THE HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY, OHIO

UPPER SANDUSKY - CRANE TOWNSHIP

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. - Page - 555

JOHN AGERTER, of the firm of Agerter, Stevenson & Co., proprietors of the Stephenson Engine Works, was born in Switzerland November 29, 1826. He emigrated to America with his widowed mother, three brothers and one sister in 1851, reaching Upper Sandusky July 1 of that year. His father died in his native country in 1846, aged about fifty-four years; the mother's death occurred in Upper Sandusky in 1860, aged fifty-six years But two of the family remain--John and Jacob. The former, on locating in Upper Sandusky, began work on a brick-yard, subsequently pursuing the carpenter's trade twelve years, taking contracts for buildings of all descriptions In March, 1865, Mr. Agerter was appointed by the Commissioners of this county to fill the unexpired term of County Surveyor Peter B. Beidler and was afterward elected to the Same office three successive terms. In 1876, he was elected County Auditor serving one term, and October 1, 1881, the firm of Agerter, Stevenson & serv was established. They do an extensive business, their enterprise being the leading institution of the city. Mr. Agerter was married in January, 1859, to Dorotha E. Hottle, and seven children have resulted from this union, namely: William

556 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

Tell, born October 16, 1859; Alice J., July 24, 1861; Paul H., April 25, 1864; Rachel C., April 9, 1867; John D., October 4, 1871; Arra R., November 23, 1874; Zora H., September 22.. 1877. Mrs. Agerter is a native of Hardy County, Va where she was born July 8, 1880. Mr. Agerter served as Mayor of Upper Sandusky two years, as Township Trustee five years, and was elected City Councilman in 1883. He has been a member of the I.0.0.F. since 1956, and, with his wife, is a member of the German Lutheran Church, to whose support he is a liberal contributor. He was one of the principal agents in the erection of the German Reform Church, and is a highly respected and substantial citizen.

ARCHIBALD ALLEN, commonly called "Uncle Archie," and a rare representative of the colored race, was born in Frederick County, Va., April 1, 1808, son of Simon and Lucy Allen, whose deaths occurred in 1833 and 1818 respectively. After the death of his mother, Mr. Allen resided till his twentieth year with Samuel Richardson, who gave him the advantage obtaining an education. In 1828, he embarked in life for himself engaging in various kinds of labor at different places, removing to Wyandot County May 5, 1834. He acquired the trade of barber with Joseph Bennett, of Columbus, where he remained three winters, establishing a shop in Upper Sandusky in 1845, where he pursued his trade until 1866. He then opened a feed store, and has since engaged in that business. He has bought and sold town property to a considerable extent, and his wealth now estimated at $15,000. He has been a resident of the county for ham a century, is a Republican in politics, and has never married.

CHRISTIAN ALTHOUSE was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, August 20, 1821. He is a son of Christian and Magdaline (Gerber) Althouse, natives of the same locality, his father being a carpenter by trade. His parents emigrated to this country in 1834, and settled in Holmes County, where they resided till 1847, when they removed to this county, where his father died in 1875, his mother still surviving in her eighty-fourth year. Their children were Magdalene, Christian, John, Barbara, Elizabeth, Peter, Samuel, Mary A. and Sophia. The deceased are John and Barbara. Our subject, Christian, lived with his parents till twenty-two years old. He was educated in the schools of Switzerland, attending English schools one month only. He learned the wagon trade, and was engaged in the same five years in Stark County. In 1852, he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, now owning 104 acres, valued at $80 per acre. In 1869, he erected a good ham, costing $700, and in 1878 a fine brick residence, costing $2,000. In connection with his farming, Mr. Althouse kept a number of cows, and did a good business in the dairy line for several years. He was married, March 24, 1851, to Anna Gehring, who was born in Switzerland July 8, 1829, and daughter of William and Catharine (Brandt) Gehring, whose children were Barbara, Catharine, Mary, Christian, Anna, William and Elizabeth. Christian and William are deceased. The father died in 1886; the mother in 1801. They came to this county in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Althouse have eleven children, namely: Elizabeth, December 13, 1851; Samuel W., February 21, 1858; Harriet May 21, 1855; John F., July 21, 1857; Caroline C., June 18, 1861; Carl D., July 16, 1863; Mary A., September 29, 1865; William R., Be t mber 15, 1868; George A., August 9, 1870; Emily C., November 20, 1871; Alvin 0., February 10, 1875. Elizabeth died October 17, 1852, and George A. November 3, 1870. In politics, Mr. Althouse is a Democrat, himself and wife being members of the German Reform Church.

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HENRY ALTSTAETTER, of the firm of Veith & Altstaetter, was born in Germany July 9, 1843. He is the son of Frederick and Susannah Altstaetter, with whom he emigrated to America in 1851. They settled in Allen County, Ohio, purchasing 160 acres of land on which they resided till 1863. They subsequently removed to Delphos, Ohio, where he died September 3, 1883, aged eighty-one years. His wife still survives in her seventy-fifth year, a resident of the above city. They were the parents of eleven children, seven now living-Lewis, William, Christina, Emma, Henry, Mary and Augusta. Henry Altstaetter, our subject, was a farmer boy in Allen County, and at the age of eighteen enlisted in the United States service, March 23, 1862, in Company K, Fourteenth Missouri Western Sharpshooters. He participated in the siege of Corinth, the battles of Iuka and Corinth; marched from Corinth to Pulaski, thence to Chattanooga, joining in the Atlanta campaign, and with Sherman in his march to the sea. He veteranized at Pulaski, Tenn., never losing a day's duty; participated in all battles the regiment was in, and was discharged at Springfield, Ill., April 26, 1865. He was married, September 21, 1865, to Hedwig Jettinger, of Delphos. They have seven children-Antonia H., born September 22, 1867; Louisa P., June 18, 1869; Lena M., August 29, 1871; Emma C., September 21, 1873; Frederick W., December 11, 1875; Hedwig P., April 24, 1879; Ida H. W., August 29, 1881. Mrs. Altstaetter was born December 12, 1844. After marriage, our subject engaged in the brewing business at Delphos, subsequently spending some time on the farm, and removing to Upper Sandusky in 1877. He then engaged in the brewing business until 18839 en he formed a partnership with Charles F. Veith, in the grocery an queensware trade. In connection with this establishment he operates a mill, at times employing from four to five assistants. Mr. Altstaetter is the owner of 172 acres of land in Marseilles Township, a residence on Fourth street, and a half interest in his stock of goods. He is a member of the G. A. R., and has served one term as City Councilman.

JACOB P. ARTER was born in Richland County, Ohio, Much 7,1858. His parents were Henry and Delilah (Hattel) Arter, the former born in Maryland January 22, 1799, died May 30, 1879; the latter born in Shenandoah County, Va., January 14, 1818. They were married in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1847, their three children being David M., born September 28, 1847; Harriet J., May 29, 1849, and Jacob P., our subject. They came to this county in 1853, and purchased eighty acres of land on oh Jacob P. grew to manhood. He was educated in tie common schools, has always engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns 220 acres well improved, and valued at $75 per acre. His annual farm product is $1,200 to $1,500. Mr. Arter was married, November 27, 1876, to Belinda Morris, njamin and Eleanor (Walton) Morris, born in Eden Township January 26, 1855. They have one child-Ortan M., born December 2, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Arter are members of the United Brethren Church; he is a strong advocate of Republican principles, an energetic young farmer, and well respected citizen.

DAVID AYRES, first son of Dr. Isaac and Eliza (Coulter) Ayres, was born in Beavertown, Penn., June 11, 1809. In 1822, he came with his parents to Richland County, Ohio, where they remained till 1847. They then removed to Upper Sandusky, where they resided during the remainder of their lives. The father died in December, 1848; the mother in 1858. They were the parents of nine children, of whom but five are living-David and Jonathan, and three daughters. The former settled in Upper San-

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dusky in 1845, and engaged in the mercantile trade, pursuing this occupation a number of years. Prior to his settlement in Upper Sandusky, Mr. Ayres engaged in the mercantile business in Londonville, Richland County, when but twenty years of age, and afterward at Perrysville, Richland County, for a period of two years. He then disposed of his establishment, and after a short period of time spent in agricultural pursuits, for the benefit of his health, again entered the field of traffic at Kalida, Ohio. In 1839, he removed to Putnam County, and formed a partnership with C. H. Rice, father of Gen. Rice, handling a stock of general merchandise at Kalida, then the county seat of Putnam County. He remained here two years, traveled several months, and located in Upper Sandusky in 1845 above stated. He continued in business in Upper Sandusky till 1853, when he retired with a large amount of property. He was married in 1835 to Abigail Rice, and four children were born to them. The death of Mrs. A occurred in 1840 or 1841, and our subject was again married, in 1851, to Miss Octave Sutherland, one child being born to them. The death of his second wife and child occurred in 1852, and Mr. Ayres was a third time married, in 1861, to Nancy Jackson, They have no children. Mr. Ayres has been identified with many of the leading improvements of the town. He is a man of high sense of honor, and is held in high esteem by fellow-Democrats.

J. L. BARICK, farmer, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 8, 1836. 'He is a son of Solomon and Susan (Lechleiter) Barick, the former a native of Fairfield County, born December 25, 1811; the latter born Hampshire County, Va., May 5, 1816. They were the parents of four children-John L., George W., David and May A. David was born April 10, 1840, died April 25, 1842; Mary A., born April 8, 1842, died June 8, 1842; George W., born October 8, 1843, died July 3, 1862. John L., the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents in the counties of Fairfield and Pickaway, locating in Wyandot in 1849. His parents removed to this county in 1851, and with them he remained till 1858, receiving the benefits of the common schools. He was married, September 16, 1858, to Maria Keller, daughter of Martin and Hannah (Buskirk) Keller, a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, born November 1, 1839. They have six children -Mahlon A., born October 13, 1859; Susan H., May 15, 1862; Bertha M., March 1, 1865; Mary B., February 19, 1870; Emily M., May 2, 1873; John R., February 8, 1881. After marriage, Mr. Barick settled on his present farm, and has since devoted his attention to agriculture and stock raising, making a specialty of Poland-China hogs. He enlisted in the army, Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, February 14, 1865, and was sent into the Shenandoah Valley on detached service at Rood's Hill, Col. Butterfield's headquarters, till the close of the war, receiving his discharge at Columbus September 7, 1865. Mr. Barick served as Township Trustee four years, and was member of the Township Board of Education a number of years. In polities, he is a Democrat, and alive to every public interest

MRS. MARY BEAM, widow of William Beam, is a native of Columbus, Ohio, born December 8, 1839. She is a daughter of William and Mary (Seip) Hoff, natives of Germany, who emigrated about 1838, settling first in Columbus, and, two years later, near Carey, being one of its first inhabitants. He died at his home northeast of Carey, in May, 1877, aged seventy four years; his widow still resides on the homestead in her sixty-eighth year. Mrs. Beam came to this county when but one year of age, and had

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but meager opportunities for an education. She was married, November 4, 1858 to William Beam, a native of Knox County, Ohio, born February 19, 1823, and son of Isaac and Martha (Merritt) Beam, of German and Irish parentage. He was a prominent citizen of this county, being elected Commissioner in l868. He purchased the farm on which Mrs. Beam now resides in 1865, and at his death was the owner of 285 acres, which has since been properly divided among his surviving children. He died September 10, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Beam had five children: William H., born August 25, 1859; Mary E., April 28, 1861; Anna B., May 16, 1863; Ida F., June 3, 1868; and Edward, May 22, 1870.

SEVERIN BECHLER, brewer, is a native of Bezirk, Baden, Germany, and son of Mathias and Katie (Schueble) Bechler, the former still residing in his native country in which the latter's death occurred in 1866. Severin Bechler emigrated to the United States when twenty-nine years of age, landing in New York City October 10, 1868; he awn after located in Dayton, Ohio, where he engaged six years as foreman of a brewery. In 1874, he removed to Delphos, remaining two years in the same occupation, and in 1876 to Upper Sandusky, where he is still extensively engaged in the brewing business. Mr. Bechler was married in Germany, November 28, 1866, to Theodora Massbrugger, and five children have been born to them-three living: Emma K., born at Dayton, February 18, 1869; Louis F., August 28,1874; and Matilda I., born at Delphos, September 26, 1876. The deceased are Emily, born in Germany, November 26, 1867, died March 19, 1868 and Frank L., born at Dayton, March 6, 1871, died in same city September, 1873. Mr. Bechler is a substantial and industrious citizen and has acquired considerable property as a result of his labors.

BROOKS BEERY, son of George and Catharine (Cradlebaugh) Beery, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 19, 1820. "His father, George Beery, was born in Rockingham County, Va., in the year 1783, and emigrated to the almost unbroken wilderness of your county in the year 1800. He was the youngest of six brothers of his father's family, in the order here given: John, Isaac, Abraham, Jacob, Henry and George. There were two half brothers, Christopher and Joseph, all of whom were among the first and early settlers of Fairfield County. He came down the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers in a flat-boat, and up the Hock-hocking to the falls, thence through the woods on foot to Lancaster, and remained over winter, clearing land for others by the acre. He returned to Virginia the next spring, and finally returned to Fairfield County, in the fall of the year 1801, settled on the Raccoon Creek, near Bremen, clearing land and working there, thus enabling him to enter eighty acres, which he did in the fall of the year, 1807. In 1809, he married and settled on this small tract of 1 continuing to live thereon, and in the neighborhood of Bremen, until in the spring of 1832, when he moved to Little Raccoon, five miles east of Lancaster, where he died in the year 1856. John Beery, his oldest brother, came to the county in the year 1805, and the other brothers soon after, all settling upon and near the streams mentioned in Rush Creek and Berne Townships. They were a hardy, stout and industrious set of men, and did their full share of clearing and improving that part of the county. They are all dead, leaving families scattered all over the country. Their education being very limited, and their habits sober and industrious, were content with the occupation of farming, except my father, who was always far In advance of his neighbors in schools and public improvements. He took active part in the construction of the canal from Carroll to Lancaster.

560 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

Also, in building the Zanesville & Marysville, and Hanner & Lancaster Turnpikes; was one of the Commissioners of the county, I think, in the year 1828, and assisted in locating and building the County Infirmary. In 1834, he laid out the town of Bremen, and, in the next year, in liar er with Mr. Hedges, commenced the business of selling goods, an occupation yet followed by several of his children, who received their first lessons der his supervision. In the war of 1812, he was pressed into the service with his team, and while Maj. Crogban was defending Fort Stevenson, at Lower Sandusky, with team and provisions he was camped at Fort Ball now Tiffin, and within hearing of the guns of the fort. He was a personal friend and a great admirer of the Hon. T. Ewing, claiming that he had no superior as a lawyer and a statesman in the Union. Such was his admiration of this truly great man, that he called his tenth and youngest Thomas Ewing. As a citizen he was public spirited; as a neighbor, kind and benevolent; as a father, strict in his requirements, yet tenderly devoted, to his children. His wife was a Cradlebaugh, is daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, a German Reform minister, and a man of considerable influence in his day. He emigrated to Western Pennsylvania soon after the war closed and in 1810 or 1811, to Fairfield County, when he soon afterward died. She was born in Washington County, Penn., in the year 1789, emigrated to Fairfield County in 1906 or 1807, and died in 1870. She was a woman of more than ordinary force of character, positive in her opinions, and free to express them; industrious and economical, loving right and hating wrong; prompt and practical in every duty, exercising a marked and controlling influence over her husband and family. A mother of the old type in every sense of the word. They had twelve children, nine of whom still survive: four are living here, one now Urbana, Ohio, and the balance in and near the family village of Bremen."* Brooks Beery, the subject proper of this sketch, was employed on the farm with his parents till twenty-seven years of age, obtaining only a common school education. He subsequently engaged three years in mercantile pursuits at Bremen, Ohio, and was attended by fair success. In 1850, he came to Upper Sandusky and established a dry goods store in a frame building on the site now occupied by the Beery Block , where for thirty years he conducted an extensive and successful business, retiring in 1880. He is the principal owner of the Upper Sandusky Gas Works; owns a half interest in the Beery Block and also in the elevator located by the C. H. V. & T. R. R. For many years Mr. Beery has been regarded as one of the prime factors of the commercial and business interests of Upper Sandusky and is well known as one of its most enterprising and substantial citizens. He is a gentleman of broad and liberal views on all subjects, and is endowed with a large and valuable business experience. Mr. Beery was married September 4, 1856, to Miss Jeannette Sherman, their only child being Frank, who was born October 20, 1857. Mrs. Beery was born in New York, August, 1828, and is the daughter of Horace and Luceppa (Harris) Sherman.

HON. GEORGE W. BEERY. Conspicuous among the eminent and notable citizens who have resided and still grace this place with their presence, is Eton. George W. Beery, who is now President of one of the principal banks of Upper Sandusky. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio July 1, 1822. At the age of ten years he removed with his parents to a point six miles east of Lancaster, in the same county, remaining there about five years. In the meantime his father bad laid out the town of Bremen

* Extract from a letter written by G. W. Beery, Esq., to Hon T. 0. Edwards of Lancaster, Ohio.

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and embarked in the dry goods business. Young Beery entered his father's store, and made himself useful and valuable as a clerk until the year 1841, when he availed himself of the advantages of a two years' schooling at the Greenfield Academy. In 1843, he commenced reading law, in the office, and under the instructions of Hon. John M. Creed, a prominent lawyer of Lancaster, and after two and a half years' study, he was admitted to the bar, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the spring of 1845. He immediately formed a partnership with Charles Borland and opened a law office at Lancaster. In 1847, he removed to Upper Sandusky and at once took a leading position at the bar in this and adjoining counties, and was noted for his ability as an effective speaker. He continued the practice of law here until 1862, when he was appointed United States Assessor of Internal Revenue by President Lincoln, for the district in which he was located, and served with great credit to himself and the appointing power until the fall of 1865, when a change of administration, after the assassination of Lincoln, was not sufficient to palliate or alter his political opinions, and refusing to indorse Johnson's administration he gracefully gave way to a successor. After his official career, it was a matter of regret that he did not return to the law; and, although successful beyond the measure of most men in other pursuits, the law was undoubtedly his field of labor, and in it he would have contributed to the honor and usefulness of the profession, and gained an enviable state reputation. He was clear and logical, persuasive and earnest, and favored with all those rare and pleasing accomplishments, which are so effective and fascinating in a public speaker. Few men had these qualities to a higher degree, and his retirement from a profession which brought them in use was certainly a matter of regret In 1850, when the prospect of a railway agitated our people, and its fate, apparently, hung upon the action f the county in voting an appropriation of $50,000, and this made effective only by a vote of the people and a majority in its favor, Mr. Beery was champion of the cause, and his able, forcible and convincing speeches in behalf of the measure at public meetings all along the line of the proposed road, from Salem, Ohio, to Fort Wayne, Ind., am still matters of pleasurable reference, embalmed in the gratitude of those who still live and in that early day had the interest of Upper Sandusky and the county at heart. The fine thoroughfare, which a change of name has made the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, is a result of the movement, in which Mr. Beery took so conspicuous a part and rendered such valuable service. The opposition to this project was led by Hon. John Carey, a man of natural force and power, who saw in the road through Upper Sandusky a contingent detriment to the now town he had laid out in the northwestern part of the county, which still bears his name. The principal objection to the then now road was the enormous taxes it would inflict, and so high ran the opposition, and so earnest the interest in its behalf, that political parties dissolved and found their level in local bearings. The high standing of the Hon. John Carey, the fact that he was one of the first settlers of the territory now known as Wyandot County, and these qualities, fortified with a disposition not to brook opposition, which heretofore had given him the name of " Old Invincible," was so impressive upon the minds of the people that they looked with foreboding upon any project that did not meet his pleasure, and when his protest took the prominence of a public discussion against an enterprise, without which but little could be expected of our then new town, there was a good deal of despondency, as no one seemed willing to tilt a lance with the old hero of the Tymochtee. Mr. Carey was

562 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

earnest and aggressive and threw all his old-time vigor and dash into tie opposition. For a time he seemed to have everything his own way, and his challenge for debate upon the stump went unheeded, until Mr. Beery (then but a short time in the county), finding that none of the older citizens would measure arms with Carey, took up the gauntlet in defense of the new railroad. Five appointments were made for joint discussions, only two of which Cal attended. He found in the young attorney a resistance he could not encompass, and from that hour the star of Carey and his opposition to the road commenced to wane. So thoroughly did Mr. Beery, in his able and effective manner, demolish the appeals and presentments of the old hero, that he soon retired from the stump, leaving Mr. Beery the field in triumph. This caused an encouraging turn in favor of the proposed road; it instituted hope and energy, and our people were lavish in their praise of the young attorney who had wrought this favorable and unexpected change. The effective canvass in Wyandot County made by Mr. Beery attracted wide attention, and as above mentioned, he was pressed into service to publicly present the interests of the road along its line from Salem, Ohio, to Ft. Wayne, Ind. In giving a biographical sketch of this useful and prominent man, it would not be complete without adding that to him, more than to any other, is due the credit of establishing through our county the magnificent thoroughfare that has brought growth and prosperity to the town of Upper Sandusky. Without his able assistance at the time, the road would never have stretched its way from sea to Lake over the line then proposed, and to our subject is truly due the merit of being the champion of our first railway. Mr. Beery also took a prominent part in securing the Columbus & Toledo Railroad, its rights of way and franchises. He represented before the Boards of Trade of Columbus and Toledo the interests of the proposed air-line route against John O. Lee, who favored its construction through Marysville, Renton, Bowling Green, etc. He labored earnestly, making speeches all along the line. In all the public enterprises that were intended to benefit or enrich the community or county Mr. Beery has taken an active part, and no man has done as much to advance the interests Upper Sandusky and Wyandot County as he. He is an earnest advocate of protection and in every respect he has labored to maintain home industries. In the spring of 1867, Mr. Beery organized the Wyandot Bank, and has served as its President ever since. Aside from this he has dealt largely in real estate, more, perhaps, than any other c the county, and has reaped the reward of good judgment and fair dealing, and it may be said of him in this connection that his sales and purchases were always upon a basis of fairness, in which all the parties were equally benefitted. It was in the rise of real estate, or the enhancement of values in other respects, that Mr. Beery made this pursuit a profitable business.

He owns a valuable farm of 220 acres in Crane and Richland Townships, and for the lust six years has been engaged in rearing Durham cattle, which he regularly exhibits at the annual fairs. He, with Judge Renick organized the County, Agricultural Society, which has since become a permanent and prosperous institution. In 1881, he became a partner in the Stevenson Machine Works and still retains an interest in that industry. He owns a fine residence on Eighth street and five acres of land adjoining. Mr. Beery was married in October, 1845. to Miss Ann J. McDonald, daughter of Walter McDonald, for many years a leading manufacturer of Lancaster, Ohio. Mrs. Beery was born in Lancaster, Ohio in September, 1822. Mr. and Mrs. Beery have reared four children, three daughters and one son, viz.:

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Julia 0., wife of Capt. E. A. Gordon; Ida, wife of W. G. Holdridge; Emma, wife of H. R. Henderson, and George W., Jr., Assistant Cashier of the Wyandot County Bank. In political sentiment, Mr. Beery was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, when he united himself with it and took an active part in all the campaigns till 1880, being its principal and favorite advocate upon the stump. His pleasing and effective style of oratory attracted considerable attention, and his effort's in this direction were not confined to his own county. While forcible and argumentative, he inclined to the humorous, adorning and clinching his well-rounded periods with irresistible comparisons. While Mr. Beery was an active and zealous partisan, he was never bitter or uncouth, and his feelings for a friend never investigated political identity, and many of his warmest friends and personal admirers were in the opposite party. He was always a man of strong convictions, and his political opinions of years ago no doubt took their zeal from the fact that he was ardently opposed to slavery; and since this great question of public policy has been settled, he has given to party movements but little of his care or attention. Mr. Beery is yet endowed with the bless health, a vigorous constitution, and is rarely absent from his place of business. He is a gentleman peculiar somewhat in his ways, and those not thoroughly acquainted are inclined to esteem him distant and unapproachable, elements which have no place whatever in his nature. He has a heart full of sympathy for every appeal that comes from the right direction, a welcome for everything meritorious, and no one takes greater delight in reflecting sunshine over a neighborly communion, in which he brings in play a rare and pleasing conversational power for which this eminent citizen is noted and admired.

FRANK BEERY, of the firm of S. F. Beery & Co., dry goods merchants, was born in Upper Sandusky October 20, 1857. Ho is the only son of Brooks and Jeannette (Sherman) Beery, and has always resided in his native city, obtaining a good education in its public schools. He finished his studies at the Wesleyan University of Delaware in 1878, and succeeded his father in the dry goods business, which the former established in 1850. The firm of S. F. Beery & Co. was established in 1879, and is composed of enterprising young men with large business capacity and experience. Their spacious room in the Beery Block enables them to display their large stock, valued at $20,000, and comprising a full line of dry goods, carpets, and everything to be found in a city establishment of this kind. The genial manners and fair dealing of the respective members of this firm have won for it an extensive patronage. Mr. Beery is a charter member of the nights of Pythias of Upper Sandusky, and was initiated in November, 1883.

ISAAC H. BEERY. deceased, was born in Bremen, Fairfield County, February 19, 1820. He is a son of George and Catharine (Cradlebaugh) Beery, and resided in the village of his nativity till twelve years of when he moved with his parents to a farm in Bern Township, where the family of eight sons and two daughters were reared. He was there employed in agricultural pursuits till his twenty-third year, when he entered into a partnership with his brother-in-law, John Ashbaugh, in the mercantile trade in Bremen in 1843. Here be obtained his first commercial lessons which he utilized to such good advantage in after years, and here be continued his mercantile pursuits till 1850, his brother, Brooks Beery, having been admitted to the firm in 1847. In 1850, the two brothers came to the then new town of Upper Sandusky, and in September of that year erected a frame business room on the site now occupied by the Beery Block, and

564 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

opened a general store under the firm name of I. H. & B. Beery. The establishment was well founded and managed, and at once grew into a popularity that it has ever since sustained. It soon became one of the most thoroughly-stocked dry goods houses in the county, and for thirty years# stood the test of time with undiminished prosperity. Afterward the frame building gave place to the substantial brick structure which now occupies its site, and besides this, the grain elevator, the handsome residences and many other buildings erected by them in their resident town, mark the steps of their prosperity and the spirit of their enterprise. The partnership of Mr. Beery and his brother continued its existence until 1880, from which time to the date of his death, March 21, 1884, he was not actively engaged. In 1876, he became a stockholder in the Wyandot County

Bank to which his chief business interests at the time of his demise were attached. He was a thorough, energetic business man of the strictest in and has ever been one of the foremost of the citizens of his community in building up its varied interests, amid all his trials and efforts " wearing the white flower of a blameless life." Mr. Beery was married, September, 1852, to Miss Leefe Fowler, daughter of Dr. Stephen Fowler, and four children were born to them-S. Fowler, Leefe, L Foster and Minnie. All of- these are living, but Fowler, whose death occurred October 15, 1883.

THOMAS E BEERY, the youngest of a family of twelve children and the tenth son of George and Catharine (Cradlebaugh) Beery, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 6, 1835. In his youth, he enjoyed such school advantages as were offered by the country district school . Attending school during the winter, and working upon the farm spring, summer and fall, but subsequently spent some time in the Lancaster High School and Otterbein University, abandoning his school life at the age of twenty. In 1855, he entered the mercantile trade in partnership with his brother Simon, at Bremen a town laid out and named by his father. They carried a stock of general merchandise, and did a good business, continuing their operations till 1857, when our subject retired from the firm and removed to Upper Sandusky, when he entered into a partnership with his brother, Anthony Beery, in the dry goods trade, in which business he was engaged two years. Mr. Beery then disposed of his interest to his brother, Isaac Beery and established himself in a hardware store, with G. T. McDonald, under the firm name of Beery & McDonald, continuing this business four years, withdrawing from the firm in 1868. He next engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements, in company with F. F. Fowler, E. B. Wood and A. W. Brinkerhoff, the firm being known as F. F. Fowler & Co. In 1865, this enterprise was abandoned, and the sale of the Brinkerhoff cornhusker was engaged in for the next three years with admirable results, after which Mr. Beery assisted in the incorporation of the Wyandot County Bank, and became one of its stockholders, retaining his interest in this enterprise till 1869. He then engaged in the dry goods trade, in partnership with J. A. Maxwell, purchasing the store room of S. H. Hunt, and the stock of Hunt & Watson. To this they added the grain business, purchasing the warehouse of Straw & Myers in 1870, and continuing their operations till Bank, 1872-73, when the firm was dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Beery conducting the grain trade till about 1875. In 1876, in company with Samuel Walters and Jacob Agerter, he was awarded the contract for macadamizing the streets, of Upper Sandusky, and in the spring of 1877 he again embarked in the dry goods business as sole, proprietor of his establishment, but subsequently admitting S. H. White, who was afterward succeeded by

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John W. Geiger. In 1882, Mr. Beery assisted in organizing the Strawboard Company, but disposed of his interest in that enterprise in 1883, and became a member of the Upper Sandusky Gaslight Company, with which he is at this date connected. He has been one of the most useful of Upper Sandusky's citizens, having been identified with most of its enterprises, and exerted a strong influence toward the promotion of its general Interests. He is a man of excellent character, and is one of the first citizens of his community, from whatever standpoint he may be considered. Mr. Beery was one of the prime movers in the establishment of the Universalist Church at Upper Sandusky, and is one of its most prominent members, having always contributed liberally to its support. He is also associated with the Knights of Honor, at present holding the chair of Past Director. He was married, October 23, 1855, to Emma R. Witt, who died in April, 1858. His marriage to Harriet A. Osborn occurred in 1859, and by this union three children were born, all now deceased. Two of these died in early infancy; Edwin L., born December 14, 1881, died at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., April 2, 1882. This son was a young man of most brilliant promise. He graduated in Upper Sandusky High School in 1879 and subsequently took a two years' course at Buchtel College, Akron, Ohio. At the time of his decease he was pursuing his studies at the Eastman Business College, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He was a young man of good judgment and more than ordinary intellectual ability, and these qualities combined with an innate culture and spotless character placed his prospects for a useful and eminent future in a most promising light. Brit alas for the hopes of youth that fall like the leaves in the autumn blast; in the midst of their sanguine beauty the shadow touched him and he was not.

PETER B. BEIDLER, attorney at law, Upper Sandusky, was born in Berks County, Penn., December 28, 1818. He is the son of Henry and Mary (Beihl) Beidler, early settlers of Eastern Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. They were the parents of nine children, five now living Peter B., Anna E., Harriet, Charles and Lemuel. The deceased are Henry W., John, Franklin and James. From the date of their marriage in 1817, the parents resided near Reading, Penn. The mother died in 1857, aged about sixty years; the father died February 22, 1869. aged seventy-one years. Peter B. Beidler, the subject of this sketch, was educated principal. ly in the common schools of Berks County, and at the age of twenty one engaged in teaching and surveying, continuing in this profession about two years. In 1842, he removed to this county (formerly Crawford), and was elected County Surveyor of Crawford County in 1843. He resigned this office and removed to this county in 1845, and was elected to the same office the same year. He was re-elected in the fall of 1848, his term of office expiring in 1851; he was engaged in the mercantile trade from 1851 to 1857 he was again elected to the office of Surveyor, serving until March 4, 1859, when he resigned and was elected County Auditor, serving two terms. In April, 1864, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of Surveyor, and in the fall of the same year was elected Probate Judge, serving in this capacity nine consecutive years, his third term expiring in 1874, Mr. Beidler served as Mayor of Upper Sandusky during the years 1850-51, and was again elected to that office in the spring of 1875. In 1874 , he was admitted to practice law and has devoted his attention to various vocations since 1877. He was married, January 8, 1846,. to Martha J. McCutchen, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Watt) McCutchen. Joseph McCutchen came to this county in November, 1827, and was the founder of

566 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

McCutchensville, being well known as one of the early pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Beidler are the parents of three children, two living-Frank M born A March 2, 1847, and Mar E born June 22, 1848. The deceased is Joseph H., born July 4, 1850; he died April 29, 1856. Mrs, Beidler was born October 14, 1824, in Pickaway County, Ohio. She came with her parents this county in 1827, and has since resided here.

JOHN BENNER was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 19, 1827. He learned the cabinet trade in his native country, and emigrated to America in 1845, locating at Sandusky City till 1877, during which time he engaged at his trade and in agricultural pursuits. He purchased his present farm in 1877 and has since resided in this county, doing a good business in agriculture and stock-raising. He was married at Sandusky City November 16, 1851, to Mary M. Courhart, daughter of John P. and Mary (Fry) Courhart, natives of France, where Mrs. Bonner was born June 2, 1828. Her parents emigrated to America in 1832 or 1833, settling in Pennsylvania. In 1834, they removed to Seneca County, where the father died in 1844; the mother died in Sandusky City in 1850. They had twelve children who removed from Pennsylvania with their parents by wagons Mr. and Mrs. Benner had eleven children, eight still living, viz.: Catharine, born May 13, 1855; Charles J., May 14, 1857; Elizabeth, June 1860; Louis A., June 28, 1863; Rosa V., October 31, 1864; Carolina, December 14, 1865; Mary A., August 18, 1867, and Frank P., March 29, 1869. The deceased are Caroline, Frank and Louis. Mr. Benner contributed about $800 to the late war; he served as infirmary Director of Erie County two years; as Township Trustee six years, and as a member of the School Board nine years. Himself and family are members of the Roman Catholic Church, he being a Democrat in political faith. Margaret Benner, our subject a mother, emigrated to the United States in 1854, and resided with her son till her death, which occurred at Sandusky City November 12, 1877, in her seventy-eighth year.

FREDERICK BERG, of the firm of Von Stein & Berg, druggists and booksellers, Upper Sandusky, was born in Mansfield, Richland County, February 11, 1851. He is the son of Conrad and Rachel (Von Stein) Berg, natives of Germany. They emigrated to America in 1850, settling in Mansfield, Ohio, where they resided till 1869, at which time they removed to Salem Township, this county, purchasing seventy acres of land, upon which they now reside, Frederick Berg, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of Mansfield, and removed with his parents to this county, remaining with them upon the farm until 1873, when he engaged as clerk with his uncle George P. Von Stein, of Cincinnati. He remained in Cincinnati until 1877, when he came to Upper Sandusky, and entered into a partnership with John H. Von Stein, in the drug business, which they have since successfully conducted. They keep a full stock of drugs, paints, oils, wall paper, stationery, fancy articles, etc., etc., carrying a stock $5,000 to $6,000 the year round. Mr. Berg was married September 18, 1877, to Elizabeth Ash, daughter of John Ash, Sr., formerly a prominent resident, and farmer of Mifliin Township. By this marriage, four children have been born, three living-Clara M., born June 10, 1878; Charley, born, December 12, 1879, and died June 24, 1880; Carl J., born July 10, 1881; and Arthur, born January 14, 1888. Mr. Berg is an energetic young business man. He is a member of the Ohio Pharmaceutical Association; member of the Royal Arcanum; Vice President of the Mutual Aid Society; Treasurer of the Acme Lodge, P. 0. S. of A., and a Democrat in politics. Himself and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church,

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HON. CURTIS BERRY, Jr., for a number of years a prominent lawyer at the Wyandot County Bar, was born in Crawford Township, this county, April 19, 1831. He is a son of Curtis and Sally (Cavitt) Berry, of whom extended mention is made in the history of Crawford Township. Mr. Berry was reared on the homestead until of age, and enjoyed only the advantages of the common schools. After attaining his majority, he attend the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, one term, after which, in the fall of 1852, he took a position in the office of the Treasurer of Seneca County, The following winter he taught school in Senaca, County, returning to Wyandot County in the spring, and the next fall he was elected Clark of the courts to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of G. C. Worth. He was re-elected in 1857, and again elected in 1860, serving in all seven years and four months. During the interim, between his first and second election to the above office, 1854-57, be was Chief Clerk in the office of the General Ticket Agent of the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railway, eat Pittsburgh and Fort Wayne. While serving as Clerk of the courts he read law under the instructions of Hon. Robert McKelly, and was admitted to the bar at Upper Sandusky, in 1858. He practiced his profession alone, until in 1865, when he formed it partnership with his brother, Hon. Job Berry. The law firm of Berry & Berry soon took a prominent at the bar of this, and surrounding counties, and were both recognized as able and worthy lawyers. In 1866, Mr. Berry, the subject of this notice, was elected to represent this district in the State Senate, and at the expiration of that term was again chosen to the same position. He rendered efficient service as a legislator, introducing at the session of 1889, and securing the passage amid great opposition of the Homestead Law, and also other measures of no less importance. He served as Vice President of the County Agricultural Society three years, and as Secretary five years. He was instrumental in organizing the County Pioneer Society, and was prominently connected with it during its existence. Mr. Berry has borne his part in all public improvements and enterprises of the county. In securing a Columbus & Toledo Railway, he took an active part, making the first speech in its favor at Marion, Ohio, and with Hon. George W. Beery at different points along the line of the road. He was married, May 1860, to Miss Emma, daughter of Col. M. H. Kirby, by whom he had six hildren, of these five are living, viz.: Florence, Frederick, Anna, Louise and Fanny. Robert died at the age of two years. Mrs, Berry departed is life July 31, 1883.

HON. JOHN BERRY was born in this county April 26, 1883. He received a good education in the district schools, subsequently attending the Wesleyan University at Delaware. In 1855, he came to Upper Sandusky and began the study of law with Hon. Robert McKelly, afterward attending Cincinnati Law School at which he graduated with honor in 1857. Being admitted to the bar in April of that year, he at once began the practice of his profession, which he continued with marked success till his death. In politics, Mr. Berry took very little interest; he was elected Mayor of Upper Sandusky in 1864; served as Prosecuting Attorney, and in 1872 was and elected to Congress, being ranked among its most worthy and respected members. Mr. Berry was married, May 7, 1862, to Matilda L. Pierson, daughter of Christopher Y. and Delilah (Groff) Pierson, and two children were born to them, a son and daughter, the former dying in infancy; the latter is still living. Mr. Berry was a man of great promise and his death deeply regretted by a host of friends.

570 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

ADOLPHUS BILLHARDT, M. D., is a native of Saxony, Germany, and was born January 30, 1833. He graduated at Leipsic, and emigrated to America in 1858. He came directly to this county, and located in Upper Sandusky, where he immediately began the practice of medicine, teaching school at intervals, and continued in this pursuit till June, 1861. He then enlisted as a private in Company F, Thirty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after a short service as Hospital Steward was commissioned First Assistant Surgeon, soon after acting as Surgeon of the regiment. On July 22, 1864, he was captured at Atlanta, and sent first Macon, Ga., and then to Charleston, S. C., where he remained a prisoner three months. He was released in the following October, but being unable to join his regiment, he tendered his resignation in the following year, and returned home to resume the practice of his profession. In 1866, Mr. Billhardt opened a drug store, and since that date has devoted his attention chiefly to that business. In 1880, he erected his handsome building on the corner of Sandusky avenue and Johnson street, at a cost of $30,000, and since its completion has been located therein. This structure is the finest in Upper Sandusky, to the appearance and business of which it is a most valuable addition. Mr. Billhardt has been large identified with the business affairs of the city in which he resides, and is one of its most prominent citizens. He is one of the leading spirits of the German citizenship, and is recognized as one of its most honorable, energetic and enterprising factors. He holds the position of agent of the Adams Express Company, Director of the Wyandot Dirigent Saengerbund, and Weather Observer for the Fifth Congressional District. He served as Clerk of the Board of Education for six consecutive years; is Post Surgeon of the G. A. R., and a prominent member of the F. & A. M., being member of the Blue Lodge and Secretary of the Chapter. Mr. Billhardt was married, August 80, 1860, to Rosalie Fistler, of Buffalo, and a native of Prussia, born April 27, 1848. Their children are Adolphus, born June 25, 1861; Emma, April 10, 1863; Edwin, July 8, 1865; Oscar, June 26 1867; and Ida, February 17, 1874,

JOHN S. BOWERS, born April 4, 1825, is a son of Henry and Martha (Pool) Bowers, and a native of Richland County, Ohio. His parents natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively, and early settlers Richland County, having moved to that locality before their marriage, and when there were but three or four buildings in what is now the flourishing city of Mansfield. His father was a hatter by trade, but subsequently turned his attention to farming. He closed his earthly career January 1, 1874, his wife having preceded him about twelve years. John S. Bowers grow to manhood in his native county. He obtained a fair education in the district schools, and later engaged in farming on his father's land, and rented tracts till his twenty-fifth year. In 1849, he came to this county, and purchased fifty acres of his present farm in the spring of 1850. It was then covered with a dense growth of timber, which by long years of toil Mr. Bowers has succeeded in clearing away, now having one of the must pleasant, healthful and desirable locations in the township. He has added to his original purchase till he now owns 140 acres valued at $80 to $85 per acre. Bowers has always been quite successful in his farming pursuits; has dealt more or less in stock, and usually keeps good grades. e was married, April 25, 1850, to Mary Mower, who was born near Chambersburg, Penn., January 4, 1828, being a daughter of George and Mary(Crider) Mower, natives of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. Her

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father dying first; her mother survived till January, 1883, in her ninety second year, having retained her faculties to a remarkable degree. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers have eight children-May, wife of Myron Case, of Eden Township; Lorena, wife of Elzie Carter, of Upper Sandusky; Londes M., a teacher, now pursuing his studies at the Normal School at Ada; Newton M., an extensive farmer in Dakota; Mattie, a teacher; Franz Sigel, Virgil and Floy, at home. Mrs. Bowers has established quite a profitable business in rearing fine blooded poultry, keeping some extra qualities of bronze turkeys, light Brahma, Plymouth Rock and Leghorn chickens. She has already shipped large quantities of eggs to various parts of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Mr. Bowers is a strong adherent to Republican principles.

ISAAC N. BOWMAN, M. D. The subject of this sketch, a son of Thomas M. Bowman, was born in this county April 11, 1855. He grew to manhood on a farm, where he was more or less engaged till 187 7. He was educated in the common schools, and as early as his sixteenth year commenced teaching, which profession he followed at intervals until his twenty third year. In the fall of 1876, he entered Oberlin College, where he pros. ecuted his literary studies, teaching occasionally till 1878. In the autumn of the following year, 1879, Dr. Bowman began the study of medicine with Dr.. R. N. McConnell, of Upper Sandusky, a prominent physician of the Stake, and during the winter of 1880-81 he attended lectures at the Starling Medical College of Columbus, graduating in 1882, with the second honors of the class. He at once formed a partnership with his preceptor, Dr. McConnell, and entered upon the' practice of his profession, which he has since followed with signal success. Dr. Bowman is a genial gentleman excellent character, and possesses the esteem of all those with whom he associated.

CLINTON BOWSHER, the popular livery man, Upper Sandusky, was born in the above city March 4, 1847. He is the son of Robert and Ann (Clayton) Bowsher, natives of Ohio and of English parentage. They were married in Wyandot County, and reared a family of eleven children, all living the present time. The mother died in 1877, aged fifty-five years. Clinton Bowsher was reared in Upper Sandusky, and has never resided out of this county. In the spring of 1866, at the age of eighteen, he started a line between Upper Sandusky and Tiffin, pursuing this occupation nine years. In 1876, he purchased a livery stock of D. S. Miller, of Columbus Grove, and removed the same to his present location, where he has since engaged in a general livery business. He has increased his stock, usually from twelve to fifteen horses and vehicles, and has the leading stable of the city. He was married, October 31, 1872, to Melissa Morgan, daughter of Joseph Morgan, of Upper Sandusky. They have one child-Bessie, born March 11, 1876. Mr. Bowsher is a member of the IOOF, and a Rep publican in politics. He has a comfortable residence on Fifth, street, and is also the owner of the livery building and grounds which it occupies.

JESSE BOWSHER (deceased), was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in August. 1812. He is the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Harpster) Bowsher, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been a soldier in the war of 1812. He came to this county when fifteen years of age, and settled in what is now Marseilles Township. He was married, January 5, 1833, to Elizabeth Dayton, and six children have been born to them, three now living-Russel B., Nelson and Mary, now the wife of Joseph Hutter, who was born November 7, 1824. The deceased are Minerva, Silas and Miles. The latter was member of Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment 0. N. G.,

672 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

having enlisted May 2, 1864. He was taken prisoner the follow A and sent to Richmond, where he was paroled October 9, his death occ October 14, at Annapolis, Md. His remains were brought home and interred in the Mission Cemetery. Mrs. Bowsher, the wife of our subject, was born in Fairfield County May 10, 1814. She came to this county at the age of nineteen, and was an active worker at the old mission farm at the time of the erection of the old stone Mission Church. Her death occurred January 29, 1849. Mr. Bowsher departed this life February 12. 1857.

WILLIAM R. BOWSHER, proprietor of grocery and provision store, North Sandusky avenue, was born near Bowsherville January 1, 1889, son of Henry and Margaret (Dickens) Bowsher. They removed to this county, (then Crawford), from Pickaway County in 1823, engaging in agricultural pursuits, and becoming the parents of fifteen children six now living Elizabeth, Mary E., Susannah, Elmeda, Sarah and William E. The father was one of the pioneers of the county, settling here while the Indians were more numerous than the whites. He was one of the victims of the terrible " milk sickness" epidemic of 1847, dying the 7th of August of that year. He was born in Pickaway County in 1803. His wife survived him three weeks, her death occurring September 3, 1847. They were married in 1825. William E. Bowsher, the subject of this sketch, after the death of his parents, spent some time in Allen County, but being disabled by disease, returned to Upper Sandusky and attended the public schools, eng teaching at the age of eighteen. Alter several removals he located permanently at Upper Sandusky, and in 1864 was elected Township Clerk, serving three consecutive years. In partnership with his brother Anthony he opened a grocery store on the Bowsher Corner, and to that he has since de. voted his attention, his brother having died in 1871. In the same year of his brother's death, Mr. Bowsher was elected Township Treasurer, and re elected in 1872, and also elected Corporation Treasurer, serving in the for mer office three years, and in the letter two years. In 1874, he was elected Township Clerk, and in that capacity he is still serving. He is the owner of a two-story brick store room, which he has well filled with a stock of gro. ceries and provisions. Mr. Bowsher has never married. In politics, he is a Democrat.

EWALD BRAUNS, deceased, was born in Werther, Westphalia, Prussia, May 25, 1832. He emigrated to America in 1850, and settled in New York, but after several subsequent removals located in 1854 in Upper Sandusky, where he resided till his death, at the age of forty-nine. His marriage to Miss Marv Ruff occurred December 25, 1856, and ton children crowned this union-five sons and five daughters. Mr. Brauns learned the trade of goldsmith in his native country, and on locating in this county opened a jeweler's shop in Upper Sandusky, continuing in this business during his entire life. Mr. Brauns was a man of generous, impulses and possessed of social qualities of the highest order, being the life of any circle he chose to enter. He was a natural musician, and the citizens of Upper Sandusky are largely indebted to him for the fine instrumental bands which have been the pride of their city so many years. He was a member of the Wyandot Saengerbund, and an estimable citizen in every respect. He was City Councilman from the First Ward two terms, and was without a known enem at the time of his death.

EDWARD A. BRAUNS, of the firm of Brauns Brothers, jewelers, in Upper. Sandusky, was born September 24, 1857, son of Ewald and Mary (Ruff) Brauns. He was educated in the Upper Sandusky Schools, and after

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finishing his education was engaged for some time in the dry goods stores of S. M. Worth and Henry Herman, beginning the watch-making trade in 1874. He remained at this work with his father six years. taking full charge of the store in 1880. By strict attention to business, he has largely increased the trade and thoroughly established his reputation as a business man, In May, 1883, a partnership was formed by admitting a second brother, Paul F. Brauns, into the firm, and the business is now conducted under the firm name of Brauns Brothers. They carry a full stock of clocks, watches, plated ware and general jewelry, and are doing an honorable and flourishing business. Edward A., our subject, was married in Upper Sandusky, December 25, 1878, to Maria Ford, daughter of William Ford, of New York., and two children have been born to them-Zoe M., born November 10, 1879, and William C., born Doe born November 13, 1881. Paul F. Brauns, the junior member of the firm, was the founder of Brauns' Orchestra, and is still its leader. In 1883, this company organized a brass band, consisting of eight members, entitled the "Little Six," and this band, under the leadership of T. B. Boyer, is becoming very popular. In 1883, at the Musical Tournaments of Findlay and Crestline, they were awarded the prizes over all their competitors.

A. W. BRINKERHOFF was born near Gettysburg, Penn., March 4, 1821. He is a son of Hezekiah Brinkerhoff, who was the son of Henry, who was the son of James, who was the son of Yoris (George in English) Brinkerhoff, from whom sprang all the Brinkerhoffs in Western New York, Adams County, Penn., and Ohio, and who moved from Bergen County, N. J., to Adams (then York) County, Penn., in 1771. His-A. W. Brinkerhoff's father was born in 1791. His mother, Jane Kerr, was born near Gettysburg, in 1796 They were married in Adams County, Penn., in January, 1816 and resided there till 1826, when they moved to Baltimore, Md., where he kept " tavern " two years, after which time he returned to the place of is birth. In 1834, he moved to Seneca County, Ohio, arriving at Upper Sandusky May 31, having been nineteen days on the road, traveling by wagon. At Upper Sandusky, they spent the night at the old "Walker Tavern," kept by an Indian. On the day following, they went to McCutchenville, reaching their objective point at noon. Mr. Brinkerhoff purchased of Isaac Beery, of Fairfield County, Ohio, eighty acres in Section 22, Seneca Township, Seneca County, in the Sandusky Bend, where he began, August 5, to clear a site for a dwelling. He erected a log house there, two stories, 18x30, in which the family moved November 24. He paid for this forest farm $2.50 per acre, and the following year bought, thirty-five acres, paying $350. Five years after the first purchase, he bought sixty two and one-half acres, for which he paid $960, this latter containing cleared land. In 1844, he declined an offer of $37 per acre for the tract. He resided on this farm till his death, October 1, 1847, after illness of six days, his eldest daughter, Mary A., wife of Elias Eyler, having died four or five days previous. Mrs. Brinkerhoff died very suddenly a old homestead February 3, 1867. Their children were Mary A., born in 1817, died September 25, 1847; James H., born March 7,1819; Alex W., March 4, 1821; Eleanor H., born in 1823, married Samuel Grelle, and died in 1881; Sarah J., born in 1826, married J. B. Wilson, and now resides in Toledo; Catharine E., born in 1828, died in May, 1849; Nelson B., born in 1830, died in March, 1849; Nancy M., born in 1832, married George M. Brown, and resides in Toledo; all the foregoing children having been born in Adams County Penn., except Sarah J., who was born in Bal-

574 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

timore, Md. John H. was born in 1885 in Ohio, and now resides in Wanpun Wis. He has been a member of the Legislature of that State, and is Postmaster of the city In which he resides, a position he has held twenty three years. George F., born in 1837, is now a resident of Bucyrus, Ohio. Dr. Brinkerhoff was rowed on the homestead, and was engaged in clearing land till twenty-one years of age. He attended the subscription schools of Pennsylvania, learning to " read, write and cipher to the rule of three," At the age of thirteen, he removed with his parents to Ohio, settling in the woods, and there remained till twenty-one without a superior as an axman. Then, with health impaired, he engaged with Holmes Durboraw, of McCutchenville, to learn the cabinet trade. Eighteen months later, his health failed entirely, and one year was spent in recuperating. He then engaged as clerk for James M. Chamberlin, a merchant at McCutchenville; spent part of the following winter visiting in Darke County, Ohio; spent the summer of 1845 as clerk for Mr. Chamberlin, and engaged in the fall of 1845 as teacher in a district school near McCutchenville. He was examined by J. S. Sears as a to qualifications; was asked five questions, answered but two; obtained a six months' certificate, granted on general principles; taught four months' school, and succeeded admirably. During the term he boarded at home, and took instructions from his father, who was a good mathematician He entered the Ohio Wesleyan University April 14,1846, but was compelled to abandon his studies sixty days after, on account of ill-health. On the 3^rd of the following November, he began a four months' term of school at Sycamore, at $17 per month, the usual wages being but $15. He closed this term with credit, and secured the school for a second term, receiving his second certificate without re-examination. because of his creditable examination in securing the first. At the close of the Sycamore School, he entered the employ of Alex Campbell, in McCutchenville, as clerk, and remained two years, at $12 per month, preferring this work to teaching. In May, 1848, he married Martha E. Hall, of Painsville, Ohio, with whom he became acquainted while teaching at Sycamore, In the following August, he had three successive attacks of bilious fever, and on recovering again engaged in his school work at Sycamore, during which time he and J.B. Wilson, a brother-in-law, purchased a stock of goods of Dr. L. L. Pease, of Sycamore, and continued there in the mercantile business until 1856, when he removed to Upper Sandusky, and engaged in selling his patented inventions. In 1868, he engaged with F. F. Fowler & Co., consisting of F. F. Fowler, T. E. Beery and E. R. Wood as members, as a joint partner, he and Mr. Beery retiring from the firm after two years of very unsatisfactory results. They then began the manufacture and sale of Dr. Brinkerhoff's patent corn-husker, and this proved a decided success. During his connection with F. F. Fowler & Co.,, his wife and second son died. About one year after the dissolution of the old firm, the firm of Brinkerhoff & Beery was sued by Fowler & Wicks, successors to Fowler & Co., asking for a judgment of $30, 000, as damages for fraudulent statements alleged to have been made at dissolution of partnership. At the urgent solicitation of Fowler& 'Wicks, Brinkerhoff & Beery consented to submit the case to Judge George E. Seney, for trial, upon petition filed in court, and after three weeks' investigation. said Judge decided in favor of the latter firm, the former having to pay the costs. Fowler Wicks made an assignment one year after dissolution of old firm, and Brinkerhoff & Beery were held on paper Fowler & Co. for $7,000, which they were enabled to pay out of receipts the patent husker, accepting thereafter from Fowler & Wicks seventy per

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cent of the amount in full for their claim against Fowler & Wicks. About the time of trial, November, 1867, Dr. Brinkerhoff and his family were poisoned by the use of butter, the Doctor being prostrated for nearly three years, with little hope of recovery. The great expense incident to this illness reduced him almost to penury, and during this time the firm of Brinkerhoff & Beery was mutually dissolved. After partial recovery, in 1870 he and his son, under the firm name of Brinkerhoff & Son, engaged in the machine and organ business, adding queensware and cutlery in 1872. At that time they controlled the sale of several leading organs and sewing machines in the counties of Wyandot, Crawford, Seneca and Marion, and did an extensive and profitable business, their annual sales amounting to $70,000. But from overwork, returning illness, the panic of 1878, and the shrinkage of value of goods, the firm was compelled to suspend business, owing a debt of $16,000. Bankrupt in health and fortune, he determined one more effort to retrieve the losses sustained by sickness and business disasters. With poor health and crushed in finances, he again went to work on the road in efforts to cure piles. In this he succeeded beyond expectation, through the invention of instruments and remedies which enabled him to explore and examine the rectum and reach these maladies. After a practice of more than six years, the performance of more than 80,000 operations by himself, and the adoption of the system by many physicians in nearly all the States of the Union, he is again " upon his feet." weighing 275 pounds, his financial standing being no less satisfactory. His individual practice pays him $30 to $150 per day, cash receipts, this being but a part of his extensive business, now prosecuted in company with his sons. He is the patentee of five articles, surgical instruments and remedies for rectal treatment, and from these he receives a handsome income. The net receipts of their joint business from April 1, 1888, to January 1, 1884, aggregated $22,000. This is not the result of college education, as Mr. Brinkerhoff has never even attended a common school, and has received only sixty days' instruction since he was twelve years of age. Inventive, genius, application, pluck and general business ability are the elements of character that have, tided him over the turbulent sea of business life. Dr. Brinkerhoff was married the second time at Gettysburg, Penn., December 21, 1865, to Miss Margaret Lott, daughter of Henry and Magdalene (Houghtelin) Lott of Adams County, Penn. Her father died there August 9, 1883, aged eighty-nine years. Her mother died October 4, 1879, aged seventy nine. Mrs. Brinkerhoff was born in Adams County, Penn., December 11, 1828. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, formerly of the United Presbyterian. Dr. Brinkerhoff is Congregational in sentiment, but in the absence of that denomination in his resident town he united with the Presbyterian society. He has been a Republican since the organization of that party; has hold no office, always declining to be a candidate when asked. highly esteemed as a citizen in his resident town, Upper Sandusky, where he resides in an elegant residence on Eighth street. In another part this work we present to our readers an excellent engraving of this distinguished citizen. He is now sixty-three years old, buoyant in spirits has seen and felt much of the rough of life; has never yielded despairingly to see misfortunes; looked ahead and pressed on, and says be would like to see 1900, but, like others, must quit when the Master calls. In connection with Philip Perdue, in 1856, he took out the first patent issued to a citizen this county. Since then he has taken out over thirty more. Some, he says, good, others worthless. He believes in living to do, and not to weary stop from failure-the rock on which so many stick.

576 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

MILFORD H. BRINKERHOFF, of the firm of A. W. Brinkerhoff & Son, was born in Tymochtee Township, this county February 22,1849; he is the son of A- W. and Martha E. Brinkerhoff, and was reared at Sycamore till seven years of age, when he removed with his parents to Upper Sandusky, obtained a high school education, and at the age of eighteen embarked in his present business, the sale of pianos, organs and sewing machines. The firm does an extensive business, having sold over 5,000 sewing machines, making a specialty of the " Now Home." He was married, October 24, 1876, to Mary Kiskadden, daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Williams) Kiskadden, early settlers of the county, now residents of Gilman, Ill. Mr. and Mr& Brinkerhoff are the parents of three children-Harry A., born October 23, 1877; Grace M., born December 9, 1879; and Frank, born November 26, 1881. Mr. Brinkerhoff is a member of the Legion of Honor, Knights of Honor and Royal Arcanum. Politically, he is a Republican.

WILLIAM BROWN was born in this county December 22, 1842. He is a son of Abram and Frances (Coon) Brown, who came to this county in an early day, purchased land, and reared a family of eleven children, eight living -Henry, John, William, Jacob, Elizabeth, Sarah, Rester A. and Catharine. The mother died in August, 1870; the father in January, 1880. William, the subject of this sketch, was engaged at home till his twenty-first year. He became a member of the Ohio National Guard, and enlisted February 8, 1864, in Company K, Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and entered the regular service. He participated in the battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Big Shanty, Peach Tree Creek, Fort McAllister, Jonesboro, and all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, also with Sherman on his March to the sea, receiving his discharge at the close of the war at Little Rock, Ark. On returning home, Mr. Brown worked at the carpenter's trade two years, and then farmed; rented land until 1878, when he purchased his present farm of eighty acres to which he has since added sixty acres more, the whole valued at $75 per acre. He was married, March 3, 1870, to Harriet Paulin, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 22, 1850; her parents, John and Sarah (Candle) Paulin, came to this county in 1854, and still reside here. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have four children--Alvin E., born July 24,1871; Bertha L., February 22, 1873; Alice, March 25, 1876; and Sarah M., June 4. 1880. In politics, Mr. Brown is a Republican; he is a member of the K. of H., G. A. R, and is well respected as a citizen in his community.

SOL B. BUCKLES, proprietor of Central Hotel, Upper Sandusky, was born in Wells County, Ind., November 19, 1858. He is the son of John H. and Harriet S. (Vorhes) Buckles, natives of Greene and Hamilton County, Ohio, respectively. They were the parents of six children, namely: Rhoda, Elizabeth, Francis, Jennie, Sol B., William T. and Charles; the latter is deceased. John H. Buckles, the father of our subject removed from Indiana to. Upper Sandusky in 1880, and assumed control of the Central Hotel. In 1883, he was succeeded by his son, Sol B., and returned to Marion, Ind., taking charge of the Grand View Hotel of that place where he is still engaged. Mrs. Buckles is deceased, her death occurring at Fort Wayne, Ind., May 10, 1875. Sol B., our subject, was partially educated at Bluffton, Ind., where he resided till about thirteen years of age, when he removed with his parents to Fort Wayne, completing his education in a commercial college of that city at the age of eighteen. In 1880, he removed to Upper Sandusky, -and assisted his father in the management of the Central House, assuming full control in October, 1883. He has re

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paired and refitted the establishment, and made it one of the most pleasant shopping places in the city. Mr. Buckles was married at Upper Sandusky, April 18, 1883, to Miss Emma J. Snodgrass, daughter of William and Elizabeth Snodgrass, both now deceased. He is increasing his patronage, both transient and regular, and has a fair prospect for success in the business for which he is so thoroughly qualified. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Wyandot Lodge, No. 174, a Republican, and, with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN BUSER, farmer, was born in Canton Basel, Switzerland, July 30, 1827, to Jacob and Barbara (Buser) Buser, who emigrated to America in 1845, landing in New York June 1. They soon after settled in Little Sandusky, where they purchased 200 acres at the Government land sales, and where they resided until their decease. The mother died November 24, 1869; the father December 9, 1874. The former was born February, 1801, and the latter April 6, 1800. They were the parents of four children, three living John, Barbara and Elizabeth. The former obtained a fair education in his native country, where he also learned the trade of silk weaving; but since his advent in this country he has devoted his entire attention to agriculture. He was married, October 20, 1855, to Christina Stief, a native of Baden, Germany, born September 13, 1833. They have three children living, Elizabeth, born November 11, 1856; Mary, September 6, 1858; Emma C., January 3, 1872. The deceased was Catharine, born December 27, 1859, died November 12, 1862. Mr. Buser has resided on his present farm since 1845. He has 136 acres, well improved, and in his dooryard stands a log cabin built by one Armstrong, an Indian chief. Mr. Buser served one year as School Director, and in politics is a Democrat.

DENNIS W. BYRON, M. D., is a native of Huntingdon County, Penn., and was born September 19, 1825. His father, John Byron, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America about the year 1807. His mother Mary (Kerr) Byron was born in Pennsylvania where she grew to woman-hood, her marriage to Mr. Byron occurring in Adams County, of that State about 1817. They became the parents of twelve children, all of whom attained their majority, and nine still living. Dr. Byron removed with his parents to Bucyrus, Ohio, in 1833, and three years later to Seneca County, where he was employed on a farm till he began his professional studies. He was educated in the public schools of Bucyrus and the district schools of Seneca County, abandoning his literary studies at the age of fifteen. He began the study of medicine with Dr. Fulton, of Bucyrus, where remained eighteen months, entering the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati in 1852, and graduating from that institution in 1855. He immediately began the practice of his profession at Vandalia, Ill., where he remained about two and one-half years, when he returned to Ohio and located about six miles north of Bucyrus. Two years later, May, 1857, he located in Upper Sandusky where he has since been established and where he has built up an extensive practice, being one of the leading physicians of the city. By a close attention to business he has obtained a fine property consisting of a handsome residence located on one of the most pleasant parts of Upper Sandusky. Since 1857, his entire attention has been devoted to his profession, his long and successful experience entitling him to a place in the front rank among his fellow-devotees at the shrine of Aesculapius. He is a citizen of excellent character and a zealous advocate of Republican principles. He holds the position of Examining Physician of the Knights of Honor, of which organization he has been five years a member, and with

578 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

which he has been officially connected four years. Dr. Byron was married at Melmore, Seneca County, February 21, 1852, to Mary A. Fitzsmmons, daughter of William and Anna (Holman) Fitzsimmons, and the children n to them are Galen F., William K., George D. and M. Myrtle-also two infants deceased.

WILLIAM K. BYRON, M. D., was born in Vandalia, Ill., January 19, 1855. son of Dennis"'. and Mary A. (Fitzsimmons) Byron He was educated in the Union Schools of Upper Sandusky, leaving off his studies at the age of thirteen to learn the printer's trade with Pietro Cuneo. He continued in this occupation seven years, working in various States, and began the reading of medicine with his father in 1875. He studied two years with his father and one year with his uncle, Dr. J. F. Fitzsimmons, of Bucyrus, and entered the Wooster University at Cleveland in 1876. He graduated February 28, 1879, and immediately began the practice of his profession in partnership with his father, meeting with remarkable success. He was married, September 4, 1879, to Kate M. Prinney, daughter of the late Horace L. and Sarah (Saltsman) Prinney, a prominent resident of Erie, Penn., who, although a Democrat, served as Justice of the Peace in a Republican township thirty consecutive years. Dr. and Mrs. Byron have one child-Stanley R. born June 3, 1881. Mrs. Byron was born May 1, 1855. The Doctor is the Examining Physician of the P. 0. S. of A., and votes in the interest of Republicanism.

ROBERT CAREY, attorney at law, Upper Sandusky, was born in Ontario, Canada, February 17, 1845, son of Hugh and Margaret (Hamilton) Carey, both natives of Belfast, Ireland, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry, Mr. Carey is one of a family of eight children, seven of whom are still living-Mary, Archibald, John, Robert, Margaret, James and Hugh. His parents emigrated from Ireland to Prince Edward County, Canada, about 1832, and have since resided in that locality, the father now in his seventy ninth, the mother in her seventy-fourth year. Robert Carey was educated at the Toronto Provincial Normal School, where he obtained a life certificate to teach in any school in the Province of Canada. He made teaching his profession while in Canada, beginning that work when about seventeen years of age, and continued in the same till 1873, when he removed to Upper Sandusky. He was employed as Superintendent of the Marseilles Schools one year, and the two following years had charge of the Union Schools of Upper Sandusky. Giving up his profession as teacher, he read law with D. W. Brooks, a prominent attorney of Detroit, Mich., and subsequently at. tended the Law Department of Ann Arbor University one year. From November, 1879, to May, 1880, he studied under the instructions of Judge Mott, when he was admitted to practice in all the courts. Since that time, Mr. Carey has devoted himself exclusively to his profession. He is at present one of the Board of Examiners of the city schools of Upper Sandusky, and a strong advocate 'of Republican principles; is the owner of 160 acres of land in Marseilles Township, and forty acres in Goshen Township, Hardin County, dealing somewhat in live stock, making a specialty of fine sheep and short-horn cattle. January 22, 1876, Mr. Carey was married to Emily A. Terry, daughter of Ethan and Barbara (Heckathorn) Terry, early settlers of this county, Mr. Terry being one of the three first Commissioners. Mr and Mrs. Carey are the parents of three children -Robert H., John T. and Edward.

DARIUS D. CLAYTON, Probate Judge, was born in Pitt Township February 19, 1850. He is the son of John and Julia A. (Woolsey) Clay-

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ton, natives of Ohio and New York, and of English parentage. The latter came to this county in 1818, and the former in 1830. They were the parents of eight children, five living-Jeremiah W., John V., Julia A., Amanda J. and Darius D. The subject of this sketch attended the village schools of Little Sandusky till the age of seventeen, when he commenced teaching, He entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, in 1869, attending that institution one year, when he left Delaware to attend Oberlin College, where he continued to study for the next five years, graduating from that college in the class of 1876. Mr. Clayton continued to teach school each winter during his college course, thus obtaining money, to pursue his studies, teaching in all thirteen terms of district school, and super-intending the Union Schools of Upper Sandusky one year. He served two terms as a member of the County Board of School Examiners, and as a member of the Union School Board of Examiners of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, from 1878 till his resignation in 1883. He was married, at Oberlin, Ohio, August 27, 1877, to Ella J. Eastman, daughter of Alvin and Henrietta L.(Eastman) Eastman, residents of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Two children have been born to them-Gertrude L., born September 2, 1878, and Cora M., born July 29, 1880; Ella, their mother, was born near Oskaloosa, Iowa, November 18, 1853, and graduated from the classical course of Oberlin College, in the class of 1877. Mr. Clayton began the study of law under the instruction of D. D. Hare, of Upper Sandusky, in 1877, and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court at Columbus, Ohio, November 17, 1878. In the same year he entered upon the practice of his profession, which he continued till he assumed the duties of the office of Probate Judge February 12, 1883. He has discharged his duties in his official capacity with justice and ability, and has the esteem which his impartial action so richly merits. He favors the Democratic policy of Government, and is, with Mrs. Clayton, a member of the Presbyterian Church.

JAMES T. CLOSE, the youngest member of the Wyandot County bar, was born in Alexandria City, Va., October 27, 1856. His father, Col. James T. Close, migrated from New York State to the Old Dominion in 1850, and there married Anna E. Sherman, daughter of Elisha Sherman, formerly of Bridgeport, Conn. In 1861, Col. Close, a prominent resident of Alexandria City, a place of 12,000 inhabitants, with but thirty-two fellow-citizens voted viva voce against the ordinance of secession at polls guarded by Confederate soldiers; was a State Senator of the restored Government at Wheeling, which saved Western Virginia from the Confederacy; organized, equipped and commanded the only Union regiment in East Virginia the Sixteenth Virginia Volunteers, and was United States Marshal for the Eastern District of that State. His devotion to the Union cause made him a marked man, and the rebel Government at Richmond offered $10,000 for his capture, dead or alive. He died in 1869, while a member of the Virginia Legislature. Mr. Close's boyhood was passed in Alexandria, amid stirring war scenes indelibly imprinted upon his mind, and there received the rudiments of an academical education at private schools, which was finished at Gonzaga College (S. J.), Washington, D. C., and the Whitestown Seminary, Oneida County, N. Y. He began the study of law in 1874 with Judge Michael Thompson, a leading lawyer of the District of Columbia; attended lectures at the National Law University, concluding a three years' course in the office of David L. Smoot, of Alexandria, since Prosecuting Attorney of San Francisco, Cal. In 1877, admitted to the bar in Virginia and the District of Columbia, he began the practice of law

580 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

in the latter place. In 1878; he came to this county and opened a law office in Nevada, where he remained one year, and then formed a partner. ship with his old preceptor, Judge Thompson, in St. Louis, Mo. In 1880, he visited the South and studied the workings of the courts in Louisiana and Mississippi, and strongly contemplated locating in the city of Natchez, but stronger predilections for his adopted State and its grand institutions drew him back to this county. In September, 1880, he married an estimable young lady of Nevada, and during the winter of 1880-81 he was employed in the War Department at Washington, making an excellent record in the delicate work of digesting claims against the Government, and con. tinued at the same time his law studies in the office of Col. Robert G. Ingersoll. Returning to Nevada upon a furlough, love for his profession caused him to resign his position in the War Department, and, in September, 1882, he formed a legal partnership with Senator M. H. Kirby at Upper Sandusky, and in 1883, upon the petition of his brother attorneys, he was appointed official stenographer of the county for a term of three years, with his office in the court house. Mr. Close is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a Jeffersonian Democrat in politics, liberal-minded, a fine conversationalist, slight in stature, and in speech and accent suggestive of his Scotch-Irish blood. His practice steadily increasing, possessing an accurate knowledge of the law, energetic and devoted to his clients, his future promises to be a useful and successful one.

WILLIAM, CONSTIEN was born in Lasfelda, Kingdom Hanover, Germany, October 10, 1838. He is a son of Adam and Frederika (Rimrott) Constien, who were also natives of Germany, and parents of six children, namely, Doretta, Charles, Henry, Julius, Theodore and William. The father died in 1844, but the mother is still living. William. the subject of this sketch, landed in New York, June 8,1863, bringing with him his new made wife, Amelia, to whom he was married in Germany April 5, 1863. They spent six weeks in New York, after which time they went to Lancaster, Penn., where Mr. Constien was engaged in the harness trade till March, 1871, when they removed to Upper Sandusky. After six years' work at his trade in the latter place, Mr. Constien purchased his present farm of twenty two acres, where he has since been engaged chiefly in gardening. He cultivates all kind of table vegetables, small fruits, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc., supplying hotels and city markets and doing an extensive business. His product the present year will perhaps reach $800 in value, being constantly on the increase. Mrs. Constien's parents were Christian and Adelinde (Wurm) Benecke. They were natives and residents of Germany, and had seven children, namely, Adolph, Amelia, Albert, Otto, Bernhart, Eliza and Maria. The mother died in 1856, the father still living in his seventieth year. Mr. and Mrs. Constien have had nine children, namely: Theodore, born July 27, 1864; Otto, August 13, 1865; Emma, August 5, 1807; William, September 10, 1869; Albert, November 16, 1871; Adolph, March 1, 1874; Bernhart, December 22, 1877; Alvin, September 19, 1880; Oscar, May 14, 1882. Otto died September 24, 1870. Mr. Constien is an independent in politics. He was a member of the Good Follows, Seven Wise Men, Red Men, and K. of P., and is now, with Mrs. C., a member of the Lutheran Church.

MARTIN COURTAD was born in Alsace, France, Jane 16,1819. His parents were John P. Courtad and Mary A. Frey, who emigrated to America in 1832. Martin Courtad resided with his parents in Seneca County, Ohio, till he became of age, and then went to Galena, Ill., where he graduated in

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a high school. Finishing his education, he followed carpenter work for a tome. In 1848, he came to Sandusky City, Ohio, and April 12, 1849, he was married to Eve Simonis, daughter of John and Mary Simonis, of Seneca County, Ohio. Mrs. Courtad was born April 1, 1832. After working for several years in Sandusky City, he and family went to the Lake Superior copper mines, where he followed his trade eighteen months. He then came to Seneca County, Ohio, bought a small farm, where he lived till 1861 when be sold out and came to Crane Township, and bought a farm of eighty acres valued at $80 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Courtad are the parents of fourteen children, one deceased. They are as follows: Charles, in March 16, 1850; John Henry April 28, 1852; Joseph L., born April 5, 1854; Magdalena, born May 11, 1856 George, born January 24, 1858; Anthony, born May 7, 1860; W. Frank, born December 19, 1861; Martin, born December 29, 1864; James, born January 20, 1866;. Mary, born January11, 1868; Margaret, born March 4, 1876; Michael, born September 29, 1871; Elizabeth K., born November 1, 1875; Albert, born January 6, 1878, Martin died July 26, 1881. Mr. Courtad has a fine farm, and is highly esteemed as a citizen. He and his family are strict adherents of the Catholic faith.

PETER COURTAD was born near Strasbourg, Alsace, France, October 20, 1811. He is a son of John Peter and Mary A. (Frey) Courtad, who emigrated to America in 1832, being sixty-three days on the ocean, and the ship landed at Baltimore. They located in Seneca County, Ohio. They removed to Iowa in 1841, where they resided until 1844, at which date they returned to Seneca County, Ohio, where the father died in 1848, aged sixty three years; the mother died in Sandusky City about 1.853, aged sixty-eight years. Peter Courtad removed to this county from Seneca in 1864, and settled on his present farm. He owns ninety-six acres near Upper Sandusky, valued at $85 per acre-earned by hard labor. He was married in Seneca County, Ohio, January 20, 1840, to Catharine Simonis, four children resulting from this marriage, one deceased; they are Mary A., born January 1842; Margaret, February 23, 1845; Lawrence, December 23, 1847, and ster D., October 17, 1849; the latter deceased since September 15, 1873. The death of Mrs. Courtad occurred December 8, 1852, and Mr. Courtad was again married in Seneca County May, 1853, to Clementine Zircher, daughter of Ignatz and Mary M. (Lehman) Zircher, and nine children were born this union, seven living-John, born January 4, 1855; Joseph A., March 14, 1857; Francis A., August 7, 1862; Elizabeth M., February 13, 1864 all born in Seneca County; August J., March 9, 1866; Martin J., March 14, 1868; Magdalene, February 6, 1872-born in Wyandot. John (an infant) and Louis are deceased. Mrs. Courtad was born in France December 30, 1829, and emigrated to America in 1838 with her parents, who settled in Shelby County, where the father died in 1868, the mother in 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Courtad are members of the Roman Catholic Church, he being a Democrat politically.

DAVID CRAMER, dealer in stoves, tinware, etc., Upper Sandusky, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, May 22, 1839. He is the son of Frederick and Mary A. (Helterbrake) Cramer, natives of Maryland, and of English Ancestry. He was educated in the district schools of Seneca County, and was engaged in farming until August, 1861. At that time he enlisted in the United States service, Company D, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve three years. He participated in 'the battles of Green River and Pittsburg Landing, and was taken sick at Corinth, after which

582 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

he was confined six months in the hospitals of Evansville and Torre Haute, Ind. He rejoined his regiment in November, 1862, and was wounded in his right thigh in the battle of Murfreesboro December 31, 1862, being sent to the hospital at Nashville, and afterward to Cincinnati, where he was dis. charged March 17, 1863, on account of disability. He then returned to Upper Sandusky, and soon after opened an ice cream parlor and restaurant, which he conducted over four years. In 1868, he established himself permanently in the stove and tinware business in partnership with William McCormick. This connection existed two years, when Mr. Cramer purchased his partner's interest and became sole proprietor, and has since conducted the business as such. He carries a large stock of everything in his line, and makes a specialty of tin and slate roofing. Mr. Cramer was mar. ried, May 8, 1872, to Miss Jennie Hackadorn, daughter of S. J. and Margaret (Gray) Hackadorn, of Van Wert County. They have three children, namely, Howard L., born November 16, 1874; Maggie, born August 8, 1876; and Bonnie B., born January 25, 1880. Mrs. Cramer was born in Huntingdon County, Penn., October 8, 1853. Mr. Cramer is the owner of a valuable brick residence on Wyandot avenue, and all of his store room, which he occupies; is a member of the Knights of Honor, the G.A.R., and a Democrat in politics.

FRANCIS M. CRAMER, machinist, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, September 19, 1846; son of Frederick and Mary (Helderbrake) Cramer, natives of Maryland. Francis was partially educated in the schools of his native county, removing to Upper Sandusky with his parents at the age of fifteen, and finishing his studies in the schools of that place. He subsequently engaged as brakeman on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne& Chicago Railroad for a short period, and entered the Stevenson Machine Works as an apprentice in the fall of 1868. He is still employed by this company, and is one of their most faithful mechanics. By industry and economy, Mr. Cramer has provided a comfortable home on West Walker street, where he now resides. He was a non-commissioned officer of Company B, Ohio National Guards, in which he faithfully served five years, receiving his discharge in 1879. He was married, May 22, 1872, to Mary Graham, daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Homelier) Graham, of Upper Sandusky. They have two children living-Roy C., born July 6, 1876, and Earl D., born December 28, 1881. The deceased is Robert E., born December 5, 1873, died June 25,1881. Mrs. Cramer was born in Crane Township October 19, 1851.

JAMES CRAWFORD is a native of Sycamore Township, this county, born April 15, 1836; son of James and Mary (Sparr) Crawford, the former a native of Orange County, Va., born in 1761, the latter of Fairfield County, Ohio, born November 20, 1802. Their children were Jacob V., James, William B., Peter L. and Emma E. They came to this county in 1833, and purchased eighty acres of land, which he cleared and improved, and in 1852 removed to Noble County, Ind., when he died April 19, 1854, and she in 1872. James Crawford was reared and educated in Sycamore Township, and began life for himself by daily labor at $10 per month. He purchased his present farm, consisting of forty acres, in 1875, and devotes his attention to agriculture and the raising of blooded stock. He enlisted in the war May 2,1864, and was on detached service in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio National Guards, during his entire term spending most of his time at the Relay House, Maryland, as Post Commissary. He was discharged at Columbus September 2, 1864. Mr. Crawford was mar-

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ried, September 3, 1857, to Susanna Brown, daughter of Abraham and Frances (Coon) Brown. They had four children, Louisa C., born March 29,1864, being the only living. The deceased are: Emanuel E., born September 20, 1861, died April 30, 1862; William S., born September 20, 1866, died April 9, 1873; and an infant. Mrs. Crawford was born September, 1838, and died November 10, 1867. Mr. Crawford was married, December 24, 1868, to Eliza Fernbaugh, a native of Ashland County, Ohio, July 31, 1835. Her parents were natives of Cumberland County, Penn., and York County, Penn., the father born February 13, 1810, the mother April 15, 1808. By this latter marriage three children were born-John S., December 26, 1871; Sarah L., August 10, 1873; and Nettie M., March 28, 1870; the latter is deceased since April 4, 1873. In politics, Mr. Crawford is a Republican, and a member of the Church of God, of which he is also one of the Trustees. His father was a full cousin of the lamented Col. .Crawford, who was burned at the stake by the Indians near Upper Sandusky.

MYER DANIELS, the popular clothier of the firm of Daniel Bros., was born in Cincinnati March 14, 1853. He is the son of Michael and Fannie (Goldsmith) Daniels, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America before their marriage. They were the parents of seven children, six now living. The father engaged in the boot and shoe business in an early day at Cincinnati, where he died in 1855. The mother still survives, now a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, aged about sixty-eight years. Myer Daniels. the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in the city of Cincinnati, receiving some instruction from a private tutor in Macon, Ga. While at the latter place, he engaged as clerk with Scheuermans Bros., dry goods merchants, and remained with this firm seven years. He subsequently engaged one year with his brother Cornelius, at Mt. Vernon, Ill.; three years with W. L. Yates, of Cleveland; three years again with his brother in Howell, Mich.; four months at Union City, Ind., after which he came to, Upper Sandusky September 29, 1878. and in the following month established himself permanently in his present business, usually employing two clerks, and doing a flourishing business-the leading clothier of the city. Mr. Daniels is an energetic young business man, and a prominent member of the F. & A. M.

JACOB W. DAVIS, M. D., was born in Adams County, Ohio, April 15, 1853; son of John and Sarah (Wickerhorn) Davis, of English parentage. He assisted his father in agricultural pursuits, attending the public schools of his neighborhood until eighteen years of acre, when be engaged as salesman in a mercantile establishment at Locust Grove, Ohio, remaining in that work two years. In the fall of 1873, he entered the West Geneva Commercial College of Logan County, graduating in 1874. He at once began the reading of medicine in the office of Dr. J. L. Wright, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, attending lectures at the Indianapolis Medical College, and graduating from the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati February 20, 1876. He began the practice of his profession at Carey, this county, and remained in that locality one year. He located at Johnsville in October, 1877, where he continued his practice until February, 1881, when he removed to Upper Sandusky. In the latter place, he has established a good practice. Mr. Davis was married, June 5, 1877, to Laura A. Meckley, daughter of Andrew and Mary (Hosler) Meckley. She was born in Morrow County January 16, 1859. Mr. Davis' parents were both natives of Adams County, where they were married by Rev. Huston February 17, 1852. His mother died January 22, 1854, leaving an only child, our subject. His

584 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

father was again married, November 18, 1856, to Elizabeth Sharp, and eight children were born to them, seven living-Edwin S., Sarah B., Rhoda E.,Mary A., William, Milton and Leonidas; an infant, unchristened, is deceased. Their home lay in the path of John Morgan's raid in 1863, and Dr. Davis, then a lad of ten years, while out plowing corn was approached by three rebels, who demanded his horse. Young Davis, not wishing to be interrupted, was about to proceed when his "Get up, Joel " was responded to by the three rebels' leveling their revolvers upon him in a decidedly suggestive manner. Changing his mind with a " Whoa, Joe!" he permitted them to take the horse, and this, with two others, was never recovered. When the father returned home and found his horses gone, he was very indignant, and, taking his gun, followed them to his father's residence where he was approached by two of the raiders leading a valuable gray horse. On being asked why he had his gnu, and told to go home, he leveled his piece upon them when they fled in great haste, leaving their horse; they soon returned in increased numbers, however, and Mr. Davis sought refuge in a corn-field near by; and as he fled from this field to the woods, several shots were fired at him, the whizzing of the bullets being distinctly heard. He passed through these woods just as the main rebel army moved along, being in such close proximity to the lines as to render it necessary to lie prostrate upon the wet ground while they passed, thereby saturating the loose powder, which he had hastily placed in his pockets when starting in pursuit of his property.

SILAS DEBOLT, one of the venerable pioneers of this county, was born in Masontown, Fayette Co., Penn., February 15, 1807. He is a son of George and Mary (Rider) DeBolt, both natives of the same county; the former born February 24, 1781, the latter in 1784 or 1785. His paternal ancestors were natives of France and Germany. His grandfather, Lawrence Rider, came to this country at the age of eighteen, his brother, Stofle, coming with him. His grandfather, George DeBolt and brother Nicholas were both captured by the Pottawatomies in Pennsylvania. The latter was in his sixth year and never returned home. He became chief of the tribe and died September 28, 1828. The former, George D,, was in his eighth year when captured and was sold to the Senecas and was held captive nine years. He was also afterward a soldier under Washington. He was in the battle in which Braddock was defeated, and was subsequently in the employ of the Government as a scout. George DeBolt, the father of our subject, moved from Pennsylvania to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1809, and resided there till about 1855, owning 200 acres of land. In 1855, he moved to Jay County, Ind., where he died October 1, 1868. His wife died in 1852. He was a prominent minister of the Old- School Baptist Church, and was the father of twelve children, six of whom are now living, namely: Silas; Belinda. widow of C. Skinner; Matilda, widow of William Skinner; Miranda, wife of A. Ashbrook; Hulda, wife of P. Rank, Ogden, Utah; and Rezin A., of Trenton, Mo. The latter is now a prominent lawyer and Judge, and was formerly a Congressman. Silas DeBolt, the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents until his twenty-third year, and learned the tanner's trade in Fairfield County. He came to this county in 1830 and located near Mexico, where be resided near forty years, eighteen of which were spent in the mercantile business. In 1868, he moved to his present farm of 260 acres, purchased at the land sales in 1845, and has since turned his attention chiefly to agricultural pursuits. In connection with his other occupations, Mr. DeBolt has studied the nature of and treated cancers for

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fifty-six years. He is in possession of an Indian remedy, known only to himself and family, and has never failed to cure cases of external cancers which were subjected to his treatment. He has cured hundreds of eases, three on his own person. His remedy is unknown to physicians. In taking cue of his material interests, Mr. DeBolt has not overlooked the spiritual, having been engaged in the ministry of the Old School Baptist Church more or less since 1840. Mr. DeBolt was married July 6, 1827, to Elizabeth Parkison, a native of Somerset, Perry Co., Ohio, born April 28, 1812, daughter of John and Sarah (Miller) Parkison. natives of Virginia and of and German parentage. Her father was born July 19, 1783; her mother September 10, 1785. They moved to Perry County in 1800, Mr. Parkison's death occurring there about 1814. Mrs. Parkison was subsequently married to Thomas Strawn, and died November 7, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. DeBolt are the parents of twelve children, namely: Mary, born July 11, 1829; John P., April 10, 1831; George R., March 4, 1833; Sarah, March 5, 1835; Margaret, April 2, 1837; Elizabeth, August 27, 1839; Silas 8., December 15, 1841; Rezin S., July 29, 1843; Miranda A., August 2, 1845; Nora F., October 11, 1847; William R., December 13, 1849; Emma T., March 14, 1854. Margaret, Emma, William and George are deceased. The latter was captured at the battle of Chickamauga, and died in prison at Danville, Va. Mr. DeBolt served in a rifle company eight years in Fairfield County, and was made Major in the militia in this county. He and Mrs. DeBolt are members of the Old-School Baptist Church. They are among the most worthy of the pioneers, and are highly esteemed as citizens.

JOHN DIRMEYER, son of John and Anna (Fleah) Dirmeyer, was born in Baden, Germany, August 24, 1837. His parents were also born in Baden, and had seven children-Annie, John, Andrew, Simon, Mary, Fred and William; Annie and Fred are deceased. The father died in 1872; the mother in 1848. John Dirmeyer emigrated to America in 1853, landing in May. He came to Upper Sandusky (after six weeks' stop on Staten Island), and resided there till 1863, when be moved to his present home. His farm contains ninety-six acres, and is in good condition. He was married, April 9, 1863, to Mary Frederick, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, July 9, 1837. She is a daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Witmer) Frederick, natives of Baden, Germany, and Ohio. Her father came to America at the age of ten years; was married in Seneca County and reared a family of twelve children, six living, viz.: William, Letitia, Ann E., Julia, Matilda and Mary. The mother died in 1843, the father in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Dirmeyer have had four children--William F., born February 10, 1864; George A., March 4, 1867; Anna M., August 29, 1869, and John C., July 27, 1873. Mrs. Dirmeyer's father was once captured by the Indiana, but made his escape. Mr. Dirmeyer is a Democrat, and a member of the German Lutheran Church. Mrs. Dirmeyer is a member of the Reformed Church, They are well respected in their vicinity.

CHRISTIAN ENGEL, retired grocery man, was born in Ostheim, Germany, April 17, 1823. He is the son of Christian G. and Maria R. (Streck) Engel, both of whom died in Germany, the former in December, 1872, aged seventy-three; the latter November 7, 1873, aged seventy years. They were the parents of six children, four living at present-Christian, John K., Johanna L. and Ernest. Christiana and Magdalena are deceased. Christian, our subject, emigrated with his brother John K. to America in 1849. After traveling over seventeen States, he located in Upper Sandusky

588 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

in 1853, and opened a barber-shop on the grounds now owned by Mrs. John Van Martyr. In 1856, he opened a grocery store and continued in this business until October 10, 1881, at which time he disposed of his stock to C. F. Veith and retired. He was married, August 24, 1854, to Anna M. Hipp, daughter of Frederick and Sabina (Beckbissinger) Hipp, and ton children have blessed their union, four living-Jobanne L. (born April 1, 1855), Caroline S. (January 12, 1857), Rosa L. (March 6, 1859), and Annie M. (August 24, 1862). The deceased are five infants and Irena, born April 18, 1874, died October 31, 1877. Anna M., their mother, was born in Germany June 24, 1832. One year after, she emigrated to America with her parents, who are both now deceased; her father died December 1, 1856, aged sixty-three years; her mother survived till January 30, 1872, aged nearly seventy-six years.

JOHN K. ENGEL, retired merchant, is a native of Ostheim, Saxony, Germany, where he was born November 19, 1828. He is a son of Christian G. and Maria E. (Streck) Engel, a notice of whom is given in another sketch. John K. obtained a good education in "the fatherland, " and emigrated to this country at twenty years of age, In 1849, he engaged as an employe in the bakery and confectionery trade with William Saunderson in Upper Sandusky. In 1854, he formed a partnership with his brother in the grocery and provision business, and two years later he purchased the latter's interest, reselling it to his brother in 1858. He was engaged as clerk for A. G. Tribolet seven years, and from 1865 to 1877 conducted a grocery and provision store on his own account, retiring from business at the latter date. Mr. Engel was married, May 22, 1856, to Maria B. Retter, daughter of Frederick and Maria (Sturm) Retter, a native of Baden, Germany, born September 30, 1834. In 1852, she emigrated with her parents to this county, where they both died, the mother in June, 1868, aged sixty-five years; the father in November, 1881, in his eighty-first year. Mr. and Mrs. Engel have no children; their adopted daughter, Amanda B. Engel, was born in German March 7, 1861. Mr. - Engel has been a member of the F. & A. M. since 1856, and is also associated with the I.0.0.F., and has filled all the subordinate offices. He is an independent voter. He is now enjoying the reward of his past labors In 1872, in company with his wife, he paid a visit to his native home in Germany. He has been very successful in his business career, and in all his dealings has preserved a character worthy of the emulation of his fellow-merchants. He is one of the leading German citizens of the county, being noted for his interest in all public enterprises of importance.

WILLIAM FERNBAUGH was born in Ashland County, Ohio, December 21, 1835. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Brandt) Fernbaugh, natives of Pennsylvania who settled in Ashland County, Ohio, in 1847, subsequently removing to this county, where they purchased 120 acres of land, and reared a family of nine children. The father died in 1878; the mother resides with her daughter, Mrs. Crawford, in this township. Our subject enlisted October 18, 1862, in Company K, Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Robins, and participated in the battles of Bull Run 2d, Cross Keys, Gettysburg, Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost, Chancellorsville taken prisoner, but paroled in a few days-siege of Atlanta, and all through the Atlanta campaign, and with Sherman to the sea; participated in the grand review at Washington, and was discharged at Cleveland in July, 1865. He returned home, purchased eighty acres of land on which be resides, and was married, January 31, 1869, to Mary C. Tobias,

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native of Pennsylvania, born May 11, 1845, daughter of Peter and Mary J. (Hale) Tobias. Their children are Barry T., born April 20, 1870; Laura, January 14, 1872; Elizabeth M., May 6, 1874. Laura is deceased; died January 30, 1872. Mr. Fernbaugh has been a farmer most of his days, and now values his land at $80 per acre. Himself and family are members of the Church of God.

DAVID FRAZIER, grocery man and retired farmer, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 2, 1822; son of Jacob and Rebecca (Morris) Frazier, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. They were the parents of sixteen children, eight of whom are still living-Jacob, John, David, Joseph, William, George, Mary and Silas. David Frazier, our subject, was reared upon the farm, and attended the district schools, his only chance for an education. He remained upon the farm with his parents until sixteen years of age, and subsequently engaged in various callings until his marriage. This event took place August 8, 1844, taking as his wife Eliza A. Bolander, a resident of Pickaway County. They have but one child-Noah G., born March 31, 1857. Mrs. Frazier was born August 29, 1825. They removed to Seneca County and engaged in farming seven years, coming to Wyandot County in 1852, where he purchased eighty-four acres of land, afterward adding thirty more, He subsequently sold these respective lots at $75 and $50 per acre (they having cost him him $10 and $23 per acre respectively), and in 1879 purchased 127 acres of well-improved land of the estate of C. Y. Pierson, deceased, paying for the same $80 per acre, the land lying within less than one mile west of Upper Sandusky. In 1876, Mr. Frazier abandoned the farm and removed to Upper Sandusky, where, with his son, he is doing an extensive business in the grocery, queensware and crockery trade, located on Sandusky avenue, between Walker and Finley streets. Mr. Frazier is the owner of valuable town property; his son, Noah G., now managing the grocery establishment on his own responsibility. In politics, he is a thorough Republican; himself and wife both are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

BARBARA FREDERICK, widow of Joseph Frederick, was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 23, 1821. She is the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Miller) Miller, who emigrated to America in 1835, and settled in Seneca County, where they both died-the mother in 1884, aged seventy five years; the father in 1866, at the same age. Their four children - Elizabeth, Margaret, Peter and Barbara-are all living. The latter, our subject, was fourteen years of age when her parents came to America. She was married, in Seneca County, Ohio, April 25, 1841, to Joseph Frederick. a native of Baden, Germany, born February 22, 1810. He emigrated to America with his parents in 1817, and located in Philadelphia, removing to this county two years later. Joseph Frederick settled in this county immediately after his marriage in 1841, while the Indians were still numerous, some of whom were employed by him as assistants; among these were Mrs. Stanzley, Nancy Wright Bigelow and others, all full-blood Indians. Mr. Frederick was an industrious and energetic citizen, and accumulated a large amount of property which he left to his wife and five children at his death, which occurred September 14, 1869. Mrs. Frederick still resides on the old homestead, the old " Mission farm," near Upper Sandusky. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick were the parents of ton children, but five of whom are now living, viz., William H., Leutitia, Anna E., Julia and Matilda. The deceased are Adam, Christian, Daniel, Caroline and Catharine, twins.

590 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

GEORGE W. FREET, Treasurer Wyandot County, was born in Loudoun County, Va., February 22, 1835. He is the son of Henry D. and Lydia O. (Clice) Frost, of German ancestry and natives of Virginia. They were married in their native State, and came to Ohio in 1836, settling in this county, where he engaged in the blacksmithing trade till his decease. They were the parents of twelve children, our subject being the youngest. All attained their majority, but at present only four are living-Amanda A., HenryC., Lydia C. and George W. The latter was educated in the district schools of this county, and learned the blacksmithing trade of his brother, following this business till they removed to Upper Sandusky and began the manufacture of carriages and wagons, doing an extensive business. Mr. Freet was married, March 5, 1863, to Mary G. Hussy, daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Plummer) Hussy. Six children were born to them, two only surviving: Ida A., born July 7, 1867; and Clara B., born November 18, 1877. The deceased are an unchristened infant, Mary E., Lilla and Howard. In 1880. Mr. Freet was elected Treasurer of the county, and re-elected in 1882. Prior to his removal to Upper Sandusky, he served three years as Justice of the Peace in Tymochtee Township, and six years as Clerk of the same. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and K. of H.

JOSEPH E. GARFIELD, painter, is a native of Chittenden County, Vt., born October 14, 1832, son of Lewis B. and Catharine A. (Parks) Garfield, the former a cousin of the father of James A, Garfield, the martyr. They had six children-William H:, Joseph E., Marced M., Laura A., Emma A. and Lydia M. They settled in this county in 1840, Mr. Garfield pursuing the occupation of millwright, being the inventor of the celebrated Garfield Turbine water-wheel. He died in 1843. Mrs. Garfield is still living, a resident of Iowa, in her seventy-sixth year. The subject of this sketch was given a common school education, and has devoted his entire life to the chair-making and painting trades, which he acquired from his uncle. He came to Upper Sandusky in 1849, and was married in the same city June 19, 1850, to Mary Little, daughter of David and Ann M. (Hoke) Little, a native of Canton, Ohio, born August 15, 1825. They had six children-Genevra S., born May 4, 1851; David E., May 5, 1853; Lewis B., January 19, 1856; Alexis W., February 4, 1859; Amanda M., February 26, 1862; William H., born April 24, 1865. The latter is deceased, his death having occurred April 24, 1865. September 19, 1861, Mr. Garfield enlisted as private in Company K, Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve three years. He was taken prisoner at the battle of McDowell, Va., May 9, 1862, and after several months i a the custody of the enemy at different places, he received his discharge by a special order through the influence of Gen. Garfield', January 9, 1863, on certificate of disability. He then returned home and resumed his former occupation. He is a member of the Knights of Labor and owns a comfortable home.

JOEL W. GIBSON, Ex-Probate Judge of Wyandot County, was born in this county (formerly Crawford) December 19, 1842. He is the son of James and Mary (Beam) Gibson, natives of Ohio and Maryland, and of Irish and English ancestry. They were married in Crawford County, in 1839, and were the parents of seven children, of whom live survive-Joel W., Delilah J., wife of William O. Slye, residents of Barton County, Mo.; Emma, wife of John Bowsher, residing in this county; Julia, the wife of Jacob C. Miller, of Barton County, Mo.; Cornelius, also a resident of this county. Louisa is deceased. The mother died in 1857; the father, James, is still living in his seventy-sixth year. Joel W. Gibson, the subject of

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this sketch, was educated in the country schools, taking a six months' course of study in Bryant & Stratton's Business College, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1864. August 21, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve three years, participating in several skirmishes in 1862 and 1863, being severely wounded in the right limb in the battle of Winchester, June 15, 1863, and falling into the hands of the rebels, where he was detained three months. The amputation of the wounded limb being found necessary, this operation was performed by Federal surgeons within the rebel lines at Taylor Hospital, Winchester, at which place he remained until it was captured by the Union forces. He was honorably discharged February 11, 1864. Mr. Gibson was married October 25, 1866, to Lucinda Condray, daughter of Andrew and Rachel (Hodges) Condray, five children being the result of their union, one surviving Virgil H., born Nov. 20, 1868. The deceased are James R., Capatolia, Virginia and an infant. After Mr. Gibson's return from the war, be engaged in the stock trade in partnership with Franklin Slye until appointed Deputy Revenue Collector for Wyandot County, which position he held over two years. In 1869, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and re-elected in 1872; and in 1873 to the office of Probate Judge, being reelected in 1876, and again in 1879, his term of office expiring February 12, 1883. After retiring from office, Mr. Gibson formed a partnership for the practice of law with Robert McKelly, with whom he has since been engaged. He is a member of the K. of H., the Royal Arcanum, and affiliates with the Democratic party. He has served as Township and Corporation Clerk of the city of Upper Sandusky for five successive terms.

WILLIAM A. GIPSON, dealer in coal, ice, etc., was born in Richland County, Ohio, January 26, 1843; son of Lorenzo and Martha A. (Fenner) Gipson, natives of Vermont and Berks County, Penn., respectively. They were married in Richland County; parents of eight children, the living named as follows: William A., Matilda E., wife of Adam Stevens; Lucy A., wife of J. K. Craig; Alice, wife of William H. Cook; and Arlon F. The father was accidentally killed February 20, 1868, by the falling of a sawlog from a wagon; the mother is still residing in Upper Sandusky. William Gipson obtained a fair education in the schools of his native county, and removed with his parents to Upper Sandusky in 1860. He learned the cooper's trade with his father, and continued in this vocation till the beginning of the war; he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, September 24, 1862, and participated in the following engagements: Morefield, Winchester (where the entire regiment was captured, but exchanged after ninety days), Newmarket, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snicker's Ford, Second Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Strasburg, Cedar Creek, Hatcher's Run, and the last at High Bridge, across Appomattox River, where the entire regiment was captured a second time, and sent to Camp Chase, receiving the news of Lincoln's assassination while en route, and detained on guard-duty over his body, in state at Columbus, Ohio. Besides the above-named battles, Air. Gipson was engaged in several skirmishes, receiving an honorable discharge at Camp Chase June 12, 1865. On returning, he resumed his trade for a number of years, establishing his present business in coal, ice, cement, sewer tile, fire-brick, etc., in 1874 to 1880. He was married May 12, 1870, to Ada K. Beistle, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Hock) Beistle, and one child, Leora Blanche, born March 19, 1874, has resulted from their union. Mrs. Gipson is a native of Carlisle County, Penn., and was born August 9, 1848. Mr. Gipson is a member of

592 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

the F. & A. At., Knights Templar, also of the Knights of Honor, G. A. R. and English Lutheran Church. He served in the city council six years.

NICHOLAS F. GOETZ, son of George and Elizabeth Goetz, was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 30, 1826. His parents both died in Germany prior to his emigration to America. He learned the baker's trade when a mere boy, and spent several years in traveling through his native country. He emigrated to America in 1849, and settled in Boston, Mass. He soon afterward removed to California, and engaged at his trade in Sacramento City, at $125 per mouth. Meeting with losses by fire, he returned to Boston, and after his marriage removed to Upper Sandusky, purchasing the property on the corner of Sandusky avenue and Walker street, which he still owns and occupies as a grocery store and bakery. He has accumulated a handsome property, owning forty- three acres of land within the corporation of Upper Sandusky, where, in 1880, he erected a fine residence at a cost of $3 , 000. He was married October 5, 1854, to Miss Magdalana Kanzler, of Boston. She was born in Wittenburg, Germany, September 20, 1830, and graduated from one of the best schools of her native country. Six children have resulted from this union-Katie D., born July 9, 1855; Matilda M., December 28, 1856; George V., July 28, 1858; Louise E., August 27, 1861; Minnie C., February 2, 1863; and Frederick N., May 27, 1865. Mr. Goetz has traveled extensively through the various prov. inces of Germany and Austria, and has crossed the American continent, visiting Panama, Cuba and many other points of interest. Mr. Goetz is quite popular among the citizens of this county, having served as Township Trustee and City Councilman several years, declining the candidacy for County Commissioner. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran Church.

CAPT. EDWIN A. GORDON, cashier of the Wyandot County Bank, was born in Putnam County, Ohio, October 4, 1843. He is the son of William C. and Rebecca (Wolcott) Gordon, natives of Ohio and Now York. The father was born at Worthington, Ohio, June 19, 1819, the mother in Now York in 1823. They were the parents of six children, all living. The mother died at Maquoketa, Iowa, in 1872. Edwin A. Gordon obtained a good common school education, and served an apprenticeship at the printer's trade. From this occupation he enlisted in the late war September 2, 186 1, as private in Company A, Fifty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was soon after promoted to Sergeant, holding this position till April, 1862, when he was promoted to Sergeant Major of the regiment; December 29, 1863, he received his commission as Second Lieutenant Company I; in the following year, August 16, 1864, he was promoted to First Lieutenant, and June 16, 1865, he was commissioned Captain of Company G. He was engaged in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Chickasaw Bayou, siege at Jackson, and others. The regiment spent the summer of 1862 at Memphis, and was subsequently engaged in a number of skirmishes, our subject receiving a severe wound in the bead from a piece of shell in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, and being confined six months at the Lawson Hospital at St. Louis as a result of his injuries. He rejoined his command at Vicksburg in July, 1863, and was sent to join the Army of the Cumberland. He was engaged in the battle of Mission Ridge, and, after the veteranization of his regiment, returned to the field, and participated in all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, being again wounded August 3, 1861 in front of Atlanta, and sent to the hospital. He was absent from his regiment from August to April, during which time he was with the provision depart-

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ment of Gen. Sherman's army on duty as Acting Assistant Adjutant General under Col. Henry, of the Thirty fifth Now Jersey. Capt. Gordon again joined his regiment at Raleigh and proceeded to Washington, participating in the grand review at that place, and thence by railroad to Parkersburg and by boat to Louisville, and from that point to Little Rock, where he was discharged August 14, 1865. Capt. Gordon was married, October 24, 1867, to Julia C. Beery, daughter