USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 36
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In all that he has undertaken Dr. Weeks has achieved success and a fair fame, and the results of his labors have been far-reaching. As a physician he enjoys an extensive practice and the confidence of those to whose wants he administers. In the councils of the republican party his opinion is ever regarded highly. In Clarksfield the interest he has evinced in public matters, especially in educa- tional affairs, has met with unswerving good will and loyalty. His literary efforts, too, have been successful, for he is a graceful and fluent writer, endowed with the power of expressing what he has to say in an interesting and attractive manner. Before the meetings of the Huron County Medical Society he often reads papers on important subjects, for he stands high in this organization, and his opinions on matters in dispute is eagerly sought. In short he is a man who has improved upon the many opportunities afforded him, has used them for his own advancement and the welfare of his fellows.
C. A. PAUL.
C. A. Paul needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for he is a lead- ing and representative business man the story of whose life is that of orderly pro- gression under the steady hand of one who is a consistent master of himself and who possesses a well balanced organism. Capable of mature judgment of his own capacities and of the people and circumstances that make up his life's contacts and experiences he is eminently a man of business sense and easily avoids the mistakes and disasters that come to those who are liable to erratic movements resulting in unwarranted risk and failure. He has been identified with manufacturing in- terests, but for a long period his investments have been represented by banking and agricultural interests and he is now vice-president of the Citizens Banking Company of Norwalk.
A native of Erie county, Ohio, C. A. Paul was born December 12, 1860, and represents a pioneer family of that county. His grandfather, Loren Paul, set- tled in Erie county at a very early day, having driven westward to Ohio from the state of New York with a yoke of oxen. In the midst of the wild forest he es- tablished his home, securing a large tract of land which he converted into rich and productive fields as the years passed by. His son, James L. Paul, was also a na- tive of Erie county and having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Eliza A. Delamater, a native of New York. He also devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits, being still identified with farming interests. His wife passed away on the IIth of April, 1908.
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C. A. Paul acquired his early education in the district schools and afterward attended the Normal high school and also the Ohio State University. He was a youth of thirteen years when in 1874 his father removed with the family from Erie to Huron county and established his home upon a farm in Bronson town- ship, where he is still living. He is numbered among the extensive and success- ful farmers and stock-raisers, making a specialty of the raising of fine cattle. His son, C. A. Paul, is an only child. His youthful days were passed under the pa- rental roof but, not desiring to follow agricultural pursuits as a life work he turned his attention to manufacturing interests, with which he was connected for two years after leaving school. He then took up the banking business in which he has since continued and is now vice-president of the Citizens Banking Company. He also owns two farms in Huron county and from this property derives a sub- stantial annual income.
In 1893 Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Clara Cannon, a native of Cleveland and a daughter of Captain Thomas Wilson, an extensive ship owner. Mr. Paul is identified with the Congregational church. He is preeminently a man of affairs with large and varied interests and wields a wide influence. As a busi- ness man and financier he ranks prominent among the men of force in the com- munity because of his ready recognition and utilization of opportunities. He has made no backward steps in his life, his course being characterized by continuous progress toward the goal of prosperity. His business affairs, although extensive, have not hurt his active participation in movements relative to the public good and throughout the community he is known as a public-spirited citizen whose interest in the general welfare has been manifest in many tangible ways.
JOSEPH H. POST.
Joseph H. Post, whose name is known throughout Ohio and other states in the Union in connection with thoroughbred Delaine merino sheep, now owns a farm of eighty-three acres in New London township, in the operation of which he is meeting with most gratifying success. He is numbered among the native sons of Huron county, his birth having occurred in Hartland township on the 18th of January, 1859.
Reared to agricultural pursuits, he attended the public schools of his native township in the acquirement of his education, and during the periods of vacation he assisted in the work of the home farm. He continued to devote his time to his text-books until eighteen years of age, when his father's feeble health made it necessary for him to take charge of his business affairs. The father passed away when Mr. Post was twenty-one years of age, and he continued to reside upon the homestead, directing his efforts to its management, until 1903, when the prop- erty was divided. He then purchased eighty-three acres of fine farm land in New London township, upon which he has since made his home. Here he has en- gaged in general agricultural pursuits, bringing his fields under a high state of cul- tivation, while for many years he was identified with sheep-raising interests, mak- ing a specialty of thoroughbred Delaine merino sheep. He was eminently suc-
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cessful in this branch of his business, gaining the reputation of having one of the best breeding flocks of sheep in Ohio. On account of ill health, however, he was obliged to give up his stock interests, since which time he has confined himself to general farming. The Post sheep, however, are still well known and are a very popular breed throughout Ohio and adjoining states, while their reputation has even extended as far west as the state of Washington, where they are handled by the Baldwin Sheep & Ranch Company. Mr. Post has enjoyed a substantial income from the fact that both branches of his business-the raising of grain and the breeding of sheep-have proved profitable, while his indefatigable industry, his intelligently directed labors, his close application and his good business ability have been salient characteristics in his success.
It was in 1885 that Mr. Post was united in marriage to Miss Minnie E. Mil- ler, a native of Hartland township, born on the Ist of November, 1868, and a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Miller, residents of Hartland township. Mr. Post gives loyal support to the republican party and is now serving as township trustee, while he has also been township appraiser, at all times performing the duties of these offices in a prompt, efficient and highly satisfactory manner. Hav- ing spent his entire life in Huron county, he has gained an extensive circle of friends within its borders, and the fact that he is most liked and respected where best known is an indication that the principles which actuate him in his relations with his fellowmen are in harmony with those which govern honorable and upright manhood.
JOSEPH H. COUTANT.
The Coutant family of Greenwich township is known as one of the early pio- neers of the county. Several of its members still reside here at advanced age, and all are respected for their integrity and uprightness. Four of the original family of eleven children born to Jasper and Phobe (Burdsell) Coutant are still liv- ing : Gideon, Joseph H. and Benjamin, of Greenwich township, respectively aged ninety, eighty-eight and eighty-five years and Burdsell, aged eighty, residing in Wood county, Ohio. The parents of these children, lived in Monroe county, Pennsylvania, the father dying there at a comparatively early age. The grandfather Burdsell and family moved to Ohio in 1833, together with other relatives. After the death of Mr. Coutant, the widow, in 1856, followed her sons and relatives and passed the remainder of her life in the Buckeye state, dying in 1896, at the extreme old age of one hundred years and one hundred days.
Joseph H. Coutant, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in what is now Monroe county, Pennsylvania, September 19, 1820. Ten years after the emi- gration of the Burdsells, Gideon and Joseph H. Coutant decided to come to what was then referred to as the "Great West." They made the journey in the usual manner of the times-overland by horses and wagon. Upon arriving they settled in the forest and carved out of nature's bounty a log-cabin home. Four years passed before Joseph was ready to take upon himself the responsibilities of mar- ried life, but on October 18, 1847, he brought to his cabin home a wife, formerly Miss Mary Jane Hoyt. She was a member of a pioneer family also, who had
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emigrated to Ohio from New York, being originally from Connecticut. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Coutant: Ella Gertrude, Edward H. and Charles, the last dying in infancy. Ella and Edward are unmarried and reside with their father on the old home farm, the mother having died in November, 1883.
After marriage, Joseph H. Coutant settled on his present farm and has con- tinued his residence thereon to the present time. As prosperity came he invested in land and has for many years been known as one of the largest real-estate hold- ers in the county ; his present holdings comprising three hundred acres of highly improved land.
Mr. Coutant has been a model citizen, taking up such duties as came to him and performing them in an intelligent and efficient manner. He served many years on the school board of his township, as township trustee, and in other public mat- ters his voice has always been raised in support of that which would elevate the moral tone of the community. A whig in his early manhood, voting first for "Tip- pecanoe and Tyler too," he took part in the evolution of affairs which produced the republican party. His vote is now cast in that party's favor and he is proud to claim a charter membership therein. His religious life has been passed in the Society of Friends, having had a birthright membership. He has been active in the work of the church and still loves "the precincts of the sanctuary." Although of advanced age, Mr. Coutant is vigorous and active and is passing his closing years in the cheerful habits of industry formed in his youth, surrounded by friends who esteem him for his unquestionable worth.
ANDREW MISSLER.
Andrew Missler, carrying on agricultural pursuits in Sherman township, is one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of this section of the county, who has, moreover, been an extensive landowner in the past, but has given away con- siderable property to his sons. He still owns a farm of one hundred and eighty- five acres upon which he resides and which he continues to operate. A native of Germany, he was born June 27, 1848, a son of Andrew and Frances Missler. The parents, who were reared and married in the fatherland, brought their family to the United States in 1854, settling first in Adams county, Ohio, where they remained for one year. A removal was then made to Huron county, and here their remaining days were passed, the father passing away March 19, 1871, while the mother's demise occurred six weeks later. In their family were the follow- ing children: Anna, deceased; Joseph; Margaret, Elizabeth and Caroline, who have all passed away ; Catherine; Anthony, a soldier of the Civil war who is now deceased ; Peter, who is also dead; and Andrew, of this review.
In the district schools of Huron county Andrew Missler acquired his educa- tion, and remained a student up to his fifteenth year, when, setting aside his text- books, he shouldered his ax and went into the woods to assist in clearing the land. At that time much of the district was covered with native timber and the trees had to be removed ere the work of improvement could be begun. From an early age he assisted in the work of developing a new farm, and he has since
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continued to make agriculture his life work. Upon attaining manhood he em- barked in business on his own account and purchased ninety acres from his father, for which he paid four thousand dollars. He later acquired fifty-three and a half acres from Worthington Imps, which cost thirty-five hundred dollars, another tract of fifty-five and a half acres from Anthony Gerhardstein, for which he paid twenty-five hundred dollars, and he paid thirty-five hundred dollars for eighty- one acres purchased from Frank Ruffing. The farm upon which he now resides includes one hundred and twenty-three acres bought from, Joseph Ruffing for nine thousand dollars. He became known as one of the extensive land owners of Sher- man township, but he has since given three different farms to his sons and con- templates giving another one next year. This continuous and steady accumula- tion of property is but the visible evidence of the prosperity that came to him as the years went by, for he is a practical, progressive and successful farmer, who pos- sesses also the ability of keen judgment and good business management.
On the 13th of September, 1870, Mr. Missler was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Meyers, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann Meyers, farming people of Seneca county, Ohio. She is one of a family of six children, the other members of the family being Benjamin, Mary, John, Jacob and Catherine. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Missler has been blessed with nine children, as follows: J. Andrew ; Catherine; Mary; Joseph; John; Jacob, deceased; Fred; Otto; and Clara, who died December 14, 1907.
The family attend the Catholic church and Mr. Missler gives his support to the democracy where national issues are concerned. However he reserves the right to vote independently in local matters, casting his ballot for the men and meas- ures which in his judgment will best conserve the public good. He has served as road supervisor and is always interested in all matters pertaining to the upbuild- ing and growth of the community. He has attained success in his chosen field of labor, but his prosperity has come to him as the direct result of industry, energy, perseverance and well directed efforts. He stands high in the honor and esteem of his fellowmen and is recognized as one of the valuable and representative citi- zens of Sherman township.
GEORGE W. BAKER.
George W. Baker, one of the younger farmers of Greenfield township, who with his brother August manages the one hundred and sixty-five acres of land owned by their mother, was born in Peru township, Huron county, August 27, 1874. His parents, George P. and Elizabeth (Miller) Baker, were both of German birth, but spent the greater part of their lives in this country. The father was twenty-eight when he started life in the United States. He came direct to Ohio and settled in Sandusky, where he found employment during the winter months in the boiler shops, and during the summer on the lakes. About 1870 he came to Huron county, locating in Peru township, where he first worked for Philip Erf for a number of years, and then bought one hundred acres of land, on which he lived and farmed until 1902, when he sold it and removed to Greenfield township. The Peru township farm was largely covered with tim-
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE P. BAKER
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ber when he first settled there, an entirely different piece of property from that which his successor found, for Mr. Baker had not only brought the fields to a high state of cultivation, but had also erected some fine buildings. In 1902 he bought from Mrs. Shields the farm that is known as the old Simmons place. On it he made his home until his death, and on it his widow and sons still live. It, also, has profited by the Bakers' residence, for the buildings have been remodeled, and a more scientific and up-to-date system of agriculture has been carried on that has increased its productiveness and enabled it to produce a bet- ter quality of crops. Mr. Baker was released from the cares of this world September 19, 1907, but his wife still survives at the age of fifty-six. She was eighteen when she came to this country with her brother, William Miller, and in the years of her married life became the mother of six children: George, of this review is the eldest. August was born January 17, 1876. Lena died at one year of age. John died at the age of six months. Albert married Lena Lovell, an adopted daughter of Mrs. Martha Lovell of this township, and they have three children : Jeannette, Elizabeth and Raymond, and live in Greenfield township. Bertha, the youngest of the family, married Peter Zieher and lives at Sandusky, Ohio. They have one son, Bernhart George.
George W. Baker has always lived in this county, receiving his training to meet the problems of life at home and in the district schools. For a few terms he was a pupil in the German school of Peru township, so that his education is better than that which falls to the lot of many boys reared on a farm and com- pelled to get their lesson at odd moments when work did not claim their time and in the few months during which the school held session. He has been suc- cessful in the farming he has conducted on his land, but has not specialized in any particular branch.
On the 26th of October, 1901, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Merrill Perry, a daughter of Fred and Mary (Gates) Perry, of Penn town- ship, who were among the early settlers of that locality, and have many stories to tell of the changes that have taken place since they first took up their resi- dence there. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have an adopted daughter, Loretia Meyers, a little girl of six years of age. August Baker, who assists his brother in the conduct of the farm, was married in 1904 to Miss Anna Christ, of Erie county. They have a son George, a stalwart little child in whom many hopes are placed. The Baker family are members of the Lutheran church of Pontiac, which George P. Baker helped to build and in which he always held office. The sons are still active in its affairs and in the general tenor of their lives give evidence of its teachings.
JOHN DRURY.
John Drury, a farmer of Lyme township, Huron county, owning seventy-five acres of land near Bellevue, upon which he lives, was born on this farm, March 7, 1847. The Drury family originally came from England in 1632, settling in one of the New England states. Our subject's great-grandfather bore the name
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of Jonathan Drury, while his grandfather was John Drury, who was born in Mas- sachusetts and became the father of ten children, two sons and eight daughters. Our subject's father, Jonathan Maynard Drury, was born in Worthington, Mas- sachusetts, February 24, 1809. In the course of time he married Miss Abigail Maynard Knowlton, a daughter of Benjamin Knowlton, of New Fane, Vermont, where Miss Abigail was born June 29, 1812. In 1837, the year subsequent to his marriage. Jonathan Drury came to Huron county, Ohio, on a prospecting tour. The following season he moved his family to Lyme township, this county, set- tling upon a small rented farm. For several years he worked for the diffierent farmers until, in 1842, he was able to buy a tract of sixty-four acres of land, to which he added until he had a tract of one hundred and ten acres, upon a part of which his son lives at the present day. A log cabin was his first habitation and served him until 1857. when he put up a fine brick residence, only one of the many extensive improvements he made on the place. Jonathan Drury was a life-long member of the Lyme Congregational church, of which he was a deacon for over fifty years, and when death called him, August 13, 1897, the community felt they had lost an esteemed member. By his first marriage there were three children born : Ellen M., who died at the age of seventeen ; Caroline T., who was but six at the time of her death ; and John, the subject of this sketch. After the death of his first wife which occurred May 8, 1847, Mr. Drury married Mrs. Clarissa Barnard Wrisley, by whom he had one son Miron Maynard, who was born on the home farm, June 19, 1853. He married Miss Ida Osborn and is a prominent business man of Chicago, Illinois, making his home in Evanston. Four children have been born to him: Walter M., Louise, Burton E. and Allen B. By her former marriage Mrs. Clarissa Drury had two sons: George A., now deceased, and Allen B., both prominent soap manufacturers of Chicago, where they started in business in 1861.
John Drury has lived all the years of his life on the old home farm, which he inherited from his father. His education was acquired at the public and high schools of Bellevue. Upon completing his own schooling he taught for two win- ters in York township, Sandusky county, while during the summer seasons he followed the life of a farmer, as he had from the days of his childhood. In the quiet pursuit of his vocation his days have been passed. He fell heir to his father's property, as he had followed in his footsteps and not only in the matter of busi- ness but also as regards functions bestowed by the good will of his fellows, for upon his father's death he was made deacon of the church. Of its Sunday school he has been superintendent for fifteen years and for a period of over thirty years has been clerk of the congregation.
Mr. Drury was twice married, the first time to Miss Ida Mary Cowle, a daughter of John and Anna (Ford) Cowle, of Bellevue, whom he married Feb- ruary 8, 1871. There was one daughter, Edith Ellen, born to this union, but she died in infancy, being born May 27, 1873, and dying the 16th of August following. Mrs. Drury, who was born September 12, 1846, died February 4, 1887, and on the 8th of May, 1889, Mr. Drury married Mrs. Josephine (Wright) Nims, a daugh- ter of John and Betsy (Ford) Wright. John Wright was the founder of the Wright Banking Company, of Bellevue, and its president until his death, and at one time he owned three thousand acres of land in this section of the state. Mrs.
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Josephine (Wright) Drury was born April 16, 1848, in Groton township, Erie county, Ohio, and by her former marriage had one child, Walter Worthington Nims, who lives at Strongs Ridge, Lyme township. He married Miss Mamie L. Newton and has one child, born January 1, 1909.
His long residence and connection with affairs in this county has made Mr. Drury well known in this locality. Looking back over his past life, which has been filled with earnest endeavor, no greater praise can be given than by saying he is a worthy son of an esteemed father.
ROBERT ARTHUR.
Robert Arthur, who has the distinction of being the largest landowner of Hu- ron county, Ohio, resides upon a farm of thirteen hundred acres in Greenfield township, to the cultivation of which he is directing his entire energies. He was born in this township on the 4th of March, 1829, in an old log house situated about three-quarters of a mile from his present home, and is a son of John and Martha (Easter) Arthur. The father was born near Londonderry, Ireland, in 1797, and in 1822 he brought his wife and one child to the United States, purchasing a small farm in Greenfield township, Huron county. Upon the land stood a log house in which they began their housekeeping, while Mr. Arthur at once commenced clear- ing the land for the purpose of cultivation. Soon he had improved the entire tract and was so prosperous in his undertaking that as the years went by he was able to add to his original holdings and at the time of his death he was the owner of an excellent farm of three hundred acres. He was a member of the Congrega- tional church of Steuben and assisted in building that church, in which he was an office-holder up to the time of his death. He was a man of fine principles who was respected and esteemed throughout the community in which he resided. He passed away in 1890, while his wife, who was also born in Ireland, was eighty- four years of age at the time of her death. In their family were six children, namely: Margaret, who was born in Ireland and is the deceased wife of Alex- ander Lewis, who has also passed away ; Anna J., who married James McPher- son and resides at Steuben, Ohio, being the oldest resident of that town, a sketch of whom is found elsewhere in this volume; Mary, who married Thomas Irv- ing, both of whom are now deceased; William, who passed away at the age of seventy years ; Robert, of this review ; and Kathryn, also deceased. All were born in this township with the exception of the eldest, whose birth occurred before the parents left Ireland.
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