USA > Ohio > Crawford County > A centennial biographical history of Crawford County, Ohio > Part 4
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William B. Tobias was dependent upon his own resources from an early age, but by energy and industry he prospered and gained a good estate. When the Civil war broke out he was residing four miles from the Maryland state line, and the army of General Robert E. Lee marched through his farm. destroying much of his property, while the state militia destroyed his stock without scruples, taking all but six of his horses. At that time his son, James C., the subject of this biography, was a mere lad, and when the Union army encamped on the Tobias and adjoining farms to that of his father, the lad visited the soldiers' camp, where he was permitted to go in and out with free- dom, as he was also permitted to do when a part of General Lee's army camped in the same vicinity. But the boy was soon to be taken from the scenes of his birthplace and that of warfare, for in 1864, when James was eight years of age. his father resolved to remove with his family to Crawford county. His youth was spent upon the farm and his preliminary education was acquired in the common schools. He was afterward sent to Cold Run Academy, and in the spring of 1872 entered Oberlin College, where he studied until the following September, when he entered Mount Union College, remaining there three years. He thus acquired a broad literary education to serve as a foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional knowledge. During the period of his college days he taught school during the winters, and all his vacations he labored upon the farm earning money to assist in paying col- legiate expenses.
Predilection led him to prepare for the profession of law, and in the fall of 1876 he became a student of law in the office of Finley & Swigart, well known attorneys of Bucyrus. He was admitted to the bar at Delaware, Ohio. July 2, 1878. at the age of twenty-one, and immediately afterward began
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the practice of law in Bucyrus, soon winning a fair share of the public patron- age. Important litigated interests were entrusted to him and he soon demon- strated his ability to successfully handle the intricate problems of jurispru- dence. In 1881 he entered into partnership with F. S. Monnett, ex-attorney general of Ohio, under the firm name of Tobias & Monnett, their relationship being maintained until 1888, when Mr. Tobias was elected probate judge of Crawford county, a position he continuously filled until 1894. In 1896 he was elected judge of the court of common pleas for the district comprising Craw- ford, Marion and Wyandot counties, and is the present incumbent, his term continuing over a period of five years and re-elected in 1901, without opposi- tion, for a second term. His decisions have been conspicuously fair and im- partial and based upon a thorough understanding of the law.
In 1879 the Judge was united in marriage to Miss Amina J. Monnett, a daughter of Abraham Monnett, elsewhere mentioned in this volume, and they now have two children, Deane .A., who is now a student in the Ohio State University, at Columbus, and Helen, who is pursuing her education in the Bucyrus high school. The Judge has always given his political support to the Democratic party and is unswerving in his advocacy of its principles. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend, and for fifteen years he efficiently served as a member of the school board, acting as its president during the last ten years of his incumbency. He did much to promote the interests of the schools, his labor proving of great benefit along the lines of intellectual advancement. The Judge has been identified with the financial interests of the city as well as with the practice of law, and was one of the organizers of the City Bank of Bucyrus, in which he served as vice-president for ten years and director for eighteen years. Socially he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Knights of Pythias fraternities, serving as past chancellor in the lodge of the latter organization. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is one of the trustees. Endowed by nature with high intellectual qualities, to which have been added the discipline and embellishments of culture, his is a most attractive personality. Well versed in the learning of his profession and with a deep knowledge of human nature and of the springs of human conduct, he is in the courts an advocate of great power and influence and on the bench is a judge who ever commands the respect of the lawyers and of the public by reason of his dignity in office and extreme fairness in decision.
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J. C. FREMONT HULL.
The superior business ability of Mr. Hull has been an integral factor in the commercial activity whereon has rested much of the prosperity of Craw- ford county. The world judges the character of a community by those of its representative citizens, and yields its tribute of admiration and respect for the ability and accomplishments of those whose works and actions con- stitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride. Therefore it is proper that a just celebrity should be given to those men who are prominent in their day and generation that the living may enjoy the approbation of their contemporaries as well as that of a grateful posterity.
J. C. F. Hull is one of the leading and progressive business men of Bucyrus, where he is occupying the important position of cashier in the Sec- ond National Bank. He was born in Morrow county, Ohio, in 1861, and is a son of the late George W. Hull, who was born in Delaware county, Ohio, July 21, 1824, his parents being Benjamin and Elizabeth (Smith) Hull. Benjamin Hull came to Ohio from New Jersey. In 1828 the family removed to Wlictstone township, Crawford county, locating upon a farm, and there George W. Hull was reared to manhood. In 1844 he was united in mar- riage to Miss Attie Scribner, of Marion county, a daughter of Samuel and Elmira (Clark) Scribner. The Scribners were New Hampshire people, and the maternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the war of 1812. In an early day he engaged extensively in dealing in stock, which he drove over the mountains to the east. His death occurred when he had attained the very advanced age of ninety-six years. His wife's people lived and died in Marion county, Ohio. In 1855 George W. Hull removed with his family to Morrow county, locating near Cardington. He was an energetic and wide-awake business man, made judicious investments in real estate and at one time was the owner of over fifteen hundred acres of land in Crawford, Morrow and Wyandot counties. In ante-bellum days he was a stanch abo- litionist, and was one of the promoters of the "underground railroad," whereby many negro slaves were assisted on their way to Canada, where they could enjoy freedom without fear of being returned to their former masters. His earnest Christian life was in harmony with his belief as a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served both as steward and class leader, and was also prominent and influential in public affairs, having served as county commissioner in Morrow county for one term, while for twelve years he capably filled the office of justice of the peace. In 1877
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he came to Bucyrus and assisted in organizing the Crawford County Bank, in which enterprise he was associated with Abram Monnett, who was made president, while Mr. Hull became vice-president, and his son, Lewis W. Hull. cashier. These gentlemen, together with L. B. Harris, of Upper Sandusky. and E. Blair, of Bucyrus, constituted the board of directors. The bank was opened for business January 1, 1878, and Mr. Hull was connected therewith until his death, which occurred in 1891, when he was sixty-eight years of age. He became president of the institution on the death of Mr. Monnett, and remained at its head until a short time prior to his own demise, when he retired. Mr. Blair becoming his successor. In 1885 the bank was reorganized and chartered under the name of the Second National Bank of Bucyrus. Mr. Hull took a very active interest in many important concerns contributing to the substantial development and material progress of Bucyrus, and in his death the town lost one of its most valued and honored citizens. He was a gentleman of keen discernment and sound judgment in business affairs, and his advice was valued very highly in commercial circles. His wife, surviv- ing him about two years, passed away in 1893. at the age of sixty-eight years. Their eldest son, J. G. Hull, is the cashier of the Farmers National Bank at Findlay, Ohio, a position which he has occupied since 1880. Lewis W .. another son, was the first cashier of the Crawford County Bank, now the Second National Bank of Bucyrus, and at present he resides in Upper San- dusky, Ohio. There are also two sisters in the family, Mrs. Olive A. Mon- nett, wife of Mervin J. Monnett, of Central City, Nebraska: J. C. F., our subject : and AAdell, wife of Ed D. Wolfe, who is general freight agent at Dallas, Texas, for the Queen & Crescent Railroad Company.
J. C. F. Hull, the immediate subject of this article, spent the first six- teen years of his life in his native county, much of that time being devoted to the mastery of the branches of study forming the curriculum of the public schools near his home. In 1877 he accompanied his parents to Bucyrus, and in 1879 entered the bank as collector. He closely applied himself to the work given to his charge, and from time to time was promoted, becoming cashier on the Ist of January. 1885, a position which he has occupied continuously since. Previously his father had established the Farmers' National Bank at Findlay, Ohio, and our subject went to that place in 1880 and acted as assistant cashier for three years, and was then cashier of the First National Bank of Fostoria, Ohio, a bank he assisted in organizing, securing its charter. In this bank his father was also a stockholder. He resigned the position of cashier of this bank to become the cashier of the Second National Bank of
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Bucyrus. He is still a stockholder in the Farmers' National Bank of Findlay. Mr. Hull is thoroughly conversant with banking business in every detail and possesses excellent executive ability, keen discrimination and reliable judgment. These are qualities which are absolutely essential to the successful conduct of banking institutions, and his ability and labors have been a potent factor in securing the prosperous business which the Second National Bank has enjoyed. His labors have not been confined to one line, for he is president of the Bucyrus Board of Trade, and treasurer and general manager of the Bucyrus Telephone Company. He has acted as trustee for an unusually large number of estates in Crawford county, each of which he has settled up satis- factorily to all concerned. He has also dealt quite extensively in real estate. and is the owner of valuable property in Bucyrus, including a handsome resi- dence in the city.
In Republican circles Mr. Hull is also recognized as a leader, and since April, 1900, he has represented the third ward of Bucyrus in the city council, being elected to that position in a Democratic ward, which fact indicates his personal popularity and the trust reposed in him by those who know hin best. He is treasurer of the Crawford county Republican central committee, and on a number of occasions he has served as a delegate to the state con- ventions of his party. Socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in the first named he has passed all of the chairs. He holds membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church of Bucyrus, and during the past ten years he has served as its trustee and treas- urer. His business career is above reproach. He has met every obligation most fully and honorably, is courteous and fair with his patrons and his reliability commends him to their confidence and good will.
AUGUST BROEMEL.
August Broemel is the editor and proprietor of the Bucyrus Courier, the German weekly paper of the county, and is a well known factor in journal- istic circles. He is also regarded as one of the reliable and enterprising citi- zens of the community, whose active co-operation in the movements for the general good is both practical and profitable. As his name indicates, Mr. Broemel is a native son of the fatherland, his birth having occurred at Stadt Ilm, Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Germany. He pursued his education in the public schools of his native land and also in an academy where special
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training was given after the manner of that received in Armour Institute, of Chicago, pupils being fitted for various lines of business life. He was nineteen years of age when he bade adieu to home and friends and crossed the Atlantic to America. In 1872 he purchased the Bucyrus Courier, which he has since published. This is a German weekly newspaper, which was estab- lished in 1874. For a short time Mr. Broemel was associated with a part- ner, but during the greater part of the period in which he has published the paper he has been alone in business. It has a large circulation among the German speaking people of this portion of the state and exercises a wide-felt influence in public affairs. Mr. Broemel is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and support of measures for the public good through the columns of the Courier, and at the same time advances the interest of the Democratic party.
In Bucyrus occurred the marriage of Mr. Broemel and Miss Emma Liebich, a native of Bucyrus. In 1896 he was elected a member of the city council and by re-election has been continued in the office since that time. He is a member of the German Lutheran church and is found as a champion of educational, material and moral interests.
WILLIAM C. KIESS.
The subject of this review is a self-made man who, without any extraor- dinary family or pecuniary advantages at the commencement of his career, has battled earnestly and energetically, and by indomitable courage and integ- rity has achieved both character and fortune. By sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked his way upward and is numbered among the leading citizens of Crawford county, where he is now occupying the position of judge of the probate court, having entered upon the duties of his office on the 9th of February, 1900. His public service has demonstrated that the trust reposed in him is fully merited, and his name is now found on the record of reliable and capable officials in this section of Ohio.
Mr. Kiess was born on a farm in Whetstone township, in 1857, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Delker) Kiess. His paternal grandfather, Christopher Kiess, was a native of Germany, received excellent educational privileges and became a successful teacher in his native land. Crossing the Atlantic to America, he followed the profession of teaching for twenty years in Pennsylvania. Jacob Kiess, the father of our subject, was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and after arriving at years of maturity
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wedded Catherine Delker, whose birth occurred in Germany, and who came to the United States when a maiden of fifteen summers. In the year 1850 they removed to Crawford county, locating upon a farm, which the father owned and operated until his death, which occurred in 1882, when he was seventy-one years of age. His wife passed away in 1885, at the age of sixty- nine years. They were people of the highest respectability, enjoying the esteem and good will of all with whom they came in contact. Of their family, four sons and a daughter are living, namely: William Christopher, of this review : Jonathan H., Simeon and Joseph H., all of whom are successfully following farming in Whetstone township; and Mrs. M. A. Butts, of Hia- watha, Kansas. Two sons, Daniel and Samuel, and two daughters, Lydia and May Margaret, are deceased.
Born upon his father's farm, William Christopher Kiess was there reared and early took his place in the fields to assist in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. In the public schools he acquired his elementary education, which was supplemented by study in the Ada Normal University in the year 1887-8. Subsequently he became identified with educational work, and for seven years was known as a competent instructor in the schools of Whetstone township. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, then called him to public office, and for four years he served as clerk of the town- ship, and was also land appraiser there. In the fall of 1899 he was elected to the office of probate judge of Crawford county and entered upon his duties February 9, 1900. for a three years' term, so that he is the present incumbent. He is extremely faithful, prompt and reliable in performing the labors that devolve upon him, and is making a most creditable record.
Mr. Kiess was united in marriage, in 1879, to Miss Sarah E. Wagner, a daughter of John and Mary Wagner, of Whetstone township, who came to Crawford county from Lycoming county. Pennsylvania, about the year 1852. Both have now passed away, the father dying at the age of sixty-four years, the mother being called to her final rest when sixty-nine years of age. The marriage of the Judge and Mrs. Kiess has been blessed with two children,- Thomas Clinton, who is now seventeen years of age and is a student in the high school, and Bessie Belle, who is also pursuing her studies in the schools of Bucyrus. In his political affiliations the Judge has ever been a Democrat, and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, politically and otherwise. His religious views are indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church. On the 15th of March, 1900, he removed his family to Bucyrus, where they now occupy a pleasant home, which is celebrated for its gracious hospitality.
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In the county which has been his home throughout his entire life Judge Kiess has made many warm friends, owing to his possession of those sterling traits of character which everywhere command admiration and respect.
EMANUEL R. BIRK.
Emanuel R. Birk is one of the prominent business men of Bucyrus, where he is engaged in the manufacture and sale of harness and saddlery. A coun- try has but one chief ruler, be he king, emperor or president. Comparatively few men can attain to the highest office in civil or military life, but com- merce offers a broad and almost limitless field in which one may exercise his powers unrestrained and gain leadership at the head of a chosen calling. Drawing the lessons which we do from the life of Mr. Birk, we learn that the qualifications necessary for success are a high ambition and a resolute, honorable purpose to reach an exalted standard that has been set up.
One of the native sons of Bucyrus, he was born July 25, 1866, unto the marriage of John G. and Johanna B. (Kuhn) Birk. His father was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born July 22, 1823. In accordance with the laws of his native country he attended school until fourteen years of age, and then began learning the harnessmaker's trade, which he mastered both in principle and detail. Believing that the new world offered better oppor- tunities for advancement than the older and more thickly settled countries of Europe, he determined to cross the Atlantic, and in 1845 sailed for New York. In 1847 he came to Bucyrus and three years later established a harness shop on his own account, beginning the business which is now carried on by his son, our subject. In 1851 he married Miss Johanna B. Kuhn, of Whet- stone township, Crawford county, though born in Germany, and unto them were born four sons and one daughter,-Christian F., who is now mayor of Bucyrus ; Lewis C .; foreman of the harness shop : Emanuel R., of this review ; George M., who is conducting a drug store in Bucyrus ; and Elizabeth, wife of F. P. Donnenwirth, of Bucyrus. The father was the treasurer of Craw- ford county from 1874 to 1876. His death occurred November 10, 1888.
Emanuel R. Birk spent his youth in the usual manner of lads in the ordinary walks of life and enjoyed the pleasures of the playground and gave considerable time to the duties of the schoolroom. After putting aside his text-books he began learning the harnessmaker's trade of his father in 1882. He worked with him until the latter's death, in 1888, when he succeeded to the business, which he has since carried on. He now enjoys a large and
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growing trade, which covers Crawford county and northeastern Ohio. The business has more than doubled under the management of Mr. Birk. He carries on a retail trade and also manufactures harness and saddlery, and the excellent quality of his goods, combined with his honorable business methods, reasonable prices and earnest desire to please, has secured to him gratify- ing prosperity.
On the 25th of October, 1892, Mr. Birk was joined in wedlock to Miss Melinda L. Vollrath, a daughter of Albert Vollrath, who for a number of years conducted a planing-mill in Bucyrus, but is now living a retired life. He is a native of Stadtilm, Germany, born January 31, 1830, and is a son of Gottlieb R. Vollrath, who was born in the same place September 29, 1804. There the grandfather acquired his education and married Frederike Meissner. After coming to Bucyrus he carried on the cabinet-making business, being one of the leading representatives of industrial concerns in this part of the state. He was highly respected as a reliable business man and public-spirited citi- zen. His son, Albert Vollrath, acquired his education in the schools of the fatherland, and when twenty-one years of age came to Bucyrus, in company with his parents, his two brothers, Charles and William, and his sisters, Mrs. Christian Renkert and Mrs. Frank Blicke. Mr. Vollrath entered upon his business career in Bucyrus as a contractor and builder, and in 1852 he became a partner in the planing-mill, which he conducted up to the time of his retirement from active business life. Mr. Birk is identified with two fraternities, the Masonic and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He attends the German Lutheran church, and as a citizen he co-operates in all movements for the general good, withholding his support from no measure which he believes will advance the public welfare.
JOHN C. SHERER.
John C. Sherer, than whom there was no citizen more widely or favorably known in Whetstone township, Crawford county, was born in Stark county. Ohio, in 1830 and was the eldest son of Adam Sherer, one of the pioneers of that county, where he was known as a public-spirited and progressive citizen and one who exerted considerable influence in political affairs, his opinions carrying weight in the councils of his party, while his labors con- tributed in no immaterial way to its success.
John C. Sherer was his father's chief assistant after the removal of the family to Whetstone township, Crawford county. His educational advantages
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were only those afforded by the common district schools, but reading, observa- tion and experience constantly broadened his fund of knowledge and he became a well informed man, being recognized throughout the county as a gentleman of more than ordinary intellectual strength. He always followed agricultural pursuits and developed an excellent farm, to which he added all the modern accessories and improvements. Neatness and thrift character- ized his place, and the practical yet progressive methods which characterized his work contributed to his prosperity.
Mr. Sherer was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Helfrich, a daughter of Peter Helfrich, one of the leading farmers of the county, and they made their home about four miles west of Galion, where they owned a nice prop- erty. They became the parents of six children: Jenny M. : William; May S .: Harry W., who is now located in Columbus; Willard A., of Toledo; and John A., who is principal of the East End schools of Galion. Four of these children, together with their mother, still survive the husband and father, and Mrs. Sherer and her son still reside upon the farm.
In his political views Mr. Sherer was a Republican, and on account of the minority of the party in the county he was not so prominent in political affairs as he otherwise would have been. He was abundantly qualified for office, and in a quiet way he did much to promote the welfare and progress of the community. He enjoyed the friendship and regard of all with whom he came in contact, irrespective of political or religious belief, and his death, which occurred in 1879, was sincerely mourned by the general public.
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