USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume I > Part 34
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HIRAM R. BOARDMAN.
He whose name initiates this review needs no special introduction to the readers of this volume, for he is a representative of one of the old pioneer fami- lies of the county and is, moreover, well known throughout the community as an aviarist of considerable note, being perhaps the best authority on bee cul- ture in Huron county.
Hiram R. Boardman was born on the 2d of April, 1834. in old Swanzey, New Hampshire, near the home of Denman Thompson, and is a son of Hiram and Delia ( Richardson) Boardman. The family was established in Huron county in June, 1835, the father, prior to that time, having made a trip to the middle west, traveling most of the distance on foot. Attracted by the splendid oppor- tunities offered by this great and growing country, he returned east for his family and brought them by way of the Erie canal to Buffalo and thence to Huron
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by lake steamer, while the remainder of the journey was made by wagon. At the time of their arrival in Huron county the state of Ohio was still little more than a wilderness, its lands remaining largely unclaimed and its resources un- developed. The early settlers had cleared tiny openings in the forest where they had built their log cabins, while the work of progress and improvement had scarcely been begun. As the years passed, however, Hiram Boardman, Sr., bore his full share in the work of transformation and improvement and became a prominent and influential member of the community. He was a blacksmith by trade and followed that occupation after coming to Huron county. He taught school for three years subsequent to his arrival here and was also identi- fied with the agricultural interests of this county. He became active in public affairs and was called upon to fill almost all of the local offices of the township, including that of township clerk, trustee and justice of the peace, while for many years he was postmaster of Townsend at a time when the mail was carried from Norwalk on horseback. It was while he was acting as trustee that the township house, a very creditable brick building which yet stands, was built. He was deeply interested in and a stanch champion of the cause of education, and every matter or measure which had for its object the substantial growth and upbuilding of the community found in him a ready sympathizer and cooper- ant. He was well known and prominent among the early settlers of Huron county, and occupied a high place in the esteem and regard of his fellowmen. His death occurred April 15, 1871, while his wife survived until the 18th of June, 1899. They were both buried in the Townsend cemetery. In their family were five children : Hiram R., Horace H., Marcia, Electa and Wyman, all of whom are yet living.
Accompanying his parents to Ohio when but one year of age, Hiram R. Board- man was therefore reared in Huron county and attended the district schools in the acquirement of his early education. He later studied for a time in the special school at Collins, after which he devoted some time to teaching in Wood county. Subsequently withdrawing from that profession, however, he became employed in his father's shingle mill on the home farm and later purchased the mill, which he operated on his own account for several years. Then in 1854, the year following the border troubles, he went to Kansas and took up one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he remained for one year. After his return to Ohio he spent a year in the Pennsylvania oil fields as a tool dresser and then became identified with agricultural interests, exchanging his property in Kansas for a farm in Townsend Center, upon which he has since resided. Here he engages in general farming and devotes the greater portion of his time and attention to his bee interests. Since a young man he has made a careful study of bees and their habits, specializing along improved and modern methods of handling them. He has been a large contributor to the foremost bee journals in the country and is perhaps the best authority and judge of bees in Huron county. He is a taxidermist of considerable ability and has a collection of birds and animals that has few equals among private collections and would make a valuable addition to any museum.
Mr. Boardman was united in marriage in 1873 to Miss Eliza Lord, a daugh- ter of Calif and Susan Lord of Bowling Green, Wood county. No children came
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to bless this union but Mr. and Mrs. Boardman adopted into their home a daugh- ter, Ivon May, who is the life and light of the household. Politically Mr. Board- man has voted the democratic ticket since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but he has never desired nor sought public office. Although he has many times been selected by his fellow citizens as a candidate for various offices, he has, nevertheless, declined the nomination. For many years he was a mem- ber of the board of education and has been deeply interested in the cause of education, being a stanch champion thereof. Fraternally he is a member of Townsend Lodge, No. 322, F. & A. M., and has been very active in Masonic circles. He holds membership in the Townsend Grange, and is also affiliated with the Patrons of Husbandry, in the affairs of which he has been prominent and active. He is preeminently a public-spirited citizen, prominent and active in public affairs, and is held in the highest respect and esteem by his fellowmen. His various interests have been such as constitute a well-rounded character, ap- preciative of all that goes to make up life's contacts and relations, while the consensus of public opinion accords him a most enviable position among the honored and valued representatives of Huron county.
BALSOR LEHMAN.
Balsor Lehman owns a neat and well improved farm of one hundred and seventy-four acres, situated in Sherman township, where he is now practically living retired, leaving the more active work of the fields to his son. As the name indicates, Mr. Lehman is of German birth, his natal day being January 6, 1827. His parents, Nicholas and Mary Lehman, emigrated to the United States in the year 1833 and made a location in Stark county, Ohio, where they spent about twelve years. They then sold out in that county and took up their abode in Seneca county, this state, purchasing property near St. Stephens, where they made their home until 1863, when they removed to Sherman township, Huron county, and purchased the farm, which is now owned by our subject.
Balsor Lehman was a little lad of but six years at the time of the emigra- tion of the family to the new world. It was during the twelve years' residence of the family in Stark county that he acquired his education in the district schools. He accompanied his parents on their various removals up to the time of their arrival in Sherman township. He is now the owner of the old home- stead property, which has been in possession of the family since 1863, or for a period of forty-six years. Since taking possession Mr. Lehman has made a num- ber of substantial improvements and he now has a nice country residence, good barn and substantial outbuildings to shelter his grain and stock, and everything about the place is kept in a state of good repair, indicating the practical and pro- gressive methods of the owner. He has here one hundred and seventy-four acres of land and for many years was actively engaged in the work of the farm but as he has now passed the seventy-second milestone on the journey of life, he is practically living retired, while his son John manages the place.
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It was in Seneca county, this state, that Mr. Lehman chose a companion and helpmate in the person of Miss Elizabeth Bunn, their marriage being celebrated on the 17th of August, 1862. She is a daughter of Martin and Katharine Bunn. and by her marriage has become the mother of ten children. Lea, the eldest. was born in Seneca county. Martin, the next in order of birth, wedded Miss Anna Glassner of Fremont and they have had nine children, as follows : Charles. Amelia, Reuben, John, Romie, Loretta, Harold, Arthur, and one who died in infancy. Mary became the wife of Peter Grulich of Seneca county, Ohio, but is now deceased. She was the mother of five children, John, Clara, Fred. George, and Victor, deceased. Lena, the fourth member of the Lehman family. has departed this life. Victor is the wife of Frank Ruffing and resides at Cadiz. Ohio. They have had eight children but two died in infancy, the others being Alfa, Nora, Bert, Solomon, Harold and Ralph. Anna is the wife of Joe Falter. of Seneca county, their home being in East Norwalk. They have seven chil- dren, Frank, Gertrude, Clem, Louisa, Charles, Urbin and Lea. Louisa first wed- ded John West, of Tiffin, Ohio, and later became the wife of Sam Higgins, their home being in California. Elizabeth is the wife of John Garhardstein, a res- ident of Seneca county. They have had a family of eight children but two of the number died in infancy, the living members being Robert, Albert, Loretta. Tillie, Gertrude and Oscar. John lives at home and operates the farm. Rose is the wife of Leo Leable, of Tiffin, by whom she has five children. Zenobia. Justice, Harold, Leo and Rush.
Mr. Lehman is a democrat in politics and on that ticket was elected constable. in which office he served three years. He is a communicant of the Catholic church, holding membership in the church in Thompson township, Seneca county. In his earlier years he led a very busy and active life and accumulated a property that now enables him to live retired, enjoying a well earned rest. He leaves the active work of the farm to his son John, who is an enterprising and progressive young farmer. His fraternal relations are with the Eagles and the Red Men. The Lehman family is an old and prominent one in Sherman township and the hospitality of the best homes in this section is freely accorded them.
E. V. B. BUCKINGHAM, M. D.
The life history of Dr. E. V. B. Buckingham constitutes an important chapter in the records of Huron county. He has never sought to figure prominently in political circles or public life and yet his ability in his profession and his worth as a man and a citizen entitle him to classification with the leading representa- tives of the community. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio, August 11, 1839, and has therefore reached the seventieth milestone on life's journey. His parents were Ezekiel and Catharine A. (Williams) Buckingham, natives of Baltimore. Maryland, and of Pennsylvania, respectively. The father arrived in Richmond township, Huron county, in 1842, and engaged in farming, his place of residence being about a mile from Chicago Junction. There year after year he carefully tilled the soil and carried on his work until his death in 1882, when he was
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seventy-two years of age. His wife survived him until 1891 and passed away at the age of seventy-three years.
Dr. Buckingham acquired his early education in the country schools and afterward received the benefit of instruction in Plymouth high school. Subse- quently he engaged in teaching in Richmond and New Haven townships for eight terms and at the same time lie devoted his leisure hours to the study of medicine. His educational privileges were not equal to those which boys of the present day enjoy. for there was no school in the township at the time of his arrival. His mother, however, was a lady of intelligence and instructed him in many things, so that he learned much under her direction. He improved his opportunities of attending school as the occasion offered and has always been a broad reader, keeping in touch with the current thought of the day, while at the same time in his profession he has made continuous progress by his reading and investigation. In 1864 he was graduated in medicine from the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, and in 1872 won the M. D. degree at Miami Medical College in Cincinnati. He began practice in Centerton, a village which has since given place to Chicago Junction, and in the intervening years he has remained at this location, enjoying a large and substantial practice. He has ministered to various families for many years until the children have grown up and reared families of their own. Through- out all the intervening period he has kept in touch with the trend of modern professional thought through his comprehensive study and is regarded today as one of the best informed physicians of the county. He has been honored with the presidency of the County Medical Society and holds membership with the State and American Medical Associations and also the Northwestern Medical Association. He is likewise a member of the International Association of Rail- way Surgeons and for eighteen years he filled the position of surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
In 1886 Dr. Buckingham was united in marriage to Miss Effie W. Pitts, a native of Richland county, Ohio, and unto them have been born two sons, Men- denhall and Huron E. W. The doctor is an Odd Fellow in his fraternal rela- tions and in religious faith is a Methodist. His life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles, manifest in citizenship as well as in professional relations. Not to know Dr. Buckingham in Chicago Junction and this part of the county is to argue one's self unknown. He is one of the most respected and reliable citizens, a man who has always stood four square to every wind that blows and who in every relation of life can be depended upon to conserve the interests of those things which are best and most worthy.
JOHN G. HOULE.
John G. Houle, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Lyme town- ship, is the owner of a finely improved farm of one hundred and eleven acres, most of which is in Erie county. His birth occurred in Lyme township on the 28th of January. 1856, his parents being William H. and Lucy (Gaydon) Houle, both of whom were natives of Devonshire, England, where they were married.
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Almost immediately after the ceremony they sailed for the new world and on reaching the United States took up their abode in Lyme township, Huron county, the father here working as a farm hand for a number of years. Carefully sav- ing his earnings, he was at length enabled to purchase a farm of his own and in 1876 bought the property which is now in possession of his sons, John G. and Fred, being successfully engaged in its cultivation and improvement until he passed away in 1892 at the age of sixty-four years. His wife, who survived him for several years, died on the 8th of February, 1899, when sixty-eight years of age. They were devoted and faithful members of the Lyme Congregational church and were well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth and upright lives. Their children were seven in number, namely : William H .; John G., of this review; Jennie and Lucy, who are deceased; Frank, who is a professor in the schools at Martins Ferry ; Ida, who has likewise passed away; and Fred, who with his brother, J. G., cultivates the home farm.
John G. Houle obtained his education in the district schools and with the ex- ception of one year, which he spent on the old Wright farm in Groton township, Erie county, has continuously been a resident of Lyme township from his birth to the present time. Since putting aside his text-books he has given his un- divided attention to the work of the fields and, as before stated, is now the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and eleven acres, which was purchased by his father from George Dole. The place is under a high state of cultivation and gives every evidence of his careful supervision and practical methods.
On the 5th of December, 1899, Mr. Houle was united in marriage to Miss Kate Becker, a daughter of Barney and Caroline (Beeler) Becker, who were early settlers of Lyme township. By reason of their long residence in this county both Mr. and Mrs. Houle are widely and favorably known here and the hospi- tality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
JOHN NORMAN.
John Norman, a retired farmer of Lyme township, Huron county, and the owner of one hundred and ten acres of land on which he lives, was born in Eng- land, March 30, 1835, the son of John and Mary (Ellis) Norman. Both par- ents died in the country which had always been their home, but in their life- time had given to the world ten children, of whom John Norman and a younger brother Zachariah and one sister, Sarah Ann, who were the sixth, seventh and ninth in the family, respectively, alone survive, Samuel, Lydia, Ellis, Charles, Diana, Jesse and an infant having passed away.
John Norman came to the United States in 1858 and settled in Lyme town- ship, Huron county, Ohio. At first he worked around for different farmers here until he was able to rent a small tract of land to cultivate for his own interests. By hard and diligent work, he was soon able to save up enough money to buy a little farm. This he cultivated up to a higher grade of productiveness, sold, and with the proceeds bought a larger piece, continuing this practice for some time
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MR. AND MRS. JOHN NORMAN
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until his good management and labor made it possible for him to purchase his pres- ent large farm in 1879. It was originally part of the old Sawyer farm, and is a valuable piece of land today, for Mr. Norman with knowing skill has improved it in every way possible. Some years ago, he gave up the active duties of life, rented his farm, and now lives in the enjoyment of a well deserved rest and comfort.
Mr. Norman was married twice. His first wife was Miss Sarah Ann Car- penter, by whom he had six children, but Charles and the youngest died in in- fancy. Of the other four, William E., living in Lyme township, married Miss Dora Daniels and has five sons, Roy, John, Ben, Gus and William; Mary M. is the wife of Gus Hesstler, of Bellevue ; John lives at home ; and Samuel M. mar- ried Miss Lena Wright and lives at Norwalk. He is the father of two children, Percy and Lillian M. Mr. Norman was again married December 24, 1886, his second union being with Mrs. Jane ( Norman) Francis, the widow of Richard Francis, and the daughter of Samuel and Deborah ( Pickering) Norman. Both her parents were born in England, the father in 1812, the mother in 1815. They came to this country when their daughter Jane was eighteen years of age and were accounted old settlers in this locality. Mrs. Norman was third in a family of five, of whom she and the oldest son, Samuel, alone survive, Anna, John and Eliza having passed away. By her former husband, Mrs. Norman had seven children : George W., who lives at home : Eliza A., who married Frank Ekert, of Norwalk, and is the mother of one child. Carl; Albert, now deceased, who mar- ried Miss Lottie Pence, and left three children, Mabel, Ralph and Leona ; Cora, the wife of Fred Willard, of Cleveland, and the mother of three children, Ernest, Viola and Grace : and three little ones who died in infancy.
Mr. Norman is a member of the Episcopal church, but his wife is a regular attendant at the services of St. Joseph's Catholic church of Monroeville. He is a man who has lived the active years of his life profitably and well and has made many friends who do not begrudge him the rest he has so well earned nor the comfort he is now permitted to enjoy.
L. JAY GIFFORD.
1 .. Jay Gifford, owning and operating a farm of one hundred and seventy- five acres in Fitchville township, is an agriculturist whose well directed energy and keen foresight are bringing to him a creditable measure of prosperity. His birth occurred in Genesee county, New York, on the 5th of February, 1857, his parents being Fernando and Maria L. (Green) Gifford, both of whom were like- wise natives of Genesee county. The father was born July 20. 1825, while the mother first opened her eyes to the light of day, December 6, 1827. In 1818, Zalmon Green, the maternal grandfather of our subject, walked from Cayuga county, New York, to Fitchville, Huron county, Ohio, a distance of four hun- dred miles. Fernando Gifford, the father of L .. Jay Gifford, followed general agricultural pursuits throughout the greater part of his life, meeting with suc- cess in his undertakings. In 1863 he made his way from the Empire state to
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this county, here purchasing a tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres, a portion of which is now comprised within the boundaries of the farm belong- ing to his son, L. Jay Gifford. His political allegiance was given to the repub- lican party and he was deeply interested in all matters pertaining to the general welfare. For several terms he capably discharged the duties devolving upon him in the position of township trustee. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian and his life was at all times in harmony with the teachings of that church. His demise occurred July 17, 1893, and was deeply mourned by an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances. His wife, whom he wedded May 19, 1852. was called to her final rest September 6, 1902.
L .. Jay Gifford was a little lad of six years when he accompanied his parents on the journey to Huron county in 1863. Reared on the home farm, he early became familiar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agricultur- ist and which have claimed his time and energies throughout his entire business career. Subsequent to the death of his father he took up his abode on the old family homestead, looking after his mother's interests until she, too, passed away. As time has passed and his financial resources have increased, owing to his un- tiring industry and judicious management, he has added to his landed holdings by additional purchase until his farm now embraces one hundred and seventy-five acres in Fitchville township. The soil is rich and productive and responds readily to cultivation, so that he annually gathers bounteous harvests which find a good sale on the market.
On the 13th of September, 1883, Mr. Gifford was joined in wedlock to Miss Marion B. Smith, a daughter of Thomas and Joanna Smith, of Fitchville. Their union has been blessed with one son, J. Floyd, who was born June 29, 1885. and is still under the parental roof.
Mr. Gifford is a stalwart republican in his political views but, though he is deeply interested in matters of public concern and has frequently been solicited to become a candidate for various positions, he has no desire for the honors and emoluments of office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his private affairs. He belongs to the Grange and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. As he has lived for many years in this county, he was a wide acquaintance here and his friends know him as an enter- prising farmer and a man of genuine worth.
NOBLE G. HURST.
Noble G. Hurst, whose carefully directed labors as an agriculturist and sheep raiser in former years brought him the competence that now enables him to live retired, was born in Henrietta, Lorain county, Ohio, on the 20th of September, 1856, his parents being John and Mary A. (Longway) Hurst. The paternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth (Drien) Hurst, were nativee of Lincolnshire, England, and the grandfather served as a soldier in the English army for thirty- two years, participating in the wars of his country during that period. He was
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stationed at Quebec and during his military service crossed the ocean four times. After being honorably discharged from the army he established his home in Quebec, where he spent the remainder of his life. John Hurst, the father of our subject, made the journey from Quebec to Ohio in company with his young bride, a settlement being made in Henrietta, Lorain county. His financial re- sources were very limited at the time of his arrival in this state but he possessed in large measure the sterling qualities of industry, honesty and frugality and as the years went by gained a handsome competence through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests. He was widely recognized as a most public-spirited, substantial and respected citizen and his death, which occurred on the 21st of October, 1892, was the occasion of deep ond widespread regret. His wife was called to her final rest on the 29th of May, 1907, and both lie buried in Wake- man cemetery. Unto this worthy couple were born two sons and two daughters : Elizabeth P., whose demise occurred in June, 1882; Noble G., of this review ; Margaret H .; and Melvin J.
Noble G. Hurst spent his youth on the home farm of his father and obtained his education in the public schools of Wakeman. Subsequent to his marriage he carried on agricultural pursuits in Wakeman for three years and then farmed in Camden, Lorain county, for two years. At the end of that time he returned to Wakeman, where he remained for four years and then once more located in Camden, Lorain county, there continuing for twenty years. In May, 1906, he again came to Wakeman and has here since lived retired, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. He has a fine home and twelve acres of land in the suburbs of the village of Wakeman and has become quite an extensive landowner, possessing two farms on the county line between Wakeman and Camden, Lorain county. Both farms, comprising one hundred and fifty and one hundred and forty acres of land respectively, are well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Throughout his business career Mr. Hurst was en- gaged in general farming and sheep raising, in which lines of activity he was eminently successful, gaining recognition as one of the county's most substantial, progressive and representative citizens.
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