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 9
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But three years old when brought by his parents to Sandusky, Edward Leopold Steuk was educated in the public schools, and as a boy and youth assisted his father in his horticultural labors. Interested in the work, he soon became familiar with its details, and in 1874 was admitted to partnership with his father, and is now sole proprietor of the entire business, which is in a flourishing condition. Mr. Steuk's winery is located at the corner of Market and Decatur streets, on land which has been owned by the Steuk family for upwards of three score years.
Mr. Steuk married, in 1881, Julia Harms. Her father, Louis Harms. was the pioneer grape grower at Put in Bay, where he was established for a few years, but later went to Euclid, a suburb of Cleveland, where he planted the first vineyard of that locality, it being now operated by his son, Mrs. Stenk's brother.
Mr. and Mrs. Stenk have three children, namely: William, Ludwig. who has relieved his father of the management of the winery; Elmer Carl; and Edward Frederick. William L. married Edith Schultz. True to the religion in which he was reared, Mr. Steuk is a valued member of the Lutheran Church, and has reared his children in the same faith. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias.
CHARLES B. LOCKWOOD. One of the oldest business men still in active work at Sandusky is Charles B. Lockwood, who was for many years connected with the railroad interests of Northern Ohio, has also been extensively interested in manufacturing, and for about twenty years has been proprietor of a large box factory in Sandusky. He represents a family which has been identified with Northern Ohio for fully a century, and one which was early settled in the northeastern colonies.
Charles B. Lockwood was born at what is known as Plaster Beds in Ottawa County, Ohio. His father was William Brown Lockwood, and his grandfather Samuel Mills Lockwood. From the history of the Lock- wood family in America published by Frederick A. Holden and E. Dunbar Lockwood, the following information concerning the family is condensed in proper form for this article. The founder of the family in
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America was Robert Lockwood, a native of England, who came to this country in 1630 and located at Watertown, Massachusetts. There he and his wife Susana spent the rest of their days. The next in line was their son Gershom Lockwood, who married Lady Ann Millington, daughter of Lord Millington of England. They lived in Greenwich, Connecticut. The next in line was their son Joseph, whose son Joseph married Charity Knapp, and they were the parents of Jared Lockwood. Jared Lockwood, the great-grandfather of Charles B., served as sergeant during the Revolutionary war, and had interesting record as a soldier which can be found in the pages of the family genealogy above men- tioned. Sergt. Jared Lockwood married Betsey Skelding. From Con- nectieut they removed to Albany, New York, where they spent the rest of their lives. Betsey survived her husband, and for several years was a pensioner.
Samnel Mills Lockwood, grandfather of Charles B., was born in Connecticut January 28. 1787, lived a number of years in Albany, New York, and from that city started to the West soon after the close of the War of 1812, about 1816, and with wagons and teams crossed New York and arriving in Ohio located on the Peninsula of Ottawa County. Ho had come to Ohio as agent for the sale of "fire lands" and surveyed and sold most of the district in Danbury and Portage townships. He built a substantial stone house in that section which is still standing and is owned and occupied by his descendants. Samuel M. Lockwood was twice married. His first wife was Mary Doughty and his second was her sister Gertrude Doughty. Their father, Samuel Doughty, was a civil engineer, and surveyed a large part of New York City, where he lived and died.
William Brown Lockwood, who was born in Albany, New York, in 1811, was five years of age when the family came to Ohio. He attended some of the primitive schools of Ottawa County, and in early life fol- lowed farming, leaving that occupation to become a partner with George B. Smith, under the name Lockwood & Smith, engaged in the operation of plaster beds for a number of years in Ottawa County. In 1850 he came to Sandusky and bought the Bay City Flour Mills, which at that time had a capacity of 125 barrels of flour per day. This mill was under his management a few years, after which he became associated with L. S. Hubbard in the grain business, later was with Thornton & Fitzhugh, and still later for a number of years was in the grain trade by himself. He continued to live at Sandusky until his death in 1892 at the age of eighty-two. William Brown Lockwood married Sarah A. Hyde, who died December 25, Christmas Day, 1865. She reared five children, whose names were Mary, Lane, Sarah, Charles B. and Kate. The daughter Sarah married a Mr. Deyo, while Kate married Lawrence Hastings.
Charles B. Lockwood spent his boyhood and early youth in the locality known as Plaster Beds in Ottawa County, attended country schools there, and finished his education in Sandusky. His has been a long and active business career, and faithfulness and hard work have accomplished in his case the usual rewards. On leaving school he became bookkeeper for F. T. Barney at the Bay City Flour Mills. A few months later he entered the employ of the Mad River Railroad Company, and continued in the railroad business with this company and its successors as elerk, agent and general freight agent for a period of twenty-three years. He was then agent for the Midland Line for one year, resigning that place to engage in the manufacture of sulky plows for one year. He then accepted the position of auditor of the I. B. & W. Railway, and after this return to railway service continued from 1885 to 1890. Two years after his resignation from the office of auditor he spent as secretary
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of the Sandusky Tool Company, and since that time has been engaged in the box manufacturing business, having operated a large plant with steady success for the last twenty-two years.
In October, 1866, Charles B. Lockwood married Marion C. Pierce. She was born in Dalton, Massachusetts, a daughter of William M. and Lucinda Pierce, and her death occurred in 1907. Mr. Lockwood cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, and continued to vote the republican ticket until 1884. at which time he became an independent in politics. Since youth he has been hard of hearing, and in spite of this handicap has been an unusually successful business man. On account of this defect he was not accepted for service in the Civil war, but was a member of a home guard organization known as the Loyal Legion. Outside of business his chief diversion has been in boating, and he has owned several notable sail and power boats, and has sailed them in different regattas and boat races, has been awarded several prizes, and among his trophies has loving cups and a number of medals. On account of his interest and activity in boating circles at Sandusky he is familiarly known among his friends and associates as Commodore Lockwood.
LANE LOCKWOOD was born April 22, 1838, in Ottawa County, Ohio, and is a son of W. B. and Sarah ( ILyde) Lockwood. W. B. Lockwood was born at Albany, New York, and in early life came to Ottawa County, where he entered upon a career in which he was engaged in various pur- suits, all connected with the rising commercial and industrial interests of this rapidly advancing part of Ohio. One of his earliest ventures was in mining gypsum. In 1850 Mr. Lockwood took up his residence at Sandusky, where he entered the mercantile business. His energies also found an outlet in shipping, operating a line of boats on the bay and Great Lakes. He took an interest also in public affairs, was active in politics and at one time served as auditor of Ottawa County. In early life a whig, when the republican party was founded he joined that organ- ization and remained a stanch advocate of the principles of the grand old , party up to the time of his death. He was the father of five children, of whom four are living, Lane being the second in order of birth.
Lane Lockwood was reared in Ottawa County, where he received a somewhat limited education in the public schools, and when the Civil war came on joined an Ohio regiment of volunteer infantry and served under the flag of the Union. He was paymaster's clerk several months and served 100 days in 1864. In 1867 he began his banking career, which extended over a period of forty years, and this line of endeavor continued to occupy his labors and ability until the time of his retire- ment. He was assistant postmaster for about six years. Mr. Lockwood was a member of the Sandusky Board of Education for eight years. Fraternally he is well known in Masonry, having gone through all the Masonic bodies up to and including the commandery. He has always taken an interest in his old army comrades and is a member of MeMeans Post No. 191, G. A. R., of which he was adjutant five years. His first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, and since that time he has supported the candidates and policies of the republican party.
On November 23. 1864, Mr. Lockwood was united in marriage with Mary P. Gill of Ottawa County, and the children born to this union are as follows : Mrs. Louise L. Crawford, Mrs. Anna G. Fyffe and Miss Mary Ruth Lockwood.
DELOS C. RANSOM. More than ninety years have gone since the Ran- som family first became established in Erie County, Ohio. The work and influence of several generations have entered into the fabric of present day civilization, and as farmers. business men, soldiers and all
DELos C Ranson and his wife Caroline Taylor
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around good citizens they have played a most honorable part. DeLos C. Ransom, who has for many years been identified with the real estate business in Sandusky, is a native of Erie County, enlisted from this county for a long and active service in the Civil war, and for a number of years followed farming before his removal to Sandusky.
DeLos (. Ransom was born in Perkins Township of Erie County, August 28, 1840. He is the great-grandson of Joseph Ransom, who was born in Connectient, and with the Connecticut state troops served in the Revolutionary war. He was wounded in the battle at Saratoga. Late in life he followed some of his children to Huron County, Ohio, and lived with his son in Eldridge Township, in what is now Berlin Township of Erie County. After a few years this old soldier and his cousin John embarked on a sail vessel from Huron with the intention of visiting Connecticut. After the boat left port nothing was ever heard of it nor its crew and passengers. The wife of the old Revolutionary veteran survived him several years and was buried on the Wood farm in Berlin Township.
The grandfather of DeLos C. Ransom was Russell Ransom, who was born in Connecticut, and in 1823, with wife and children, came out to Ohio. The trip was made overland with teams and wagons, and they were a month on the way, camping out by the roadside or stopping at the inns which flanked all the roads of overland travel in those days. Arriving in what is now Erie County he bought land in Berlin Township. It was covered with a dense growth of forest and his first work was to put up a log cabin. After that he began clearing off the trees and put in a crop among the stumps. As is well known to historical students, this section of Northern Ohio was still an almost unbroken wilderness, and the pioneers found abundant supplies for their table in the wild game which was everywhere in the woods and along the streams. Russell Ransom in time had cleared up a large tract of land, replaced the old log house with a substantial frame building, and lived there until his death at the age of eighty years, his wife having preceded him to the better land. Her maiden name was Wickham. Their nine children were named Isaac W .. Mitchell, Diodot, Henry, Asa, Frederick, Lydia, Harriet and Lois. When the Ransom family first settled in Northern Ohio there was practically no market for grain. Most of the settlers raised their own provisions, and for supplies that could not be grown on their own land or found in the woods they paid by raising live stock, which was driven to distant markets. The opening of better communication between the west and the eastern markets through the completion of the Erie Canal about 1825 made the raising of grain profitable, and after that the Ran- soms and other agricultural settlers in Northern Ohio began to prosper.
Isaac Ransom, father of DeLos C., was born in Connecticut in 1914. and was about nine years of age when he came out to Ohio with the other members of the family. Though a boy of tender years he accomplished almost the entire journey on foot. After reaching maturity he secured a tract of land in Perkins Township, erected a log house with only a small window to let in light and air. He had the usual experiences of the pioneer of the '30s and '40s, and with his own toil and the aid of his children cleared up a good farm. In time his prosperity was measured by the erection of a fine brick house with suitable farm buildings, and he lived there until his death on February 22, 1888. Isaac Ransom married Mary Wright. She was born at Fishkill, New York, in 1818 and died January 15, 1897. Her father was Benjamin Wright, who was born in Fishkill, New York, and was a soldier of the War of 1812. He came to Ohio about 1830, settling in what is now Berlin Township of Erie County, where he bought land and improved a farm and lived there until his death at the age of eighty-eight. Benjamin Wright married a Miss Baker, who was also a native of Fishkill and who died before her
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husband. Isaac Ransom and wife reared two sons: DeLos C. and George A. The latter died at the age of fifty years, leaving two sons named Ross Delos and Webster Hamilton. These boys at the time of their father's death were aged twelve and ten respectively, and after that were reared in the home of their unele, DeLos Ransom, who was their guardian and looked after their interests and welfare until they were independent and self-supporting.
DeLos C. Ransom attended the country schools of Perkins Township. and in 1860 graduated from the Sandusky High School. After that he taught for a time in the old schoolhouse near the brick church in Perkins Township, during the winter of 1860-61, his wages being a dollar a day, and as was the custom of the time, "boarding around" with the various families who were patrons of the school. The quiet pursuits of civil life were interrupted by the outbreak of the war, and in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Infantry. Ile went south with this regiment, and was with it in its campaigns, marches and battles. The regiment was captured June 15, 1863, and for a short time Mr. Ransom boarded with Jeff Davis at Libby Prison in Richmond. After being paroled he was detailed as clerk at brigade headquarters, and was present at the surrender of Lee, and only a few rods from the "Lane House" where Grant and Lee met and arranged terms of surrender. He witnessed the stirring scenes at Ap- pomattox, when the Confederate soldiers were disbanded and started for their homes, stripped of their arms but loaded with provisions given them by Uncle Sam. The One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Regi- ment received special praise in a report from General Grant, in which it was said that this small aggregation of troops, comprising 600 men, including a portion of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio and Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania, had inflicted a loss upon the enemy of more than their entire number. Mr. Ransom was honorably discharged in June, 1865, and after his return to Erie County became associated with his brother George in managing the old homestead. Since 1877 Mr. Ransom has lived in Sandusky, and has transacted a large aggregate of business in real estate lines. He was a member of plating commission of Sandusky for two years which was its length of existence.
On December 24. 1869, he married Caroline Taylor, who was born March 24, 1839, a daughter of Nelson and Martha (Akins) Taylor. Nelson Taylor was a farmer of Perkins Township and served as a member of one of the early boards of commissioners of the county. Mrs. Ransom died October 6, 1901. Mr. Ransom is affiliated with MeMeen's Post of the Grand Army of the Republic and has always stood high in Grand Army circles and in the general business and social life of his home city.
The engraving accompanying this article pictures the home life of Caroline Taylor Ransom and DeLos C. Ransom. He has two serial stories (partly read to her in her last sickness) to have her hear him finish in that land of wholly happy intellectual companionship in which he soon hopes to rejoin her.
LOUIS W. HIERBEL. A resident of Erie County from the time of his birth to the present, Mr. Herbel is a scion of one of the sterling German families that was here founded more than sixty years ago, and like his father he has stood exponent of productive industry, steadfast integrity and loyal citizenship. Since March, 1913, he has held the responsible and exacting office of superintendent of the Erie County Infirmary. and his administration has been marked by circumspection, excellent execu- tive policies, careful attention to all details conserving economy, and kindly consideration for the unfortunate wards entrusted to him and to
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his devoted wife, who is the matron of the institution, both being held in high esteem by all who know them.
Mr. Herbel was born in the City of Sandusky, this county, on the 10th of May, 1855, and is a son of John and Catherine ( Weier ) Herbel, both of whom were born and reared in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Ger- many, a district that has contributed an appreciable quota to the popula- tion of this favored section of the Buckeye State. John Herbel continued his residence in the German fatherland until 1852, when he immigrated with his wife and their children to the United States, the long and weary voyage having been made on a sailing vessel of the type common to that day. They landed in the port of New York City and soon afterward made their way to Ohio. For a short time they resided in Sandusky. which city was then a mere village, and then the father established the family home in Milan Village, in which place he resided ten years and was employed as head sawyer in the Samuel Merry saw mills. On Sep- tember 4. 1864, he was enlisted as a private in Company E of the 179th Ohio Infantry and served ten months, and at the expiration of that time received an honorable discharge on June 27, 1865. Ile then became the owner of a farm in Oxford Township, and on this homestead both he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives, he having passed away on the Ist of May, 1890, and his devoted companion having followed him to eternal rest twenty-two years later.
Louis W. Herbel acquired his early education in the schools of Oxford Township and has not failed in later years to profit fully from the lessons gained under the direction of the wise head-master, experience. Ile became one of the progressive and successful farmers of Oxford Town- ship, where he continued his operations for a term of many years. Ile then removed to the City of Sandusky, which has represented his home during the intervening years, and in him the people of the county have found a most able and popular incumbent of the position of superin- tendent of the county infirmary, which is situated in the immediate vicinity of the city. In politics Mr. Herber accords unswerving alle- giance to the democratic party and he has been active as a worker in its local ranks.
On the Ilth of January, 1882, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Herbel to Miss Louisa II. Keller, a daughter of the late Joseph Keller. of Milan Township, and the one child of this union is Fred J., who still resides in Sandusky.
CLARENCE DOOLITTLE PECK. D. D. S. The leading dentists of Eric County have no more worthy representative than Clarence D. Peck of Sandusky, who has won for himself a prominent and honored name in professional circles, and is widely known as secretary of the Northern Ohio Dental Association. He was born in Streetsboro Township, Portage County, Ohio, a son of Rufus Henry and Amerza ( Doolittle) Peck. Ilis mother was the second wife of his father, whose first marriage was to Sarah Lappin.
Cleaning his first knowledge of the common branches of study in the public schools of his native township. Clarence D. Peck subsequently attended the Kent High School. Leaving that institution he learned the business of good cheese and butter making, and for several years was foreman of his father's cheese factory and creamery. At the age of nineteen he assumed charge of the district school in which his father had first taught. His natural tastes and aptitude leading him to choose a professional career, he subsequently entered the dental department of the University of Michigan, and was graduated with the class of 1881. Returning to Ohio, Dr. Peck engaged in the practice of his profession at Martins Ferry for a year, and then settled in Sandusky, where he has
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since remained. Ile has been successful from the start, winning a note- worthy position in the community not only as a skillful dentist but as a popular and esteemed citizen.
Dr. Peck married June 18, 1895, Jennie Farwell, who was born in Sandusky. a danghter of Captain Jonathan Walter and Cordelia Ann ( Till) Farwell. The only daughter horn of the union of Dr. and Mrs. Peek, a beautiful girl, named Katherine, died at the age of eight years.
Dr. Peck belongs to numerous organizations, being a member of the Ohio State Dental Association, of the Northern Ohio Dental Association. the oldest dental organization in existence, having been formed in 1857. and of which he has been secretary for nine years. For twelve years he was a member of Company B of the 16th Ohio National Guard, and dur- ing that time served in consecutive order as private, corporal, sergeant, first sergeant, second lieutenant and first lieutenant. He was one of the pioneers in rifle practice of the state, and participated with a team from Company B against other teams from his regiment and from other regi- ments in various riffe contests. Fraternally he is a member of Science Lodge No. 50, Free and Accepted Masons, and both he and Mrs. Peck belong to Eleanor Chapter No. 331. Order of the Eastern Star. Both are likewise members of Grace Episcopal Church.
CHARLES GRAEFE, M. D. A distinguished physician and surgeon of Sandusky, Ohio, Charles Graefe, M. D., has not only gained marked prestige in his profession, but is widely known as a progressive and publie-spirited citizen, and a man of ability and integrity. He has invented several devices that are quite generally used in surgery, and has been quite an extensive writer, contributing articles of much interest to various magazines and periodicals. A native of Sandusky, he was born January 10, 1859, being a son of Dr. Philip and Dorothea ( Kranz) Graefe, of whom a brief sketch may be found elsewhere in this work.
Springing from a family noted for its mental attainments, many of its members having won distinction in literary and professional cireles. and being the son of an able physician and surgeon, Charles Graefe com- meneed life under very favorable circumstanees. Obtaining his rudi- mentary education in the Sandusky schools, he continued his studies at Oberlin College. In the meantime he took up the study of medicine with his father, and later entered the medical department of the Uni- versity of Wooster, where he was graduated with high honors in 1880. He subsequently received a diploma from the Western Reserve College, in Cleveland, after which, in order to further advance his professional knowledge. Dr. Graefe spent three years in Europe, taking a practical course of training in the hospitals at Heidelberg, Leipsic, and Viena. Returning then to Sandusky. his mind broadened and intellect quick- ened ; not only by extensive travel and intelligent study, but through contact with men of superior ability and talent, he at once entered upon a practice which he has since successfully continued, being now one of the leading physicians and surgeons of this section of the state.
Since casting his first presidential vote, in 1884, for Grover Cleveland, the Doctor has been prominently identified with the democratie party. in 1902 being bis party's candidate for state senator. For twelve years he was president of the Sandusky Board of Education. At the time of his election to that important office there was a school indebtedness of $100,000, and during his term of service not only was the entire indebt- edness paid, but three fine schoolhouses were erected and equipped.
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