Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 86

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1040

USA > Ohio > Sandusky County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 86
USA > Ohio > Ottawa County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 86

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Ontario, Canada; Carrie, who died in in- fancy; Abbie B., residing at Asheville, N. C .; Grace, wife of William Schoenheit, of Asheville, N. C. ; and Henry Welles Moore, who studied medicine in the universities at Cleveland (Ohio) and Ann Arbor (Mich. ) and is a practicing physician at Milan, this State. Henry Moore, the father of this family, died suddenly in 1890, while on a visit to his son-in-law, Dr. Carl Von Ruch, at Asheville, N. C., and at his re- quest was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Toledo, beside his granddaughter, Fran- ces Adaline Welles, daughter of our sub- ject.

Mr. and Mrs. Welles are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church at Genoa, at which they are regular attend- ants.

The name "philanthropist" might with propriety be applied to our subject, John Welles, for his heart and purse have ever been open to the call of humanity or the furtherance of any laudable project. He has always contributed freely to the erection of churches, schools and other public institutions, giving land, lumber- and personal services, and by his wise counsels and judicious management has wrought to successful completion many projects for the growth and improvement of his community. Since the formation of the party he has always been a stanch Republican, but has never been an office- seeker, for though on several occasions he has been tendered the suffrage of the people he has always declined, on the ground that he supported his party from principal, and that he should never look for or accept office. He has in his pos- session several valuable heirlooms which date back to the time of the Revolution- ary war in 1775. One of them is the sub- joined letter, written by Gen. Alex. Gel- latly, an officer of the British army, to Mr. Seth Norton, grand-uncle of our sub- ject, who was a Tory, and fought on the side of the British in the war of the Revo- lution.

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MR. SETH NORTON, Commissary General's Of- fice, Charleston, South Carolina.

NEW YORK, 3 Nov., 1780.

DEAR SIR: Your favor of the 7 Sept., was delivered to me on the 25 of same Month, which tho' short, conveyed mne the agreeable account of your wellfare, of which I wish a long contin- uance; it also gives me satisfaction to under- stand that your conduct meets the approbation of Mr. Townsend. He is a worthy man. I obeyed your commands to Messrs. Humphrys and Clayton, the former by letter, the latter in person. Mr. Humphrys has been stationed at Loyds Neck ever since July in receiving For- age. He informed me in his last letter that he was in good health. Mr. Clayton desires his respects to you. I am sorry it is not in our power to communicate to you any interesting Intelligence; we seem here at present to lye upon our oars. It is from your quarter that we look for and expect great things, and indeed you have hitherto acquitted yourselves like Brittish Heroes, and I hope that every oppor- tunity from you will convey us fresh additions to the Laurels already acquired by your Brave Noble Commander, whom I pray may be the happy Instrument under God of restoring Peace in the South. Admiral Sir George Bridges Rodney arrived here several weeks ago with ten Sail of the Line. His departure is ex- pected in a few days. Admiral Arbuthnott has the French Fleet and Army fast blocked up at Rhode Island; it is hoped they will both fall into his hands. On the 15th the first Division of the London Fleet arrived here with a reinforce- ment of Troops. No news of importance was brought by this Fleet. Before now you have no doubt been informed of the tragical affair of the much lamented unfortunate Major Andre and of the coming in of General Arnold from the Rebels. The particulars of the Causes of both will, I dare say, have at this time transpired with you. I have sent Dr. Watson a few of our Latest News Papers; to them I refer you, for what is going amongst us. Our Friend Mr. Gillane Butler is stationed at Flushing where he resides with his family -- I shall expect to hear from you by first Opportunity-Wishing you Health and every other Blessing. I re- main, Dear Sir, Your Friend and Humble Servant, ALEX. GELLATLY.

Another interesting heirloom is a solid mahogany bedstead, nine feet in height, imported from England, and a part of the original furniture of the old Webb man- sion. Gen. George Washington slept on this bed on more than one occasion. The paper which adorned the bedroom of this distinguished guest still remains on the wall in the old Webb mansion. The house still remains in good preservation in possession of the Welles family.

F REDERICK BRETZ, one of the prominent fruit growers of Middle Bass, Ottawa county, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, February 8, 1843, son of John and Mary (Kulow) Bretz, who were both born in Mecklen- burg, came to America in 1853, and lo- cated in Sandusky, Erie Co., Ohio.

John Bretz was engaged in business for a number of years in Sandusky, Ohio, but during his declining years lived a re- tired life. His death occurred April II, 1885, and that of his wife on December 15, 1893. They had a family of four chil- dren, all now living, as follows: Frederick is the eldest, and is the subject of this sketch; Lena is the wife of August Graves, residing in Danbury township, Ottawa county; Bertha is the wife of Henry Foster, a hardware merchant of San- dusky; and Louis resides in Sandusky. Frederick Bretz received part of his school education in the Fatherland, but when ten years old came with his parents to Amer- ica, and completed his education in the schools of Sandusky. He then worked at agricultural pursuits, afterward learned the trade of mason and plasterer, and fol- lowed that occupation for about twenty years, being, for a part of the time, also engaged in fruit growing. In 1865 he settled on Middle Bass Island, has lived here ever since, and ranks to-day among the most prominent and honored resi- dents.

At Sandusky, Ohio, May 17, 1866, Frederick Bretz was united in marriage with Caroline Burggraf, and they have had five children, one of whom died in in- fancy, four now living, as follows: Fred- erick, born May 29, 1867, residing in Cleveland, Ohio; Julia, born July 12, 1869, wife of John Rehberg, Jr., residing at Put in Bay, Ottawa county; Edward, born January 13, 1872, living at home; and Herman, born July 21, 1879. Mrs. Bretz's parents were Mathias and Maria Bruggraf. Mr. Bretz has served as trus- tee of Put in Bay township three terms,

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also as school director. In his political views he is a Republican. The family at- tend the Lutheran Church.

A NDREW BECHSTEIN, a prom- inent grape grower and wine maker of Middle Bass Island, Put in Bay township, Ottawa coun- ty, was born in Hessen-Nassau, Germany, January 12, 1843, son of John and Mar- tha (Mueller) Bechestein, who were both also born in Hessen. Germany. John Bechstein, who was a farmer by occupation, died in February, 1887, his wife on March 9, 1869. They had three children, namely: Andrew, the subject of this sketch, and George and Adamı, both of whom are still living in Germany.

Andrew Bechstein was reared to man- hood and received his education in the Fatherland. At the age of twenty he voluntarily joined the bodyguard of King William I, in Kassel, in which he served three years, and then returned to his trade as weaver, which he continued to follow together with agricultural pursuits, up to the time of his departure for America. In Germany, on April 24, 1866, he was united in marriage with Fredericka Horn, who was born in Hessen, July 11, 1845, and they have had five children, as fol- lows: Mary Kathrine, born June 1, 1867, married to Frank A. Fischer September 6, 1888, at Detroit, Mich., and now re- siding at Middle Bass Island; Lawrence J., born January 10, 1869, was united in marriage with Bertha Steinle November 26, 1895, at Sandusky, Erie county, Ohio, where he now resides; Emil A., born November 15, 1872; Andrew C. J., born June 20, 1875; and Emma M. E., born February 1, 1881.

Mrs. Bechstein's parents were An- drew and Sophia (Bechstein) Horn, the former of whom was born in Germany June 16, 1802; in 1822 he joined the Hunters Guard, and served ten years in Hessen-Kassel; in 1832 he was appointed

Forester in Falkenberg, whence he re- moved to Dens, and at his own request he again returned to Rockensuess Hessen, where at his first home, he died April 2, 1879. His wife preceded him to the grave by many years, having passed away when the daughter Fredericka was but an infant. Mrs. Bechstein still has living two brothers and two sisters, the elder brother, John Horn, being teacher and composer of music at Louisville, Ky .; Lorenz Horn, the younger brother, is in the furniture business at North Amherst, Ohio; one sister resides in New Albany, Ind., and the other at their dear old home in the Fatherland.

In 1869 Andrew Bechstein came to America, locating in Detroit, Mich., where he resided two years. In March, 1871, he removed to Middle Bass Island, and engaged in grape growing, having been a continuous resident of the Island since. In politics he is a Republican. The family attend the Evangelical Protestant Church.

A LBERT W. SADDORIS, fisher- man, of Point Locust, is a native of Carroll township, Ottawa coun- ty, born at Point Locust, Jan- uary 5, 1856.

His parents, Elias and Eliza Melissa (Root) Saddoris, were both natives of Ohio, the former born in Holmes county, July 25, 1827, and the latter in Huron county, on December 14, 1835. In their family were five children, namely: James W., born February 2, 1854, is a promi- nent farmer of Carroll township; Albert W. is the next in order of birth; Mary E., born September 6, 1860, is the wife of James Floral, who resides in Port Clin- ton; Theodore E., born in November, 1862, died in infancy; Eunice, born Feb- ruary 13, 1864, died February 9, 1867.

The father of our subject for many years was a prominent agriculturist of Car- roll township, both he and his wife being

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

early settlers of Ottawa county. In 1864 he was drafted for service in the war of the Rebellion, and was attached to Com- pany H, Fifty-fifth O. V. I. At Savan- nah, Ga., he died from illness contracted while defending his country, and his re- mains were interred in that city. He had many friends in Ottawa county, where he was both widely and favorably known.

In the district schools of Carroll town- . ship, Albert W. Saddoris acquired his education, and since attaining the age of fifteen years has engaged in fishing and sailing on the lakes, so that almost his entire life has been spent upon the water. He stands high in the community in which he lives, winning the confidence and re- spect of all with whom he comes in con- tact. He uses his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, but cares little for the honors or emoluments of public office.

J OHN C. BLEHER, a prominent merchant and popular citizen of the village of Lacarne, Ottawa county, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany. December 20, 1836, and is a son of George and Eva (Holder) Bleher, both of whom were natives of the same country, and emigrated to America in 1848, locat- ing in Sandusky, Ohio, on the Ioth of May, that year. The father was not long permitted to enjoy his new home for he died three months later. His wife con- tinued her residence in Sandusky until her life's labors were ended in 1888. Their family numbered seven children-four sons and three daughters-of whom only three are living: John C., whose name opens this record; Charles, a resident of Clyde, Ohio; and John M.

The subject proper of this review was only twelve years of age when brought by his parents to America. He acquired his education in the public schools of San- dusky, and for some twelve years after leaving school engaged in a sea-faring life

on the lakes. After that he spent twelve years in the car shops of the C. S. C. Railroad Co., at Sandusky. On May 1, 1874, he took up his residence in La- carne and opened a general mercantile establishment which he has since success- fully conducted, building up a good trade. His fair and honest dealings, his earnest desire to please his customers, and his courteous treatment, have won him a liber- al patronage. On June 30, 1860, in San- dusky, Mr. Bleher was united in marriage with Miss Julia Ann Meachem, a daughter of Charles and Susan Meachem, and a native of Stratford, Conn., born Decem- ber 2, 1844. By their marriage they have seven children, as follows: Susan E., born April 19, 1861, in Sandusky, Ohio, now the wife of John W. Snyder, of Erie township, Ottawa county; Ida E., born August 2, 1863, now the wife of John Streeter, a resident of Lacarne; Cora E., born January 10, 1866, now the wife of William S. Woodring, also of Erie township; Julia Ann, born July 7, 1868, living in Toledo, Ohio; John A., born November 3, 1874, also a resident of Toledo; William H., born July 23, 1876, living in Erie township, Ottawa county; and Gertrude May, born March 27, 1882.

Mr. Bleher manifested his loyalty to the government during the Civil war by enlisting, May 2, 1864, in the One Hun- dred and Forty-fifth O. V. I., with which he continued until after the South laid down its arms. He was then mustered out, receiving his final discharge in May, 1865, after which he returned to Sandus- ky. He is now a member of the G. A. R., and is as true to the duties of citizen- ship in days of peace as when he followed the old flag on Southern battle fields. In his political views he is a stalwart Repub- lican, and has held several public offices. For seventeen years he efficiently served as postmaster at Lacarne, was township trustee for one year, assessor for two years, supervisor also two years, and town constable three years, in all of which

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offices he has discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity, winning the com- mendation of all concerned. Socially he is a member of Oliver H. Perry Lodge, F. & A. M., and the 1. O. O. F. Lodge at Oak Harbor. Mr. Bleher is one of the most progressive men of Lacarne, taking an active part in all matters pertaining to the growth and welfare of the community, and is a truly valued citizen. His busi- ness life is above reproach, and the honor- able and straightforward methods which he follows command the respect of all.

E DWIN MARVIN TRUE. This gentleman, who is the proprietor of the E. M. True Elevator and Feed Mills at Port Clinton, Ot- tawa county, is one of the leading business men of the place, and may be well called a "hustler." He is full of energy and enterprise, and by his natural ability and unerring judgment has made a success of his business. He has a large local trade which is gradually being extended.

Mr. True was born August 18, 1861, in Ottawa county, Ohio, and is the son of Oliver J. and Eunice (Saunderson) True, who removed to Port Clinton in 1866, when our subject was a small boy. He ob- tained his education in the public schools of that place, and subsequently was em- ployed as a clerk in the office of the L. S. & M. S. Ry. Co., holding that position some four years. In 1883 he took charge of the Merchant Mills, of Port Clinton, for O. J. True & Co., which he managed until in February, 1891, when they were destroyed by fire. The mills at one time did a large export business with France, and also shipped their products all over the Eastern States. After the fire our subject built his present elevator and feed mills, on the sight of the old mill, and, as has been stated, has been very successful. On April 16, 1893, Mr. True was united in marriage with Miss Nettie G. Bardshar, who was born in Erie county, this State,

and is the daughter of Solomon and Amelia L. (Spone) Bardshar, who were descended from wealthy pioneer families. In politics Mr. True is a Democrat, and, socially, belongs to the K. of P. He began studying medicine in 1883, but the mills required so much attention that he gave up the idea of becoming a physician. He is now a well-known business man.

E RNST ROOSE, one of the wide- awake and enterprising young farmers of Ottawa county, was born in Salem township January 10, 1860, and still makes his home within its borders. He is a son of Charles and Marie Roose, who are living in the same township, numbered among the highly- respected people of the community. Our subject acquired a good English education in the public schools of Oak Harbor, and is a well-informed man on subjects of general interest, having a practical know- ledge that fits him for the responsible duties of a business career.

After arriving at man's estate, Mr. Roose was married in Bay township, Ot- tawa county, November 1, 1883, the lady of his choice being Nancy Paulsen, a daughter of Paul and Siecke Paulsen, who was born in Schleswig, Germany, February 16, 1859. Four children graced the union of our subject and his worthy wife, their names and dates of birth be- ing as follows: Carl P., July 23, 1884; Bertha M., January 20, 1886; Ernst W., September 4, 1889; and Albert E., Jan- uary 5, 1894. Mr. Roose was reared to agricultural pursuits, and his life has al- ways been that of a farmer. He was trained to habits of industry and enter- prise, and when he began business for himself it was with a good fund of experi- ence that has brought to him success. His place is well cared for, the barns and fences are always in good condition, and his careful supervision is shown in the neat and thrifty appearance of everything

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pertaining to his home. He well deserves to be numbered among the practical and progressive young farmers of the county of his nativity.

Mr. Roose cast his first ballot in sup- port of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and has since been a stalwart advocate of its principles, taking a deep interest in all that pertains to its growth and success. He has, however, never sought or desired political prefer- ment. The family attend the Lutheran Church, and all have the regard and es- teem of their neighbors and friends. Mr. Roose has led an upright life, and is highly respected as a valued citizen and progressive business man.

W ILLIAM ROOSE, a prosperous and enterprising young business man of Oak Harbor, Ottawa county, is a native of that coun- ty, having first seen the light in Salem township May 26, 1862. He is a son of Charles and Marie (Drewes) Roose, men- tioned above ..

Our subject's boyhood was passed on the farm whereon he was born, attending the district schools until he was fitted for entering the public educational institu- tion of Oak Harbor, where his education was completed. After laying aside his books he entered the service of M. D. Thierwechter, of Oak Harbor, where he earned his first money-one hundred dol- lars for one year's clerkship, which sum was paid him at the end of twelve months, he not having drawn a single dollar in the meantime, an early illustration in his life of his innate thrift and care. On leaving Mr. Thierwechter's employ, Mr. Roose entered the Business College at Toledo, where he took a thorough course, completing same February 11, 1880, and in the following April he was given the position of bookkeeper in his father's office in Oak Harbor, which incumbency

he has since filled with acknowledged ability. In 1887 in company with five others Mr. Roose organized what is known as the Oak Harbor Cooperage & Lumber Co., located at Edgerton, Ind., and of which he is secretary and treasur- er. The plant cost $100,000, and the concern is under the immediate super- vision of Herman Roose, a brother of William; the latter is also one of the stockholders in and a director of the Oak Harbor Basket Co., at Oak Harbor.

On October 29, 1885, at the home of the bride in New Baltimore, Mich., Will- iam Roose and Miss Ida Stuth were united in marriage. She is a daughter of August and Johanna (Roose) Stuth, and was born in New Baltimore, Mich., March 21, 1863. She received her edu- cation at the Hathaway Institute of New Baltimore, in which town she passed her life up to the time of her marriage. Her father, who was a native of Mecklenburg- Strelitz, North Germany, born in 1820, died in Michigan in January, 1872; the mother of Mrs. Roose was born in 1822, in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and died at New Baltimore, Mich., July 2, 1882. They were married in 1844, and became the parents of children named as follows: Eliza (deceased), Henrietta (Mrs. Henry Heidebreicht, of Edgerton, Ind.), August (deceased), William (deceased), Adolph (deceased), Caroline (Mrs. August Colloff, of Oak Harbor) and Ida (Mrs. Roose). To Mr. and Mrs. Roose were born two children: William, born October 25, 1886, died December 20, 1892, and buried in Oak Harbor Cemetery; and Lyndon, born August 2, 1893, the life of her parents' pleasant and attractive home on Water street, Oak Harbor, which property Mr. Roose had purchased in the spring of 1885. Our subject and his amiable wife are members of the Lutheran Church; in his political preferences he is a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party. He comes of a good family, and the name of Roose is entitled to be permanently asso-

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ciated, not only with the industrial, but also with the intellectual development of our time.

R EUBEN M. BABCOCK, charcoal manufacturer and landowner. This old and highly-respected citizen of Williston, Allen township, Ottawa county, is a native of New York State, born in Columbia county, October 24, 1820, and is the son of John and Clarissa (Gray) Babcock, of Berkshire county, Mass., and Columbia county, N. Y., re- spectively.

Our subject received a better educa- tion than fell to the lot of most boys of his day, attending the public schools of his native place in his boyhood, and then, for three years, going to the college at Farmington, Trumbull Co., Ohio, from which he was graduated at the age of twenty-two years. He taught school for several years, both in Burn township, Athens county, and in Belmont county, Ohio. He then decided to learn a trade, and took up that of carpenter for twenty- one years, part of the time being spent at Farmington, and a part at Pittsfield, Mass. ; during this time he helped to build three steamers for the Ohio river trade. Later he gave up working at his trade and went to Michigan, settling in Ash township, Monroe county, where he en- gaged in the manufacture of staves, giving employment to a number of men. In connection with this enterprise he carried on farming, and also went into the real- estate business, in which latter he was fairly successful. While at this place he also began the manufacture of charcoal, running four kilns. At the end of twenty- one years spent in Michigan, Mr. Bab- cock came to Ottawa county, this State, and located at Martin, in Clay township, where he built four kilns, and continued the manufacture of charcoal. Here he remained one year, and then selling out, removed to Williston, Allen township,

where he built six charcoal kilns. He purchased a tract of 160 acres of timber- land, near Williston, and used the timber which he cleared from it to make his charcoal. Here he erected a comfortable dwelling house, with all necessary barns and outhouses, and has made his property a highly-cultivated farm and pleasant home, where he is spending his declining years in the enjoyment of the fruits of his labor.

Mr. Babcock was married, May 23, 1850, to Miss Lucy M., daughter of Thomas and Electa (Williams) Ensign, of Pittsfield, Mass., and children were born of this union, of whom the following record is given: William H., born in Pittsfield, Mass., September 18, 1852, was educated in the public schools of Michigan. Reuben E., more fully spoken of farther on. Lucy E., born March 31, 1857, was married March 21, 1877, to Nelson Richards, a farmer of Monroe county, Mich., and they have four chil- dren-Frank, born May 11, 1879; Judy, October 3, 1884; May, March 3, 1887; and Pearl, December 4, 1889. Emily E., born September 6, 1859, in Ohio, was married November 18, 1884, to Alsom Phile, son of Henry E. Phile (whose sketch will be found elsewhere); two chil- dren have been born to them-Eva and Alsom E. Edwin H. Babcock, was born in Ash township, Michigan, June 13, 1865, and received his early training in the high school at Genoa, Ottawa county, this State, which was supplemented by a course in a private school at Port Clinton, conducted by Miss Mothly; he afterward attended the high school at Ada, and subsequently the Business College at Cleveland, from which institution he was graduated with honor; after this he went to Ann Arbor, and entered the high school, at which he pursued his studies in geology and botany; he was married June 3, 1890, to Miss Cora M. Chapman, of Bowling Green, Ohio, who was a graduate of Ann Arbor (Mich.)

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College, and two children are the result of this union-Corwin, born December 1, 1892, and Edna, born January 7, 1894. Mr. Babcock resides in LaPlata, Mo., where he is engaged in the manufacture of charcoal. James Babcock was born in Ash township, Monroe Co., Mich., Sep- tember 6, 1863, and died in youth. Two other children died in infancy. Reuben E. Babcock, above mentioned, was born at Pittsfield, Mass., September 22, 1854, and received his education in the public schools of Ada, Ohio, and Valparaiso, Ind., where he attended the high school. De- ciding to adopt the profession of a lawyer he entered the Law Department of Ann Arbor (Mich.) University, graduated in 1887, and was admitted to the bar at Columbus, Ohio, the same year; he prac- ticed in Toledo for two years. On March 31, 1883, he was married to Addie Carpenter, a daughter of Erastus Car- penter, of Pittsfield, Mass., and one son, named after his father and grandfather, blessed their union. Mrs. Babcock grad- uated at Pittsfield, Mass. The promising career of this brilliant scholar and fine lawyer was cut short by his sudden death at Williston, July 10, 1889, from heart failure. His death was deeply felt, not only by his immediate friends but by his associates at the bar and business men who knew his worth.

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Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 86

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1040

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1040