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 64
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Mr. Clark married Fannie J. Waldock, daughter of the late Fred- erick D. Waldock, who was a prominent farmer and influential citizen of Perkins Township. To their marriage were born three children: Ruth F., Jesse D. and Charles F. He is independent in politics and is a citizen whose business and personal record entitled him to the high confidence which he enjoys.
THEODORE E. WELCH. One of the widely known places of Erie County is the Boulder Stock and Seed Farm, the proprietor of which is Theodore E. Welch. Mr. Welch is one of the men who have brought Erie County forward as a prosperous agricultural center. Endowed with more than average ability and backed by shrewd business judg- ment and determination, he has prospered not . altogether along the routine of the average agriculturist, but has introduced progressive elements which have served to increase his own influence and prosperity and has made the Boulder Stock and Seed Farm a model institution of its kind.
llis family has been identified with Erie County for a great many years, and he was himself born in Vermilion Township, February 5. 1863. His parents were Thomas and Emily ( Ball) Weleh. His father was born in Waterville, Ireland, in 1835, and came of an old Irish Catholic family. In 1855, about the time he reached his majority, and when still single, he took passage on a sailing vessel which brought him to New York City, and from there he came on to Erie County to join his brother and sister. John and Bridget Welch, who had come to this locality a year or so before and had located in Vermilion Township. This brother and sister never married, and spent their lives in Hen- ricetta Township, where John died at the age of seventy and she passed away when eighty years of age. Another brother, Robert, lived and died in Ireland and had a large family of children. It was after com- ing to Erie County that Thomas Welch met and married Miss Emily Ball. She was born in Vermilion Township about seventy-five years ago and represents an old family. Her parents, Jesse and Susan (Gil- hert ) Ball, were of New England ancestry but were married in New York state, whence they came to Erie County. They located in the midst of the wildl woods of Vermilion Township, and there in a log rabin set ont with earnest purpose and with the true ambition of homemakers to effeet a clearing in the wilderness, and so wisely did they direct their labors that eventually they had a valuable farm and spent their remaining years in comfort. Mr. Ball died there at the age of seventy-five and his wife at eighty-two. They were fine people of the pioneer class, and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. in which he served for years as a deacon. In politics he was a democrat. A part of the Ball homestead is now owned by a grandson of its original proprietor. Elbert B. Welch, a brother of Theodore.
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After his marriage Thomas Welch and wife took possession of a portion of the Ball estate, and lived there until the spring of 1889, when they moved into Florence Township. and bought one hundred and seventeen acres of the Hiram Smith farm on the Central Ridge Road. This land is now the home of Theodore E. Welch, and com- prises the greater portion of the Boulder Stock and Seed Farm. Thomas Welch died there in 1900, having survived his wife four years. He always remained loyal to the church in which he was reared, was a republican in politics and filled several minor offices in the township with credit. He and his wife had only two sons, and the younger, El- bert B., has already been mentioned and is married and has a son named Earl and a daughter named Velma.
The first seventeen years of his life Theodore E. Welch spent in his native township of Vermilion, and while there attended school. but completed his education in Florence Township after his parents moved to the farm he now occupies. For a time he was a student in the Masons Corners school. After his marriage he took over the manage- ment of the homestead of 117 acres, and his own progressive industry and ability have enabled him to increase his real estate holdings, having added seventy-two aeres of adjoining land, and is also the owner of sixty acres in another part of the township. All this land is first class farming property, and slack methods and negligence have no evidence on the Boulder Stock and Seed Farm. Mr. Welch has succeeded in growing all the staple erops, but in recent years has made somewhat of a specialty in raising sweet corn for seed, planting about six acres of that erop and having a large dry house specially constructed for curing the crops. He also has about fifteen acres of potatoes. One of the noteworthy improvements on the farm is a barn standing on a foundation 55x80 feet, and his home is a large white house. He has found it profitable to keep only the best grades of stock, including horses, cattle and sheep, and an important source of his revenne is a herd of fourteen head of Holstein dairy cattle. Mr. Welch is a thrifty farmer, and handles his business with all the promptness and dispateh which a successful merehant or manufacturer would use. Another feature of his farm is an orchard of fifteen acres, while he has a vine- yard covering about one aerė.
In his home township Mr. Welch married Miss Carrie Welz. She was born in Oxford Township, of German parents, who spent most of their lives in Florence Township. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Welch. The oldest, Norris T., now twenty-two years of age, was educated in the common schools, high school, Oberlin Business Col- lege, and in preparation for his work as a practical agriculturist took a course in the Agricultural College of the State University, and is now a valuable assistant to his father. Lynn B., the next in age, seventeen, is completing the work of the high school. Arline, aged eleven, and Delorse, are both in school, while the two younger are Carmen, aged five, and Kent, aged three. Mr. Welch and his oldest son are both republicans in politics.
PETER J. HERMES. A long and active career as a fisherman in Lake Erie has been followed by quiet retirement at his home in Huron, where Mr. Hermes has lived more than forty-five years, and where he is easily one of the most prominent citizens. He has taken an active part in public affairs, has served as mayor and is now a member of the town couneil, and his life has always been on a high plane of endeavor and principles.
Peter J. Ifermes was born at the Village of Klatten, near the river Rhine in Prussia, December 22, 1842. The family goes back through substantial German stoek for a number of generations, and they have
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all been loyal Catholies. Peter Hermes, his father, died at Klatten in 1907, having spent his entire life there. IIe was a master shoemaker by trade. Peter Hermes married Anna Maynzer, who died in 1848 in the prime of life leaving five sons. Antone, the oldest, was twice mar- ried, left a large family, and was a shoemaker by trade. Hubbard, who lived with his brother Peter until his death, June 6, 1915, at the age of seventy-four. was for many years a Lake Erie fisherman. The third son is Peter J. Theodore H. who was born in 1844 and died in 1876, followed his brother Peter to the United States, and they lived together nntil Theodore's death. Jacob, who was born in 1848, is a shoemaker still living in the old country, and has children by two marriages.
After the death of his mother, Peter J. ITermes spent most of his early yonth in the home of Philip Engers, who was postmaster of the town. While in that home he was taught and became skilled in the business of grape growing. Ile had his share of military service, and participated in the war of 1866 against Austria. After his discharge he determined to come to America. He left Rotterdam, Holland, on a sailing vessel, the Cornelins Krennel, Captain Spencer's boat. The boat tonehed at England and after a voyage of twenty-eight days landed in New York City, March 28, 1868. Mr. Hermes went direct to Sandusky. and soon after applied for his first papers of naturalization, and has for many years been a loyal American citizen. After about a year of employment on a farm he removed to Huron, and began work as a Lake Erie fisherman for the firm of Clark Bros., who were at that time among the largest operators in the fishing industry ont of the port of IInron. Ile continned with that firm until 1882, and then began oper- ating as a fisherman with Nicholas C. Seott, under the style of ITermes & Scott, they having purchased the Clark Brothers Fishing Industries. They operated with pound nets, and did a large business together until 1904. In that year Mr. Hermes lost his wife, and sold ont his business and has since lived retired, spending a quiet life at his fine home on IIuron Street. Though more than seventy-two years of age he is still well preserved both in mind and body.
In June, 1872, Mr. Hermes was married in Perkins Township to Margaretta Hermes. She was born in the same community as her husband in 1845, and in 1852 was brought to the United States and to Perkins in Erie County by her parents Nicholas and Margaret ( Gib- bert ) ITermes. They made the voyage in a sailing vessel, and spent weeks in crossing the ocean. Nicholas Hermes and wife lived on and improved forty acres of land, and in the early days their home was a log house. He and his wife died when past seventy years of age, and both were members of the Catholic faith. Mrs. Hermes was one of five sons and two daughters, and most of them are still living and have families of their own. Mrs. Hermes died at her home in Erie County, in 1904. She was active in the Catholic Church and a much loved and respected woman, and in all her relations was true and faithful. While she had no children of her own she gave her home and care to the rearing of three adopted children: Emma Seawell ; Reberea Her- mes, who was a relative; and Christine Hermes, who is still unmarried.
Mr. Hermes is a democrat and has had a long career of active service in the Village of Iluron. IIe was a member of the town eonneil for sixteen years and was twiee elected to the office of mayor. having a large majority both times he went into office. He is still serving on the town council. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Maccabees and is a Knight Templar Mason, having filled several chairs in the different bodies of that order. Formerly he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
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RICHARD JARRETT. Since Erie County was first settled by white men many lives have entered into the fabric of its civilization and have served in one way or another to give form and structure to the life of the county as a whole. It was no insignificant contribution that the late Richard Jarrett made. While he followed the commonplace aetiv- ities and never sought the wide recognition which goes with the exeep- tional and perhaps almormal currents of state and national affairs, in his own community he did a work and lived a life that can be truly called exemplary. It was his good fortune early in life to be joined in marriage with a lady whose lovable nature has for years commanded the greatest respect of all who know her. Mrs. Jarrett since the death of her husband has lived in Berlin Heights, and has one of the most attractive homes in that village.
The late Richard Jarrett was born in London, England, September 19, 1839. and died in Berlin Township of Erie County, March 9, 1907. He came of English lineage and parentage. In 1851 he and his father, Moses, crossed the ocean on a sailing vessel between Liverpool and New York City, and thence proceeded directly to Erie County, loeating in Berlin Township. Here the father and his small son rented a farm which had a log house on it. They reached this country with no capital to speak of, and with only the resources of their hands and intelligent labor started to provide a home for a larger family. During the fol- lowing year they worked eagerly and constantly, and with the pro- eeeds of their labors were able to bring to this country the mother and the remaining children, whose names were Sarah, William, Ann, George, Mary A., Emily and Charles. Moses Jarrett and his wife reared this family of children until all were grown and were married. They were hard working people, and as long as they lived in Erie County com- manded the wholesome respect of all their neighbors. They died, Moses at the age of seventy-five and his wife at seventy, and are both buried in Washburn cemetery.
Richard Jarrett was twelve years old when he eame with his father to Erie County. It was a rough sea voyage, and a large part of the household possessions with which they started were lost. Thus they began their housekeeping in the log cabin in Berlin Township with the crudest of furniture. They used blocks of wood for chairs, and it was a long and gradual process by which they in time surrounded them- selves with the ordinary comforts of living. Richard Jarrett grew up a hard working, industrious and thrifty young man, and though only twelve years of age when he reached Erie County he soon found work which enabled him to be more than self supporting. During his first year he saved twelve dollars out of his earnings, and this was con- tributed to the fund which enabled his mother and his brothers and sisters to come to America. His early employment was largely in entting logs and making rails at wages of seventy-five cents a day, boarding himself.
When he was about twenty years of age he married and he and his brave young wife assumed the heavy responsibilities of facing the world with nothing but willing hearts and eager lands. After a number of years of self-sacrificing toil and economy Richard Jarrett in 1870 bought twenty aeres at Mason's Corners in Berlin Township. After a few years there he traded for eighty acres of land in another section of the same township, and that in turn was traded for 150 acres of fine land on which he built a large house and barn. Ile developed the fertile soil and lived there with increasing prosperity for nearly forty years. Before his death his holdings aggregated 300 aeres, and nearly every acre was under improvement and represented a value well up to the highest standard of Erie County farm land. Mr. Jarrett
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was peculiarly successful in handling and raising stock. On his farm he kept horses, cattle, hogs and sheep, and probably none of his con- temporaries had a greater ability in handling sheep. He bestowed upon his stoek the greatest care, and one of the strong traits of his character was his love for domestic animals. With his industry he combined good judgment, had a fine business sense, and it is not sur- prising that he prospered beyond the ordinary. At the same time he walked in a straight path of personal and eivie rectitude and honor. and the respeet he enjoyed at the hands of his fellow citizens was well illustrated by the various honors bestowed upon him in the shape of public offices. He served as township trustee and in other positions and was quite a factor in the republican party in his township. A short time before his death he had retired from the active responsibilities of farming.
On November 12. 1858. at Norwalk Mr. Jarrett married Miss Jane Miller. She was born in Florence, Erie County, May 23, 1839. When she was thirteen years old her father Levi Miller died at the age of forty-nine. He was born in one of the New England states and by trade was a cooper. By his first marriage he had two daughters. Mrs. Jarrett was the oldest child and only daughter of five children born to her mother, Harriet Saunders by maiden name. Miss Saunders was born in New York state and came to Erie County with her parents when a young woman. . She died in Florence Township. She had sur- vived her husband nearly half a century, and was eighty-four years of age at the time of her death, and was notable for her fine Christian character. One of Mrs. Jarrett's brothers, Levi, died during the Civil war as a result of sickness contraeted at Nashville, Tennessee. An- other brother, Charles, is still living at Wauseon in Fulton County, Ohio, a successful farmer, married and the father of three children.
Since the death of Mr. Jarrett Mrs. Jarrett has built a beautiful home of twelve rooms in Berlin Ileights. It is one of the most convenient and most modern houses in that village, and is an attractive place for the evening of life of a woman whose early experiences were the sharing of hardships with her husband and whose own sterling worth and en- couragement have been most important factors in the success gained between them. Mrs. Jarrett was the mother of two children. Hattie A. is still living at home. Robert W., who was well educated and is a suc- cessful farmer near Norwalk in Huron County, married Lucy Limebach. who is of German parentage, and they have three children, Richard J .. Helen Janetta, and an infant as yet unnamed.
DAVID RIEDY. He whose name introduces this review has been a resident of Erie County from the time of his birth and is a scion of a well known pioneer family. His father was one of the very early settlers on Kelley's Island, which is an integral part of Erie County. David Riedy himself was born on that island and in his independent career has been most prominently identified with agricultural pursuits and fruit-growing in his native county, where he is influential in public affairs, having served three terms as county commissioner. He resides upon his farm in Perkins Township and the greater part of the same is devoted to fruit-culture and incidental agriculture of a diversified order, besides which he has done a successful business as a contractor in the construction of roads.
Mr. Riedy was born on Kelley's Island, this county, on the 21st of November, 1856, and is a son of John and Catherine ( Goodman ) Riedy, both of whom were born and reared in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany. John Riedy immigrated to the United States about the year 1848 and soon after his arrival in this country he came to
soJordan
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Ohio, as a stonemason, assisted in the erection of the Old West House, one of the pioneer hotels of importance in Sandusky. In the following year, 1849, he removed to Kelley's Island and his was the distinction of having laid out and assisted in planting the first vineyard on that island, which now has a national reputation for the production of fine grapes. He assisted also in erecting the first schoolhouse on the island and in clearing a portion of the island of its forest trees and under- brush, an ox team having been utilized in connection with this work. For a time he conducted a grocery store and incidental liquor business and he continued his residence on the island for a number of years. Impaired health finally caused him to leave Kelley's Island and he finally established his home on a traet of land in Perkins County, where he developed fine vineyards and engaged also in the raising of various fruits other than grapes. On this homestead he and his wife continued to reside until their death and both attained to advanced age. Of their children eight are now living, only one of the entire number who attained adult age having passed away: Joseph is a resident of San- dusky ; David, of this sketch, was the next in order of birth : Adolph resides in Perkins Township; Mary is deceased; Catherine is the wife of Charles Nesselhauf, of Margaretta Township, this county : John re- sides on Kelley's Island: Henry now maintains his home in Adams County, Colorado; Frank is a resident of Margaretta Township; and Frederick is a farmer and fruitgrower of Perkins Township. The father, John Riedy, was a staunch democrat in his political proclivities and both he and his wife were communicants of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sandusky.
David Riedy was but four years of age at the time of the family re- moval from Kelley's Island to Perkins Township, where he was reared to manhood and where he was afforded the advantages of the district schools, besides having attended the parochial school of St. Mary's Church in Sandusky. For many years he has been one of the successful agriculturists and fruit-growers of Erie County and for several years he devoted considerable attention also to the raising of live stock. His present homestead comprises sixty acres of land, all of which is given scientific treatment and maintained at the highest point of fertility, the place being known as one of the best farms in Erie County. The energies of Mr. Riedy have been extended also in the business of con- tracting in various lines of public work, especially in the construction of roads and highways. He has been a worker in the local ranks of the democratic party and served three terms, or a total of seven years, in the important office of county commissioner,-a position in which he advocated and supported progressive measures and policies. He has represented his party at various state conventions in Ohio, as well as in its county and congressional convention, his work as a delegate having been of a vigorous and loyal order. Ile is affiliated with the Catholic Order of Foresters, and both he and his wife are communi- cants of the Catholic Church, in which they are members of the parish of St. Mary's Church in Sandusky.
Mr. Riedy married Miss Matilda Sartor, who likewise was born and reared in this county and who is a daughter of the late Jarob Sartor; long a representative farmer in Huron Township. Mr. and Mrs. Riedy have nine children, namely: Raymond S., Irene, Hildegard, Chester, Elsie. Lawrence, Mary, Ruth and Aneta.
SHERIDAN P. JORDAN. A veteran in railroading service, Sheridan P. Jordan is now roadmaster for the New York Central Lines at Sandusky. He has been through all the grades of railroad construction service, and has been employed by several different companies. having worked in
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some capacity with the railroads for about thirty-five years. 1Ie is well known and popular in railroad circles and a citizen of Sandusky whose record should be stated in this publication.
He was born March 3, 1865, in Tipton, Ohio, a son of Edmond and Matilda ( Smith) Jordan. His father was born in England and Sheridan P'. was the fifth in a family of eight children. His early education was acquired in the district schools of Lucas County, Ohio.
Like many other young men who enter railroad life he did his first work as a water boy, carrying water to the laborers on the railroad traek. He finally was taken into the regular service of the Cloverleaf Railroad, and became foreman, and continued with this road fifteen years. He next went to the Lake Shore Railroad as foreman, and for nine years was stationed in the Collingwood Yards. He was faithful in all details of his duties and has the qualities which make him a leader of men. He was finally promoted to general foreman of construction work for the Erie Division of the Lake Shore, and after serving three years he was made roadmaster. about the time the Lake Shore was absorbed by the New York Central lines. Ile has since been stationed at Sandusky as roadmaster, and is now in one of the most responsible posts, and enjoys the confidence of the many who worked under his supervision and of his superior officers.
Mr. Jordan is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, and in politics is independent. In 1885 he married Miss Nellie Harvey, of Maumee, Ohio. Their three children are named Nelson II .. Hazel and Carl.
HIARRY G. CARTER. One of the farm homes of Florence Township that represents comfort, intelligent enterprise, and profitable manage- ment, is that of Harry G. Carter, located on the East Vermilion River Road. To mention the name of Carter is sufficient introduction to any member of this well known family in Erie County. The Carters have lived here since the earliest pioneer times, and those of the first genera- tion hewed their farms out of the wilderness. Mr. Carter has not been an agrientturist all his active career, but was identified with different industrial and commercial pursuits, but finally becoming dissatisfied with the routine and restrictions of a position in which he was subordi- nate to the wills of others, he sought the better opportunities of a wholesome country environment.
His birth occurred on the old Carter homestead situated on the But- ler Road in Florence Township June 25, 1869. His parents were John R. and Ada A. (Gould ) Carter. ITis father was also a native of Florence Township, and was a son of Robert and Agnes (Clark) Carter. This worthy couple, who in their time represented many of the finest traits of citizenship in a pioneer community, were both natives of Scotland. Grandfather Carter was born at Ealston March 24, 1810, while his wife was born in the City of Edinburg August 25, 1810. While a young man he found employment as clerk in a mercantile concern at Edinburg, and was married there February 29, 1832. He soon afterward took his young wife to America, spending six or seven weeks on a sailing vessel in crossing the ocean, and from New York he went up the Hudson River and across New York State on the Erie ('anal to Buffalo. While passing the various stages of the journey by canal boat he became acquainted with the Hutchinson family, whose destination was Florence Township in Erie County. Robert Carter and wife had no particular location in mind, merely planning to make a home somewhere in the new western country. Their acquaintance with the Hutchinsons caused them to locate also in Florence Township, where Robert Carter took up forty acres of land. It was perhaps as wild a part of the woodland as could be found anywhere in the county. Few men ventured out into this western wilderness with less preliminary training than Robert Carter
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