USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 14
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Mr. Muller is counted among the prosperous farmers of this region. Though German born, he has identified himself with the interests of the country of his adoption and in the years that he acted as a public servant proved the quality of his allegiance. The German Aid Society, connected with his church, is the only organization to which he belongs, but he is a man who has nevertheless made strong friends in his locality, for he is known to be of a strong and reliable character.
JOHN D. SMITH.
One of the prosperous farmers of Fitchville township, Huron county, Ohio, is John D. Smith, who was born in New London, July 2, 1866, and is the son of Thomas and Johanna (Van Vecten) Smith. Both parents were natives of New York state, the father's birthplace having been Cross Rivers, and both came as young people to Huron county. The Smith family settled in Norwalk, but Thomas Smith pursued his calling as a farmer and butcher in New London for a number of years. In 1876 he removed to Michigan, where he died some years ago. His widow has since become the wife of Preston Palmer, a prominent citizen of Fitch- ville township.
In the village of Fitchville John D. Smith was reared under his uncle's care, receiving his education in the schools of that place. At the age of seventeen he en- gaged in teaching for a time, and then entered the Northwestern University at Ada, Ohio. After three years' study he received from this institution the degree of B. S. and resumed his teaching. He taught school at West Milldrove, Wood county, for five years. But two other schools enjoyed his services during the six- teen years he followed that profession. He was very successful, obtaining the love of his pupils and the approval of his school boards, who recognized him as a pro- gressive man and fine teacher. In 1898 he commenced farming on the land he now occupies, a tract of two hundred and sixty acres, which makes good returns for the hard work he puts into it and the advanced and scientific agriculture he carries on. Of recent years, he has devoted a great deal of time to the raising of sheep, which are of the finest, and he constantly improves his breed.
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On the 26th of May, 1898, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Belle Norris, a daughter of Omar P. and Frona (Patton) Norris. Her mother died when she was a small girl, but her father is a prominent farmer of Fostoria, Seneca county. He was a captain in the Civil war, has served several terms in the Ohio legislature, and is still active in the public affairs of his county. Mrs. Smith before her marriage taught in the schools of Wood county, where she was known as a progressive teacher beloved of her pupils, and she still continues to have a deep interest in the educational life of the community. Two children, Ralph E. and Pauline, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Though he has never accepted any public office, not from lack of urging, Mr. Smith has ever exhibited a deep interest in the affairs that concern his fellow citi- zens and takes part in the life of the township. He affiliates with the republican party and casts his influence on the side of progress, the betterment of conditions generally, the improvement of public buildings, the advancement of educational institutions and the increase of good roads. Successful in his work and a man of high principles, he is respected and admired in the community where he lives.
ALEXANDER SINCLAIR.
Alexander Sinclair, a prosperous and prominent farmer of Clarksfield town- ship, Huron county, was born November 25, 1837, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and is the son of Alexander and Agnes (Copeland) Sinclair. The family, con- sisting of the father and mother and nine children, one married daughter re- mained in the land of her birth, came to this country in June, 1852. When they arrived in New London, Huron county, their capital amounted to twenty dollars in gold and a few personal effects. They remained in that place but a short time when they removed to Savannah, Ashland county, going from there to Ruggles. In 1855, they came to Clarksfield township, Huron county, where they purchased a small farm, which was the home of the parents as long as they lived. The father followed the trade of a stone-mason and contractor up to his sixty-fourth year, when he took up farming, which was his occupation for the remainder of his days. His death occurred in the fall of 1893, and his wife preceded him to his last rest- ing place by but a few years. They were buried in Clarksfield cemetery. There were eleven children born to this couple, nine of whom came with them to this country and one born after their arrival. Of these Elizabeth, Jane, Isabel, Mary, Alexander and John are still living; Agnes, Ellen, David, William and Charles have died. Those living have all attained prosperity in their walks of life.
When Alexander Sinclair was a lad in Scotland, he herded sheep for a mere pittance, but upon coming to America, he took up the mason's trade which he learned from his father. This he followed for a number of years, at length be- coming a contractor and winning a reputation for skilled and honest work. He was married at the age of thirty-one, and four years later, during which time he pursued his trade, took up farming one and one-quarter miles east of Clarks- field Hollow, but in 1884, he removed to his present farm, which he had previously purchased. It was an unimproved tract, containing one hundred and forty acres,
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with no buildings at all, but in the years it has been in Mr. Sinclair's possession, it has been greatly improved. The land, which is of a fine quality, is all under excellent cultivation, and buildings thoroughly modern and up-to-date have been erected. He practices diversified farming and raises a considerable amount of stock, in both of which he has been more than ordinarily successful and has risen to a position of prominence in the community.
On the 22d of December, 1868, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Sinclair and Miss Clara Gridley, the daughter of Royal and Susan (Twaddle) Gridley. The family were among the pioneers of this locality and were prominent in its af- fairs. After their marriage the young couple lived for four years with Mrs. Sin- clair's family at the end of which time they removed to their farm one and one- fourth miles east of Clarksfield. One daughter, Grace, has been born to them.
In politics Mr. Sinclair is a republican, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and every time since then having given his support to that party. He has shown considerable interest in public matters, and at one time served as township trustee and also as a member of the school board. Foreign born, he has proven his right to citizenship in this republic, and the record of his life and the annals of his public service, demonstrate that upon no one more creditable to the country could the right of franchise have been conferred.
EDGAR BURRAS.
Edgar Burras, who has been a resident of Fairfield township throughout his entire life, has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits with gratifying success. His birth occurred in Fairfield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 7th of November, 1842, his parents being Reuben and Sally (Standish) Burras. The father's birth occurred in Cayuga county, New York, in 1812, while the mother, a descendant of Miles Standish, was born near Plymouth Rock. The paternal grandfather was the first representative of the name in this country, com- ing from Amsterdam, Holland. In early manhood he carried on business as a wholesale crockery merchant, the enterprise having been turned over to him at the age of nineteen by his uncle at his death. The year 1828 witnessed the arrival of Reuben Burras in Fairfield township, this county, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest. A few years after locating here he pur- chased a farm and was actively and successfully identified with agricultural in- terests throughout the remainder of his life, becoming widely recognized as a most successful farmer and enterprising citizen.
In his youthful days Edgar Burras attended the district schools and also early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, giving his father the benefit of his services in the cultivation of the old home farm. The work of plowing, planting and harvesting has claimed his attention through- out his entire business career and as the years have passed by he has gained a credi- table measure of prosperity in his agricultural interests, the fields yielding their an- nual tribute of golden grain as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.
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On the 31st of December, 1863, Mr. Burras was united in marriage to Miss Eudolphiia Jennings, who was born April 15, 1843, a daughter of G. S. and Polly Ann ( Wheeler ) Jennings. The parents were natives of Connecticut and on coming to this county took up their abode in Fairfield township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bur- ras were born three children : Edwin. Minnie and Elmer, all of whom are now mar- ried. Both Mr. Burras and his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Baptist clurch at North Fairfield and are highly esteemed in the community as people of genuine personal worth and sterling traits of character, having gained the confidence and regard of all with whom they have come in contact. Mr. Bur- ras has lived in this county all his life, covering a period of two-thirds of a century, and is therefore largely familiar with its annals from pioneer times down to the present.
JAMES A. FANCHER.
One of the most influential farmers of Greenwich township is the gentleman whose name heads this review. He is an ex-commissioner of the county and has held many offices of public trust during a long and useful life. Mr. Fancher is a native of Greenwich township, born near the place where he now resides, No- vember 1, 1839, his parents being Daniel and Polly ( Mitchell) Fancher. His father's people were natives of Connecticut, his grandfather, Thaddeus Fancher. removing from the Nutmeg state to Dutchess county, New York, and thence in 1820 to Greenwich township, Huron county, Ohio. He was a harnessmaker by trade, but farmed during the latter portion of his life. Daniel Fancher reared a family of five children: Lorana, Moses, Belinda, Emily and James A. The father was a respected and highly successful farmer, owning some three hundred acres of choice land, which he had cleared of the heavy forest. His wife died in July. 1840, when the youngest son was but one year old, but the husband, surviv- ing her many years, passed away April 16, 1885. Daniel Fancher was a man of quiet tastes, revered by all classes for his many splendid traits of character. Originally a whig in politics, he became one of the founders of the republican party and throughout life consistently supported its policies.
James A. Fancher thus grew up under the master hand of a skilled agricultur- ist, and on attaining his majority found himself splendidly equipped for the fur- ther development, along scientific lines, of the farm which came into his pos- session, his education being such as could be secured in the rather rudimentary country schools of the day. He has been twice married, his first wife, Barintha Brown, having died a year after their union, which occurred in October, 1861. Her father, Luther Brown, was a prominent citizen of Greenwich township. On February 9. 1864, Mr. Fancher married Miss Louisa M. Sutton, a daughter of Aranson and Emeline (Brady) Sutton, this family also being one of the pioneers in Greenwich township. The children born to this union are: Jennie B., Charles D. and Fred S., only the youngest of whom is living. Fred S. was educated for the ministry of the Methodist church, his scholastic training being obtained at the Ohio Wesleyan college, and his professional training at the Boston Theolog- ical school. He married Miss Lena Strimple, of Richland county, by whom he
MR. AND MRS. J. A. FANCHER
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has two interesting children, and he is now a successful minister of the gospel at Bloomville, Seneca county, Ohio.
James A. Fancher settled down to farming after marriage, and has tilled the ground consistently and persistently to the present day, prospering in his life work. A successful grower of other stock, he interests himself especially in sheep, of which particular animal he is a splendid judge. In its every appoint- ment his farm shows how nature responds to the mind that understands her.
The life of James A. Fancher has been marked by fine public-spirit and an alertness to every movement which has looked to the betterment of society. Serv- ing faithfully in the minor offices of trustee and member of the board of educa- tion of his township, he has always given his support to that which would ele- vate the standard in each department. Faithful to these minor trusts, he was selected by his party in 1887, as one of the commissioners of the county and again in 1890, serving six years. It is of record that at his second election he carried the county by more than sixteen hundred plurality. He points with pride to the work accomplished during his period of service, the present substantial sheriff's residence and county jail being completed during his first term, also the enlarge- ment of the county infirmary, and a system of county pike building being inaugu- rated, which will give to Huron county one of the best systems of roads of the state. All of these public matters were attended to with the same careful and considerate attention to detail which characterizes Mr. Fancher's private busi- ness.
It will be understood that Mr. Fancher is a power in republican politics, his face being a familiar one at county and state conventions. He and his family are members of the Methodist church, in which they are active, both in church and Sunday-school, Mr. Fancher being superintendent and teacher of the latter for some thirty years. Judged by the standards of efficiency obtaining in Hu- ron county, and which are of a high order, James A. Fancher's life has been an unqualified success.
JOHN JACOB SCHEID.
John Jacob Scheid, a retired agriculturist of Sherman township, residing on his fine farm of two hundred and seventy-six acres, is now enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. He was born in Germany on the 19th of January, 1831, his parents being William and Lucetta Scheid. In 1849 the father deter- mined to establish his home in the United States and after an ocean voyage of for- ty-five days landed at New York city. He then went to Albany, New York, by boat, thence by train to Buffalo and by boat to Sandusky, Ohio. From that city he came to Huron county via the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which had been com- pleted just a year previous. On arriving in this county he first took up his abode at Hunts Corners and subsequently located in Peru township, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and fifty acres. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, being called to his final rest in 1853, when fifty-eight years of age. His wife, surviving him for a number of years, passed away when she had
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attained the age of sixty-four. Unto this worthy couple were born eight children, as follows: Jane, who is deceased, as is likewise her husband, Christopher Lantz ; William, who has also passed away; Elizabeth, whose demise occurred in Ger- many ; Kathryn E., deceased ; Kathryn, the second of the name, who is the widow of Henry Rowe ; John Jacob, of this review ; and Minnie and Christopher, both of whom have passed away.
John Jacob Scheid was a young man of eighteen years when he came with his parents to Peru township and here he has since continued to make his home. He had attended school in the fatherland but after coming to this country his time was entirely taken up with the arduous labor incident to the development of a new farm. General agriculural pursuits have claimed his attention throughout his en- tire business career and he is now the owner of a highly improved and valuable farm of two hundred and seventy-six acres in Sherman township, which is at present being operated by his sons, as he has put aside the active work of the fields and is living retired. The commodious brick residence standing on the property was erected by him in 1865.
In February, 1857. Mr. Scheid was joined in wedlock to Miss Barbara Bilstein, a native of Germany. Their union was blessed with eleven children, namely : Elizabeth, who is deceased ; Emma, who lives at home with her parents ; Charles, who wedded Miss Louisa Boehler, by whom he has four children, Mabel, Ada, Olive and Marion : Henry, living in Sherman township, who married Miss Rose Korndorfer and has three children, Helen, Dora and Clara ; George and Minnie. both of whom are at home ; John, residing near Havana, Ohio, who wedded Ger- trude Scheid, by whom he has two children, Harold and Catherine ; Fred and Al- bert, who are also under the parental rcof ; and two who passed away in infancy.
In politics Mr. Scheid is a stanch republican and has served in the position of road supervisor and also as a member of the election board. He is a prominent and valued member of the Lutheran church, which he assisted in erecting and in which he has held various official positions, acting as treasurer for thirteen years. He is most widely and favorably known throughout the community in which he has now resided for six decades and to his many friends is known as "Uncle Jacob." His life has always been a busy and useful one and in this country, where labor is unhampered by caste or class, he has won a measure of prosperity that now enables him to spend his remaining days amid all of the comforts and many of the luxuries which go to make life worth living.
EDGAR GRANT SILLIMAN.
Edgar Grant Silliman is cultivating a farm of one hundred and forty-nine acres in Fairfield township and is an agriculturist whose well directed energy and keen foresight are bringing to him a creditable measure of prosperity. He was born in Fairfield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the Ist of September, 1865, his pa- rents being George and Mary ( Keeler) Silliman, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. The father's birth occurred in Bridgeport, that state, on the 20th of August, 1815, and the mother was born in the year 1830. Their marriage was cel-
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ebrated on the 8th of January, 1855. The maternal grandparents of Edgar G. Silliman were Burr and Mary E. (Nash) Keeler, likewise natives of Connecticut. George and Mary (Keeler) Silliman reared a family of two daughters and one son, namely : Flora, Bertha and Edgar Grant.
The last named pursued his education in the district schools and remained un- der the parental roof until the time of his marriage. He thien made his home west of North Fairfield until 1892 in which year he purchased his present farm of one hundred and forty-nine acres and has since devoted his time and energies to its cul- tivation and improvement. He has made it a model farm and everything about the place indicates his thrifty spirit and enterprising efforts. His labors in the fields are annually rewarded by rich and abundant harvests and he is widely recognized as one of the progressive and successful agriculturists of the community.
On the 19th of June 1889 Mr. Silliman was united in marriage to Miss Elfie A. Smith whose birth occurred on the 30th of July, 1867, her parents being Watson Frederick and Mary (Joiner) Smith, of Greenfield township, Huron county, Ohio. Her paternal grandparents, Abel and Jerusha (Brooks) Smith, who were natives of Rome, New York, took up their abode in Greenfield township, this coun- ty, about 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Silliman are now the parents of three children, as fol- lows : Alma M., who was born June 15, 1890; Burr George, who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 17th of August, 1892; and Arthur L., born De- cember 27, 1894.
Fraternally Mr. Silliman is identified with the Maccabees, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, in which he is serving as clerk and trustee. Both he and his wife have always resided in this county and are most widely and favorably known within its borders, the circle of their friends being almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
COLONEL JAMES H. SPRAGUE.
This name at once suggests a power in manufacturing circles in Huron county, for Colonel James H. Sprague is at the head of the Sprague Umbrella Company, which he organized in 1892, with a capital stock of forty thousand dollars and a surplus of two hundred thousand dollars. Colonel Sprague was born in New York city, February 15, 1846, a son of Judge James Sprague, of Auburn, New York, who was a captain in the Mexican war. The great-great-great-grandfather of our subject was Major Josiah Sprague, who was a leader of the Sons of Liberty, who, opposed to the importation of tea into the colonies, in 1773 threw overboard a large amount of tea at the Boston harbor. He was also a member of the Society of the Cincinnatis. The great-great-grandfather was a colonel in the war of 1812, while his son, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a major in the same war.
Colonel James H. Sprague, reared in the place of his nativity, acquired his edu- cation in Red Creek Union Academy, from which he was graduated, after which he entered Pulaski Academy of New York, graduating from that institution. He also attended school in Watertown, New York. In 1861, when but a youth of four-
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teen years, he entered the volunteer service in the Nineteenth New York Volunteer Infantry, becoming a sergeant of Company A, Captain Charles Stewart command- ing. He was in the first battle of Bull Run, after which he was detailed for guard duty at the White House in Washington, District of Columbia. After six months thus spent he was detailed in the secret service under Secretary Staunton, filling the latter position until 1864. At that time the regiment being changed from in- fantry to light artillery, Colonel Sprague joined his company, being promoted to second lieutenant of the same. Following the battle of Fort Wagner, for brave and meritorious service at the front, he was promoted to first lieutenant, later be- coming captain and having command of Battery F, Coast Division, under General Foster. He took part in many notable engagements, always discharging his duties in a most creditable manner. He was taken prisoner at Pocatalego, South Caro- lina, and was taken to Charleston, South Carolina, where he was held for three weeks, when he made his escape and returned to his battery. He was mustered out of service at Charlestown, South Carolina, in June, 1865.
Returning to his home, Colonel Sprague became manager of McLean's circus, remaining in that position until 1869, when he came to Norwalk, Ohio. He se- cured a position with B. Courtright, as traveling salesman, selling fanning mills, but after a time thus spent he traveled for the Norwalk Tobacco Company, selling their goods. From 1876 until 1882 he was attorney for D. M. Osborne & Com- pany, who handled harvesting machines and binders. Eventually Colonel Sprague became general manager of the Plano Harvester & Binder Manufacturing Com- pany, of Chicago, Illinois, his territory covering Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee. He continued with this company until 1886 and then feeling justi- fied in entering business on his own account, he organized the firm of Sprague & French, manufacturers of advertising novelties. He was quite successful in this venture, securing the capital which in 1892 enabled him to organize the Sprague Umbrella Company of Norwalk. From the beginning he has been the president and general manager and also owns the greater share of the capital stock, amount- ing to forty thousand dollars, with a surplus of two hundred and fifty thousand dol- lars. They manufacture auto tops, wind shields, wagon umbrellas, carriage and lawn canopies, etc., and employ over two hundred people in the manufacture of these various articles. They also have their own plant and real estate. Their an- nual sales now amount to from two hundred and fifty to three hundred thousand dollars. In addition to their Norwalk office they have a branch office in New York city and also one in San Francisco, their sales extending to all parts of the world. The success of the firm is due largely to the efforts of Colonel Sprague, who has spared no energy in bringing it to its present mammoth proportions, for the Sprague Umbrella Company has won a world-wide reputation.
It was on the 30th of May, 1869, that Colonel Sprague was united in marriage to Miss Eliza A. Cunningham, who was born in Ohio, in August, 1848. A great lover of music the Colonel has given much attention to composition. He set to band music the words of the popular song, Dixie, written by Daniel D. Emmet, at Mr. Emmet's request, and he likewise composed both words and music for My Dear Ohio Home and the Great White Throne, and many others of equal popu- larity. In this regard he has received complimentary letters from such men as the lamented President McKinley, General Corbin, General Miles and others.
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