USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume I > Part 49
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Mr. Heyman is a member of the Eagles lodge at Bellevue. He also belongs to the Lutheran church in Lyme township and has been active in community af- fairs, serving as school director and as road supervisor. Farming, however, has been his real life work and he carries on general agricultural pursuits, owning a fine tract of land which he carefully cultivates and improves in accordance with the most modern ideas of farming.
AMBROSE B. SMITH.
Ambrose B. Smith, diligent and persistent in his business affairs, his cap- able management bringing him substantial success, is now the owner of eighty acres of good farm land in Peru township. He was born in this county on the 13th of March, 1854, at the family home in Greenfield township, his parents being Marcus P. and Liddic (Coy) Smith. The paternal grandfather. George Smith, was numbered among the earliest settlers of the county and became a factor in the pioneer development of this part of the state. He was killed by the caving in of a well in which he was working on the old Simmons' farm.
Marcus P. Smith was born in 1833, and spent the greater part of his life in Peru township. In his youthful days he shared in all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life and the period of his minority was one of earnest toil for he assisted in the development and cultivation of a new farm. He always car- ried on general agricultural pursuits as a life work and also engaged in threshing. He was ever a busy and active man, continuing his identification with farming interests until his death in 1895. His wife, who was born in Peru township in 1830, died in 1903. She was a daughter of Henry D. Coy, who was born June 15. 1800, and came to Peru township in 1818 with his father-in-law, Asa Wilson, who owned the place upon which Ambrose B. Smith now resides. It was upon this farm that Henry D. Coy passed away in April. 1892. His daughter by her marriage to Mr. Smith became the mother of six children: Ambrose B .; Hai.ic. who died in childhood: Edward, who is living in Fairfield township ; Jennie, the wife of William Linder, residing in Havana. Ohio; Alice, the deceased wife of Fred Mitchell: and John M., who is living in Greenfield township.
Ambrose B. Smith has always lived within five miles of the farm on which he now resides. He attended the district schools in his youthful days and in the periods of vacation assisted more and more largely in the work of the fields as his age and strength increased. He has been connected with farming and thresh- ing all his life and has also worked at the carpenter's trade. His skill in this di- rection enabled him to erect all of the buildings upon his farm, and he has like- wise assisted in the construction of many others in this vicinity. His life has been one of diligence and well directed thrift. He purchased the farm from his
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father and has made it a valuable property, lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences of the model farm of the twentieth century.
On the 8th of December, 1876, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Alice Jones, a daughter of Isaac and Mary Jones, of Weston, Wood county, Ohio. She died July 28, 1879, and for his second wife Mr. Smith chose Elizabeth J. Schild, a daughter of George Schild, of this county. They were married March 11. 1820, and have two children: Elmora M., now the wife of Amos Eastman, of Peru township; and Herman E., who is living on the home place.
Mr. Smith has been somewhat active in community interests. He served as justice of the peace for two terms and as assessor for two terms, being elected on the republican ticket. He has also been a member of the school board. He held membership with the Knights of the Maccabees at Havana until the tent of that place went out of existence. His time and energies, however, have largely been concentrated upon his farm and its interests, and his work has made him one of the substantial agriculturists of this part of the state.
JOSEPH D. FREY.
Among the successful business men of Norwalk is numbered Joseph D. Frey, a dealer in coal, ice and concrete blocks. In that department of trade he has built up a good business and his enterprising and progressive business methods rank him with the leading representatives of commercial interests here. He started upon the journey of life. December 23, 1866, in Ridgefield township, his par- ents being Benedict and Philomena ( Krabach) Frey. The paternal grandfather, Joseph Frey, a native of Switzerland, came to America in 1858 and, on reaching Huron county, purchased forty acres of land, to which he added from time to time as his financial resources increased, until he had one hundred and seven acres. Both he and his wite died on the old homestead farm. Their son, Benedict Frey, was born in Switzerland, and was thirteen years of age when, in 1851, he bade adieu to friends and native land and with his parents came to the United States. They made their way direct to Ridgefield township, Huron county, and Bene- dict Frey assisted in the task of developing and improving his father's farm, event- ually came into possession of the property and made it his home until his death in 1806. He married Philomena Krabach, who was born in Ridgefield township, a daughter of Dennis Krabach, who arrived in Huron county at an early period in its development. Here he engaged in farming and also worked as a stone mason. It was his daughter who became the wife of Benedict Frey and unto that marriage, there were born five sons and two daughters.
Joseph D. Frey, the eldest son of the family, was reared on the old home farm and was educated in the country schools. When not busy with his text books he worked in the fields and continued to devote his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits until 1802, when he came to Norwalk. He has since been identified with commercial interests in this city. Turning his attention to the ice business, he continued therein for two years, after which he extended the scope of his activities to include coal, concrete blocks and building materials. He has
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been very successful in all branches of his business and attends strictly to his trade which has been built up by legitimate methods, his enterprise and energy re- sulting in the acquirement of a large patronage.
In 1802 Mr. Frey was united in marriage to Miss Dora Gfell, a native of Huron county, of German descent. They have become parents of three daughters and a son: Lenora, Esther, Verna and Arthur. The parents are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and that Mr. Frey is a popular and valued citizen is indicated in the fact that against his wishes he was elected to the city council on the democratic ticket in a republican ward. When the people had thus mani- fested their choice, he set to work to give them the best services possible, exercis- ing his official perrogatives in support of every measure and movement calculated to prove of public benefit. He is a man of strong purpose, giving stalwart sup- port to whatever he believes to be right, whether in political, business or social relations. Since entering the commercial circles of Norwalk he has made sub- stantial progress and his liberal patronage is well merited.
JOSEPH HYDE.
Joseph Hlyde, of Townsend township, was active in local political circles and an influential factor in community interests. He was born November 2, 1838, in Milan, Erie county, Ohio, a son of William S. and Adeline (Allen) Hyde, who removed westward from Green Farm, Connecticut, in 1835. The father en- gaged for a time in the grain and shipping business at Milan, but afterward returned to Connecticut and was married in 1836. He then brought his bride to Milan, where he resumed business, making his home there until 1850, when he took up his abode at Townsend. now Collins. There he engaged in merchandis- ing and in the manufacture of cultivators and for a long period figured as one of the representative business men of the community. continuing to make his home in Townsend until his death, which occurred May 7. 1895, when he was ninety- five years of age. His wife passed away on the 6th of January, 1882, and their graves were made in the Townsend cemetery. There were four children in their family : Aretta J., Joseph, Thirza .A. and William. All are now deceased and lie buried in the Townsend cemetery with the exception of Thirza A., who was laid to rest at Berlin Heights.
Joseph Hyde, whose name introduces this review, passed away on the 2d of March, 1901. He had been educated in the public schools of Milan and of Town- send and for a time also attended Oberlin College. He taught school for two years during the winter months and in the summer seasons was engaged in farming. His entire life was a busy one, characterized by devotion to the duty which lay nearest his hand.
On the 15th of March, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma L. Humphrey, a daughter of William and Sarah Ann ( Bierce) Humphrey. Both the Humphrey and Bierce families were Connecticut people and the parents of Mrs. Hyde were married in that state. Afterward they removed westward to Parma, Ohio, in 1835. Mr. Humphrey was a millwright and followed his trade
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JOSEPH HYDE
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in the neighborhood of Cleveland until 1848, when he went to Townsend, Huron county. There he purchased a farm and built a sawmill for cutting his timber and added to his landed possessions as his financial resources increased. In the course of years he became a very extensive landowner and also a large opera- tor in lumber. In fact he prospered in his various undertakings for he was a man of keen business discernment and unfaltering energy. At his death, which occurred on the 22d of September, 1874, he owned one thousand acres of land and had large invested interests besides. His family consisted of four chil- dren, three daughters and one son: Emma L., Sarah A., Delia I .. and William E. Of these Emma L., now Mrs. Joseph Hyde, is the only one living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hyde were born five children : Caroline, now the wife of William H. Hurd, of Collins; Mary A., deceased ; William H., a practicing physician of Cleveland, Ohio: Eleanor H., the wife of Ernest Hurst, a farmer of Florence township, Erie county. Ohio : and Sherman B., who carries on farming in Town- send township.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hyde conducted a general store in Town- send Center for three years and on the expiration of that period removed to the farm whereon their son Sherman B now lives. They made it their home for fully thirty years and on leaving that place in 1900 took up their abode in Collins, where they resided until the death of Mr. Hyde, on the 2d of March, 1901. He was a very successful man, owning nearly five hundred acres of land, and he and his wife together had other financial interests. He was seldom if ever at fault in matters of business judgment and his wise investments and en- terprise brought him substantial success.
Moreover, he was well known because of his activity and influence in matters relating to the public welfare. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was ever an intelligent advocate of the measures which he espoused. For many years he served as the treasurer of Townsend township, was also trustee for several years and for a long period acted as a member of the district school board. Whatever pertained to the public welfare awakened his interest and if he believed that a plan was feasible and for the best interests of the com- munity he would give it his hearty endorsement and support. He held mem- bership in Townsend Lodge, F. & A. M., and was one of the active representa- tives of the craft for many years. A man of sterling purpose and honorable conduct, he was highly respected by all who knew him. He stood as a high type of the American citizen who by his own energy wins success and at the same time is neglectful of no duty to the public.
SHERMAN B. HYDE.
Sherman B. Hyde, a worthy representative of one of the old pioneer families of Ohio, now closely associated with the agricultural and live-stock interests of Townsend township, was born November 6, 1875, and is a son of Joseph and Emma L. (Humphrey) Hyde. The father was a farmer by occupation and the son was reared on the old homestead place, assisting in the general work relative
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to the cultivation and care of the crops. His early education was acquired in the district schools and subsequently he continued his studies in the schools of Col- lins and attended Oberlin College for a time. He was a young man of twenty- five years when on the 19th of December, 1900, he wedded Miss Grace Sher- man, a daughter of Almond and Emma ( Bowen) Sherman. Both the Sherman and Bowen families were prominent in pioneer times here. U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Hyde have been born four children: John: Almond J .; and Grace, who passed away when three years old; and Emma Maie.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hyde settled on the old home farm where he had always lived. This is a tract of three hundred and fifty acres of very rich and productive land and the place is well improved with large barns and sheds. giving ample shelter for grain and stock. There is also a modern dwelling upon the place. The land is tiled and carefully improved and is now under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Hyde also makes a specialty of raising live stock, feeding sheep, cattle and hogs for the markets. His farm presents a neat and thrifty appearance, and he not only finds ready sale for the product of his fields but also finds a good market for his stock.
In his political views Mr. Hyde is a republican, active in support of the party interests. When twenty-two years of age he was elected township trustee and filled the position for nine years, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He has been for a long period and is still a member of the township board of education. He is usually chosen a delegate to the county, district and state conventions of his party and is a man well informed on questions and issues of the day, thus being able to support his position by intelligent argument. He cares little for office, however, preferring to give his time to his private affairs. His wife is an intelligent lady of fine character and the Hyde home is among the most attractive in the township. Both are held in high esteem by all who know them, for their good qualities of heart and mind have endeared them to many friends. Mr. Hyde is practical in all that he does in a business way, and the residence and excellent appearance of his place make this one of the best farms in the county.
MISS MARY NELSON.
Miss Mary Nelson, owning and residing on a fine farm of about two hundred acres in Bronson township, was born on this place on the 19th of April, 1870. Her parents, Horatio Perry and Maria (Danforth) Nelson, were both natives of Peru township, this county, the former born March 17, 1830, and the latter on the Ist of February, 1837. John Nelson, the paternal grandfather of Miss Nelson, whose birth occurred in Massachusetts in 1800, became one of the pioneer set- tlers of Huron county, locating in Peru township with his father, Eli Nelson, in the year 1816. Unto him and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Almira Sherman, were born six children, namely: Fidelia, Mary, Lucia, Elizabeth, Hor- atio P. and Henry. Aro and Lucy (Taft) Danforth, the maternal grandparents
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of Miss Nelson, were also numbered among the early settlers of Peru township, making their way to this state from Vermont.
Horatio P. Nelson, the father of the lady whose name initiates this review, was for a number of years engaged in the operation of a sawmill in Peru town- ship, but subsequently gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits, con- tinuing as a successful representative of farming interests until called to his final rest. He was likewise a stockholder in the Huron County Bank and in the com- munity where his entire life was spent gained favorable recognition as a sub- stantial, progressive and leading citizen. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to various positions of public trust and responsibility. On the 8th of March, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Maria Danforth, by whom he had two children, as follows: Mary ; and Charles Danforth, whose natal day was August 13. 1866. The latter, who wedded Miss Lizzie M. Sanborn. is now deceased, his demise having occurred on the 28th of November, 1900 His widow and her two children, Aro Danforth and Ira Sanborn, now make their home in Boston.
Miss Mary Nelson has spent her entire life on the farm where her birth oc- curred and which is now in her possession. The place is a valuable and well im- proved tract of land of about two hundred acres and she derives therefrom a grati- fying annual income. She was reared in the faith of the Universalist church and attends its services. Her many good traits of heart and mind have endeared her to all with whom she has come in contact and she is well entitled to mention in this volume as a representative of two of the prominent and honored pioneer families of this county.
FRANK SCHLAGETER.
Frank Schlageter, owning and operating an excellent farm of one hundred and two acres located in Bronson township, is meeting with most gratifying suc- cess in his farming and stock raising interests. A native of Havana, he was born on the 5th of February, 1867, and is a son of Michael and Mary ( Beeler) Schlageter. The father was a soldier of the Civil war, being a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In his family were six children: Frank, Edward, Mary, Lizzie, and two who died in infancy.
Spending the period of his boyhood and youth amid the scenes and environ- ment of country life, Frank Schlageter assisted his father in the work of the home farm and acquired his education as a pupil in the common schools. Under the direction of his father he received thorough business training along agricultural lines and when he attained his majority and sought to engage in business for hin- self he wisely selected as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. He has since devoted his energies to farming and for the past ten years has resided upor. a farm of one hundred and two acres of land in Bronson town- ship. During this period, he has directed his efforts to its further cultivation and improvement. It is now a well improved property which indicates in its neat
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appearance the thrift and progressiveness of its owner, while his well directed in- dustry, energy and perseverance are finding their reward in the rich harvests which are annually gathered. In connection with his general agricultural pur- suits, he breeds cattle, sheep and hogs, and he enjoys a substantial income as both branches of his business-the raising of grain and the raising of stock-are prov- ing successful.
It was on the 10th of May, 1899, that Mr. Schlageter was united in mar- riage to Miss Loretta Ruggles, who was born in 1860 and is a daughter of George and Elizabeth ( Snyder) Ruggles. She was the youngest of a family of five children, the others being: Jennie, Walter, Charles and William. Mr. and Mrs. Schlageter have one child, a son, Walter Melville. In politics Mr. Schlageter is independent, reserving the privilege to vote for the men and measures which in his estimation will best conserve the public good. He is, however, public spirited in his citizenship and does all in his power to further the substantial growth and upbuilding of the community, while he ranks among the loyal and representative citizens of Bronson township.
WILLIAM T. SNYDER.
William T. Snyder, who since 1903 has practically lived retired in Norwalk, was in former years actively and successfully identified with the agricultural in- terests of Huren county. His birth occurred in Milan, Erie county, Ohio, Feb- ruary 3, 1835, his father being William H. Snyder, who was born in New York on the 12th of April, 1801. He was a harness maker by trade and in 1833, made his way to Huron county, Ohio, thus becoming a factor in the pioneer development and progress of this part of the state. In 1839. he purchased a farm in Peru town- ship and made his home thereen until the time of his death, devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits with gratifying success. He passed away in January, 1885, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, his demise being the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
William T. Snyder was reared on his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, with which line of activity he was identified throughout his entire business career. Energetic, enterprising and progressive, he met with a gratifying and commendable meas- ure of prosperity in his farming cperations and when at length his well directed labors had brought him a handsome competence he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Norwalk, where he has lived retired since 1903. He still retains possession of his farm in Peru township, this county, and though now past the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey, he is yet quite a busy and active man. In 1864, he enlisted as a soldier of the Union army, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, and doing garrison duty at Washington, D. C., during his four months' term of service.
In 1856. Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A Perry, who was born in Peru township, Huron county, in 1837. The eight children born of
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this union, all of whom still survive, are as follows : Clarence E., who is a resident of Indiana ; Mrs. Mary E. Stafford, of Michigan ; Mrs. Anna Ketchum, living in Norwalk : Charles P., who makes his home in Peru township; Mrs. Nettie M. Rarison, of Huron county : Sadie F .; Mrs. Laura B. Hoyt, also a resident of Huron county : and Mrs. Florence S. Crawford, residing in this state. There have been no deaths in the family and Mr. Snyder now has twenty grandchildren. He celebrated the Christmas of 1908 by a family re-union, inviting all of his chil- dren and grandchildren to the Christmas dinner.
At the polls, Mr. Snyder usually casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democracy, but is not bitterly partisan, it being his aim to sup- port the candidate whom he considers best qualified for office. His fellow towns- men, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public trust and responsibility. He served as assessor for ten years, was township' clerk for fifteen years and for twelve years acted as justice of the peace in Peru township, discharging his various official duties in a most able and satisfactory manner. Both he and his wife have an extensive circle of warm friends through- out the community, having ever displayed those traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard. Mr. Snyder well deserves mention in this volume as one of the honored and representative citizens of Huron county, being thoroughly familiar with its annals from pioneer times down to the present.
FRED A. BECKSTEIN.
Fred A. Beckstein, numbered among the successful and enterprising agri- culturists of Lyme township, where he owns an excellent farm of seventy-eight acres, was born in this township on the 20th of June, 1877, his parents being William and Carolina (Longyear) Beckstein. The father, whose birth occurred in Germany. September 20, 1848, came alone to the new world at the age of seven- teen years, taking up his abode in Huron county, Ohio. Securing employment as a farm hand. he was thus engaged for about six years and then bought ninety acres of land in Lyme township, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest in 1905. Throughout his entire business career, he was success- fully identified with agricultural interests and his upright and honorable life won him the warm regard and esteem of all with whom he was associated. He did effective work for the cause of education as a member of the school board and was likewise a valued and helpful member of the Lutheran church at Bellevue. His wife was born in Richmond township. Huron county, in the year 1856, her par- ents, Charles and Mary Longyear, being early settlers of this county. She still survives and has an extensive circle of warm friends throughout this county, where she has spent her entire life. Her family numbers five children, namely : Fred A., of this review : Lewis : William. Jr. ; Carolina, the wife of William Seible ; and Addie.
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