USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 26
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sistent Christian woman. She has now lived on her present farm for twenty- three years and the place contains two hundred and eighty-nine acres of rich and valuable land which has been brought under a high state of cultivation and dis- plays all of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century.
CHARLES ZEHNER.
Charles Zehner, as vice-president and treasurer of the Zehner Brothers Pack- ing Company of Bellevue and Toledo, is manifesting in his business career the keen discernment and undaunted enterprise which result in the successful solu- tion of intricate and involved business problems. In his present connection, he is promoting one of the leading productive industries of his part of the state and the policy which he follows is one which makes his example worthy of emulation.
One of the native sons of Bellevue, he was born August 26, 1859, of the mar- riage of Adam and Louisa (Heusner) Zehner, who were among the early settlers of this city. As the name indicates the family is of German origin. The father, who was born in Germany in 1814, there spent the first thirty years of his life and in 1844 crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling first at Sandusky, where he conducted a tannery for about a year. At the end of that time, his plant was destroyed by fire and he removed to Bellevue, where he purchased the building in which his son Charles Zehner now carries on business. There he established a tannery, which he conducted until about 1872, when he retired from active busi- ness life to spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. His death occurred in 1888 and his wife died December 20, 1879. Unto him and his wife were born the following children : Christian, the eldest, died in 1882 at the age of thirty-two years. John, president of the Zehner Brothers Packing Company and living in Toledo, Ohio, was formerly one of the directors of the First National Bank of Bellevue and also served as a member of the town council while living here. He married Matilda Hepp and unto them have been born seven children : Adam, Theodore, deceased; Huldah, Ernest, Albert and Edna and Edgar, twins ; Charles is the next member of the family. The other two died in infancy.
Charles Zehner has always made his home in Bellevue and at the usual age, entered the public schools, wherein he mastered the branches of learning that qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. He made his initial step in the business world as an employe in his brother's meat market, being thus en- gaged from 1879 until 1881. In the latter year, he was admitted to a partnership and they continued as retail merchants until 1890, when they began the packing business. They had established the new enterprise on a paying basis when, in 1893, their plant was destroyed by fire. Not discouraged with this catastrophe, they at once rebuilt and in 1894, organized a stock company with about twenty stockholders, the business being capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars. The original officers were: John Zehner, president; Charles Zehner, vice-president and treasurer ; and I. R. Felker, secretary ; with J. H. Weber, Willis Vickery and Max Endle, as directors. The present officials are; John Zehner, president ; Charles Zehner, vice-president and treasurer ; L. P. Oehm, secretary; and I. N.
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Humphrey, assistant secretary and treasurer. These gentlemen are all members of the board of directors together with J. P. Ruffing, Martin Gross, J. W. Closs, I. A. Biehl, George Slessman, J. H. Becker, B. A. Becker, Julius Waldo, W. J. Kinker, Robert Villwalk, William Steiflot and Joseph Kest. The firm has had to increase its capitalization from time to time to take care of its rapidly growing business until now it is capitalized at seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. From the beginning the business has proven a profitable venture for it was carefully organized and the work has been thoroughly systematized and the company gives to the purchasing public a just equivalent for money invested. The constantly extending reputation of the house has brought to them a growing trade and ren- ders this one of the important productive industries of Bellevue. Mr. Zehner also figures in business circles of Bellevue as one of the directors of the First National Bank. He purchased his brother John's shares in the institution and has since had voice in the management of this sound financial concern.
Mr. Zehner was married on the 28th of March, 1883, to Miss Flora Keller, a daughter of August and Ernestine (Wise) Keller, of Bellevue. They have two children : Carl C. and Louisa A. The former married Jennie Gazley and resides on the old family homestead. He is now associated with his father in business. The daughter is the wife of Walter Raish and also resides in Bellevue.
Charles Zehner and his sons are members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and since February 10, 1882, he has been connected with the Royal Arcanum. He is likewise a member of the German Aid Society, has been chairman of the finance committee of that organization for fifteen years and is in hearty sympathy with its purposes and its work. He also belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and to the Lutheran church. His many substantial qualities have won him the favorable regard of those with whom business and social relations have brought him in contact. Having always resided in Bellevue, he is well known here, and his record is as an open book which all may read. The principles of sterling manhood are numbered among his chief characteristics, and his life history proves that success and an honorable name may be won simultaneously.
JOHN BAUER.
One of the successful agriculturists of New Haven township, Huron county, is John Bauer, who owns the one hundred acres of fine land on which he lives. He was born in Germany, September 27, 1858, and is the son of Henry and Margaret Bauer, who never left their native land, which was also the place of their death. Of their five children, however three came to this country and settled in Ohio. They are William, a resident of Milan, Ohio; Anthony, who lives in Ashland county, Ohio; and John, of this review. Catherine is deceased and one died in infancy.
John Bauer was twenty-eight years of age when he came to the United States. He had received his education in the land of his birth and there had learned the trade of a furniture maker. When in 1887 he came to this country he made his way almost directly to Ohio, locating first at Norwalk, where he ob-
MR. AND MRS. JOHN BAUER
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tained employment on the railroad. After a year he took up farming, working for the different landholders of the neighborhood. He was a hard worker and an excellent manager, so that in a couple of years he had saved seventy-five dollars, which was sufficient, with his wife's help to buy forty acres of land in Ashland county. There he made his home for about eight years, reaping large harvests from his fields and practicing that sturdy economy that has been one reason for his prosperity. On selling the farm in Ashland county, he moved to New Haven township, Huron county, where in 1903, he purchased his present tract of land from William Childs. In the years it has been his home he has made a number of improvements, greatly increasing its value. The land is best adapted to general agricultural and yields generous returns for the hard work Mr. Bauer puts upon it.
On the 4th of February, 1890, Mr. Bauer married Miss Augusta Kimball, who is a daughter of Philip and Caroline Kimball of New Haven township, and came here with her parents in February, 1886. Two sons have blessed Mr. and Mrs. Bauer's union : Carl, born January 1I, 1891 ; and William, born Novem- ber 30. 1892. Both live at home and assist their father on the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are adherents of the Lutheran faith and attend the services of the church of that denomination at Chicago, Ohio, taking an active part in its work, social as well as religious. Though foreign born, Mr. Bauer has participated in the life of the township, and, being recognized as a good citizen and able man, was elected to the office of road supervisor. Lack of familiarity with the Eng- lish language, however, prevented his serving in this capacity, but he has the satisfaction of having received a palpable proof of the attitude of his neighbors toward him.
SEBASTIAN B. LIEDORFF.
Nó resident of Huron county is more deserving of the proud American title of a self-made man than is Sebastian B. Liedorff, who from the age of twelve years has been dependent entirely upon his own resources and through industry, energy and perseverance, has gained a foremost place among the substantial farmers of this county. He is, moreover, entitled to special mention in this volume from the fact that throughout the period of the Civil war, he served his country valiantly and bravely, the story of his military record reading like a romance, with its thrill- ing adventures and deeds of heroism.
As the name indicates, Mr. Liedorff is of German origin, his birth having oc- curred in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, on the 6th of October, 1840. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Liedorff, also natives of the fatherland, where the mother's death occurred in the early '40s. In 1847, the father brought his family, which consisted of two sons and four daughters, our subject being the third in order of birth to America, settling first in Sandusky. Ohio. The father had followed the oc- cupation of a potter in his native country, but upon his arrival in the United States, he was variously employed at any honest labor which he found to do. He was a sturdy and honest German, whose force of character and excellent traits of man-
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hood won for him the respect and esteem of his fellowmen and made him a valued citizen in any community. He passed away at his home in Erie county at the vener- able age of eighty-four years.
Sebastian B. Liedorff was a little lad of seven years when he came with his father to America and he resided under the parental roof until twelve years old, at which early age, he left home to make his own way in the world and since that time he has been dependent entirely upon his own resources. He commenced his business career in the employ of N. C. Dildine, of Huron township, Erie county, a broom manufacturer, and in his home, Mr. Liedorff learned the broom-making trade. In return for his labor, he received six dollars per month and the oppor- tunity of attending school during the winter seasons, while he performed various tasks about the place in payment of his board. He resided with Mr. Dildine's family for three years, each year his wages being increased a dollar per month.
When fifteen years of age, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, hiring as a farmhand to Thomas Hughes, a farmer of Huron township, Erie county, who paid him ten dollars per month. In the meantime, he had gained an excellent reputation throughout the community for he was energetic, industrious, willing and eager to do whatever was assigned him, while he was at all times actuated by a desire to succeed in the business world, and these characteristics made his services in constant demand. In the spring of 1861, he accepted a position with Mrs. Elizabeth Dale, a widow of Huron township, Erie county, as superintendent of her farm, receiving for his services thirteen dollars per month. The fact that he was called to responsible positions when not yet twenty years of age, is an indication that he not only proved capable and efficient in his work, but also perfectly reliable and trustworthy, enjoying the confidence of his em- ployers.
In 1861, when the Civil war broke out Mr. Liedorff sought to enlist at the first call for troops, but was dissuaded, much against his will. When the second call came, however, he laid aside all personal and business considerations and on Sep- tember 4, 1861, enlisted as a member of Company A, Third Regiment, Ohio Vol- unteer Cavalry, serving until his term of enlistment expired. He then re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, serving until August 4, 1865, or until the close of hostilities. He entered the service as a private soldier, but his bravery and loyalty to duty won him promotion and he was mustered out with the rank of first duty sergeant. His regiment became a part of the Army of the Cumberland and en- gaged in all of the battles of that campaign. Mr. Liedorff participated in every battle where his regiment fought with the exception of the engagement at Perry- ville, when he was ill in the hospital at Nashville, having contracted typhoid fever. He won an excellent record for bravery and heroism and participated in many thrilling adventures. He was taken prisoner three different times, the first occa- sion being at the battle of Winchester, Tennessee, in August, 1863. He escaped however, and returned safely to his regiment. He was again taken prisoner at Pulaski, Tennessee, in September, 1863, and after about ten hours, together with some comrades, he again made his escape. His third capture occurred just after the battle of Stone River, while making a cavalry charge. He was wounded in the face and knocked from his horse, and then was taken prisoner by the enemy but was fortunate in again effecting an escape.
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When his country no longer needed his services, Mr. Liedorff returned to Huron township, Erie county, on the 6th of August, 1865, and two days later again entered the employ of Mrs. Dale at a salary of one dollar per day. He was thus engaged for about a year, at the expiration of which period, he was employed by various people for about two years. Being desirous, however, that his efforts should more directly benefit himself, in 1867, he entered business on his own ac- count as a manufacturer of brooms at West Huron and was thus actively iden- tified with the industrial interests of that place for three years, or until his mar- riage, when, in connection with his broom-making, he also engaged in farming in West Huron. He continued to make that his place of residence for eleven years, and then, in 1883, he purchased a farm in Hartland township, Huron county, where he has since continued to reside. The farm consists of ninety-five acres of finely improved land, which is all under an excellent state of cultivation, to the operation of which Mr. Liedorff is directing his entire time and attention. Throughout his connection with agricultural interests, he has been very success- ful and now enjoys an abundance of this world's goods. He has accumulated a handsome competency, but every dollar he has earned at the cost of indefatigable energy, frugality and economy. A man of unusual business ability, he has com- bined the sturdy qualities of the Teutonic race with the progressive and enter- prising traits of the American, with the result that he is today recognized as one of the foremost farmers and business men of his section of the county. In the midst of his farm, he has erected a fine residence, which is one of the best in the county.
It was on the 14th of February, 1872 that Mr. Liedorff was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary A. Coles, a daughter of Isaac and Sarah Coles, residents of Sandusky, Ohio. Unto this union, have been born five children, namely : George S., a farmer of Hartland township; Henry J., following farming in the same township ; Burt I., a thresher of Hartland township; Gus W., who is married and operates the home farm; and Lillie, who passed away in infancy. There are also four grandsons and three granddaughters in the family. The sons are all pros- perous farmers and are men highly esteemed throughout the community.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Liedorff has been republican in politics, giving stanch allegiance to that party which was the sup- port of the nation in her darkest hour, and in his citizenship, he has ever been as loyal to her interests as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. He cast his first vote for John Brough for governor of Ohio in 1863, when in line of battle, and his first presidential ballot was cast in favor of Abraham Lincoln in 1864 while a member of the Army of the Cumberland, stationed at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Since his first vote, he has supported every candidate for president and also for governor of Ohio on the republican ticket and although he has been deeply interested in the progress of the party, he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He is a member of Townsend Post, No. 414, G. A. R., and has ever been active in the affairs of that body, having frequently served as delegate to various state and national encampments. With his old army com- rades, he delights in recalling the experiences and adventures which occurred dur- ing the Civil war, and he also has many interesting experiences to relate concern- ing his boyhood days. He often tells of how, before he left home, his first em-
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ployer paid him six cents a day for his labor, which consisted of dropping corn in the corn planting season, and in addition, he received his dinners and suppers. His has been a remarkable career, the salient characteristics of which have been in- domitable energy, unfaltering perseverance and strict integrity, and he stands today as a splendid example of the power and force of earnest effort, intelligently applied labor and honorable manhood. He has now reached the sixty-ninth mile- stone on life's jourrey, and he can look back over his past without regret and forward into the future without fear.
ALMON B. WOOD.
Almon B. Wood, a farmer of Greenfield township, Huron county, owns eighty- four acres of land on which he lives and two hundred and ten acres in another farm in the same township. He was born in this township, September 29, 1845, and is the son of Lewis and Martha (Owen) Wood. The father was a son of Jonah Wood, a farmer of New York state, who had served in the American Revolu- tion. He was born in New York December 25th, 1800, and came to Ohio about the year 1833, the days of the pioneers, bringing his wife and four young children with him. The little party made the journey to Huron, Ohio, by boat, and then with a team of horses crossed the country to Greenfield township. What few household effects they had were brought with them to this new land, where they were much needed though they had greatly impeded their progress through the wilderness. Arriving in Greenfield township, Mr. Wood purchased the two hun- dred and ten acres of land which his son now owns from Jeremiah Cole, paying ten dollars per acre, but as Mr. Wood did not have the full amount and labor would be accepted as part payment, he agreed to thresh four hundred bushels of wheat for Mr. Cole. This was not done in the simple manner of today, but by driving three-year-old colts back and forth over it, thus stamping out the grain from the husks. Having purchased his land, Mr. Wood began building a log house and barn, which were to be their buildings until better ones could be pro- vided, and it was not until 1838, that the frame house was completed which re- mained his home until his death. He also bought the smaller farm on which his son now lives from a Mr. Patterson. On the Ist of June, 1823, Mr. Wood mar- ried Miss Martha Owen, a native of New York state, who was born April 24, 1802, and lived to see eighty-five years of activity pass over her head, her death occurring January 21, 1887, a little less than a year after the demise of her help- meet. In their family were nine children : Jane, deceased, who was born Novem- ber 24. 1823, and became the wife of Hiram Tooker; Samantha and Luantha, twins, who were born January 11, 1825, while the former passed away July 23, 1892, and the latter became the wife of Ransom Mather, who died April 18, 1855; Halsy, who was born November 30, 1828, and died May 14, 1831 ; Mary, born May 23, 1832, who became the wife of George Dean, and died February 10, 1859 ; Jeremiah C., deceased, born January 10, 1834; Hannah S., who was born January 18, 1838, married Joseph Randall, and died September 2, 1907; Halsy, who was
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born November 18, 1840, and died October 12, 1843; and Almon B., of this review.
Almon B. Wood has spent all his life in Greenfield township, having been reared on the farm and receiving his early education of the district schools, while for one winter he attended Oberlin College. In 1865, at a call for troops he en- listed in Company D of the One Hundred and Ninety-first Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The company was mustered in at Sandusky and sent to Camp Chase, Columbus, where Mr. Wood contracted the measles. Thus the time he might have spent in active service was of necessity passed in the hospi- tal, and when he had sufficiently recovered to be returned home he was mustered out of the army. After this brief experience, he took up farming and identified himself with the affairs of the township, becoming in the subsequent years not only very prosperous, but also well known and highly respected by all with whom he has come in contact. He is commonly called "Bud Wood" and the familiarity of this cognomen bears evidence to the good will of his neighbors.
On the 6th of October, 1887, Mr. Wood married Miss Frances B. Graham, a daughter of Alexander and Mary (McCammon) Graham, of Greenfield town- ship. Mr. Graham was born in Ireland in 1810 and at the age of eighteen came to this country with his parents. They settled in Huron county which remained Mr. Graham's home until his death. His wife, whom he married October 25, 1832, was born in Pennsylvania, April 22, 1813, and lived until February 11, 1899, hav- ing reared the following children : Alex, who passed away June 2, 1887 ; John, de- ceased ; Samuel, deceased; Eliza; Martha ; Mollie; Robinson ; Jennie; George ; William ; Frances B .; Ida ; and Charles. To Mr. and Mrs. Wood have been born five children : Glenn A., born June 12, 1890; Hazel B., born October 5, 1891 ; Ber- nice M., born September 14, 1893; Martha G., born June 9, 1895; and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Wood is a member of the Congregational church of Steu- ben, Ohio, and is active in its work.
Mr. Wood affiliates politically with the democratic party and served as con- stable for one term. He is a man of education and of wide interests, blessed with the capacity of making and retaining a large number of friends. Those who know him are unanimous in their admiration of him and do not begrudge him the success which has made possible his retirement from the active pursuit of farming.
CHARLES E. PARMELEE.
Charles E. Parmelee, a well known and successful farmer and dairyman of Ridgefield township, where he owns an excellent farm of eighty-six acres, was born at Kent, Portage county, Ohio, on the 4th of April, 1850, his parents being John F. and Mary E. (Tilton) Parmelee. The father passed away at Kent in the year 1855. leaving a family of three children, namely : Charles E., of this re- view; Frank, who is now deceased; and George. When our subject was about eleven years of age the mother was again married, her second union being with Allen B. Lindsley, of Huron county, who brought the family to his farm in Ridge-
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field township. The demise of Mr. Lindsley occurred in June, 1877, but his widow still survives, making her home with her son, Charles E.
The gentleman whose name initiates this review obtained his education in the district schools and since putting aside his text-books has given his attention to the pursuits of farming and dairying. With the exception of thirteen years, he has made his home on the farm where he resides from the age of eleven years and the property is now in his possession. It is a rich and productive tract of land compris- ing eighty-six acres and in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, he also conducts the Forest Grove Dairy, owning a large number of fine cattle. In all of his business affairs, he is alert and enterprising, meeting with the measure of success which always rewards earnest, persistent and well di- rected labor. His wife is the owner of a farm of one hundred and thirteen and a half acres in Hartland township. In March, 1877, he removed to that township, where he made his home until 1885, and then on account of ill health, he gave up farming for a time and resided in New London, but in 1890, he returned to the farm which is his home at the present time.
On the Ist of January, 1877, Mr. Parmelee was united in marriage to Miss Harriett E. Brightman, a daughter of Pardon B. and Lucretia (Jones) Bright- man, of Sherman township, this county. Unto them have been born two children, as follows: Nellie, who gave her hand in marriage to James W. Candler; and Mildred P., who is attending school. Mr. Parmelee is a valued member of the Congregational church and his many sterling traits of character have won him an extensive circle of friends throughout the community where he has now resided for almost a half century.
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