USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume I > Part 36
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On the 30th of June, 1870, Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Kingsbury, a daughter of Lemuel and Jerusha M. (Durbin) Kingsbury, who were natives of New York. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Armstrong were born in Otis, Massachusetts, and took up their abode in the state of New York in the early years of the eighteenth century. Lemuel H. Kingsbury, the grandfather, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and lies buried in the Wakeman cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury, the parents of Mrs. Arm- strong, were married on the 20th of February, 1844, and came to Ohio in 1845. The father, a shoemaker by trade, was well known and highly esteemed for his many excellent traits of character and genuine personal worth. His family num- bered ten children, five sons and five daughters, as follows: Mary A., James M., Daniel D., Martha A., Sarah A., Ruth E., Lemuel M., John A., Jane A., and Romaine J. Of these, James M., Romaine J. and Daniel B. served as loyal de- fenders of the Union during the Civil war, the two first named laying down their lives on the altar of their country. Daniel B., however, returned safely to his family. The Kingsburys were farming people, whose time and energies were largely given to the cultivation of the soil. Lemuel Kingsbury, the father of Mrs. Armstrong, was called to his final rest on the 7th of September, 1879, while his wife passed away on the 28th of April, 1881. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have been born two daughters: Clara M., who is now the wife of George Coon, of Wakeman ; and Ella J., at home.
In his political views Mr. Armstrong is a stanch republican, has always been an active worker in the local ranks of the party and has frequently served as a delegate to county, district and state conventions. In the position of road
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supervisor of Wakeman township, which office he held for six years, he won a reputation for efficiency and fidelity that could hardly be surpassed. "What- ever is worth doing at all is worth doing well" has ever been his motto and this constitutes the secret of his success. He is an enthusiastic advocate of all public improvements that tend to promote the general welfare and his influence is ever given on the side of right, truth, justice and progress. For more than fifty years he has been identified with the Disciples church, of which the other members of his family are also valued members. For the past several years Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong and their daughter, Ella J., have spent the winter season in Florida but during the rest of the year reside near the village of Wakeman, owning an attractive and commodious home, which is justly noted for its gracious and warm- hearted hospitality. A well spent life, characterized by all that is honorable in business and straightforward in his relations with his fellowmen, has brought Mr. Armstrong the uniform respect of all with whom he has come in contact and it is with pleasure that we present the record of his career to our readers.
IRA M. GILLETT.
The name of Gillett is an old and prominent one in Huron county, for repre- sentatives of the family have been associated with its agricultural development since 1839, and Ira M. Gillett of this review was one whose labors were directed in this line as well as that of carpentering. His death occurred February 1, 1908, and thus the county lost one of its most valued and substantial citizens. Mr. Gillett was born in Spafford, Onondaga county, New York, June 18, 1826, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Gillett, who, on removing westward from the Empire state, located on a farm in Huron county.
Ira M. Gillett was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Huron county, and as they took up their abode upon a farm, the son was reared to agricultural pursuits, assisting his father in the develop- ment and improvement of the home place. He was a young man of twenty-six years, when in 1852, he purchased fifty-three acres of land in Norwalk township and thus started out upon an independent business venture. The land when it came into his possession was a wilderness, but with characteristic energy and high ambitions, Mr. Gillett at once undertook to clear the land and in due time had it under a good state of cultivation. As the years passed, he continued to add improvements to his place and eventually made it a valuable property, on which he spent his remaining days and which at his death was left in possession of his widow. Mr. Gillett was a carpenter by trade and in addition to his farm- ing operations also worked at that occupation, thus acquiring a good living for himself and family.
Mr. Gillett chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, Miss Caroline M. Clawson, who was born in North Hector, New York, February 26. 1836, their marriage being celebrated on the 21st of December, 1854. She is a daughter of John G. and Clarissa Clawson. The former was a carpenter by trade and coming to Huron county in 1835, here worked at his trade for a time. A few
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MR. AND MRS. IRA M. GILLETTE
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months after his arrival, he was followed by his wife and infant daughter, who was then six months old. She was but three years of age when the family took up their abode in Milan, and three years later they removed to the Lockwood road, where Mr. Clawson purchased a sixty-acre tract of wilderness. He cleared his land, erected his own dwelling and in time made the place a valuable one. In addition to tilling his fields, in which he was assisted by his sons, he also en- gaged in shipbuilding and cabinet making, constructing fine coffins, etc. He assisted in building the first gristmill in Clarksfield, this county, and in many ways was a progressive and influential citizen of this community. In 1865, he purchased a farm in Bronson township and removing to that place, there spent his remaining days. He was a republican in his political views and a Baptist in religious faith. Mr. and Mrs. Clawson reared a family of nine children and all lived to be more than fifty years of age. The father departed this life Feb- ruary 14, 1871, and the mother, surviving for many years, passed away Novem- ber 14, 1894. Thus Huron county lost two of its prominent pioneer residents.
Mr. and Mrs. Gillett celebrated their golden wedding December 21, 1904. They were the parents of four children, three daughters and one son, namely: Charity I., who was born June 7, 1857, and is still with her mother on the old home farm; Mrs. Clara M. Miller, who was born July 13, 1863; Mrs. Matilda R. Taylor, whose birth occurred June 3, 1866; and Mortimer S., twin brother of Matilda, who wedded Miss Elizabeth W. Thomasson.
Mr. Gillett gave his political support to the men and measures of democracy, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church. He possessed a remarkably retentive memory and was ever a deep student of history. He was one of the directors of the Firelands Historical Society for many years and wrote many articles of historic interest, which were published in the new series of the Firelands Historical Pioneer Life, which are mentioned in the historical portion of this work. He took a prominent part in all matters per- taining to the progress and upbuilding of Huron county and always stood ready and willing to aid and co-operate in any movement that might prove beneficial to the public. Honest and upright in every relation of life, Huron county was for- tunate in numbering him among her citizens.
HARLEY F. FLETCHER.
Harley F. Fletcher is an enterprising, progressive and prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Clarksfield township, owning and operating more than two hun- dred acres of rich and valuable land, from which he derives a good annual re- turn. He was born on the 18th of August, 1859, in the same house in which he now resides, his parents being William and Maria (Vrowman) Fletcher, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. They made their way to this county at an early period in its development, the father purchasing the farm on which his son, Harley F., now resides when it was still entirely covered with timber. With charactertistic energy, however, he set to work to clear away the trees and soon had the land ready for cultivation. Owing to his well directed
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and untiring industry, he prospered in his farming operations as the years went by and became widely recognized as a substantial and respected citizen of the community. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was most progressive and loyal in citizenship. He was an exemplary member of the Baptist church, in the faith of which he passed away on the 28th of May, 1879, his remains being interred in the Clarksfield cemetery. His wife, whose demise occurred when her son, Harley F., was but thirteen years of age, also lies buried in that cemetery. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, namely : William H .; George; Charles, who is deceased; Andrew J .; Mary J. and Daniel W., who have also passed away; and Harley F., of this review.
The last named was reared on the old home farm and attended the district schools of his native township in the acquirement of an education. On putting aside his text-books he began working as a farm hand by the month and was thus busily engaged until the time of his marriage. He then took up his abode on the old family homestead in Clarksfield township and has here since continued to reside, devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits with gratifying success. He started out on his own account with a tract of twenty acres but, as he prospered in his undertakings, gradually added to his landed holdings until he now owns over two hundred acres of rich and fertile soil. In addition to the cultivation of the fields he also raises stock to some extent and, as the result of his unremitting industry and capable management, has gained a place among the representative and enterprising agriculturists of his native county.
On the 21st of December, 1879, Mr. Fletcher was united in marriage to Miss Ella Vosburgh, a daughter of John and Jane (Johnston) Vosburgh, of Camden, Lorain county. Their union was blessed with one son, Earl F., who is now mar- ried and lives on a farm adjoining that of his parents.
Politically Mr. Fletcher is an ardent republican and is always deeply inter- ested in matters pertaining to the general welfare. At the present time he is serving in the position of township trustee, while for several years he has been a member of the township board of education. He and his family are devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and exemplify its teachings in their daily lives. They are widely and favorably known in the com- munity and enjoy the warm regard and esteem of all with whom they have come in contact.
GEORGE WASHINGTON RUNYAN.
When taking into consideration his years of continuous connection with journalistic interests, George Washington Runyan is one of the oldest newspaper men in northern Ohio, having since 1871 been the publisher of the New London Record. His birth occurred in New London, Huron county, Ohio, on the 14th of May, 1851, his parents being Nathaniel and Phebe (Cookingham) Runyan, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. They were numbered among the early pioneer settlers of this state, taking up their abode here in 1837.
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The father, who was a shoemaker by trade, followed that occupation in early manhood but subsequently conducted a general mercantile establishment in New London. He passed away in 1882, having long survived his wife, who was called to her final rest in 1856. They had four sons who served in the Civil war, two of them being members of the Twenty-third Ohio Regiment, known as Mc- Kinley's Regiment. At that time William McKinley was a private in the reg- iment, while Rutherford B. Hayes served as colonel.
George W. Runyan obtained his education in the public schools of his native town, literature, geography and grammar being his favorite studies. At the age of seventeen years he put aside his text-books and entered the village printing office in the capacity of printer's devil or office boy. After repeated failures on the part of persons who attempted to make a newspaper a success, he obtained possession of the office in 1871, when but twenty years of age. Six months after- ward the establishment was destroyed by fire. Nothing daunted, however, Mr. Runyan started out anew, contracting a debt of several hundred dollars in order to do so. By close application and unfaltering perserverance he finally piloted the enterprise to a self-supporting basis and now ranks among the oldest pub- lishers in northern Ohio, having edited the New London Record for the past thirty-eight years. The Record is the first and only newspaper in New London and its publisher is widely recognized as a prominent and progressive representa- tive of journalistic interests in Huron county.
On the 25th of June, 1872, Mr. Runyan was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Elizabeth Messenger, who as compositor in the office of the New Lon- don Record aided in permanently establishing the enterprise. They have two children : Marie Messenger, born October 6, 1891 ; and Lena May, whose birth occurred May 17, 1896.
Where national questions and issues are involved Mr. Runyan gives his po- litical allegiance to the republican party but at local elections casts an inde- pendent ballot, supporting the candidate whom he regards as best qualified for office. He has served as a member of the board of education in New London for nineteen years. Fraternally he is identified with New London Lodge, No. 615, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past grand. His life in all of its phases has been thoroughly honorable and he is an advocate of temperance, never using intoxicants or tobacco. A resident of the county throughout his entire life, he has a very wide acquaintance here and many good qualities have gained for him the regard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated.
JOSEPH A. DENMAN.
Joseph A. Denman, a successful and enterprising agriculturist of Wakeman township, was born in that township on the 14th of May, 1853, and is the eldest child of Edward and Jane (Archer) Denman, a sketch of whom appears on an- other page of this volume. J. A. Denman was reared under the parental roof and obtained his education in the common schools of his native township. Sub- sequent to his marriage he settled on a farm on the outskirts of the village of
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Wakeman, and has here since continued to make his home, devoting his time and energies to the pursuit of farming and to the buying and shipping of stock and fruit. Energetic, industrious and progressive, he has met with a commendable measure of prosperity in his undertakings and is numbered among the substan- tial and representative citizens of the community.
On the 12th of October, 1871, occurred the marriage of Mr. Denman and Miss Frances L. Pierce, a daughter of Lemuel B. and Eunice (Burr) Pierce. Unto them were born four sons, namely Perry P., a resident of Coffeyville, Kansas ; Ralph R. and Tracy A., living in Columbus, Ohio; and Loyd B., who is at home. The wife and mother passed away in January. 1903. her demise being the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
In his political views Mr. Denman is a stalwart republican. while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, with which the other members of his family are also identified. Having spent his entire life in this county, he has an extensive circle of friends within its borders and is well worthy the regard and esteem which are uniformly accorded him.
ARTHUR B. VIALL.
Arthur B. Viall, who is conducting a wall paper business on Main street, Bellevue, Ohio, was one of the first men to engage in mercantile affairs in that city. He was born October 29, 1843, in Akron, Ohio, the son of Bennett and Sarah (Anderson) Viall. The former also claimed Akron as his birth place. his birth occurring in 1821. In the prime of his early manhood, at the age of twenty-three, he was taken from those who loved him, leaving a wife and a baby son, Arthur. His widow who was one year the junior, survived him for over twenty years, and for her second husband she married George Barber. Of this union there were two children: Charles and Iuella.
Arthur B. Viall passed the years of his childhood and youth in Summit county, Ohio. They were quiet enough years, with little but happy memories to recount, but they engendered an eagerness to be out in the world where one might make a name and a fair fortune for himself. He was but eighteen years of age when he formed the determination to be up and doing for himself, and came to Bellevue to obtain his first business experience. His initial position was as a clerk in the employ of C. A. Willard and Company, who conducted an enter- prising dry-goods store here. A few months before he attained his majority, on the 1st of May, 1864, Mr. Viall responded to the call for aid in the defense of his country and enlisted in Company I. One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was stationed at Arlington Heights, Virginia, but had no further opportunity to prove his valor, for in the following fall was mustered out at Cleveland, Ohio. The will to fight for the Union in his case had to be taken in place of many wounds and sufferings, which the hand that guided his destiny spared him, though it deprived him of the honor of being enrolled among those who sacrificed themselves for the good of the cause. On returning from the war he engaged in the dry-goods business, which he followed for some
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twelve years or more, winning from it a deserved success. About five years ago he opened his wall paper establishment in this town and has since then been doing a creditable business.
On the 3d of May, 1868, Mr. Viall was united in marriage to Miss Clara E. Miller, the daughter of Samuel Miller, an old settler of Huron county. Five children have been born to bless this union. Bennett, the eldest, married Miss Gertrude Hoyt and is at present living in Bellevue, the father of five children: Esther, Arthur, Robert, Dorothy and Gertrude. Gertrude, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Viall, died in her tenth year. Elizabeth, the next in the family, married Harry DeWitt and makes her home in Bellevue. Ruth married Milton Squares of Bellevue and they have two daughters, Ruth and Dorothy. The fifth child in the Viall home died in infancy.
Mr. Viall is a member of the Congregational church of Bellevue and makes of his religion a matter of daily practice. He is a man who has been found most honorable in his dealings with those persons who have made a demand upon his services, and enjoys the good will of the community. The people gave some in- dication of their confidence in his judgment and abilities when six years ago they elected him a member of the school board, which position he has filled to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Of the local Grand Army post he is past commander and has been for years the adjutant of the post.
PETER LORETZ.
Prominent in the ranks of the worthy agricultural class of Iluron county is Peter Loretz of Wakeman township, who lives on a splendidly appointed farm of two hundred and four acres, well tilled and under a high state of cultivation. He gives attention chiefly to general farming, but like most successful farmers has a specialty. In his case it is the Jersey cow, his herd being noted as one of the finest in the county.
Peter Loretz comes naturally by his love for pasture land, his parents having come from Switzerland. Jerome and Barbara (Yerger) Loretz were married in the little mountain republic and shortly afterward set out for the great repub- lic across the sea, in 1854. They came direct to Huron county, Ohio, where Mr. Loretz found lucrative employment in a sawmill. Later the family removed to Norwalk, where they have since resided, respected and esteemed citizens.
Peter Loretz was born in Peru, Huron county, May 25, 1855, and was reared in Norwalk, receiving a good public-school education before beginning the battle of life. At nineteen years he began at the very bottom of the ladder as a section hand on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway. Faithful and industrious here, he advanced by rounds to freight and passenger conductor, remaining in the latter position some fifteen years, to the time of his final retirement from rail- roading in 1899. The railroad company found in Mr. Loretz a careful and painstaking employe, who looked after the interests of a corporation with the same fidelity as he looked after his own. In 1884 he purchased the farm where he now resides and conducts it in company with his son Reuben. He puts into
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the cultivation of this farm the same intelligent comprehension of affairs agri- cultural which marked his railroad experience. There is "a place for everything," and the movements on the farm go on with the regularity attending the "block" system on the railroad.
The family life of Mr. Loretz began with his marriage to Miss Louisa George, of Huron county, June 13, 1878. Mrs. Loretz was a daughter of Peter and Mary (Lawrence) George, farmers who lived near Peru. To this union have been born five children : Cecelia, Reuben, Leonora, Gertrude and Eloise.
A democrat in political faith and a Catholic, the interests of these two worthy organizations employ the mind of Mr. Loretz for the most part while away from the farm. He takes quite an active interest in the councils of his party, being at present the Wakeman member of the democratic county central committee. His face is a familiar one at the different county and state conventions, where his advice is of weight in the formation of party policies. In church affairs he is a leader and he supports his faith liberally, being charitable to a degree. All movements looking to the public weal find a friend in Mr. Loretz, and he is universally esteemed.
DAVID C. SMITH.
David C. Smith, who well deserves the proud American title of self-made man, was born in London, England, December 26, 1856, and is a son of Jonathan C. and Hannah (Pedley) Smith. The father, who was a stonemason by occupation, came to America in the late '50s, locating in Bellevue, Ohio, where he continued to follow his trade until his death, which occurred July 6, 1882. His wife passed away March 17, 1907.
Coming to America when but two and one-half years of age, David C. Smith therefore acquired his education in this country, becoming a pupil of the schools at Norwalk and Milan. Remaining under the parental roof for a time after set- ting aside his text-books, he assisted his father in the cultivation of his fields until 1877, when he engaged in business on his own account as a renter, at first operat- ing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He was thus engaged for six years, at the end of which time he removed to his present place, which he rented for a time, and in 1895 purchased sixty-six acres. He engages in general farming, in which connection he also operates a dairy, owning about twelve cows. For sixteen years he had a milk route in Milan but later sold the route although he continues to furnish the milk. He makes a specialty of raising sheep, having on hand a fine flock of the Delaine brand, which average over eleven and a half pounds of wool per head. He conducts his various enterprises on a strictly business basis and his keen sagacity and sound judgment are the salient elements in the gratifying degree of prosperity which he now enjoys. His farm, which is free from all en- cumbrances, is surely proving a most satisfactory investment.
On the 9th of March, 1890, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Emma D. Brown, who was born in Monroeville, Ohio, on the 20th of April, 1868. She is the daughter of Charles and Phoebe Brown, and the father now makes his home
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with her, while the mother passed away May 10, 1878. She is a graduate of the schools of Monroeville, and is a very estimable lady, being of no little assistance to her husband in the conduct of his business affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have become the parents of four children, namely : Ethel L., born May 22, 1891, who at- tended school for three years at Norwalk and later graduated from the school at Milan ; Florence E., born September 18. 1893, who is now a pupil in school at Milan : Don C., born November 10, 1896; and Glenn R., born June 6, 1902.
Mr. Smith is a thorough believer in education and is doing all in his power to give his children the advantages of thorough training. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church and is a man of honorable, upright life, temperate in all his habits and true to the ideals of noble manhood. In politics he votes with the re- publican party and is public spirited in his citizenship, doing all in his power to further the material, intellectual and moral welfare and upbuilding of the com- munity. Starting out in his business career without any especially favoring ad- vantages, he has by energy. industry. perseverance and integrity, worked his way upward into a position of which he may well feel proud, for he is recognized as one of the prosperous, progressive and valued citizens of Norwalk township.
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