USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume I > Part 39
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51
The other member of the family is T. P. Kellogg of this review, who is indebted to the public-school system of his native city for the educational priv- ileges which he enjoyed and which fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. It was his intention to enter the journalistic field but owing to an acci- dent he abandoned that idea. For several years he engaged in teaching school and was then called to public office, being elected city clerk in 1899. To that position he was reelected in 1901, so that his incumbency covered four years. In 1903 he was chosen by popular suffrage to the office of city auditor and was reelected in 1907 so that he is filling the position at the present time. His politi- cal endorsement is given to the republican party which finds in him a stalwart champion. While in office he gave his leisure time to the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1902.
It was in 1895 that Mr. Kellogg was united in marriage to Miss Carlossie M. Pond, a daughter of A. A. and M. M. Pond, both old residents of Huron county. Two children graced this union, Marjorie F. and Raymond P. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg have many warm friends in Norwalk, having been lifelong residents of the county and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. Mr. Kellogg is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and other fraternal organizations. He has long been recognized as a leader in the ranks of the republican party and for three years has been president of the Norwalk Mckinley Club. He has also served three years as vice president of the same
Dig zedby Google
377
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
club. He is an efficient officer and a popular man whose geniality, deference for the opinions of others and kindly spirit have gained him a firm hold on the affection and regard of those with whom he has come in contact.
THOMAS LAWRENCE.
Thomas Lawrence, who has long been numbered among the most successful and energetic agriculturists of Bronson township, was born on the farm which he now owns and operates, his natal day being October 26, 1858. His parents, Alonzo and Lois (Morse) Lawrence, were both born in the year 1830. Captain Samuel Lawrence, the paternal great-grandfather of our subject, whose birth occurred in 1760, served throughout the entire period of the Revolutionary war as a commissioned officer. Thomas Lawrence, the paternal grandfather, became one of the pioneer residents of Huron county, Ohio, settling in Bronson town- ship in 1833. He taught school during the early days of the county's development, his labors proving no unimportant element in the progress of the community along intellectual lines. He was a native of South Salem, New York, his birth having there occurred in 1794. On the 27th of November, 1823, he wedded Miss Clemence Reynolds and subsequent to her demise was again married, on the 24th of May, 1831, his second union being with Miss Ada Bishop. For his third wife he chose Miss Drusilla Stone, the marriage ceremony taking place in 1844. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Lawrence of this review were Daniel and Lucy (Cleveland) Morse, the latter being a relative of Grover Cleveland. The parents of Mr. Lawrence are both deceased, the father passing away in 1904, while the mother was called to her final rest on the 10th of March, 1903. Unto this worthy couple were born four children, namely: Edwin. Thomas, Mary and Daniel.
Thomas Lawrence has spent his entire life on the farm where his birth oc- curred and early gained practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil through the assistance which he rendered his father in the work of the fields. The old homestead farm, comprising one hundred and fifty-four acres of rich and productive land in Bronson township, is now in his possession and in its cultivation he has gained a most gratifying measure of prosperity, annually harvesting good crops, for which he finds a ready sale on the market.
On the 25th of February, 1883, Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage to Miss Ella Farrar, who was born on the 26th of September, 1863, her parents being Allen and Hannah (Goodlin) Farrar, natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Farrar reared a family of three children: Stella. Alonzo and Ella. Unto Mr. Lawrence and his wife have been born three children, as follows: Blanche. whose birth occurred October 8, 1886, and who is now the wife of Edwin Mc- Pherson : Bertha, who was born July 1, 1894; and Leland, who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 12th of January, 1898.
Mr. Lawrence has always given stalwart support to the men and measures of the republican party and in the capacity of school director has done effective service for the cause of education. He was also at one time the capable incumbent
Digitized by Google
378
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
in the position of postmaster at Olena. Both he and his wife belong to the Pres- byterian church and are highly esteemed throughout this locality as people of genuine personal worth and sterling traits of character, having gained the con- fidence and regard of all with whom they have come in contact. As a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family Mr. Lawrence is well entitled to mention in this volume and it is with pleasure that we present the record of his life to our readers.
HENRY T. PECK.
The name of Henry T. Peck will be recognized by intelligent readers of this volume as worthy of mention among the better class of agriculturists in the county. He resides on the old Peck homestead in Wakeman township. Mr Peck was born February 22, 1858, his parents being Henry T. and Abigail ( Has- kins) Peck, the father coming from Connecticut, and the mother from Massa- chusetts. They were early settlers in the virgin forest of Huron county, and met and conquered all the dragons of the pioneer times. They were thrifty, and, using their earnings for investment, finally became large land owners in the county, having some six hundred acres. In their family were thirteen children, who grew to maturity, as follows: Warren, Atlanta, Byron, Julia, Adelbert. Royal, Lavinia, Edward, Wilmer, Virgil, Everett, Henry T. and Alice. Of these four are de- ceased: Adelbert, Edward, Lavinia and William. Edward was killed at the bat- tle of Shiloh. It is remembered of the father of this family that he was of sturdy character, firm in his convictions of the right as he saw them and brave to main- tain them. His home was one of the stations on the underground railroad, and many a black face shone with gratitude for the helping hand extended during those perilous times. He was one of the founders of the Episcopal church in Wakeman and in many other ways stamped his impress upon the history of his township. Ile died in 1883, aged seventy-two years, his wife surviving until August, 1903, reaching the ripe age of ninety-one years.
Henry T. Pock was reared to farm life and secured a fair education in the schools of the home community and at Wakeman high school. At the age of twenty-one, he traveled extensively through the west for three years, but finally returned and took up the life of a farmer in his home district. After his marriage, he bought the old homestead, which he has since cultivated, adding many new features and improvements. He "runs to sheep," for the most part, though he also raises many fine horses. The homestead comprises one hundred and ten acres, all of which is kept under cultivation. Mr. Peck also owns some town property as an investment.
His marriage certificate bears date of October 14. 1878, the other contracting party having been Miss Mary Diggins, a daughter of Martin and Sarah Diggins. The birth of three children blessed this union : Clayton H., Marion and Gertrude.
Henry T. Peck is known as a man of fine public spirit, entering into various projects for the betterment of society and government with enthusiastic zeal. He has served several terms as township trustee, has been a member, at different
Digyszedby Google
MR. AND MRS. HENRY T. PECK
Digazed by Google
381
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
times of the school board. He is an active republican and for years and is at present a member of the township board of elections. He has attended the dif- ferent conventions of his party as a delegate many times, when the influence of his personality has been wielded for sane and safe measures. He and his family affiliate with the Congregational church and are active in its work and support liberally its enterprises. Take him all in all, no truer citizen can be found in Huron county.
ROBERT MARCH.
Robert March, who throughout his active business career has been success- fully identified with general agricultural pursuits, is the owner of an excellent farm of thirty-six acres in Peru township. His birth occurred in Germany on the 4th of November, 1842, his parents being Joseph and Anna (Phillips) March. In 1852 they set sail for the United States and after a voyage of forty-two days reached New York city, where they remained for about a year. Subsequently the family home was established in Peru township, Huron county, Ohio, where the sons purchased a tract of land of eight acres, on which stood a log house. Here the parents spent their remaining days, the father passing away in 1866 when fifty-eight years of age, while the mother's demise occurred in 1879, when she had attained the age of sixty-five years. Their children were twelve in number, as follows: Ralph, who is now deceased; Pauline, the deceased wife of Herman Longyear; Burkhart, who participated in the Civil war as a member of Company G, Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died at the Sol- diers' home at Sandusky ; Gertrude, the widow of Nicholas Hophefecker ; Thad- deus, a resident of Norwalk, Ohio; Henrietta, who is the wife of David Bauman and makes her home in Huron county; Robert, of this review; Tracy, living in Peru township, who wedded Julius Link; John, who lives at Fostoria, Ohio; Stella, the wife of Andrew Itesman and two who died in infancy.
Robert March obtained his education in the district schools and since the age of twelve years has made his home continuously in Peru township. In February, 1864, he enlisted as a soldier of the Union army, becoming a member of Company A, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment went to Camp Chase and was then sent to Virginia and participated in a number of skirmishes. Mr. March was mustered out on the 2d of Septem- ber, 1865, and returned home with a most creditable military record, having never faltered in the performance of any task assigned him. The farm of thirty- six acres which he now owns and operates has been his place of residence for about fifty-four years and in the conduct of his agricultural interests he has won a well deserved and creditable degree of success. He has erected a commo- dious and attractive residence, as well as substantial barn and other outbuildings and the air of neatness and thrift which pervades the place indicates the super- vision of a practical and progressive owner.
On the 13th of January, 1874, Mr. March was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Hertzman, a native of Germany, who was brought to the United States
Digitized by Google
382
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
by her parents, Anthony and Lena Hertzman, when two years of age. The family located in Seneca county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. March have been born eight children, namely : Carolina, who has passed away : Charles, living at Norwalk, Ohio, who wedded Miss Lizzie Rustein, by whom he has three daugh- ters ; Mary, also a resident of Norwalk, who gave her hand in marriage to William Longyear, by whom she has one son, Albert ; Rose, living at Norwalk, is the wife of Frank Blendsley and has three children, Walter, Clifford and Irene ; Lizzie, a resident of Monroeville, is the wife of Charles Lord, by whom she has three children, Harold, Rose and Edna: William, who likewise makes his home at Norwalk ; Tillie, living at Monroeville, who is the wife of George Palding, by whom she has one child, Gilbert ; and one who died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. March is a stanch republican and has capably served his fellow townsmen in the positions of school director and road supervisor. In religious faith he is a Catholic and belongs to the church of that denomina- tion at Monroeville. His genuine personal worth and many sterling traits of character have gained him the friendship and regard of those with whom he has been associated, and in matters of citizenship he is as loyal to his adopted country as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields.
GEORGE E. CANFIELD.
George E. Canfield, farmer and oil operative of Wakeman township is a worthy descendant of one of the pioneer families of the county, his wife also claiming distinction in that respect, the Shermans having been equally well and favorably known in the days of "auld lang syne." They live in one of the most lovely of the fine farm homes familiar to Huron county residents-sup- plied with all the modern conveniences and comforts, and with choice books, music and flowers, and a congenial and refined atmosphere pervading it all-a place where intimate friend and partial stranger alike love to linger.
George E. Canfield's nativity lies right where he now lives, the date having been April 8, 1849. His farm is the first one owned by his father, Calvert C. Canfield, of splendid reputation among the older residents of the county. An elder brother of George E. is treated elsewhere in this volume, and the reader is referred to his sketch for further family data. George E. Canfield was the young- est of the family. He was liberally educated, passing from the public schools to Oberlin College and Berlin Heights Academy. In the interim of his school life, he learned under the master hand of his father to cultivate the old home- stead, and thus at age found himself competent to handle all the problems of farm life. He was married in the year of his majority, October 11, 1870, to Miss Florence G. Sherman, a daughter of John and Julia ( Beecher) Sherman. They were farmers of Wakeman township, their ancestry hailing from Bridgewater, Connecticut, and settling in Huron about 1818. Mrs. Canfield's mother died in young womanhood, she being her only child, and John Sherman married a second time. He died in 1800, full of years, respected by all.
Diyszedby Google
333
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
To Mr. and Mrs. Canfield have been born two children, the elder of whom. Mary E., born February 26, 1874. died May 20. 1875. The younger, also named Mary E., born June 11, 1876, is now the wife of Earl H. Jaynes, an attorney of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Canfield brought his wife, at marriage, direct to the home roof and here they have since lived. There are one hundred and one acres in the old homestead, fine and fair to look upon. Indeed it is kept more like a park. with its private golf links, and splendid, tiled fields. In connection with his farm- ing interests, Mr. Canfield has, of late years, in company with his brother-in- law, John M. Sherman, operated in oil at Fremont, Ohio, and quite successfully.
A republican in politics, he casts an intelligent vote, but eschews office. He and his family are active workers in the Congregational church and Sunday school, of which he has been a trustee for fifteen years. Their home, open to a host of refined and cultured friends from city and countryside, Mr. and Mrs. Canfield wield a powerful influence for good throughout Huron county.
W. E. GILL, M. D.
As a citizen as well as a physician, Dr. Gill takes high rank in Norwalk. He was born in Ridgeville, Huron county, August 16, 1855. llis father. Edward Gill, was born on the Isle of Man and when twenty-five years of age crossed the Atlantic to the new world, establishing his home in this county. He was a ship carpenter by trade and a fine mechanic, but after taking up his abode in Ohio his attention was turned to general farming, which he followed just across the line in Erie county. He married Miss Esther Young, a daughter of Lazarus Young and a native of Huron county. It was after the birth of their son, Dr. Gill, that the parents removed to Erie county, where the father continuously en- gaged in farming until his life's labors were ended in death in 1899. His family numbered four sons and six daughters, who were a credit and honor to his name
Dr. Gill supplemented his early education acquired in the district schools by study in the high school of Monroeville, and also in the Ohio State Univer- sity at Athens. His literary training therefore proved an excellent foundation upon which to build the superstructure of his professional knowledge. He entered upon the study of medicine under the direction of Doctors Maguire and Morrell, old and prominent physicians of Norwalk, and later was graduated from the Pulte Medical College, of Cincinnati, with the class of 1876. He at once located in Norwalk for the practice of his profession and has since maintained his office here. Throughout the entire time he has lived in the sam: locality and is one of the best known citizens of the county. Following his graduation he practiced for some time in partnership with his old preceptor, Dr. Morrell, and has since been alonc. He is widely recognized as a physician of marked ability and of thorough understanding of the scientific principles of the profession. He has ever kept abreast with the trend of modern thought, research and in- vestigation, and while he is not hasty in discrediting the old and time-tried methods of practice, at the same time he quickly takes up any new idea which he believes will prove of practical value in his chosen life work.
0kg ced by Google
-
384
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
In 1879 Dr. Gill was married to Miss Sarah A. Cline, a daughter of John Cline, one of the pioneer residents of this city. They now have one son, Robert Cline, who was born November 17, 1888. Dr. Gill is a prominent Mason, hav- ing attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite. He is most highly respected as a citizen and one whose efforts in behalf of public progress have been valuable elements in its welfare and upbuilding. He has cooperated in many movements that have been beneficial to both the city and county and in all of his citizenship manifests a most patriotic spirit. In professional lines he is connected with the Huron County Medical Society, of which he is the secre- tary, and with the Ohio State Medical Society. Anything which tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life is of interest to him, and his ability and devotion to his professional work have long been recognized and have won him honorable success.
NORMAN A. BARNES.
Norman A. Barnes, the owner of considerable property in the town of Belle- vue, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, June 28, 1824, the son of Norman and Sybel (Parker) Barnes, both of whom lived in that county until their death, which occurred in the case of the father in 1838, when he was but forty-seven years of age. The mother, on the other hand lived to the advanced age of ninety-two, having known forty-five years of widowhood. The loneliness of these, however, was alleviated through the loving care of ten children, though but few of these exhibited the hardiness of life that distinguished her. Of this large family but one beside the subject of this sketch survive's, James C., the fourth son. Those deceased are Walter S., Sylvester, Charles, Lucinda, Mamic. Jane, and two who did not live beyond the period of childhood.
Norman A. Barnes, who was the eighth in this large family, spent the first nineteen years of his life in the county of his birth. From there he went to Lewis county, New York, where he learned the trade of harnessmaker and lived for two years. In 1845 he came west to Ohio, pursuing his trade in various cities of the state, such as Dayton, Cincinnati, and others, until in 1849, when he came to Bellevue. Here he started in the harness business on Main street, and though he was more than moderately successful, his health began to fail him after four years' application and he gave it up. He then commenced buy- ing and selling live stock, seeking a market in New York and other cities in the east. For upwards of forty years he was engaged in this business, changing his methods with the changes that passed over the country during all those years, for when he first commenced dealing in live stock, he was wont to go on horseback over the country to any place he heard that fine animals were to be procured. When he retired from active participation in the business, the life of a stockman had become in many particulars a less strenuous one.
On the 10th of October, 1850, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. Sloane, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Skinner) Sloane, who were born August 18, 1786, and January 13, 1792, respectively. Their birth fol-
Dig zedby Google
385
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
lowed shortly upon the permanent establishment of the federal government, and their deaths. the father's occurring November 4, 1850, the mother's, March 13. 1862, antedated by but a few years the great struggle for this same govern- ment's preservation. Mr. Sloane was a native of Vermont and his wife of New Hampshire. Their union was blessed with nine children, all of whom but Mrs. Barnes, the youngest, have passed away. The others were Flavilla, Annetta, Elvira, Lucinda, Joseph, William, Sirenus and Elizabeth. Mrs. Barnes was born in York, Livingston county, New York, on the 22d of January, 1828, and was the mother of two children, both of whom she survives. Ella F., who was born October 16, 1851, died February 1, 1900; and Julia F., born July 2, 1853, died in September the year following.
Fraternally Mr. Barnes is connected with the Masons, and has the distinc- tion of being the oldest member of the Bellevue Lodge, No. 273 A. F. & A. M. Some years ago he was presented with a fine knife, which is hereafter to descend and to be the property of the oldest member. From 1866, Mr. Barnes dates his affiliation with the organization, and during that time was chaplain of the blue lodge, and counsellor for ten years. In politics he gives his allegiance to the republican party and has served as councilman of his town for a number of years as the choice of his party. In the Congregational church, of which he has been a member for sixty-two years, he has held the honorable position of deacon for a long time. In short, he is a man who in the many years he has made Bellevue his home, has ever stood for its advancement and stability. He is well known, and the reputation which has spread abroad concerning him is one that might be a credit to any man. There are but few who can boast that they have lived five years past a half-century in the same house.
FRANK J. WALTER.
Frank J. Walter is the owner of a finely improved farm of seventy acres in Ridgefield township, where he successfully and energetically carries on his agricultural interests. His birth occurred in Peru township, Huron county, on the 28th of March, 1857, his parents being Joseph and Biligaldas (Snyder) Walter, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany. The former, who was born in 1825, was but six years of age when he made the voyage to the United States with his father, Frantz Walter, who was engaged in the butchering busi- ness in this county at an early day, supplying meat for the men employed on the construction of the Lake Shore Railroad. This venture did not prove profitable, however, as he lost considerable money through a dishonest foreman. Joseph Walter, the father of our subject, obtained his early education in the district schools and was identified with agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. He purchased his farm from Christ Duffner and as the years went by made many substantial improvements on the property, erecting a com- modious and attractive residence as well as good barns and outbuildings. He capably served in the position of township trustee for a number of years and was a communicant of the Catholic church at Monroeville, in the faith of which
Digitized by Google
386
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
he passed away in 1907. His wife, whose birth had occurred in 1829, was called to her final rest in 1899. U'nto this worthy couple were born six children, namely: Dennis, who is deceased; Frank J., of this review : William; Emma, who has also passed away; Jennie, who is the widow of Henry Zipfel and resines at Monroeville, Ohio; and Adolph.
Frank J. Walter supplemented his preliminary education, acquired in the district schools, by a course of study at Notre Dame and since putting aside his text-books has given his time and energies in undivided manner to the work of the fields. As before stated, his farm comprises seventy acres of productive land in Ridgefield township, which he purchased from his father's estate. He is a thorough student of the scientific methods of farming and has adopted all that is progressive in that line. This, together with his untiring industry and unremitting energy, has made him one of the prosperous and representative agriculturists, as well as substantial citizens, of his native county.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.