USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 42
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
After his marriage Mr. Washburn located in Fitchville township, where he en- gaged in general farming and in the raising of fine stock. But in 1885 he removed to the old Washburn homestead in Greenwich township, where he has since re- sided, devoting special attention to the raising of thoroughbred cattle, both of the Hereford and Durham breeds, which command the highest price. The farm is one of the finest in the county, being well improved, fenced and tile drained, and sup- plied with good, substantial buildings. The land is under a high state of cultiva- tion and produces excellent crops. For two years Mr. Washburn devoted con- siderable attention to the buying of wool, and being a good judge of that article, met with success in the undertaking.
1
JAY WASHBURN AND FAMILY
431
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
In his political views Mr. Washburn is a republican and a most ardent sup- porter of the principles of that party. In the early days of the Patrons of Hus- bandry he became a charter member of that organization and was an active worker in the first grange ever established in Fitchville township, where he then made his home. At all times deeply interested in public affairs, his influence is exerted for good and he is recognized as one of the valued citizens of his. community. For the past few years he has been living practically retired, while his son Howard carries on the work of the farm and is proving an excellent and worthy successor of his father. Method is apparent in the conduct of this farm, all fields being platted and arranged so that the best results may be obtained from the labor ex- pended. Closely adhering to a systematic rule of crop rotation, a close study is made of the adaptability of certain crops to certain soils. The stables and barns are all arranged with a view to convenience and are supplied with water. On this model, well kept farm there is a place for everything and everything is in its place, and a view of it is in itself a lesson in thrift, perseverance and industry.
HARMON VON SEGGERN.
Harmon Von Seggern, an up-to-date and progressive farmer and stock-raiser of Ripley township, Huren county, is a native of Germany, his birth there occurr- ing on the 19th of January, 1861. He is a son of Dedrick and Mattie (Gold) Von Seggern, and a brother of Henry, Fred, Dedrick and Riche Von Seggern. He belongs to a family that, like many another that has come from across the water, sought the opportunities of the new world that advancement might be made in business lines and better advantages given to the members of the house- hold.
Harmon Von Seggern was a little lad of seven years when his parents made the voyage across the Atlantic and settled in Ohio, so that to the district school system of this state he is indebted for the educational advantages which he en- joyed. The time not devoted to his text-books was given to assisting in the work of the fields, and under the direction of liis father, he early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil. He has always carried on general agricultural pursuits and his labors have been practical and therefore productive of good re- sults. He is the owner of one hundred acres of farm land, the soil of which is very rich and fertile, responding to cultivation in abundant harvests. He also devotes considerable time to stock-raising interests, making a specialty of breed- ing horses, and both branches of his business are sources of gratifying remunera- tion.
It was on the 14th of December, 1883, that Mr. Von Seggern was united in marriage to Miss Anna Shepard, who was born in Henry county in 1858. A daughter of D. L. and Maria (Hockman) Shepard, she is one of a family of nine children, the others being Jacob, Freeman, Marion, Austin, Edward, Elizabeth, Flora and Hulda. The grandfather of Mrs. Von Seggern on the paternal side was Martin Shepard, while her mother was a daughter of Joseph Hockman. As the years have gone by, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Von Seggern has been blessed
432
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
with eight children, namely : William, Hulda, Jacob, Austin, Bessie, May, Dan- iel and Grace. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Von Seggern has given his allegiance to the democracy, and although born across the waters, he has always been loyal to the interests of his adopted country, doing all in his power to further the growth and development of the community in which he resides. Although he has occupied his present farm for only six years, he has nevertheless acquired many warm friends who entertain for him high regard and esteem.
LAWRENCE ZIMERMAN.
lawrence Zimerman is one of the worthy citizens that Germany has fur- nished to Huron county. He owns and operates fifty-three acres of land in Sher- man township and although he was formerly engaged in carpentering in 1903 he purchased this farm on which he located and is now leading the quiet life of a farmer. Mr. Zimerman as above stated, was born in Germany, his natal day being March 2, and the year 1853. His parents, Christopher and Elizabeth Zimer- man both died in Germany, when our subject was a little lad of nine years. They had a family of ten children : Elizabeth, who is in Australia ; Rosina and Barbara, who still make their home in the fatherland: Christopher, who lives in Iowa; Magdelina, who resides in Germany ; George, who died in New York ; Lorenz, of this review ; and three who died in infancy.
Lorenz Zimerman, following the demise of his parents, made his home with friends in his native land. He acquired his education in the schools of that country and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a number of years. He also did service in the German army. It was while still a resident of Germany that he was married in Monheim, June 24, 1878, the lady of his choice being Elizabeth Goelz a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Goelz.
It was in the year 1881, that, foreseeing no future in the old world, and hav- ing heard and read a great deal about the freedom and opportunity for advance- ment in this country, Mr. Zimerman decided to emigrate with his wife to the United States. He had a sister, Mrs. George Hoener, living in Sherman town- ship, Huron county, and he at once made his way to her home. He here resumed work at his trade and was connected with building operations until 1903. In the meantime, he had carefully saved his earnings, so that he was justified in that year in making a purchase of land and accordingly became the owner of the tract of fifty-three acres on which he now makes his home. There were no improve- ments on the place when it came into his possession, but he erected a comfortable residence, a good barn and made other substantial improvements and now has a neat and well kept farm. He has now settled down to a quiet life on the farm, having abandoned his work at the carpenter's trade, and is meeting with suc- cess in his farming operations.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Zimerman have been born seven children, four sons and three daughters, namely: Henry, who wedded Nora Hammersmith, their home being near Bellevue and their family numbering one son, Carl; Anna, the wife of Ed Hammersmith, who lives in Monroeville and who is the mother of three
433
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
children : Alfred, Magdeline and Marian; Peter, who wedded Miss Elizabeth Linder, by whom he has one daughter, Helen, and makes his home near Norwalk ; and John, Martin, Philomena and Celia, still under the parental roof.
Mr. Zimerman gives his political support to the democratic party and has served as a member of the school board, but otherwise has filled no public office. He is a communicant of the Catholic church at Bismarck. Mr. Zimerman is well pleased with the progress he has made since coming to the new world and fully realizes the superior business opportunities here as compared with those in the old country. He possesses the German characteristics of honesty, industry and perseverance and today stand among the substantial German-American citizens of Huron county and Sherman township.
COLONEL E. TEMPLER.
One of the farmers of Huron county who has made a success of life is Colonel E. Templer of Greenwich township. He is a native of Michigan, his parents, Jonathan and Ann (Darrow) Templer, having come to Huron county in 1848, and after a short stay removed to Ingham county, Michigan, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Jonathan Templer was a carpenter by trade and a man of fine public spirit, judged by the fact that four of his sons enlisted in the Union army for the defense of Old Glory. He died in 1865, and his widow sur- viving many years, died in March, 1888. Their family of ten children were as follows: James, William, Mary, Nicholas, Diadama, Edgar, Fremont, Charles, Frank and Colonel E. Of these four did valiant service for the flag : Nicholas, who was wounded in battle and now resides at Mason, Michigan; William and Edgar, who died of illness contracted in service; James, who survived the war and died at his home in Bay City, Michigan, in February, 1909, aged seventy years. The living members of the family are: Mary, wife of Solon D. Neely, of Mason, Michigan, who also was a soldier and wounded ; Nicholas, also a resident of Mason, Michigan ; Diadama, now Mrs. N. W. Odell, of Olena, Ohio ; Fremont, of South Dakota; and Charles, of Fitzville, Ohio.
Colonel E. Templer was born in Ingham county, Michigan, March 23, 1862. Well educated in the public schools of Norwalk, he completed his scholastic training at the Mason high school. He then took up the profession of teaching and for twenty years was know as one of the leading educators of Huron county, being for seven consecutive years at Olena. Later he took up farming and has for years been one of the prominent agriculturists of the county. His farm of one hundred acres is devoted to general farming and stock raising.
Colonel E. Templer was joined in marriage January 1, 1884, to Miss Lura Burgess, a daughter of Egbert and Elizabeth (Strimple) Burgess, another of the worthy families of Huron county. The father was also a soldier of the Civil war and gave his life for the cause he loved. Mrs. Templer was the only child, and the mother still survives, living with her daughter. Four children constitute the family of Mr. and Mrs. Templer, all of whom bid fair to make a success in life. Merle C. was given a good education and is now superintendent of the
434
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
Central high school of Ruggles, Ashland county, Ohio. Charles is a student at Savannah Academy, while Kenneth and Mildred are still under the home roof.
Colonel Templer is a man of standing and influence in his home community and takes an active interests in its affairs. Township trustee for ten years, a number of years on the local schoolboard, and now a member of the board of edu- cation, he has strengthened the schools of the township by his experimental knowl- edge of the work to be done therein. He is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Green- wich Lodge. No. 640, and a member of the Maccabees. He and his family are working Methodists, being a trustee of the church and a teacher in the Sunday school, of which he was superintendent for many years. Politics interest him only so far as casting an intelligent vote for republican candidates. The head of a refined home emanating a beneficent influence throughout the community, and a citizen whose ideals are all on an elevated plane, Colonel Templer is making a thorough success in life.
FRANK M. ARNOLD.
One of the many farmers of Ohio who have studied their acres and applied their own theories to agriculture and stock raising in general and have made a success is Frank M. Arnold, of Wakeman township. On May 20, 1853, he was born in Bristol township, Trumbull county, Ohio, a son of Samuel D. and Cath- erine ( Kinnaman) Arnold, who came to Huron county in 1857, settling on a farm in Clarksfield township. After a long and busy life, the father passed away in 1903, but the mother is still living.
Frank M. Arnold received his education in the district schools of Clarksfield township and learned the practical work of the farm under his father's efficient guidance. He married, March 15, 1876, Miss Mary C. Hand, the daughter of John G. and Clarissa ( Fletcher) Hand. Her father was a farmer in Wakeman township, owning the farm where the Arnolds now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold have two children : Ethel M., and Frank Merwil, both single and at home.
After marriage, Mr. Arnold turned his attention to farming, locating in Clarks- field township, where he remained twenty-two years. In 1898, he came to Wake- man township, and, as above stated, located on the J. G. Hand place. Mr. Ar- nold studies his land and crop rotation, in a manner which never fails to bring forth fruit under his careful tilling, and he also engages in the breeding of fine "general purpose" horses and thoroughbred Chester White hogs, selling only for breeding purposes. His stock has come to such a high standard that he has quite a large custom.
That our subject is well known as a public spirited, honest citizen is shown by his election to the offices of road supervisor and school director, both needing skill and tact in their handling. He always votes to keep the republicans uppermost and has never missed an election day, at the same time keeping up an active in- terest in local issues and stands for continued and substantial advancement in the community's affairs. He and his family are members of the Methodist church and unfailing in Their attendance.
435
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
Mrs. Arnold believes in centering her first energies on the home, as her great interest in domestic and educational matters shows. She finds some time, how- ever, to look about in a social way, and is highly esteemed by a large circle of close friends for her intelligence and refinement. The house, in which she is the mov- ing power, is one of the few brick farm residences in Wakeman township. Its modern external architecture and convenient interior is in sharp contrast to her nearby girlhood home, built of logs in the usual old style way by her father when he came to this district. The present home, situated in the midst of grounds, which, like many other Wakeman township yards, knows as much of the lawn- mower's ravages as the average suburban lawn, radiates hospitality and cheerful- ness throughout the county.
WILLIAM A. ROSE.
There are few men who occupy a higher rank among the citizens of Hart- land township or who merit in greater degree the respect, esteem and confidence of their fellowmen, than does William A. Rose, whose high standing as a citi- zen has led to his appointment to various positions of responsibility and trust. A native of Ohio, he was born in Muskingum county on the 27th of February, 1857, a son of Alfred and Martha (Blaine) Rose, natives of New Jersey and Muskingum county, respectively. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Rose, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. while the maternal grandfather, Joseph Blaine, fought in the War of 1812. Both families were numbered among the early pioneer settlers of Ohio and were active in the affairs of the communities in which they resided. The father, Alfred Rose, was a carpenter by trade but took up the occupation of farming after his marriage. He passed away February 5, 1873, while his wife survived until July 18, 1904, their remains being laid to rest in Woodland cemetery at Norwalk. In their family were three children, as follows : William A., of this review; Mary A., the wife of Charles Dipple of Townsend township ; and John J., also residing in Townsend township. .
Amid the scenes and environments of rural life, William A. Rose spent the years of his boyhood and youth, and attended the public schools and later the Lebanon Normal College in the pursuit of his education. When not busy with his text-books, he assisted his father about the farm, early becoming familiar with the various tasks that fall to the lot of the farmer. He remained at home until after his marriage, when he purchased his present place which consists of one hundred and seventy acres of splendid farming land in Hartland township. He carries on general farming pursuits and has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, annually reaping rich harvests therefrom, while he also de- votes considerable time to his stock interests, making a specialty of breeding thoroughbred Oxford Down sheep. He is a large breeder of this animal and exhibits extensively at various state and county fairs. Upon his farm stand sub- stantial and commodious buildings and he has introduced all of the modern equip- ments and accessories which go to make up a model farm. He is a man who thoroughly understands his business, is intelligent, progressive and up-to-date
436
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
in the methods which he pursues, and by the exercise of his salient characteristics- industry, energy and perseverance-he is meeting with substantial success, rank- ing foremost among the prosperous and affluent farmers of the township.
On the 16th of October, 1889, Mr. Rose was united in marriage to Miss Luella Miles, a daughter of Sylvester and Almira (Sherman) Miles, both of whom are representatives of old and well known pioneer families. Mr. and Mrs. Rose both attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they have at all times been liberal supporters.
Fraternally, Mr. Rose is a Mason, holding membership in East Townsend Lodge, No. 322, F. & A. M., and he is now master of the lodge and has filled all of the offices. He likewise belongs to Townsend Grange, No. 1392, Patrons of Husbandry, and has always been an active member of the grange, now serving as steward of the lodge. He has been a very prominent figure in local political circles, having at all times given stalwart support to the democracy, and he has ever kept well informed upon all current matters and his high standing in the community as a citizen led to his appointment by the county court as a member of the Huron county jury commission. Mr. Rose has likewise served on the democratic county committee for years and almost invariably is sent as a dele- gate to the county conventions. He has also been elected to various offices in the township, having been chosen in 1890 real estate appraiser for Townsend town- ship. He is a member of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a warm champion. He is pre-eminently a man of affairs who is ever ready to lend his assistance to all matters which have for their object the material, political, intellectual and moral upbuilding and progress of the community, while his many excellent personal traits have gained for him a high place in the front ranks of Huron county's representative and valued citizens. He is an extensive reader, keeping in close touch with all of the topics of the day, while his wife is a lady of fine attainments who, having received her educational training in the Milan private school, was for some years prior to her marriage a very successful and progressive teacher. Both are people of true worth of character, prominent and influential in the community in which they reside, where they are well known for their charity and many good deeds.
JOHN J. McMANN.
John J. McMann needs no special introduction to the readers of this volume for he is well known in business and political circles of this community, his activity in the latter leading to his selection for positions of public trusts. A native of New York, he was born in Dutchess county, that state, October 13, 1855, a son of Jerre and Julia (Lown) McMann. The father, a native of Ireland, left his home at the age of twelve years and from that time was dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood. He experienced many hardships and privations during the early period of his career, but never permitted himself to be overcome by any obstacles. By untiring perseverance and unfaltering industry, he learned the coop- ers trade and gradually worked his way upward until he became a large opera-
437
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
tor in his line of activity. In 1864, he arrived in Chicago, where he engaged in his trade until 1871, when he came to Wakeman, where he spent the remain- ing days of his life. He operated a large cooperage in this city and became very prosperous in his business enterprise. A man of great force of character, he possessed a strong personality, and was known throughout the community for his charitable and humanitarian traits. A man who acquired money easily, he gave liberally of his means to the poor and needy and no worthy person in distress ever sought his aid in vain, so that when he passed away on the 30th of Septem- ber, 1898, his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He was laid to rest in the Wakeman cemetery, while his wife still survives him. Their family consisted of five children, namely : John J., Jerre H., Richard, Margaret and William.
A worthy successor of an honored father, John J. McMann acquired his edu- cation in the schools of New York, Chicago and Wakeman, and early became as- sociated with his father in the mill business, taking complete charge of the mill after the demise of the latter. It is true that he became interested in a business already established, but in the controlling and enlarging of this enterprise, he has demonstrated the truth of the saying that success is not the result of genius, but the outcome of a clear judgment and experience. Some years prior to the death of his father, the supply of available timber for cooperage purposes became de- pleted and the mill was converted into a bent wood and general sawmill, which John J. McMann has since continued to operate. He has extended his interests to include the lumber and contracting business and his capable control of his combined enterprises is bringing to him a marked degree of success. He pos- sesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is de- termined in their execution, and his close application to business and his excellent mannagement have brought to him the substantial prosperity which is today his.
Not only in business circles, however, has Mr. McMann figured prominently in the affairs of Wakeman, but he is equally well known in political circles and is deeply and helpfully interested in all public matters. He is a stalwart democrat and during the two terms of President Cleveland, served as postmaster of Wake- man. His election to this office came to him through no solicitation on his part, but as the expression of the appreciation of his sterling qualities and high stand- ing in the community on the part of his fellowmen. He also served as township clerk for several terms and proved an excellent official in both capacities. Some- thing of his personal popularity and his high standing among all classes in this community is indicated in the fact that in 1908 he was nominated for county treasurer in a county that was strongly republican and in spite of that fact that the republican majority ran from eight to eighteen hundred, Mr. McMann was elected by a majority of four hundred and eighteen votes over his opponent.
Mr. McMann was united in marriage on the 17th of October, 1878, to Miss Ella J. Harris, a daughter of Andrew and Rebecca (Harrison) Harris. The father was engaged in the mercantile business in this city for many years and still survives at the venerable age of eighty-four years, his mind remaining as clear and his interests in public affairs as keen as in former years. His wife, however, passed away January 10, 1899. The home of Mr. and Mrs. McMann
438
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
has been blessed with one son, Clifford H., who is associated with his father in business, while they also lost a child who died in infancy.
Mr. McMann is a member of Gibson Lodge, No. 301, F. & A. M., and also holds membership with the Royal Arch Masons, and has filled all of the offices of the organization. He likewise belongs to the Lumbermen's Association of the Hoo-Hoos. Public-spirited to a marked degree, he is a stalwart advocate of public improvements along all lines, believing that therein lies the secret of the future growth and development of the community. He is fond of outdoor sports and seeks recreation and relaxation from business cares in occasional hunting and fishing trips. Giving due attention to the varied interests which develop a well rounded character, he belongs to that useful and helpful type of men whose ambi- tions and desires are centered and directed in those channels through which flow the greatest and most permanent good to the greatest number.
FRANK C. HERSHISER.
Industry, thrift and perseverance when combined will result in success in almost every line of business, and especially is this true in farming, for the soil responds to work put upon it in good crops that insure a steady income. Many of the most sensible and substantial men of Huron county, Ohio, are engaged in agricultural pursuits, and among them is Frank C. Hershiser, who resides upon his fertile farm of one hundred and four acres, while his son and he own another tract of one hundred and four acres adjoining the homestead on the west.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.