USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 48
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
EDWIN F. CHILDS.
Edwin F. Childs, a successful and enterprising farmer and stockman of Ripley township, owning and operating seventy-one acres of fine land, was born on the Ist of October, 1862, in Greenfield township, Huron county, his parents being George L. and Ann (Miller) Childs. The father, who was a native of Massachusetts, was born in Worcester in 1826, a son of Charles Childs, and was the second eldest in a family of four sons, his brothers being Otis, Frank and Thomas. The mother, who was a daughter of William Miller, was born in Pennsylvania in 1829 and was a sister of Jacob and Charlotte Miller. George T. Childs and his wife became the parents of seven children : Edwin F., Henry, William C., Bert, Julia, Anna and Lizzie.
Under the parental roof Edwin F. Childs was reared to manhood and at the usual age was sent as a pupil to the district schools, wherein he gained a good knowledge of the English language. During the periods of vacation he assisted
486
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
in the work of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturalist, and he remained at home, giving his father the benefit of his aid, until he attained his majority, when he started out in the business world for himself. Wisely choosing the occupation to which he had been reared as a life work, he has since directed his energies toward agricul- tural and kindred pursuits, and is today one of the substantial and progressive farmers of his section of the county. He and his brother William own a tract of land in Ripley township consisting of seventy-one acres of fine farming land, which constitutes one of the desirable and valuable properties of the township, and altogether they own nearly twelve hundred acres. In connection with farming interests they give considerable attention to general stock-dealing and in both branches of their business are meeting with signal success, enjoying a sub- stantial income therefrom.
Mr. Childs has been twice married. On the 24th of March, 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Miller, who was born on the 16th of December, 1863, and was the eldest daughter of William and Charlotte (Atyeo) Miller, in whose family were three children, the others being Oliver and Jennie. Unto this union was born one child, Charlotte, her birth occurring on the 29th of November, 1899. After the death of his first wife Mr. Childs wedded Miss Mary Meacham, the ceremony being celebrated on the 31st of May, 1908. Mrs. Childs was born July 3, 1875, in Townsend township, and is a daughter of Lafayette Meacham.
The religious views of Mr. Childs are indicated in his membership in the Christian church, of which he is serving as trustee, while in politics he gives stanch allegiance to the republican party, although he does not seek nor desire public office, desiring to concentrate his time and attention upon the duties of his business affairs, which, capably conducted, are proving a source of most gratify- ing success. Mr. Childs has spent his entire life within the borders of Huron county, where he has made many warm friends, who entertain for him high regard and esteem because of his many sterling traits of character.
JOSEPH I. HINKLEY.
Joseph I. Hinkley, who passed away on the 29th of May, .1908, was for many years actively and successfully identified with the building interests of Huron county as a carpenter and contractor. His birth occurred in Tompkins county, New York, on the 18th of November, 1828, and when four years of age he was brought by his parents to Huron county, Ohio, the family home being established in Ripley township, where he resided for a number of years. He obtained his edu- cation in the district schools and when he had attained his majority started out in life on his own account, working by the month as a carpenter and joiner. He con- ducted a most extensive business as a builder of houses and also erected several churches, many important contracts being awarded him in recognition of his excel- lent executive ability and reliable methods. His capable management and keen dis- crimination were valuable factors in the success which attended his undertakings
MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH I. HINKLEY
489
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
and he was one of the county's most highly respected citizens, being honored by all who knew him because of his unfaltering integrity and honorable, upright prin- ciples. On leaving Ripley township he made his home in Fitchville for a time and in 1864 bought a farm of sixty-four acres, to which he subsequently added by addi- tional purchases until it embraced three hundred acres of rich and productive land. He was well known and highly esteemed throughout Huron county as one of its most prominent and worthy residents and his loss was deeply felt when he was called to his final rest in May, 1908.
In 1856 Mr. Hinkley was united in marriage to Miss Emeline Tanner, who was born in Norwich township, Huron county, Ohio, on the 10th of July, 1838. Her father, Elisha D. Tanner, who was a native of Herkimer county, New York, passed away on the 13th of January, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Hinkley became the parents of eleven children. Luzerne H. and Laverne H., twins, were born on the 18th of October, 1857. The former is now a practicing physician of Greenspring, Ohio, but the latter, who gave her hand in marriage to Zuriel Curtis, died on the 4th of May, 1887. The record of the other children is as follows: Horace C., who was born April 17, 1859, and passed away December 22, 1887 ; Elisha D., born July 15, 1860, who is practicing dentistry at Denver, Colorado; Burdette C., born Feb- ruary 2, 1862, who is likewise a dentist by profession and is dean of the college at Keokuk, Iowa ; Laura E., whose birth occurred on the 28th of April, 1863 ; Benja- min H., born November 29, 1867, who was called to his final rest on the 16th of May, 1908; Junia J., who was born on the 15th of August, 1871 ; Lillian L., born August 10, 1872, who passed away March 4, 1875; Mrs. Adeline A. Boardman, whose birth occurred June 16, 1876; and French F., born April 2, 1879, who died on the 27th of September, 1881.
Mr. Hinkley fully realized the value of good mental training as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties and all of his children enjoyed excellent educational advantages. The period of his residence in this county covered more than three-fourths of a century and that his ife in its varied relations was at all times worthy of emulation and commendation is indicated by the fact that he was best loved where best known. He was a most devoted and loving husband and father and a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist church. Kind hearted and liberal, the poor and needy found in him a friend whose sympathy manifested itself in material assistance.
DANIEL WHITE.
Daniel White, a successful farmer and apiarist of New London township, and one of the township's prominent and influential citizens, was born June 3, 1841, in Yates county, New York, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Sutfin) White. The paternal grandfather's name was also Daniel, and this cognomen has been borne by a son of the family for as many generations of which there is any record. This branch of the White family came to Ohio in 1846, locating in Huron. Subsequently they made the journey from there to New London by wagon, and here took up their residence, this being their home ever since. At
490
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
the time of their advent the country in the neighborhood of New London was covered with dense forests, and the work of clearing had to be accomplished before any farming could be attempted. In this work both our subject and his sister Sarah, Mr. White's only children, assisted, and both are living to tell of the many hardships encountered and overcome. Mr. White's first wife died in 1863, and on the 6th of September of the following year he married Mrs. Sarah S. Gilbert, the widow of Titus Gilbert and the daughter of Joel and Polly (Benham) Parker. The Parkers came from Connecticut to Ohio at a very early day and were very active in promoting the development of this new land. Mr. White died January 18, 1877, a man highly respected by all who knew him, for he was industrious and frugal and of high character. His daughter, Sarah, married Llewellyn Gilbert, and is now a widow residing in Galion, Ohio.
Daniel White of this review, grew up at home, assisting in the work of clear- ing the soil and then in cultivating it. When the call for troops came at the be- ginning of the Civil war, he enlisted, August 1, 1861, in Battery B, First Ohio Light Artillery, for a period of three years, which was then thought to cover the whole length of the war. On January 4, 1864, he was mustered out at Nash- ville, Tennessee, and then, without leaving the line, was mustered in again, so that there was no break in the period of his service to his country until the close of the war. Although he was offered several promotions he preferred to remain a private, taking a certain pride in fighting valiantly in the ranks. His battery was attached to the Armies of the Tennessee and the Cumberland and partici- pated in the hard fighting that fell to the share of those armies. The battery's first encounter was at Wild Cat Run, called a battle then, but in the light of subsequent events amounting to little more than a skirmish. Later it took part in the engagements at Stone River, Pellville, Kentucky, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain and the subsequent encounters of the army. Although under fire so many times, Mr. White escaped without a wound and without see- ing the inside of a prison, a hospital or a guardhouse. On the 22d of July, 1865, he was mustered out of the service at Cleveland, Ohio, and returned to the life of a private citizen. He came to New London, which has since been his home, and for the first five years was employed as a stationary engineer. In 1871, after his marriage, he took up farming, settling upon thirty acres of land belonging to his father-in-law. After a few years he engaged in bee culture, and for the past thirty-five years has been known in the county as one of the most successful men in this line of work. He went about it in a most thorough manner, studying the habits of the bees, their manner of work, the question of their food, just as a farmer makes a study of his soil and the rotation of crops so that he can obtain the best results from the land at his command. Mr. White is able, as a result of this scientific and intelligent culture, to get from his bees a generous gift, and in the years that have come and gone they have produced tons of honey. About thirty years ago Mr. White undertook the cultivation of strawberries and at present his crop averages probably one thousand bushels. He makes a specialty of late varieties and in consequence his berries command the highest prices in the markets after the regular supply has been exhausted.
On the 3d of March. 1871, Mr. White was married to Miss Julia E. Gilbert, a daughter of Titus and Sarah (Parker) Gilbert. The Gilberts came to Ohio
491
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
in 1852, from Oneida county, New York, and settled in New London township, Huron county, on the farm on which Mr. and Mrs. White now live. Mr. Gilbert was a miller by trade and on coming here intended starting a mill but lived only a year and a half after his arrival, leaving a widow and eight children. Of these Mrs. White is the youngest; Caroline, Llewellyn and Sarah have died; and Martha, Frank, Andrus and Byron are living. The sons followed in their father's footsteps, became millers and attained success and prosperity in their line of work. Mrs. Gilbert died January 25, 1881, a woman well beloved by all who knew her. To Mr. and Mrs. White there have been born four children: Bertha, the wife of Blake Andrews; Daisy, who married Clyde E. Ward, of New London ; Daniel F., a resident of Detroit, Michigan, and Gilbert, of New London, Ohio.
In politics Mr. White is a republican and takes an active part in all party matters, frequently having served on the county republican committee, and almost regularly a delegate to county, district and state conventions. In the public affairs of the township he has also taken part, having served as town assessor for seven years, and now trustee of New London township, a position he has held for many years. During the years his children were in school he served as a member of the school board. He belongs to Carnation Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and is one of its charter members. In Runyon Post, No. 47, G. A. R., he has been active and has frequently been its delegate to state and national encampments. A high degree of public spirit has ever distinguished his actions. He is a hard worker, progressive in his ideas and enjoys the satisfaction of seeing his family well settled in life. At his home, ever filled with good cheer, he dis- penses a genial hospitality that is generally appreciated in the community.
DANIEL MAHL.
The agricultural pursuits of Sherman township find a worthy representative in Daniel Mahl, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and eight acres. A native son of Huron county, he was born on the 21st of March, 1862, a son of John D. and Catherine (Shook) Mahl, natives of Germany who early came to America and were married in this country. The father was a soldier in the German army, but after coming to the United States he took up the occupation of farming at first working for others by the month, but later on his own account. He purchased a tract of land which now comprises a part of the farm owned by the subject of this review. He and his wife became the parents of the following children : John; Jacob; Adam; Daniel; Catherine, the wife of Joseph Miller ; Frank; Michael; Henry ; Louisa ; and Mary, deceased.
Daniel Mahl spent the days of his boyhood and youth on his father's farm, his time being divided between acquiring an education in the district schools and assisting in the work of the fields. At the age of sixteen, however, he laid aside his text-books and took up the occupation to which he was reared, and has since been continuously engaged in agricultural pursuits in Sherman township. He can remember when Huron county was mostly covered by timber and the trees
492
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
had to be cut down and the native growth removed before the work of improve- ment could be commenced. And then, after the land had been cleared, the work of cultivation was not easy, for he has seen the time when, during planting season, the soil was so scarce that he was obliged to carry dirt in his hat with which to cover the kernels of corn being planted. Undaunted, however, by any obstacles that blocked his path, Mr. Mahl persevered during the intervening years, until today as the result of untiring industry and indefatigable energy and perseverance he has a finely improved property, the fields annually yielding rich harvests.
On the 2d of July, 1896, Mr. Mahl was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Didion, a daughter of John J. and Rosella Didion, mention of whom is made on another page of this volume. This union was blessed with eight children, namely : Herman, born June 16, 1897 : Ralph, born September 26, 1898; Carl, born March 4, 1900; Arnold, born October 24, 1901 ; Mary, born April 13, 1904; Irene, born March 12, 1906; Emma, born May 23, 1908; and Linus August, Oc- tober 7, 1909. The family are members of the Catholic church, while politically Mr. Mahl is affiliated with the democratic party. He has never sought nor de- sired public office as the reward for party fealty, desiring rather to direct his en- tire energies and attention to his personal interests, which, capably managed. are proving a source of gratifying income to him. Having passed his entire life in Huron county he has gained an extensive circle of friends, and the fact that he is most liked where best known is an indication that his salient characteristics are such as to inspire the confidence and respect of his fellow men.
ADELBERT EUGENE HANVILLE.
Adelbert Eugene Hanville, who has been engaged in the operation of a saw- mill in Huron county for almost forty years, is also a dealer in hardwood lumber and is recognized as one of the successful and progressive business men of the locality where he resides. A native of Corning, New York, he was born on the 17th of April, 1851, and is a son of C. W. and Mary Ann ( Fowler) Hanville. The former, was born in Geneva, Cayuga county, New York, in 1826, while the latter was a native of Pennsylvania, born in the year 1831. After their marriage the parents resided for a time in Ulysses, Potter county, Pennsylvania, and later came to Ohio, where the father became identified with the lumber and sawmill- ing business at Ripley. Huron county. Subsequently he purchased a sawmill north of North Fairfield, which is now owned and operated by the subject of this re- view. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Hanville were the following chil- dren : Adelbert Eugene, George W., Charles P., Delphene, Eva and Ella.
Adelbert Eugene Hanville, whose name introduces this record, spent the pe- riod of his boyhood and early youth in the east, attending the common schools in the acquirement of his education. He was fifteen years of age when, in 1866, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, and here he has since con- tinued to make his home. He remained at home assisting his parents until 1870, when he purchased the mill from his father and has since continued to operate it.
493
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
The mill, which has been in existence for nearly seventy years, was burned down in 1899 but was rebuilt in the same year, and has been in continuous operation since. Mr. Hanville owns about twenty-two acres of land upon which the mill is situated. He has been very successful in his various enterprises inasmuch as they are proving a source of gratifying remuneration to him. He possesses good business ability and his close application and good management are the salient characteristics in the creditable measure of success which he now enjoys.
On the Ist of September, 1872, Mr. Hanville was united in marriage to Miss Ida E. Taylor, a daughter of Alexander and Eliza Ann ( McCord) Taylor, of North Fairfield, Ohio. She was called to her final rest, however, on the 12th of October, 1875. and on the 3Ist of March, 1876, Mr. Hanville was again married, his sec- ond union being with Miss Mary Ardella Ayers, a daughter of James and Eliza Ann Lamm Ayers, the former a native of Rome, Ashtabula county, Ohio, while the latter was born in Montgomery county, Alabama. Mr. and Mrs. Ayers, who were southern people, came to the north during the Civil war as refugees, and in their family were six children, namely: Ella, John, Mary, Ada, Charles and Min- nie. The second union of Mr. Hanville has been blessed with the following chil- dren : Earl, born on the 5th of February, 1880; Harry, born June 3, 1882; Iva, whose birth occurred on the 21st of September, 1884; Nellie, born September 5, 1887 : Hattie, born on the 21st of November, 1889; and Geneva, on the IIth of July, 1893. All yet survive with the exception of Iva, who passed away on the 16th of August, 1907.
In politics Mr. Hanville is independent. He has been a member of the Fair- field township school board, the cause of education finding in him a stanch cham- pion. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons at Fairfield and also holds membership with the Redmen. He is highly respected in the community in which he has resided for so many years, for he has ever led an upright, honest and hon- orable life, while in business affairs he has depended upon no fortunate combi- nation of circumstances to aid him in his career, but has worked for the success which is now his, knowing that fortune favors those who labor persistently and guide their efforts by sound judgment.
, ALFRED A. GATES.
No history of Huron county would be complete without mention of Alfred A. Gates, who was born in this county more than seventy years ago and has therefore been a witness to the changes which have been carried on within its borders during the last half century. He is, moreover, entitled to special mention in this volume from the fact that at the time of the Civil war, when the country was plunged into the darkest hour of her history, he was among the first to re- spond to her cry for aid, and throughout the four years of hostility served with a courage and loyalty that won for him a most creditable military record. Born on the 7th of May, 1836, in Huron county, he is a son of Gross and Abigail (Ames) Gates, the former born February 4, 1789, while the latter's birth occur- red in New York on the 22d of September, 1784. In their family were the fol-
494
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
lowing children : Nora, born in 1816; Jane, born in 1818; Helen, in 1820; Charles, in 1824: Humphrey, in 1826; Abigail, in 1827; Thomas, in 1829; Cordilia, il 1832 : William, in 1833; and Alfred, of this review.
Alfred A. Gates, whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in the district schools near his father's home and was reared on the old home- stead farm, assisting his father in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. so that when he started out to farm on his own account he was well equipped withi a thorough knowledge of the best methods of agriculture. He has devoted his entire life to farming and as the years have gone by has prospered in his under- takings, being now the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of valuable land. This is all under a high state of cultivation and returns excellent crops each year as a reward for the care and labor bestowed upon the fields. He has made a close study of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, is methodical. sys- tematic and progressive in his business, and is numbered among the substantial and successful farmers of his section of the county. Moreover his dealings with his fellowmen have ever been straightforward and honorable, so that his success is well merited.
The only interruption that came in his life of intense activity was at the time of the Civil war, when, in response to the call for troops, on the Ist of July, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company E, Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and fought valiantly and bravely in defense of his country. He saw much active service and was compelled to endure many dangers and hardships, for through- out the four years of his enlistment he was almost continuously at the front. Not once, however, did he waver in his allegiance to his country and at all times, whether on the lonely picket line or in the midst of battle, he remained loyal to the old flag and the cause which it represented. He participated in the following battles : Sugar Creek; Pea Ridge; Chickasaw Mountain; Arkansas Post : Black Bayou : Jackson ; Champion Hills ; Siege of Vicksburg ; Clinton ; Brandon ; Look- out Mountain ; Missionary Ridge; Ringgold ; Resaca; New Hope Church; Kene- saw Mountain ; Peach Tree Creek; Atlanta; and Bentonville. On the 25th of July, 1865, he was honorably discharged and with a creditable military record he returned home, again taking up his agricultural pursuits.
On the 8th of November, 1865, Mr. Gates was united in marriage to Miss Frances Paine, born July 1, 1840, a daughter of Ira and Lydia (Knowlton) Paine. Unto them were born three children : Gusta, Gross and Frank. After the death of his first wife Mr. Gates was again married, his second union being with Miss Beile Stewart, the wedding occurring on the 4th of June, 1873. Mrs. Gates was born April 25, 1851, and was a daughter of David C. and Mary (LaForce) Stewart, the former born in Ohio on January 1, 1825, while the latter's birth oc- curred on the 30th of January, 1832. She had one sister, Mary. Her grand- father on the paternal side was Galbraith Stewart, who was a prominent and well known judge of Ottawa county during its pioneer days. Mr. Gates is a member of the Congregational church, while his wife belongs to the Friends Society, of which she was pastor for over twenty years. They are people of the highest worth, whose excellent traits of character have gained them the esteem and regard of their many friends throughout the community. Mr. Gates gives loyal support to the republican party and for six years has been treasurer of the
495
HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
township. He is preeminently a public-spirited man and in all matters of citizen- ship has remained as loyal to his country in times of peace as when fighting on southern battlefields.
JOEL E. SNYDER.
Joel E. Snyder, a prosperous farmer of New London township, Huron county, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1850, and is a son of Andrew and Harriet (Eister) Snyder. He is of remotely Dutch descent and for several centuries members of the Snyder family have taken part in making the history of this land. In 1700 six brothers of the name came to America from Holland, three of whom settled in New York and three in Pennsylvania, one of the latter being Nicholas Snyder, the great-great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Several of the brothers participated in the American Revolution, some of their descendants served in the war of 1812, and those of the family who are living today play a not inconspicuous part in the affairs of their respective localities. Jacob Snyder, the grandfather of Joel E. Snyder, was a resident of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, a prosperous farmer and a large land- owner. He had a family of thirteen children, ten sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to the age of seventy-six and several nearly reached the hun- dredth milestone, although Henry, who still lives in Northumberland county at the age of eighty-three, is the only survivor at present.
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.