USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 10
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A republican in politics, he takes active interest in all public affairs. As a mem- ber of the township board of trustees, he has served six years and has shown him- self a capable and thorough officer, while his service to the cause of education has been through his membership in the township school board. As a promoter of all public improvements, Mr. Maynard stands well to the front in his township. Yet with the cares of a farm of one hundred and thirty-two acres and his public service, he still finds time to engage in his favorite recreation of hunting and fishing, enjoy- ing them most thoroughly. Both Mr. and Mrs. Maynard are members and active workers in the Methodist church. But their home tells us best, perhaps, of the per- sonality of the occupants-genuinely hospitable, cheerful, pleasant and refined, all blended by that harmonizing influence denominated Christianity.
THEODORE D. SHEPHERD.
Theodore D. Shepherd became widely and prominently known throughout the city of Norwalk as the efficient postmaster during almost two terms, and thus his death, which occurred on November 21, 1904, was the occasion of deep and wide- spread regret. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, October 13, 1843, and in June, 1869, was united in marriage to Miss Ella S. Newman, who was born in Nor- walk township, October 23, 1844.
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After reaching manhood and fitting himself for the responsible duties of a business career, Mr. Shepherd engaged in bookkeeping and the accounting busi- ness, following that profession for several years. He was later appointed post- master of Norwalk and gave such efficient and capable service during his first term that he was reappointed but his death occurred prior to the expiration of his second term. In this connection he became well known because of his courteous treatment of the patrons of the office and his capability in discharging his official duties.
His political allegiance was given to the republican party, to which he gave stanch support. A highly respected citizen, his death caused deep regret not only to the members of his own immediate household, but also among his many friends and acquaintances.
As above stated, Mrs. Shepherd was born in Huron county, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Newman. Mr. Newman was engaged in the mercantile busi- ness throughout his active business career, handling dry goods, books, stationery, etc. He was a communicant of the Episcopal church, to which he gave loyal sup- port, while for thirty-five years he acted as superintendent of the Sunday school. His death occurred when he was sixty-seven years of age, and thus passed away one of the highly respected and well known citizens of Norwalk, for he had taken a deep interest in many public movements, having served throughout a long period as a member of the board of education. He was also active in the establishment of the Children's Home at this place and did all in his power toward the advancement and promotion of all worthy measures, giving freely of his time and means. His political support was given to the republican party.
Mrs. Shepherd spent her girlhood under the parental roof and acquired her education in the schools of her native city. It was in June, 1869, that she gave her hand in marriage to Theodore D. Shepherd, and she became the mother of a son and daughter ; Charles V., who was born June 15, 1871 ; and Cornie May, who was born December 6, 1872, and on the 15th of November, 1894, gave her hand in marriage to I. W. Goodell. Mrs. Shepherd takes great pride in the fact that she is a Daughter of the Revolution, while her religious faith is indicated by her member- ship in the Episcopal church. Having spent her entire life in the city of Norwalk, she has a large circle of friends, who esteem her for her many excellent traits of character and for the hearty welcome which they receive in her hospitable home.
ANDREW JACKSON BLACKMAN.
Andrew Jackson Blackman, the proprietor of Melrose Farm and one of the most prominent and influential men of Clarksfield township, was born December 10, 1830, in New London township, Huron county, the son of Simeon and Wealthy (Barret) Blackman. Both parents were natives of New York, but the father came to this state in 1815, with his brother Joel, his family following later. On the journey, he and his brother learned when they reached Buffalo that peace had been declared ending the war of 1812 and that the city of Buffalo itself was to a large extent wrecked by fire, incurred through the war. Continuing their journey they came direct to Florence township, Huron county, and the next year Simeon lo-
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cated in New London township, where he bought one hundred and ten acres of land, all timber, but with a log cabin upon it put up by the previous owner. Mr. Blackman immediately set to work to clear the land and to put up a more sub- stantial and permanent habitation. He also set out an orchard. The Barrett fam- ily subsequently became residents of Ohio, and the daughter, on one of her visits to her relatives here, met Mr. Blackman and was married to him on the 21st of April, 1821. In the course of the many years of hardships that followed she proved a most indispensable helpmeet. Mr. Blackman was a man who won success in all of his undertakings, and in addition to his farming engaged in the manufacture of potash, becoming a large producer of this substance and in the production of pearl ash also. New London township was his home until 1833, when he removed to Russia township, Lorain county, living there for two years. He removed to a farm in the vicinity of Huron village, but the country there was new and unhealth- ful, and seemed to offer but few chances of advancement, and after two years Mr. Blackman removed to Vermilion township, Erie county, where he bought a farm. After two years he traded this, in 1839, to Isaac Van Houton, for the farm in Clarksfield township that was his home until his death, which occurred May 7, 1864. His wife survived him more than a quarter of a century and when death called her, December 15, 1891, she was buried by her husband in Butterfield ceme- tery, New London township. The couple were blessed with a family of eight chil- dren, two of whom died in infancy. Those who grew to maturity were Orinda, Elvira A., Wealthy A., Andrew J., Mary A. and George W.
Andrew J. Blackman is the only member of this family now living in Huron county. He grew up on his father's farm, which was his home until his twenty- first year. His education was derived from the district schools of the county, sup- plemented by a term at Oberlin College. All his life he has been devoted to farm- ing and two years after his marriage, in 1857. he purchased a small farm, which has since been incorporated in his present acres. On this he has prosecuted a gen- eral line of farming and has also engaged in stock raising and feeding. In both of these pursuits he has been very successful. He owns at present something over two hundred and sixty acres and at one time owned considerably more. He is also a man who has given a great deal of time to the service of the people and has been singularly active in political affairs. For a long period he filled the offices of town- ship trustee, of justice of the peace and road supervisor, and it is only recently that he has not held office of some kind. He cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor in 1852 and was later a consistent republican until recent years, when he has inclined somewhat to independence in politics. He has always kept well informed on poli- tical issues and is able to discuss questions intelligently. He investigates for him- self and, as the right appears to him, so directs his course. For a number of years he was a most active member of the Grange, but lately he has not been able to give it so much time.
On the Ist of September. 1855, Mr. Blackman was united in marriage to Miss Emeline Smith, a daughter of Sherman and Caroline (Knapp) Smith, of Huron county. Her step-father, Simeon Hoyt, Mrs. Smith's second husband came from Connecticut to Huron county in 1817 as a surveyor assisting his brother, Com- fort Hoyt, of the Firelands, and with him was the first settler in Clarksfield town- ship, where he became very prominent as years passed on. Two children were
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born to Mr. and Mrs. Blackman, Sherman F. and Emma Dell. The latter mar- ried Charles H. Burrows, a prosperous farmer of this township. The son has lost his wife and now lives with his father at the old homestead. Mrs. Blackman died June 14, 1909, and is buried in the Methodist Episcopal cemetery of Clarksfield township.
Mr. Blackman has never been a church member, but good morals have ever distinguished his career and the years of his life have borne witness to strong prin- ciples and have had a noble influence upon the community in whose midst he lived. The Blackman home is perhaps the most pretentious in Clarksfield township, is a large brick building that in appointments and conveniences compares well with the best homes anywhere. A large library discriminatingly supplied with-the best cur- rent and standard literature, is the pride of its owner. It is a home in the truest sense of the word and most gracious hospitality is ever extended to the many. friends who visit there.
JAMES HENRY HAKES.
James Henry Hakes, the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and eleven acres in Bronson and Fairfield townships, has recently put aside the active work of the fields and is now living retired in North Fairfield. His birth occurred in Bronson township, Huron county, Ohio, on the Ist of December, 1844, his parents being Norman S. and Adlia M. (Fox) Hakes, both of whom were natives of New York. In 1840 they made their way to this county, taking up their abode in Bronson town- ship. They reared a family of five children, namely : James Henry, of this review ; Norman William; Samuel Albert ; Mrs. Annette Mycrantz ; and Mrs. Martha L. Kellogg, a resident of Chicago, Illinois.
James Henry Hakes acquired his education in the common schools of his home neighborhood and remained under the parental roof until four years after his mar- riage. He then took up his abode on a farm of one hundred and eleven acres in Bronson and Fairfield townships, which is still in his possession and to the cultiva- tion and improvement of which he devoted his attention until 1909 In his farming operations he followed practical and progressive methods and annually gathered rich harvests which found a ready sale on the market. He likewise has a credit- able military record, having enlisted as a soldier of the Union army in Septem- ber, 1863, as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry. He was mustered out on the 9th of September. 1864, and dur- ing his entire term of service did garrison duty in Virginia, guarding the fortifica- tions between Washington and Alexandria. He now makes his home in North Fairfield and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as a most substantial and representative citizen.
In 1868 Mr. Hakes was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Holmes, a daughter of William and Isabelle Holmes, of Fairfield township. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes had a family of seven children, as follows : Richard, Jane, Catherine, Mary, William, Isabelle and James. Mrs. Isabelle Hakes passed away on the 28th of May, 1889, leaving two children, Harry H. and Loftus N. For his second wife Mr. Hakes
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chose Mrs. Ellen M. (Muir) White, to whom he was joined in wedlock in June, 1898.
Mr. Hakes holds membership relations with the Grand Army of the Republic. He has a very wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the county in which his entire life has been spent, his upright character and sterling worth having gained him an enviable place in the regard of many friends.
WILLIAM BARBER.
William Barber, who for many years has been successfully identified with general agricultural and stock-raising interests in Wakeman township, was born in Wiltshire, England, on the 16th of January, 1828, his parents being Edward and Jane Barber. In the year 1850 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States, coming direct to Wakeman township, Huron county, Ohio, where they joined their son William, who had made the voyage to the new world in 1848. Edward Barber, the father of our subject, was a cabinet-maker by trade but after coming to this country turned his attention to farming. Unto him and his wife were born six children, namely : Mary Ann, Sarah, Matilda, Elizabeth, Wil- liam and Edward. All are now deceased with the exception of William, whose name initiates this review.
William Barber obtained his education in the parish schools of his native land and early in life learned the cabinet-maker's trade, working at that occupation in England until he set sail for the United States in 1848. After landing in this country he first went to Summit county, Ohio, where he remained for a year, being employed at his trade. On the expiration of that period he came to Wakeman township, this county, and bought twenty acres of timber land, which he eventually developed into a good farming property. He has given his attention to general agricultural pursuits almost exclusively throughout his entire business career, though for a few years he also worked at the carpen- ter's trade to some extent. As time passed by and his financial resources in- creased he added to his holdings by additional purchase until at one time he owned two hundred acres of rich and arable land, having cleared the timber from one hundred acres. He cut down and burned enough good timber to have made a fortune at present prices. In addition to cultivating the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate he has also been engaged in the raising of stock, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. The neat and thrifty appearance of his farm bespeaks his industry and systematic methods. His crops are of the best, his stock is comfortably housed and in fact everything about the place indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.
On the 6th of May, 1853, Mr. Barber was united in marriage to Miss Hannah E. Stiles, a daughter of Henry and Sarah Stiles, of Clarksfield township. The Stiles family were among the early settlers of Huron county and took a prom- inent part in community affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Barber are the parents of eight children, as follows: Anna E .; Frank M., a resident of Chicago; Ella, the wife
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM BARBER
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of Charles Peck, of Viola, Illinois ; Edward, living in Delaware ; Jane, at home ; Henry, who follows farming in Wakeman township ; Ida, also at home; and Wil- liam C., who makes his home at Lorain, Ohio. On the 6th of May, 1909, Mr. and Mrs. Barber celebrated their fifty-sixth wedding anniversary, on which happy occasion all of their children, as well as a large number of friends and acquaintances, were with them.
Politically Mr. Barber has always given his allegiance to the republican party, casting his first presidential vote for Fremont in 1856. Though not active in politics as an office seeker, he has always kept well informed on the ques- tions and issues of the day and served in the position of township trustee and also as a school director for many years. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, with which his wife and children are also identified. He has always been active in church and Sunday-school work and was instrumental in organizing a Sunday school in the local school- house of which he was superintendent for many years. He is public-spirited to a marked degree and well merits the esteem and respect which are uniformly accorded him, being a high-minded gentleman of the old school whose entire life has been characterized by industry and integrity. He has endeavored to exemplify the teaching of the Golden Rule in his daily life and his influence is always found on the side of right and progress. The worthy poor find in him a sympathetic and helpful friend. He has now passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey and for sixty years of this time has been a resident of Huron county, within the borders of which he is most widely and favorably known. Coming to the new world in early manhood, he has felt that the country fully justified his expectations and in this land, where labor is unhampered by caste or class, he steadily advanced and as a result of his persistent energy and una- bating industry gained a place among the substantial and representative citizens of his community.
J. ANDREW MISSLER.
J. Andrew Missler is the owner of one hundred and thirty-three acres of rich and productive land in Sherman township, eighty acres of which is comprised in one tract and the remaining fifty-three acres in another. He has been a resident of Sherman township from his birth to the present time, his natal day being February II, 1872. His parents, Andrew and Caroline (Meyers) Missler, were natives of Germany but became acquainted in the United States and were married in this country. It was in 1854 that the paternal grandfather, Francis Missler, brought his wife and children to the new world, the family home being established in Hu- ron county, Ohio, where he continued to reside until called to his final rest on the 19th of March, 1871. The demise of his wife occurred six weeks later. Unto Andrew and Caroline (Meyers) Missler were born the following children : J. An- drew, of this review; Catherine; Mary; Joseph; John; Jacob, deceased; Fred ; Otto ; and Clara, who has passed away.
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J. Andrew Missler attended school in Sherman township until he had attained the age of fifteen years and then gave his entire attention to the work of the home farm, assisting his father in its cultivation until twenty-eight years of age. He then bought eighty acres of land from his father and subsequently purchased an- other tract of fifty-three acres from him, so that his holdings now embrace one hun- dred and thirty-three acres, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devotes his time and energies with excellent results. He annually garners good crops and has gained favorable recognition as one of the representatives and progressive agriculturists of his native county.
On the 7th of June, 1898, Mr. Missler was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Diehm, a daughter of Phillip and Barbara Diehm, of Sherman township. The father, who followed farming throughout his active business career, is now de- ceased. His children were seven in number, namely : Mary, John, Barbara, Frank, Elizabeth, Caroline and Anna. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Missler have been born five children : Lenus, Clem, Celia, Romie and Phillip Peter.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Missler has cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democracy. He and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church and are people of the highest respecta- bility, enjoying in almost unqualified measure the high esteem and kindly consid- eration of all with whom they have come in contact.
JOHN PARROTT.
Industry, honesty, frugality-the three golden keys which unlock the door to success-used by John Parrott, of Ripley township, he finds himself hale and hearty at the age of eighty-eight years, with broad, rich acres and with the good- will and respect of a host of friends. He is of English birth, born April 7, 1821, and the son of William and Hannah (Lee) Parrott, of Somersetshire. His parents with their nine children, came to Ripley township, July 28, 1841, and opened up a farm. The mother passed away six years later in September, 1847, and the father in January, 1856. The children in order of birth were: Mary, John, Charlotte, Frederick, William, Hannah, Angeline, Eliza and George. Of these, John, Char- lotte, Hannah and Eliza still survive.
John Parrott, now one of the wealthiest landowners of Greenwich, said that he landed in Huron county with "one cent in my pocket, with which I bought a cracker." So with the cracker in his stomach and a large and enthusiastic faith in his heart, he went out and conquered the dragon of adversity. Hiring to a farmer for eight dollars per month. he began the battle of life. He married at the age of twenty-six, and in 1850 left home and friends to seek fortune in the California gold fields. The overland journey of six months, with all its attendant thrilling ex- periences, brought him to the scene of action. But, like many others, the steady employment at large wages appealed to him more than the uncertainty of mining. For a year he drove a three-yoke team of oxen at two hundred dollars per month. Then family and civilization drew him back to the Buckeye state, returning by the
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isthmus route to find more gold in the soil of Greenwich township than he ever saw in California.
The secret of Mr. Parrott's success is "work persistently and consistently per- formed." Saving a little at eight dollars per month, a little more at two hundred. dollars, but always a portion of what he earned and investing as opportunity of- fered. That is the story. The six hundred broad acres of rich Ripley soil came to Mr. Parrott through that channel. General farming and stock raising have been his life-time occupations.
Voting the democratic ticket consistently each recurring election day, and at- tending and liberally supporting the Presbyterian church, to which his family be- longs, has constituted the extent of his political and religious life. He is a citizen whose influence gives strength to the community, because of the fine example of his life.
John Parrott was married June 18, 1847, to Miss Jane Harkness, whose mother had the distinction of being the first white woman settling in Fairfield township. She was the daughter of Amos and Martha (Samples) Harkness, who came to Fairfield township from Pennsylvania, in 1816. The mother died in February, 1860, and the father in July, 1869. To Mr. and Mrs. Parrott were born : Char- lotte A .; James P., now deceased ; William H., also deceased ; and Frank, a farmer of Huron county.
JAMES F. MAYNE, M. D.
Dr. James F. Mayne, who has been successfully engaged in the practice of medi- cine in Olena since 1897, was born in Pennsylvania, April 21, 1860, a son of John and Susan (Heggee) Mayne, the former born in the Keystone state in 1829, while the birth of the latter occurred February 22, 1831. John Mayne engaged in farm- ing as a life work and took a very active interest in politics. He was called by his fellow citizens to fill a number of township offices. He was a republican in poli- tics. His death occurred in September, 1901, but he is still survived by his wife, who has reached the advanced age of seventy-eight.
James F. Mayne, born on the home farm near New Castle, in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, was reared to agricultural pursuits. He acquired his education in the State Normal at Edinboro, and after completing his studies, engaged in teach- ing for seven years. In the meantime, having decided upon the practice of medi- cine as a life work and having saved a sum of money sufficient to prepare himself for this end, he then entered the medical department of the University of Woos- ter, Ohio, where he was a student for two terms. He spent a year in Pittsburg, in the meantime, graduating from the medical department of the University of Wooster July 24, 1889. Having thus carefully prepared for the practice of medi- cine he located in Edinburg, Pennsylvania, where he remained one year, and from that place he went to Lottsville, that state, where he practiced seven years. Be- lieving, however, that Olena offered a better field for his labors, he came to this place in 1897, and in the intervening years has built up an extensive practice, which extends over a radius of several miles, his services being in demand in many of the
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best homes in this district. He keeps two horses and an automobile to make his trips and is thus able to answer all calls promptly.
On the 11th of September, 1896, Dr. Mayne was united in marriage to Miss L. Adelaide Wynn, who was born in New York state, May 18, 1865, a daughter of J. I. Wynn, of Limestone, New York. Their marriage has been blessed with an interesting little daughter, Helen Marie, who was born March 4, 1899. The Doc- tor holds membership in the Huron County Medical Society and thus keeps in touch with the advance made by the profession. He is also a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Presbyterian church. A republican in politics, he finds little opportunity to devote to public measures as his time is fully occupied with the demands of his practice. He is highly esteemed in Olena and vicinity, not only as a professional man but also as a citizen and friend of humanity who lives for the good he can do to his fellowman.
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