USA > Ohio > Fulton County > A standard history of Fulton County, Ohio, an authentic narrative of the past, with an extended survey of modern developments in the progress of town and county, Vol. II > Part 8
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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY
good churchman, has always endeavored to act honestly by his neigh- bor, and has always been ready to give support to church and com- munity undertakings.
In 1907 he married Sarah, daughter of J. Nafziger, of Hickory county, Missouri, and to them have been born three children : Doro- thy F., Elden Erwin, and Glen. Politcally Mr. Rychener is an independent.
FRED H. WOLF, judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Fulton county, was born at Bluffton, Indiana, on March 28, 1870, a son of William B. and Martha (Hawker) Wolf. The Wolf family has been located in the United States for many generations.
Fred H. Wolf attended the common schools of Shelby county, Ohio, and a commercial college at Gilboa, Putnam county, Ohio, and then studied law in the office of Bailey & Bailey at Ottawa, Ohio. He was then appointed court stenographer for the district embracing Put- nam, Henry and Fulton counties, and held that position for six years, and following that became stenographer for Attorney-General Sheets at Columbus, Ohio. His record in these positons attracted the attention of those in authority and he was appointed official stenog- rapher to the Supreme Court of Ohio at Columbus, Ohio, and held that office for two years. In the meanwhile, during 1900, he had been admitted to the bar, and in 1904 he came to Fulton county and embarked in a general law practice with C. C. Handy under the name of Handy & Wolf, which connection was maintained for seven years. In November, 1905, Mr. Wolf was elected prosecuting attorney on the republican ticket, and was re-elected to the office, holding one three and one two-year term. With the dissolution of the firm of Handy & Wolf, Mr. Wolf continued in practice alone until 1915, when he was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and is still ocupying this office.
During the late war Judge Wolf was exceedingly active and was chairman of the Red Cross campaign in 1917, and was chairman of the executive committee of the War Chest drive. He belongs to Wau- seon Lodge No. 349, A. F. and A. M., and is a past master of it, and he is a thirty-second degree Mason. Scottish Rite. Judge Wolf is also a member of Wauseon Lodge, K. of P. In his religious connec- tions he affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has long been a member.
Judge Wolf was married to Lillian A. Eastman, a daughter of E. R. and Ellen (Parrett) Eastman, of Ottawa, Ohio, on June 28, 1900. Judge and Mrs. Wolf have two children, namely: Eleanor E. and Frederick E.
The record of Judge Wolf is one that proves that real merit and conscientious performance of the duty that lies at hand meet with commensurate reward. While learning the fundamentals of law he discharged the exhausting tasks of a court stenographer and through them gained an intimate knowledge of jurisprudence which has the better fitted him to preside on the bench. As a prosecuting attorney he exhibited an unusual fearlessness in handling the prob- lems of his office, and in every way he has risen to each increasing responsibility and justified the faith others have always placed in him and his capabilities.
CLYDE LAWRENCE CANFIELD. It is a landable ambition that induces sincere workers in any profession to seek honorable advance- ment in the same. Not every one succeeds equally, for all are not
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willing to make the necessary strenuous effort or undergo the self- denial that so often the price of progress demands. One of the prom- inent men of Fulton county, who has won distinction in the law, is Clyde Lawrenee Canfield, who early made choice of his future career and by determined personal effort reached the goal of his ambition.
Clyde L. Canfield was born in Fulton county, Ohio, August 19, 1879, and is a son of Edward T. and Mary (Bryarly) Canfield. On both sides of the family his ancestry is English, and his forefathers settled in the American colonies before the Revolutionary war, in which has great-great-grandfather, Daniel Canfield, took part as a soldier in the Continental Army. The family in the main, however, has been one of peaceful pursuits, cach succeeding generation pro- dueing its full quota of both professional and business men, all of whom have been definitely and distinctively loyal and patriotic up- holders of American principles. For many years the father of Mr. Canfield owned and operated lumber mills in Fulton county, and Is still active in business affairs at Pettisville, Ohio.
Mr. Canfield's early educational advantages were those obtainable in the country school of Dover township. He applied himself as- siduously and before he reached manhood was deemed proficient enough to be aceptable as a teacher in the country schools. He was anxious to teach because he had a college career in prospect and knew that funds for the same would have to be provided by himself. It was to the law he was looking forward, and with this goal in view he spent several years in the country schools in Franklin and Clin- ton townships, very often numbering among his pupils young men older than himself. Such also was the experience of other self-de- pendent young men, an example being Governor Lowden, of Illinois, who has declared the discipline of those years was invaluable. In 1900 he entered the Ohio Northern University, from which he was graduated in 1904, with the degree of B. S., when he resumed teach- ing, spending one year in the schools of Clinton township and two years as principal of the Tedrow village school.
In the meanwhile Mr. Canfield had devoted all his leisure to the private study of law, and in the summer schools of 1905-6-7 he was a student at Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, during 1908 taking the regular law course. and in that year was graduated with his well won degree of LL. B. To enter upon the practice of his profession he went to Toledo, where he beeame junior partner in the law firm of Smith. Myers & Canfield, three years later the firm becoming Neilson & Canfield. Failing health caused Mr. Canfield to withdraw, and he then spent two years recuperating in the genial climate of Louisiana, spending two years on a plantation in LaFourche Parish. He returned then to the old home at Pettisville, and in January, 1917, formed a law partnership with Charles T. Stahl, under the style of Stahl & Canfield, which continued until July, 1918, when Mr. Canfield be- came a member of the firm of Paxson & Canfield. In 1918 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Fulton county, his democratic op- ponent being Fred B. Fowler. Mr. Canfield was elected by a hand- some majority, carrying all but two of the precinets, and in the ad- ministration of his office has justified the confidence reposed in him, in a number of especially notable cases proving so admirable a prose- cutor that the ends of justice were entirely served.
During the continuance of the great war Mr. Canfield's interest never flagged, and both time and resources were expended in behalf of the Red Cross and other patriotic movements. He served as sec- retary of the Civilian Relief Committee of the Red Cross, better
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known as the Home Service Committee, and was a member of the Legal Advisory Board of the selective draft. He has been extremely active in republican politics in Fulton county and wields wide influ- ence. He belongs to Wauseon Lodge, F. and A. M., Tedrow Lodge of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias. Of proved sterling character, exceptional talent in his profession, vigorous American citizenship and genial personality, Mr. Canfield is held in high esteem in his native county and state.
CARL F. ORTH. It is probable that few men are ever elected to the responsible office of county treasurer without having a back- ground of business ability and personal integrity. The far-sighted people of Fulton county had this background in view when they elected Carl F. Orth to this position.
Carl F. Orth was born at Wauseon, Ohio, in October, 1881, and is a son of Adam and Mattie (Kellar) Orth. The paternal grand- father, Rev. William Orth, was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany. When he came to the United States he located first in Coshocton county, Ohio, where he was a minister of the United Bretheren faith, and later came with his son Adam to Wauseon. Here Adam Orth was a dry goods merchant for many years, an honorable and re- spected man. His death occurred May 2, 1899. The mother of Carl F. Orth survives and resides at Toledo, Ohio.
Primarily educated in the common schools, Carl F. Orth spent three years in the Wauseon High School and three more in Kenyon Military Academy at Gambier. He then turned his attention to the study of law, spent one year in the Western Reserve Law School at Cleveland, then went to Seattle, Washington, where he embarked in the real estate business and in 1901 was admitted to the bar. He engaged there in the practice of law for two years, but in 1903 re- turned to Wauseon, where he found an encouraging opening in the insurance business. Purchasing the business of A. R. Townelle, he ยท developed a large business in both life and fire insurance, becoming `representative of such old line companies as the following: National Liberty Fire, Milwaukee Mechanics Fire, W. W. National Fire, United States Fire, Northern Insurance of New York, Globe Insur- ance of Pittsburgh, Superior Fire of Pittsburgh, Allemania Fire and Travelers Life Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut. In all business relations, covering many years, Mr. Orth has proved just. and trustworthy.
On January 2, 1911, Mr. Orth was united in marriage to Miss Edna Cochran, who is a daughter of F. W. and Anna (Fox) Coch- ran, of Wauseon. Mr. and Mrs. Orth have two children, namely: Carl Frederick, who was born in 1913, and William Marvin, who was born in 1918.
For a number of years Mr. Orth has been quite active in public affairs at Wauseon and a leader in republican political circles. In 1914 he was elected city clerk, serving two years, and in 1916 became a member for two years of the Board of Trustees of Public Affairs, and in 1918 was made secretary of the Fulton County Fair Board. He has been a member of the School Board since 1917. To the duties of these offices he applies himself with the same scrupulous care that he gave to his private business matters, the same careful attitude. marking his administration as county treasurer, to which office he was elected in 1918. He is ever ready to encourage business enter- prises of worth and is a stockholder in the Home Telephone Com- pany at Wauseon. Personally he is genial and hearty in manner and is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias at Wauseon.
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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY
EDWARD HARVEY JORDAN. During an extended and diversified career Edward Harvey Jordan's activities have invaded several fields of endeavor, in all of which he has displayed ability and enterprise. He lias been successful as a merchant, has always been rated high as a public-spirited citizen, and in his present position as assistant postmaster of Wauseon has rendered excellent and efficient public service to the people of this thriving and growing city.
Mr. Jordan was born on a farm in Lenawce county, Michigan, July 31, 1871, a son of George W. and Sarah ( Aldrich) Jordan. He comes of an old New England family which was known and honored for a number of generations in Vermont, from which state George W. Jordan migrated to Michigan, where he spent the remainder of his active career as a Lenawee county farmer. Edward H. Jordan secured his education in the public schools of that county and in Fulton county, Ohio, and at the age of twenty-one started to learn the baker's business at Wauseon. This he followed with a gratifying degree of success for nine years, at end of which period he turned his attention to the trade of carpenter, and this he followed for two years. While thus employed he came into con- nection with the lumber and supply business, and he finally became associated with the Wauseon Lumber and Supply Company for four years. In 1908 he accepted his present position as assistant post- master of Wauseon, a post which he has since filled with marked efficiency and fidelity.
In 1891 Mr. Jordan was united in marriage with Miss Millie Trory, daughter of Charles E. and Elizabeth (Trounce) Trory, of Wauseon, and they are the parents of two sons: Clarence T. and Arthur H., both of Toledo, the former born in 1900 and the latter in 1902. Mr. Jordan is a republican in his political allegiance, and is affiliated fraternally with the local lodges of the Knights of Pyth- ias, the Knights of the Maccabees, and the F. and A. M., in all of which he has numerous friends. He is public-spirited and progres- sive, and a staunch supporter of constructive measures having for their object the betterment of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Jor- dan are members of the Christian Church.
CHARLES H. JORDAN. One of the lines of activity which com- bines business and art is that connected with the production and handling of plants and flowers, and one of the men of Wauseon who has attained to considerable success in it is Charles H. Jordan, sole proprietor of the Wauseon Floral Company. Mr. Jordan was born at Oakharbor, Ohio, on April 26, 1872, a son of Fredcrick and Rach- ael (Lopp) Jordan, and grandson of Christopher Jordan. His par- ents now make their home at Port Clinton and they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary there on April 27, 1920.
Christopher Jordan was born at Baden, Germany, and came to the United States at an early day, settling in Erie county, Ohio. In about 1860 he moved to Oakharbor, Ottawa county, Ohio, which continued to be his home until his death in 1895. There were six children in his family of whom Frederick Jordan was the third in order of birth.
Charles H. Jordan attended the public schools of his native place and was graduated from its high school in 1890, and in 1893 he matriculated in the dental department of the Northwestern Univer- sity, from which he was graduated in 1896. For the subsequent two years he was engaged in the practice of dentistry at Oakharbor, but finding it too confining, branched out into his present business and
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for seven years conducted extensive greenhouses at Oakharbor. In 1907 he came to Wauseon and built his present greenhouses, which require 15,000 square feet of glass. Here he raises his own flowers and ships them all over the county, having built up a large and pay- ing business.
Mr. Jordan was married to Sue Harrison, a daughter of Henry and Lydia Marion Harrison, of Oakharbor, Ohio, in 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan have two children, namely: Marietta W. and Ray- mond Harrison, both now attending the Ohio Wesleyan University. Politically Mr. Jordan is a republican and served for four years, from 1911 to 1915, as a member of the City Council of Wauseon. The First Methodist Episcopal Church holds his membership and affords him expression for his religious life. Mr. Jordan is a Mason, be- longing to Wauseon Lodge No. 348, F. and A. M., and in 1917 was master of his lodge. He is one of the most representative and public- spirited men of Fulton county, and in addition to the recognition accorded to his ability . he has won appreciation for his admirable personal characteristics.
JOHN B. McQUILLIN. With the coming of David McQuillin to Fulton county in 1835 an element of strength and purpose was added to the upbuilding forces of a promising and prosperous com- munity. That the ideals of work and citizenship cherished by this early settler have been transmitted to those succeeding him in the race is not questioned by those familiar with the history of the family for the past three-quarters of a century. One of the worthy descend- ants of this pioneer is found in John B. McQuillin, deputy sheriff of Fulton county, who served for a long period in the capacity of sheriff and has also been a successful farmer of this locality.
John B. McQuillin was born in Pike township, Fulton county, Ohio, March 30, 1863, a son of John W. and Elizabeth (Dunbar) McQuillin, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. His paternal grand- father, David McQuillin, was born in Pennsylvania, but in 1835 moved to Pike township, where he cleared a farm and spent the rest of his life in agricultural pursuits, dying in 1870. He was the father of six sons and four daughters. Of these, John W. McQuillin was born the year following the arrival of the family in Fulton county and spent his life as a farmer on his property near Delta until his retirement, his death occurring in April, 1911, while his wife passed away in January of the same year.
John B. McQuillin secured a country school education in the Hoxie school in Pike township, attending to his studies during the winter terms and assisting his father on the home farm during the summer months. He was married in 1884 to Miss Clara B. Simpson, a daughter of William and Margaret (Taylor) Simpson, of Pike township, and to this union there were born children as follows: Everett W., born in 1887, a ranchman of the State of Oregon, who is married and has two children; Donald and Jeannette, Pearl T., the wife of Floyd Watkins, of Fulton township, this county, where he is engaged in farming and has one child; Ronald, Bessie, the wife of Clarence Saeger, a Fulton county farmer, has two children; Hazel, and Harold, and Donald, who was born in 1898 and died in 1911.
Following his marriage in 1884, Mr. McQuillin purchased forty acres of land in Pike township and there continued to follow agricul- tural pursuits until 1912. He is still interested in agricultural matters as the owner of fifty acres of good land, and maintains his reputation as a skilled and well-informed tiller of the soil and breeder
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of a good grade of cattle. In 1912 Mr. McQuillin was elected on the republican ticket as sheriff of Fulton county, over the democratic candidate Bailey, and after serving two years was re-elected by the largest vote secured by any man in the county. Mr. McQuillin con- tinued in that office until 1917, when his term expired, and he was then appointed deputy sheriff under Sheriff Boone. During his official career Mr. McQuillin has been a participant in some impor- tant cases, among others being the rounding up, with Sheriff Boone, of the notorious wife murderer, Fred Leyman.
Mr. McQuillin is a staunch republican and has long been an in- fluential member of his party in Fulton county, where he has served in a number of public positons, his record in office being an excellent one. For a period of fourteen years he acted as constable of Pike township, for nine years was justice of the peace and for sixteen years was a member of the Pike township school board. His fra- ternal connection is with the Knights of Pythias, in which lodge he has numerous friends.
JULIUS TRONDLE. One of the old and honorable business names of Wauseon is that of Trondle, the Trondle Brothers, General Iron Works, of this city, having been developed from the general black- smith business, the founder of which was their honored father. The present firm consists of John and Julius Trondle, both of whom grew up in the business.
Julius Trondle was born at Wauseon in 1879 and received his education in the public schools. He began early to help his father, and began to learn the blacksmith trade when fifteen years old, and has been identified with the same ever since except a short time when he was in a dry goods store. The parents of Mr. Trondle were Mat- thew and Lena (Goutz) Trondle. The mother is living but the father died in 1895. In 1896 the two sons, John and Julius, took over the business and have continued together ever since, in 1909 establishing themselves at No. 208 North Fulton street.
Mr. Trondle was married to Miss Emma Bonnugh, who is a daughter of Jacob and Sophia (Destel) Bonnugh, and they have two children, Helen and Virginia. Mr. Trondle and family belong to the Lutheran Church.
John Trondle, senior member of the firm of Trondle Brothers, was born in 1871, at Toledo, Ohio, and is a son of Matthew and Lena (Goetz) Trondle, who came to Wauseon when he was a child. He attended the public schools until sixteen years old, then helped his father in the blacksmith shop and also on the home farm. He continued with his father until he was twenty-five years old, serving an apprenticeship. After his father's death he and his brother Julius took over the business as partners, continuing at the old stand, where they had sixteen acres of land, until 1909, when they moved to their present location at No. 208 Fulton street. The firm has prospered through good service and honest business methods, and their trade territory extends over a radius of fifteen miles from the city. In addition to owning farm land the firm has some valuable pieces of city realty.
In 1898 Mr. Trondle was married to Miss Ella Sigg, who died in 1917, the mother of seven children, two of whom are deceased. Mr. Trondle is a thoughtful, well-read man and is a member of the Spirit- ualist Society. He is much interested in public questions and for ten years has given his political support to the Socialist party.
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WILLIAM S. BOONE. There always have been, even in the most eivilized communities, eertain elements that produce diseord that interferes with the safe and peaceful pursuits of the great majority. To eurb, control and, if possible, banish such elements has been the duty of certain earefully chosen officials in a county, a duty that ean only be performed efficiently by a man of great personal courage, of sound judgment and of stable, reliable character. In William S. Boone, sheriff, Fulton county has had such an official.
William S. Boone was born in Florence township, Williams county, Ohio, January 21, 1863. His parents were William and Catherine (Johnson) Boone, of German ancestry but of Pennsyl- vania birth. From that state they drove into Ohio and stopped in Wayne county, driving through the forests from there to Williams county and locating in Florence township. The father of Sheriff Boone died when this son was an infant, and as soon as he grew old enough he assumed the care of his mother and five sisters, having no brothers.
Until he was sixteen years old William S. Boone performed such tasks as eame within his field of opportunity during the summer sea- sons and attended school during the winters. He continued work as a farm hand until he was nineteen years old, in the meanwhile learning the barber's trade at Edon, to which place he moved after his marriage in 1883, where he operated his own shop until 1887, when he moved to Bryan, in Williams county, and from there to Cleveland in 1889. In that eity he worked at his trade for twenty- one months. Mr. Boone then eame to Wauseon and went into busi- ness, conducting his own shop here until 1916, when he was nom- inated on the republican ticket for the office of sheriff of Fulton county. He was elected with a fine majority and assumed the duties of his office in January, 1917, general approval being shown of Sher- iff Boone's administration by his subsequent re-election. As eon- servator of the peace in the county, he has effectively handled some very important eases, the capture of Fred Leyman for murder be- ing one of wide notoriety.
In 1883 Mr. Boone was married to Miss Florence E. Stuller, and they have two children, namely: Dolly May, who is the wife of Franeis Guilford, of Wauseon, and Inez Pearl, who resides with her parents. Sheriff Boone and his family are members of the Christian (Disciples) Church. He is a Blue Lodge Mason and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias. As a business man, publie official and private eitizen Sheriff Boone stands deservedly high. He has always been a republican in his political preference, but has not been an office seeker; on the other hand, appreciative friends have often urged him to accept position because of his sterling honesty and thorough good citizenship.
ROBERT I. BERNATH. president of the Northwestern Veterinary Medical Association, and secretary of the Ohio State Veterinary Med- ical Association, to which he was re-elected in 1919, is one of the leading men of his ealling in Wauseon. He was born on the family homestead in Fulton county on October 7, 1883, a son of John H. and Mary Bernath, and grandson of John Bernath.
John Bernath came to the United States from Switzerland and located three miles east of Elmira in Fulton county, Ohio, in 1840, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits the remainder of his life. He married Susan Kibler, whose parents had brought her to Fulton county in 1832. They had a large family and all of the children
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grew up to be a credit to their parents. John H. Bernath inherited this farm from his father and spent his life upon it until his retire- ment about ten years ago, when he moved to Wauscon.
Robert I. Bernath attended the public schools of Wauseon, in- cluding the High School course, and then became a student of the Fayette Normal School at Fayette, Ohio. In 1904 he matriculated in the veterinary department of the Ohio State University, from which he was graduated in 1907, and immediately thereafter loeated in Wauseon and embarked in the practice of his profession. Having a natural inclination for his work, as well as being trained, Doetor Bernath has been very suecessful and has built up a large connec- tion. In addition to his professional duties he is serving as secretary and manager of the Wauseon Holstein Breeders' Company, and in conjunction with his brother, George Bernath, is interested in the breeding of pure bred Holstein cattle. He belongs to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the United States Live Stoek Sani- tary Association, and other organizations connected with his calling, in all of which he is an active factor. On September 1, 1919, Doctor Bernath assumed the duties of the office of county surveyor, to which he was elected at the previous election on the republican ticket. He is also the owner of some valuable real estate in the eity.of Wau- seon, and is enthusiastic about the future of the county seat.
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