USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume I > Part 46
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
-
Dianizoo by Google
---
449
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
in the meantime they had resided elsewhere. At the time of the Civil war Daniel Rowell espoused the cause of the Union, serving in the Twenty-ninth Indiana Regiment. He was an enthusiastic advocate of the cause of abolition and believ- ing that the war was a forward step toward securing the freedom of the slaves and also because of his belief in the supremacy of the Federal government, he joined the boys in blue. He lost one son who was at the front defending the Union, and another son served throughout the war until its close.
B. D. Rowell is indebted to the public-school system of that state for the educational opportunities accorded him and he also engaged in teaching in the country schools in Indiana during his early manhood. He then took up the study of telegraphy and was associated with the Western Union until elected to office. As their representative he came to Norwalk and continued to act as operator here until he was chosen to the office of county treasurer in 1895. He has served two terms in the position and has been a faithful custodian of the public funds, being careful and systematic in the care of the public money and in all of the work of the office.
Mr. Rowell was married in 1876 to Miss Lucinda Deringer, a native of Hardin county, Ohio, and they now have one son, Harry E., who is a graduate of Buchtel College and is now residing in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Rowell is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being affiliated with Mount Vernon lodge. He also belongs to the Methodist church and while a man of modest, quiet, reserved manner, he is much respected for his genuine personal worth and for his creditable official record.
IRVING CARPENTER.
Irving Carpenter has practiced law in Norwalk since 1905 and has been ac- corded a liberal clientage. He was born in Fairfield township, Huron county, October 24, 1879, his parents being Alvin J. and Ollie ( Hodges) Carpenter. The father was born in Ripley township, December 27, 1854, and the mother's birth occurred in Missouri. The paternal grandfather, Leonard E. Carpenter, is also a native of this county, having started upon the journey of life in Fairfield town- ship, December 21, 1829. He is still living at the venerable age of eighty years. His father was Asa Carpenter, who came from Connecticut to Ohio at an early epoch in the history of Huron county in company with his father, Daniel Car- penter, who settled in Fairfield township. He was a soldier of the Revolution- ary war, participating in the battle of Lexington and in other engagements dur- ing his three years' service in Captain Macey's company. On the removal west- ward the family became closely identified with events relative to the pioneer de- velopment and improvement of the county and were closely associated with its agricultural interests. In his later years Alvin J. Carpenter removed to Norwalk township and is now an active and prosperous farmer of that locality.
Irving Carpenter, an only child, was educated in the country schools and in the North Fairfield high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. Subsequently he engaged in teaching for five years and during that period he also pursued a literary course in the Ohio Northern University. For
Dkyized by Google
450
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
three years he had charge of the schools of Lewistown, Logan county, Ohio, but he regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor and, taking up the study of law, was graduated from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor with the class of 1905. He then located for practice in Norwalk, where he has since remained, and in the intervening years he has come into close and prominent connection with the work of the courts, being accorded a liberal pat- ronage.
Mr. Carpenter was married in 1907 to Miss Myrtle McCracken, a native of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and one daughter, Helen, was born to them in August, 1909. His fraternal relations are with Fairfield Lodge, No. 261, A. F. & A. M., and with Huron Lodge, No. 37, I. O. O. F. He is an exemplary representative of those fraternities, being in hearty sympathy with their principles and purposes, He also belongs to the Methodist church and is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the community. He represents one of the old and prominent pioneer families who from the earliest days in Huron county have been identified with its progress and upbuilding. In the work of general im- provement he is actively interested and his cooperation can be counted upon to further various measures for the general good.
BYRON B. HALL.
Byron B. Hall, who is now living retired in Olena, is surrounded by a host of warm friends, who esteem him for his worth and for his high moral character. He is a native of Huron county, his birth having occurred February 26, 1844, on the old homestead farm where his father located in 1838. The parents, Rev. and Mrs. Franklin P. Hall, both engaged in teaching school for years, the former in the state of New York and subsequently in Ohio. His education was acquired in Cazenovia, New York. He was a Baptist in religious faith and for a half cen- tury engaged in preaching in this county. He organized the church of that de- nomination in Fitchville and in addition to preaching the Gospel, he officiated at more funeral services and married a larger number of couples during his work as a minister than any other minister in Huron county. His death occurred in 1890 and his memory is yet cherished by many, who were benefited by his Christian in- fluence and by the words of truth which he proclaimed from the pulpit. In 1838 he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Burns, who was born in Greene coun- ty, New York, and in 1832 accompanied her father's family on their removal to Huron county, Ohio, residing in Fitchville township up to the time of her mar- riage. Other members of the Burns family were residents of that township up to 1873.
Byron B. Hall was reared on the homestead farm in Fairfield township, which place is now in his possession and comprises one hundred twelve and a half acres. He was afforded excellent educational advantages in the schools of Oberlin and Lebanon, Ohio, and, preparing himself for the teacher's profession, he taught in the public schools for a long period. In 1898, however, he retired from the pro-
Digtizco by Google
REV. AND MRS. FRANKLIN P. HALL
Dignzeo by Google
Digitized by Google
453
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
fession and removed to his farm, where he spent a few years, but is now living re- tired in the village of Olena, where he is surrounded by all the comforts of life.
Mr. Hall was married December 24, 1872, to Miss Martha A. Hewet, who was born in Warrensville, Ohio, October 26, 1844. Mrs. Hall was graduated from the Cleveland Central high school in 1864, after which she engaged in teaching in the Berea and the Medina high schools. She was a devoted Christian woman, prominent in the work of the church and Sunday school, was a model housekeeper, fond of her home and church, and constantly sought to do good wherever oppor- tunity offered. Her death was the result of an accident, and her demise was a heavy blow not only to her own household but to a wide circle of friends as well. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Hall, Clara M., was educated in the Huron high school and in Oberlin College. She is now engaged in teaching in the public schools of Montpelier, Ohio.
Mr. Hall supports the men and measures of the republican party, while his re- ligious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church. He is a man of exemplary habits, strict integrity and has a strong personality, and he is now enjoying in honorable retirement the fruits of his former toil.
WILLIAM STEIN.
William Stein, owning and operating a valuable and well improved farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres in Lyme township, was born in Ridgefield township, Huron county, November 9, 1861, his parents being Jacob and Phila- mena (Brecker) Stein, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father, whose birth occurred December 13, 1833, came alone to the United States at the age of eighteen years, taking up his abode at Monroeville, Ohio. During the fol- lowing eleven years he worked as a farm hand for various agriculturists of the vicinity, while in 1860 he was married and subsequently operated a rented farm for four years. He then came to Lyme township and purchased eighty-four acres of land which he cleared and on which he erected a dwelling, continuing to make his home on that farm for about twenty-three years. On the expiration of that period he bought his present place of ninety-three acres-a well improved and productive tract of land. He is a prominent and public-spirited citizen of the community and has capably served as trustee of Lyme township for five years. His interest in moral advancement is deep and sincere and he contributed liberally for the erection of the Evangelical church at Monroeville, while later he helped to build the Luth- eran church of Lyme township. His residence in this county now covers fifty- eight years and he was one of the worthy pioneer settlers whose labors contributed in no small measure to the early development and upbuilding of the community along many lines. His wife also came to Huron county at an early day and here they reared their family of seven children, namely: William, of this review ; Henry ; Sarah, the wife of Andrew Schafer, who resides in Cleghorn, Iowa; Jacob; Lewis, who is deceased; Emma, the deceased wife of Gus Knoll; and Bena, who became the wife of George Schafer.
Diantizoo by Google
454
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
William Stein obtained a good practical education in the district schools and. being reared on his father's farm, early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Throughout his entire business career he has been identified with general farming interests, now owning a rich and produc- tive tract of one hundred and seventy-six acres in Lyme township. to the cultiva- tion and improvement of which he devotes his time and energies. The place is lack- ing in none of the equipments and accessories of a model farming property of the twentieth century, and the commodious and substantial brick residence was erected by Mr. Stein in 1904. He also cultivates rented land in addition to his own farm and the success which has attended his undertaking; is but the merited reward of his persistent and well directed labor and capable management.
On the 2d of April. 1891, Mr. Stein was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ohlemacher, a daughter of Philip and Christina (Hunt) Ohlemacher, of Oxford, Ohio. Unto them have been born five children : Norma, Albert, Edwin, Elsie and Dorothy, all at home. Mr. Stein is a valued member of the Lutheran church, in which he has held various official positions and in the work of which he is deeply and helpfully interested. All of his life has been passed in this county and, while his career has been uneventful in some respects, he belongs to that class of substan- tial and representative citizens, who constitute the real strength of the nation by reason of their business activity, their loyalty in citizenship and their honor and integrity in private life.
D. J. C. ARNOLD.
The business ability and enterprising spirit of D. J. C. Arnold have found tangible expression in the establishment and control of an extensive manufactur- ing enterprise at New London. He is engaged in the manufacture of brick-yard supplies and machinery and the business has now reached large and profitable proportions. It is growing year by year.
Mr. Arnold was born in Adams, Massachusetts, in 1854. His father, Elisha Arnold, was also a native of that locality and a representative of an old New Eng- land family. He married Electa Hemmingway and, establishing their home in Adamıs, Massachusetts, their son, D. J. C. Arnold, was there reared, pursuing his education in the public schools. He was a young man of about twenty-two when in 1876 he came to New London. From the time that he put aside his text-books he has always been identified with manufacturing interests and the lumber business and in New London he became associated with trade interests as a manufacturer of brick-yard supplies, starting business in a modest way, his output consisting only of molds, trucks, etc. Under his capable supervision and wise direction the trade constantly expanded and the factory is now one of the leading industrial institu- tions of the county. He now manufactures a full line of brick machinery and the business is very extensive and increases annually. Mr. Arnold has been watchful of all the indications pointing to success. Prompt, energetic and notably reliable, he does not delay in filling contracts and lives up to the spirit as well as the letter of the law in all of his business relations. His reliability stands as an unquestioned
Digicedby Google
-
455
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
fact in his career and his enterprise has enabled him to accomplish important and gratifying results. In addition to his manufacturing interests he likewise figures prominently in financial circles, having for many years been the vice president of the New London National Bank.
In 1875 Mr. Arnold wedded Miss Mary Hemingway, a native of New London, who died in 1886. His present wife bore the maiden name of Julia West and is a native of Wellington, Ohio. By the first marriage there were three children and two of the second marriage., namely : J. H., who is an able assistant of his father. in business ; Charles H .; Mrs. Anna A. Rorick ; Louise; and Gracie. The family attends the Methodist church, to which Mr. Arnold belongs, and politically he is a republican and has served as a member of the city council. He consented to hold office from a sense of duty rather than from any desire for political preferment but at all times takes a warm interest in the city's welfare and does everything in his power to promote its progress and advancement. His labors are of a practical na- ture and the worth of his work is widely acknowledged by his fellow townsmen.
WILMER B. McCAGUE.
A well known and valued representative of the farming interests of Bronson township is Wilmer B. McCague. He was born September 9, 1863, on the farm where he now makes his home and in his life work he has displayed energy, en- terprise and diligence which have enabled him to greatly increase the value of his property and win substantial success as the years have gone by. His parents were George W. and Esther E. (Selover) McCague. The family was founded in America by Thomas McCague, who was born in Ireland, and his wife Jean- ette Cochran, a native of Scotland. In the year 1774 they came to the United States and settled in Philadelphia where Thomas McCague, the grandfather of our subject, was born and reared. The date of his birth was 1784 and after ar- riving at years of maturity he married Rosanna Coyan. A removal was made by the family from Philadelphia to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and in a sub- sequent generation the family was founded in Holmes county, Ohio. . George W. McCague, the father of our subject, was born near Mckeesport, Pennsylvania, April 19, 1829. It was about 1845 or 50 that the family home was established in Huron county. G. W. McCague was united in marriage to Miss Esther E. Se- lover, who was born in New York, September 16, 1840. Her father Isaac Selover was born in New Jersey, May 2, 1819, and having arrived at years of maturity he married Cornelia Westfall, whose birth occurred in the same state, January 21, 1817. She came to Ohio with her husband, Isaac Selover, in 1841. He had purchased a tract of land near Olena and a few years later, upon his death, left his widow with two little daughters. She personally conducted the farm until her daughters were grown and married and after the death of her elder daughter's husband she assisted in rearing her three boys. Her younger daughter also died and three more boys were thus committed to her care. The motto of this noble woman seemed in harmony with the teaching "not to be ministered unto, but to minister," for her life was spent in lending a helping
Digitizedby Google
456
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
hand to the sick and suffering. She was a daughter of Simeon Westfall, who was born in New Jersey in 1782, and of Esther Brink, whose birth occurred Sep- tember 14, 1790.
Wilmer B. McCague spent his youthful days on the home farm and his train- ing was such as to make him well qualified to carry on agricultural pursuits on his own account when he attained his majority. He never falters in the pursuit of a persistent purpose, works earnestly and persistently to accomplish the end in view and as the years have gone by he has harvested rich crops which annu- ally bring to him a substantial return. His fields present a neat and attractive appearance and altogether the farm is one of the desirable properties of the community.
On the 22d of November, 1893, Mr. McCague was married to Miss Abbie C. Smedley, who was born December 6, 1860, and is a daughter of Lindorf and Catherine (Light) Smedley. Lindorf Smedley was a son of Chester and Clar- issa (Landon) Smedley, who were natives of Litchfield, Connecticut, and Chester Smedley was a son of Ephraim and Anna (Gibbs) Smedley. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McCague have been born three daughters: Catherine Esther, born March 12, 1895 ; Vera Jane, born July 6, 1896; and Mae Lue, born February 13, 1900. The parents are members of the Disciple church and Mr. McCague is a republican in his political views. He does not seek nor desire office but concentrates his ener- gies upon his business affairs which are capably conducted. He has always lived in this community and is well known here, having a circle of friends almost co- extensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
GARDINER McPHERSON.
Gardiner McPherson, the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Bronson township, is devoting his time and energies to its cul- tivation with gratifying results. His birth occurred in Fairfield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the Ist of March, 1849. his parents being Andrew and Elizabeth (McPherson) McPherson. His maternal grandfather was William McPherson. Andrew McPherson and his wife reared a family of three children, namely: Mary, Isabella and Gardiner.
The last named obtained his education in the common schools and early gained a practical knowledge of farming through the assistance which he rendered his father in the work of the fields. He has made his home upon the place where he now resides since 1860, the property coming into his possession at the time of his father's death. It is a valuable and well improved farm of one hundred and twen- ty-five acres, located in Bronson township, and the fields pay annual tribute to the care and labor which is bestowed upon them in bounteous harvests.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. McPherson chose Miss Orlinda Angell, a daughter of Ephraim and Eliza (Adams) Angell. Their union has been blessed with two children, Marian and Theresa.
Politically Mr. McPherson gives his allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and has capably served in the capacity of township trustee for
Dianizoo by Google
457
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
a number of years. His fraternal relations are with the Maccabees. Having spent his entire life in this county, he has a wide acquaintance here and his salient characteristics are such as have gained for him the friendly regard and good will of all with whom he has been associated through either business or social relations.
WILLIAM D. BROOKS.
William D. Brooks, a prosperous, up-to-date and enterprising agriculturist of Wakeman township, is the owner of one hundred thirteen and one-half acres of rich and productive farming land. His father, Thomas Brooks, was born in Huttersfield, England, on the 23d of May, 1816, and came to the United States when about twenty-four years of age. In his native land, he had become familiar with the trades of a machinist and weaver. On landing in this country, he made his way to Cincinnati, Ohio, but after a short time removed to Akron, being em- ployed in the woolen mills of that city for about two years. During that period he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bernell, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Bernell. Her father, who was likewise an Englishman and was also employed in the Akron mills, subsequently returned to his native land and there passed away. On leaving, Thomas Brooks removed to Black river, near Lake Erie in Lorain county, where he purchased a farm and during the two years of his residence there his son William was born. He next took up his abode in Terry- ville, Erie county, Ohio, where he began the operation of a woolen mill for Speers & Ward. He operated this mill successfully for probably fifty years, under all the changes of ownership, continuing its management until the factory was fin- ally destroyed by high flood. It was never rebuilt. The industry was one of great importance during its time, wool being carded and spun at the mill for fam- ilies living for miles around, as in that early day the housewives wove their own goods. In connection with his other interests, Mr. Brooks also conducted a farm, purchasing land as opportunity offered. He first became interested in Huron county lands at the time he bought some property on the Butler road, it being now a part of the Edward Denman farm. He continued to reside at Terryville, however, until his sons were grown, when he established his home in Wakeman township on the farm where our subject now lives, the family moving into a log house which Mr. Brooks had previously erected. This district was still a forest region and wild game abounded, so that the sons found ample opportunity to in- dulge their love of hunting. The last deer known to have been killed in Wakeman township, was shot on the Brooks farm by DeWitt Ennis on the same day that the steam sawmill, more lately owned by French & Arnold, on the Butler road was put in operation. Soon after coming to the United States Thomas Brooks took out his naturalization papers and, though taking no active part in politics, he al- ways kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He was a man of progressive ideas and positive convictions and his influence was always given on the side of right, truth, justice and progress. Unto him and his wife were born two sons. Charles, who died some years ago, held a responsible position with the Big Four Railroad Company for fourteen years. He passed away in Cin-
Dlaniceday Google
458
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
cinnati and lies buried beside his parents in Wakeman cemetery. His son, Will- iam N. Brooks, is now a resident of Chicago. William D., the other son of Thomas Brooks, is now the only surviving member of his father's family.
William D. Brooks obtained his education in the district schools of Terryville and Wakeman township. His time and energies have been given to general agricultural pursuits with excellent success and he is now in possession of part of the family estate, comprising one hundred thirteen and one-half acres of val- uable land. The property is well improved and presents a most neat and thrifty appearance, indicating plainly the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.
In his political views, Mr. Brooks is a stanch republican and takes an active and helpful interest in all matters pertaining to the public welfare. He has cap- ably served his fellow townsmen in the position of road supervisor and also as a school director. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Con- gregational church, to the support of which he contributes liberally of his time and means. Having now resided in this county for more than fifty years, he is largely familiar with its annals from a pioneer period down to the present time. Not only has he seen this section of the state grow from a wild country. with only a few white inhabitants, to a rich agricultural country, containing thousands of good homes and acres of growing towns, inhabited by an industrious, prosper- ous, enlightened and progressive people, but he has participated in the slow, per- sistent work of development which was necessary to produce a change which is so complete that it has come to be popularly referred to as magical.
JOSHUA B. BARNES.
Joshua B. Barnes was a prosperous farmer, a successful auctioneer and an exemplary citizen of Clarksfield township, where he was born September 27, 1848, a son of William and Helen (Bissel) Barnes. Both the Bissels and the Barnes were among those families that braved the hardships of pioneer life. The former of the two came from Danbury, Connecticut, and the latter from New York state, and both became prominent in their respective communities. Wil- liam Barnes became widely known as a farmer who had won a comfortable posi- tion in life through hard work and was widely respected for his strong character.
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.