USA > Ohio > Seneca County > A centennial biographical history of Seneca County, Ohio > Part 7
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On the 22d of December, 1870, Mr. Tittle was united in marriage to Miss Emma Johnson, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Beatty) Johnson, and they are the parents of two children,-Susie H. and Edith B., both of whom remain at the parental home.
GEORGE W. KISHLER.
Among the intelligent, progressive and enterprising men who have successfully directed their attention and labors to the noble work of husbandry in Seneca county and whose prosperity has come as the re- sult of personal effort, is Mr. Kishler, one of the substantial and hon- ored agriculturists of Eden township, and aside from his position as a sterling citizen he also has the honor of being a veteran of the war of the Rebellion. If one is to sojourn for any length of time in that naturally favored portion of the county designated by the title of Eden township, he is sure to note with appreciation the changes wrought by
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the hand of man to the end of securing the great fields of waving grain, the undulating meadows, with their herds and flocks, the substantial improvements and the various other conditions indicatory of a prosper- ous agricultural community. In this connection also will be noticed the fine farm estate of the subject of this review, and here he is abiding in peace, contentment and plenty, honored by those among whom so many years of his life have been passed and ever doing all in his power to conserve the best interests of the community.
Mr. Kishler is a native of Perry county, Ohio, having been born on a farm, near the town of Somerset, on the 30th of May, 1842, the son of Frederick and Elizabeth Kishler. When he was about six years of age, in 1848, the family came to Seneca county, where our subject was reared to years of maturity, receiving his educational training in the public schools. When nineteen years of age he gave inception to his independent career by securing a clerkship in a mercantile establish- ment at Wooster, Wayne county, and resigned this position in 1862, in order to respond to the call of higher duty. He enlisted as a private in Company I, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until his discharge, on account of physical disability. He then returned to Tiffin, where he gave his attention to the sawing out of gun stocks until May 2, 1864, when he again tendered his serv- ices in defense of the Union, enlisting, in the one-hundred-days service, as corporal in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, which served in defense of the federal capital until the close of its term, when Mr. Kishler was mustered out and received his hon- orable discharge. His interest in his old comrades in arms has never flagged and is vitalized by his identification with the Grand Army of the Republic, he having been one of the charter members of General William H. Gibson Post, No. 31, at Tiffin, of which he served as ad- jutant for two terms.
After the close of his military service Mr. Kishler returned to Tiffin, where his marriage was soon afterward solemnized and he then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, using marked discrimina- tion from the start and so directing his energetic efforts as to attain a
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cumulative success, as is evident in the prosperity which is now his. They have a well improved and productive farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres, devoting the same to diversified agriculture and to the raising of an excellent grade of live stock. While he takes an interest of proper sort in public affairs of a local nature, he has never been an aspirant for official preferment, but gives a stanch support to the principles and policies advanced by the Republican party.
On the 27th of December, 1865, Mr. Kishler was united in mar- riage to Miss Clementine Norris, who was born in this county, the daughter of Lloyd and Elizabeth Norris, pioneer settlers, and of this union four children have been born, namely: Fanny B., who died in her sixteenth year; Minnie M., wife of Frank Floom, of Tiffin; Claud B., of Tiffin; and Lloyd, at home.
JOHN H. SMITH.
It cannot be other than pleasing to note, in the various personal sketches appearing in this work, that there remain identified with the agricultural industry in Seneca county many worthy and prominent citizens whose entire lives have been passed here and many of whom were born here in the early .pioneer epoch, thus being witnesses of the transition stages which have brought this section of the state from its condition as a primeval forest to that as a populous and opulent division of one of the greatest commonwealths in the Union. In the subject of this review we have one of these honored representatives of a pioneer family and one who is known as a substantial and influential farmer of Hopewell township.
Mr. Smith was born in Pleasant township, on the 15th of Feb- ruary, 1852, being the son of Henry and Barbara (Fry) Smith. Henry Smith was born in Germany, whence he accompanied his parents on their emigration to America, in 1831. His father brought the family to Seneca county and took up a tract of government land in Pleasant
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township, where he reclaimed a good farm from the forest wilds and there passed the residue of his life, as did also his wife. On this old homestead-the one on which the subject of this sketch was born- Henry Smith was reared to maturity, attending the primitive school of the time and place as opportunity afforded, the advantages in this line . being rather meager, as a matter of course. In 1851 he purchased a quarter section of wooded land, upon which he erected a house of hewed logs, utilizing heavy beech timbers, which were properly squared and made ready for use in the erection of this house of three rooms and attic,-a domicile somewhat more pretentious than the average in the locality at that time. He improved his farm as rapidly as possible and there remained until 1864, when he disposed of the place and purchased a quarter section in Clinton township where he likewise improved a good farm, remaining there until 1868, when he located in the vicinity of Tiffin. Later on he traded his property there for three hundred acres in Pleasant township, where he made his home for eighteen years. He then retired from active pursuits, taking up his residence in Tiffin, where his death occurred three years later. His widow is still living, making her home in Loudon township. The success which attended his efforts may be estimated when it is learned that he left an estate whose value was approximately sixty thousand dollars. He was a man of strong mentality and absolute integrity of purpose, and was one of the influential citizens of the county, where he was held in the highest esteem. His wife, whose maiden name was Barbara Fry, was born in Germany, and has now attained the venerable age of seventy-two years, making her home with her youngest son, Daniel. They became the parents of eight sons and five daughters, and of this number eight are living at the present time.
John H. Smith, the immediate subject of this review, remained at the parental home until he had attained years of maturity, assisting in the farm work and attending the common schools as opportunity presented. He initiated his independent career about the time of his marriage, which occurred in 1875, renting land of his father about three years and then removing to Tiffin, where he remained about two
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years devoting his attention to teaming and also to farming. He there- after continued his agricultural pursuits on his farm of one hundred acres, in Bloom township, for a period of eleven years, at the expiration of which he traded the place for his present attractive and well improved farm, in Hopewell township, the same comprising one hundred and sixty-eight acres, of which all but eighteen acres is cleared and under a fine state of cultivation. In addition to diversified farming Mr. Smith also gives his attention to the raising of high-grade live stock, and his good judgment and discrimination have made both branches of his farm industry duly profitable. He takes a proper interest in local affairs of a public nature, and exercises his franchise in support of the prin- ciples and policies of the Democratic party, while in religion he is a communicant of St. Mary's Catholic church, in Tiffin, having been reared in this faith.
On the 26th of November, 1875, Mr. Smith was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Unser, who was born in Loudon township, the daughter of Joseph and Johannah Unser, and of this union four chil- dren have been born, of whom two are living namely: Harry, who is engaged in farming in Seneca township; and Clara, who remains at the parental home. The other two children died in infancy.
DAVID H. DERR.
The great agricultural industry in Seneca county has an able rep- resentative in the subject of this review, who was born on the farm where he now lives, in Clinton township, and who is a member of one of the sterling old pioneer families of the county, his father having located in the forest wilds of this section of the state more than seventy years ago.
David H. Derr was born on his present homestead, on the 5th of May, 1844, being one of the seven children of Ezra and Rosanna (Cramer) Derr, and one of the four who are living at the present time, the others being John T. and Dennis F., of Tiffin, and William, a suc-
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cessful farmer of Clinton township. Ezra Derr was born in Frederick county, Maryland, January 1, 1807, and in 1829 he came thence to the wilds of Seneca county, Ohio, looking over the territory and then re- turning to his native state. In 1830 he came again to this county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of heavily timbered land in Clinton township, three miles northeast of Tiffin, later acquiring an ad- ditional tract of equal area, so that his farm comprised three hundred and twenty acres. Of this old homestead his son David H. now owns one hundred and fifty-eight acres and a fraction. When the father took up his location here there was a frame house on the place, the same having been erected by a Mr. Earl, the original owner. This was one of the first frame buildings erected in the county and is still in a fair state of preservation. Ezra Derr cleared and improved the greater portion of his farm, and here he continued to reside until his death, on the 30th of January, 1890, at the venerable age of eighty-three years. He was a stalwart Republican in politics, and was one of the zealous and influential members of the First Reformed church in Tiffin, having been an elder in the church for many years and having ever been ready to contribute to its cause and to forward its work in every possible way. He was well known in the county and was revered as one of the sterling pioneers who contributed his quota to the founding and building of this section of the state. His wife was born in Fred- erick county, Maryland, on the 25th of March, 1807, and accompanied her parents, Frederick Cramer and wife, on their removal to Seneca county, in the year following the arrival of Mr. Derr, to whom her marriage was here solemnized. She died on the 16th of August, 1889. her husband surviving her until the following January, as has been noted, so that these two, who so long lived in gentle and kindly affec- tion in life, were not long divided in death.
David H. Derr, the immediate subject of this review, was reared on the old homestead farm and received his early educational training in the public schools. He continued to work on the homestead for stipulated wages until he had attained the age of twenty-nine years. when he and his brother William took charge of the old place and
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worked it on shares, being thus associated until 1894, when William removed to his own farm, a part of the homestead, which he had acquired in 1890, after his father's death, and since that time our subject has con- tinued operations on his portion of the homestead, as has been already noted in this article. His place has the best of improvements and is maintained in a high state of cultivation, being devoted to diversified farming and to the raising of live stock. Mr. Derr has been an indus- trious and progressive worker and careful business man, and he has not been denied a due measure of success in his well directed efforts, while he commands uniform confidence and esteem in the community where his entire life has been passed. He gives his support to the Repub- lican party, but has never been an aspirant for public office. He clings to the religious faith in which he was reared and is a worthy member of the First Reformed church in Tiffin, his wife being a member of the Baptist denomination.
On the Ioth of November, 1878, Mr. Derr was united in marriage to Miss Martha S. Kaga, who was born in this county, the daughter of Rudolph and Anna Kaga, the former of whom died December 8, 1866, and the latter on the 27th of April, 1878. Mr. Kaga was born in Fairfield county, February 18, 1818, and there his father died, after which his mother removed with her family to Bloom township, Seneca county, in 1827, the family thus being numbered among the pioneers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Derr became the parents of three children, of whom two are living,-Rosanna Blanche and Ezra C., both of whom remain at the parental home.
GEORGE SHANNON. 7
One of the venerable pioneers and honored citizens of Seneca county is Mr. Shannon, who has here devoted his attention to agri- cultural pursuits for more than half a century, having located in the county at a period when the virgin forest marked the sites of a major
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portion of the present highly cultivated farms, and he thus aided in reclaiming the land and in laying the foundations for the prosperity which now attends the fine agricultural community of this favored sec- tion of the Buckeye state. He has cleared six different farms in this county, and prior to dividing his property among his children was the owner of nearly four hundred acres. He has been dependent upon his own resources from the time of his boyhood and his success is a mer- ited reward for his well directed endeavors and his life of signal probity and honor. Though of advanced years Mr. Shannon retains marked mental and physical vigor and is a fine type of the pioneers of the great state of Ohio.
Mr. Shannon is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Franklin county, on the 12th of October, 1816, the eldest of the five children of George and Barbara (Kiser) Shannon and the only one living at the present time. He was reared to the age of eighteen years in his native state, having very limited educational advantages, as the financial position of his father was such that he had to provide for his own maintenance while a mere child. In 1834 the family came to Ohio, making the trip with a one-horse wagon and locating near Canton, Stark county, where the parents passed the remainder of their lives. At the age of nine years Mr. Shannon began working on a farm, for his board and clothing, and he thus continued in the employ of one man until he had attained the age of fourteen, when he began receiving wages. He remained in Stark county until 1847, when he came to Seneca county and after remaining for a few months in Tiffin he pur- chased a tract of fifty-two acres, in Pleasant township, a few acres having been cleared and a hewed-log house erected. He cleared and improved this farm, and as prosperity attended his efforts he increased his holdings of farm property, clearing and improving five other places, having now his home farm, of seventy-three acres, where he took up his abode in 1898, having divided the remainder of his land among his children. He has a pleasant home and still maintains an active super- vision of his farm, which is one of the model places of this section. In his political adherency Mr. Shannon has been a stanch supporter of
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the Democratic party from the time of attaining his majority, and he has voted for every Democratic presidential candidate from that time to the present, with the exception of the support which he gave to Abraham Lin- coln, for whom he voted for his first and second terms. For several years he was a member of the school board of his district, and he also served as township trustee for four years. His religious faith is that of the Brethren, or what is generally known as the Dunkard church, of which he has been a devoted member for many years.
On the 2d of January, 1840, Mr. Shannon was united in marriage in Stark county, to Miss Annie Mary Lautzenheiser, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, and they became the parents of eight children, namely: John and William, who died at the ages of forty-three and fifty-four years respectively ; Mary E., the wife of Jesse Miller, of this township; Franklin, a farmer of this township; Samuel, a resident of Tiffin; Lewis, who is a painter by trade and who is now engaged in farming in Sandusky county; Melissa, who became the wife of John Schaffer and who died at the age of thirty ; and Nelson, who has charge of the homestead farm. Nelson married Miss Lizzie Remsberg and they have two children, Ralph Harris and John Clarence. He owns a farm adjoining his father's and operates both places.
Mrs. Shannon, the wife of our honored subject, died January 28, 1900, after a brief illness. She had lived a consistent Christian life and for upward of sixty years proved a true helpmate to her husband, whose every effort received her hearty approval and co-operation.
WILLIAM B. WASHBURN, D. V. S.
Few members of the veterinary profession are better known in Sen- eca county, Ohio, than is Dr. William B. Washburn, of Tiffin, Ohio. Educated in all of the principles and modern methods of his specialty, he is enthusiastic in its practice, and his services are valued highly and are in constant demand all through this county.
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The birthplace of Dr. Washburn was on a large estate owned and conducted by his father, Aaron G. Washburn, in Lucas county, Ohio, and the date of his nativity was February 8, 1869. The elder Mr. Wash- burn is likewise a native of Lucas county and is now the owner of a large dairy farm at Richfield Center.
Dr. Washburn grew up on a farm and early became accustomed to the care of the stock, almost insensibly becoming interested in a way which probably determined his future career and his great success. Until he was sixteen years of age his father insisted upon his attendance at school, the boy showing unusual ability, and graduating, at that early age, from the high school at Sylvania. He then engaged in teaching in the district schools in his native county, continuing through two years, with marked success, and becoming one of the popular teachers although young in years. His health failed from over study, and in order to improve it he took a trip to Michigan. He there resumed teaching school and continued through the following year. His ambition, however, led him to enter an educational institution at Wauseon, Ohio, and that year was passed in the study of scientific subjects, with the result that Mr. Washburn's inclinations had now become a determination to enter seri- ously upon the systematic study of veterinary science. The sacrifice and suffering entailed upon the domestic animals which minister to our well- being and pleasure, on account of the ignorance prevailing as to their treatment, awakened in the young man an overmastering desire to learn how to cure and alleviate their afflictions.
Mr. Washburn was received as a student by Dr. J. V. Newton, of Toledo, a gentleman of high standing in the profession, with whom he followed a preparatory course and later entered the veterinary college located at Toronto, Canada, continuing there till his graduation in 1893. Upon his return he remained with Dr. Newton in Toledo until the fol- lowing year, when he came to Tiffin, where he has been engaged in active practice. In 1898 Dr. Washburn purchased a livery business, which he has extended into the largest and most complete of its kind in this locality, his horses and various equipments being of such a kind that they would reflect credit upon a much larger city. The Doctor is an ardent lover of fine horses, his admiration for such and the pleasure
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afforded in driving them leading him to be the possessor of a few of the most spirited roadsters to be found in Tiffin or vicinity.
The marriage of Dr. Washburn took place on May 3, 1893, to Miss Ada M. Leonardson, who was a resident of Riga, Michigan, a lady of many graces of mind and person. In his political preferences Dr. Wash- burn is liberal, being in no sense a politician. In fraternal circles he is a valued member of Pickwick Lodge, No. 175, Knights of Pythias, at Tiffin.
As a leading member of his profession in this locality, Dr. Wash- burn is considered an authority, and is frequently in consultation over serious cases, few ever passing through his skilled treatment without re- lief. He is a member of the various county and state organizations of his profession, is respected by his brother veterinarians, and is in de- mand as a writer for the veterinary publications. In Tiffin Dr. Wash- burn is very well and favorably known, and his livery business is one of the leading concerns of the city, being well adapted to the city's needs and receiving the generous patronage it deserves.
JOHN R. BRADNER.
The family history of the Bradners is one of close connection with Fostoria, and its development, progress and material advancement. He whose name introduces this review has, like his father and brothers, , been actively associated with business interests that have been of benefit to the community, while promoting individual prosperity. He now con- ducts a general real-estate, insurance and collection agency, and is also serving as justice of the peace for Loudon township.
John R. Bradner is a native of Fostoria, his birth having occurred in 1875. The family is of Scotch lineage and was founded in America by his great-grandfather, who was a native of Scotland and who was a minister of the Presbyterian church. For some years the representatives of the name resided in New York, but eventually the family was estab-
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lished in Ohio, and since that time the Bradners have had important in- fluence in shaping the commercial and industrial history of the state. At the usual age the subject of this review entered the public schools, acquiring a good practical education. As a real-estate dealer he is well informed concerning the value of property, not only in Fostoria and Seneca county, but in other sections of Ohio. He has handled many im- portant property interests and negotiated deals which have involved heavy investments. He also writes a large amount of insurance an- nually, representing several of the standard companies, and his collec- tion agency forms no unimportant department of his business. His efforts bring to him a handsome income and as an enterprising and wide- awake business man he is well known. Mr. Bradner was united in marriage to Miss Laura M. Earl, a most estimable lady of Fostoria, and a daughter of Leroy Earl, of this city. Their union has been blessed with two interesting sons, J. Alonzo and Earl Milton. In public affairs Mr. Bradner is known as one who co-operates in every measure for the public good. His political support is given the Republican party and he was honored with election to the office of constable. So capably did he discharge his duties through the first term that he was re-elected in 1895. He was later elected justice of the peace, and is now an incumbent of that position. He has not been an aspirant for office, however, as his time and energies are fully occupied by his business interests. He is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family, one who, by reason of his sterling personal worth, deserves and is generally accorded that esteem which comes to those whose lives are in close touch with all that assists in advancing the community in which they live.
HENRY KLAISS.
No citizen of Seneca county enjoys the confidence and high esteem of his associates and neighbors in a greater degree than does Henry Klaiss, who has spent his entire life in the locality. Since attaining to
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mature years he has taken an active share in the development of the resources of this vicinity, has materially aided in church and charitable enterprises and has ever used his influence in behalf of everything mak- ing for good citizenship.
Born on the farm on which he now resides, March 4, 1855, Mr. Klaiss is a son of Peter and Mary Matilda (Siple) Klaiss, natives of Northampton county, Pennsylvania. In the early '40s the father came to Seneca county, Ohio, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of partially improved land, in Eden township, the place which our subject now owns and occupies. At the time of the purchase a small log cabin stood on this farm, and in that primitive dwelling the family made their home for a time, after which a more suitable dwelling was erected. On this homestead the father made his home for many years, but he event- ually retired from the active cares of a business life and moved, after the death of his wife, to the town of Melmore, where he passed away in death in January, 1890. His wife was called from this earth on the 4th of July, 1880. This worthy couple were the parents of three chil- dren: Henry, the subject of this review; Jennie, the wife of George Keller, of Bloom township; and Frank, who resides near Mexico, Wyan- dot county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Klaiss were active members of the Ger- man Reformed church.
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