. Henry A. Sanford was born March 4, 1824, in the State of New York, and was a son of Zachariah and Mary Sanford. He came to Sandusky County with his parents, in 1832, and in 1852 he married Mary Rice. She was a daughter of Daniel Rice, who was one of the earliest settlers in Sandusky County. He came to the Sandusky Valley about 1818 and settled first at Upper Sandusky, and in 1824 he came to Townsend Township. He was an early justice of the peace and it is said that he performed the ceremony uniting the first white couple that were married in the county, the record being 1820. After his marriage be lived on the farm which is now occupied by his brother, George Sanford, but later removed to the original homestead taken up by his father, and there he died in 1894, when aged seventy-four years. His wife died in 1883. They were parents of three children, one son and two daughters, namely : Merritt E.; Alma, wife of Eugene Winters, of Townsend Township; and Jennie, wife of J. W. Colvin, of York Station. Merritt E. Sanford obtained his education in the township schools and has made farming his business in life, residing on the old Sanford homestead until 1900, when he purchased his present farm from Mrs. Glora. This place he has improved and the land shows many evidences of careful cultivation. Mr. Sanford was married (first) in 1879, to Miss Mary Beebe, daughter of Enoch Beebe, of Townsend Township. She died in April, 1904, having been the mother of four children, as follows: Lavernia, born October 23, 188o, died April 13, 1894; Roy, born July 29, 1888; Henry R., born August 10, 1890; and George W., born June 24, 1893. Mr. Sanford's second marriage took place on May 1, 1906, to Mrs. Cora Ridley, widow of Charles Ridley, and a daughter of John Starke. Mrs. Sanford had 810 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY one daughter, Marie Ridley, who was born May 29, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Sanford attend the Universalist Church at Margaretta, in Erie County. In politics, he is a Republican and has frequently been called upon to hold township offices. In 1902 he was elected township clerk and served until 19o9, and in 1900 he was appointed census enumerator. SAMUEL D. SMITH, one of Sandusky County's representative men and substantial farmers, owns 256 acres of fine land which is divided into three separate farms, the one on which he lives being located on the South Ridge road, six miles northeast of Clyde, Ohio. He was born in York Township on a farm one mile south of his present home, March 3, 1850, and is a son of Frederick and Mary A. (Box) Smith. Mr. Smith comes of German ancestry, his grandparents, George Frederick and Dorothea (Maumann). Smith, coming from Germany to America in 1816. In 1836 the family, then a large one, left Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, for Ohio and on reaching Sandusky County settled in York Township and there spent the remaining years of their lives. They were among the pioneers and hence were forced to face many hardships now unknown to their descendants. Frederick Smith, father of Samuel D., was born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, December 10, 1818. He was the third of his parent's children and was then eighteen years of age and being the eldest son, was his father's chief helper. He possessed the same sturdy qualities as his parents, thrift, prudence and industry, and by the time he reached full manhood, had acquired a competence. He purchased a farm adjoining the old homestead and to his first purchase added other tracts and at one time owned 64o acres. He was a man of progressive ideas and as he acquired land he improved it and in 1866 erected the fine brick residence which continued to be his home until his death, on April 1, 1879. In politics he was a Democrat and took interest in the success of his party. For many years he was a pillar in the Reformed Church. Frederick Smith married Mary A. Box, who was born in what is now Carbon County, Pennsylvania, August 13, 1826, a daughter of Nicholas and Eve Margaret (Mehrcome) Box. Her father served in the War of 1812 and returned to Pennsylvania with the intention of bringing his family back to the rich lands of Sandusky County, over which he had traveled, but years passed before he was prepared to make the journey and on its eve he died, December 2, 1835 . Following out his instructions, his widow completed the arrangements and brought her children to Ohio, settling in Washington Township, Sandusky County, in 1836, where she died in 1857. To Frederick and Mary A. Smith were born seven children, namely : William F., who is deceased ; Amelia, who is the widow of George F. Wilt, of Toledo ; Samuel D. ; Henry F., who resides at Bellevue ; Margaret E., who is the wife of Charles Edward Darling, of Toledo ; Sarah C., who is the wife of Charles Emery, of Toledo and Dora E., now deceased, who was the wife of W. O. Bailey. The mother of the above mentioned family survived her husband for many years, dying at Toledo, where some of her children have comfortable homes, in August, 1908, when aged eighty-two years. Samuel D. Smith has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. In early manhood he taught four terms—one term in Ballville Township, one in Riley Township and two in York Township. March 26, 1874, he went to Placer County, California, and taught one term. July 3, 1875, .he returned to York Township and taught three terms after his return. He has a good working knowledge of carpentering and blacksmithing, inheriting the handy use of tools from his father, and this skill often proves useful to him in the operation and management of his large estate. He has never married. In politics he is a Democrat. but has never sought office. He served some twelve or fifteen years on the board of education. JOHN SWINT, county commissioner of Sandusky County, Ohio, elected from Ballville Township, on the Democratic ticket, is serving in his second term, having proved one of the most efficient and careful members of this important public body. Mr. Swint was born AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 811 December 17, 1850, in Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Rosie (Reinich) Swint, who came from Baden, Germany. Henry Swint landed at Marblehead, and thence proceeded to Rice Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, where he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1888. He became prosperous and was the owner of a large amount of farming land. He saw military service in the Mexican War. He and his wife, Rosie, were the parents of fifteen children. John Swint went to school with his brothers and sisters during his boyhood and grew to manhood well trained in farm work, and farming has continued to be his main business through life. He owns a valuable, well improved property of 200 acres, in Ballville Township, and is numbered with the substantial and worthy citizens of that section. He is a stanch Democrat and by that party was elected to his present office in 1906 and re-elected in 1908. With the family he belongs to the Catholic Church and they are consistent members of Father Rupert's congregation at Fremont. Mr. Swint married Miss Catherine B. Babione, a daughter of Samuel Babione, and they have four children. E. J. GROVER, one of the substantial farmers of Green Creek Township, residing on a fine farm of eighty acres located on the Green Spring Road, was born October 23, 1841, in a log house on his present farm, and is a son of Truman and Catherine Grover, and a grandson of Silas Grover. Silas Grover came to Ohio at a very early period from New York State and first located on a tract of timber land about half a mile west of Clyde. This he subsequently sold and purchased a farm in Green Creek Township, near our subject's present farm, where he resided until the time of his death. He was the father of seven children, all of whom, but one, lived to the advanced age of some ninety odd years. They were : Manassa, Truman, John, Orson, Samuel, Harriet, (wife of Mr. Buel) and Eliza, who married a Mr. Cleveland. Truman Grover was born in New York State and when about sixteen years old his parents came to Sandusky County, where he spent the remainder of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He entered a tract of timberland from the government, walking to Bucyrus for the deed, and from this land furnished timber for the railroads as they came through this part of the county. He erected a log house and died here at the age of ninety-one years and is still survived by his widow, who is now ninety-one years of age. They were the parents of eight children, namely : Eunice, who married Taylor Perron ; Milo, Frank and Enos J., our subject ; Margaret, who married Daniel Clapp, both being now deceased ; Melvina, who married J. M. Heart ; Ella, the deceased wife of James Raymett ; and Ransom, who died aged thirty years. Enos J. Grover has always lived on his present farm and has always followed general agriculture, having also run a dairy wagon to Clyde for a period of seven years. The house which he occupies was erected in 1858 and Mr. Grover now has the assistance of his son Claude in operating the farm. In the spring, of 1866 Mr. Grover married Angeline Adams, who died February 27, 1908. To them were born five children, as follows : Nora, who married LeRoy Lee, and died in 1909, was the mother of two children, Margaret and Doris; Ransom, married Alice Simmerson ; Claude; Byron, married Pearl Wetsel, and has three children, Rudolph, Ruth and Reeva ; and Truman. Mr. Grover is a man of public spirit and enterprise, is a Democrat in politics and has served as township trustee for seven years. JOHN A. JONES, a well known farmer and stockraiser of Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, where he was born August 26, 1861, owns a fine farm of ninety-eight acres, which he has put under an excellent state of cultivation.. His parents were John W. and Rebecca (Pearson) Jones. The father of Mr. Jones was born in Wyandot County and the mother in Sandusky County, Ohio. John W. Jones was a son of Rev. William Jones, who was one of the well known pioneer preachers of Sandusky County and a pioneer settler on Green Creek, in Riley Township.. John W. Jones was one of the township's ster- 812 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY ling citizens. His death occurred October 23, 1899. His widow, now in her seventy-first year, survives and resides at Vickery, Ohio. They had three sons, Irving W., John A., and Clarence, all of whom are respected residents of Riley Township. During the Civil War, the late John W. Jones served 100 days when there was an emergency call for soldiers. John A. Jones obtained his education in the public schools of his native township and he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. On October 4, 1883, he was married to Miss Bessie Lindsay, a daughter of Charles Lindsay, late of Townsend Township, and they have two children, Leon L., who lives in Townsend Township ; and Nellie, who resides with her parents in Riley Township. Following his marriage, Mr. Jones lived for a time in Townsend Township and during that period served two years as township trustee. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Vickery. In his political views he is not in accord with either of the dominant parties and he usually casts his vote according to the dictates of his own judgment. ISAAC AIGLER, who is engaged in farming and fruit growing on a tract of 108 acres, located four miles north of Bellevue on the South Ridge Road, was born in Union County, now known as Snyder County, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1840, and is a son of Amos and Armina (Bobb) Aigler. He was but three years old when his mother died, and his father subsequently married Mrs. Eliza (Smith) Aigler, widow of Joel Aigler, an uncle of Isaac Aigler, and in 1848, the family came to Ohio and settled on land in Thompson Township, Seneca County, where they resided one year. They then came 'to Sandusky County and settled on a farm south of our subject's present place in York Township, where his parents resided until late in life. They then removed to Bellevue, where they both died. Mr. Aigler was reared in York Township from the time he was seven years old and became a farmer by occupation, making a specialty for many years of peach growing. The fall following the death of the mother of Mrs. Aigler, in 1869, Mr. Aigler bought and located on his present farm. Mr. Aigler saw service in the Civil War, enlisting in Company D, 50th Regiment, O. N. G., for five years. On May 2, 1864, he volunteered and was mustered into the United States' service for 100 days, his regiment operating between Washington and Richmond, Va. Mr. Aigler has made all the improvements on his farm, it being a corn field at the time of his purchase, and it is now one of the best improved farms in York Township. He was married to Susanna Close, who was born in Pennsylvania and who, when about. seven years old, came with her parents, George and Mary (Moyer) Close, to Sandusky County. Ohio, they settling on the farm now owned by Mr. Isaac Aigler. Her father became one of the most prominent farmers of the county, and acquired a large amount of land in the northwest part of York Township. Mrs. Close died in 1869, on the old home farm and was survived by her husband until 1889, the last years of his life being spent in Bellevue. In the fall of 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Aigler will remove to Bellevue, where they will .make their future residence. Mr. Aigler is a member of the C. B. Gambee Post, No. 33, G. A. R., of Bellevue. PHINEAS W. PARKHURST, for many years one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Clyde, Ohio, was born in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and died at his home in Clyde, January 18, 1909, having just passed his seventy-seventh birthday. He was the second son of Zelotes and Lois Parkhurst, and a grandson of Phineas Stevens (for whom he was named), who was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, enlisting in May, 1775, and serving throughout the war. Phineas Stevens took part in the famous battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill. Zelotes Parkhurst was a soldier in the War of 1812. His family included, besides Phineas W., two other sons, Joseph and Thomas, both of whom have passed away in recent years. On both paternal and maternal sides, Phineas W. Parkhurst was descended from sturdy New England stock. His parents, desiring to improve their condition, and seeking better op- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 813 portunities for their children, came to Sandusky County in 1831, and braved and Sturdily endured the hardships and privations of pioneer life. Here their three sons already mentioned were born and reared, learning something of hardihood and self-dependence from the example of their parents, and from the circumstances and surroundings of their boyhood days. Phineas W. Parkhurst was fortunate in being able to obtain a good education, acquiring the elements of knowledge in the country schools, and pursuing more advanced studies in a seminary at Norwalk, Ohio, of which he was one of the first graduates. He subsequently graduated from the Spencerian Business College, of Cleveland, Ohio. Some time prior to the Civil War he engaged in the profession of teaching, for ,which he was pre-eminently well qualified, and in which he scored a pronounced success. He served one year during the war as a private soldier in Company A, 72nd Regt., 0. Vol. Inf., and when his military services were ended, resumed the occupation of teaching school. He later gave up teaching for a time in order to engage in other business at Venice and at Perrysburg, Ohio, and in 1870 he came to Clyde, where, with Archibald Richards and D. E. Harkness, prominent residents of this place, he organized the Clyde Banking Company and served as its cashier until 1883. After the failure of the bank he resumed teaching-. As a teacher he is said to have had no superiors in this section and his services were always in demand. His opinions on educational matters were valuable, as based largely on practical experience. His work left an enduring impression on the minds of all who were privileged to receive his instructions, an impression that, enforced by his strong and noble personality, was always for good and has shown its best results in the lives of his pupils. Mr. Parkhurst was married June I, 1869, to Sarah Z, Richards, and six children were born to complete and bless their household, namely : Ralph R., a resident of Bellevue ; Arthur D., of Phoenix. Arizona, who has died since the death of his father ; Zeldon A., of Chicago; Pearl, a teacher at Toledo; Foster J., of Peru, Indiana, and Paul \V., of Chicago. In 1874 Mr. Parkhurst united with the Clyde Baptist Church, of which he was thereafter a faithful and consistent member. He served for a long time as superintendent of the Sabbath school, and as one of its teachers, and for the last fifteen years of his life was a deacon and a trustee of the church. For the purity of his life and the nobility of his character, Mr. Parkhurst will long be remembered by all who were privileged to know him. He was an indulgent but wise father, a loving husband and was kind and courteous to all with whom he came in contact. JAMES P. VICKERY, a leading member of the Bellevue bar and a well known attorney both in Huron and Sandusky Counties, was born in Groton Township, Erie County, Ohio, March 24, 1864, and is a son of John and Jane Vickery. The father was born in England and settled in Erie County in 1854, subsequently moving to Mt. Carmel, Sandusky County. James P. Vickery was educated in the district schools, at Green Springs Academy, and at the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, after which he spent some fifteen years in teaching school, becoming well and favorably known as an educator in several of the counties of his native State. He then prepared for the law in the office of Richards & Heffner, at Clyde, and was admitted to the bar in 1899, forming a partnership which still exists as Parkhurst & Vickery, with offices at Bellevue. This firm is considered one of legal Strength and to it has been given many very important cases to adjust. In politics, Mr. Vickery is a Republican and he has served his city in the council a number of terms and has been president of that body. He is the treasurer of York Township and has held the office for several terms. Mr. Vickery was married April 2, 189o, to Miss May King, a daughter of John A. and Mary A. King, of Clyde, Ohio. They have one son, James Allen. Mr. Vickery is identified with the Masons, the Elks and the Independent Order of Foresters. In 1907 he was elected State secretary of the latter organization and was re-elected to the same honorable office in 1909. 814 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY A. B. FRENCH, a resident of Clyde, Ohio, has been identified with the business, political, professional and literary interests of not only Sandusky County, for many years, but his name is familiar all over the country to intellectual people, who read scientific books and attend high class lectures. Perhaps no public speaker in Ohio, during the past thirty years has commanded the audiences that he has whenever he has appeared on the lecture platform. Mr. French was born on his father's farm in Trumbull County, Ohio, September 13, 1838, and is a son of Samuel and Amelia (Belden) French. The parents of Mr. French were natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively, both families being of old Puritan stock. The grandfathers of Mr. French, Byron French and Asel Belden, were among the pioneers of Trumbull County, Ohio. A. B. French was given as good educational advantages as were obtainable in the neighborhood of his birth and his parents and friends were not disappointed in his appreciation of them, and at the age of sixteen years he was a promising student in the Western Reserve Seminary. It was just at this critical age that he became deeply interested in the phenomena which have been given many names and many differing scientific explanations, called at that time "spirit rappings." The remarkable demonstrations made by the Fox Sisters had aroused the whole country and in many a quiet farm house, mediums were discovered who had hitherto been entirely unaware of possessing any occult powers. The mother and other members of Mr. French's family had developed these powers and without doubt the quickened mind of the youth, active beyond his years, made him susceptible at that early age. Reluctantly at first he exercised his powers, led on by an inward force he could not control, and as his physical and mental strength still further increased, so did his manifestations of this mysterious power. For years he appeared in public as a medium and had he not ever been the man of honor that he is, he might have amassed a vast fortune from this remarkable gift. At the present time, when some of the greatest minds in the world are giving almost their entire attention to the study of this same phenomena that so impressed the boy at his plow, away back in 1854, and discovered to him his wonderful control of this mysterious power, the world stands breathless, eager to accept what, at that early day was generally looked on as a matter of reproach. To the present opening of the world's eyes, Mr. French has contributed through all these years, both by tongue and pen. Mr. French took up his residence at Clyde in the summer of 1859 and in 1863 he started the nursery business, which he has developed into a large and prosperous industry. In 1872 he was admitted to the Ohio bar, at Tiffin, having prepared at the University of Michigan, and engaged in the practice of law for three years, in partnership with Judge John M. Lemmon. Failing health caused his retirement in 1875, although his professional prospects were very bright. From 1881 until 1888 he engaged almost exclusively in lecturing and from 1888 until 1890 was connected with the Lyceum Bureau at Chicago, under its management visiting almost every large center of the country. Although his leading subject has been spiritualism, he is a gifted speaker on other themes and his lectures have always been well received. For the past ten years he has devoted the larger part of his time to his business at Clyde and also clone some literary work at his desk. his many experiences, his scientific studies and the broadness of view brought about by travel and mingling with all classes and conditions, making his written words almost as vital as his spoken utterances. Mr. French besides has invested heavily in Clyde real estate, owning a great many house and building blocks. Through all the activities which have made him a man of busy life indeed. Mr. French has never forgotten his duties either as a private or public citizen. In politics a Republican, he has frequently had offices of trust and responsibility urged upon him and as far back as 1876 he was unanimously nominated for representative to the General Assembly. He was defeated by an unusually small majority and in 1878 his Republican friends a second time HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 817 unanimously nominated him, but he refused the proposed honor. He has frequently demonstrated his attachment for Clyde and has shown in a public spirited way his devotion to his home town, in which he is a valued and honored man. Mr. French was married (first) in 1859, to Miss S. A. Dewey, who left two children, William B., now deceased; and Lula L., who married A. Byers. Mr. French married for his second wife in 1892, Mrs. Mary E. Thomas, a resident of Cardington, Ohio. MICHAEL G. NORTON, the subject of this sketch, was born at Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania, February 13, 1858, and is the youngest child of Michael and Bridget Norton. He moved with his parents to Emporium, Cameron County, Pennsylvania, in 1864, where he attended the public schools. In 1872 he started to work in a saw-mill, where he remained for about two years, when he accepted a position with the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad Company as switchman in the Emporium yards. He remained in this position until May, 1878, when he went to the Bradford McKean County oil field and entered the service of the United Pipe Lines on June 12th the same year, being located at Gillmor in 'the same county. He remained with this company filling the various positions of laborer. construction foreman, pump station engineer and gauger, throughout McKean, Elk, Warren and Forest Counties in Pennsylvania, also in Allegany County, New York State, until July, 1892, when he resigned to accept a position as superintendent of the Pipe Line Department with the Paragon Refining Company, of Toledo, Ohio, where he located until September, 1896. He then moved to Gibsonburg, Sandusky County, Ohio, where the company maintains a local office and field headquarters. On April 26, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie M. Sherry, daughter of William and Maria Sherry, of Portville, New York. To this union were born nine children, four of which are living, namely : William L, Harry M, Marie K, and Catherine L. Mr. Norton and family are members of St. Michael's Catholic Church, he is a member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, Gibson burg branch, he is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fremont Council. The Norton home is located on South Main Street, Gibsonburg, Ohio. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN WAGNER, a prominent farmer of York Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, who, in association with his wife owns three valuable tracts of land, all adjoining the Portland Road and situated three miles west of Bellevue, was born at Flat Rock, Thompson Township, Seneca County, Ohio, September 30, 1855. His parents were William and Rebecca (Cook) Wagner. The Wagner family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania. The grandfather, Henry Wagner, brought his family to Seneca County in 1834 and established a home in Thompson Township. At that time William Wagner was a boy of thirteen years. He still survives, being now in his eighty-eighth year, and making his home with a daughter near Marion, Ohio. His wife died in 1889. Benjamin F. Wagner, generally known to his friends as Frank Wagner, was reared to 'the age of eighteen years in Seneca County and then accompanied his parents to York Township, Sandusky County. On April 12, 1877, Mr. Wagner was married to Miss Clara A. Dick, who was born and reared in Bellevue. Her parents were Enoch and Elizabeth (Fender) Dick. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have had five children, namely : Harley D., who died March 22, 1906, and left a widow, formerly Miss Alla Biddings, of Clyde; Grace May, who is the wife of Harry A. Dick, and has one son, John Franklin; and Ralph Ray, Harry A. and Dewey Hobson, all of whom live at home. Mr. Wagner carries on general farming. For ten years previous to the purchase of his present farm, he rented one not far distant and later bought it, but he sold it before he bought his present property, which comprises fifty-two and eight-tenths acres. He cultivates this and also two farms belonging to his wife, thirty-seven acres in one piece and thirty-eight acres in the other. All this land is adapted to successful cultivation and Mr. Wagner is numbered with the township's excellent farmers. 818 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY He has made important improvements and all the buildings now standing were erected by him. He is a quiet, industrious, home loving man and takes no very active part in politics, but he always casts his vote with the Democratic party. HENRY RODENHOUSEN, who is acceptably serving in the responsible office of treasurer of Rice Township, is one of the most highly respected German-American citizens of this section of Sandusky County. He was born December 4, 1857, in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. and is a son of Eberhard and Margaret (Doell) Rodenhausen, both of whom died in Germany. Henry Rodenhausen was reared in his native land and was educated in her excellent public schools. He came to America in 1882. but there would be no trouble for him should he ever desire to visit the Fatherland, for he complied with all the laws of his country before he left it. This included his army service of three years, from 1877 until 1880, during which period he was a faithful soldier of Emperor William. In order to better his financial condition he decided 'to emigrate to America in 1882, taking passage in the steamer of that name and after a voyage of twenty days. was landed safely at the port of New York. He came immediately to Sandusky County and engaged in farm work for two years in Rice Township and continued on different farms in this township until 1898, when he purchased thirty acres, located in Section 2, on which he has resided ever since, coming here from a farm situated on the Port Clinton Road. Mr. Rodenhausen has not only proved himself a capable farmer. but he soon impressed his fellow citizens with his good judgment and honesty and quickly gained their confidence. He identified himself with the Democratic party and was elected township treasurer and is now the nominee for a second term as such. On March 27, 1884, Mr. Rodenhausen was married to Miss Misithi Klein, a daughter of Capt. Andrew Klein. of Fremont. and they have had seven children, namely : John P., George F., Sarah M.. (wife of Howard Grossmann, of Fremont). Bertram, Mabel C., An drew W. and Clara C. Mr. Rodenhausen and family are members of Trinity Lutheran Church of Rice Township, of which he has been a trustee. DANIEL WARNER, an esteemed citizen and retired farmer of Burgoon, has practically been a life-long resident of Sandusky County, Ohio. He was born April 1, 1830, in Wayne County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Lydia (Disler) Warner. The father of Mr. Warner died when aged twenty-six years, but his mother lived to the age of seventy-one. After being left a widow she moved to Sandusky County with her two small children, Daniel and Katherine. The latter subsequently married David Rosenburger and died about 1874, having had five children, Ellen. Amos, George, Wilson and Allison. George and Allison are now deceased. At that time this section of Sandusky County was all woods. Mrs. Warner lived on a farm of 100 acres, situated one mile north of Burgoon, which had been given her by her father, and there she died. Daniel Warner was three years old when his mother moved from Wayne County, Ohio, to Sandusky County, where her parents. with whom she came, entered a tract of 30o acres in Jackson Township from the Government. He was reared on this farm entered by his grandfather and owing to the newness and unsettled condition of 'the country, received but meagre education, no schools of any kind having at that time been organized in this section. Mr. Warner became a farmer and followed that business continuously until some few years ago, since which time he has been living in retirement. enjoying a well earned rest after years of unceasing activity. In 1864. lie enlisted at Cleveland, Ohio, in Company H, 169th Ohio Vol. Inf., but never participated in any battles and was mustered out at Camp Cleveland. He is a member of the G. A. R. Rawson Post, of Fremont, and is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Warner was united in marriage August 10, 1854, with Katherine Henry, who was born in Stark County, Ohio. February 2. 1833. and whose death occurred July 19. 1909. She was a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Mowery) AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 819 Henry, who were residents of Sandusky County, Ohio. To this union were born two children : Celia, who married Charles Havens, of Jackson Township, and has two children, Milo and Russel ; and Sarah E., who was united in marriage November 1877, with John W. Shawl, at Fremont, Ohio,. the Rev. Bushnell officiating. Mr.. Shawl was born October 8, 1855, and is a son of George and Mahala (Havens) Shawl. JULIUS C. NICKEL, a representative citizen of Rice Township, who has successfully carried on farming operations in Section 3 since he settled on his place in the summer of 1878, was born December 20, 1852. in Rice Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, and is a son of Frederick and Margaret (Glasser) Nickel. Fredrick Nickel was born in Germany. He came to America and settled in Rice Township, Sandusky County, in early manhood and there, during the active years of his life, followed agricultural pursuits. He was a man of many sterling qualities and was numbered with the reliable and useful citizens of Rice Township. He died in January, 1903, in his seventy-third year. He married Margaret Glasser, also a native of Germany, who survived him but one year. Of their children the following survive : Wilhelmina J., wife of John Longanbach, residing near Clyde, Ohio ; Lewis F. and Julius C.. both residing in Rice Township ; and William H., living in Ballville Township, Sandusky County. Julius C. Nickel grew to manhood on the home farm and for a number of years after he reached years of responsibility, he followed threshing, during the season, in combination with farming and stock raising. His farm is favorably situated and in the management of it he has shown a large amount of practical, good sense, devoting his land to those products which he, has found best suited to it and in this way getting very satisfactory results. He makes use of improved machinery and keeps the best grades of stock. Mr. Nickel was married (first) to Miss Mary Katherine Kiser, born in Rice Township, a daughter of the late Frederick Kiser. She was survived by four children, namely : Frederick L. ; Cora L., wife of Israel Smith, of Rice Township; Hattie L., wife of Irvin Hasselbach, of Rice Township; and Katherine. Mr. Nickel was married (second) to Miss Rosa Nichke, a daughter of Herman Nichke, of Ballville Township, and to this marriage have been born four children : Clifford, Bertram, Ada and Elmer E. Mr. Nickel and family are members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, in the Sunday school of which he, his wife and son Frederick L., all teach classes. When the present church edifice was erected, Mr. Nickel served as treasurer of the building committee and his advice was largely followed, resulting in the present substantial structure. In his political views he has always been a Democrat. He has served at times as township 'trustee and for a number of years has been a useful member of the school board. When Mr. Nickel came to this farm in 1878, there were 38 acres only partly cleared on which a log house stood at that time. He erected the middle part of his present house before moving to it, and in 1883 built his present substantial barn. He later, in 1884 or 1885, bought twenty-five acres adjoining, and still later he came into possession of eight acres, which were owned by his father, and are located three miles east of his home. He owns two shares of a fifteen acre tract, the other share being owned by his mother-in-law, Mrs. Mary Kiser. He has improved and farmed this place, making eighty-six acres in all. HARRY S. DAY, who, with his father, John Day, is proprietor of the Fremont Nurseries, opposite Spiegel Grove, has been engaged in this business throughout his active career, although a part of the time he was identified with the United States postal service. He was born in. Fremont, Ohio, May 16, 1871, and is a son of John and Emily (Williams) Day. John Day was born and reared to maturity in Canada, which country he left in 1845, at the age of twenty-two years coming to Ohio, in which state he taught school for most of 'the time until 1850. He then entered Oberlin College, from which he was graduated in 1854. His marriage shortly after took place in Cleve- 820 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY land. In 1857 he moved to Fremont, Ohio, where in the following year he established the nursery with which he has been identified ever since. He and his son have several pieces of land, located in different parts of Sandusky County, all of which are devoted to the nursery business. They have been highly successful in this undertaking and have by far the largest business of the kind in the county, their stock being shipped to all the states of the Union and to the Canadian Provinces. Harry S. Day has always been a resident of Fremont; where he received a good education in the public schools. He was graduated from Fremont High School in 1889, but prior to that time had become identified with the nursery business in connection with his father. In 1891 he entered the railway mail service, in which he continued without interruption for four years. He resigned to spend a year in Oberlin College, where he pursued special studies, and at the end of that time was reinstated in the mail service. He continued in that capacity for four years more, then resigned, but again in 1906 re-entered the postal service as deputy postmaster of Fremont. He continued as such until March 15, 1909, since which time he has been devoting his energies exclusively to the nursery business. Mr. Day was united in marriage with Miss Lola Garvin, a daughter of Jacob B. Garvin, and they have a daughter, Mary Elizabeth. He is a man of exceptional business qualifications and of recognized standing in the communitv. CLAUDE. A. SMITH is a prosperous farmer of Ballville Township. Sandusky County, Ohio, and is the owner of two valuable farms. one of 105 acres where he lives and another of forty acres located two miles south of his home place. He was born in this township, October 1, 1877, and is a son of Hugh and Martha (Maurer) Smith. Hugh Smith. father of the subject of this record, was born in Winchester. Virginia, April 3, 1851, and came to Sandusky County. Ohio. during the Civil War. He located first at Old Fort and later purchased the old Isaac Maurer farm in Ballville Township ; he made most of the improvements now on the place and cultivated it until his death, which occurred on May 13, 1905. He was a representative of the highest type of citizenship, honest and straightforward in his business dealings, and of great force of character. He was united in marriage with Miss Martha Maurer, who was born in Ballville Township, August 9, 1853, and was a daughter of Isaac and Martha Maurer, early settlers of the township. The following children blessed this union : Myrtle ; Nellie, who married Lester Hampsher of Ballville Township and has four children—Howard, Mary, Irene and Charles; Fay, deceased wife of Clarence Babione; and Grace, Ruth and Claude. Claude Smith received a superior educational training iii the public schools of his native township and in Fremont High School, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. Upon leaving school he turned to agricultural pursuits, which he has always followed and as a general farmer has attained a high degree of success. On April 9, 1902, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Laura North, who was born in Bellevue. Ohio, and is a daughter of Guy and Celeste (Harris) North. Three children have been born to them : Margaret, Myrtle and Hugh. Fraternally, he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Fremont. CLARENCE HERMAN. whose thirty acres of valuable farm land lie two and one half miles northwest of Woodville, Sandusky County, Ohio, was born in 1866, in Woodville Township, and is a son of Henry and Clorinda (Webster) Herman. The father of Mr. Herman came to Sandusky County from Germany when he was fourteen years of age and worked for small wages at first in order to pay his way, as he was a poor boy. Bv the time he reached manhood he was able to buy eighty acres of land. which he cleared and made into a good farm. He continued to live on that property and died at the age of seventy-three years. He married Clarinda Webster and they had nine children. Clarence Herman helped his father in his youth and attended school. His first successful business venture was in buying stock and in HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 823 1896 he came to his present place, where he carries on general farming and still continues his business of stockbuying. Mr. Herman married Miss. Carrie Avers and they have one daughter, Margaret, who is attending school. Mr. Herman and family are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a leading Republican of his township, is a member of the school board and in 1908 he was elected a township trustee. LOUIS HOCK, sheriff of Sandusky County, Ohio, was born October 27, 1865, at Aurora, Indiana, and is a son of the late Louis Hock, who settled at Clyde, Ohio, in 1867, where he was in the boot and shoe business for many years. He died December 26, 1908. His children were five in number. Louis Hock, second, attended school at Clyde, after which he assisted his father until he was appointed a guard at the Ohio State Penitentiary, at Columbus, where he served in that capacity for two years. For one year he followed railroading and then became agent for large brewing interests. From early manhood he has been interested in politics, being an ardent Democrat, and in November, 1908, he was elected to the responsible office he now fills so acceptably. His majority over his Republican opponent was 755 votes. Sheriff Hock married Mrs. Jennie French and they have one son, Herbert L. Mrs. Hock is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mr. Hock is a member of the German Lutheran Church. Fraternally he is identified with the Eagles and the Knights of Pythias. PETER WIDMAN, trustee and prominent citizen of Rice Township, residing on his valuable farm of 110 acres, situated in Section 11, was born in Rice Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, June 28, 1859, and is a son of Daniel and Mary (Hafner) Widman. Daniel Widman was born in Baden, Germany. in 1827, and came to America in 1849, and after a short residence at Fremont, came to Rice Township and settled in the depth of the woods, building a comfortable log house on his land and for many years devoted himself to clearing up and developing a farm. He was an honest, industrious man, one in whom his fellow citizens could put confidence and among the pioneers of Rice Township he was held in high esteem, He died January 9, 1890. He married Mary Hafner, who was born in Baden, Germany, in 1835, and was twelve years of age when she accompanied her parents to America. They settled in Huron County, Ohio, where she resided until her marriage. She still survives and lives with her son, Peter Widman. The family of Daniel and Mary Widman contained eight children, namely : Peter ; Joseph, who is pastor of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church at Sandusky, Ohio; George, Henry and Charles A., all of Sandusky Township ; Frank X., of Rice Township ; Alois C., of Rice Township; and Anna M'., residing at Sandusky. Peter Widman was reared in his native township. In 1896 he settled on his present farm, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and here he carries on general farming and stock raising. Mr. Widman has always been an active citizen in his township, under his father's advice early identifying himself with the Democratic party. He has served on the township school board and is now serving in his fourth year as township trustee. He is a faithful member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Fremont. BIRT S. GARVER, a member of the prominent law firm of Garver, Garver & Garver, with offices in the Roberts and Sheldon Block, at Fremont, has maintained this connection ever since he was admitted to the bar, May 4, 1886. Mr. Garver was born on a farm near Wooster, in Wayne County, Ohio, March 12, 1863, and is a son of John and Catherine (Shoemaker) Garver. In his boyhood the parents of Mr: Garver moved to West Salem, Ohio, where his early school period was passed and he graduated from the West Salem High School in 1879, later entering Ashland College, at Ashland, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1883. Mr. Garver then engaged in teaching school, in the meanwhile giving some attention to his law studies. He taught about ten terms in all in Wayne and Ashland Counties and completed 824 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY his law course under the supervision of his brother, Attorney J. T. Garver, subsequently becoming his partner. This firm and its individual members, J. T., B. S. and P. D. Garver, are well known all over Sandusky County, having continuous business in almost all the courts. In 1895 Mr. Garver was married to Miss Elizabeth Hilbish, a daughter of Dr. F. S. Hilbish, of Sandusky County. Mr. Garver is a prominent Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council, and prior to January I, 1909, served four years as master of the Blue Lodge at Fremont. He is identified also with the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. SAMUEL SWOPE, a representative citizen of Scott Township, where he owns a valuable farm of 100 acres situated in Section 32, was born in Jackson Township, Seneca County, Ohio, December 22, 1859. His parents were Noah and Katherine (Byers) Swope. The father of Mr. Swope was born also in Seneca County, on the same farm as was his son. In early married life lie moved to Scott Township, Sandusky County, and there cleared up a farm and made many improvements. He died in May, 1899. He was a leading citizen of Scott Township. and at different times served in various offices, being a member of the school board, supervisor and a 'trustee. In politics he was a Democrat. He married Katherine Byers, who died in 1879, and they had four children, Rebecca, Samuel, Levi and Ida. Samuel Swope went to school in Scott Township. After his marriage he lived for one and one-half years in Rising Sun, where he was in business as a contractor for ditching and day's work, and then returned to the homestead and subsequently received zoo acres from his father's estate. This land Mr. Swope has put in fine condition, draining and enriching it and he has all under the plow except fifteen acres yet in timber. His land is rich in oil deposits and at present he has eighteen producing oil wells on it. On June 12, 1888, Mr. Swope was married to Miss Hattie Teeple, a daughter of Edward and Mary Teeple, and they have had six children, namely : Harry, who married Bertha Connell; Howard, who is now deceased Ada, who lives at home; Pearl, who is deceased ; and Merrill and Mabel, twins, both living. Mr. Swope is a Democrat in his political views, but lie takes no very active part in public matters. He is identified with the order of Odd Fellows at Rising Sun. HARRY LYMAN PERSING, a representative citizen of Green Creek Township, carrying on a dairy business on his farm of forty acres, which is situated six miles east of Fremont, on the Maumee Turnpike Road, was born on the old Persing homestead in Green Creek Township, Sandusky County, Ohio. December 1. 1861. His parents were Chester and Mary (Miller) Persing. Chester Persing was born in New York and in boyhood was brought to Ohio by his parents, Mathias and Hannah (Cleveland) Persing. The journey was a great undertaking in those clays and included a trip on Lake Erie and a long overland ride in wagons. The pioneers settled in 'the deep woods of Green Creek Township and there Chester Persing grew to manhood and his parents died. He helped to clear the land and continued to live on a portion of it during the remainder of his life. He married Mary Miller, whose father, Lyman Miller, was one of the pioneers and large landowners of this section, including among his possessions the present site of Clyde. Mrs. Persing still survives. but her husband died in May, 1902, when aged sixty-seven years. They had five children, namely : Harry Lyman. Cora, Maude. Mathias and William. Harry Lyman Persing was educated in the public schools of Clyde and he remained at home helping his father until his marriage. He then settled on a part of the home farm and devoted himself . to growing fruit. which he continued until 1906. when he sold out 'to a Mr. Loney. In 'the meanwhile, as far back as 1902, he had purchased his present farm from Blanche Mitchell, and in 1907 he took possession and in the same year built the comfortable residence and made other improvements. Mr. Persing does a large dairy business, keeping sixteen cows, and operates a milk route through Clyde. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 825 In 1890 Mr. Persing was married to Miss Lucy Goodwin and they have seven children, Bernice, Carl, Mary, Harkness, George, Florence, and Agnes. Mr. Persing is a good, law-abiding citizen, but he takes no very active part in politics. His children are receiving school training and he looks with favor on all movements designed to make the public schools more efficient. He is a member of the beneficiary order of the Royal Arcanum. GEN. JESSE C. CHANCE, brigadier general, U. S. A., retired, is numbered among the distinguished citizens of Fremont, Ohio. He was born at Alliance, Stark County, Ohio, January 26, 1843. and is a son of Henry and Charlotte (Trego) Chance. Henry Chance for many years followed the business of a contractor and builder and later went upon the lecture platform in the cause of temperance, becoming widely known over the country as "Buckeye" or "Broadax" Chance. In 1858 he moved to a farm in Wood County, Ohio, and from there in 1865 to Fremont, Ohio, where he passed his remaining days. Although a resident of Fremont, he was in the vicinity of Freeport, in Wood County, at the time of his death, August 0, 1881. Mrs. Chance died October 28, 1875. Jesse C. Chance attended the public schools at Alliance, Ohio. and for a time during the year 1862 attended select school at Fostoria, Ohio. On August 9, 1862, he enlisted as a private in the 25th 0. V. I., and bore that rank until March 3, 1865, when he was advanced to second lieutenant in the 103rd U. S. Colored Troops, at Charleston, South Carolina. On the 3oth of August, 1862, six days after joining his regiment, he participated in the Second Battle of Bull Run. and was taken prisoner. He was held but a short time by the enemy and then paroled, but was held at the parole camp at Camp Chase, Ohio, until exchanged in February, 1863, and in the following month rejoined his regiment. He was mustered out of the volunteer service at Fort Pulaski, Georgia, April 16, 1866, and returned to Fremont, Ohio, where he remained from May, 1866, until the following January. He was at that time commissioned second lieutenant of the Thirteenth Regiment, U. S. Inf., and joined his regiment at Ft. Shaw, Montana, July 26, 1867. He was advanced to be first lieutenant of Company G, of the 13th (the first company ever commanded by General Sheridan), and in 1884 was commissioned captain of that company. He later was captain of Company C, of the same regiment, and bore that rank until September 28, 1898, when he was promoted to be major of the 5th U. S. Inf. He was captain of Company C during the Spanish-American War, but was in command on detached duty, at Fort Porter, Buffalo, New York, while his regiment was in Cuba. As major of the 5th regiment he joined the command at Santiago in February, 1899, and was in command of the regiment at Morro Castle, Santiago, from December, 1899, until July 20,. 1900, when they sailed for the United States. They were for a short time stationed at Ft. Sheridan, and on August 20, 1900, sailed for the Philippines, where General Chance remained from October, 1900, until August, 1902. He was made lieutenant colonel of the 26th U. S. Inf., February 2, 1901, and colonel of the 4th regiment U. S. Inf., May 28, 1902. The latter regiment was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he joined it and assumed command on November 25. 1902. He remained on duty at that point until May 18, 1903, when the regiment began its journey to the Philippines, arriving at Manila, June 26, 1903. General Chance was advanced to the rank of brigadier general, his commission bearing date of August 14, 1903, and was retired August 15, 1903. After many years of gallant and faithful service in the army, he resumed his residence in Fremont, Ohio, where he has since remained. General Chance was married (first) April 8, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth H. Roberts, and two children were born to this union : Mrs. Helen LaMotte Phillips and Mrs. Jessie Alberton. He was married (second) September 1, 1887, to Miss Jean Sleith McWatt, and they have one son, Robert Henry, who was born March 20, 1896. General Chance is affiliated with the Loyal Legion of America, the Grand Army of the Republic, the National Geographical Society, 826 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY the Society of the Army of the Potomac and the Optimist Club. JACOB GONAWEIN, a well known citizen of Sandusky Township, residing in Section 23, on his well improved farm of 125 acres, situated on the west side of the Sandusky River, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, September 7, 1834, and is a son of Matthias and Elizabeth (Waggoner) Gonawein. In 1848 the parents of Mr. Gonawein emigrated to America. They settled in Adams County, Ohio, and engaged in farming. The mother died there early in the sixties, and the father died at Cincinnati, in 1877. Jacob Gonawein remained in Adams County until 1863, when he came to Sandusky County. He lived for a time in Rice Township, engaged in farming, and then came to Sandusky Township, settling on his present place in 1880, and he has directed all his energies since then to the developing of his land and raising of good stock. He has improved his property and all his surroundings indicate thrift and prosperity. On February 25, 1858, Mr. Gonawein was married to Catherine Gahn, who was born in Rice Township, Sandusky County, a daughter of Rev. Conrad Gahn, a well known and esteemed pioneer preacher. Mrs. Gonawein died on January 13, 1901. She was the beloved mother of seven children, namely : Mary, who is the wife of Rev. D. Matthaei, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church at Toledo, Ohio; Margaret, who married M. S. House, of Toledo ; Lewis T. and George B.. both of whom live in Sandusky Township ; Lucinda, deceased, who was 'the wife of Rev. H. Wendt, .of the Evangelical Association; Matilda, who lives in Sandusky Township ; and Lorena, who married Frank Stull, of Fremont. George B. Gonawein, of the above family, is one of the enterprising men and successful farmers of this section, a Republican in politics and a representative man in his neighborhood. He married May Meffort, of Rice Township, and they have three children, Gordon Jacob, Luverne Mary, and Lucinda Matilda. Jacob Gonawein is one of the leading members and liberal supporters of the German Methodist Episcopal Church of Rice Township. He served on the building committee away back in 1873, when the new church was erected, and his interest in this religious bodv has never ceased. GEORGE GRANT, who died April 21, 1841, was one of the pioneer merchants of Fremont, Ohio, and his familv has long been a prominent one in this vicinity. Mr. Grant was born in Lancaster, Ohio, in May, 1810, and was but a child when taken by his widowed mother to Fremont. Ohio, where he grew to maturity. He became one of the earliest merchants of the place. in association with his brother-in-law, Rodolphus Dickinson. and with Sardis Birchard, whose name is inseparably linked with the history and development of Fremont. Mr. Grant died as he was entering the .prime of life and was survived manv years by his widow, whose death occurred in 1900, when she was eighty-eight years old. She was in maiden life Statira Dickinson. and was a daughter of Alpheus Dickinson, who lived and died in New York State. Two children blessed their union. Miss Sarah Jane Grant, and Georgiana. who died in 1843. aged about two years. Miss Grant has always been a resident of Fremont. where he, has many warm friends and is widely known. She makes her residence at No. 1002 Birchard Avenue. IRVING W. JONES. who carries on agricultural pursuits on his valuable farm of sixty-six acres, situated in Riley Township. for almost a quarter of a century was one of the leading educators of this section. He was born January 6, 1860, in Riley Township, Sandusky. County. Ohio, and is a son of John W. and Rebecca (Pearson) Jones. The Jones family was founded in Riley Township by Rev. William Jones. a pioneer preacher of the United Brethren faith, one of the early ministers who almost spent their lives on horseback, traveling miles and miles through the unsettled country, on their missions of peace and piety. He was of Scotch-Irish extraction and perhaps was born in Wyandotte County. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 827 Ohio. In that county his son, John W., was born prior to the family exodus to Sandusky County, and was old enough at the time to remember when his parents settled on Green Creek. John W. Jones became a well known citizen of Riley Township, a man of high personal character and an earnest and useful citizen. He died in 1899 and is survived by his widow, who is now in her seventy-first year. They had three children, namely : Irving W., John A and Clarence, all of whom reside in Riley Township. Irving W. Jones attended the public schools in boyhood, went for a short time to the High School at Clyde and later enjoyed three terms at the Normal School at Ada. After securing an excellent education in the schools mentioned and by private study and much reading, Mr. Jones began to teach school and he spent almost twenty-five years in educational work in Riley and Townsend Townships. Five years of his life were devoted to agricultural pursuits in Eaton County. Michigan. but with this exception, he has always lived in his native State. For some years he has given his entire attention to the management of his farm in Riley Township. Mr. Jones was married (first) to Miss Mary Thrall, a daughter of Henry M. Thrall, formerly of Riley Township. Five of their children survive, namely : Edith M., wife of William Thompson. of York Township ; Edna O., Wife of Frederick Sanford, of Fremont; Grace G., wife of Walter Gilbert, of Vickery, Ohio; Arlin T., a resident of Vickery ; and Elza, residing in Riley Township. The two sons last named, in the spring of 1909 enlisted for service in the United States' navy, the former for a period of four years and the latter for three years. Mr. Jones was married (second) to Mrs. Maria Shue, widow of Andrew Shue, and daughter of the late Jacob Wineland, who was a pioneer in Hancock County, Ohio. Mr. Jones is a member of the North Riley Methodist Episcopal Church. of which he is a trustee and he also serves as superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. Jones is inclined to be independent in politics, casting his vote for the man best fitted for office. is a man of trained understanding and the arguments put forth by the Prohibitionists claim his serious thought. He has long been one of the township's representative men. FREDERICK L. MAUNTLER, a member of 'the well known firm of Mauntler Brothers, general merchants at Woodville and oil producers, was born and reared on his farm of eighty acres, situated three-quarters of a mile west of the town, in Woodville Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, on December 11, 1871. He is a member of an old pioneer family of this section. Frederick L. Mauntler engaged in farming after leaving school and later, during the oil boom in this section, entered the oil business and with his brother was a pioneer in opening up the fields in this section. He has a number of wells on his own land and has leases in both Sandusky and Wood Counties. In addition to the homestead farm, Mr. Mauntler owns a second farm in Woodville Township, which contains 116 acres. He is also interested in the Woodville Bank and the firm is interested in a natural gas plant at Elmore and at Oak Harbor. Mr. Mauntler married Miss Anna Borcherding, a daughter of Henry Borcherding, an early settler of the county, and they have had two children, Arnold H., who died aged sixteen months, and Ethel C. In politics Mr. Mauntler is active and prominent and is serving as a member of the Woodville council and also on the board of health. He is an independent voter. With his wife he attends the Lutheran Church. Mr. Mauntler is the leader of the Woodville Junior Band, an organization held in high repute all over the State. He has been its director for one year and has been active in musical circles for twenty-four years. HON. LEWIS F. WHITE, a prominent member of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio. is one of the young politicians of Sandusky County and still maintains his home in Townsend Township, where he was born October 9, 1882. His parents were Charles W. and Catherine (Wahl) White. 828 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY The late Charles W. White was born November 23, 1840, in Prussia, and was a son of Philip and Mary White. He accompanied his parents to Sandusky County in 1848 and in 1865 he was married to Catherine Wahl, who survives him. She is a daughter of Nicholas and Louisa Wahl, who came to America from Baden, Germany, in 1849, and settled in Erie County,. Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives. To Charles W. and Catherine White were born the following children : Charles F., who resides in Townsend Township, married Anna Schowochow; William R., who lived in Erie. County until his death on July 31, 1900, and who married Mary Lynch ; Frank and Henry, both of whom died in infancy ; Lewis F., who resides on the old homestead with his mother; and Ella, who is the wife of James Foreman, residing at Clyde, Ohio. Charles W. White purchased a farm of forty acres on the Bay Shore, in 186, where he spent the rest of his life. In 1876 he was elected a director of the county Infirmary and served six years, and for twelve years he was a justice of the peace in Townsend Township. He took a very active part in Democratic politics, setting an example which has been followed by his son, Lewis F. Lewis F. White grew to manhood on the home farm and from boyhood has taken an interest in the fisheries on the bay adjacent to his farm. From the public schools he entered the Ohio Northern University at Ada and after his return, read law for one year in the office of M. "W. Hunt, at Clyde. Since 1904 he has been engaged in farming on the old homestead and in looking after his fishing interests. He was reared, as it were, in the cradle of Democracy and early acquired a taste for politics. For three years he served as chairman of the Democratic County Central Committee and for four years was township committeeman. In the summer of 1908, at the age of 26 years, he was the choice of his party for the General Assembly, and at the primaries received practically the unanimous vote of his township, and was elected over his repub lican competitor in the succeeding fall, with the distinction of being the youngest member of the 78th General Assembly of Ohio. He has made an excellent record in the session of the Legislature of 1909, serving on three committees—Fish and Game Culture, Military Affairs and Soldiers' and Sailors' Homes. Mr. White is unmarried. LAWRENCE KAHLER, a retired farmer and saw-mill operator now residing in Gibson-burg, Sandusky County, Ohio, has had a long and successful business career and is the owner of considerable property in this and Wood counties. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 20, 1832, and is a son of Lawrence, Sr.. and Barbara (Wagner) Kahler. Lawrence Kahler, Sr., was also born in Bavaria. Germany, and there lived until after his marriage and the birth of his three children. In 1837 he sailed with his family to the United States and first located in New Lisbon. Columbia County, Ohio. where they spent the winter. In the spring he rented a farm of fourteen acres near Hanover of that county. He then rented a farm six miles west of Hanover for eight years. He soon afterward moved to Woodville Township, Sandusky County, and settled on a quarter section of land in the -Black Swamp. He lived on this property until his death at the advanced age of ninety years. eight months and eighteen days. His wife died at the age of eighty-eight years, and both were buried in Woodville Cemetery. They were members of the Catholic Church at Woodville. They had twelve children, the first three being born in Germany. Four now survive, Lawrence; Mary Ann, widow of Lawrence Weitz, of Gibsonburg; Barbara, wife of Jacob Nieset; and Augusta Kahler, of Gibsonburg. Lawrence Kahler. Jr., received as good an education as the rural districts of that day afforded. He spent his evenings studying by the light made by the fire of hickory bark in the log cabin in which they lived, and during the day attended subscription school. After his schools days he continued to live with his parents, and for five terms engaged in teaching. He then went into the saw-mill business, at which he continued for many years, and is still HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 831 owner of the mill, which is located on the county line in Wood County, in Freedom Township. He farmed with great success and continually improved his opportunities until he was possessed of a competency. He owns thirty-seven acres north of Gibsonburg, another tract of forty acres in Madison Township, and 240 acres across the line in Wood County, Ohio. December 23, 1908, Mr. Kahler was united in marriage with Mary Baur, a daughter of Ruppert and Katherine (Klug) Baur, and they reside in a fine home on the east side of the village. He is one of the stockholders of the Gibsonburg Banking Company. In politics, he has always been a Democrat and frequently in the past was called upon to serve in office. He was constable and assessor four years, justice of the peace four years, and school director twelve years, being for most of the time president of the board of education. Prior to that time they had but three months terms, but during his regime it was increased to six months. Religiously, he is a devout member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. In addition to a liberal cash contribution for the erection of a new church, he purchased a lot north of the city, 26ox35o feet, which he gave to the congregation to be used for cemetery purposes. HENRY A. OCHS, for some years county treasurer of Sandusky County, Ohio, and also city treasurer of Fremont, has long been a representative business man of this section. He was born at Fremont, Ohio, August 13, 1865. and is a son of Ambrose and Catherine ( Engler) Ochs. The father of Mr. Ochs was of German extraction. For years he engaged in a carriage manufacturing business at Fremont. He married Catherine Engler, also of an old German family, and they had nine children. Ambrose Ochs died in September, 1906. Henry A. Ochs was reared in Fremont and in boyhood he attended the parochial schools. He entered into business as a bookkeeper in a drug store and continued in that capacity until 1897, when, in association with a brother, he embarked in a furniture and undertaking business.  He was first elected treasurer of Sandusky County, in 1904. He was successively re-elected, his term expiring in 1909. In him Sandusky County has found an efficient and faithful official. In 1905, Mr. Ochs was elected city treasurer of Fremont and he has also served as school treasurer, his fellow citizens generally, recognizing his financial ability and repeatedly showing their confidence in his integrity. Mr. Ochs has a pleasant home at No. 702 West State Street. He married Miss Mary Ellen Munch, a daughter of George Munch, of Sandusky County, and they have five children, namely: Raymond A., Marie Luella, Catherine Annabel, Urban, and Bernard Louis. Mr. Ochs and family are members of the Roman Catholic Church. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party. GEORGE REED, a leading citizen of Sandusky Township, owning a valuable farm of 110 acres, forty of which he cleared up himself, is successfully engaged in farming and stockraising. He was born on his present farm, October 7, 1846, and is a son of Michael and Salome (Waggoner) Reed, natives of Pennsylvania. Michael Reed came to Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1826 and at first worked as a carpenter, but later acquired the farm which is now owned by his son, George Reed. Michael Reed built his log cabin in the woods and was a typical pioneer of the period, a hard worker, an honest man and a law-abiding citizen.. He died in 1869. In politics he was a Democrat and on the Democratic ticket he was twice elected county commissioner, at that time Sandusky County also the present territory known as Ottawa County. He married Salome Waggoner and of their children the following survive : Elizabeth, residing at Kingsway, Ohio. is the widow of Samuel Immel, formerly of Rice Township; George; Caroline, residing in Sandusky Township, is the widow of Jacob Smith ; Sarah, residing in Sandusky Township, is the widow of Bar- 832 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY ney Waggoner ; Isabel, wife of George Wolfe; John, who resides at Fremont; Frank, who lives in New Mexico; and Alfred, who is a resident of Fremont, Ohio. The deceased children of Michael and Salome Reed were: S. W. Reed, of Ottawa County, who died aged sixty-two years and who was representative in the State Legislature; Lucy, who was the wife of Jacob Engler of Rice Township; Catherine, who was the wife of Frank Hannawin, of Arkansas, Emanuel, who lived in Sandusky Township and who died at the age of about fifty-nine years; and Moses, who also lived in Sandusky Township, and who died at the age of forty-six years. George Reed was reared on the home farm and while he went to school in his native township, found plenty of employment for his leisure time in assisting his father on the place. As he grew older he learned the carpenter trade and for some years worked at this in his neighborhood, but later turned his entire attention to farming and stockraising. On December 23, 1873, Mr. Reed was married to Miss Catherine Gnepper, a native of Rice Township and a daughter of Francis and Amelia (Miller) Gnepper. Mrs. Reed's parents came from Saxony, Germany, to America in 1853 and settled in Rice Township, Sandusky County. The father cleared up a farm from the forest and there he and wife reared a family and spent the remainder of their worthy lives. They were members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Rice Township. Francis Gnepper was twice married and of his children the following are still living: Winnie, who is the wife of William Miller. of Adams County, Indiana; Emil, who lives in Adams County ; Catherine, who is the wife of George Reed; Maria, who lives in Sandusky Township; Lewis F., who has his home in Ottawa County, Ohio; and William N., who lives on the old homestead in Rice Township. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have three children, namely : Mary Isabel, who is the wife of Seymour Gainer, of Sandusky Township ; Minnie G., who is the wife of Dr. M. F. Parrish, a prominent physician of Monroe, Indiana; and Clarence A., who resides in Sandusky. Township. .Mr. and Mrs. Reed are members of Salem. Lutheran Church and Mr. Reed is one of its board of trustees. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a representative man of this section and has served two terms as township trustee, has. also been township assessor and a justice of the peace. He is well informed on matters concerning this part of Ohio and is a member of the Sandusky County Pioneer and Historical Society. D. E. DIEFFENBACH, president of the board of Infirmary directors of Sandusky County, Ohio, and a representative business man of Fremont, a member of the firm of Smith & Dieffenbach, plumbers, doing business on Arch Street, has been a resident of this county since 1864. He was born in M.ontour County, Pennsylvania, March 1, 1845, and is a son of Conrad and Catherine (Stamm) Dieffenbach. Mr. Dieffenbach was reared on his father's farm in Pennsylvania, and remained there until 1864, when he came to Sandusky County and located at Hessville, eight miles. west of Fremont. Near that village he bought a farm of 100 acres, on which he resided until 1889, when he was appointed superintendent of the Sandusky County Infirmary, where he took up his residence and remained until 1894, in which year he moved to Fremont. Mr. Dieffenbach has been engaged in the plumbing business here since 1907. He has always been an interested citizen and during eleven years while living on the farm, served as clerk of Washington Township, being elected on the Democratic ticket. In 1867 Mr. Dieffenbach was married (first) to Miss Lizzie Karschner, who died January 17, 1894, while the family .still resided at the Infirmary. Four children were born to that marriage, namely: Stella, who is the wife of Lewis Overmyer; Benjamin, who lives in Fremont ; Mabel, who is the wife of Robert Forsythe ; and Claudie, who resides at home. Mr. Dieffenbach was mar- AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 833 ried (second) to Mrs. Sophia Myers, who had one daughter, Fanchon, who is the wife of Arthur Smith, Mr. Dieffenbach's business partner. Mr. Dieffenbach is a member of the Reformed Church. He belongs also to the German Aid Society. GEORGE FLUMERFELT, residing on his fine farm of 111 acres, which is situated in Ballville Township, Sandusky County, is a leading citizen of this section and a more than ordinarily successful farmer. He was born in Pleasant Township, Seneca County, Ohio, October 14, 1841, and is a son of Daniel and Malinda (Littler) Flumerfelt. The parents of Mr. Flumerfelt came to Seneca County, Ohio, from New Jersey. The father was born October 13, 18o8, and died August 2, 1898. The mother was born in 1817 and died in 1902. They had the following- children : Matilda, Mary, George, Ann. John, Amos, Abraham, Laura, Francis and Charles. George Flumerfelt spent his early life in his native county and there obtained a district school education. In 1869 he accompanied his parents to Ballville Township, Sandusky County, his father at that time purchasing the present farm, where he subsequently died. This property was originally good land and under the excellent cultivation that the Flumerfelts have given it, it has become some of the most fertile farming land in this section. Mr. Flumerfelt raises the usual grains that do well in Sandusky County, and considerable first-class stock. On September 6, 1865, Mr. Flumerfelt was married to Miss Ellen Chaney, a daughter of John and Mary (Lott) Chaney. and they have had eight children born to them, all but one surviving-. Eva married Charles Robinson and they live in Michigan and have three children: Pearl, Leona and Ruth. Edward married Tracy Baker and they live in Ballville Township. Laura married William Ridley and they live in Seneca County and have one child, Ruth. William married Sidney Prebels and they live at McComb, Ohio. Clarence married Stella Wertheim and they live at Fremont and have two children: Florence and George. Clara married James Schrader and they live in Seneca County. Harry is a soldier and is a member of the 7th U. S. Cav., and at present is stationed in California. In his political views, Mr. Flumerfelt is a Socialist. He is a man fully capable of doing his own thinking and takes a large degree of interest in public matters. He is particularly concerned that Ballville Township shall have excellent school advantages for the rising generation and has consented to serve on the School Board for some twelve years and is the local truant officer. He is a member in good standing of Maple Lodge No. 700 of the I. O. O. F. at Bettsville, Ohio. THEO H. JUNGK, vice president of the Colonial Saving Bank and Trust Company at Fremont, Ohio, and also president of other large business concerns of this city, stands among her leading and representative business men. He was born March 9, 1867, at Dayton, Ohio, and is one of a family of six children born to his parents, who were Charles F. and Amelia (Wirth) Jungk, the former of whom was a chemist of wide reputation. Mr. Jungk was educated in the schools of Detroit and Cincinnati. He entered into-business life as a clerk in the First National Bank of Fremont, where he continued until he became teller in that institution, and he soon gained such a reputation as a safe and reliable financier that when the Colonial Saving Bank and Trust Company was organized, he was invited to become its first vice president, in which office he has since served. He has large real estate investments at Fremont and occupies one of the city's most elegant residences, which is situated at No. 1305 McPherson Avenue. Mr. Jungk was married to Miss Clara M. Gotton, of Fremont. They have one son, Herbert G. Mr. Jungk has always been an active citizen, serving at different times on various civic boards, and contributing 834 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY largely to the city's benevolent and public-spirited enterprises. He is identified with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. JOHN H. GROSS, whose valuable farm of sixty-five acres is situated in Green Creek Township, on the Maumee Turnpike Road, about five miles east of Fremont, was born on the old Gross homestead in Rice Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, November 10, 1862, and is a son of John and Katherine (Wolf) Gross. The elder John Gross was born in .Germany, in March, 1833, and came to America when twenty years of age,. a few years afterward sending to the old country. for his parents, George and Katherine Gross. He settled in Rice Township and there his father, George Gross. died in 1889 and his mother in 1896. For some years, John Gross, Sr., worked by the day and in .that way accumulated enough capital to enable him to buy eighty acres of his present farm, to which he subsequently added and on which he still lives, now aged seventy-six years. He cleared this land and resided in a log house for a long period, but now has fine, substantial buildings. He married Katherine Wolf, who was brought from Germany while young, the Wolf family settling in Rice Township across the road from the Gross family. She died in 1896, aged seventy-five years. They. had eight children, namely : Emma, who is the wife of Josiah Overmeyer ; Rose, who is the wife of Conrad Overmeyer ; Charles, who died in 1897, aged thirty-five years ; John H. Herman ; Louisa, who is the wife of F. F. Hurt ; and William and Moses. John H. Gross spent his boyhood on the home farm and until he was sixteen years of age he divided his time between attending the district schools and helping his father. Then he was hired out to neighboring farmers for several years by his father, after which he went to Michigan and worked on a farm near Lansing for two years. When he returned to Sandusky County he lived with his sister in Riley Township for two years. After he was married he rented a farm from Fred Martin, in Green Creek Township and in 1904 he bought his present farm from the King estate and has successfully followed general farming here ever since. Mr. Gross, through his own industry and with the assistance of an estimable wife, has gained independence, having worked hard for all he owns. On April 3, 1897, Mr. Gross was married to Mrs. Ella King Packard, daughter of George W. and Elizabeth King, of an old and prominent county family. Mr. and Mrs. Gross have one child, Augusta, who was born May 28, 1903. In politics he is a Democrat and he has served as school director since 1906. He is a member of the order of Modern Woodmen of America, being connected with the lodge at Vickery. Mrs. Gross's parents were born in Ohio —her father in Fairfield County and her mother in Sandusky County. They have eleven children, two sons and nine daughters : Mrs. Mary Boggs, Mrs. Ella Gross, Mrs. Louisa Kappus, Sam King, Kentucky, Mrs. Almeda Fetterman. Mrs. Minnie Hetrick, John King. Mrs. Ida Boyer, Mrs. Nettie Monroe. Miss Carrie King of Lansing, Mich., and Mrs. Daisy Kiser. Mrs. Gross was married Sept. 22, 1886, to Daniel Packard. who died Feb. 10, 1890. After being a widow seven years she married Mr. Gross. REUBEN STINE. a veteran of the Civil War and a prominent citizen of Ballville, Sandusky County, Ohio. is the manufacturer of what are widely known as Stine's three family remedies. namely : White Pine Ointment, White Pine Oil and Cholera Balm. He was born in Fairfield County. Ohio. December 4, 1840, and is a son of Philip and Sarah (Dundore) Stine. Philip Stine was a native of Pennsylvania, but at an early date moved to Fairfield County. Ohio, where he died in 1845. in middle life. He was married to Sarah Dundore, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1802, and died in Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1883. They were parents of eleven children, of whom the following grew up : Jonathan. now deceased ; William, AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 835 deceased; John, deceased; Philip, deceased; Adam, deceased; Isaac of Los Angeles, California; and Reuben. The ones who died young were Benjamin, Emma, Garret and one who died in infancy. After the death of her husband Mrs. Stine continued to reside in Fairfield County until April 12, 1853, when she moved to Sandusky County. She purchased about three-quarters of a section of land in Sandusky Township, for a part of which she paid $22.50 and for the remainder $7.50 per acre. Twelve years later she disposed of it all for $65 per acre, realizing, a handsome profit. She then spent her declining years in the city of Fremont. Reuben Stine received his educational training in the public schools, after which he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed until he entered the army. He enlisted at Fremont, August 9, 1862, as a member of Company K, t0oth Ohio Vol. Inf., and served until he was mustered out at Camp Chase June 16, 1864. In the battle at Limestone, Tennessee, he was taken captive and was imprisoned successively at Lynchburg; Belle Isle at Richmond, Andersonville, Charleston, Florence, and at Libby Prison. He was incarcerated for a period of fifteen months and eight days before paroled, and the agony of starvation on prison fare, lack of humane care and the general ill-treatment to which he and other prisoners were subjected, beggars description. Mr. Stine was married July 11, 1869, to Miss Lydia M. Bauman, who was born in Sandusky County, July 15, 1852, and is a daughter of Solomon and Matilda (Binkley) Bauman. She is one of the following children born to her parents : John M.; Elizabeth, wife of August Hilman ; Catherine, wife of S. W. Overmeyer; and Lydia M. (Stine). Mr. and Mrs. Stine became parents of the following: Clara, who married Jacob Smith of Ballville Township and has four children—LeRoy, Bessie, Earl, and Edith; William, of Sandusky Township, who married Alice Cochran and has three children—Carl, Dorothy and Velma; Sarah, who is the wife of J. W. Cochran of Ballville Township and has two children—Gertrude and Howard; Irving of Ballville Township, who married Nellie McCoy and has a son, Raymond; Lucy W., who is unmarried and lives at home; Robert, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Stine has a wide acquaintance throughout Sandusky County and has built up a large and lucrative business, there being a great demand for his remedies, which have stood the test of time. FRANK W. SWEDERSKY, ex-sheriff of Sandusky County, Ohio, who served two terms in that important office, to the satisfaction of his fellow citizens, was born in Cuyahoga County, March 23, 1858, a son of Frank Joseph and Mary E. (Myers) Swedersky. Frank Joseph Swedersky was born in Meince, Germany, and came from his native land to America in 1846, settling first at Cleveland. There he followed the stonemason's trade until the fall of 1860, when he came to Sandusky County and settled on a farm in Riley Township, where he died in 1898. His children were four in number. Frank W. Swedersky was eight years old when his parents came to Sandusky County, and he completed his school attendance in Riley Township. He then engaged in farming and also became interested in township affairs, through this interest becoming well and favorably known all through the county and a leading factor in the ranks of the Democratic party. On January 4, 1904, he was first elected sheriff of Sandusky County and his excellent administration of the office brought about his re-election in 1906. He retired with the well earned reputation of an able and conscientious public official. Mr. Swedersky was married to Miss Amelia L. Martin, a daughter of Jacob Martin, and they have three children, Estella, Minnie and Lester. The family belong to the Grace Lutheran Church. Mr. Swedersky is a member of the order of Odd Fellows. ADAM RINEBOLD, whose valuable farm of 110 acres is situated in Section 36, Scott Township, has been a lifelong resident of Sandusky County, Ohio, and was 836 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY born in Jackson Township, December 16, 1853. His parents were Solomon and Elizabeth (Seltzer) Rinebold. The father died May 3, 1903, and was buried in Liberty Township, Seneca County,. Ohio. The mother has reached the advanced age of eighty-two years and lives at Fostoria. Adam Rinebold attended the public schools of Jackson Township until he was old enough to help on the farm. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-three years old and then married. Following this event he settled on his present farm in Scott Township, taking possession of a log house that was on the place. He has made many improvements and has put up all the substantial farm buildings that are now standing. All of his farm except ten acres has been cleared off and Mr. Rinebold has found it necesary to do considerable tiling, having put down about 80,000 feet. He deals largely in stock, which he raises, buys and sells. His land is probably very rich in oil, there being eight wells producing at present. On November 18, 1876, Mr. Rinebold was married to Miss Katherine Riegler, a daughter of John G. and Mary (Stahl) Riegler, and they have two sons : Arthur, who married Fannie Schwind, a daughter of Albert Schwind, and has one son, Kenneth A.; and B. J., who married Eva Myers, a daughter of Charles Myers ; they have two children, Myrtle B. and Bertha. Both Mr. Rinebold and his younger son are stockholders in the Bettsville Bank. Mr. Rine-bold became an Odd Fellow when he was twenty-eight years of age and has passed all the chairs of Kansas Lodge No. 405. He votes with the Democratic party but takes no very active part in public matters, being, however, one of the township's most respected citizens. HON. JOHN McINTYRE LEMMON. In the death of John McIntyre Lemmon, which took place August 17, 1895, Clyde, Ohio, lost one of her most distinguished, beloved and admired citizens, and in her grief all Northern Ohio participated. He was a man of brilliant attainments and gifted by Nature with the elements of success in his mind and character and for years had served his fellow citizens in positions of responsibility and in a way that ever reflected honor upon them as on himself. John McIntyre Lemmon was born at Townsend, Sandusky County, Ohio, July 25, 1839, and passed away while still in middle life. His parents were Uriah Blake and Emily Amanda (McIntyre) Lemmon. From the maternal side came his Scotch blood and name while on the paternal he traced his ancestry to a vigorous forefather, Hugh Lemmon, a native of Ireland. This great-grandfather had twelve children, the second in order of birth being James Lemmon, who was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, in 1779. He married Rebecca Blake, whose surname was perpetuated in the name of their eldest son, Uriah Blake, who was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied his parents when they removed to Ohio, in 1827. Uriah Blake Lemmon spent his seventy-nine years of life in Sandusky County, dying at Clyde, February 16, 1887. He had married Emily Amanda McIntyre in early manhood. She died in Townsend Township, Sandusky County, in 1860. Although neither had enjoyed many educational advantages, they were people of enlightened mind and they were anxious to afford their children the chances they had not been able to secure for themselves. The new country, however, was but sparsely settled when their son John McIntyre was born and when he had reached school age his only chance of instruction was in a district school, which was conducted but a few months in the year. As the boy grew into sturdy youth it became necessary for him to give assistance to his father in clearing and cultivating the 120-acre homestead farm, and it was not until he was eighteen years old that lie had the chance to attend a private school, and then but for only six weeks. On every side we are met with the fact that all the great men of the world would never have risen above the common AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 837 crowd had they not willed to do so and possessed the power to persevere in their purpose. This fact Mr. Lemmon again proved. Studying at night or on any occasion when he found leisure, he so educated himself that he was able to pass the required examination and secured a teacher's certificate when nineteen years old, following which he taught school at Clyde until he accumulated enough means to take him through three terms at Oberlin College. Again he taught school and an invitation from an uncle who resided in Scotland County, Missouri, caused him to transfer his activities, in 1859, to another field. In the fall of the same year he entered upon the study of law under Attorney-General James Proctor Knott, in Jefferson City, and this connection was of great benefit to the young man, as he met here the leading men of affairs in the country at that time, men of brilliant parts, a number of whom he was later to figuratively face on the field of battle. The disturbed condition of the country in 1860, together with the illness and subsequent death of his dearly beloved mother, induced his return to Sandusky County, and soon afterward he resumed his study of law, at Fremont, and again began to teach school. The quiet life which he had planned, filled with study and literary work, he soon found impossible, for, when Civil War threatened his beloved country, every patriotic impulse impelled him to offer himself as one of her defenders. In April, 1861, at Fremont, he enlisted for a service of three' months' duration, all that was then deemed absolutely necessary, becoming a private in Company F. 8th Ohio Vol. Inf. When the company was ready to start, however, Private Lemmon was suffering with the measles and although he rejoined it at Fort Dennison, he was again taken sick and was left behind. By October, his health being restored, he re-enlisted, entering Company B, 72nd 0. Vol. Inf, which was organized under Ralph P. Buckland, later General Buckland. On January 18, 1862, the 72nd Regiment was sent first to Camp Chase, then on to Cincinnati and Paducah, Kentucky, where it became a part of General Sherman's force. This regiment participated in the battle of Shiloh, and Mr. Lemmon was twice wounded, but not so seriously as to prevent his continuing with the regiment. He was in the expedition to Oxford, Mississippi, in November, 1862, under General Grant and back to Moscow, Bolivar and Corinth, after which came Vicksburg, the siege of Jackson and then the campaign to Brandon, Mississippi, and back to Jackson. Judge Lemmon never fully recovered from the hardships of this campaign. In June, 1864, he was particularly honored, being detailed as judge-advocate of a military commission at Memphis, and some very important cases were brought before his court. After seven months of service, at his own request he was relieved and then returned to his command. In May, 1862, he had been commissioned a lieutenant, and in July, 1863, a captain. He served in the campaign against Mobile, under General Canby, fought at Spanish Fort and had reached Montgomery, Alabama, when the news of the end of the war reached the army. Judge Lemmon, like many another active and faithful soldier, reached home in shattered health, but the happiness of domestic life and the opportunity to peacefully complete his law studies soon restored him to his normal condition. He soon entered into practice and also engaged in business as a claim and insurance agent and paid more or less attention to public questions. In June, 1886, he was first honored by his fellow townsmen by election to the mayoralty and was reelected in 1867 and during these administrations he set in motion many agencies which have brought about the present peace and prosperity of the town. In 1866 he was appointed judge of the Common Pleas Court, of the First Sub-division of the. Fourth Judicial District of Ohio, and in 1887, he was again invited to accept this honor, but he declined. His practice absorbed him and a quiet life was more attractive to him than a more public one for which his qualifications so 838 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY amply fitted him. He was ever loyal to the Republican party and at all times was ready to use his influence for his friends, but as he grew older and his health gradually became again impaired, he withdrew more and more from the active arena. On March 29, 1864, Judge Lemmon was married to Miss Annie Covell, of Perkins, Erie County, Ohio, who survives him. In the summer of 1887 they took a long-talked of tour which included a leisurely visit to France, England, Scotland and Wales. It was Judge Lemmon's first vacation in twenty-three years and was beneficial, but did not restore him to former health. His last years, in a way, were his best years, for he was surrounded with every material comfort and was daily assured of the affection of his friends and the respectful consideration of his fellow citizens. On July 12, 1900, Mrs. Annie C. Lemmon, Judge Lemmon's widow, was united in marriage with Mr. Michael Bowann, and they reside at the corner of Cherry and George Streets, Clyde, Ohio. GEORGE W. FREDERICK, a prominent and substantial farmer, residing on the South Sand Ridge Road, in York Township, Sandusky County, six miles northeast of Clyde, is the owner of 315 acres of valuable land, 103 of which is situated in Erie County and the remainder in York Township, Sandusky County. Mr. Frederick was born in Hartleton Township, Union County, Pennsylvania, February 6, 1836, and is a son of William and Catherine (Kline) Frederick. The parents of Mr. Frederick came to Ohio in 1854 and settled in Erie County, where they lived until 1859, when they came to Sandusky County and acquired the farm on which they resided until the close of their lives. The mother died very suddenly, from a stroke of paralysis, when aged seventy years. The father lived to be one of the most venerable residents of the county, being almost ninety-six years old when his death occurred in November, 1892. They had a family of eight children, all sons and all grew to maturity except Robert, the second born, who died in infancy. The others were : George W., Jesse, Samuel, William, Edward, James and Reuben, the survivors being George W., William, Edward and James, the two last named being residents of Michigan. George W. Frederick is now practically retired, but during his active years he devoted himself almost entirely to farming and stockraising. His land in York Township is separated into three farms, his home place, on which stands the old farm-house, containing twenty-two acres. After the death of his brother Samuel, he bought his thirty acres. In early manhood, Mr. Frederick married Miss Mary Berman, a daughter of John and Annie Berman. She accompanied her parents from Pennsylvania to Sandusky County, in girlhood. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick went to housekeeping in Erie County, but in 1871 came to the present farm, to which his father had moved many years previously. They have two children, William H. and David L. William H. Frederick resides at Bellevue, Ohio. He married Alice Gerhart and they have one son, Ralph. David L. Frederick resides on one of his father's farms in York Township. He married Nettie Vickery and they have two children : Gladys, who died at the age of about thirteen years: and Ina. Mr. Frederick is a member of the Grand Armv of the Republic. In 1864 he enlisted for service in the Civil War in Company I, 164th 0. Vol, Inf., and served 100 days. He is one of York Township's best known men. HENRY W. MOLKENBUR, one of Woodville Township's substantial citizens and enterprising business men, resides on his valuable farm of ninety acres, which is situated three-quarters of a mile east of the town. He is a native of Woodville Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, having been born on a farm just south of the one he owns, November 23, 1869. and is a son of Christopher and Louisa (Shepman) Molkenbur. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 839 Christopher Molkenbur came to Ohio from Hanover, Germany, and established himself in Woodville Township, Sandusky County, where he resided until his death, at the age of sixty-five years. He owned a farm of II() acres and on that his widow resides. They had eleven children. Henry W. Molkenbur attended school at Woodville and later bought his present farm. He carries on a general agricultural line, but gives much attention to raising thoroughbred horses, having been interested in them for some twenty years. He has some fine specimens, notably "Young Pilgrim" and "Bodillion K." The former, a black gray stallion, is registered in the Percheron Stud-Book of America and also in the National French Draft Horse Association. "Bodillion K.," a fine black stallion, is also a registered Percheron. He also owns two thoroughbred Percheron mares, "Bess" and "Nell," the latter of whom won first prize at the Fremont and Wood County fairs, and the latter the first prize at the Columbus fair. He is a great believer in thoroughbred stock and through his efforts the general standard has been raised all through this section. Mr. Molkenbur is a man of business enterprise and in addition to his other activities, operates a large dray and ice business at Woodville. Formerly he had oil interests, but has disposed of all of them. Mr. Molkenbur married Miss Anna Graver and they have one daughter, Bernice, who is a bright scholar. In politics, he is a Democrat and has served seven years as township trustee and for ten years has been a member of the school board. He was one of the incorporators and is a director of the Woodville State Savings Bank. With his wife he attends the Lutheran Church. JOHN COONROD AND FAMILY. The paternal ancester, John Coonrod, Sr., from whom are descended the Coonrod families residing in Sandusky County and their descendants elsewhere, was in 1792 a settler of Virginia, in which year he was married in Pendleton County to Sarah Davis. No earlier authentic information is obtainable. He emigrated to Ohio soon after his marriage and located first in Marietta, and later in Pickaway County, where he died May 29, 1831. John Coonrod, Sr., served as a sergeant in Captain Peter Bacus's Company of Infantry, Second (Safford's) Regiment of Ohio Militia, War of 1812, from August 19, 1812, to March 3, 1813. Also served as a private in Captain Creighton's Company, First (Denny's) Regiment, Ohio Militia, War of 1812, from July 28, 1813, to August 29, 1813. John and Sarah Coonrod were the parents of three children, John, David and Henry Coonrod. David settled near Marion, Ohio, and Henry, the youngest son, emigrated to Illinois and later to Des Moines, Iowa. His mother, Sarah Davis Coonrod, accompanied her son on his western pilgrimage and died near Des Moines, Iowa, in 1855. John Coonrod, Jr., was born in southern Ohio, in 1795, and served as a private in Captain Creighton's Company, First (Denny's) Regiment, Ohio Militia, War of 1812. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Pickaway County, Ohio, and in January, 1818, he united in marriage with Sarah Tuttle. In 1821 he came on foot to Sandusky County, and after entering at the Government land office at Bucyrus, Ohio, 160 acres of land located about two miles south of Clyde, he returned to Pickaway County to prepare to bring his family to his new home, which he did in the spring of 1822, traversing the state with two ox-teams and wagon. With the aid of a few settlers he raised a log-cabin and during the winter began clearing up his farm. Gradually the wilderness was converted into fertile fields, and there the peace-loving father, after an active and well-spent life, passed away at a ripe old age. His death occurred in February, 187o, and his wife, Sarah Tuttle Coonrod, survived until January, 1883. The Seneca Indians owned a reservation of 40,000 acres east of Sandusky River, on 840 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY the line of Sandusky and Seneca Counties, which they occupied from 1818 to 1831. Their principal settlement was north of Green Springs, where they had a mill, near the spot where Stoner's mill stood later. Near their mill was their council-house. This was not far distant from Mr. Coonrod's farm, and while the Indians were quite well disposed, unless infused with firewater, yet there was enough conflict among themselves as well as between them and the whites, to keep up a feeling of insecurity among the settlers. Mr. Coonrod and wife reared a family of eleven children, John, who moved to Summit, Indiana, and died in 1874; VanRennsler, late of Vickery, Ohio; Mrs. Jane Gibbs and Mrs. Elizabeth Gibbs, late of Riley Township; Jeremiah, who resides at Manly, Iowa; and George D., of Summit, Indiana; Mrs. Cordelia Storey and Wolcott, of Vickery, Ohio, and Henry Coonrod, of Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio. GEORGE ELIAS SOMMERS; who deals extensively in grain, produce and hay, shipping to the eastern markets, is a well known resident of Green Creek Township and resides four and one-half miles east of Fremont on a farm of 150 acres, which he and his father own. He was born near Sandusky, in Erie County, Ohio, February 20, 186o, and is a son of John and Barbara (Hartung) Sommers, both natives of Germany. John Sommers Was born and reared in Saxony, Germany, where his father followed farming. Soon after his marriage to Barbara Hartung, they set sail for America and located first at Sandusky, Ohio. They rented a farm in Perkins Township, Erie County, for a number of years, and in 1864 moved to Green Creek Township, Sandusky County. Here John Sommers bought sixty acres of the farm on which he now lives from James Huss, where he has since and has always farmed. He added from time to time until he had 150 acres, and erected thereon a fine brick house. He is past eighty-six years of age, and after an active and useful business career is now living in retirement. Mrs. Sommers has been dead many years. They became parents of four children, of whom George E. is the only one who lived to maturity. George E. Sommers is the youngest of the children born to his parents and was but four years of age when they moved to Green Creek Township. He has lived on this farm ever since and has always farmed. He received a good educational training in the district schools and in the Sandusky High School, which he attended one year. In 1900 he began to buy and ship grain, produce and hay on a large scale, finding a market in the east, and he has met with great success. He manages the work on the farm, which is devoted to general farming and stock raising. October 18, 1882, Mr. Sommers was united in marriage with Miss Ida H. Thraves, a. daughter of George and Mary J. (Crowell) Thraves, and they are parents of six children, as follows: Wilbur, who married Amy. Decker and lives in Jackson Township, Sandusky County, Ohio ; Fred, who married Frances Dalzell and lives on the home farm; Barbara, who is the wife of George Thompson and lives in Sandusky County; and Robert, Corinne and James. Politically, the subject of this record ;s. a Democrat and formerly served on the school board. He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fremont. HENRY COONROD, a highly respected citizen of Riley Township, was born in Green Creek Township, December 31, 1834. His father, John Coonrod, had located here in 1822 when it was comparatively a wilderness and lived not only to see it one of the best agricultural townships in the county, but helped to make it such, clearing and making for himself a good home and an excellent start in life for his children. The preliminary education of Henry Coonrod was received in the district schools of his native township, his early boyhood days being spent about the old homestead farm and in assisting in clearing it up. In 1862 he united in marriage with Nancy Ellis and moved to Riley Township, where he engaged in farming until his election in 1873 to the office of sheriff of San-. HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 843 dusky County, when he moved to Fremont to assume the duties of that office. In 1875 he was re-elected to succeed himself as sheriff, which position he filled for four years, and in 1884 he was selected as keeper of the Ottawa Shooting Club and continued in this capacity for ten years, when he moved to his farm in Riley TownShip, where he now resides. Mr. Coonrod went through all the trials and hardships experienced by early settlers and in the school of experience learned the lessons which have made him a well informed man, for his educational privileges were limited. In politics Mr. Coonrod is an ardent Democrat and has served his fellow citizens as township assessor, clerk, trustee and as sheriff of Sandusky County, Ohio. He was ever true to his duties of citizenship and in all relations of life has been an honorable and upright gentleman. Equipped by nature with a strong and rugged constitution and a kindly disposition, possessing a sterling honesty which has characterized his conduct in all offices of life, he has won a high place in the esteem and confidence of his fellow men. In his declining years he is now enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and well deserves. His wife, Nancy Ellis Coonrod, died December 28, 1908. In the latter years of her life she spent much of her time in administering to the sick and needy and the community deeply felt the loss of "Mother Coonrod," whom they so often relied upon in time of sickness and distress. Mr. and Mrs. Coonrod were the parents of five children : Mrs. Sarah Devanna ; John Coonrod, of Fremont ; Frank Coonrod, of Rice Township ; Will H. Coonrod, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Myrtie May Coonrod, deceased. JUDGE JOHN B. COONROD was born in Riley Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, July 13, 1866. His parents were Henry Coonrod and Nancy A. Coonrod. He came with them to Fremont in 1874 and attended the public schools until 1885, when he took a commercial course in the Tri-State Busi ness College at Toledo, Ohio. He engaged in teaching, which he followed in Sandusky and Ottawa Counties for winter terms until 1895, with the exception of 1888, when he was appointed railway mail clerk, on the route between Chicago and Cleveland and from which he resigned in 1889. In that year he began an apprenticeship, as oiler on steel-freight steamers, on the lakes, and later was commissioned by the United States inspector, as first engineer, in which capacity he continued to serve until 1897, when he was appointed deputy clerk of the Probate Court of Sandusky County, by Probate Judge Samuel Brinkerhoff. He served as such six years, and in the fall of 1902 was elected probate judge as the successor of Judge Brinkerhoff. He was re-elected in 1905 and again re-elected in 1908 for the term of four years from February 9, 1909. The personal popularity of Judge Coonrod, and the fidelity and ability with which he has discharged the onerous duties of this important office, are shown by the fact that at each election he secured the highest majority of any candidate on his ticket ; and at the last two elections he received the highest majorities ever given any candidate for that office. Judge Coonrod and wife, Nora Shepler-Coonrod, with their three children, Gladys, Gertrude and Haldon, reside on Buckland Avenue in Fremont. Politically, Judge Coonrod is a Democrat, loyal to the principles and usages of the Democratic party. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order to and including the Knights Templar, the B. P. O. Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, and Woodmen of the World. LEVI F. TUTTLE came to Erie County, Ohio, in 1830 or before, and moved to Riley Township, Sandusky County, in 1835; thence to Townsend Township in 1858. He was born in Central Pennsylvania, March 2c, 1799, and was a son of Hezekiah and Phoebe (Rogers) Tuttle. On March 28, 1831, he married Mrs. Susan (Ogden) Davis, a widow, of Michigan, and they had 844 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY five children, two of whom died in infancy. The three who reached mature life were Jane E., Emily and Hiram. He died October I, 1873, in Townsend Township. Of the above mentioned family, Jane E. was born February 27, 1832, in Erie County, Ohio. She was married (first) to William Beebe, October 14, 1847, and (second) to Levi Cowell, April 1, 1860. To this last marriage were born two children, Albert and Flora M. Albert is connected with the American Express Company at Westfield, New York. He is married and has four children. Flora M. married Charles Hovey and they have eight children and live at Friendsvilie, Medina County, Ohio. Mrs. Jane E. Cowell died November 29, 1899. Emily, second daughter of Levi F. Tuttle, was born March 8, 1834, and died September 16, 1891. On November 21, 1861, she was married to Charles Lindsey and they lived near Vickery. They had two children, Bessie and Nellie, the former of whom married John A. Jones, and the latter, J. J. Pearson. Hiram Tuttle was born November 24, 1835, and died December 17, 1861, unmarried. Ebenezer and Levi, born June 18, 1838, both died in infancy. A. A. FENN, a prominent citizen of Clyde, who has been for many years engaged in the ice business and the growing of small fruits, was born September 9, 1848, in Sandusky County, Ohio, a son of Rev. Amos and Emeline (Jacobs) Brace Fenn. Among the earliest settlers at Clyde, Sandusky County, Ohio, came Silas Dewey, Giles Thompson, Amos Fenn, and the Pogue Family. Amos Fenn was born in September. 1793, in Litchfield County, Connecticut, hence was a young man when he came to Sandusky County. By trade he was a carpenter, and a competent one, as he built the first frame house ever put up in the city of Sandusky. He had a large amount of enterprise in his composition, and after coming to Clyde he operated a saw-mill on Coon Creek. In 1844 he was ordained a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church and in that connection he spent many of his happiest and most useful years, his kindness, good judgment and sympathy so endearing him to his neighbors that they bestowed on him the name of "Father Fenn." He was sent for from over the county to perform the ordinances of baptism and marriage and it is computed that he preached more funeral sermons than any other man in Sandusky County without charging. He took an interest also in the material affairs of his community, at times served in township offices and for eighteen years dispensed justice as a justice of the peace, during this time adjusting many neighborhood disputes and settling domestic trouble without recourse to the law. He was followed to his last resting place in the cemetery at Clyde. by a concourse that included almost the whole population. His death occurred January 16, 1879. Amos Fenn was married (first) at Marblehead, Connecticut, to Nancy Smith, who died in June, 1839, leaving five children, namely : Mrs. Susan P. Wing, Charles G., Mrs. Clara D. Woodward, deceased, Harriet J.. and William D., deceased. Amos Fenn was married (second) in 1840, to Mrs. Emeline ( Jacobs) Brace. widow of Orrin F. Brace and daughter of Nathan and Lucy (Smith) Jacobs. She was born September 30, 1810, in Vermont. By her first marriage she had one son, George Brace. Two children were born to the second marriage : Nancy and A. A. Nancy Fenn married Joseph Dufran and died February 16, 1892, leaving five children. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Fenn. made her home with her son, A. A., and there she peacefully passed away, in advanced age. A. A. Fenn remained at home assisting his father in his different enterprises and through boyhood and youth attended the country schools. When but sixteen years of age he went into the army as drummer boy in Company B, 169th O. Vol. Inf., and although only a boy, while this force was guarding Fort Ethan Allen, he displayed AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 845 on many occasions the bravery and courage of a man. After his marriage he purchased his father's farm and engaged in growing fruit and in harvesting ice from natural pond on his place, which he developed into a paying industry. In 1876, Mr. Fenn was married to Miss Lida Rathbun, who was born at Clyde, June 16, 1856. She was one of five children born to Franklin and Louisa (Tucker) Rathbun, namely: Newton, Mrs. Mary Stokes, Mrs. Amy Keller, Lida and Burt. The Rathbuns are an old Ohio family. Mr. and Mrs. Fenn have three children, Franklin Amos, Jay Leon, and Ethel May. Franklin Amos, born May 28, 1878, was married to Maud Alice Benner, of La Porte, Indiana, May 20, 1899, and to them was born a son, Alva Lu Trelle, on December 3o, r901. Franklin was a graduate of La Porte College, in engraving, watchmaking, and was a fine optician. He died at Clyde, June 12, 1906. Jay Leon, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Fenn, was born October 12, 1883 ; was married to Mabel Ella Pawsey, of Clyde, December 12, 1906. He has been partner in the ice business since 1906. Ethel May, the third child of Mrs. and Mrs. A. A. Fenn, was born April 26, 1888; married to Eugene L. Wasserman, of Fremont, June 4, 1907. To them was born a daughter, Lida Marie, March 10, 1908. Mr. Wasserman has a shoe store in Clyde. In politics Mr. Fenn is a Republican. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Grand Army of the Republic. WILLIAM H. RICHARDS, a prosperous farmer and representative citizen of York Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, resides on his well improved farm which contains 141 acres and is located on the North Ridge Road, about two and one-half miles northeast of Clyde. This is his birthplace farm, although his nativity occurred in the old farm-house just across the road from his present residence, September 18, 1872. He is a son of William L. and Sarah F. (Rife) Richards. The Richards family is of New England ancestry and was established in Sandusky County by the grandfather, Lester Richards, a native of Connecticut. He reached York Township among the pioneers and acquired the present farm and here reared a family and subsequently died. William L. Richards spent his whole life on this farm and was a well known and respected citizen of the township. William H. Richards was reared on the place he now owns and has devoted his time and effort to its improvement ever since boyhood. His education was secured in the country schools and he has been a director of these schools many years. Mr. Richards' family consists of wife and three children. He married Miss Dora F. Guinall, who was born in Indiana and is a daughter of Frank and Rebecca (Witter) Guinall. Their children are named respectively: Howard W., Paul F. and Ruth V. In politics Mr. Richards has been quite active and has been chosen a township official many times and has served faithfully. For several years he was township assessor and for about seven years was road supervisor. ISAIAH W. WALTON, a. well known agriculturist of Sandusky Township, Sandusky County, who has resided on his valuable farm of sixty acres, which is situated in Section 25, since the spring of 1909, was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, February 11, 1852, and is a son of Lemar and Magdalena (Hufford) Walton. The Walton family is of English extraction and its first representative came to America in colonial days. It is said that he was asked to attach his name to the Declaration of Independence. The name is a familiar one in many States of the Union and has been known in Ohio for generations, Lemar Walton being a native of Ross County. He married Magdalena Hufford, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and still survives, having reached her eightieth birthday. Isaiah W. Walton attended the public schools of Wyandot County and for two 846 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY terms was a. student at the Normal School at Ada, after which he taught five terms of school in Wyandot County. He was married in 1878 and in the same year moved to Kansas and resided for four years in Independence Township, Montgomery County, becoming one of the leading citizens of that section. He was elected a justice of the peace and a member of the school board. In 1883 he returned to Ohio and since then has resided in Sandusky Township. Although well qualified as a teacher, Mr. Walton has made farming and stock-raising his main business. On November 14, 1878, Mr. Walton was married to Miss Jessie F. Pool, of Wyandot County, a daughter of Ira and Lucy Pool, both of whom are deceased. The mother of Mrs. Walton passed away in 1907, in Sandusky Township, aged nearly eighty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Walton had one son, Willis R., who was born August 3, 1889, and who died at the age of four months. They have an adopted son, Cregg F. Walton, who is now of age and whom they have reared from a child. He was given a good education and passed the Boxwell examination at the age of thirteen and has been teaching since he was eighteen, having a five years' teacher's certificate. He attended a business college at Fremont for three terms and the Tri-State College at Angola, Ind., one term. In politics Mr. Walton is nominally a Republican, but he is a thoughtful. deliberate man and frequently gives support to local candidates irrespective of party affiliations. He is a member of the Evangelical Association, at Fremont, and for a number of years has been a teacher in the Sunday-school. LEWIS M. GABEL, one of Jackson Township's representative citizens and prosperous farmers, owns 185 acres of fine improved farm land, twenty-two of which is situated in Ballville Township and the rest in Jackson Township. Mr. Gabel was born in Jackson Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, near the farm on which he lives, May 28, 1861, and is a son of Jacob and Madalena (Darr) Gabel. The father of Mr. Gabel came from Germany to America when he was eight years old, the grandfather, also Jacob Gabel, settling his family for some seven years at Buffalo, New York. In 1832 the grandfather moved to Ohio and bought a farm of 100 acres in Jackson Township, Sandusky County, the whole of which was covered with timber at that time. The grandparents lived into old age. They had six children : Joseph; Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Rimmelspach ; Michael; Catherine, who married John Sheets; Jacob; and Madeline, who married a Mr. Binsack. All are now deceased. Jacob Gabel, father of Lewis M., continued to reside in Jackson Township until within a few years of his death, which occurred at Fremont, when he was seventy-six years old. He married Madalena Darr, who died aged fifty years. They had eleven children, as follows : Catherine, who is now deceased, married Joseph Dolweck; Peter ; Caroline, who married a Mr. Busold; Jacob; Mary, who married a Mr. Fiegelist ; and Charles, Frank, Lewis, John, Albert and William. Lewis M. Gabel has spent his whole life in his native township and county. During his youth he attended the district schools and helped his father on the farm and has devoted the larger part of his life to agricultural pursuits. In 1892 he purchased 105 acres of his land from Michael Toeppe and eighty acres from Frank Sherer. He has done a great deal of improving and his substantial farm buildings are kept in good condition. His fields show the effects of careful tillage and his stock and cattle are as excellent as can be found in Jackson Township. On May 26, 1885, Mr. Gabel was married to Miss Kate Andres, a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Young) Andres, and they have had ten children, namely : Ida M., born August 28, .1886; Roman L., born June 10, 1889 ; Clemens J. and Cletus W., twins, born September 2, 1892; Lawrence J., born December 2, 1894; Stanislaus A., born May 17, 1899; Theodore C., born June 15, 1902 ; Leonard J.. born April 17, 1904; and Almena L., born November 15, 1907. Mr. Gabel and family are members of St. Joseph's Church at Fremont. He belongs to Fremont Council, No. 591, of K. of C. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 847 Mr. Gabel owns stock in the grain elevator at Havens, and is also a director of same, and he is a director of the Sandusky County Agricultural Society. J. G. BRUGGER, whose well improved and valuable farm of 160 acres, is situated at Wales Corners, York Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, has resided on this place since 1856 and is one of the township's best known and respected citizens. He was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1831, and is a son of John G. and Catherine (Arnold) Brugger, both of whom died in Pennsylvania. Mr. Brugger obtained his education in the schools of his native place, where he remained into young manhood, and when he came to York Township he had already learned the blacksmith's trade. He started into business at Wales Corners and carried on his trade from 1856 until 1873, when he began to farm, purchasing more land at that time and for some years was a leading farmer of the township. He has retired from active labor, however, and has rented out his land. In February, 1864, he entered the army and served in the Signal Corps for eighteen months, when the war closed. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Brugger has never married and his domestic affairs are well looked after by his niece, Caroline Forrey. When Mr. Brugger came to 'this farm the first house ever erected on it was still standing and he continued to reside in it, after making many additions and improvements, until it burned down in 1905, when he built his present commodious and comfortable frame residence. Formerly he took an active part in township affairs and has served both as treasurer and trustee of York Township, but at present holds no office. FRANK M. METCALF, deceased. For many years the subject of this sketch, an honored veteran of the Civil War and a leading member of the Union Veteran Legion, at Clyde, Ohio, was identified with the business interests of this place, which was his home from 1857 until his death, December 27, 1899. Mr. Metcalf was born May 11, 1843, in Monroe County,. Michigan, and was a son of Joseph and Sarah (White) Metcalf. Samuel Metcalf, the grandfather, moved: from Vermont to New York about 1820 and. later went to Toledo, Ohio, where he engaged in the lumber business, which he continued after removing to Monroe County, Michigan. He died in Wyandot County, Ohio, when aged eighty-six years. He left numerous descendants. Joseph Metcalf, father of Frank M., was born in 1810, in Vermont, and died at Clyde,. Ohio, in 1859. He accompanied his father when the latter moved to Monroe County, Michigan, but in 1843 Joseph Metcalf came to Wyandot County, Ohio. There he served in the office of justice of the peace, as he had formerly done in Monroe County. He married Sarah White, who was born in St. Lawrence County, New York, in 1820, and died at. the age of eighty years at Clyde. The family of Joseph Metcalf and wife numbered three children : Judge L. (an adopted son), Louisa and Frank M. The eldest son was born in Monroe County, Michigan, in 1839, and died. in 1874, the cause of his death being the inhuman treatment to which he had been subjected while a prisoner of war at Belle Isle and Richmond, Virginia. The daughter, born in 1842, died in 1862. She was the wife of Henry Miller, of Clyde. Mrs. Sarah Metcalf was one of the organizers of the Woman's Aid Society. at Clyde, in 1861-2, and took a deep interest in' the work of this body. Mr. Frank M. Metcalf had scarcely completed his school attendance when he entered the Union army as a soldier. He was but eighteen years of age, when, in July, 1861, he enlisted in a regiment which was recruited in the neighborhood of Clyde, which subsequently became the 65th Regt., New York Vol. Inf. The annals of the Civil War record in detail the services that this regiment rendered to the Union cause, and in all their movements Mr. Metcalf remained with his comrades and bore himself with the courage of a veteran, although a stripling in years. He participated in the battles of Malvern Hill, Manassas, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettys- 848 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY burg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, and all the skirmishes and marches which this long list of widely separated points indicates. When Mr. Metcalf recovered from the effects of his long and arduous service as a soldier in defense of his country, he went into the produce shipping business at Clyde, one that he carried on with success for many years. He had other interests, acquiring property at Clyde and other points, notably in Arizona, where he owned silver mines. He was a representative citizen of Clyde in public affairs and served for many years as a justice of the peace. In February, 1886, Mr. :Metcalf married Miss Emma Jane Miller, a member of one of Sandusky County's old families. In 1902 Mrs.. Metcalf was married (second) to C. S. Price, a well known citizen of Clyde and a substantial retired farmer. Their attractive home is situated on West Cherry Street. Clyde. EDWIN GARRISON, deceased, who was for many years one of the prominent farmers of York Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, was born March 21, 1826, in New Jersey, and died February 3, 1900, in York Township. He was a son of Christian and Sarah Garrison, who moved from New Jersey to New York State, when he was a small child, and in 1833 came to Sandusky County, Ohio, locating on the farm in York Township, now owned by the daughter of our subject. Here he grew to manhood and later engaged in farming on the home place, which consists of 105 acres and is considered one of the best farms in the township. Mr. Garrison married Harriet Turner, who was born at Clyde, Wayne County, New York, a daughter of Frederick Turner, and of their union was born one daughter, Clara, who married John S. Frish. They own and reside on the home farm, which Mrs. Frish inherited from her father. Mrs. Garrison died January 12, 1907. REV. J. J. EUGSTER, pastor of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, of Jackson Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, which is situated near Millersville, was dedicated to the priesthood in his boyhood and has spent the whole of his life in zealous labors for the spiritual welfare of his fellow men. He was born September 18, 1846, in Appenzell, Switzerland. His parents were J. J. and Mary Anna (Bischoffberger) Eugster, the former of whom died when aged fifty-eight years and the latter in her eighty-third year. Of their familv of fourteen children, J. J. Eugster is the fourth in order of birth. One other member of the family, John Eugster, came to America and now resides in the city of Philadelphia. Father Eugster attended the parish schools in his native place in early bovhood and was then placed in a school at Felakirch. Austria, where his studies were continued for four years, and this was followed by two years at Friburg, French Switzerland, and two years more at Milano, Italy. He completed his preparatory studies with a three-year course at Innsbruck, Austria-Hungary. where he was ordained to the priesthood. His first charge was in his native land and he remained in Switzerland until 1897, when he came to America. His first charge here was St. Michael's Church, at Berwick, Seneca County, Ohio. where he labored for one year, going then to Tiffin, Ohio, where he remained four years, in charge of St. Francis' Orphan Asylum. On October 12, 1903. Father Eugster was transferred to Sandusky County, Ohio. and took charge of St. Mary's Church. His congregation includes about eighty families and there are sixty pupils in the church school. In 1907. Father Eugster built a new schoolhouse and he has other improvements in contemplation. He is greatly beloved by his people and respected and esteemed by those outside his own religious body. St. Mary's Catholic Church is one of the most important religious centers in this parochial district and it has a very interesting history, which may be briefly summed up as follows : After many years of identification with St. Joseph's parish, at Fremont, twenty-five German families sought and obtained permission, in 1851, from Bishop Rapp, to form a separate parish. Accordingly, on October 17, 1857, building operations were begun on a tract of two acres which had been donated by M. AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 849 Jung, for a church and school, and by 1859 a substantial but plain stone church edifice, with dimensions of 36 by 50 feet, had been completed, at a cost of $1,800. From 1859 until 1863 the mission was known as Greensburg and was attended by all good Catholics from St. Ann's parish, Fremont, and from St. Joseph's, the location being much more convenient for these families. Rev. Louis Hoffer was the first priest to visit the mission and he attended from April to September, 1859. The first pastoral residence, a frame structure, was built under the direction of Rev. S. Bauer, soon after the church was erected. The Rev. Aukly was appointed the first resident pastor and his successors were : Rev. H. Beheens, from November, 1865, to June, 1866; R.ev. F. H. Volm, from June, 1866, to March, 1867, and after his departure the church was without a pastor for six months, when Rev. C. Barbier came but remained less than six months. In 1868 the church was again left without a pastor and was attended from Fostoria, as a mission again by Rev. M.. Putz, who served from April, 1869, until the appointment of Rev. J. B. Jung, in August, 1870. He remained as resident pastor from that time until March. 1871, when the church came under the pastoral care of Rev. Litterst, who remained until April, 1873, and was followed by Rev. J. Sprall, until April, 1877; Rev. J. Blaser, until January, 1888 ; Rev. Dechart, until 1903, when Rev. J. J. Eugster, the present incumbent, took charge. During the pastorate of Rev. Jung a frame school building, was put up, but it was not opened until 1873, and then was put in charge of a lay teacher. In September, 1877, Rev. Blaser transferred the school to the Sisters of Notre Dame, who had charge until 1890, when they resigned on account of small attendance and a lay teacher was again put in charge. Under the administration of the present pastor the school is one of the most en- couraging features of the progress made by the parish. In 1880, Rev. Blaser considerably enlarged the church, Bishop Gilmour also brought about some improvements, and on May 6, 1884, Rev. Dechart secured the presentation of the fine altar and also a furnace. During his pastorate the pastoral residence was erected, its original cost being $3,000. I. P. HARNDEN, an oil operator and business man of Gibsonburg, is mayor of that village and is connected with the Hickory Oil Company. He is also an employee in the hardware establishment of J. H. Tibbe & Son. Mr. Harnden was born at Clyde, Ohio, June 24, 1868, and passed his school days in Sandusky and Ottawa Counties. He then entered the oil fields as a driller and contractor, working in Wood and Sandusky Counties. He was married in 1892 and then for two years was located at Bradner, in Wood County, during which time he was operating for himself in the oil fields. Still retaining his oil interests he moved to Gibsonburg, where he has since been prominently identified with affairs. He served six years as a member of the council, and in 1905 was elected mayor of the village, an office he has since filled in a very capable manner. He is a man of recognized ability and standing in the community and has a wide circle of friends. September 28, 1892, Mr. Harnden was married to Miss Mary E. Forriter, a daughter of J. C. and Lucretia Forriter, and they have one son, Leo V., born January 15, 1897, who is attending the Gibsonburg public schools. Religiously, they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Harnden was a trustee for three years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and in politics is an active Democrat. CHARLES N. DIEHL, who conducts a blacksmith business, wagon repair shop and deals in farm implements and engines, at the village of Colby, Sandusky County, is one of the enterprising and successful young business men of the place. He was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1876, and is a son of George W. and Rebecca (Kleckner) Diehl, farming people who still live in Union County. Charles N. Diehl remained on the home farm in Union County until he was eighteen years old, but, finding himself better adapted for another line of industry, became an apprentice