USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 15
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Prominent in fraternal circles, Colonel Sprague is a valued member of the So- ciety of the Ohio Commandery of Military Order of Foreign Wars, member of the Ohio Association Ex-prisoners of War and is senior vice commander of the depart- ment of Ohio, G. A. R. He is a Mason in high standing, belonging to Al Koran Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, is past eminent commander of Nor- waik Commandery, No. 18, K. T., and past exalted ruler of Norwalk Lodge, No. 730, B. P. O. E., while he also holds membership relations with the Grand Army of the Republic, Loyal Legion, Odd Fellows, United Commercial Travelers, Red Men, Royal Arcanum, National Union, Ohio Society of New York and the Auto As- sociation of America. His political allegiance is evidenced by the stanch support which he gives to the republican party and his religious faith is indicated by his frendliness to the Presbyterian church.
A man of domestic tastes, Mr. Sprague finds his chief pleasure in ministering to the welfare of his wife, to whom he is most devoted. While his success in the business world is very marked, yet it has been won through strict adherence to honorable methods. In business, as well as in social and fraternal circles, he has shown a talent for leading, and although crowned with wealth, he today stands in the same relation to his fellowmen as he did in early years when struggling for a livelihood, recognizing and appreciating honest purpose and genuine worth and rating the individual by his merits and not by his possessions.
THOMAS HAGAMAN.
The Hagaman family is an old and prominent one in Bronson township and Huron county, representatives of the name having settled here in the days of its early pioneer development. Thomas Hagaman, the subject of this review, fully sustained the reputation that had always been borne by his ancestors and thus the community lost one of its most valued citizens, when, on the 28th of September, 1905, he passed to his final reward.
Mr. Hagaman was born August 20, 1834, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Haga- man, residents of Bronson township. He was of Holland descent, his ancestors in both the paternal and maternal lines having come from that country to the United States in an early day. The paternal grandparents were Thomas and Nel- lie (Burnett) Hagaman, the former born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It was their son John who became the father of our subject. Coming to Huron county in early times, John Hagaman settled on a tract of land in Bronson township and this property has been in possession of the family to the present time. He died in 1870. The only surviving sister of our subject is Mrs. Isabel Snook, a resident of Huron county.
Thomas Hagaman was reared on the old home farm, which later became his property. He was early trained to the work of the fields, assisting his father during the season of plowing, planting and harvesting, while in the winter months he pur- sued his studies in the district schools. He always followed the occupation to which he had been reared and in the operation of the old home place carried on the work of development and improvement that had been begun by his father. He
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became not only a successful man but was one of the highly esteemed citizens of his community. The Hagemans have ever been known for their probity and up- rightness and Thomas Hagaman fully sustained that reputation.
Mr. Hagaman was twice married. His first wife bore the maiden name of Mary E. Woodruff and her death occurred January 2, 1879. She left two chil- dren, a son, John E. Hageman, of Cleveland ; and daughter, Mrs. Jessie Kennedy, of Oberlin, Ohio. Mr. Hagaman was again married in 1895, his second union being with Mrs. Melissa (Severns) Henry, who was born October 13, 1853. By her former marriage she has three children who survive, namely: Frederick Se- verns Henry ; Nellie G. Henry ; and Elizabeth Henry, now the wife of C. M. Crawford. All completed the high-school course in Norwalk and the son spent one year in Kenyon College.
Loyal to the best interests of his country, Mr. Hagaman enlisted in the Civil war as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he did valiant service. His religious faith was manifest by his membership in the Congregational church, in which he served as a deacon. He was a true friend, and thus a deep feeling of sadness spread throughout the com- munity when on the 28th of September, 1905. it was announced that he had passed from this life, but while those who knew him remain, his memory will be cherished, not so much on account of the success which he achieved in business but because of his life of helpfulness, of good cheer, of broad sympathy, and his deep interest in and labors for the benefit of his fellowmen. His life span covered seventy-one years-years of helpfulness to his community, of loyalty to his coun- try, and of devotion to his family and friends.
SAMUEL SHERMAN.
Samuel Sherman, who since April, 1901, has lived retired in Monroeville, was formerly actively and successfully identified with agricultural interests and is still the owner of three hundred acres of land in Huron county. His birth oc- curred in Huntingtonshire, England, on the 9th of March, 1838, his parents be- ing William A. and Sarah (Lane) Sherman. In 1852 he crossed the Atlantic in company with his father and settled in Huron county, Ohio. At the end of a year, however, the father returned to England, leaving his son Samuel with Mr. Husted, for whom the lad was to work until he had attained his majority. He proved so capable and diligent an apprentice, however, that when he was twenty years of age Mr. Husted gave him one hundred dollars and told him that his term of indenture would be considered ended. He then operated the Husted farm for a couple of years and subsequently was engaged in the cultivation of rented land for a time.
By dint of untiring labor and close economy he at length accumulated suffi- cient capital with which to purchase a farm of his own and in 1865 bought thirty- five acres of land from George Sawyer, which has since remained in his posses- sion and is known as the old Sherman homestead. As time passed and his finan- cial resources increased he added to his acreage until he became the owner of
MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL SHERMAN
1
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considerable land in this county, winning wide and favorable recognition as a most successful and energetic agriculturist. In April, 1901, he put aside the active work of the fields and has since lived retired in Monroeville, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. He still owns three hundred acres of rich and productive land in this county and has justly won the proud Ameri- can title of a self-made man, for the prosperity which has crowned his labors has come entirely as the result of earnest, persistent and well directed effort, keen discrimination and capable management.
On the 28th of May, 1860, Mr. Sherman was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Ann Carpenter, who was born in England on the 20th of March, 1843, her father being William Carpenter, likewise a native of that country. In 1858 she accompanied her uncle and aunt on their emigration to the new world and took up her abode in Huron county, Ohio. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children, as follows: George, who is mentioned on another page of this work ; John D .; Samuel, a sketch of whom also appears in this volume; Edward A., who married Miss Minnie Rape and makes his home in Lyme township; Joseph H., deceased, who wedded Miss Minnie Seible; Luella, residing in Lyme township, who gave her hand in marriage to John Koch, by whom she has two sons, Melvin T. and Forest William ; and Alice, at home. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on Christmas day of 1908 and her demise was the oc- casion of deep and widespread regret, for her many good traits of heart and mind had won her an extensive circle of warm friends. Mr. Sherman is a ves- tryman in the Episcopal church, the teachings of which permeate his life. He has now made his home within the borders of this county for fifty-seven years and that his career has ever been above reproach is indicated by the fact that he is best liked where best known.
ELMER SAMUEL BURRAS.
An excellent farm of eighty acres in Fairfield township pays tribute to the care and labor of Elmer Samuel Burras, who has been in possession of the property since 1900. His birth occurred in Fairfield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 3d of August, 1876, his parents being Edgar and Eudolpha (Jennings) Burras, who were likewise natives of Fairfield township, this county. Their children were three in number : Minnie, Edwin and Elmer, all of whom are now married.
With the exception of two years spent at the carpenter's trade, Elmer Samuel Burras has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits through- out his entire business career. In the year 1900 he purchased his present farm of eighty acres, and the crops which he annually harvests bring to him a gratifying income.
On the 18th of November, 1900, Mr. Burras was united in marriage to Miss Lena Lamoureaux, who was born in Fairfield township, this county, on the 5th of December, 1879. Her parents, Homer and Emma Lamoureuax, reared a family of six children, namely : Harry, William, George, Verna, Ruth and Lena. Mr.
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and Mrs. Burras are now the parents of three daughters and two sons, as follows : Dorothy. Marjorie, Merle, Myles and Leslic.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Burras has given his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Grange and is also a devoted member of the Methodist church, the teachings of which he exemplifies in his daily life. In the community where they have always resided both he and his wife are well known and highly esteemed, having ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.
GEORGE BOWEN.
George Bowen, who is well known in Clarksfield township as a prosperous farmer, a miller and a man of affairs, was born May 29, 1847, in Norwich town- ship, Huron county, Ohio, and is the son of John and Christine ( Robinson) Bowen. The mother was a native of Coshocton county, but the father's place of birth was New Jersey. He was a farmer and an extensive landowner, was pros- perous in his affairs, and took an active part in the public administration of local government. In addition to his large farming interests, he was an extensive manu- facturer of bricks and a mason and contractor for brick work construction, and when he died, in August, 1880, he was mourned as a man whose efforts had not only brought him success, but whose influence had been good in the community where he lived. When he married he was living in Coshocton county, moving to Norwich township, Huron county, in 1836. A family of four sons and four daughters was born to him and his wife: Martha J., Agnes, John M., William K., Henry C., Elizabeth C., George and Malinda C. Of these Martha J. and Henry C. have passed away. Mrs. Bowen survived her husband twenty years to the very month, dying in August, 1900.
George Bowen spent his youth on his father's farm and was educated in the pub- lic schools of Norwich. He married at the age of twenty-three and engaged in farming in Norwich township, which remained his home until 1907, when he moved to Clarksfield and purchased the Clarksfield Gristmill and entered upon mill- ing as a business. The mill he bought was the oldest in point of service in Huron county, for it was built seventy-three years ago and has been in general use since. Now, however, the old stone burrs and water power have given way to the roller process and to steam power, and equipped with the best of modern improvements it is well able to take care of the large exchange business that is carried on between the farmers, the latter receiving for their grain, feed and flour. In the two years that Mr. Bowen and his son have had the management of it, it is estimated that it does a larger business than any other mill in the county. Aside from these private interests of his, Mr. Bowen has always evinced a deep concern for the public weal. For a number of years he served his community well as road supervisor and as a member of the board of education, in both of which capacities he allied himself ac- tively with those working for progress and improvement. When called upon to vote, the republican candidate receives his support.
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In December, 1870, Mr. Bowen married Miss Alice P. Burdge, the daughter of William and Mary ( Miller) Burdge. Her father was a soldier in the Civil war, and up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1904, was a farmer of Norwich township. Mrs. Burdge is still living. Two sons, Edison E. and Roscoe, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bowen. Both are residents of Clarksfield township and are mainly concerned with agriculture. The elder was born June 16, 1876, and grow- ing up under his father's care entered upon farming, which he pursued until 1907, when he engaged with the latter in the grain and milling business. On the 16th of June, 1901, he was married to Miss Grace E. Brown, the daughter of Franklin H. and Ella (Wood) Brown, of Norwich township, and is now the father of three children, Joy, Bertha and Herbert. He is a fine business man, a republican in poli- tics, and very active in all that concerns the welfare of the community. Roscoe Bowen was born on the Ist of November, 1880, and has followed the life of a farmer. He was united in marriage to Miss Cora Sees, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin C. Sees, September 4, 1902, and the couple have been blessed with two daughters, Gladys and Mary. Like his brother and father, Roscoe Bowen has always been a republican, and like them also he is a good citizen, closely identified with the best interests of the township.
Mr. Bowen is a loyal Mason and a member of Attica Lodge, No. 367. In past years he also belonged to several other organizations, to Norwich Grange, to the Patrons of Husbandry and to the Good Templars, and has ever been a strong temperance advocate. He and his family affiliate with the United Brethren church and have always been supporters of all measures calculated to uplift humanity and better conditions morally, socially and commercially. Hence he and his two sons are among the best citizens that Clarksfield township can claim and by their lives give an example to others.
WILLIAM HAMILTON McPHERSON, JR.
William Hamilton McPherson, Jr., a well known and successful agriculturist and stock breeder of Fairfield township, is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and one and a fourth acres. His birth occurred in Greenfield township, Huron county, Ohio, on the Ist of January, 1875, his parents being W. H. and Lucy (Wheeler) McPherson, who were also natives of Greenfield township. The paternal grandfather, James McPherson, came to the United States from Ireland, taking up his abode in Greenfield township, this county. Unto him and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Ann Jane Arthur, were born three children: John, George and William Hamilton. The maternal grandfather of our subject was John Henry Wheeler. W. H. McPherson, Sr., the father of the gentleman whose name initiates this review, was twice married and by his first wife had three chil- dren, namely: Arthur, Scott and William Hamilton. Subsequent to the death of his first wife he wedded Miss Maggie Much, residing near Bellevue, and their union was blessed with two children, Clyde and Glenn.
In his youthful days William H. McPherson, Jr., attended the district schools and also assisted in the work of the home farm, so that he early became familiar
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with all the varied duties that claim the attention of the agriculturist. In the year 1904 he came from Greenfield township to Fairfield township, where he pur- chased a farm of one hundred and one and a fourth acres, to the cultivation of which he has since devoted his time and energies. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is also engaged in the breeding of Delaine sheep, Duroc hogs and Jersey cattle, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. He is the groom for "Fancher," the imported Per- cheron stallion owned by the North Fairfield Percheron Horse Company.
On the 8th of April, 1896, Mr. McPherson was united in marriage to Miss Cora Lucile Fitch, a native of Genesee county, Michigan, and a daughter of Edgar and Letta (Ward) Fitch. Her father still survives and lives in Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Fitch reared a family of five daughters and one son, as follows: Nina, Lena, Bessie, Lucy, Letta and Archie. One child is deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McPherson have been born the following children : Carl, Everett, Nina Pearl, Les- ter and Edith Margaret. Mr. McPherson, who has made his home in Huron county throughout his entire life, is well entitled to mention in this volume as one of its prosperous and enterprising farmers and stockmen and also as a worthy rep- resentative of a family that has figured in the annals of the county from pioneer times down to the present.
GEORGE BARMAN.
George Barman, who owns and operates an excellent farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres in Peru township, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Huron county, his birth having occurred in a little log cabin in Peru township on the 15th of June, 1856. His parents, Philip and Mary ( Fisher) Barman, were both natives of Germany. When seventeen years of age the father accompanied his pa- rents, Mr. and Mrs. Bradous Barman, on their emigration to the United States, the family home being established in the German settlement in Peru township, Hu- ron county, Ohio. The grandfather erected a log cabin and set himself to the task of clearing the timber from a tract of sixty acres which he had purchased, for at that time this entire region was still largely wild and undeveloped. Both he and his wife continued to reside here until called to their final rest.
As before stated, Philip Barman, the father of our subject, was a young man of seventeen years on his arrival in Peru township and here he made his home until the time of his demise, which occurred in June, 1887, when he had attained the age of seventy-four years. He devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career and owned a farm of fifty acres in the southern portion of Peru township. His wife, who had made the voyage to this country in early life in company with her brother, passed away in 1892 at the age of seventy-four years. Unto this worthy couple were born eight children, namely: John, who is a resident of Peru township ; Philip, whose demise occurred when he was fifty-six years of age; Mary Ann, the deceased wife of Thomas Bishop; George, of this review ; Frank, living in Peru township; Kathryn, who is
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the widow of Peter Hipp and makes her home in Peru township ; Louisa, who is deceased ; and Rose, the wife of Alf Remelly, of Peru township.
George Barman obtained his education in the district and Catholic schools and when not busy with his text-books gave his father the benefit of his services in the cultivation of the old home farm, thus early gaining practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil. General agricultural pursuits have always claimed his attention and that his choice of a life work was a wise one is proven by the gratify- ing measure of prosperity which has rewarded his efforts along this line. In 1902 he bought the farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres on which he now resides from Alfonzo Smith and has made a number of substantial improvements on the property. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the super- vision of a practical and progressive owner, whose well directed labors are annually rewarded by rich harvests.
On the 19th of June, 1883, Mr. Barman was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Hipp, a native of Peru township and a daughter of Andrew and Regina Hipp, both of whom were born in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Barman now have a family of six children, as follows: Andrew, living in Ridgefield township, who wedded Katie Wise, by whom he has one child, Clarence ; and Benjamin, Charles, Elmer, Roman and Clatus, all of whom are still under the parental roof.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Barman has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy and has capably served his fellow townsmen in the positions of road supervisor and school direc- tor. In religious faith he is a Catholic. Both he and his wife are widely and fa- vorably known throughout the community in which their entire lives have been passed and well merit the regard and esteem which is uniformly accorded them.
ALBERT G. BEDFORD.
The name of Bedford has been known in Huron county from pioneer times, and he whose name introduces this record is a worthy representative of the family. He is a native of the county, his birth having occurred on a farm in Townsend town- ship, December 23, 1865, and is a son of Robert and Phoebe (Stacy) Bedford. The father followed farming throughout his entire life, and was a well known pio- neer of his section of the county. His death occurred many years ago.
Albert G. Bedford, whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in the district schools of Townsend township and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty years, during which time he had been thoroughly trained to habits of industry, assisting in the care and operation of the home farm up to that time. Feeling that he might be more independent if he ven- tured out in the business world, he accordingly started out for himself but his fa- ther's death occurring shortly afterward, he was needed by his widowed mother to care for the farm and, returning home, he took up the responsible duties of operat- ing his mother's land. After about two years thus engaged he once more started out for himself, being employed at farm labor until the time of his marriage, after which he worked for his father-in-law by the month for a time. Then, feeling jus-
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tified in engaging in farming on his own account, he rented a tract of land, which he operated until 1902. Ile had in the meantime saved a sum sufficient to invest in land and thus became the owner of ninety-four acres in Hartford Ridge, which he occupied until March, 1909.
It was in March, 19og, that he was appointed by the infirmary directors as su- perintendent of the Huron county infirmary, and his popularity is evidenced by the fact that he received not only the support of his own party but the support of many republicans as well, he being the first democrat ever appointed to this office in Hu- ron county. This farm comprises two hundred and four acres, situated about a mile and a half south-cast of Norwalk. The home contains from sixty-five to sev- enty inmates, most of whom are very feeble. Mr. Bedford has already far out- reached the expectations of his fellow citizens in the care and management of this infirmary, and it being an instance of where the position sought the man, rather than the man seeking the position, the public has every reason to feel that their choice has been a wise one and they have placed the right man in the right place. In his short term of service Mr. Bedford has made some changes which are prov- ing very beneficial and will also be a saving to tax-payers. By his courteous treat- ment and kindly manner he has won the good will of each and every inmate, while his estimable wife, a woman of most kindly disposition, cares for the household in a most able manner, an air of neatness and cleanliness pervading the various de- partments over which she has charge.
It was in 1870 that Mr. Bedford wedded Miss Dora E. Minor, a daughter of Oliver Minor, of Hartland township. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bedford has been blessed with two children : Clive A., who was born in 1896; and May C., born in 1905. Mr. Bedford deserves much praise for what he has accomplished in a busi- ness sense, for he started out in the humble capacity of a farmi hand and today is the owner of a good tract of land and is also supervising interests which none but those possessing only the most charitable nature and excellent managerial quali- ties could so capably control.
F. G. LAIBLE.
F. G. Laible, who is engaged in the undertaking business in Norwalk, was born in Michigan on the 29th of March, 1875. His father, George F. Laible, was likewise a native of that state, born on the 22d of February, 1845. He de- voted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits and died in 1893. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Josephine Russell, was a native of Lorain county, Ohio, and a daughter of Daniel Wright Russell, one of the pioneers of that county who came to this state from New York. Mrs. Laible still survives her husband and is now living in Norwalk.
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