USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 16
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In the country schools F. G. Laible acquainted himself with the common branches of English learning and afterward continued his studies at Owosso, Michigan. On putting aside his text-books he learned the bicycle business, worked in a bicycle factory for a time and afterward embarked in the same line of business on his own account in Owosso, Michigan. In 1897 he went to
F. G. LAIBLE
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Grand Rapids, where he learned the undertaking business and in 1901 he came to Norwalk where he joined his uncle, Addison Sigourney, in the conduct of an undertaking establishment on Benedict avenue. After a brief period A. C. Holiday purchased Mr. Sigourney's interest and became a partner. This rela- tion was maintained until 1907, when Mr. Holiday withdrew from the business and Mr. Laible became sole proprietor. He has since continued in this field of labor and has a well appointed undertaking establishment, which is liberally patronized by those who need his services. He also conducts a retail flower store, making his own floral designs in conjunction with his undertaking husi- ness. This has proven to be a profitable venture and a clever idea.
In October, 1904, Mr. Laible married Miss Dorothy E. Zuick, a daughter of John Daniel Zuick, who came to Huron county during the early girlhood of Mrs. Laible. Unto them have been born two sons, George Forest, whose birth occurred July 19, 1905 ; and John Brandt, born June 20, 1909.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Laible is a Mason, holding membership in Mount Vernon Lodge and in the Knight Templar Commandery. He also be- longs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Maccabees, while his religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Baptist church. He started out in life with nothing to aid him at the outset of his career, but by persistent and earnest purpose he has made steady progress and is now conduct- ing a profitable business.
JOHN TERRY WALSWORTH.
John Terry Walsworth is a wide-awake and enterprising farmer. owning and operating a tract of land of one hundred acres in Fairfield township. He was born in Peru township, Huron county, on the 23d of October, 1854, his parents being Philander and Lucy (Reeves) Walsworth, the former a native of New York. Sub- sequent to their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Philander Walsworth came to Ohio and here established their home and reared their family, numbering four sons and one daughter, namely: Elijah C., Joel P., Daniel F., John T. and Mary Elizabeth.
John Terry Walsworth left the parental roof at the age of eleven years and went to live with Harvey Pierce, of Peru township, with whom he remained until he had attained his majority, receiving his schooling and two hundred dollars in cash as remuneration for his services to this gentleman. A man of strong purpose and unfaltering energy, he then resolutely set to work in the hope of one day own- ing a farm of his own and that his efforts have met with a just reward is indicated by the fact that he is now in possession of a well improved and valuable tract of land of one hundred acres in Fairfield township and is comfortably situated finan- cially. He purchased this property about nine years ago and has been successfully and energetically engaged in its cultivation and improvement to the present time, annually harvesting good crops which find a ready sale on the market. From an carly age he has depended upon his own resources and has won the proud Ameri- can title of a self-made man.
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On the 29th of November, 1880, Mr. Walsworth was united in marriage to Viss Alice E. Collingwood, whose birth occurred on the 7th of February, 1852, her parents being Jonathan and Eliza (Munsel) Collingwood, of Hartland town- ship, Huron county. Her father was born in York county, Pennsylvania, but her mother came from Gaylon, Wayne county, New York. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Col- lingwood were born eight children, as follows: James, Amos, Elmer, Harvey, Martha, Alice E., Rebecca, and one who died in infancy, Betsey Ann.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Walsworth belong to the Baptist church at North Fairfield and the former has sung in the choir during the entire period of his membership in the church, being the only tenor in the chorus. He has also served as a member of the finance committee at different times and takes an active and helpful interest in the various departments of the church work. He has an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the county in which he has made his home from his birth to the present time, for in all life's relations he has been true to high and honorable prin- ciples and has never faltered in a choice between right and wrong but has always endeavored to follow a course that his judgment and his conscience have sanctioned.
MARTIN BEEBE, M. D.
Dr. Martin Beebe, whose demise occurred on the 28th of March, 1890, was suc- cessfully engaged in the practice of medicine in Huron county for more than two decades and at the same time also superintended his farming interests in Clarks- field township. His birth occurred at Dover, Lenawee county, Michigan, on the Ist of September, 1836, his parents being George and Vesta ( Porter) Beebe. They made their way from Massachusetts to Michigan at an early day, becoming pioneer settlers of the Peninsular state. About the year 1840 they came to this state, tak- ing up their abode in Norwich township, Huron county.
Brought to this county by his parents in childhood days, Martin Beebe obtained his primary education in the district schools of Norwich township and later at- tended a select school at Norwalk. In 1863 he entered the Western Reserve Med- ical College at Cleveland and was graduated from that institution with the degree of M. D. in 1865. On the 27th of December, 1865, he had wedded Miss Mary L Barrett, who was born October 29, 1843, a daughter of Augustus and Clarissa (Cochran) Barrett, of Clarksfield township. Mr. Barrett was a native of Mon- roe county, New York, and his wife of Vermont. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Beebe were born two sons, namely : Augustus C., whose birth occurred January 12, 1867, and who now resides in Cleveland, where he is engaged in business ; and George P., born October 11, 1871, who resides on the old family homestead in Clarksfield township.
Subsequent to his marriage Dr. Beebe lived in Wakeman for a year and also spent a similar period in Oberlin but did not engage in the practice of his profes- sion. He then returned to the college for a year's review, afterward took up his abode on his farm in Clarksfield township, this county, and began the practice of medicine. He continued as a successful and able representative of his chosen call- ing until the time of his death and became the loved family physician in many a
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household. In addition to his labors as a medical practitioner he also superintended his farm and in both his professional and agricultural interests met with a gratify- ing measure of prosperity.
Dr. Beebe gave his political allegiance to the men and measures of the demo- cracy and was active in public affairs. His fraternal relations were with the Ma- sons, while religiously he was identified with the Disciple church, being a valued and exemplary member of both organizations. He was a man of decided literary tastes and attainments and stood high in the estimation of men in all walks of life. He was called to his final rest on the 28th of March, 1890, when fifty-four years of age, and his remains were interred at New London, Ohio. Uniformly loved and respected, his loss came as a deep blow to his large circle of friends as well as to his immediate family.
Subsequent to her husband's demise Mrs. Beebe managed the estate for some years with singular ability but in later years the care and responsibility incident to its supervision has largely devolved upon her younger son, George P. Beebe. The latter is also engaged in the breeding of thoroughbred draft and coach horses. hav- ing a wide and enviable reputation in this connection. The buildings on the old home farm are all modern and well adapted for their several uses and in fact every- thing about the place presents a neat and thrifty appearance. The residence, mod- ern in its construction and furnishings, is one of the most attractive country homes in the entire county.
On the 24th of November, 1892, George P. Beebe was united in marriage to Miss Winifred Rowland, a daughter of William and Rosetta (Peck) Rowland. Both the Rowland and Peck families were early pioneer settlers of this county and became prominent and influential residents here. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beebe have been born two children, Charles A. and Mary R. Politically Mr. Beebe is a stal- wart advocate of the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Eagles.
Mrs. Beebe, the widow of Dr. Martin Beebe, is a devoted and faithful member of the Disciples church, taking an active and helpful interest in its work. She lives on the old homestead farm in Clarksfield township with her son and his family, and enjoys in unqualified measure the kindly regard and friendship of all who know her.
JOHN FEICHTNER.
John Feichtner, owning and operating a rich and productive farm of sixty- nine acres in Fairfield township, was born in New Haven township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 13th of August, 1878, his parents being George and Eliza (Layer) Feichtner. The father, who was a native of Crawford county, Ohio, took up his abode in New Haven township, this county, about 1876. Unto him and his wife were born four children : John, Albert, Mary and Charles, all of whom still survive.
John Feichtner attended the district schools in pursuit of an education and when not busy with his text-books assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm, thus early gaining practical knowledge of the best methods of tiling the soil and caring for the crops. For the past four years he has devoted his time and en-
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ergies to the cultivation of his farm of sixty-nine acres in Fairfield township, fron? which he annually derives a good income, the well tilled fields responding to his care and labor in golden harvests.
In 1905 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Feichtner and Miss Blanche New- man, whose birth occurred in New Haven township, this county, in 1885. By this union there are two children. Ray and Dale. The parents are well known through- out the community in which they have always resided and are young people of the highest respectability, whose good qualities of heart and mind have won for them the confidence and friendly regard of all with whom they have come in contact.
BENJAMIN BOWERSOX.
Benjamin Bowersox, who is actively and successfully engaged in the cultiva- tion of his farm of thirty-eight acres in Fairfield township, was born in Pennsyl- vania on the 4th of July, 1842, his parents being Jacob and Sophia ( Walter ) Bow- erscx, who spent their entire lives in the Keystone state. Benjamin Bowersox, who has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career, came to Ohio in the year 1861. He now owns a well im- proved and productive farm of thirty-eight acres in Fairfield township and an- nually harvests good crops which return to him a gratifying income.
In 1865 Mr. Bowersox was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Walter, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of George and Kate ( Weaver ) Walter, who were likewise born in that state. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children, namely : Mahala, Della, Alice, Sophia, Hattie, Mandy and Katy. They have also reared an adopted son, Walter Bear.
Politically Mr. Bowersox is a stalwart advocate of the republican party and is now capably discharging the duties devolving upon him in the position of town- ship supervisor. As he has lived for many years in Huron county, he has a wide acquaintance here and his friends know him as an enterprising agriculturist and a man of genuine worth.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PALM.
General agricultural pursuits command the attention of Benjamin Franklin Palm, who owns and cultivates a farm of seventy-five acres in Fairfield township. He was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, on the 8th of October, 1854, his pa- rents being David Logan and Ann (Delancy) Palm, the former a native of Juniata county and the latter of Perry county, Pennsylvania. The paternal grandparents, Benjamin and Betsy (Nicholson) Palm, were of German descent. George and Hannah (Rice) Delancy, the maternal grandparents of our subject, were natives of Perry county, Pennsylvania. Unto David L. and Ann (Delancy ) Palm were born the following children : George, Benjamin Franklin, James, Elmer, Mary, Rebecca, Clara, Sadie and Joanna.
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Benjamin Franklin Palm acquired his education in the schools of his native county and there continued to make his home until the year 1881, when he came to Huron county, Ohio, taking up his abode in Greenwich township. Subsequently he resided in Ripley township for a time and then came to Fairfield township, where he has since remained. During the first year of his residence in this county he fol- lowed the carpenter's trade but has since given his attention to general farming, in which line of activity he has won a creditable measure of prosperity. He pur- chased his present farm of seventy-five acres in October, 1899, and has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and improvement.
On the 30th of October, 1879, Mr. Palm was united in marriage to Miss Mag- gie A. Noss, whose birth occurred on the 13th of December, 1856, her parents be- ing John G. and Maggie (Millikin) Noss, natives of Pennsylvania. Her paternal grandparents were Jacob and Sarah Jane Noss, while the maternal grandparents were William and Nancy ( Beal) Millikin. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Palm have been born two children. Mary Bertha, whose birth occurred in 1880, is the wife of George Parrott, of Fairfield township. Ira Grover, who was born on the 2d of February, 1883, learned the upholstering trade in early manhood but now devotes his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Palm are devoted and consistent members of the Methodist church at North Fairfield and have gained an extensive circle of friends throughout the county in which they have now re- sided for almost three decades.
E. A. SUTTON.
E. A. Sutton, cashier of the Home Savings & Banking Company at Chicago Junction, was born in Greenwich township, Huron county, April 2, 1872. He is a son of Charles A. Sutton, who was born in the same township, July 4, 1844, and is still living on the farm where his birth occurred, being one of the representatives and respected agriculturists of the community. The grandparents were Aranson and Emeline (Brady) Sutton. The former was born April 1, 1802, and with two companions-his twin brother Alanson and James Carver-he made his way west- ward from New York state to Ohio about 1824. They spent the first night in Greenwich township, Huron county, with the family of Willis Smith, who then lived about a mile east of the village of Greenwich. The three young men took up a tract of land in Ruggles township, now included within Ashland county, and be- gan clearing the place. Throughout his remaining days the grandfather carried on general farming in this county.
His son, Charles A. Sutton, was reared to general agricultural pursuits and de- termined to engage in farming as a life work. He still resides upon the old home- stead and the splendid appearance of the fields indicates his careful supervision and his progressive methods. Although he is not a politician in the sense of office seek- ing, he has been given several local positions, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. In early manhood he wedded Annie E. Ellis, also a native of Greenwich township, Huron county, the Ellis family being numbered among the respected and prominent old families of that section.
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No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for E. A. Sutton in his boyhood and youth. He worked in the fields during the sum- mer months and in the winter seasons attended school. He continued his educa- tion in the Greenwich high school and also in Oberlin University and throughout his business career he has been identified with banking. He was first associated with the Oberlin Banking Company, there remaining for a year and a half, when he removed to Berlin Heights and became assistant cashier for the Berlin Heights Banking Company, filling that position for eight years or until December, 1899. He then came to Chicago Junction and was one of the organizers of the Home Savings & Banking Company. He was also elected a director and cashier, which office he still fills, and has thus been active in execu- tive control of the institution, which has come to be regarded as one of the safe and reliable moneyed enterprises of the county. Mr. Sutton is conservative in his busi- ness methods and widely recognized as an able and popular official, serving well the patrons of the bank, while at all times he is uniform in his courtesy and pleasant in manner. For the past sixteen years he has represented the Equitable Life As- surance Society of the United States in New York city, which is one of the largest financial institutions of the world. Mr. Sutton has upwards of one million dollars in force, which is an indication of his success for this company.
In November, 1896, Mr. Sutton was married to Miss Elizabeth Romell, a na- tive of Berlin Heights, Ohio, and they now have two children, Howard Ellis and Harry Romell. The parents are well known socially in Chicago Junction and have a circle of friends here almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mr. Sutton is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is prominent in Masonry, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is a member of Golden Rule Lodge, No. 562, A. F. & A. M .; Golden Rule Chapter. No. 167, R. A. M. ; and Toledo Consistory. He is an exemplary representative of the craft, is 'a public-spirited citizen and a most reliable business man.
EDWIN C. WOODWORTH.
Edwin C. Woodworth, who owns and operates a well improved farm of one hundred and sixteen acres in Fairfield township, is numbered among the pro- gressive and representative agriculturists of the community. His birth oc- curred in North Fairfield, Huron county, Ohio, on the 19th of May, 1858. His paternal grandfather. Jonathan Woodworth, was one of the early pioneer set- tlers of this county, taking up his abode within its borders in 1834. He entered a tract of timber land in New Haven township and, being a man of untiring per- severance and resolute spirit, gradually transformed it into a rich and produc- tive farming property. It has since been known as the Woodworth homestead and comprises ninety-three acres of valuable land.
Herman Woodworth, the father of our subject, was born in Trumansburg, Tompkins county, New York, on the 18th of April, 1830, and was but four years of age when brought by his parents to this state. In early life he learned the trade of a blacksmith, with which line of activity he was successfully identified
MR. AND MRS. E. C. WOODWORTH
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until 1907, when he was obliged to abandon his work because of failing eyesight. The period of his residence in this county now covers three-fourths of a cen- tury and he is therefore largely familiar with its annals from a pioneer epoch down to the present time. He is a most highly respected and esteemed citizen of his community, his upright and honorable life having won him the regard and friendship of all with whom he has been associated.
Edwin C. Woodworth obtained his preliminary education at Fairfield and afterward entered the university at Berea, Ohio, but was obliged to return home before completing the course. For several years he was identified with educa- tional interests as a school teacher but in 1882 purchased the farm of one hun- dred and sixteen acres in Fairfield township on which he now resides. He has won a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity as a tiller of the soil, for the methods which he follows are practical and at the same time are in keeping with ideas of progressive agriculture.
On the 21st of March, 1882, Mr. Woodworth was united in marriage to Miss Hattie L. Sillman, who was born in Ripley township, Huron county, on the 29th of August, 1861, a daughter of Solomon Sillman. Unto them have been born eight children, namely: Iva B., Grace L., Ross S., Myrtle L., Adin M., George B., H. Corlette and Alton E. The children have been educated at the district and Union schools and the eldest daughter completed her studies in Tiffin.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Woodworth has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party, being convinced that its principles are most conducive to good government. In religious faith his wife is a Methodist, while fraternally he is identified with Fairfield Lodge, No. 261, F. & A. M. Both have an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives and well merit the regard and esteem which is uniformly accorded them.
CORNELIUS W. ANDERSON.
Cornelius W. Anderson, one of the most prominent and respected citizens of Norwalk, has served as vice-president of the Citizens Banking Company since its organization. He is a native of Hackensack, New Jersey, his birth having there occurred on the Ist of September, 1869. His maternal grandfather, Cornelius Wortendyke, was the originator and founder of the Knickerbocker Ice Company of New York city and became a heavy stockholder in the concern. James Ander- son, the father of our subject, did active duty in the Civil war as quartermaster sergeant of the Forty-seventh Regiment of New York Volunteer Infantry, being honorably discharged at the end of his three years' term of enlistment. His name is inscribed on the soldiers' monument at Hackensack, New Jersey. He was for many years engaged in the general commission business as a member of the firm of W. H. B. Totten & Company, of New York city.
Cornelius W. Anderson received his preliminary education in the schools of Norwalk, coming here when a lad of ten years. Here he has since made his home, being widely recognized as a most substantial, enterprising and progressive citizen
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of the community. Throughout his entire business career he has been engaged in the buying and selling of real estate, improving the property before disposing of it. He was likewise one of the organizers of the Citizens Banking Company of Norwalk and has acted as vice-president thereof from the beginning. The institu- tion opened its doors for business on the 12th of June, 1902, and paid a dividend of four per cent. the first year, setting aside two thousand dollars. The company has since paid an annual dividend of eight per cent and now has a surplus of thirty thousand dollars. Mr. Anderson has always been one of the bank's heav- iest stockholders, while his keen discrimination, sound judgment and excellent executive ability have constituted important elements in its successful conduct. His home place comprises fifty acres within the city limits of Norwalk and the fine buildings thereon are thoroughly equipped with all modern improvements. The spacious residence is surrounded by an immense, well kept lawn, while a beau- tiful flower garden also greatly enhances the attractiveness of the place. Mr. An- derson is likewise the owner of a farm of one hundred and ten acres within a mile of Norwalk and at one time was quite an extensive breeder of high grade trotting horses, owning one with a mark of 2.11 1/4.
In 1893 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Anderson and Miss Katherine Lawrence, who was born in Norwalk, Ohio, on the 14th of December, 1872, a daughter of J. P. Lawrence. By this union there are two children : Lawrence W .; whose birth occurred July 31, 1897 ; and Margaret, whose natal day was Septem- ber 4. 1900.
Mr. Anderson is a stalwart adherent of the republican party and when a young man of thirty-four years was elected to the office of mayor of Norwalk, capably and satisfactorily discharging the important duties devolving upon him in that connection for a period of four years and eight months. He was the youngest man who had ever been at the head of municipal affairs in Norwalk and previous to his accession to the mayoralty had served for several years as a member of the coun- cil. In November, 1909, he was elected a member of the board of education. His religious faith is indicated by his attendance at the Episcopal church. In whatever relation of life we find him-in political circles, in business or in social relations-he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.
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