USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 44
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Fraternally Mr. Reeves is a master Mason and holds membership in the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, in both of which bodies he is an active and prominent worker. Fle gives stalwart support to the republican party and although he neither desires nor seeks office for himself, is deeply interested in the affairs of the party and does all in his power to further its influence in the com- munity and elect its men to the various offices. He is not only well known in agricultural circles of Ripley township, but is also a member of the Greenwich Telephone Company, better known as the Clinton Air Line. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which he has attained gratifying success that has come to him as the logical result of indefatigable energy and well directed effort.
WILLIAM C. SCHEID.
William C. Scheid, devoting his time and energies to the cultivation and im- provement of his farm of ninety-five acres in Peru township and seventy-five acres in Sherman township, was born on this place on the 8th of December, 1861. His parents, John William and Catherine ( Beilstein) Scheid, were both natives of Germany, the former born on the 9th of January, 1818, and the latter in 1826. In 1849, the father accompanied his parents on their emigration to the ยท new world, the family home being established in Peru township, Huron county, Ohio, where both the grandfather and the grandmother of our subject passed away. John William Scheid, the father of William C. Scheid, continued to make his home in Peru township, until called to his final rest on the 30th of November, 1903. being successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. He assisted in the organization and erection of the Lutheran church in Peru township and served as one of its elders for a number of years. His wife, who had made the journey to the new world in company with her sisters and brothers, was called to her final rest in 1885. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, namely: Elizabeth, who is the wife of Charles J. Heyman and resides in Lyme township; August, living in Peru township ; Henrietta, who makes her home with her sister, Mrs. Hass, in Sherman town- ship : William C., of this review ; Catherine B., residing in Sherman township, who is the wife of George C. Hass ; and I. H., of California.
In pursuit of an education William C. Scheid attended both the district and German schools and early in life became familiar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist through the assistance which he rendered his father in the cultivation of the old homestead farm. It it a highly improved and valuable tract of land comprising ninety-five acres and here Mr. Scheid has lived from his birth to the present time, his agricultural interests proving a good
MR. AND MRS. W. C. SCHEID
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source of revenue. Many of the substantial improvements on the property stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. His landed holdings also include a farm of seventy-five acres in Sherman township and he is widely recognized as a prosperous, enterprising and progressive citi- zen of his native county. For nine years, he acted as agent for the Huron County Mutual Insurance Company.
On the 24th of February, 1898, Mr. Scheid was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Elizabeth Longscheid, of Sherman township, a daughter of William and Wilhelmina (Gerhard) Longscheid, both natives of Germany. The father was born February 10, 1835, and came to America in July, 1854, being about four months in crossing the ocean on account of severe storms. He died on the Ist of February, 1868, and his wife, who was born January II, 1835, passed away on the 9th of May, 1872. She came to this country in the spring of 1855 with her pa- rents, but her mother took cold on the ship and died shortly after her arrival in America. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Scheid have been born four children, namely : William A., Freda M., and Arnold N., all at home ; and Edwin J., who died in infancy. Mr. Scheid has held various official positions in the Lutheran church, of which he is a valued and prominent member. In the community where they reside both he and his wife are much esteemed as people of genuine worth, mani- festing those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.
WILLIAM J. BEELMAN.
William J. Beelman, whose activity in the United Brethren church has made him well known throughout Huron county, is farming his eighty-four acres of rich land in Richmond township and is one of the excellent representatives of the agricultural class. He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, June 13, 1867, being a son of Adam and Frances Elmyra (Coover) Beelman. The father was born March 3, 1843, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and came to Huron county, Ohio, when twenty-seven years of age. He now resides at Chi- cago, Ohio, but he lost his wife in 1876. They had a family as follows : William J., who is the eldest ; Geary J. ; Mary, who married William Helter ; and Frances Elmyra, who married Elmer L. Bare and lives at Grand Junction, Colorado. After the death of his first wife, Adam Beelman was married in October, 1878, to Jennie Daughtery, and they have one daughter, Mabel V., who lives with her parents. The paternal grandparents of William J. Beelman were George and Elizabeth (Brant) Beelman, natives of Pennsylvania, while the maternal grandparents were Jacob and Margaret Coover, who were also born in Pennsylvania.
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William J. Beelman went to the district school for about four months every winter until he attained his majority, and in the summer he worked very hard upon the farm. His first employment after leaving home was working on neigh- boring farms by the month and at the same time he learned the carpenter's trade. After working at this trade for fifteen years, he engaged with the Beelman Lum- ber Company at Chicago, and continued with them for twenty-two months. Then in 1908, he bought his present farm from the heirs of his father-in-law's estate and since then this has been his home.
On September 7, 1893, Mr. Beelman married Mary M. Keesy, a daughter of John H. and Margaret (Johnston) Keesy, who were natives of Pennsylvania, but came to Ohio at an early day. Mrs. Beelman belongs to a family which was as follows: Addie, who married William Riddle; Olive O., who married Chris Kil- per ; Edith Estella, who married Elmer Beelman ; Mary M., the wife of William J. Beelman. Mr. and Mrs. Beelman have two children : Ross E., born November 13. 1894 ; and Effie Elmyra, born April 16, 1898.
Mr. Beelman is school director and served as township clerk for one term, being elected both times on the republican ticket. During the time he has been in office, he has proven himself efficient and public-spirited. He and his wife belong to the United Brethren church, in which they are very active and he is class leader. He is a man of considerable force of character and one who is able to influence his associates and fortunate for them it is always exerted for their good to lead them into the higher walks of life.
ARTHUR E. STEVENS.
Arthur E. Stevens was for many years actively identified with the agricul- tural interests of Huron county, but is now practically living retired in a com- fortable home in North Fairfield, although he still retains the management of his farm of one hundred acres in Ripley township. Throughout his career of continued and far-reaching usefulness his duties have been performed with the greatest care and his business interests have been so managed as to win him the confidence of the public and the prosperity which should always attend honor- able effort.
Mr. Stevens was born in New York on the 18th of April, 1843, and is a son of Timothy and Janet (Rose) Stevens, the former a son of Ezra and Lucy (Foote) Stevens. He was the eldest in a family of five children born unto Tim- othy Stevens and his wife, the others being Clarence, Elizabeth, Lucy and Minerva.
Arthur E. Stevens was reared to agricultural pursuits, giving his father the benefit of his services on the home farm until he had reached years of maturity, when he started out in life on his own account and has since been identified with farming pursuits in Fairfield township. He purchased a farm of one hun- dred acres, to the improvement and development of which he directed his entire energies, practicing the rotation of crops and studying the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and the best methods of cultivating same. He toiled earn-
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estly from early spring planting until late autumn harvest, and that he was suc- cessful in his undertaking is indicated in the fact that his enterprise and industry were crowned with a gratifying measure of success that now makes it possible for him to live in retirement, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. Although he retains the management of his farm, he has, nevertheless, withdrawn from active business life, and resides in a comfortable home in North Fairfield.
It was in 1866 that Mr. Stevens was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Burton, who was born in Bronson township, Huron county, in 1845 and is a daughter of Edward and Laura (Heath) Burton. She was the eldest of a family of seven children born unto her parents, the others being LeRoy, Dealton, Adolphus, Mary, Ida and Emma. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Stevens has been blessed with the following children, Jeanette, Clara, Burton, Thornton, Pearl and Ed- ward. The family are members of the Christian church, the teachings of which form the guiding influences of their lives. Mr. Stevens is democratic in politics, and although he neither seeks nor desires office for himself, he is nevertheless loyal in his support of his party and is public-spirited in his citizenship, at all times advocating the measures which tend to promote the growth and upbuilding of the community. During the period of his residence in Huron county he has gained a wide circle of friends who hold him in high respect and regard because of his many sterling qualities.
GEORGE A. HOENER.
George A. Hoener owns and operates a good tract of land, comprising one hundred and thirty-three acres, situated in Sherman township and here he gives his entire time and attention to general farming. He is a native of Germany, born December 1, 1848, a son of George A. and Conneherd (Seibert) Hoener, who reared a family of six children and both the parents passed away in the old country. The members of the family are: Cunahunda, George A., Magdelina, Michael, George, deceased; and Leonard.
George A. Hoener pursued his studies in the schools of his native land and there remained until he had reached the age of twenty-eight years. Believing that he might more quickly gain a start in the business world in the United States than he would in Germany, he then sailed for this country. He made his way to Huron county and for three years subsequent to his arrival worked on various farms in Sherman township. He then purchased fifteen acres of land, but un- fortunately lost this. He took new courage, however, and worked on earnestly and energetically until he was eventually able to invest in another small tract, to which he added from time to time until his place now embraces one hundred and thirty-three acres in Sherman township. He has made his home on this place for the past two decades and during this time has been busily engaged in its cultivation. His fields are well tilled and annually produce good crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.
It was prior to his emigration to the new world that Mr. Hoener was mar- ried, September 26, 1869, Miss Barbara Zimmerman becoming his wife. She
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was born in Germany, June 21, 1841, and is a sister of Lawrence Zimmerman, who is a farmer of Sherman township and is mentioned on another page of this work. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hoener has been blessed with five children : Pheadus, who wedded Anna Heyman, by whom he has three children, Florence, Edna and Laura ; Charles, who wedded Emma Heyman and they also have three children. Alma. Harold and Gladys; John, who wedded Kathryn Brinker, of Cleveland, and their family also numbers three children, Mildred, Julia and Ralph : Maggie, the wife of Charles Herner, of Greenfield township, their family numbering three sons, Clarence, Earl and Raymond; and Anna, the wife of Daniel Grine, by whom she has three sons, Carl, Walter and Arthur John.
Mr. Hoener is a democrat in his political views and affiliations but aside from serving on the school board has never held public office. He is a member of the Lutheran church at Pontiac. He has fully realized and availed himself of the opportunities and advantages in this country, and although he has met with some reverses, he has worked on undeterred by obstacles until today he possesses a fine farming property and is classed among the substantial farmers of Sherman township.
WILLIAM MILLER.
William Miller, a prominent and well known citizen of Huron county, is ex- tensively and successfully engaged in farming and stock raising on his farm of two hundred and ten acres in Lyme township. He is a native son of this county, his birth having occurred in Lyme township on the 18th of November, 1857, while his parents, William and Bena ( Ohlenmacher) Miller, were natives of Germany. The father, who was born in 1834, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1845 and three years later, was married to Miss Bena Ohlenmacher. whose birth had occurred in the year 1836. She passed away in 1860, leaving three children : William, Henry and Charles, all of whom still survive. For his second wife William Miller, Sr., chose Miss Jane Gross, a daughter of Phillip Gross, who was one of the first settlers of this county and in the early days conducted a tavern near Bellevue. By this union there were nine children, namely: Clara, Anna. Rudolph. Rosa. Flora, Lydia, Lawrence, Emma and Chauncey. William Miller. the father of our subject, was a prominent agriculturist by occupation and invented the then famous corn-husk mattresses and seats, such as used in the railway coaches, making a fortune through the careful control of his in- terests in this connection. He capably served in the positions of township trustee and township treasurer for a number of years and was a valued member of the Reformed church at Monroeville, acting as trustee, treasurer and in other official positions. When he was called to his final rest in 1905 the county mourned the loss of one of its most substantial, representative and respected citizens and one whose life in all of its phases had been straightforward and honorable.
William Miller continued to reside in his native township until eight years of age and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Erie county, where he made his home until he had attained the age of twenty-three' years.
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He then returned to Huron county but in the meantime had followed the ad- vice of his father and gone to Michigan, where he took up a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres, disposing of the property, however, three years later. He purchased his present farm of two hundred and ten acres in Lyme township from Henry Bollenbacher and as the years have gone by has made varied and extensive improvements on the property, which is lacking in none of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. He has an attractive and modern brick residence, equipped with carbon lights, water works, etc. In addition to the home farm he also owns forty acres of land near Norwalk and has a tract of eighty acres in Texas and another of forty acres in Oklahoma. On the home place he not only cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate but also makes a specialty of raising fine sheep and cattle, meeting with a most gratifying and well merited degree of prosperity in his undertakings. He is likewise acting as general manager of the Flat Rock Creamery Company of Seneca county, of which he is a stockholder and director and is a stockholder in the local telephone company of Bellevue and the Gardner Milling Company of that place. It will thus be seen that his interests are extensive and varied and that he is a man of excellent executive ability, keen discrimination and sound judgment is indicated by the success which has at- tended his efforts.
On the 17th of February, 1882, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bollenbacher, who was born in Lyme township, December 20, 1853, a daughter of Philip Bollenbacher, who was one of the pioneer blacksmiths of this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born two children, Dora and Anna, both at home.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Miller has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democratic party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to various positions of public trust. He is now serving his twelfth year as constable of Lyme township and has been township trustee and road supervisor, while for seven years he was a member of the school board. A devoted and faithful member of the Lutheran church of Lyme township, he does all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence and is at present acting as clerk and trustee thereof.
Such, in brief, is the life history of William Miller. In whatever relation of life we find him-in political circles, in business or in social relations-he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.
CHARLES SUHR.
Charles Suhr, a strong and able lawyer of the Norwalk bar, possesses all of the requisite qualities of the successful attorney, including an excellent presence and earnest dignified manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles. He needs no introduction
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to the readers of this volume for he is numbered among Norwalk's native sons, his birth having here occurred October 16, 1860.
His father, William Suhr, was born in Saxony, Germany, on the 7th of March, 1829, and after spending the first fifteen years of his life in the land of his nativity came with his parents to the United States, when fifteen years of age. His father, Charles W. Suhr, first settled in Cleveland and William Suhr there re- sided until the death of his father and mother. In early life, he became familiar with the tailoring and clothing trade and was in business there along that line until the disastrous fire of 1851, when his stock was destroyed and he removed to Norwalk. Here he embarked in the same line of business in 1853 and continued successfully in that department of trade for forty-five years or until 1898, when he retired. Throughout this period, he had enjoyed a very liberal and extended patronage, his success being the result of the fine line of goods which he carried and the excellent workmanship which he turned out. His last years were spent in well earned and honorable rest from labor and in January, 1907, he was called to the home beyond. He was a most highly respected man by reason of the progressive citizenship which he displayed and his enterprise and reliability in commercial circles. He was a very active and carnest supporter of the republican party and was called to several offices, serving as a member of the city council, also as city treasurer for several terms and again as township treasurer. No trust reposed in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree and in all of his official duties, be displayed the same spirit of enterprise and advancement which char- acterized his efforts in business lines. He had a marked influence among the German-American people of this part of the state and he was also prominent in Masonry, being a splendid representative of the craft. He filled all of the chairs in the blue lodge. the chapter. the council and the commandery, and his life was in close conformity to the teachings of the order concerning brotherly kindness and mutual helpfulness. In early manhood, he married Mary Cashbaugh, a na- tive of Pennsylvania, who was living in Cleveland, however, at the time of their marriage. She passed away several years prior to the death of her husband, be- ing called to the home beyond March 20, 1903. when seventy years of age.
Charles Suhr was the fifth in order of birth in a family of six children, namely : Amelia, who was born in Cleveland and was accidentally killed at the age of twelve years ; George W., who was born in Norwalk in 1855; Mary and William A., also natives of this city: Charles of this review; and Laura E., who died in July, 1908.
Charles Suhr was educated in the Norwalk schools and at Kenyon, Ohio, where he pursued a three years' college course. He afterward took up the study of law with the intention of making its practice his life work, pursuing his reading in the office and under the direction of Stephen M. Young. In 1885, he was ad- mitted to the bar and opened an office in Norwalk. Here he has since been iden- tified with the legal profession and in 1902, he was elected probate judge, which positions he filled continuously, capably and acceptably until 1909, when he re- tired from the bench and resumed private practice. He has a keen, rapid, logical mind plus business sense and a ready capacity for hard work qualities, which are indispensable in the successful lawyer.
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In 1891, Mr. Suhr was married to Miss Millie A. Howe, a native of Peru, Huron county, Ohio, and a daughter of James and Hannah L. (Hatfield) Howe, representatives of old pioneer families of this part of the state. Mr. and Mrs Suhr have become the parents of four children : Carl W., J. Vernon, Marian M., and Charles Dudley. Mr. Suhr is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has taken the degrees of the chapter and commandery. He also belongs to the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Maccabees. In politics, he is very active. He is much interested in the welfare of the town and county, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and does all in his power to advance the best interests of the community, co-operating in every movement which he deems essential in promoting its growth and prosperity. He has a circle of friends almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintance, for geniality, deference for the opinions of others and kindliness have gained him a firm hold on the affection of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
JAMES P. WASHBURN.
James P. Washburn, a progressive and prosperous agriculturist, owning three hundred acres of fine farm land in New London township, is one of the self- made men of Huron county for, starting out in life empty-handed, he has acquired the success which he now enjoys entirely through his own indefatigable energy and well directed efforts. He was born in Illinois on the 26th of August, 1862, and when but two years of age he came with his parents to Ohio, where the family home was established in New London township. His mother's death occurred when he was a little lad of five years, while at the age of fifteen years he was left an orphan by the death of his father. He then went to live with an uncle, Oliver Washburn, in whose home he remained until his marriage. At this time he purchased a farm to which he removed and which he continued to operate for ten years, at the expiration of which period he sold the property and purchased another farm, while later he bought the old Golden homestead, upon which his wife and her father were both born, and which had been in the Golden family for more than sixty-five years. He has since directed his energies toward its further cultivation and improvement, erecting a new and comfortable dwell- ing in its midst, while he has also built substantial and commodious barns and outbuildings which stand as monuments to his enterprise and thrift. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and made of the place one of the valuable farming properties of New London township, upon which he intends to make his home throughout the remainder of his life. His property holdings consist of three hundred acres of land and he is ranked among the substantial and representative farmers of the township. He was identified with financial interests for about five years, being a director of the Savings Bank of New London for that period of time.
Mr. Washburn was united in marriage on the 6th of October, 1885, to Miss Frances Golden, who was born December 23, 1864. Unto this union have been
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