USA > Ohio > Seneca County > A centennial biographical history of Seneca County, Ohio > Part 41
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raising, doing much to promote the interests of this important industry in this section of the state, and incidentally, through his discriminaion and marked business acumen, attaining a success of a distinctive order.,
In politics Mr. Ash has ever given an unqualified allegiance to the Republican party, and as one of the able and honored citizens of his community he has naturally been called upon to serve in local offices of important nature. He was incumbent of the office of justice of the peace for the long period of twenty-seven years, within which he did much to bring about an amicable adjustment of minor difficulties among his neighbors : he served three terms as trustee of Jackson township, and in 1890 was elected land appraiser of his township. He is one of the leading stockholders in the First National Bank of Fostoria, in which he has held the office of vice-president for the past fourteen years.
On the Ist of January, 1852, Mr. Ash was united in marriage to ยท Miss Rebecca Trumbo, who was born in this county, the daughter of Enoch Trumbo, one of the pioneers of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Ash became the parents of three children, of whom two survive, namely : Ellen, the wife of Alfred Mowrey, of Jackson township; and Charles, who is engaged in farming and grain dealing at Amsden and was elected in 1901 to the office of treasurer of Seneca county, being a well-known Republican worker, chosen in a strong Democratic county, the first in- stance of the kind in the county. The youngest, Jessie Fremont, died when seven years old.
No man is more highly esteemed in the community than is Mr. Ash, and it is a pleasure to incorporate this brief tribute to one of the 'county's sterling citizens.
WILLIAM H. ZEIS.
Among the leading and successful farmer citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, William H. Zeis has long been one of t' re resentative men. Since 1883 he has been a resident of Seneca townshin and has been all his life identified with the interests of Seneca county.
The birth of Mr. Zeis was in Liberty township in Seneca county,
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December 24, 1838, and he was a son of Jacob and a grandson of Mar- tin Zeis, the latter of whom was one of the pioneer settlers of Seneca county and one who was notable in its early enterprises. As early as 1816 Martin Zeis left Germany on a sailing vessel, bound for the United States. Three long months were spent on the Atlantic ocean, and the tired voyagers then made their way to Frederick county, Maryland, where they lived for eleven years, Mr. Zeis having brought his family with him. It was just at this date that the agricultural advantages which settlement in Ohio promised began to attract sturdy pioneers from other states, who saw in this opportunity a future provision for the large fam- ilies which at that time were not unusual. Hither came grandfather Zeis and his ten children, the trip consuming a long time, on account of the poor roads, many of them almost impassable. Mr. Zeis located in Liberty township, Seneca county, entering here one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, and here the remainder of his life was spent. By trade he was a shoemaker and he carried this on in con- nection with farming and became one of the leading citizens of his town- ship. He was a man of great industry and was earnest in his desire to promote the advancement of his township. It was his personal effort which cut the first road through the forest from Shiloh church to Cromer Station, his land covering a part of the present site of the village of Cromer. With the assistance of his many sons he soon built a comfort- able log cabin and established here a family which has ever since been one of respectability in the county.
Jacob Zeis, who was the father of our subject, was born in Baden, Germany, and he accompanied his parents to America and was his father's helper in his early settlement in Seneca county. He married Abbie Craun for his first wife, and they had three children, the survivor being Martha, the wife of Thomas Guinn, a resident of Iowa: John M. and Jacob being deceased. The second marriage of Jacob Zeis was to Eliza- beth Lauer, who was born in Wittenberg, Germany. She came to America at eighteen years of age and died in her sixty-second year. Fourteen children were born to this union, of which our subject was the oldest. The others were as follows: Lewis, deceased : Jacob, of Clinton
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township; Christiana, deceased; Daniel, a private in the Twenty-eighth Iowa Infantry, who died during the war; Rebecca, the widow of David Fought, of Seneca township; Lucinda, deceased; Theodore, deceased; Matilda, deceased ; Charles, a resident of Indiana; Truman, a resident of Hopewell township; Benjamin, a farmer of Liberty township ; James, the farmer on the old homestead in Liberty township; and Leander, a resi- dent of this township.
After his first marriage Jacob Zeis bought eighty acres of land in Liberty township and there he made his home during the continuance of his life. This farm is now the property of his son, James F. Zeis.
The early life of William H. Zeis, of this biography, was spent on the old home farm in Liberty township. He embraced every educational opportunity within his reach, his advantages being limited. He recalls very distinctly the old log schoolhouse with its uncomfortable slab benches whereon the children of his day sat with aching backs, on account of no supports being provided, while a scarcity of books was felt by almost all of the pupils. The teacher was usually partly paid by subscription and was expected to board around among the families. Many romances have been written of those days, but Mr. Zeis needs none of these, as he easily recalls them and is able to compare the chances which the children of to- day enjoy beyond those offered to their forefathers.
There was plenty of work to be done on the home farm and Mr. Zeis remained assisting his father until he was twenty-seven years of age. Then he married and bought sixty acres of land and for two years oper- ated both that and his father's farm, moving then into Seneca town- ship and operating a farm there for the two following years. Mr. Zeis then removed to his former home in Liberty township, where he made many substantial improvements and remained from 1870 to 1883, coming then to his present most desirable farm in Seneca township. Here Mr. Zeis owns one hundred and fifty-five acres in section 27, and has given his attention to general farming and stock-raising. He is well known in agricultural circles and his methods of farming and management of stock commend themselves to his neighbors as wise and productive of excellent results.
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Although the greater part of his life has been given to cultivating the soil, Mr. Zeis has had other interests, and has always arrayed himself on the side of law and order. In 1862 he became a member of the Home Guards and was with Company E, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regi- ment, when it went, in 1864, to serve in the defense of the nation's capital. It is a well-known fact in his locality that he is an uncompro- mising Republican.
The first marriage of Mr. Zeis was to Miss Ellen Cromer, who was a daughter of Ezra Cromer, and the children of this union were as fol- lows: Ira N., who is a practicing physician in Carey, Ohio ; Daniel W., who is attending a dental college of Columbus, Ohio; and Elizabeth, who died in infancy. Mrs. Zeis died in 1872. The second marriage of Mr. Zeis was to Miss Sarah Cromer, who was a sister of his first wife, and the children of this marriage are as follows: Ezra E., Jesse W., and Lula L., all residing at home.
Mr. Zeis is highly esteemed in his township as an honorable man and is known to be interested in matters of public moment, having always done his part to advance every worthy enterprise, looking to the agricultural development of this part of Seneca county.
Ezra Cromer was born in Maryland, of German origin, and mar- ried, in Liberty township, Seneca county, Sarah Craun, a sister to Abbie Craun, the first wife of Jacob Zeis. His home adjoined the Zeis farm at Cromer station, which was located on his farm and named in his honor. He died there at sixty-eight years of age. His widow now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Zeis, aged eighty-six, well preserved. Mr. Cromer and wife were active in the Methodist Protestant church, in which he was a class-leader, and his life very much devoted to the growth and advancement of the church and of the moral upbuilding of the com- munity.
PHILIP DEWALD.
During the pioneer epoch in the history of Seneca county the De- Wald family was founded within its borders by John and Elizabeth (Reisick) DeWald, who, leaving their little German home across the
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sea, took up their abode in Hopewell township, Seneca county, Ohio, in 1833. The members of the family took an active and prominent part in the development of this section of the state, aided in transforming its wild lands into rich farms and in other ways promoted the progress and advancement which made a once wild region the home of a contented, prosperous people. On first arriving in the county John DeWald took up his abode north of Bascom, but owing to the swampy condition of the land he remained there but a short time and then located one mile south of that city, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing to his final rest in 1850. On one occasion during the early pioneer days he and his wife were returning to their wilderness home from a journey to Tiffin, when the wife suddenly called her husband's attention to what she called a "large black dog." After a glance the husband immediately handed the reins to his companion, and, grasping a small hickory stick which he had cut for a cane, sprang from the wagon in pursuit of the animal. The latter proved to be a large black bear, which, rearing on its hind feet, prepared for battle ; but Mr. DeWald by rapid and repeated blows killed the animal after a fierce struggle! Unto Mr. and Mrs. DeWald were born ten children, three of whom still survive: Maria, the wife of Jacob Starber, of Tiffin; Peter, a prosperous armer of Loudon township, Sen- eca county ; and Philip, the subject of this review.
The latter was but two years of age when he was brought by his parents from Bavaria, Germany, where he was born in 1831, to the United States, the family locating in Hopewell township, Seneca county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and after his father's death his time was occupied in looking after the homestead farm. After his marriage he continued to make his home on the old place until about 1881, when he purchased eighty-two acres of the farm which he now owns, in Loudon township. As the years have passed by and prosperity has rewarded his well directed efforts he has been enabled to add to his boundaries a tract of forty acres just across the road in Hopewell township. From his early youth he has been obliged to make his own way in the world, and all that he now owns stands as a monument to his untiring energy and his excellent business ability. He can recall vividly to mind the time
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when Tiffin was no larger than the village of Bascom at the present day, when the now rich and populous county of Seneca was a vast wilderness and when wild animals roamed at will. In the wonderful transformation which has since taken place he has nobly borne his part, and he is now numbered among the honored pioneers of this portion of the Buckeye state.
Mr. DeWald was united in marriage to Miss Mary Merganthaler, a native of Loudon township, and they have six children,-John, Anna, Henry, Ellen, Cora and William. The daughter Cora is the wife of Vernon Slosser, a prominent farmer of Hopewell township. Mr. De- Wald gives his political support to the Democracy and is a member of the German Reformed church.
GEORGE W. ROSIER. -
One of the well-known and substantial citizens of Seneca county, Ohio, is George W. Rosier, who is now retired from agricultural activity, but who owns some of the most valuable farming land in Seneca township.
The birth of Mr. Rosier took place in Baltimore county, Maryland, April 3, 1841, and he was a son of Abijah and Dorcas Rosier, farming people of that county. His earliest recollections are connected with rural life and agricultural activity, and the life of the farmer has been the one of his choice ever since. He was sent to the common schools of his locality and acquired a fair knowledge of the elementary branches but he early found it a necessity to begin an independent career for him- self. At the age of sixteen years Mr. Rosier became an inmate of his uncle's home, and remained on the latter's farm until 1861. At that time public feeling was at fever heat, and with other young men of his locality Mr. Rosier became a member of a company of home guards, the branch of the service being known as Pennell's Legion, and it was composed of various regiments of cavalry, infantry and artillery. This company of
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which our subject was a member, continued in the service for a period of thirteen months, being occupied mainly in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, at points in Maryland, and also in West Virginia.
After the close of his army service, in the winter of 1862, Mr. Rosier went north with the object in view of obtaining a satisfactory situation on some farm, and before spring opened he had secured an excellent posi- tion on a farm in Wood county, near Fostoria. Here his industry and knowledge of farming made him a valued assistant, and he remained on this place for one and one-half years. Desiring to see more of the farm- ing section, he then went to Seneca county and worked on a farm in Thompson township for two years, later coming into Seneca township, where he worked for a time for others, but, noting the richness of the soil and the excellent advantages of location enjoyed in this township, he later purchased forty acres. Here Mr. Rosier carried on farming successfully, gradually accumulating means and experience, and here he made his home until 1890. At that time he moved to the farm which he now occu- pies, which is an estate comprising one hundred and fifty-six acres, one hundred and forty of which he has under a fine state of cultivation. He has engaged in a general line of farming, and has been one of the excel- lent stock-raisers of this section of the county, his methods of carrying on all agricultural operations having a thoroughness about them which has resulted in a prosperous condition. In 1901 Mr. Rosier retired from active labor, turning the great farm over to his son and his son-in-law, who are capable and efficient farmers. This farm is well improved, three comfortable residences and two commodious barns being among the substantial improvements.
The first marriage of Mr. Rosier was to Miss Amelia Fought, who died in less than two years thereafter. His second marriage was No- vember 27, 1867, to Miss Caroline Yambert, who was a daughter of Rev. Aaron Yambert, a well-known and most highly esteemed clergyman of the Evangelical Association. Four children were born to this marriage, viz .: Laura, who is the wife of A. P. Gremlich; Annie, deceased, who was the wife of I. B. Crumrine; Ida, who is the wife of Ira Montrose; and Frank H., who operates the home farm.
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Mr. Rosier has always been a member of the Democratic party. Both he and wife belong to the Evangelical Association, in which they are highly valued. Although Mr. Rosier is now one of the solid, sub- stantial men of his township, he is entirely self-made, having had scarcely any assistance in establishing himself. Early in his career he realized that the foundation stones of success were industry, honesty and per- severance, and all through life he has possessed the requisites, the result being that he is able to spend the evening of his days in comfort, enjoy- ing the knowledge that he has won the confidence and esteem of friends and neighbors.
GEORGE E. SMITH.
Among the well known and highly esteemed citizens of Tiffin, Ohio, is George E. Smith, who has resided in this city since 1894, and is now filling the responsible position of private secretary to Congressman James- A. Norton, a position for which the practicai knowledge, the college edu- cation and the versatile gifts he possesses, particularly fit him.
The native state of Mr. Smith was Michigan, where he was born on September 6, 1854, in Kalamazoo county. His parents were Rev. M. I. and Mary (Edwards) Smith, the former of whom was born in Con- necticut but reared in Auburn, New York, where he remained until his marriage, going then to Michigan, where he was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church for a period of twenty-five years. During the civil war he entered the Third Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and served as chaplain of that regiment. He was a man of parts and learn- ing, always ready to promote by tongue and pen the cause of education, and his sixty years of life showed fruits of piety and usefulness. He was a nephew of Lieutenant Governor Ingersoll, of Connecticut.
The mother of our subject, Mary (Edwards) Smith, was born, reared and educated near Syracuse, New York, and survived her husband for some years, dying January 2, 1901, at the age of seventy-eight years. She was a consistent member of the Methodist church, a devoted wife and
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a tender mother. She had seven children, our subject being the fourth in the order of birth.
George E. Smith passed his early life with his parents and in his youthful days attended the schools in the locality in which his father was stationed as a clergyman of the Methodist church. Later he pursued a higher education in the colleges both at Albion and at Lansing, Michigan, preparing then to take up the study of law. His reading was with the well known Judge Buck, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and in 1875, Mr. Smith was admitted to the bar. For about ten years he practiced law in that city, but an accident which happened to him, in 1884, bringing on peritonitis, made it necessary for him to lay aside business care for several years. A sojourn in Florida enabled him to regain a measure of health, but when he returned to active life he decided to entirely change his busi- ness, and accepted the management, in 1886, of a large factory, in San- dusky, Ohio.
In 1889. when Mr. Norton was appointed commissioner of railways and telegraphs, by Governor Campbell, he made Mr. Smith his chief clerk, and in this office he served for several years, finally resigning dur- ing the administration of Governor Mckinley. Mr. Smith then became the traveling representative of the Safety Lighting & Heating Company, through western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan, making contracts with the railroads in the interests of this company, which is a New York corporation.
In 1894 Mr. Smith came to Tiffin and became associated with the Tiffin Bent Wood & Lumber Company, continuing with that concern until he accepted his present congenial position with Hon. James Norton. As secretary to this statesman he is brought into touch with public affairs and he is known as a very judicious, diplomatic and most efficient official. Mr. Smith has been actively identified with the Democratic party ever since his youthful days, and has been prominent in all local conventions, including those of city, county and state, ever since he has been a resident of Ohio. His ability as a worker is highly rated. He has shown his interest in educational matters by giving his time as a member of the
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board of education. Fraternally he is connected with Tiffin Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M.
Mr. Smith was married, in 1880, to Miss Susan Booth, of Kala- mazoo, Michigan. Reared in the Methodist church, under the loving care of worthy Methodist parents, Mr. Smith early imbibed the prin- ciples of that religious body, and they have ever been an influence in his life. He has served the church in many capacities, has been a delegate many times and represented his church in the annual conferences of that denomination. His literary work has excited considerable favorable comment. In 1893 he published a book of poems which ranks high in literary merit, and is now engaged on a historical work, intended to cover a recent epoch in the nation's history. He has a ready pen, but much of his work in the newspapers, although of great value, is not traced di- rectly to him.
Socially Mr. Smith is a favorite, his pleasing manner, quick intelli- gence and courteous demeanor making him many friends.
JOHN MARTIN.
In the best development of Seneca county John Martin bore an im- portant part. He was identified with the agricultural interests of this section of the state from pioneer days, and while promoting the material welfare of the community also gave an active and liberal support to those measures which tended to advance its intellectual and moral status. His life was filled with good deeds and kindly thoughts, and all who knew . him entertained' for him the highest regard, by reason of his upright, honorable life. Over the record of his career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and his example is well worthy of emulation by his many friends.
Mr. Martin was born on the farm on which his widow now resides, in August, 1845, the only child of Michael and Mary ( Shafferly) Mar- tin. The father was a native of the Emerald Isle, and in the land of his
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birth he spent the first thirty-eight years of his life, coming thence to the United States. Some time later, in the '30s, he made his way to Ohio, where he secured employment on the Maumee canal, but while thus en- gaged he had the misfortune to break his leg, which rendered him a cripple for life. He then entered a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, the birthplace of our subject, and he and Michael Martin, David Lahey and John Whalen were the first to locate in this section of the state. There Mr. Martin lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years, and his wife reached the ripe old age of ninety-two years. She was a native of the fatherland, and when about forty years of age came with her par- ents to America. Her people were in very limited circumstances, and she was therefore obliged to earn her own livelihood. Mr. Martin was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church, and a few years before her death his wife also united with that faith.
John Martin, the immediate subject of this review, was early taught the value of industry, and when a youth the arduous task of clearing new land and placing it under cultivation fell to his lot, for his father was a cripple and unable to perform hard labor. For about twelve years, in addition to his work on the farm, he also sold fruit trees through this section, and thus he became well known to many of the residents of the county. His life furnishes a striking example of the boys who secure their own start in life,-determined, self-reliant boys, willing to work for advantages which many others secure through inheritance, destined by sheer force of character to succeed in the face of all opposition and to push to the front in one important branch of enterprise or another. As a man his business ability was constantly manifest, showing unlimited possibilities, nothing too great to grasp and master, and he arose to a foremost position among the business men of Seneca county.
The marriage of Mr. Martin was celebrated in January, 1866, when Miss Otilla Huth became his wife. She was born in Hopewell town- ship. Seneca county, a daughter of Nicholas and Eva (Swing) Huth, both natives of Germany. The mother was brought to America when a child, but the father remained in his native country until about forty years of age, when he, too, crossed the ocean to the new world, settling
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in Hopewell township, two miles south of Bascom. Twelve children blessed the union of our subject and wife, but only eleven are now living, namely : Mary E., the widow of Henry Eschenbrenner and a resident of Tiffin; Mathilda, the wife of Charley Kimmet, of Liberty township; Margaret E., the wife of Nicholas Brickner, of Jackson township ; Ellen L., the wife of J. H. Seewald, of Toledo, Ohio; Sarah, Alice and Isa- belle, at home; Susan, of Norwalk, Ohio; Mary J., the wife of Joseph Kimmet, of Liberty township; and John E. and Michael S., at home.
Mr. Martin gave his political support to the Democracy, and the family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church. He was a man of firm convictions, honest purpose, kindly nature and upright life, and the world is better for his having lived. He departed from the scenes of earth's activities June II, 1897, but his memory is still enshrined in the hearts of his many friends.
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