USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 13
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The son grew to young manhood on his father's farm and acquired his early education in the county district schools, which he supplemented by a few years at Berea College and at Oberlin. At the age of twenty-six he married and with his wife settled on the home farm, upon which they have lived ever since. It is a fine tract of land of three hundred and ninety-six acres, and its fields bear wit- ness to the thorough methods of culture prosecuted by its owner. But though as a farmer he is successful in the highest interpretation of the word, that is not his only concern in life, for he has large financial interests in the Home Sav- ings & Banking Company of Chicago Junction and in the First National Bank of Greenwich. In several other enterprises, large and small, he is interested as well. In politics he and his sons are stanch republicans and factors in the counsels of the party, frequently being members of county committees and delegates to party conventions. Aside from such positions, however, he has never been persuaded to accept any office within the gift of the people, though for a long term he did serve the community well as a member of the township school board.
On the 21st of April, 1870, Mr. Sutton married Miss Ann E. Ellis, a daugh- ter of William B. and Esther (Rickard) Ellis. Mrs. Ellis was a native of Trum- bull, Ohio, but her husband came to this state from Onondaigua county, New York. He attained to a fair prominence among the farmers here, possessing four hundred acres of land at the time, he passed away, May 28, 1884. His wife survived a little less than four years. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton have three sons :
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Edward A., William B. and Charles D. The eldest is a cashier in the Home Savings & Banking Company of Chicago Junction ; the second has assumed all the responsibilities of the home farm; and Charles D. is a coal dealer of Cleve- land, being the head of the C. D. Sutton Coal Company.
Mr. Sutton and his sons, who appear to be following in his footsteps, are all Christians and give their support to churches, their influence being ever exerted for the good of the community. He is a man whose life may well bear inspec- tion, for he is one of this county's finest citizens.
WILLIAM HENRY TREMBLEY.
William Henry Trembley, a retired agriculturist residing in North Fairfield, was born in Ripley township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 30th of December, 1837, his parents being William and Sarah Ann ( Hoffmier) Trembley, natives of New Jersey and New York respectively. The father spent his early life in Tompkins county, New York, and about 1828 came to Huron county, this state, taking up his abode on a farm which he had purchased in Ripley township. Sub- sequently he sold that property and bought a farm in Fairfield township, in the cultivation and improvement of which he was successfully engaged until the time of his demise. He was twice married and by his first wife had five children, namely : Jerome, Minor, Sarah Ann, David and Mary Ann. By his second wife, he also had five children, as follows: William Henry, Marion, Oliver, Evalina and Mary Ann.
William Henry Trembley was married when a young man of about twenty- seven years and continued to reside on his father's farm until 1869, when he removed to Michigan, in which state he followed general agricultural pursuits for eleven years. On the expiration of that period, he returned to the old home farm -a rich and productive tract of land comprising one hundred and ten and a half acres-which he purchased in 1893. Here he energetically and successfully carried on his farming interests until 1909, winning prosperity as the result of his untiring, persistent and well directed labor. He has now put aside the active work of the fields and is living retired in North Fairfield, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. At the time of the Civil war, he did active duty as a soldier in the Union army, enlisting in August, 1862, as a private of Company D, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River and Nolansville and was honorably dis- charged in March, 1863, his term of enlistment having expired.
On the 12th of October, 1864, Mr. Trembley was united in marriage to Miss Harriett Bell, who was born on the 16th of March, 1843, her parents being Na- thaniel and Nancy Ann (Reynolds) Bell, both of whom were natives of Richland county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bell reared a family of six children, namely : Jesse W., William W., John W., Sarah Jane, Hannah and Harriett. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Trembley were born three children, two sons and one daughter. William M., the eldest, who was born in 1866 and resides in Fairfield township, wedded Miss Delia Miller, by whom he has three children : Ivan, Sarabelle and Leon. Jay
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W., whose birth occurred in 1871, lives on the old homestead in Fairfield township. He married Miss Maud Parker and they now have one son, Carl O., born in 1906. Eva, born in 1879, also makes her home in Fairfield township and is the wife of Adelbert Ewing, by whom she has two children : Alva and Charles Henry.
Mr. Trembley belongs to the Baptist church and has served as a member of its finance committee. He likewise belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic at Norwalk and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. Today, at the age of seventy-one years, he is in possession of a comfortable com- petence and pleasant home and his well spent life merits the confidence and re- spect of his fellowmen.
FRANK H. RUSSELL.
Frank H. Russell, who for the past five years has been the principal of the Clarksfield schools and enjoys a reputation more than state wide among the breeders of sheep and poultry, was born in Greenwich township, Huron county, May 5, 1378, and is the son of George and Louisa (Reynolds) Russell, both of whom were natives of this county. The father served in the Civil war as a mem- ber of the Twelfth Ohio Independent Battery and is still living, but the mother died February 16, 1893. He has always been a farmer and since 1884 has been a resident of Clarksfield township, though really all his life, with the exception of about five years, has been spent here. Three children were born to him and his wife : Frank H., Doren G. and Jennie L., all of whom are living.
Frank H. Russell spent his youth on his father's farm and received his edu- cation in the district schools of Clarksfield township. Later he was graduated, in 1899, from the Fitchville high school, through which he worked his own way, having taught school during his senior year, keeping up with his class at the same time. Since graduation, he has devoted himself to teaching and for the past five years has been principal of the Clarksfield Hollow schools and now, in 1909, is still filling that position. In his profession, he has been very successful, is a progressive teacher and popular with his patrons and pupils alike, and the work accomplished in the school is very gratifying to the citizens of the village.
In addition to his interest in education, Mr. Russell takes a great interest in sheep, poultry and dog breeding. Of the first, he breeds American, Delaine and Merino, and his flocks contain some of the finest animals in the state. As the breeder of thoroughbreds he has made a reputation which has brought his animals into such demand, that he is not able to supply all the orders for them that come from all parts of the United States. He is an ambitious and aspiring young breeder and spares no care to ensure the best stock to be had. In poultry, he raises pure bred Single Comb Brown and White Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, Barred Plymouth Rocks, White Wyandottes, and Black Minorcas. Pedigreed Scotch collies are his choice of dogs. He exhibits frequently throughout the state, where his animals have not only brought him fame, awards in large num- bers, but also an income of no small proportions. Since 1901, he has made his home in Clarksfield Hollow, and his farm, embracing sixty-five acres, borders
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the village. It is well adapted to his breeding interests, and his barns, yards and kennels excite the admiration of all who are concerned with such. Agriculture as well receives some share of his time, so that with all his interests, he is a very busy man.
On the 14th of December, 1890, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Rus- sell to Miss Onie Stone, the daughter of Fernando and Julia (Clarke) Stone, of Fitchville township. Of this union, there have been born three daughters: Ber- nice L., Grace J. and Ruth L. Mrs. Russell is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church and is intimately identified with all church and Sunday school work.
In politics, Mr. Russell is a republican, but though he is active in all public matters and interested in the proper administration of affairs, he has never sought for office. He is a man of progressive spirit along all lines, in his vocation and his avocation, and the home of which he is the head is one of the factors here for the advancement of good work and intelligent interest in affairs.
JEROME L. MEAD.
Jerome L. Mead, the senior partner of the well known firm of Mead & Wood- ward, was born on the old homestead farm just outside the corporation limits of the city of Norwalk, his natal day being November 7, 1850. His parents were Joel E. and Betsy Ann (Lewis) Mead, the former born in Putnam county, New York, in 1817, while the latter's birth occurred in Huron county, Ohio, in 1820. The father, who was identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career, was called to his final rest in 1870. Of his family of seven children, three still survive.
Jerome L. Mead acquired his education in the country schools and was reared on the home farm, the management and care of which devolved upon him when his father passed away in 1870, he being the eldest son of the family. Subse- quently, he bought the interest of the other heirs in the property and thus became the sole owner of the old homestead farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres, in the cultivation and improvement of which he was actively and successfully en- gaged for about twelve years. At the end of that time, he disposed of the prop- erty and purchased a tract of land of one hundred and seventy-five acres in Fair- field township, where he remained for seven years, conducting an extensive busi- ness as a buyer and shipper of all kinds of live stock.
In 1896, he came to Norwalk, where he has since been engaged in the produce business as a member of the firm of Mead & Woodward, the junior partner being D. O. Woodward. They buy and ship grain, wool, hay, etc., and also deal in coal and seeds of all varieties, their business having amounted to more than two hundred thousand dollars annually for the past few years. They have three elevators and also own considerable real estate, which they rent. The firm en- joys an unassailable reputation for the honesty of its business methods, the part- ners being widely recognized as men of unfaltering integrity and unquestioned reliability. Mr. Mead is well known as one of the substantial, enterprising and
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progressive citizens and business men of his native county and the success which has attended his efforts is all the more creditable by reason of the fact that it is entirely the result of his own well directed labor, capable management and excel- lent executive ability.
On the 2d of May, 1877, Mr. Mead was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda L. Woodward, whose birth occurred in Clyde, Ohio, on the 8th of April, 1848, her parents being O. P. and Clara D. Woodward. The two sons born of this union are as follows: Ralph W., who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 27th of January, 1878; and Fred J., whose birth occurred December 15, 1880. Both children obtained their education in schools of Norwalk and Cleveland. Ralph W., the elder son, is now serving in the capacity of bookkeeper with the firm of Mead & Woodward. He is a graduate of Adelbert college of Cleveland, a member of the class of 1902, and is a fine example of the modern American young business man. Fred J. Mead is engaged in the manufacture of burial vaults at Orange, New Jersey, conducting an extensive business of that character. He has built up the enterprise through his own efforts and, though still a young man, has gained recognition among the leading and representative citizens of his com- munity.
In his political views, Mr. Mead is a stanch republican and has capably served as the incumbent in the office of township treasurer for two terms. He is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, the teachings of which he exemplifies in his daily life. He has a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the county where he has always resided and fully merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.
JOHN K. HESTER.
John K. Hester owns and operates the old homestead farm, consisting of one hundred and four acres, situated in Bronson township, and here he gives his at- tention to raising the various grains adapted to the soil and climate. He was born on this farm, September 10, 1850, the third in a family of four sons, whose parents were Matthias and Louisa L. (Kiser) Hester, the former born in Ash- land county, Ohio, December 24, 1815, and the latter September 22, 1822. The other members of the family are Wallace W. and George M., both now deceased, and Jay M., who makes his home in Clyde, this state. Matthias Hester was a stone mason and engraver by trade and worked at the same until after his marriage. He then engaged in farming in Huron county, and owing to his own labors and the wise counsel and assistance of his wife, he became quite successful in this venture. She died in 1878, and thus the members of her household suffered a severe loss. The death of the father occurred October 18th, 1903.
John K. Hester was reared to farm life and acquired a common school educa- tion. He is now the owner of the farm which his father purchased in 1848 and which has been in possession of the family since that time. Mr. Hester is en- gaged in general farming on one hundred and four acres and in addition to his work he also handles machinery and real estate. At the present time, he is dealing
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in real estate in northwestern Texas and is very enthusiastic over the prospects of that district.
Mr. Hester was married in 1877 to Mrs. Cecelia J. Atwater, who was born in Huron county in 1852, and by her former marriage had one daughter, Anna A., who was born July 30, 1873. She is now the wife of Edward F. Swimmer, by whom she has three children : Raymond H., born. April 7, 1900 ; Helen Adelaide, born October 22, 1003; and Cecelia I., who was born December 3, 1907.
Mr. Hester is a republican in his political views but is not active in the work of the party, preferring to give his time to his farming interests, in which he is meeting with success. Quiet and unassuming in manner, he is devoted to the welfare of his wife and in the community in which he has always made his home is highly respected by all with whom he is associated.
DANIEL HEYMAN.
Daniel Heyman, one of the most prominent and enterprising citizens of Lyme township, where he owns and operates a finely improved farm of one hundred and ninety-two acres, is a man of excellent executive ability and superior judgment whose services have been sought in the management and control of important business concerns of the county. He was born in Sherman township, Huron county, February 26, 1859, a son of John G. W. and Elizabeth (Longscheid) Hey- man, both of whom were natives of Germany and became early settlers of this county. The former was born on January 8, 1826, and was but a young lad when he accompanied his father. John Heyman, on the voyage to the new world in 1848. the family home being established at Hunts Corners, in this county, on the site now occupied by the Reformed church. John G. W. Heyman continued to reside there until the time of his marriage, when he took up his abode in Sherman town- ship, there purchasing one hundred and thirty acres of land which was covered with timber. There was an old sawmill on the place, where he procured the necessary lumber to build a home and then with characteristic energy set himself to the task of clearing his land. Soon it was transformed into a rich and pro- ductive farming property and he there successfully carried on his agricultural interests until within a few months of his death, spending his remaining days, however, in the home of his son Daniel. He was one of the most prosperous and energetic farmers of the community and as his financial resources increased he gradually added to his landed holdings by additional purchase until at the time of his demise he was the owner of about seven hundred acres. A public-spirited citizen, he took a deep and helpful interest in matters pertaining to the general welfare and capably served his fellow townsmen in the positions of trustee and school director. He assisted in the organization of the Reformed church at Hunts Corners, contributed liberally to its support and was acting as elder when he passed away, November 21, 1903. His death was the occasion of deep regret to all who knew him and the county mourned the loss of a citizen whose labors had proven an important factor in its early development and upbuilding along material, intellectual, political and moral lines. He had long survived his wife, her demise
DANIEL HEYMAN
١
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having occurred December 2, 1887. Their family numbered ten children, namely : George, who is now deceased; Amelia, who became the wife of August Scheid ; Daniel, of this review ; Thomas ; Jacob; William ; Albert ; Phillip, who is deceased ; Mary, who is also deceased; and Mary, the second of the name, who has passed away.
Daniel Heyman obtained his education in the district schools and remained a resident of his native township until 1881. In the fall of the following year he purchased his present place of one hundred and ninety-two acres in Lyme town- ship from Isaac Banta and has improved the property until there is now no finer farm to be found in the entire community. He has an attractive and substantial residence, good barns and outbuildings and in addition to his home place also owns another tract of one hundred and seventy acres in Sherman township. Year by year he has labored diligently and persistently and the success which has crowned his efforts as an agriculturist is but the merited reward of untiring in- dustry, indefatigable energy and capable management. Resourceful and enter- prising, he has also extended his efforts into other lines of activity and is a stock- holder of the Farmers & Citizens Bank of Monroeville, Ohio, likewise serving as a member of its board of directors and finance board. He is the president of the Heyman Milling Company of Monroeville and one of the directors and vice-pres- ident of the Sherman Oil & Gas Company of this county. The latter concern was organized in June, 1908, with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars and has about sixty stockholders.
On the 8th of November, 1881, Mr. Heyman was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Scheid, whose birth occurred in Erie county, March 25, 1858, her parents being William and Caroline Scheid, of Erie county, Ohio. Unto them have been born eight children : Luella, Laura, Daniel, Jr., Leli, Oliva, Merritt, Harold and Gladys, all at home.
Mr. Heyman gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy and is now serving his third term as township trustee, while for eight- een years he has been a member of the school board, ever discharging his official duties in a prompt and capable manner. Fraternally he is identified with the Eagles lodge, No. 490, of Bellevue, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Reformed church at Hunts Corners, of which he is acting as trustee. Having spent his entire life in this county, he is well and favorably known within its borders and has long been numbered among its most substantial, representative and respected citizens.
HENRY G. WATTS.
The name of Watts has been a familiar one in Greenwich township for a number of years, the head of the family at present being Henry G. Watts, of the Watts Elevator Company of Greenwich village. He was born August 5, 1860, and is the eldest son of Robert and Mary Louisa (Pike) Watts, who, in March of 1865, settled on a farm in Ripley township, Huron county, which is still owned by the family, the father operating it until 1899, when he retired and moved to
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Greenwich, where he died in April, 1906. The mother still survives him. Robert Watts was an active, prosperous, public-spirited citizen and won the respect and esteem of all by his integrity.
Henry G. Watts was reared on the home farm, receiving a district-school edu- cation, and that culture and moral strength which emanate from a well kept coun- try home. For some fifteen years after attaining his majority, he remained on the home farm and then removed with his family to Greenwich, in the spring of 1896. For ten years, he engaged successfully in the general mercantile business, but since 1906, he and his brother, Edgar S. Watts, have conducted an elevator, buying and selling farm products of all kinds extensively. The firm also operates an ele- vator at Greencamp, Marion county, where they also deal in wool, tile and build- ing supplies. The Watts Elevator Company is a successfully conducted business concern and takes rank with the best of its kind in the state.
Mr. Watts is a married man, his union with Miss Anna G. Strimple, of Green- wich, having been celebrated in October, 1892. She is the daughter of George and Elmira (Mead) Strimple, respected and influential farmers of the township.
The cares of a very active business life give little time for public service, yet Mr. Watts has many times laid aside personal interests for those of his fellow citizens. He is now, and has been for years, a member of the village council, in which capacity he has favored good roads and civic improvements of all kinds. He has also been a member of the township board of education for years and the splendid schools of the different districts attest the intelligent interest he has dis- played. He is also a member of the board of infirmary directors.
In the matter of politics, Mr. Watts is a republican, and as a delegate and ad- viser in the frequently called meetings of his party, is a tower of strength, because of his clear business judgment. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, Greenwich Lodge, No. 543, F. & A. M., and No. 640, I. O. O. F. The family attend the Methodist church, of which Mrs. Watts is a working member.
FRED MULLER.
Fred Muller, a prosperous farmer of Sherman township and the owner of seventy-five acres of excellent land upon which he lives, was born in Germany, December 19, 1862, and is the son of Christian and Christina Muller. The par- ents both lived and died in Germany, and their union was blessed with five chil- dren. Of these the three oldest died in their youth, while Christina still lives in Germany, and Fred, the youngest, is the subject of this sketch.
Fred Muller came to this country in 1887 and settled first in Baltimore. After five months there, he came to Bellevue, Ohio, where he remained about five years, working on the railroad and in a grocery store. In 1892, he purchased his present farm from his father-in-law, Adam Sotfred, and in the seven years it has been his home, he has considerably improved it, increasing its value many times. Before coming to this country, he had completed his education in the land of his birth, and had served the three years in the Germany army, which is exacted of
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every native born male, but in the years that he has been a citizen of this republic he has exerted himself in the interests of the country of his adoption and has taken an active part in local affairs, at one time serving as road supervisor.
Mr. Muller has been married twice. The bride of the first marriage was Miss Carolina Sotfred, who was born in August, 1857, in Thompson township, Seneca county, a daughter of Adam Sotfred, and died October 22, 1892. Three children were born of that union : Victor, Cora and Henry. When he married the second time, Miss Anna Linder was the lady of his choice, a native of Sherman township and the daughter of Lawrence Linder, who with his wife still lives in that township. Of this union, which was effected on the 4th of May, 1901, there have been five children born : Nora, Adolph, Fred, Walter and Elsie. The family are members of the Lutheran church on the Columbus pike and are regular in their attendance at its services.
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