USA > Ohio > Erie County > A standard history of Erie County, Ohio: an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, civic, and social development. A chronicle of the people, with family lineage and memoirs > Part 38
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HARRY J. SCHWINN. In this era of "big business," when nearly all successful manufacturing concerns are, and have to be, operated on a large scale, he who ean hold a responsible position with such a concern must be a man of intelligence, industry and thoroughly reliable char- acter. Such a man is Harry J. Schwinn, foreman of the blacksmithing department, and caretaker of the locomotives of the boiler department of the Castalia Portland Cement Company, at Castalia, Ohio, who has been connected with this flourishing concern for the past sixteen years. Mr. Schwinn was born in the busy manufacturing city of Allegheny. Pennsylvania, November 15, 1868, a son of Adam J. and Catherine (Foley) Schwinn. The father was a native of Allegheny of German extraction and the mother was born in Hamilton, Ontario.
Harry J. Schwinn resided in Allegheny until he was ten years old. at which time he accompanied his parents to Franklin, Pennsylvania. where they subsequently died. After a two years' residence there. he came, in 1880, to Erie County, Ohio, settling in Sandusky, where he learned the trade of boiler-maker and blacksmith, which he followed in Sandusky for a number of years. In 1899 he came to C'astalia and entered the employ of the Castalia Portland Cement Company as a blacksmith. The concern was then in its infaney, but the business grad- mally increased, the plant was enlarged from time to time, and Mr. Schwinn's faithful service received merited recognition. A thorough master of his trade, he has justified the confidence of his employers and his department is conducted with the highest degree of efficiency. In polities Mr. Schwinn is a republican and, as a good citizen, he takes a commendable interest in local affairs, supporting the cause of good gov- ernment and doing whatever he can to advance the moral and material welfare of the community. He is fraternally affiliated with Spring Tent. K. O. T. M., at Castalia, the Loyal Order of Moose, at Sandusky, and the Knights of Pythias, at Sandusky.
Harry J. Schwinn was united in marriage with Effa Smiley, of Franklin, Pennsylvania, of which place she is a native. Her parents were Joseph M. and Adaline (McFate) Smiley, her father. now de- ceased, being a native of Franklin, where the Smiley family settled at
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an early date. Mrs. Schwinn's mother was born in Sunnville, Pennsyl- vania, and comes of Revolutionary ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Schwinn are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have six children- Morris II .. Catherine A., Reed E., Ruth Irene, Allen II. and Marian G.
('APT. JONATHAN F. ILARRINGTON. The career of a dutiful, honor- able and upright man, a gallant soldier, a thorough and diligent agri- «ulturist and a useful. intelligent and patriotic citizen, is illustrated in the enviable life record of Captain Harrington, one of the old and hon- ored residents of Groton Township. He has not only performed his own part in life well, but belongs to a family which in many intimate and useful ways has been identified with Erie County since the beginning of settlement in this section of Northern Ohio. In fact, the IIarringtons are among the very oldest families of the county, having been repre- sented in local citizenship for considerably more than a century. Its early members braved the hardships and privations of the wild unbroken distriet in the early years of the nineteenth century, and in all the generations those of the name have been looked upon as men and women of industry and honorable dealings who have contributed in large de- gree to the development and growth of their communities.
The birth of Capt. Jonathan F. Harrington ocenrred on a farm in Groton Township Jannary 3, 1835. His parents were Ralph and Anna (Paxton) Harrington, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Kentucky. Ralph Harrington was a son of Seth Harring- ton, who was born in Rhode Island, and owing to his service as a captain of militia in early days of Ohio was long familiarly known as Capt. Seth Harrington. Captain Seth brought his family in 1812 to what is now Erie County, Ohio. His settlement was on the banks of Pipe Creek in Groton Township. Ilis simple home was in the midst of the wilder- ness and one of the chief sources of livelihood came from the wild game found in abundance all over the country. The life of the family in the early days was similar to that of other pioneers. Only the barest of necessities were obtainable, and the comforts and convenienees were not to he thought of. The Harringtons were typical of the sturdy, rugged and cheerful pioneers, who continued their labors forward to better eireumstanees, so that succeeding generations have profited from their sacrifices and hardships. Capt. Seth Ilarrington died in Groton Township when he was past eighty years of age. Ralph Harrington was only about five years of age when brought with other members of the family from Rhode Island to Erie County. They made that long and tedious journey by wagon and team and camped out along the roadside as night overtook them. A century ago Indians were almost as numerous in Northern Ohio as white settlers, and not infrequently they caused considerable trouble and anxiety to the pioneers, who, when threatened by an Indian incursion would gather together under the protection of an improvised fort or blockhouse. Ralph Harrington, like his father, was a man of industry and high standing in the community. His death was a serious loss to the township and was the more lament- able owing to the fact that he was killed accidentally. One day while the Civil war was being fought he rode a young colt to the Seven Mile llonse postoffice, called for his mail, and in attempting to mount his horse was unable to overcome its resistance and temper and was kicked to death. IIe was familiarly known as Squire Harrington, having served as a justice of the peace in Groton Township, and had also filled the office of trustee. During the battle fought by Commodore Perry with the English, he was asleep on a large stone, which still lies along the highway about a mile south of the Harrington home, and when he awoke is said to have remarked: I heard someone singing. Ile was but
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a child then, and he slumbered on the stone while other members of the family were gathering hay.
Capt. Jonathan F. Harrington grew up in a time when Eric County was still partly in a pioneer condition. He was reared on the home farm, and seenred his educational training in some of the early schoolhouses familiarly known only to the oldest residents now living. After getting the advantages offered by the schools in Groton Township le also spent one year attending school at Detroit, Michigan. Since early youth he has been studious, and few citizens of Groton Township have read more widely and have kept themselves better informed on all subjects of current interest. His vocation since early manhood has been that of farming, and soon after getting started in that vocation he went away to fight the battles of the Union. Captain Harrington (n- listed in May. 1861, in Company A, of the Seventy-second Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, and his first duty was in recruiting the company for that regiment, and after getting its quota mustered in he took his place in the ranks as a private soldier. A year later he was made second lieu- tenant, and later promoted to first lieutenant, and during the last two years of his service was captain of the company. Ile contimmed in the war four years until his honorable discharge in September, 1865. Cap- tain Harrington saw much of the ardnous service in the Western armies, fought in the great battle of Shiloh, participated in the siege of Corinth and also in the campaign ending in the fall of Vieksburg. At the close of the war his regiment was stationed at Memphis, Tennessee, and after getting his honorable discharge he returned home to Groton Township aud was soon applying himself with characteristie vigor to his business as a farmer.
On January 1, 1868, Captain Harrington married Miss Sarah E. Me- Kesson, who also represents some of the pioneer stock of Erie County. Mrs. Harrington was born in Margaretta Township of Erie County, a daughter of James C. and Marietta ( Prout) MeKesson. Her father was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and her mother was a native of Oneida County, New York. Mrs. Harrington's great-great grandfather, Rev. John Mckesson, was one of the pioneer clergymen and missionaries of the Presbyterian Church in America, and had re ceived his education in the University of Edinburg, Scotland. The Me- Kessons were among the very early settlers of Margaretta Township, and Mrs. Harrington's maternal ancestors, the Prouts, were equally early in their settlement in Oxford Township. Through her mother Mrs. Ilarrington is a great-granddaughter of two Revolutionary soldiers, whose names were Pront and Holt. Captain Harrington and wife be- came the parents of one daughter, Anna Marietta, now the widow of Joseph Goebes, who during his life followed farming in Groton Town ship. Mrs. Goebes has a daughter, Florence M., who was born June 23. 1909.
In a publie capacity Captain Harrington has served his home com- munity several times as township trustee, also as clerk of the township. and has been a stanch republican since the beginning of that party, having come of age just about the time the first republican campaign was being waged in 1856. As a farmer he owns a highly improved and valuable place of 155 acres, devoted to general agricultural lines, and he has For many years represented the best ideals of country life. lle is now vice president of the Erie County Agricultural Society, an office he has filled for a number of years, and has likewise held the post of director in that organization. The family are well known socially throughout the township and county. Captain Harrington is also a member of the Union Veterans Corps, which formerly had its headquar- tors at ('lyde, Ohio.
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DANIEL D. WHITE. There are in every community men of great force of character who by reason of their capacity for leadership he- come recognized as foremost citizens and hear a most important part in public affairs. Such has been the creditable position in the Castalia community of Daniel D. White, who for many years was a progressive farmer in Groton Township, has frequently been honored with those positions which denote community esteem and for the past ten years has been cashier of the ('astalia Banking Company. He was one of the prin- cipals on the organization of that solid financial institution in Septem- ber, 1905, and has since been a director and cashier.
Mr. White is one of the citizens of Erie County who represent the old colonial stock of New England. He is a direct descendant of Elder John White, who came from England in 1632 and in September of that year arrived in Massachusetts, where his name can be found identified with church and other activities so as to stamp him a leader in the early history of that colony. Daniel D. White was born in Groton Township of Erie County, May 17, 1861. His parents were Ebenezer and Ellen (Jones) White. Ilis father was born in Massachusetts and his mother in New York State. The White family was established in Erie County by Grandfather Capt. John White, who gained his title by service in the state militia. He was one of the pioneer settlers in Groton Town- ship and for several years the family lived in one of the typical log cabin homes of that period. Ebenezer White was about thirteen years of age when he accompanied the family from Massachusetts to Erie County and in this new country he grew up to useful and honorable manhood. For six years he served as a commissioner, and held that office at the time the present Erie County courthouse was constructed. He was a republican in politics, and spent all his active career as a farmer in Groton Township. He also served as a trustee of that town- ship and justice of the peace, and was well known throughout the county. Ilis death occurred in 1885. Of his children three are still living: Lizzie S., widow of W. O. Zabst, late of Bellevue, Ohio, where she now resides, Ilarriet J., wife of J. J. Neill, of Margaretta Town- ship: and Daniel D.
The only surviving son, Daniel D. White grew up in Groton Town- ship and his education came partly from the district schools and partly from the schools of Castalia. More than thirty years ago he began his active and independent career as a farmer in his native township, and that was his chief enterprise up to 1905, since which time he has been identified with the affairs of the Castalia Banking Company, as one of the officers and directors. At various times Mr. White has performed his share of public duties. For 'six years he was a member of the Board of Control of the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station' at Wooster. having been appointed by Gov. George K. Nash and reappointed by Gov. Myron T. Herrick. He is affiliated with Perseverance Lodge, F. & A. M .. at Sandusky, with Spring Tent No. 80 of the Knights of the Maccabees at Castalia, and has been particularly prominent in the Patrons of Husbandry, having membership in Margaretta Grange No. 488, which he served as master three years, and for two years was master of Erie County Pomona Grange. At Sacramento, California. in 1888, he was given the seventh degree in the National Grange. Mr. White still owns a valuable and well improved farm of 140 acres in Groton township. ITis part has always been that of a progressive and substantial citizen and his reputation rests upon solid achievement.
On October 28, 1885, he married Dora Chase, daughter of the late Henry Chase, a former resident of Margaretta Township, and of New England stock. Mr. and Mrs. White have one of the attractive homes of Castalia, and both are popular members of social circles.
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WILLIAM C. GRAVES, Erie County has many men who are not only fortunate in their material circumstances and in their position as citi- zens, but also in the general estimation of the public fully deserve all their good fortune. Such a man is William C. Graves, vice president of the Castalia Banking Company and the owner and at one time the Farmer of 207 acres of land in Margaretta Township. Mr. Graves has spent most of his life in Erie County, and has that prestige which belongs to a successful career.
Many years ago, when Erie County's development was advanced only a few degrees beyond pioneer conditions, the Graves and Caswell families came here from the East. Spencer Graves was an early set- tler in Margaretta Township and a highly influential citizenship of that locality. Calvin Caswell was also a pioneer in the same township, and lived there for more than half a century. At one time he owned large tracts of land in the township, was an orderly and intelligent farmer. and his reputation extended beyond the bounds of his immediate home community. For several terms he served as a county commissioner, and was also at one time president of the Erie County Agricultural Society and did a great deal to strengthen and extend the influence of that organization. These two families were united by the marriage of Lucius S. and Emily L. (Caswell) Graves, the former a native of New York State and the latter of Erie County. To their marriage was born William (. Graves in Margaretta Township on February 18, 1861.
Ilis early life was spent on the farm in his native township, and in the course of time he acquired a liberal education. ITe attended the common schools, the Castalia High School, and for about two years pursued a general commercial course in the Northern Ohio Normal at Ada. Immediately after his marriage he removed to Rockford in Mercer County, Ohio, where for about ten years he was identified with the timber and lumber industry. From there he removed to Sandusky and was a member of the firm of T. C. Adams & Son in the wholesale flour, fruit and produce business. In 1900 Mr. Graves returned to Cas- talia, and for eight years was in the general merchandise business in that village and also served as postmaster. Then followed three years of farm management on his estate in Margaretta Township, and in 1913 he returned to Castalia and has since given much of his attention to the Castalia Banking Company. He became a stockholler in that institu tion when it was reorganized and subsequently was elected its vice president.
Mr. Graves married Lucy M. Adams, daughter of the late Thomas C. Adams, who for many years was well known in Castalia and other parts of Ohio as a merchant. Mr. and Mrs. Graves have one son, C'alvin T. Graves, who is now established successfully as a real estate man in Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Graves is affiliated with Sandusky Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a man of genial social qualities as well as of broad experience and thorough ability in business affairs.
HIERMAN KRUEGER. The position of superintendent of a large manu- farturing plant in these days of strenuous industrial activity is no sinecure, and he who can successfully perform its duties must be a man of experience, tact and energy. The Castalia Portland Cement Com- pany, whose large plant is located at Castalia, Ohio, with the main office at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has an exceptionally competent super- intendent in ITerman Krueger, a man well and favorably known in Castalia and throughout Margaretta Township. Mr. Krueger was born in Prussia. Germany. August 6. 1870, his parents, Theodore and Hannah
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( Gysau) Krueger, being natives of that country. When he was a child of less than four years, or in the spring of 1874, they came to America. settling in Margaretta Township. Erie County, Ohio, and here the subject of this sketch was reared to manhood, acquiring his education in the public schools. It was in 1898 that he first entered the employ of the Castalia Portland Cement Company, going to work in the coal- grinding department. After spending three years in this department he was promoted to the position of foreman of the packing house, which he filled for some time, being then made night superintendent of the plant. He remained in this position for several years and was then made general day foreman. His next promotion was in 1909 to his present office as general superintendent of the plant, in which he has shown himself thoroughly competent, having a comprehensive knowl- edge of all the various processes of manufacture, united with a high order of executive ability. The concern ineludes a number of different departments and gives employment to about 160 men-laborers. mechanics, mill men, firemen, engineers and others, of all of whom Mr. Krueger has charge. His success in life has been achieved through his own industry and perseveranee, backed by no inconsiderable degree of natural ability. A public spirited, enterprising citizen, he takes an active interest in local affairs and is ever ready to aid a worthy cause. especially if it promises to be of general benefit to the community at large. In politics he is a republican, while his religious affiliations are with the Lutheran Church at Sandusky, Ohio.
Mr. Krueger was married, December 7, 1890, to Miss Emma David. who was born in Margaretta Township, this county, daughter of Charles David, a former resident of Margaretta Township, but now deceased. Mrs. Krueger, after a happy wedded life of nearly twenty-five years. died February 19, 1915, leaving five children-Carl, Fred, Arthur E .. Dora and Marjorie A. Carl is residing in Castalia, while the other four live with their father in Margaretta Township.
CHARLES CANFIELD. The scattered survivors of the war of 1861-65 are men of distinction and honor wherever they are found. One of these veterans in Erie County is Charles Canfield of Castalia, who is now spending his declining years in comfort and honor in the county where he was born, and is giving dignified and acceptable service as a justice of the peace of Margaretta Township and is a notary public.
His birth occurred in Milan Township of Erie County, January 18. 1839, and though his life has been a most active and eventful one it has been prolonged to more than three-quarters of a century. His parents were Moses and Belinda ( Mack ) Canfield. The Mack family were among the very early settlers of Milan Township. The ('anfields came originally from Vermont. When Charles Canfield was still a child he became a resident of Branch County, Michigan, several miles from Coldwater, the county seat. He was left in tender years to meet the difficulties and problems of life almost alone. He grew up partly in the home of Jerry Noble, who lived not far from Coldwater, and sub- sequently was in the home of Perry Larribee in Bethel Township of Branch County. His early environment and his life among strangers did not allow him to attend school regularly, and he has gained most of his knowledge by personal reading and study and by contact with men and affairs. lle had passed his majority when the war broke out, and almost at the first call he enlisted in the First Michigan Light Artillery, Loomis Battery, which was organized at Coldwater. Ile was in the three months' service, and during that time participated in the battle of Bull Run. In January, 1863, Mr. Canfield enlisted in Company D of the
Ana & Bailey
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Ninth Michigan Cavalry and was in the Department of the Ohio and subsequently in the Department of the Cumberlands. The climax of his military experience eame when he followed Sherman in the advance to Atlanta and in the march to the sea. Ile was under fire more or less all the time while with Sherman, and in the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, received a wound from a bayonet which pierced his neck. Somewhat later, on January 21, 1865, he was given an honorable dis charge and returned home to take up the duties of civil life with the distinctions and honors that belong to the veteran soldier. After the war he learned the trade of wagon maker, and followed that as a means of livelihood almost continuously until 1908, in which year he retired. In the meantime Mr. Canfield had made his home in different states and in different towns and cities. In March, 1907, he came to Castalia. and has since lived at that village. For a number of years his home was in Toledo : he also lived in Detroit, and in whatever community any portion of his life has been spent he has won the respect of his fellow citizens. For a time sinee returning to Castalia Mr. Canfield was janitor of the high school, then for several years performed the duties of truant officer for Margaretta township, and is still acting in that capacity and is also one of the justices of the peace and has a commission as notary public.
Mr. Canfield is a republican but has frequently exercised his disere- tion and independence in easting his ballot. At one time he was a member of Vienna Lodge No. 205, F. & A. M., at Clio, Michigan, and also belongs to Vienna Lodge No. 191 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at the same place. He also belongs to the Grand Army Post at Castalia. Mr. Canfield has been three time married, and by his second wife has two sons: Albert E. Canfield of Adrian, Michigan, and Charles H. Canfield of Jasper, Michigan.
Mr. Canfield's present wife is one of the most interesting pioneer women of Erie County. Her maiden name was Sarah J. Harvey, and she was born at Lansing, Tompkins County, New York. April 18, 1828. Iler parents were Thomas and Rachel (Dickerson ) Harvey, her father a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, and her mother of Tompkins County, New York. When Mrs. Canfield was eight years of age, in 1836, her parents came to Erie County and located at Sandusky, where for three years her father kept the old Portland House, which in its time was a popular and widely known hostelry. Later the family re moved to Margaretta Township and settled on a farm near Castalia. They moved to this community in 1839. Later her father bought the Seven Mile House in Margaretta Township, and conducted it a number of years. Mrs. Caufield has lived in Erie County almost eighty years. and has a great fund of recollections and memories associated with the times and people. Her father, after selling the Seven Mile House, moved to Venice and for several years was proprietor of the Venice Hotel, after which he became a farmer in Margaretta Township and at one time owned 400 acres of land in that vicinity. Ilis death occurred in Sandusky in 1864. Squire Canfield, as he is familiarly known by his friends and the residents of Castalia, is a man of publie spirit and enjoys the good will and respect of all his fellow townsmen.
IRA C. BAILEY. Though he assumed his present responsible position as manager of the extensive lumber and manufacturing business of the Valentine Fries estate without having had previous experience in this line of enterprise, Mr. Bailey has shown himself a most cireumspeet and capable executive, has fortified himself thoroughly in the details of the business and has made the same definitely successful. The business has
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