USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume I > Part 47
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Joshua B. Barnes grew up at home under the guidance of his parents, assist- ing in the ordinary work of the farm. During the winter months he attended the district schools of the county and always stood at the head his class and as the ringleader in all boyish pranks and sports. At the age of nineteen he went to Michigan, where he worked on the farms of relatives for nine years. At the end of that period he returned to Clarksfield township, this county, where he pur- chased a farm of one hundred and fifty-eight acres in the same neighborhood in which he had been born and in which his parents had lived for so many years. This was his home until his death. As soon as he took up his residence here he became a prominent figure in the farming community. Large harvests richly re- paid his arduous toil, and the several business enterprises he undertook prospered
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JOSHUA B. BARNES
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in proportion. At the time of his death he possessed two hundred and sixty acres. all fine land to start with, but much improved through the excellent cultivation he practiced for so many years.
On the 21st of December, 1886, Mr. Barnes was married to Miss Belle Kemp, the daughter of John and Susanna (Wellburn) Kemp, of Camden, Lorain county, Ohio, who were married October 15, 1854. The father was born in Lancaster- shire, England, March 20, 1821, and came to America with his brother at the age of thirty-one. He settled in Grafton, Ohio, where he engaged in farm work, and in a short time by industry and economy was able to save enough to buy a farm in Lorain county. When he arrived in this country he had almost no cap- ital, but he attained to a comfortable position before his death. Two years after his arrival here he married and became the father of ten children, five of whom are living. They are Edgar, a commissioner of Lorain county; Mary ; Belle: Lucy ; and Mabel. William, Ezra, John, Charles, and Elizabeth, are all deceased. Mr. Kemp died November 13, 1901, and his wife passed away August 4, 1909.
To Mr. and Mrs. Barnes were born two children, Doris E. and Robert W., both of whom are living at home with their mother.
The republican party always found in Mr. Barnes a stanch supporter of its principles and he took an active interest in local politics, serving as township trus- tee and as a member of the board of education for a great many years. He also filled the office of justice of the peace for two terms and refused to again accept the office despite the great pressure brought to bear upon him by his many friends. He was probably the most popular man in the eastern part of the county.
Mr. Barnes was taken from this world February 20, 1909, and is mourned by a large number of persons, who through the intercourse of years had come to know and love the man for what he was. The success of his work procured the goodwill of his fellow-citizens, but his loyalty and fearless support of what he be- lieved to be right drew to him stanch friends, and at the same time his ready wit and jovial good nature assured him a welcome in whatever gatherings he chanced to be. He was a hardworking, enterprising farmer and a successful auctioneer, and in all his business dealings was found to be upright and honorable, a man whose integrity of purpose in his intercourse with his fellows was never ques- tioned. In fact, it may truthfully be said that he was a man who had no enemies. He was buried in the Methodist Episcopal cemetery at Clarksfield.
HENRY HEYMAN.
Among the successful agriculturists of Huron county, is numbered Henry Heyman who, through years of patient toil and economic living, has become the owner of a well improved farm in Lyme township, whereon he now resides. A native of Ohio, he was born in Sherman township, this county, December 2, 1871, a son of William A. and Jennett ( Moore) Heyman, both of whom were born in Germany, the former in 1832 and the latter in 1836. William A. Heyman, when a mere boy of seventeen years, left his home and friends in the fatherland, to sail alone for America, seeking opportunities in the new world that did not exist in his
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own country. Journeving overland until he came to the then wild prairies of Ohio, he decided to make his home in Sherman township, where he was married and lived the life of a hardy pioneer, for the first two years working out as a farm hand for farmers of that locality. However, having been industrious and per- severing, at the end of that time, he was able to buy a farm of his own, consist- ing of two hundred and fifty-two acres which he himself cleared, adding improve- ments from year to year. On this farm, in Sherman township, he resided until his death which occurred in December, 1904, having survived his wife, the mother of our subject, for twenty-eight years. Respected and honored by his fellow citizens, during his life here, he filled many prominent township offices, having been justice of the peace for twenty years, trustee for three years and assessor for two years. His religious faith was that of the Reformed church and he gave liberally of his means for the support of a church of that denomination at Hunt's Corners. He was married twice and his home was blessed with thirteen children, namely : Charles; Mary, who married William Boehler; Emma, who became the wife of John Miller ; David; Benjamin; Adam ; William; Henry; Isaac; Jacob; Clara; and two, a half brother and sister who died in infancy.
Henry Heyman attended the district schools of Sherman township, where he resided with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, assisting his father in the fields in the summer seasons. When he became of age, he started out to earn his own living, working for monthly wages on different farms of that lo- cality for three years, having carefully saved his earnings until he was able to rent a small farm of fifty-seven acres which, after eight years of persevering labor and careful expenditure, he was enabled to buy, having erected thereon a comfortable home, barn and outbuildings for the shelter of his grain and stock.
On Thanksgiving Day, of the year 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Henry Heyman and Alma Tickner. Mrs. Heyman was born in Canada and is a daughter of Eugene and Nancy Tickner, who later made their home at Weaver's Corners. By her marriage she has become the mother of seven children: Harley, Orvil, Ila, Gordon, Lloyd, Viola and one child who is yet an infant. Mr. Heyman en- gages in general farming and also teaming to some extent. The family attend the Lutheran church of which he is a member. A life of industry and upright character, entitle him to honorable mention with the leading agriculturists of Lyme township.
JOSEPH FISHER.
Joseph Fisher, devoting his time and energies to the work of general farm- ing, is the owner of a well improved tract of seventy acres in Ridgefield town- ship, on which he makes his home. His birth occurred in Peru township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 25th of March, 1855, his parents being Andrew and Steph- enia (Rimmley) Fisher, both of whom were natives of Germany. It was in 1848 that the father crossed the Atlantic to the United States, taking up his abode in Peru township, this county, and opening a blacksmith shop at Macksville. He thus remained an active factor in the industrial interests of the county until the
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time of his demise, passing away when he had attained the age of sixty-three years. His wife had accompanied her parents on their emigration to the new world in 1848, the family home being established in Peru township, this county. She was sixty-seven years of age at the time she was called to her final rest and left an extensive circle of friends to mourn her death. By her marriage, she had be- come the mother of eight children, namely: Frances, who is the widow of Joseph Shaffer ; Lawrence; Joseph, of this review ; Andrew ; Lanie, the wife of Joseph Weisenburger; Albert ; Rosie, who is the wife of George Smith; and Minnie, who gave her hand in marriage to Russell Page.
In the acquirement of an education Joseph Fisher attended school at Macks- ville and also spent one year in the high school at Norwalk. He continued a resident of Macksville until nineteen years of age and since that time has carried on general agricultural pursuits in Ridgefield township, where he owns a rich and productive tract of land of seventy acres. As the years have gone by, he has placed many substantial improvements on the property and in the conduct of his farming interests, has won a measure of success that entitles him to recognition among the prosperous, progressive and enterprising citizens of the community.
On the 9th of October, 1883, Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Liz- zie Gefell, who was born in this county in May, 1856, and is a daughter of Hugo and Josephine Gefell, of this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have been born six children : Mary ; William, who wedded Miss Rose Cramer and makes his home in Ridgefield township; Florence; Maud; Albert; and Robert. Fraternally, Mr. Fisher is identified with the Red Men at Norwalk. Both he and his wife have an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives, having ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awakens admiration and regard.
JOHN GATES.
John Gates, a resident farmer of Peru township, who owns and cultivates one hundred and fifty-nine acres of fine land, was born in Sherman township on the 17th of March, 1859, his parents being Joseph and Elizabeth Gates, both of whom were natives of Germany. In that country, they were reared and mar- ried and came to Huron county, Ohio, about two years later. They settled first in Sherman township, where they bought thirty acres of land, and to this they added from time to time as their financial resources increased, until at his death Joseph Gates was the owner of a valuable tract of one hundred and sixty acres. He died when seventy-nine years of age, while his wife departed this life at the age of sixty-six years. They were both consistent members of the Catholic church of Sherman township and all who knew them esteemed them for their many sterl- ing traits of character. Their family numbered eight children, as follows: Joe, residing in Norwalk township; Benjamin, who makes his home in Sherman town- ship; Michael, also of Sherman township; John, of this review; Kathryn, the wife of John Kopping, of Norwich township; Barbara, the wife of George Mey-
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ers, of Norwich township; May, who married Fred Perry and resides in Peru township; and Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Frank Meyers.
John Gates was born and reared in Sherman township and there lived until he attained the age of forty-two years. In his youthful days, he attended the dis- trict and German schools and through the periods of vacation, was trained in the work of the farm, and throughout his entire life, he has carried on agricultural pursuits. He first bought one hundred acres of land in Sherman township and lived thereon for about twelve years. He then sold forty-three acres of the tract and made investment in the farm on which he now resides, purchasing the prop- erty from George Baker. He has made many improvements on the place in the intervening years and in 1907, erected a large frame residence which is conven- iently arranged and tastefully furnished.
In the fall of 1889, Mr. Gates sought a companion and helpmate for the jour- ney of life and took to his new home as his wife Miss Rose Cooper, a daughter of Peter and Mary (Myers) Cooper, of Sherman township. Her parents are still living in that township, where they reared their family of five children, Rose, Cora, Emma, Alfred and Ida, who died at the age of eight years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gates was blessed with three children, Olive, Carl and Wilma, all yet at home.
Mr. Gates is a prominent, active and helpful member of the Catholic church of Sherman township and his life is in harmony with his professions. His at- tention and energies are largely given to his general farming interests and what he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of his innate powers and talents. He has always worked diligently and persistently to attain the success which he is now enjoying and which places him with the representative agriculturists of the county.
C. S. BATEHAM.
One of the enterprises of highest character in Norwalk is the photograph stu- dio of C. S. Bateham, whose standing in his profession is established not only by the consensus of public opinion, but also by his professional brethren who have accorded him high honors in their ranks. A native of Ohio, Mr. Bateham was born in Painesville, July 31, 1868. His father, M. B. Bateham, was a native of England and when a young man, came to the United States with his parents. He moved to Columbus in 1845, where he owned and edited the Ohio Cultivator and was not only successful and prominent in business circles, but also became well known in connection with the movements for the advancement of horticultural interests in the state and served as secretary of the Ohio Horticultural Society from its beginning, until his death in 1880. His wife who bore the maiden name of Josephine Penfield, spent the last seventeen years of her life lecturing and writ- ing, as a department superintendent of the National Women's Christian Temper- ance Union.
While spending his boyhood days under the parental roof. C. S. Bateham pur- sued his education in the public schools of Painesville and afterward took up the study of photography. He spent four years as a representative of the profession
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in Elyria and in January, 1891, came to Norwalk, purchasing the gallery of Mr. Park, the fermer owner of the old Edmondson gallery. At this place, Mr. Bate- ham has since conducted his studio, which is now well equipped for the con- duct of the business in accordance with the most modern processes, inventions and improvements. In 1896, he leased a store room in connection with his studio and has since conducted an art store in addition to his photographic work. His store is filled with carefully selected pictures and a variety of frames that would be a credit to many a larger city. His own artistic nature has been cultivated and with strong appreciation of the value of light and shade, of pose and color, he is doing excellent portrait work, securing results which are both natural and artistic. He has always been in a foremost place in the work for the advancement and eleva- tion of photography and for many years, he filled various offices in the Ohio- Michigan Photographers Association, acting for two years as its president. In 1908 he was one of the organizers of the Professional Photographers Society, of Ohio, and was chosen its first president, which position he is now filling. He has won many medals for his work at state and national photographers' conven- tions and has a splendid studio, thoroughly modern in every particular. The work which he does is most attractive and his ability brings him an extensive and grow- ing patronage.
While his professional duties make heavy demands upon his energies, Mr. Bateham also finds time for active and helpful cooperation in public affairs. He is one of the vice-presidents of the Chamber of Commerce, is greatly interested in the city's welfare and manifests a most patriotic spirit in his devotion to the public good.
In 1890, Mr. Bateham was married in Elyria, Ohio, to Miss Katharine Haines, a daughter of Dr. E. P. Haines, of that city, and they have two sons, Boyd E., born July 12. 1894; and Evander P., born June 28, 1897. Mr. Bateham is a Knight Templar Mason and is identified with other fraternal and social organi- zations. He is a man of unfailing courtesy and his geniality, kindness and defer- ence for the opinions of others, have won for him the unqualified respect of all with whom he has come in contact.
BYRON J. ERNSBERGER.
Byron J. Ernsberger, a successful representative of the agricultural interests of Huron county, owning and operating an excellent farm of one hundred and ninety acres in Bronson township, is a native son of the county, his birth having here occurred on the 22d of December, 1858. His parents, Jacob and Sarah A. ( Wheeler ) Ernsberger, were natives of New York and Huron county. Ohio, re- spectively. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Edward Wheeler. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ernsberger reared the following children: Andrew, Albert, John D., David E., Byron J. and Emma.
Byron J. Ernsberger has made his home on his present farm in Bronson town- ship, since 1881 and, having brought the fields under a high state of cultivation, annually harvests good crops from which he derives a gratifying income. He is
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not only progressive, but also thoroughly practical in his methods and what he undertakes, he carries forward to successful completion.
On the 26th of October, 1880, Mr. Ernsberger was united in marriage to Miss Anna Park, who was born in 1860, a daughter of Joseph and Martha ( Pilgrimn) Park. Mr. and Mrs. Park, who were born in the years 1828 and 1835 respectively, reared a family of four children, namely : Anna, Charlie, Della and Jay. Mr. and Mrs. Ernsberger have two children: Clara, now the wife of David Mead; and Park.
Mr. Ernsberger exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, the principles of which he believes are most con- ducive to good government. His religious faith connects him with the Presby- terian church, while fraternally he has been identified with the Maccabees for many years. He has spent his entire life in this county and is therefore widely and favorably known, commanding the high regard of all with whom he has been associated.
HUGH A. McDONALD.
Hugh A. McDonald, a well known and successful agriculturist of Bronson township, is also the treasurer and a director of the Ohio Mutual Tornado, Cy- clone & Windstorm Association. His birth occurred in the house where he still resides, his natal day being June 6, 1876. His parents were Angus and Harriett Elizabeth (Adriance) McDonald, the former born in Indiana in 1846, while the latter's birth occurred in the state of New York in 1851. Roger McDonald, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born on the Isle of Skye in Scotland in 1824 and emigrated to the United States when about nineteen years of age, taking up his abode in Huron county, Ohio. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Charlotte Parrott, was born in England about 1823. The maternal grandparents of Hugh A. McDonald were James and Maria (Snyder) Adriance, both of whom were natives of New York. Mr. McDonald of this review has but one sister, Elnora V.
Hugh A. McDonald has always continued to reside in Bronson township in the house where he was born, with the exception of four years while attending school at Norwalk, and throughout his entire business career has been successfully iden- tified with general agricultural pursuits. He is likewise serving as the treasurer and a director of the Ohio Mutural Tornado, Cyclone & Windstorm Association and for seven years was the secretary of the Huron County Farmers Mutual Fire Association, but resigned the latter office in the spring of 1909. In all of his busi- ness affairs he is alert and enterprising and has gained favorable recognition as one of the prosperous, energetic and progressive citizens of his native county.
On the 26th of October, 1897, Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Rose Furniss, who was born in August, 1874, her parents being William F. and Barbena (Hildebrand) Furniss, the former a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Furniss reared a family of nine children, namely : Charles F., Gustavus, John D .. Rose, Lucy, Emma, Anna, Lillian and Edith. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Mc-
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H. A. McDONALD AND FAMILY
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Donald has been blessed with three children: Roger Bruce, who was born May 19, 1899; Furniss Angus, whose birth occurred on the 24th of April, 1904; and Donald, whose natal day was May 16, 1908.
In the fall of 1908 Mr. McDonald was elected to the office of county commis- sioner on the democratic ticket by about nine hundred votes. When taking into consideration the fact that this county has a normal republican majority of from nine to twelve hundred, it will be seen that he possesses in an unusual degree the confidence and trust of his fellow townsmen. Fraternally he is identified with the Maccabees and the Grange. The rules which govern his conduct and shape his life are such as command respect and admiration in every land and clime, and in the community where his entire life has been spent Hugh A. McDonald is honored and esteemed by all who know him.
A. M. BEATTIE.
It is a well known fact that members of the bar have been more prominent in public life than any other class of citizens. The reason of this is not far to seek for the qualities that enable them to win success in practice before the courts also qualify them for leadership in other directions. Mr. Beattie is by no means a man in public life in the sense that he seeks political preferment, for the honors and emoluments of office yet nevertheless he has done not a little to mold public thought and action, his opinions frequently constituting the influencing force in affairs which are of vital importance to Norwalk.
Born in Ashland county, Ohio, on the 10th of June, 1853, his parents were John and Isabel (Thom) Beattie, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father came to the United States and located in Ashland county in 1836, while the following year witnessed the arrival of the lady whom he afterward made his wife. He became a successful, prominent and influential farmer and contin- ued to engage in general agricultural pursuits until his death which occurred January 8, 1883. when he was sixty-eight years of age. In his family were eleven children.
A. M. Beattie, the fifth in order of birth, supplemented his public-school course by study in the Normal School. He afterward engaged in teaching for a number of years and with desire to become a member of the bar, he took up the study of law in the office and under the direction of Judge Curtiss, of Ashland. Sub- sequently, he pursued a course in law in the State University of Indiana and was graduated with the class of 1877. The following year, he located for practice in New London, Ohio, where he formed a partnership under the name of Laning & Beattie. This connection was dissolved in 1882, and Mr. Beattie continued alone until 1884. when he was elected clerk of the county court and so served for six years. On the expiration of that period, he resumed active practice and has become one of the leading attorneys of the county. His knowledge of the law is comprehensive and exact and his application of legal principles correct. In the work of the office, which must always precede a strong presentation of a case in the courts, he prepares for defense as well as attack, viewing his cause from
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every possible standpoint. He is, therefore, never surprised by some unexpected attack and counsel and court listen to him with attention, knowing that there are few, if any, fallacies in his argument. Aside from his practice, he has also been connected with business and financial affairs of this city. He became one of the organizers of the Norwalk Steel Company, an important manufacturing enter- prise of this city.
On the 15th of April, 1879, Mr. Beattie was married to Miss Dora Sullivan and they have three sons and two daughters: Blanche, Anna, Walter, Homer and Arthur. Mrs. Beattie was born in Pennsylvania, February 3, 1854, and during her girlhood accompanied her parents to Ohio. She was a daughter of Josiah and Phoebe A. (Hopkins) Sullivan, both of whom were born in the state of New York in 1825. Removing westward, they settled in Ashtabula county, but both are now deceased, and the mother of Mr. Beattie passed away April 2, 1909.
Aside from business and home relations, Mr. Beattie finds time for co-opera- tion in public affairs and has served for many years as treasurer of the board of education, being greatly interested in affairs relative to the progress and improve- ment of the schools. His co-operation in other lines has also been of equal value for he never refuses to lend his aid and influence when he believes the best in- terests of the community at large are involved.
FRED OPPERMAN.
The farming interests of Lyme township find a worthy representative in Fred Opperman, who owns and cultivates two hundred and sixty-five acres of land, constituting one of the fine farms of the community. It is improved with all mod- ern conveniences and constitutes one of the attractive features of the landscape in which it is located. The owner is therefore justly accounted one of the pro- gressive agriculturists of the community. He was born in Germany on the 6th of November, 1838, and is a son of William and Philemina Opperman, both of whom died in the fatherland.
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