USA > Ohio > Seneca County > A centennial biographical history of Seneca County, Ohio > Part 55
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and sanguinary battles of the Rebellion, notably the following: The engagement at West Point, the Seven Days' fight before Richmond, the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- ville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness and Spottsylvania. At Chancellors- ville, on May 3, 1863, he was wounded, being struck by rifle balls three different times, and owing his life to a diary and a Testament which he had picked up a few minutes before the battle and placed in his breast pocket, the book so retarding the course of the bullet as to render the injury not a serious one. He still has the old Testament to which he owes his life. On picking it up he remarked : "This is thick enough to stop a ball." In the engagement at Spottsylvania, however, on the 12th of May, 1864, Mr. Seewald received a severe wound which developed blood poisoning and necessitated his confinement in the Lincoln general hospital, in Washington, until the expiration of his term of service, when he received his honorable discharge, on the 19th of September, 1864. That he still retains an interest in his old comrades is manifest in his attending reunions of the old soldiers and visiting the battle ground of Gettysburg.
After the expiration of his military service, which was one of dis- tinction, Mr. Seewald returned to his home in Tiffin, and shortly after- ward, in the spring of 1865, he purchased ninety acres of his present farm, in Loudon township, to which he has added until he now has a fine place of one hundred and forty acres, well improved and under most effective cultivation. Much of the land was still covered with the native timber at the time he took up his residence here, and he has personally cleared more than half of his place and reclaimed the land to cultiva- tion, so that he has had his share of the pioneer experiences. In addi- tion to his general agricultural operations Mr. Seewald also devotes special attention to the raising of shorthorn cattle, of which he has some fine types. He has ever given an uncompromising support to the Re- publican party and has taken a deep interest in public affairs of a local nature. He served for fifteen years as a member of the school board of his district, and as a public-spirited and progressive citizen has given his influence in the furtherance of good government, educational and re-
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ligious interests and all that conserves the general welfare, while to him is accorded in his native county the fullest measure of esteem and con- fidence.
On the 18th of April, 1865, Mr. Seewald was united in marriage to Miss Susan Strausbaugh, who was born in Seneca county, the daugh- ter of Jacob Strausbaugh, who was one of the pioneers of the county, whither he removed from York county, Pennsylvania. They reared ten children, namely: Blanche B., wife of John Bessler, of Los Angeles, California; Jessie C., the wife of James Dunn, of Tiffin; Charles V.,. a successful teacher in the schools of Loudon township; Leo O., a resi- dent of Bismarck, North Dakota; Arthur W., in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; Grace, the wife of Daniel Flannagan, of Toledo; Asa, who remains on the old homestead; Ira H., a resident of Toledo, as is also Raleigh T .; and Maud S., who remains at the pa- rental home. Mrs. Seewald died on the 15th of February, 1894, at the age of forty-nine years.
DAVID BOYD.
One of the venerable pioneers and honored citizens of Seneca county is Mr. Boyd, who is now living retired from active business, after a long life of signal industry and well directed endeavor. His career has been characterized by an inflexible integrity of purpose and he has ever commanded the fullest measure of esteem in the community where he has passed so many years of his life, his home being in Jackson township.
Mr. Boyd claims the old Keystone state as the place of his nativity, having been born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of Feb- ruary, 1822. He was reared and educated in his native county and when fourteen years of age entered upon an apprenticeship at the black- smith trade. After attaining maturity he removed to Cumberland county, where he was employed at his trade for a period of two years.
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He then set forth for Ohio, making the trip on foot and locating in Rich- land county, where he remained one year, at the expiration of which time he came to Seneca county and established his home in Jackson township, where he has ever since resided. He at one time owned a farm of three hundred and sixty acres, but has disposed of this property with the exception of one acre, where he has maintained his home from the time when he first located in the township. Upon locating here he established a blacksmith shop, and here he continued in the active work of his trade until 1891, when he retired. His services were in demand by a large circle of patrons, and he is well known to the people of this section of the county.
In 1844 Mr. Boyd was united in marriage to Miss Rosana Weiser, who was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of Feb- ruary, 1822, and they became the parents of five children, namely : Hugh W. A., who is engaged in farming in this township and who served as a valiant soldier during the war of the Rebellion, having en- listed, in June, 1863, as a private in Company C, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served six months, the regiment having been in pursuit of Morgan on his famous raid and having par- ticipated in the engagement at Cumberland Gap. On the 2d of May, 1864, Mr. Boyd re-enlisted, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the one hundred days' service, being assigned to duty in the defense of the national capital. After the expiration of his second term Mr. Boyd returned to his home, and in October, 1864, he again tendered his services to the Union, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Eighty-third Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, which was with General Thomas in the Franklin and Nashville campaign, and in this regiment he served until the close of the war, when he received his honorable discharge and was duly mustered out. He retains a vital interest in his old comrades in arms and is prom- inently identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, being a member of Norris Post, at Fostoria, of which he has ever served as commander. Jacob H. C. Boyd, the second son of our subject, was likewise a soldier in the Civil war, having served for seven months in the One Hundred
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and Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he is now a successful farmer of his township. John A. S., Benjamin F. and David I. died in early childhood.
In politics Mr. Boyd is a stanch Republican, and he has served as trustee of his township. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a member since 1848, his wife also being a devoted member of the same. Mr. Boyd has eleven oil wells on his place and the same are being profitably operated. He has at- tained prosperity through his own well directed efforts, and in the even- ing of his life enjoys the due reward of his active and useful career.
FRANCIS H. SCHLINK, M. D.
Among the representatives of the medical profession in Seneca county is Francis Henry Schlink, who is established in active practice in the village of New Riegel. Dr. Schlink is a native of the state of In- diana, having been born in Allen county, on the 14th of January, 1856, a son of George P. and Mary A. (Rose) Schlink, of whose nine chil- dren four are living at the present time, namely: John, a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana; George and Joseph, who reside in Allen county, that state; and Francis H., the subject of this review. George P. Schlink was born in the kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, in the year 1812, and came to America, in company with his mother and step-father, in the year 1833. After residing for a short time in the city of Buffalo, New York, the father of our subject removed to Allen county, Indiana, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. There, on the Ist of Jan- uary, 1843, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Mary A. Rose, who was born in Alsace, France (now a German province), and who had come to America with her parents in the year previous to her marriage, the family locating in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The father of the Doctor continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits in Allen county, In- diana, until his death, which occurred on the HIth of February, 1865,
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while his wife passed away on the 25th of the succeeding month, both having succumbed to attacks of typhoid fever, as did also one of their daughters, who died about the same time. They were devoted members of the Catholic church and were people of sterling worth of character.
Dr. Schlink was but nine years of age at the time of the death of his parents, and thereafter he lived until his fourteenth year in the home of two families of the neighborhood, one of the men with whom he was thus placed later becoming his brother-in-law. Under these con- ditions the Doctor resided in New Haven, Indiana, where he secured his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools. At the age of sixteen years he entered Notre Dame College, at Notre Dame, Indi- ana, where he completed the literary and scientific courses and was graduated as a member of the class of 1877. He thereafter took a course of study in the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and later continued his technical studies in the Miami Med- ical College, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1880. In the meantime the Doctor further reinforced himself in the line of his profession by taking a special course of study in physical diagnosis in the hospital wards, together with a course of lectures in the city hospital of Cincinnati, so that he was specially well equipped for professional work at the time of his graduation. In the spring of 1880 Dr. Schlink entered upon the active practice of his pro- fession at Delphos, Ohio, where he built up a representative business and attained high prestige. In 1882 the Doctor became a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, which, in the following year, he represented as a delegate to the convention of the American Medical Association, of which he became a prominent member. In the same year he was chosen as a member of the board of health of Delphos, and in that capacity served for a number of years, while he was also ex- amining physician for the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Detroit, as he was also local surgeon, at Delphos, for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. The Doctor continued in the practice of his profession at Delphos until the spring of 1894, when he came to New Riegel, where he has since been established in a large and repre-
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sentative practice, being held in the highest esteem in the community and being recognized as one of the leading members of the medical fra- ternity in Seneca county, many difficult surgical operations being as suc- cessfully handled by him as when treated by specialists in the larger cities. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, and he is a communicant of St. Boniface church.
On the 18th of May, 1881, Dr. Schlink was united in marriage to Miss Agnes A. Ostendorf, who was born in Delphos, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph Ostendorf, who was one of the stockholders and the foreman of the Union Stave Works, at Delphos, being thus in active service for a quarter of a century, but being now retired from active business. Dr. and Mrs. Schlink became the parents of five children, of whom four survive, namely: Josephine M., who is a graduate of the musical conservatory of the Ohio Normal University and who is a successful teacher of music in Tiffin, where she is organist of St. Mary's church; Albert G., a student of the Ohio Normal University, at Ada; and Rosa T. and Henry A., who remain at the parental home. Elmer, the second in order of birth, died at the age of twelve years.
ELIAS HOLLENBAUGH.
At this juncture we enter memoir of one of the sterling citizens of Seneca county, where he located in pioneer days, developing a fine farm from the forest wilds of Jackson township and attaining a high degree of success through his energy and well directed efforts. He was a man of exalted honor and integrity and he ever held the highest esteem of all who knew him. It is signally fitting that in this compilation be incor- porated a tribute to this sterling citizen, who entered into eternal rest 011 the 4th of June, 1901.
Mr. Hollenbaugh was a native of the state of Pennsylvania, hav- ing been born in Berks county, on the 8th of April, 1838, and he was reared to the sturdy discipline of farm life, receiving a common-school
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education. As a young man he came to Seneca county, where he began working on a farm, by the month, so continuing until his patriotism and loyalty led him to tender his services in defense of the Union during the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted as a private in Company A, One Hundred and Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war,-a term of nearly three years. After receiv- ing his honorable discharge and being mustered out, Mr. Hollenbaugh returned to Pennsylvania, where his second marriage was solemnized, and soon afterward he returned to Seneca county, in company with his wife, being located near Bettsville for a period of seven months, after which he purchased forty acres of land in Jackson township, the tract being covered with native timber, with the exception of about five acres, which had been previously cleared. In a primitive log cabin of two rooms he and his devoted wife established their home and he then set himself valiantly to the work of reclaiming his farm from the sylvan wilds, his efforts being attended with such success that he was able to add to the area of his farm, becoming the owner of one hundred acres, nearly all of which he cleared of its heavy growth of timber while he made the best of improvements on the place, including a commodious and attractive residence, where his widow still maintains her home. On the farm are several oil wells, which add to the value of the fine prop- erty. Mr. Hollenbaughi ever gave his influence and tangible aid in support of all measures and enterprises projected for the general good, being active in the upholding of educational and religious work and being a Prohibitionist in his political allegiance. He was a man whose in- tegrity was unimpeachable and to him was given the unstinted con- fidence and esteem of the community in which he lived and labored to sitch goodly ends. He was a devoted member of St. John's Evangelical church, in which he was ever found an active worker.
Mr. Hollenbaugh was first married to Miss Susanna Mangle, who passed away in 1862, leaving two children,-Syriah, who is the widow of John C. Wonders ; and Amelia, the wife of Eli Schaeffer, of Berks county, Pennsylvania. On the 8th of February, 1866, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Hollenbaugh was united in marriage to Miss Caro-
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line Reigle, who was born in Berks county, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom we enter brief record, as follows: Frank is a successful farmer of Paulding county, Ohio; Mary is the wife of Na- thaniel Zimmerman, of the same county; John is a resident of San- dusky county ; Eli is engaged in operating the homestead; Samuel and Cordelia are deceased; Sarah is the wife of William Zimmerman, of Paulding county ; Clara is the wife of Alfred Saum, of Seneca county ; Ida is the wife of Francis Kline, of Sandusky county; and Alda is the wife of Henry Myers, of Wood county.
LEMUEL DOWNS.
Not all men order their lives to their liking; nor yet are all men true to themselves in living as nearly to their ideals as possible and attaining to such success as their opportunities and talents render ac- cessible. We now turn to one who accomplished much during his long , and useful life, the entire span of which was passed in Seneca county, where he stood as a worthy scion of one of the early pioneer families, and though his was not a pretentious or exalted life, it was true to itself and its possibilities, and one to whom the biographist may revert with a feeling of respect and satisfaction.
Mr. Downs was born on the old homestead farm, in Eden town- ship, Seneca county, March 10, 1834, and it is interesting to note the fact that this continued to be his abiding place until death set its seal upon his mortal lips, thus closing a life of signal usefulness and honor, his death occurring on the 3d of April, 1895, at the age of sixty-one years. He was one of the progressive and influential farmers and stock- growers of this section, and his efforts were directed with such discrim- ination, energy and ability that his success was much above the average attained in connection with the dignified vocation of the husbandman. His father, John Downs, was born in the state of Virginia, where he was reared to maturity. He removed to Ross county, Ohio, where his
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marriage to Caroline Holder was solemnized, and thence he came to. Seneca county in 1824. Here he entered four hundred acres of govern- ment land, the greater portion being still an unbroken forest wild, and established his home in one of the primitive log houses common to the place and period and for many years later. Of this estate the farm now owned by the widow of our subject was an integral portion, and here John Downs and his devoted companion passed the residue of their days, each being about eighty years of age at the time of death. They had a family of thirteen children, all of whom are deceased, our subject having been the youngest and the last to pass away.
Lemuel Downs was born on this old homestead and was here reared amid the scenes and conditions incidental to pioneer life, his educational advantages, though meagre, being the best afforded in the locality, the schools being of primitive order .- simple log buildings, with the slab seats and puncheon floors. He early began to assist in the work of the farm and after his marriage began his independent career on a portion of the old homestead, eventually developing a fine place, making the best of permanent improvements, as is evident from the appearance of the farm to-day, and from time to time accumulating other land until, at the time of his death, his estate comprised more than six hundred acres. In properly handling a property of this sort it is needless to say that much administrative and executive ability was demanded, in addition to a thorough knowledge of the science of agriculture and the proper handling of details. That his success was one of large measure was due to his own efforts, and he was one of the leading farmers and stock-growers of the county, having devoted special attention to the raising of sheep of the best grade, as well as cattle. In politics Mr. Downs was a life-long Democrat, and he served as township trustee and in other local offices. The title of "Squire," by which he was familiarly known, was given him when a boy on account of his father having served in that capacity for years. He was a man of inflexible integrity, making no compromise for the sake of advancing personal aims or ambitions, and yet showing that kindly tolerance which ever commands strong and abiding friendships.
On the 13th of February, 1862, Mr. Downs was united in mar --
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riage to Miss Lucinda Miller, who was born near Mexico, Wyandot county, the daughter of George and Esther (Stratton) Miller, pioneer settlers of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Downs became the parents of six children, of whom we make brief mention as follows: James W. died at the age of nine years; Cora May is the wife of Charles Gulick, of Eden township; Jennie Esther is the wife of Calvin Spitler, an attorney of Tiffin; Allen J. died at the age of eleven years ; John Guy is proprietor of a livery in Tiffin ; and George L. is operating the old homestead.
WILLIAM N. DUNN.
In order to perpetuate for coming generations the record of one who was very prominently connected with the growth and development of Seneca county, but who has now passed to his final reward, a brief account of the life of William Nelson Dunn is placed on the pages of this volume. He was a public-spirited citizen, in harmony with advanced ideas, intelligent progress and one always liberal in his contributions to aid the social, material and religious advancement of the county. He was one of Seneca county's poneer settlers and was a most worthy and exemplary citizen.
William Nelson Dunn was a native of the Empire state, his birth having there occurred in Sullivan county, February 1, 1815, and he was a son of James and Mehitable ( Hopkins ) Dunn. Of the parents' large family of eight children all are now deceased. His father was a farmer and lumber dealer, owning about four hundred acres of timber land, on which he operated two sawmills and rafted lumber to Phila- delphia. In 1831 he moved upon his farm in Wayne county, New York, where he lived until life's labors were ended in death.
In the fall of 1841, in company with Henry D. Clark, who later be- came his brother-in-law, William N. Dunn, of this review, came to Sen- eca county, Ohio, locating in Hopewell township. Our subject cleared and improved his farm and became the owner of over twelve hundred
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acres of land in the state of Michigan and in Seneca county. His life was characterized by energy, perseverance and hard work, and to these principles his success was due. In 1872 he put aside the active cares of the farm and removed to Tiffin, where the remainder of his life was spent. For eight years he was a constant sufferer from partial paralysis of the muscles and nerves, but he bore his affliction with a noble courage and fortitude.
In 1842 Mr. Dunn was united in marriage to Miss Sophia W. Clark, a native of Rensselaer county, New York, and a daughter of George. and Dorcas (Sweet) Clark. The father died when the daughter was a child, and her mother afterward married Elijah Lake and removed to Wayne county, New York. Mr. Dunn was called to his final rest in 1883, and the community thereby lost one of its valued citizens, the church a consistent benefactor, his neighbors a faithful friend and his family a devoted husband and father. In his political associations he was a Democrat. His widow still survives and now resides in the home property in Tiffin. She is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church and a member of the Industrial Chapter of the church Guild. She is very active in church and charitable work and is loved and hon- ored for her many noble characteristics.
FREDERICK E. ENGLAND.
Frederick Ellsworth England, who for nine years has been engaged in merchandising as the proprietor of a grocery in Fostoria, is one of the native sons of this city who has attained to prominence in commer- cial circles here. His father, Humphrey England, was a native of Ash- land county, Ohio, where the grandfather of our subject located in pio- neer days, becoming an active factor in the improvement and develop- ment of that portion of the state. After arriving at years of maturity Humphrey England was united in marriage to Lavina Hollopeter, a sister of Dr. Hollopeter, of Fostoria. She was born in Wayne county,
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Ohio, and in 1836, when six years of age, was brought by her parents to this city. Her father was Frederick Hollopeter, who located in Jack-' son township and throughout the remainder of his life carried on farm- ing there. He was a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and be- came one of the progressive agriculturists of Seneca county, Ohio. He passed away at the age of seventy years.
The father of our subject arrived in this county about 1836, and as a carpenter and contractor was identified with building interests here until his death, which occurred when he was about sixty years of age. His widow still survives him and has reached the age of seventy-one years. In the public schools of Fostoria, Frederick E. England acquired a knowledge of the common branches of learning which fit one for the practical and responsible duties of life. When a young man he became connected with the grocery trade and for nine years has been the propri- etor of a store which he has successfully conducted. He carries a large and well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries and has secured a good trade, which is annually increasing, as a result of his reasonable prices, honorable dealing and earnest desire to please his patrons.
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