USA > Ohio > Huron County > History of Huron County, Ohio, Its Progress and Development, Volume II > Part 8
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Politically Mr. Palmer is a stalwart republican and has capably served his fellow townsmen in the capacity of trustee for several years. He likewise acted as a member of the school board for a long period and has ever been a helpful friend of the cause of public instruction. Fraternally, he is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is likewise a valued member of the Congregational church, conforming his life to its teachings. At all times his life has been active, useful and honorable and it is his genuine personal worth that has gained for him the favorable position which he occupies in the regard of those who know him.
William Chase, the father of Mrs. Palmer, was born in Hunter, Green county, New York, in June, 1809, and was a brother of the man who is at the head of the Chase Piano Company. It was in 1835 that he came to Ohio and settled in Fitch- ville township, Huron county, making that his permanent home. He always took a great interest in public affairs, holding many responsible positions in the com- munity where he resided, and in the administration of the different offices of trust that he was called upon to fill, he made a fine reputation, and as a business man was imbued with high principles and sterling integrity. He was twice married, his first union being with Pemelia Wolcott, whom he wedded in 1836 and by whom he had three children, namely : Alvin B .; Mary F .; and Watson D. Both sons enlisted in the Union army during the Civil war, Alvin B. serving for four years with General Sherman, being with that general on his famous march to the sea. Watson D. enlisted in 1864 and served until hostilities ceased, both con- tracting diseases caused by continuous exposure to all kinds of weather and the
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hardships incidental to the life of the soldiers, which hastened their deaths in future years. The mother of these children died in 1849 and in 1850, at Norwalk, Ohio, Mr. Chase was united in marriage to Miss Betsy A. Jump, who had come to this city in 1836. After finishing her education in a seminary under the in- struction of the Rev. E. and Mrs. Thompson, she engaged in teaching school in Norwalk until her marriage to Mr. Chase, then going with him to Fitchville, where they toiled together, making for themselves a pleasant and happy home. At that time sewing machines were not in vogue and she spun, cut and made the fabrics into garments for her family. She was not only the seamstress and maid of all work in her own home, but her duties as a wife and mother were always
performed with untiring zeal and energy. She was one of the many ladies that helped to prepare boxes of clothing and food for the soldiers who were fighting for their country in the south. By his second marriage Mr. Chase had two children, but Ella E., who was born in 1856, died in 1883, the only survivor being Elizabeth, now Mrs. Palmer, who was born in 1859. The parents were both earnest and consistent members of the Second Congregational church of Fitch- ville, taking an active interest in religious work, Mr. Chase serving as deacon up to the time of his death and his wife acting as teacher in the Sunday school. He passed away June 17, 1888, on the seventy-ninth anniversay of his birth. After his death, Mrs. Chase remained on the old homestead for about three years and then went to live with her daughter, Mrs. Palmer, dying at her home on the 28th of July, 1893.
GEORGE GATES.
George Gates, one of Greenfield township's native sons and the owner of one hundred and thirty-three acres of land, was born on the 11th of June, 1859. His parents, George and Catherine (Ronk) Gates, were both born in Germany, the father March 14, 1825, the mother March 3, 1824, and there they grew to maturity and were married. Shortly after their union, they came to the United States and about 1850, went to Zanesville, Ohio, where they lived for a short time and then located in Greenfield township, Huron county. The father was a stonemason by trade, and for a few years after his arrival in this country worked in the quarry at the old Lodi Mill, which was not far from the place he had selected for a home. In 1868, he bought a small tract of land in Peru township, which he sold three years later to buy one hundred and eighty acres adjoining it in the northern part of Greenfield township. This second farm remained his home until his death, which occurred on the 3d of October, 1875. He was a consistent member of the Catholic church of the German settlement in Peru township, living up as best he could to its teachings. Mrs. Gates still survives her husband and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. John Schaffer, of Bronson township, Huron county. Mr. and Mrs. Gates had eight children : Nicholas A., born December 18, 1850, and Frank J., born November 2, 1852, both of whom are residents of this township; Mary, born September 8, 1864, the wife of Philip Barman, of Peru township; William, born May 20, 1857, a resident of Greenfield township; George, of this sketch;
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Julia, born June 21, 1862, now deceased, who was the wife of Delmar C. Burdge ; Rose, born July 17, 1864, the wife of John Shaffer, of Bronson township; and Henry, who was born October 19, 1868, and died August II, 1895.
Greenfield township, the place of his nativity, has been George Gates's home through the greater part of his life. From the public schools of the district he ob- tained a knowledge of the fundamental branches of an English education and at home received the much more practical schooling for the life of a farmer to which he was to devote himself. At the age of twenty-nine he married and made a home for himself, but it was not until 1905, that he bought his present farm, having in the intervening years tilled the soil and reaped the harvests of land that he rented. He procured his farm from Ernest Chambers, a well improved tract that is ex- cellently adapted to the general farming that Mr. Gates conducts there. - He is a public spirited citizen as well as a good farmer, taking especial interest in the cause of education, which he has served in his district as a member of the school board.
On the 17th of January, 1888, at the Bismarck Catholic church Father Titter- ist pronounced the words that made Mr. Gates and Miss Catherine Hosman man and wife in the eyes of the church and of the law. Mrs. Gates was born in Norwich township, Huron county, February 26, 1864, and is a daughter of Henry and Anna (Weisler) Hosman, both natives of Germany, who shortly after their marriage in that land came to Huron county, Ohio. They settled first in Peru township, and then in Norwich township, which remained their home until their death. The father, who was born July 14, 1828, died November 7, 1904, and the mother, whose birth occurred July 26, 1826, died on the 11th of October, 1898. They were the parents of six children : Mary A., born April 15, 1860 ; Henry J., born January 20, 1862; Catherine, now Mrs. Gates; William J., born March 10, 1866; Joseph E., born November 26, 1868; and Albert J., born March 1I, 1870.
Of Mr. and Mrs. Gates's union there have been born three children: Rose Bell, born June 25, 1889; Charles B., born January 25, 1893 ; and Grace, born August 14, 1895. All live at home. Mr. Gates and his family are members of the Catholic church, but in political matters he is not guided by any party, preferring to regard questions of importance from all sides and cast his influence or vote as seems to him right.
GEORGE BARGUS.
George Bargus, whose life history constitutes a fair record of responsibilities wisely carried, great opportunities turned to the best account, patriotism inspired by a heart loyal to his country in her time of need, is one of Huron county's most prominent citizens and a director in the Huron County Bank, at Norwalk, al- though he is now living retired in Townsend township. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, April 29, 1839, his parents being William and Charlotte (Argyle) Bargus, the father a native of New Jersey and of German Extraction, and the mother a native of Scotland. Left an orphan in infancy, George Bargus was at an early age thrown upon his own resources. His education, which was ac-
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quired in the district schools of New Jersey, was superficial and inadequate, al- though later, he succeeded in acquiring a good, practical English education and this, coupled with his natural ability to cope with intricate business problems, un- tiring energy and keen sagacity, enabled him to win success in every undertaking. He is largely self-educated, acquiring a remarkably wide range of information from his reading and study. From earliest youth, he maintained an unbounded faith in humanity, finding much to interest him in the newspapers, magazines and his own well supplied library.
When thirteen years of age, Mr. Bargus went to Rochester, New York, where he learned the baker's and confectioner's trade, there serving an apprenticeship of four years. He then journeyed westward but, finding no opening for his trade, he was glad to work at anything that would provide a means of subsistence. During the winter of 1859-60, he traveled through the states of Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisiana, but at the opening of the Civil war he returned to the north, enlisting in Company E, First Battalion of Yates, Sharpshooters in 1861, which battalion in 1864 became the Sixty-fourth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in as sergeant, but owing to distinguished service and gallantry at the battle of Corinth and in other engagements, he was rapidly promoted through the different ranks to first lieutenant. For more than a year, he commanded his com- pany and was with his regiment in all its marches and campaigns, participating in the battles of New Madrid ; Island No. 10; the siege of Corinth ; Resaca, Georgia ; Big Shanty ; Kenesaw Mountain; Atlanta, July 22 and also on July 28, 1864; Ezra's church and numerous minor engagements. He was with General Sher- man on his famous march to the sea, and during his service sustained several slight wounds. He was mustered out in January, 1865.
When the war was over, Lieutenant Bargus took a commercial course in Ober- lin College, after which he went west for one year, when, on returning to Huron county, he settled on a farm in Townsend township, near Collins, where he subse- quently engaged in farming and fruit raising. He became a large landowner, his farms at one time containing more than four hundred acres, and he yet owns about three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, well improved and under a high state of cultivation. For some years, he also owned and operated a sawmill, doing a large business in lumber and timber until April, 1890, when his mills were en- tirely destroyed by a cyclone.
On the 12th of April, 1866, Mr. Bargus was united in marriage to Miss S. Alice Humphrey, a daughter of William and Sarah Ann (Bierce) Humphrey, natives of Litchfield county, Connecticut. To this union were born four children: George, deceased ; Alvin Dudley; May, deceased; and Edwin Humphrey. The wife and mother died in March, 1895, and Mr. Bargus was again married on the 29th of April, 1896, his second union being with Miss Josie May Ulmer, a daugh- ter of Peter and Mary Ulmer. She passed away in April, 1901.
In his political views, Mr. Bargus is an uncompromising republican and while still a youth, became very much interested in the slavery question, his sympathies being with the slave. All his life he has been an active party worker, at all times being able to defend his position with regard to republican principles. Mr. Bar- gus cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and was a close personal friend of the late President Mckinley and materially assisted in campaign work
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in Ohio in 1896 and 1900. He is also a great admirer of Ex-President Roosevelt as he is of President Taft. He belongs to no church but he is a firm believer in Christianity of the practical kind. He is a member of Townsend Post, No. 414, G. A. R., of which he was the first commander and served in that position for many years. He also served as general commander of the Fourteenth District Brigade and as assistant inspector and aide-de-camp on the department staff, G. A. R. of Ohio. He likewise acted as colonel, commanding F. H. Boalt Com- mand, No. 17, U. V. U., of Norwalk, Ohio, and as deputy commander of Ohio. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and for several years was worshipful master of East Townsend Lodge, No. 322, A. F. & A. M., to which lodge he has belonged for over forty years. He is a member of Huron Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M., and of Norwalk Commandery, No. 18, K. T.
Successful and honorable in business, respected and beloved by his fellow citizens and army comrades, Mr. Bargus is now enjoying rest from his former business activity, and while he yet maintains a personal supervision over his large estate, he spends most of his time in his beautiful country home near Collins. F.s- pecially interested in literature, he finds his chief recreation in the hours spent in his library, which contains many volumes of ancient and modern history, biogra- phy and the sciences. A most companionable and kindly man, Mr. Bargus enter- tains broad, optimistic views of life, has a genuine faith in mankind and is never happier than when giving assistance to those in need who are worthy of that which he can give them. To do right for the love of right has ever been his rule of ac- tion, and his industry, combined with practical common sense, has brought suc- cess to all his efforts. Always cheerful and contented, he has gathered around him a circle of friends almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
JOSEPH H. GROFF.
Joseph H. Groff, who now gives his attention to the cultivation of a fine farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres in Peru township, is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Baden on the 6th of February, 1841. His parents, Joseph and Grazenaca (Borer) Groff, were likewise natives of the fatherland, the former born on the 20th of January, 1812, and the latter on the 4th of February, 1818. In 1847, they set sail for the new world and after an ocean voyage of about forty days landed on the shores of this country. They established their home at San- dusky, Ohio, and there continued to reside until 1872, when they removed to Cleve- land, where they spent their remaining days. The father was called to his final rest in 1891 and the mother passed away in February of the previous year. Unto this worthy couple were born eight children, namely: Joseph H., of this review ; Anna, who is deceased, as is also her husband, Fred Berkley ; Vincent W., a resi- dent of Cleveland, Ohio; Henry, likewise living in Cleveland; John, whose demise occurred when he had attained the age of thirty-seven years ; Louisa, who wedded William Gregory, both she and her husband being now deceased; and two who died in infancy.
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Joseph H. Groff, who was a little lad of six years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States, obtained his education in the schools of Sandusky. In the evenings and during the periods of vacation ne learned the trade of a baker and confectioner under the direction of Adam Miller. in whose employ he remained after completing his schooling, eventually being made foreman of the bakery. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations and on the 14th of August, 1862, at San- dusky, enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company G. One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was organized at Monroeville, Ohio. The regiment was sent to Virginia and participated in a number of hotly contested engagements as well as varicus skirmishes. At the battle of Winchester, from June 13th to 15th inclusive, Mr. Groff was captured with four thousand other men and sent to Libby prison, where he was incarcerated for about a week and then taken to Belle Isle, there being imprisoned for about two months. Later, he was paroled. He saw active service in the battles of Ap- picon, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Hatchie's Run, Petersburg, High Bridge and Appomattox, and when hostilities had ceased, he was mustered out at Camp Chase on the 12th of June, 1865.
Mr. Groff returned home with a most creditable military record and once more became identified with the bakery business at Sandusky, which he followed for a few years. During his arduous experience as a soldier, he had contracted rheu- matism and this at length made it necessary for him to abandon the bakery busi- ness, after which he secured employment with the Sandusky Tool Company. re- maining with that concern for several years. From 1873 until 1891, he capably discharged the duties devolving upon him as a member of the police force and subsequently was employed as a conducter and motorman by the Sandusky & Norwalk Street Railway Company. He remained with the street car company un- til 1899, when he came to Peru township, Huron county, and purchased a farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres from John Giger, in the cultivation of which he has since been actively and successfully engaged. He has placed a number of substantial improvements on the property and now has one of the finest farms in this section, the well tilled fields annually returning golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which is bestowed upon them.
On the 6th of August, 1863, at Sandusky, Ohio, Mr. Groff, was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Fritz, the wedding ceremony being performed by Father N. Mose. Mrs. Groff was born at Alsace, Lorriane, Germany, on the 20th of June, 1836. her parents being Mr. and Mrs. John M. Fritz, who took up their abode at Frank in Thompson township, Seneca county, Ohio, after coming to this coun- try. She was a little maiden of eight years when she left her native land. Unto . Mr. and Mrs. Groff were born seven children, as follows: Mary, who died in infancy ; Joseph, who wedded Miss Carrie Sherer and lives at Sandusky, Ohio; Mary, also a resident of Sandusky, who is the wife of H. S. Arnold, by whom she has four children: Mary, Louisa, Walter and Joseph ; Catherine and Lawrence, who are at home; Anna, the wife of George Smith, of Sandusky, Ohio; and John, who is likewise at home. The wife and mother passed away on the 29th of March, 1909, her remains being interred in St. Mary's cemetery at Sandusky, where her father also lies buried.
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Mr. Groff still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post at Norwalk, Ohio. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Catholic church of Sherman township. His life has been an active, useful and honorable one and he well merits the respect and esteem which are uniformly accorded him.
SPILLER M. SLY.
Spiller M. Sly, a farmer of Fitchville township, who has filled several of the local offices of government, was born in Milan, Erie county, Ohio, September 15, 1845, and is the son of Willard and Martha J. (Laughlin) Sly.
The mother was born in Gallia county, Ohio, but the father's birthplace was New York state. He was but a young man, however, when in 1843, he came to Ohio and commenced farming. In 1845, he came to Fitchville, township, Huron county, where he lived until the excitement consequent to the discovery of gold in Cali- fornia aroused a spirit of unrest in his breast. In the spring of 1852, he joined the vast army of gold seekers on the overland trail, from which he was destined never to return. For four years his family heard from him regularly, and then no word at all. It was known that he had engaged extensively in the horse business and had bought a large drove of animals which he intended bringing to the eastern markets to dispose of, and it is supposed that in crossing the plains, he was at- tacked by Indians and murdered. He left a widow and a son, Spiller M., to mourn his loss. Mrs. Sly died in September, 1893.
Spiller M. Sly was reared as a farmer's boy, largely under his mother's guid- ance. He attended the county schools during the winter months and made the best use of the small opportunities they afforded for obtaining an education. At the age of twenty-five, he undertook the responsibilities of a home of his own and pur- chased a farm in Fitchville township on which he has lived for the past twenty- seven years. It is a splendid tract of land lying just beyond the village of Fitch- ville, is well improved and under a fine state of cultivation. On it he pursues general farming and raises a large amount of stock. Mr. Sly was one of the organizers of the Clinton Air Line Telephone Company in 1903, was one of the charter members of the concern and one of its first board of directors. At pres- ent, he is vice-president of the company, which has for the past three years had the telephone exchange in his house. He has also rendered other valuable serv- ice to the people of this township. For twelve years, he filled the position of town- ship clerk, an able official, was trustee for three years, and is now and has been for many years, a member of the school board.
On the 15th of March, 1870, was celebrated Mr. Sly's marriage to Miss Josie Pierce, the daughter of Philo and Elizabeth (White) Pierce, of Fitchville town- ship, where Mr. Pierce engaged in farming. The mother was born here, the father in New York state, but both the White and Pierce families were among the early settlers in this county and were influential in its affairs and in promoting its growth and advancement. Mr. Pierce died June 20, 1901, his wife having pre- ceded him to the grave some years, her death having occurred November 29, 1895.
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HISTORY OF HURON COUNTY
To Mr. and Mrs. Sly have been born four children : John W., who is married and is a farmer of Fitchville township ; Elizabeth, the wife of John Buck, of Cleveland, Ohio; Dorothy, now Mrs. William E. Glossup of Louisville, Kentucky ; and Mar- guerite, a teacher in the schools of Fitchville. The family are members of the Baptist church and are identified closely with its work.
Mr. Sly is a republican, though he does not take a very active part in political affairs. However, he never fails to cast his vote on election day and has on several occasions been a delegate to county, district and state conventions. He is a char- ter member of Tent No. 125, Knights of the Maccabees, has filled every office of the order, and has been otherwise very active in the affairs of the local lodge. In the Baptist church, he has for a number of years filled the position of trustee, for ne is a man who inspires the confidence of his fellows, and time has proved that this reliance is not misplaced. His record as the incumbent of every office has been clean, and the public spirit that rules his acts has led him to promote eagerly the welfare and advancement of the township.
ALONZO L. SIMMONS.
Alonzo L. Simmons, whose demise occurred on the 8th of July, 1908, was long numbered among the substantial and leading citizens of Huron county. He was born in Greenfield township, this county, on the 6th of December, 1835, and comes of good old Revolutionary stock, his paternal great-grandfather, Edward Simmons, having served as captain in the Continental line of Massachusetts until the surren- der of Yorktown. He was a miller by trade and made his home in Rehoboth, Bris- tol county, Massachusetts. In his family were four children: Edward, who set- tled in New Hampshire and became a prominent judge ; Noble, a blacksmith, who made his home in New York state; William, who died in Massachusetts ; and Eli- phalet B., the grandfather of our subject. The last named was born in Bristol coun- ty, Massachusetts, in 1773, and was there reared to manhood, removing to Deia- ware county, New York, in 1804. In the latter place he was engaged in the lum- ber business for thirteen years and while a resident there he was married to Miss Esther Brown, a daughter of Captain Charles Brown, of New London, Connecticut. In 1817 he started for the Firelands of Ohio, making the trip by wagon, arriving here on the 12th of July of that year. He purchased land in Greenfield township, Huron county, where as a pioneer he engaged in the improvement and cultivation of the land and in the midst of the wilderness developed a fine farm. As time passed he prospered in his undertakings and eventually acquired a large property. After a useful and well spent life he died at his home in Greenfield township, Jan- uary 26, 1836, when in his sixty-third year. He was a democrat in politics and al- ways took an active interest in public affairs. He was twice married and had a family of four children, namely : Harlon E., Charles B., Albert and Washington L.
Of this family Harlon E. Simmons was the father of our subject. He was born in Rehoboth, Bristol county, Massachusetts, December 14. 1798, and was twenty- one years of age when he started for the Firelands, where his father had located two years previously. With one horse and an open wagon he journeyed from Massa-
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