USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 23
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T. F. HILDRETH, A. M., D. D.
Rev. T. F. Hildreth is numbered among those to whom the spirit of youthful energy and enthusiasm clings while time passes by and may, therefore, be termed "eighty-two years young." for while he has covered more than eight decades since starting upon the journey of life, in his interests he seems a man yet in his prime, his cheerful word, ready smile and encouraging sympathy making him popular alike among young and old, rich and poor, in his home town. He has resided continually in Norwalk since 1885. He was born in Tompkins county, New York, November 29, 1826, and was the third son of Benjamin and Susan (Colegrove) Hildreth, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. In 1833 the family home was established in Huron county, Ohio, where the father died September 20, 1852, at the age of fifty-eight years. His wife survived him until March 15, 1855, and passed away at the age of sixty years. They had a family of nine children, four daughters and five sons.
The Rev. T. F. Hildreth was but seven years of age when they came to Huron county and in the district schools of the early day he pursued his preliminary education. He also assisted in clearing and cultivating the old home farm until nineteen years of age, being busily employed at the task of cutting down the trees, grubbing up stumps and preparing the fields for cultivation. He after-
T. F. HILDRETH
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ward studied for two terms in the old Norwalk Academy and throughout his entire life he has remained a student and a broad reader, thus gaining wide gen- eral information as well as thorough and accurate knowledge of the teachings of the church. Rev. Hildreth was but eleven years of age when he was converted and when a youth of sixteen he united with the church of his father, thus be- coming identified with Methodism. He felt called to the ministry but before he had fully decided to enter upon a career of that character he took up the study of law under the direction of the Hon. Samuel T. Wooster of Norwalk. He had not completed his law studies, however, when he was licensed to preach as a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and was received on trial in the north Ohio conference at Bellefontaine on the 22d of August, 1851. He occupied several important charges prior to 1864 when he was transferred to the New York conference and assigned to the pastorate of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal church on Thirty-fourth street. There his health failed and he re- signed in 1867, in which year he returned to the northern Ohio conference. Here his health improved and he was given charge of the Methodist Episcopal church in Norwalk, remaining as its pastor for three years when by the special request of the church at Ionia, Michigan, he was transferred to that place. He held three appointments of three years each but his health again gave way and he returned to Norwalk. Later he again entered into active relations with the northern Ohio conference and was again appointed minister of the Norwalk church, in which capacity he served for three years. He next had charge of the Lorain Street Methodist Episcopal church in Cleveland but after one year he severed his connection with the conference and took charge of the People's Tabernacle church at Music Hall, an undenominational organism composed chiefly of those who desire to do gospel temperance work. There he remained for two years when upon the death of its founder and patron, Hon. W. H. Doan, he retired to his quiet home in Norwalk where he has since remained.
In 1863 the Ohio Wesleyan University conferred upon the Rev. Hildreth the degree of Master of Arts and in 1887 the degree of Doctor of Divinity. His ability as an orator made him greatly sought for at church dedications and on other special occasions. He had few equals in the pulpit or on the public plat- form and was purely an extemporaneous speaker. While well versed in all branches of learning, his style is simple and concise. He learned to think along classical lines but to speak in the language of the common people and it has been the power of the truth of his utterances clearly, forcefully and cogently presented that has made strong appeal to his hearers. He is a fluent writer and a poet of no mean ability. He has written many poems of merit which he has published in two volumes, bringing forth his Poems of the Heart in 1903 and Poems of the Home in 1907. These collections contain many gems and have been very warmly received by the press and the people. His views of life have ever been sane and rational, presenting a clear understanding of the conditions of the present time as well as the ideals presented in the Christian religion.
In 1849 Dr. Hildreth was married to Mrs. Eudolphia C. Cherry, who was to him a genial and loving companion and helpmate until she was called from his side by death on the 30th of August, 1900, leaving the Doctor to finish his jour- ney alone. He is a remarkably well preserved man despite his eighty-three
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years, bright, genial and cheerful, of noble character, active in mind and body. He is a splendid example to the rising generation of what a clean, temperate and Godly life will do. Among his fellow townsmen he is very popular and his words and work are yet a matter of strong influence among those with whom he is daily brought in contact. His work has been far-reaching in its effects and like the echoes which "roll from soul to soul" will "live forever and forever," for the seeds of truth and righteousness never die but bring forth fruit throughout all the ensuing years.
E. L. BEELMAN.
E. L. Beelman, who is well known in the business circles of Huron county as the secretary and treasurer of the Beelman Manufacturing Company of Chicago, Ohio, has been active in its affairs since its inception and by his excellent business ability and keen sagacity has been a potent factor in its continuous and rapid progress. He was born in Richmond township, Huron county, on the 4th of May, 1867, a son of Joseph and Eliza Ann ( Moore) Beelman, farmers of that township. The father, who originally came from Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where his birth oc- curred, settled in Richmond township, Huron county, where he purchased two hun- dred acres of land, which he continued to operate up to the time of his demise. He became a prominent figure in the public affairs of that township, having during his residence therein filled all of the township offices, while he was county commissioner for two terms, and served as justice of the peace for several years. He also taught school for some time in Huron county, and in politics was a stalwart republican. He passed away May 4, 1883, at the age of sixty-four years, while his wife sur- vived until 1887. In their family were nine children, namely: George, of Colum- bus, Ohio ; W. S. and H. M., both of Chicago, Ohio ; Jennie, the wife of Ed. Tan- ner, residing in Fairfield township; J. L., in partnership with his brother ; E. L., of this review : Charles, who is engineer on the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad; Sarah, who passed away at the age of eighteen years ; and Anna, who also passed away when fourteen years old.
Reared upon the home farm, E. L. Beelman acquired his education in the district schools and until seventeen years of age remained under the parental roof, assisting his father in the operation of his farm. Then thinking to find other pursuits more congenial and profitable than agriculture, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a number of years. In 1902 he and his brother, J. L. Beelman, or- ganized the present Beelman Manufacturing Company, with five stockholders and a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. The other members of the board were C. B. Tudor, J. W. Sheidley and Glenn Tudor, while the officers were J. L. Beel- man, president, J. W. Sheidley, vice-president, and E. L. Beelman, secretary and treasurer. In 1907 the firm increased its capital to fifty thousand dollars, with twelve stockholders, while the present officers are J. L. Beelman, president. William Glick, vice-president and E. L. Beelman, secretary and treasurer. The board of di- rectors consists of J. L. and E. L. Beelman, Ed. Weaver, J. W. Sheidley and Wil- liam Glick. The company does a general lumber business, manufacturing all kinds
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of house furnishings and patent step-ladders, and from its inception has been sig- nally successful, enjoying a rapid and continuous growth. The efforts of E. L. Beelman have been influential elements in its successful control and he has gained a high place among the progressive and prosperous business men of this district.
It was on Christmas day of 1889 that Mr. Beelman was united in marriage to Miss Estella Keesy, a daughter of John H. and Margaret (Johnson) Keesy, pio- neer settlers of Richmond township where Mrs. Beelman was born and reared. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beelman were born three children, Letha, Fay and Laura, the eldest daughter, Letha, having graduated from the Chicago (Ohio) high school with the class of 1909 and now attending Athens Normal school. Mr. Beelman is trustee of the Chicago Lodge, No. 748, I. O. O. F., while in his politics he gives his allegiance to the republican party, although the honors and emoluments of pub- lic office have no attraction for him, as he prefers to direct his entire energies to the conduct of his personal affairs. He is preeminently a business man who has worked his way up by indefatigable energy and untiring perseverance, while, aside from the success which he has won in business, his personal characteristics are such as have gained hin the respect, confidence and good will of his fellowmen.
HON. C. P. VENUS.
Hon. C. P. Venus is the chief executive of Norwalk, whose mayoralty record has been characterized by public-spirited devotion to the general good and by re- trenchment in useless expenditure and the advocacy of progressive measures of improvement. At a crisis in the city's history, he proved himself equal to the emergency and with keen insight into the situation, met the conditions and in- stituted measures which were the salvation of Norwalk.
His birth occurred in this city, March 6, 1853, and he comes of German an- cestry. His father, Sebastian Venus, was a native of Germany and while living in that country, learned the trade of a silversmith and jeweler. After coming to the new world, he established his home in Norwalk and here engaged in the jewelry business. From the Black Forests of Germany he imported the first clocks sold in Huron county and was a leading factor in the early commercial develop- ment of this part of the state. He married Elizabeth Amend, a native of Germany, who came to America with her parents during her early girlhood days. Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian Venus had a family of seven children, five of whom died in 1854 between the 4th and 7th of August, being carried away during the cholera epi- demic of that year, the dread disease largely devastating Huron county. The surviving sister of our subject is Mrs. Rosie Fischer, a resident of Toledo, Ohio.
C. P. Venus was reared in this city and at the usual age became a pupil in the Norwalk public schools. He afterward attended St. Mary's Academy at Dayton, Ohio, and, making his initial step in the business world, he became a clerk in a shoe store, where he was employed for a few years. He then joined his mother in the grocery business, in which they continued for a number of years, and then sold out, Mr. Venus at that time becoming connected with the Taber Dry Goods Company. He was thus associated until elected city clerk, in which position he was
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continued by a re-election for four years. He was next made deputy postmaster, serving in that capacity for four years, and for a similar period he was in the rail- way mail service during President Cleveland's first administration. At the close of his term as deputy postmaster, he took up the life insurance business, represent- ing the New York Life Insurance Company, and has since continued in this field of activity with gratifying success, securing many patrons for the company and writing up a large amount of business each year.
In November, 1907, he was again called to public office, being elected mayor of Norwalk on the democratic ticket. He has given to the city a businesslike ad- ministration, has sought to secure restrictive and constructive legislation where- ever needed and has done much practical work for the city's benefit. Shortly after taking the office several bank failures occurred in Norwalk, bringing about a crisis in the city's affairs. It was evident that something must be done to restore con- fidence. Mayor Venus calmly faced the situation, gave to it his earnest study, viewed the question from every possible standpoint and as a result, associated with him every prominent man in organizing the Chamber of Commerce which has since flourished and has done much for the city's upbuilding and the restoration of its financial status. He has acted as secretary of the chamber since its organi- zation and his work in this connection has been most far-reaching and beneficial.
In 1875, Mr. Venus was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Kunzelman, who died in 1904, and unto them were born three sons and two daughters: Carl H., Louise M. and Robert E., surviving. The family is prominent in the social circles of the city and the hospitality of the Venus home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
Mr. Venus belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus and several other organizations. He is the originator and organizer of The Smile Club, which is one of the most charitable organizations ever started in Norwalk. With the assistance of several charitably inclined ladies and gentle- men of this city, this club was organized for the purpose of giving every needy child in Norwalk a bountiful Christmas and that its object has been carefully car- ried out may be ascertained by asking any waif in Norwalk. The club is still in existence and is a monument to the fertile brain and progressive and charitable spirit of Mr. Venus. He is an alert, energetic and enterprising man, who seems to realize the possibilities of every situation and in both his public and private affairs, has so co-ordinated forces and managed interests as to bring about the best possible conditions under the situation. His mayoralty record will ever remain a most creditable chapter in his life history.
LAMBERT M. CHAPIN.
Huron county numbers among its intelligent, enterprising and successful citi- zens Lambert M. Chapin, who for many years has been a prominent figure in agricultural circles and has also taken an active part in the public affairs of the community. Born in Hartland township, Huron county, upon the farm where he now resides, October 21, 1842, his birth occurred in a little log cabin which stood
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but a few feet away from the site of the present modern dwelling. He is a son of Morris G. and Clarissa (Granger) Chapin, the former a native of Genesee county, New York, while the mother's birth occurred in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1825, the father accompanied his parents to Ohio when but a young lad and in this state the remainder of his life was spent. He was engaged to some extent in farm- ing and became a large landowner, being one of the successful and influential resi- dents of the community in which he resided. He was an ardent democrat, taking a very active part in all public affairs and he was a gentleman of wide information and intelligence, his name being a synonym for honesty and fair dealing. He passed away February 7, 1887, and his remains were interred in Woodland ceme- tery at Norwalk, to which city he had removed in 1880, after retiring from active business life. His wife was called to her final rest April 14, 1891, and was laid to rest beside her husband in Woodland. In their family were four children, all of whom are now living with exception of one daughter.
Reared to agricultural pursuits, Lambert M. Chapin spent the days of his boy- hood and youth upon the old homestead whereon he was born and upon which he has since continued to make his residence. He attended the district schools of Hartland township and when not engaged with his textbooks, his time was de- voted to assisting his father in the work of the fields. He early became familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting and under the direction of his father learned many lessons concerning the value of industry, energy and perseverance. In 1878, he purchased the farm across the road from the old home- stead and upon this place he has been busily engaged in general farming and stock raising, both branches of his business proving a source of gratifying remuneration to him. His property now consists of about three hundred and fifty acres of fine farm land, all under a high state of cultivation, so that he is ranked among the prosperous and substantial agriculturists of his part of the county.
On February 22, 1871, Mr. Chapin was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Shipley, a daughter of Samuel P. and Harriet (Morrison) Shipley, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The parents came to Ohio with their respective parents when young people, settlement being made in Olena, Huron county, where Mr. Shipley was engaged in the carriage business. He passed away July 30, 1885, but his widow still survives at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Chapin has been blessed with three sons, namely : Elmer L., who is married and resides in Cleveland ; Fred M., who is also married and operates a farm adjoining the old homestead ; and Samuel S., likewise married, carrying on general farming in Bronson township. All of the sons are success- ful business men and are well known and prominent citizens in'the communities in which they reside.
In his political relations, Mr. Chapin has always been a supporter of the republi- can party and has been very active in the public affairs of the community. having filled almost every office in the township. His public life has at all times been characterized with the same adherence to truth, right and justice as has been mani- fest in his private relations, and the consensus of public opinion accords him a foremost place among the valued citizens of Huron county. Fraternally, he holds membership in the Olena Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, of which his son Fred M. was a charter member, and in the affairs of which both
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father and son have been extremely active. Mr. and Mrs. Chapin hold mem- bership in the Presbyterian church, to which they are liberal contributors and deeply interested in the various phases of the church work, while Mr. Chapin is now serving in the capacity of church trustee. He has passed his entire life on the old homestead where he was born with the exception of a few years, when his sons were attending school. During that period the family lived in Norwalk but after they had completed their education, the family returned to the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Chapin have traveled extensively and have acquired a very wide gen- eral knowledge. They are readers of all the best current literature, and thus they are able to speak authoritatively upon all of the live topics of the day. The family residence is one of the most comfortable and attractive homes of Hartland town- ship and is pervaded by an atmosphere of refinement and culture, which is both pleasing and uplifting. It is also the seat of a genuine and cordial hospitality, which makes it a favorite resort with a large circle of warm friends.
DANIEL S. WASHBURN.
Daniel S. Washburn, well known as a prominent and worthy representative of the agricultural interests of the county, and having large holdings in Green- wich and Ripley townships, was born April 8, 1843, near where he now resides and where he has always lived. He is the son of Henry G. and Ann Maria (Van Benschoten) Washburn, the father coming as a young man from Ulster county, New York, in 1830, followed later by his parents. The mother was a native of Berlin, Erie county, Ohio. Both the Washburns and the Van Benschotens were from colonial families and had many representatives in the war for independ- ence and later were leaders in the formation of the republic. The latter were particularly active and were honored personal friends of General Washington.
Henry G. Washburn and wife were married in 1842 and settled in Green- wich township, where they continued residence through life. Here they reared their family of four children : Daniel S., Susanna M., Alice E. and Jay. Susanna died at the age of eighteen. Henry G. Washburn was a pushing, energetic man, who came to Ohio with a pittance and increased it to a competency, at the same time taking an intelligent interest in the life of the community. His business was farming but he also became widely known as a breeder of fine cattle and sheep. After a long and useful life, he passed away in September, 1886. Mrs. Washburn still survives, a kindly, vivacious lady who retains her faculties and, at the age eighty-six, goes about with the apparent vigor of middle life.
Daniel S. Washburn received somewhat more than the usual amount of edu- cation for his time, having attended the normal school at Milan, Ohio. Having been reared under the tutelage of a skillful and prosperous farmer, he decided to continue the work as a life occupation and has consistently followed it. After his marriage he and his wife located where they now reside, their life being passed without a single change. They have a splendid farm of four hundred acres, all in a high state of cultivation, and especially well tiled-a large drain
MR. AND MRS. HENRY G. WASHBURN
4.
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through the center and eight laterals-and with ample buildings. The house is one of the most complete farm homes in the county. Mr. Washburn is one of the directors of the First National Bank of Greenwich, Ohio.
Although a republican in politics and an interested participant in public mat- ters, Mr. Washburn confines his attention to the needs of his own community, acting as township trustee and member of the board of education on occasion, and always being active in movements looking toward the advancement of his community in social and religious affairs. Being primarily a farmer, he has always taken an active interest in that which promised a bettering of the farm- er's condition. For that reason he has been an influential worker in the Grange and is firm in his conviction that said organization has brought about improved conditions. He is a charter member of Ripleyville Grange, No. 707, the first organized in that township, and is now a member of North Fairfield Grange, No. 806, Patrons of Husbandry, which he and his wife joined on its organiz- ation. He has held all of the local offices and is a member and overseer of the county grange.
Daniel S. Washburn was married January 23, 1867, to Sarah Jane Mac- Omber, daughter of Egbert and Anna (Benedict) MacOmber. Her family came from Cayuga county, New York, in 1833, and were prominent in the de- velopment of this section. They, late in life, moved to Erie county, Ohio, where the father died in 1888, the mother surviving him some five years. Five chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Washburn: Anna Maude, wife of Lacey W. Robinson, a farmer of Ripley township; Ernest Linton, who is married and is operating the old farm; Inez, wife of Warren O. Smith, a farmer of Richland county ; Wayne, now in the far west; and Leo, who, with Wayne, was in part- nership with his father on the farm. He is a graduate veterinary surgeon and for some time served as government meat inspector but resigned that position in the spring of 1909 and is now at home.
F. P. MITCHELL.
One of the prominent members of the farming community of Greenfield town- ship is F. P. Mitchell, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and forty- two acres, on which he has made his home throughout life, his birth occurring here November 5, 1866. His father, Elias Mitchell, was born on the same farm Decem- ber 30, 1839, and is still living, making his home in North Fairfield, Ohio. Our subject's paternal grandfather was William Mitchell, who was born January I, 1799, and came to this state from Canandaigua, New York, in 1820, locating in Greenwich township, Huron county. Here in the midst of the unbroken forest he cleared land and laid out the town of Greenwich, where he and his brother lived for about six years. They bought land there which they later gave to their father, James Mitchell, the great-grandfather of our subject, who continued to make his home in Greenwich until called to his final rest. He was a son of James Mitchell, Sr. A soldier of the Revolutionary war, he took part in the battle of Trenton and died when his son James was but nine years of age. After seeing that his parents
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