USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume I > Part 41
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LOUIS GRINE.
Louis Grine, the owner of a tract of land of one hundred and eighty acres in Peru township, devotes his attention to farming, which George Washington desig- nated as "the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man." His birth occurred in Sherman township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 23d of January, 18(x), his parents being Alois and Kathryn ( Houch) Grine, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Peru township. this county. The father. whose birth occurred in. the year 1840, set sail for the United States in 1861 and after landing on the shores of the new world, he came to Sherman township. this county, where he worked at carpentering for a number of years, having learned that trade in his native country. Subsequently he purchased eighteen acres of land in Sherman township and later bought more land in Peru township. Both he and his wife still survive and make their home in Sherman township, being well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of gen- uine personal worth. His wife, who was born in Peru township on the 11th of November, 1846. was a daughter of Lawrence and Kathryn Houch, early set- tlers of this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Alois Grine were born nine children, as follows : Emma, who is the wife of August Miller and resides on a farm near Tiffin, Ohio; Louis, of this review; Joseph, a resident of Buffalo, New York ; Mary, living in Cleveland, Ohio; Daniel, of Peru township; Peter, who makes his home at El!wood City, Pennsylvania : George, who lives in Washington, near the Pacific coast ; Rose, who resides near Tiffin, Ohio; and Edward, of Buffalo, New York.
In the acquirement of an education Louis Grine attended the district and German schools of Sherman township and there continued to make his home until twenty-seven years of age, since which time he has resided in Peru township. In 1882. be bought from Eli Ellis the farm of one hundred and eighty acres which he now operates and the many substantial improvements which are seen on the property bespeak his thrift and enterprise. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and annually garners bounteous harvests as the result of his care and labor in the cultivation of the fields.
On the 23d of January, 1900. Mr. Grine was united in marriage to Miss Isa- belle Fisher, a native of Sherman township and a daughter of George ard Jo- sephine (Setterly) Fisher, who were born in Germany, but are now residents of Sherman township. They reared a family of ten children, namely : George ; Eliza- beth ; Joseph, who is now deceased; Marx : Mary ; Carrie ; Rose; Isabell, now Mrs. Grine : William; and Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Grine have no children of their own, but have an adopted son, George Eckert, whom they took from the Cleveland Home.
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In Jannary, 1908, as a candidate of the democratic party, Mr. Grine was elected a township trustee and is therefore the present incumbent in that posi- tion. He likewise held the office of road supervisor in Sherman township for a number of years. Both he and his wife are faithful communicants of the Catho- lie church at Monroeville and have an extensive circle of warm friends through- out the county in which their entire lives have been spent.
1 .. P. HENSINGER.
1 .. P. Hensinger, mayor of Chicago Junction and also well known in con- nection with the business interests of the city, being now engaged in real estate dealing, was born in Indiana, August 4. 1803. His father, John Hensinger, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Seneca county, Ohio, with his parents, where they lived for a short time, a removal then being made to Allen county, Indiana, where the family became identified with general agricultural pursuits. In 1866, John Hensinger came again to Ohio and once more took up his abode in Seneca county. Ile became a prominent farmer, merchant and miller and is still in ac- tive business there. fie celebrated his golden wedding in 10,04, having been mar- ried in 1854 to Miss Catherine Newkirk, a native of Ohio. He is a very active man in both business and public affairs and his influence on the life of the con- munity is a beneficial and far-reaching one.
1 .. P. Hensinger was educated in the country schools of Huron county, where he obtained his diploma, after which he entered the milling business in connection with his father at West Lodi. There he continued for seven years when he came to Chicago Junction, arriving in 1893. Here he built and successfully operated a mill for seven years, after which he leased it and turned his attention to the grocery business, which he conducted until 1909, when he sold out and embarked in the real estate business. He now has an extensive clientage in this connec- tion, handling town and farm property, and is doing a very extensive business throughout the southwest and Canada, while at the same time he is interested in property in Chicago Junction. He is quite successful, displaying intelligent ap- preciation of opportunities and at all times keeping well informed concerning property values. In December, 1907. he was elected mayor of Chicago Junc- tion and is now filling the office, giving to the city a businesslike and progres- sive administration. He has also done other important public service, having been for two years a member of the school board, while for two years he served on the city council and for two years was on the board of public service, his previous official duties well qualifying him for the mayoralty, and as chief executive of the city he has instituted various needed reforms and improvements. He has been a very active politician, and a strong testimonial of his popularity is the fact that he has always received a substantial majority in a republican :listrict although he is a pronounced democrat. He ever has the courage of his convictions, fear- les-ly advocating any cause that he may espouse.
In 1888. Mr. Hlensinger was united in marriage to Miss Laura S. Norris, a native of Seneca county and a daughter of John T. and Elizabeth Norris. They
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have six children : Alta B., Mabel M., Hazel B., Eula E., Delbert N. and Eva M. The family attend and support the Methodist church, of which Mr. Hensin- ger is a member. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. His life work has been characterized by continuous progress, whether in private or business af- fairs or in public service and the many substantial qualities that he has displayed. have won him the esteem, good will and confidence of all who know him.
E. D. SACKETT.
E. D. Sackett, engaged in the practice of law in Norwalk, was born near New London, in Huron county, Ohio, November 7, 1860, and is a representative of an old New England family. His father, D. R. Sackett, was born in Connecticut in the early '40s and, removing westward to Huron county, carried on the occupa- tion of farming for a time, but after a brief period removed to New London, where he lived for many years. He was long connected with the business in- terests of the town and was a prominent and respected resident there. He served for some time as justice of the peace and was also elected mayor of the city. In 1893, he removed to Chicago, where he engaged in business for a number of years, but later went to the Pacific coast and is now a resident of California. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Jane Washburn, was born in Huron county, a daughter of James Washburn, who came to this section of the state at a time when he had to chop his way through the forests. His father, Joseph Washburn, was one of the very earliest pioneers of northern Ohio and the founder of the Washburn family which is now a numerous and influential one in the southeastern part of the county. The death of Mrs. Sackett occurred in 1892, when she was fifty-three years of age, ere the removal of her husband to Chicago.
E. D. Sackett spent his early childhood under the parental roof, and the schools of Lebanon and Oberlin, Ohio, afforded him his educational privileges. When his literary course was completed. he took up the study of law and was graduated from the Michigan University at Ann Arbor in the class of 1884. He then prac- ticed in Huron county until 1893, after which he went to Chicago to take charge of his father's business, for the father's health had failed. E. D. Sackett also practiced law in the city on the lake and after residing there for a time, went to San Diego, California, where he engaged in the practice of his profession for three years. In 1898, he returned to New London, where he opened a law office, but in 1900, he sought a broader field of labor by a removal to Norwalk, being engaged on the editorial staff of law publishing department of the Laning Com- pany for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period, he took up active practice, which he carries on alone, and that his knowledge of the law is com- prehensive and exact is manifest in the success which has attended him in the trial of his cases. Ernest effort, close application and the exercise of his native talents have won him prestige as a lawyer at a bar which has numbered many eminent men.
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In 1889, Mr. Sackett was married to Miss May Johnson, a daughter of Alvin Johnson, and a granddaughter of David Johnson, a prominent early citizen and one of the first sheriffs of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Sackett have one son, Vic- tor, who was born February 24, 1891.
Mr. Sackett is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge and also of the Macabbees tent. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and he is one of the active workers in its ranks, doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party. He has served as secretary of the executive committee and is a good manager and organizer. He is widely and favorably known throughout this, his native county, and his salient characteristics are of that substantial character which everywhere win respect and regard.
CHARLES A. RUSSELL.
Charles A. Russell, proprietor of Maple Hill farm in Wakeman township, was born October 18, 1867, and is a native of the township in which he resides. He is a son of William H. and Emerette ( Palmotier ) Russell. The father was a native of Huron county and his grandfather, Isaac Russell, came from Scotland as a boy with his parents, who settled in Connecticut. At eighteen years of age Isaac came to Wakeman, where he was married first to a Miss Sisson, who lived but a year and was the mother of William H. Isaac Russell was a shoemaker in Birmingham, Erie county, Ohio, for many years, but farmed after coming to Huron county. William H. Russell learned the cooper's trade and later engag- ing in the lumber business, at present resides in Shiloh, Richland county, a pur- chasing agent for a large lumber company.
Charles A. Russell was educated in the Wakeman public schools. supple- menting that knowledge by a term at an academy at Collins. He learned the trade of tinner, which he followed for five years, spending a like period of time as a clerk in a clothing store in Wakeman. In 1881, yielding to the call of the great west, he went to Lincoln. Nebraska, where, for two years, he worked on a stock ranch, with a shorter period in a store in the city. Returning to Wakeman in 1883. he again engaged in clerking, and put in some time at his trade. He then married and settled down, clerking for two years, and then located on Maple Hill farm, where he has since resided. This is one of the choice farms of Wake- man township, containing one hundred and seventy-five acres of splendidly im- proved land, with substantial and roomy buildings, all new and modern. His resi- dence is lighted with acetylene and supplied with water throughout, as are also all the barns and stables. He engages in general farming, specializing in Merino- Delaine sheep. being both breeder and feeder. He has been very successful, hand- ling large flocks at all times.
Mr. Russell was married December 17, 1889, to Miss Bertha D. Rowland, a daughter of Samuel and Betsy ( Wall) Rowland, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Russell as fol- lows: Iona E. and Gladys A., both of whom are still inmates of the home.
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Mr. Russell takes an active interest in the affairs of his home community, sup- ports republican principles, and he served for three years as presiding judge of the township board of elections and also as a member of the republican county central committee. He and his family are members of the Congregational church and are quite active in all its interests. Mrs. Russeil is a lady of superior attain- ments, being especially gifted as a vocalist. She was educated in music at the Oberlin Conservatory. Her public appearances, which are frequent throughout the county, leave nothing to be desired in the warmth of her reception. A splen- did home-keeper, she deserves credit for much of her husbands success. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are prominent in the social life of the community and are popular with friends and neighbors.
ELMER E. ROWLAND.
Elmer E. Rowland is a most public-spirited citizen who ever has the interest of the community at heart, and he is also numbered among the substantial farm- ers of Huron county owning and operating a tract of one hundred and twenty- eight acres, in Clarksfield township. This farm was located by this paternal grand- father, Aaron Rowland, in 1818, he having removed to this place from Con- necticut. When he settled here, this district was all wild and unimproved and much of the land was still in possession of the Indians and wild game of all kinds was abundant. He possessed a sturdy character and with energy and deter- mination at once began to develop and improve his farm.
Daniel Rowland, the father of our subject, was reared to farm life and after reaching years of maturity, wedded Miss Harriet Chaffee. They reared a family of four children, one son and three daughters, the sisters of our subject being : Emma, who died March 30, 1853, aged two years and seven days; Celia, now the wife of Dorr Twaddle, a resident of Clarksfield township: and Carrie, who died November 18. 1870, aged eleven years, ten month and twenty-four days. Event- ually the father came into possession of the old home farm and through many years was identified with its cultivation. Like his father, he took a very prominent part in community affairs and the early development and progress of Clarksfield township is due in large measure to their efforts. Daniel Rowland departed this life September 24. 1881, and he was survived by him wife but a few years, her death occurring on the Ist of June, 1889.
Elmer E. Rowland was born on the farm which is still his home, March 20. 1854, and was early trained to the duties that usually fall to the lot of the farm lad. In the winter months, he attended the district schools and later spent two years in study at Oberlin College. He then returned home and to the present time has given his time and attention to general farming and stock raising. his tract consisting of one hundred and twenty-eight acres. The land is rich and arable, and the place is supplied with substantial buildings, everything being kept in the best repair.
Mr. Rowland has been married twice. He first established a home of his own by his marriage on the 25th of October, 1877, to Miss Eva Lee, a daughter of
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MR. AND MRS. DANIEL ROWLAND
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John and Sarah ( Rood) Lee. To them were born two sons, Ray and Ralph. Both sons are married, the former making his home in Clarksfield township, while the latter is engaged in business in Wellington. After a happy married life of twenty-three years, the wife and mother was called to her final rest, her death occurring June 2, 1900. For his second wife Mr. Rowland chose Miss Theresa J. Woodruff, whom he wedded October 29, 1902. She is a daughter of Joel and Lavina (Stout) Woodruff, and by her marriage has become the mother of a little daughter, Ruth May, born August 2, 1906.
A republican in politics, Mr. Rowland takes a deep and active interest in all public affairs. For one term he served as justice of the peace, while for a num- ber of years he has served on the township board of education and for some time was president of the board. He is especially interested in good schools that his children and those of his neighbors may receive the best possible instruction to fit them for the responsibilities of life. His record in public service has ever been one of unremitting and tireless toil, while his farming interests are also carried on with a determination and persistency of purpose that has led to well merited success.
JOHN A. LEE.
John A. Lee, a progressive and enterprising farmer of Clarksfield township, is also extensively engaged in the raising and feeding of stock. He was born in Camden township, Lorain county, Ohio, on the 27th of February, 1861, his parents being John P. and Sarah J. (Rood) Lee, both natives of the state of New York. About the year 1833 they were brought to this state by their re- spective parents, the Lees settling in Lorain county, while the Rood family located in Stark county. The paternal grandfather of our subject was among the earliest settlers in Camden township, Lorain county, where he took up his abode when the district was largely a dense forest in which wild game abounded. He was a farmer by occupation and as such his labors proved an important element in the pioneer development and upbuilding of the community, so that he became widely recognized as a most prominent and valued citizen. John P. Lee, the father of the gentleman whose name introduces this review, also followed carpentering throughout his active business career.
John A. Lee obtained his education in the district schools of his native county and spent his youthful days on his father's farm, assisting the latter in the work of the fields. He was married when a young man of twenty-two . years and, starting out as an agriculturist on his own account, has since devoted his attention to general farming and stock-raising interests with excellent suc- cess. He raises and feeds stock on quite an extensive scale and this branch of his business adds not a little to his annual income. His farm comprises ninety- six acres of well improved and valuable land in Clarksfield township, and his wife owns a tract of fifty-four acres adjoining.
Mr. Lee has been married twice. On the 19th of March, 1883. he wedded Miss Sarah E. Barnes, a daughter of Alonzo and Lucretia (Granger) Barnes, by whom he had two sons, Walter B. and Clyde M. The wife and mother was
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called to her final rest in May, 1900, and in December, 1903, Mr. Lee was again married, his second union being with Miss Rose A. Phillips, a daughter of William and Ellen (St. Clair) Phillips.
In his political views Mr. Lee is a stalwart republican and takes an active and helpful interest in all matters pertaining to the public welfare. He has served as a member of the township school board and for several terms capably dis- charged the duties devolving upon him in the office of township trustee. He is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and exemplifies its teach- ings in his daily life. Ile has always lived in this part of the state and is well known and highly esteemed as one of the prosperous and representative citizens of his community.
NULAND W. LEE.
Nuland W. Lee, a brother of John A. Lee, successfully carries on general farming and stock-raising on his place of one hundred and sixteen acres in Clarksfield township. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Huron county, his birth having occurred in Clarksfield township on the 7th of July, 1866. In early manhood he learned the bricklayer's trade and followed that occupation for some time in Lorain, Erie and Sandusky counties. In 1899, however, he abandoned this line of activity and turned his attention to the work of farming, which has since claimed his time and energies. He now owns and operates a rich and productive tract of land of one hundred and sixteen acres in Clarksfield township and also devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock, handling sheep on an extensive scale.
On the 26th of November, 1892, Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Miss Rosa M. Twaddle, a daughter of William and Sabra A. (Pixley ) Twaddle. They now have two sons, Ira W., and Harry R.
Mr. Lee gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the repub- lican party and has been a member of the school board for a number of years, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He is serving as trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is also a faithful and consistent member and they take an active and helpful part in both church and Sunday-school work. They have an extensive circle of friends throughout the community in which they have now long resided and the hospitality of the . best homes is cordially extended to them.
HENRY C. GODFRED.
Henry C. Godfred, who devotes his time and energies to the work of general farming, is the owner of a rich and productive tract of land of eighty-three acres in Bronson township. He was born in that township on the 27th of March. 1872, his parents being Charles and Elizabeth (Brandt) Godfred, the former a native
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of Germany. Uuto Mr. and Mrs. Charles Godfred were born the following chil- dren : Henry C., Frank, Ralph, Louisa and Laura. A sketch of the father ap- pears on another page of this volume.
Henry C. Godfred was reared to farm life, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On reaching man's estate he chose farming as a life work and now owns and operates a tract of eighty-three acres in Bronson township, upon which place he has made his home for the past nine years. Alert, enterprising and energetic, he is meeting with a well merited measure of success in the conduct of his agricultural interests and is recognized as a progressive and substantial citizen of the community.
In February. 1897, Mr. Godfred was united in marriage to Miss Alice E. Bowersox, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Bowersox. Mr. and Mrs. Bowersox reared a family of six children, as follows: Alice E., Della, Sophia, Amanda, Hattie and May. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children : Esther F., Willard H. and Dorothea E.
Mr. Godfred gives his political allegiance to the republican party, having firm faith in its principles and policy. Well known in the county where he has re- sided from his birth to the present time, he has a wide acquaintance here and has won uniforin trust and good will by reason of a life which in all of its phases has been straightforward and honorable.
HENRY C. BARNARD.
Henry C. Barnard, owning and operating forty acres of good land in Lyme township, is well known in this section for the prominent part he has played in local affairs. He is the son of Calvin and Mary ( Nims) Barnard, and was born on the farm which is his home today, on the 19th of November, 1841. The father was born at Shelborn, Franklin county, Massachusetts, August 4, 1805, and came to Ohio in 1828, locating first at Elyria, where he helped to build the first court- house, for he was a carpenter by trade. When he came to Lyme township, shortly before 1835 he assisted in the building of the Lyme Congregational church, which is one of the oldest edifices of its kind in the state, so that by his business, if by nothing else, Calvin Barnard was connected with the early history of Ohio. On the occasion of his first marriage his bride was Miss Hulda Stebbins Cooley, of Elyria, to whom he was united on the 9th of August, 1831. She bore him two children : Betsy Ann, who was born January 16, 1833, and died in the spring of 1887; and Elihu C., born August 8, 1835, who now lives at Whitewater, Wis- consin. The first wife died September 29, 1838, and on the 16th of May, 1839, Calvin Barnard married Miss Mary Nims, by whom he had three children : Henry C., of this review ; Luther, born June 20, 1844, now a resident of Decatur, Illinois ; and Herman F., who was born May 15, 1848, and died sixty years later, on January 16, 1908. Mrs. Barnard died December 14, 1864 when more than fifty-three years of age, having been born in April, 1811. Mr. Barnard was a con- scientious member of the Congregational church, active in all its affairs and work, and superintendent of its Sunday school for years. In the years immediately pre-
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