USA > Ohio > Seneca County > History of Seneca County, Ohio; a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Vo. II > Part 37
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GEORGE RHOADS is a scion of sterling old pioneer families who so nobly lent their aid in the development of Seneca county. and he is a fair and representative example of the evolution of our best American citizenship. He was born in Bloom township. Seneca county. Ohio, on the 25th of December. 1866. and is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Cross) Rhoads, the former of whom was likewise born in Bloom township, where he has spent his entire life thus far and where he owns and operates a fine farm. Mrs. Rhoads was summoned to the life eternal in 1878 and she is survived by seven children. namely: Erwin. Edward. George. Melvin. Estella. Alonzo and Burt. Of this number Edward is the only non-resident of Seneca county. In 1880 Isaac Rhoads was united in marriage to Mrs. Norris, whose maiden name was Wenner. No children have
been born to this union. George Rhoads, grandfather of him whose name initiates this sketch and in whose honor he was named. claimed the old Keystone state as the place of his. nativity and sub- sequently moved from Pennsylvania to Seneca county. where he purchased a tract of one hundred acres of fine farm land and identi- fied himself with the great basic industry of agriculture. He mar- ried Miss Betsy Webster, who was born and reared in Bloom town-
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ship, this county, where her parents were numbered among the early pioneers. This marriage was blessed with eleven children, five of whom are now living, Samuel, Isaac. Obadiah, Louis, and Elizabeth. The daughter is the wife of Abram Troxell.
George Rhoads was reared to maturity on the home farm, in whose work he early began to assist. and his preliminary educa- tional training was that afforded in the common schools of the locality, which he attended during the winter terms. He is now one of the progressive and prosperous farmers of Venice township. where he owns a finely improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he devotes to general or mixed agriculture. Though never an active participant in political affairs. he accords a stanch allegiance to the principles and policies for which the Democratic party stands sponsor and he is affiliated with various fraternal and social organizations of a representative character.
In December. 1887. was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Rhoads to Miss Minnie E. Sponseller, who was born in Crawford county. Ohio, and who is a daughter of Abraham and Catherine Sponseller representative citizens of Bloom townshp. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads are the parents of four children, Verne. Ernest. Iva and Hershel, all of whom remain at the parental home.
DAN B. CRISSEL .- Seneca county is indeed fortunate to be able to number among her citizens men of the type of Dan B. Crissel. a resident of Republic, engaged in the coal and tile business. He is a son of Captain Wilson J. Crissel. of honored memory. a patriot. a brave soldier and a substantial business man who former- ly was among the best-known and most influential of the men of the locality. Captain Crissel was a native of the Buckeye state. his birth having occurred in Perry county in the year 1820. In his youth he learned the harnessmaker's trade and after engaging in this for a short time. made a radical change by adopting a mercantile career after his removal to Republic. In 1853 he was
united in marriage to Miss Joanna S. Brown, daughter of Dan and Sallie (Chase) Brown, natives of the state of New York. who fol- lowed the tide of emigration westward and at an early date cast their fortunes with Ohio, locating on an extensive farming property situated south of Republic. At the outbreak of the Mexican war Mr. Crissel enlisted in an Ohio regiment. serving as sergeant throughout the war and on the occasion of one of the hardly fought battles of that conflict receiving a wound in the arm. His services to his beloved country did not end with his younger days, but when in 1864 the capitol at Washington was threatened. he organized a company for its defense. At the organization of the One Hun- dred and Sixty-fourth Regiment he was elected captain of Com- pany K. and served for a brief period. It has been recorded of him that he was a brave, popular and efficient officer and one who gained and retained the esteem of his men. ITe took a leading part in advancing the farming interests of the community and rendered much encouragement and help in the introduction of the best breeds of stock, his farm really becoming headquarters for sheep men. many sales of Vermont Spanish Merinos being held Vol. II-19
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here and breeders from all sections of this and surrounding states coming to recognize him as a wideawake, enthusiastic and pro- gressive citizen. Captain Crissel was one of the best read nien of his day and locality and his keen judgment and effective, incisive argument gave him great influence in political matters. He was a stanch adherent of the policies and principles of the Republican party and although he had no desire or ambition for public life. he was prevailed upon to accept several local offices, which he filled with the utmost ability. He was a popular Mason, in the circles of his lodge, as everywhere else in his contact with his fellow men, being recommended to general affection by his agreeable manners and unfailing kindliness. He was called to his eternal rest February 9. 1869.
The mother of Dan B. Crissel, as previously mentioned. was the daughter of Hon. Daniel Brown, who in the year 1836 came from Tompkins county. Mr. Brown made himself the owner of one hundred and thirty-three acres of land, constituting the farm upon which Morgan Ink now resides. He cleared his farm from the forest primeval and experienced the usual hardships and joys of the pioneer. In 1853 he removed to other land located in Scipio township, this being incorporated in the James H. Knapp home- stead. Hle enjoyed political preferment. being a member of the state legislature in 1844-5 and he was widely recognized as a leader of public thought and opinion in his locality. In the affairs of the Universalist church he took a prominent part. He was seventy- two years of age at the time of his demise in 1872, the year of his birth having been coincident with that of the beginning of the nineteenth century. His wife survived him for many years. passing away January 25. 1896. at the age of eighty-one. Mrs. Crissel was their only child. After Captain Crissel's death she became the wife of James H. Knapp, one of Seneca county's most prominent citizens.
Dan B. Crissel was the eldest of the two sons born to Captain and Mrs. Crissel. Born of such parents. blessed with such gifts of nature and nurture, it is by no means strange that he should have made a success of his own life. not merely of the material sort, but of the better sort which results in the respect of all with whom one comes in contact. He received his higher education in the old academy conducted in such an enlightened fashion by Professor J. Fraise Richards. He resided with his parents until his mar- riage, that happy event being celebrated November 4. 1880. and his chosen lady being Miss Jennie F. Ogden. daughter of David and Ann (Green) Ogden. For a quarter century he was enrolled among Seneca county's most progressive agriculturists. His property of one hundred and twenty acres was located in Scipio township. and was a valuable estate and a most productive one. Mr. Crissel being one to keep in touch with the latest developments in scentifie agriculture. His interests were by no means limited to his own occupation, but he found time and energy for public life. for which he is eminently well fitted. In 1895 he was made a member of the infirmary board, receiving the high compliment of an eight hundred majority. He rented his farm about this time
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and has ever since given a part of his energies to other lines of endeavor. A stalwart Republican, he has held various township offices, and held them ably, his services on the school board, as township trustee and as treasurer, having redounded greatly to the profit of the community.
In 1909 Mr. Crissel embarked in the coal and tile business, and has experienced great success in this line. In this he is asso- ciated with his only son, James, and a yearly business of many thousand dollars is transacted. In this, as in all other causes to which he has brought his time and attention, he has proved suc- cessful, and the new business seems destined to enjoy the sunniest skies.
Mr. Crissel's lodge relations extend to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed all the chairs with the ex- ception of the secretaryship, and of that office he is the present ineumbent, having held it for thirty years. He is also a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and has held all the offices in the bestowal of this order. at the present time being its state representative. He is one whose social proelivities are pleasantly developed and he finds no small amount of pleasure in these affiliations. His son is a member of the I. O. O. F. and has held some of the offices.
James D. Crissel. only child of the foregoing gentleman, was born December 4. 1884. He studied in Republic's excellent schools. being graduated from its higher department with the class of 1902, and he is a graduate of the Bliss Electric School of Washington, D. C. He has been for eight years a member of Com- pany I. Eighth Ohio National Guards. . He is a worthy scion of the splendid stock from which he springs and a notable future is doubtless in store for him.
HENRY FIKE .- For fully three quarters of a century has the Fike family been identified with the great basic industry of agri- culture in Seneca county, Ohio. Peter Fike, grandfather of him whose name introduces this article. was born in Germany. and in 1835 he emigrated with his wife and five children to America. H proceeded to the state of Ohio, where he reclaimed a farm in Venice township, Seneca county, and in due time he converted his two hundred and thirty acres of virgin soil into one of the model farms of the county. As pioneer citizens Mr. and Mrs. Fike contributed generously to the development and upbuilding of the new country and their memory will long be revered in the community which represented their home. They became the parents of five children. all of whom were born in the Fatherland and whose names are here entered in order of birth : Mary E .. who became the wife of Wil- liam Swartz, deceased; Katie, who married John A. Buckman. de- ceased ; Mary, who became Mrs. Breigh, deceased; Peter, who was long engaged in farming in Venice township; and Adam. father of the subject of this review. Adam Fike claimed Germany as the place of his nativity and the date of his birth was 1820. He was a lad of fifteen years when he accompanied his parents on their re- moval to the Buckeye state and he was reared to maturity on his
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father's farm in Venice township. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Magdelene Talman, was likewise born in Germany and she was but three years of age at the time of her parents' emigration to America in 1826. Adam Fike devoted his entire active business career to agricultural pursuits in Seneca county, and he died when but thirty-four years of age, in 1854. Adam and Magdelene (Talman) Fike became the parents of five children. namely. David, Henry. Anna, Jacob and Mary. David married Miss Mary Dichler and they became the parents of ten children: Samuel E., Christ. Harvey. George. Susan. Berget. Cora. Louise. Ida and Lizzie. Adam Fike and his family were all devout members of the German Lutheran church, in whose behalf they were zealous workers. Mrs. Fike was summoned to the life eternal in 1892, at the venerable age of sixty-nine years, deeply mourned by her children and a wide circle of devoted friends.
Henry Fike, to whom this sketch is dedicated. was born on the old homestead farm in Venice township on the 22d of. February. 1848, and there he was reared to adult age. his early educational advantages being those afforded in the district schools, which he attended during the winter terms, the summer seasons being devoted to the cultivation of the farm. He initiated his independent career by purchasing a farm in his native township, which he devoted to general crops. In 1872 he became interested in mer- cantile business in Attica and was identified with the same for a period of six years. He was also concerned with the sale of farm- ing machinery and with various other lines of enterprise. At the present time he is devoting the major portion of his attention to his finely improved farm of one hundred acres and he deserves recognition in this sketch as a loyal and publie spirited citizen who has done much to further the civic and material progress of the community. He is a stalwart Democrat in his political proclivi- ties and he is affiliated with various fraternal and social organiza- tions of representative character.
In the year 1886 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Fike to Miss Elizabeth Williams, who was born in 1855 and who is a daughter of Anthony Williams, a representative farmer of Reed township. Seneca county. Ohio. To this union have been born five children : Estella M .. Clare E .. Ferris E., Mary and one who died in infancy. Estella M. was united in marriage, January 18. 1911. to Howard M. Martin. of Venice township. a young and prosperous farmer. Ile is the son of E. M. and Floue (Sherman) Martin, pioneers of Seneca county. Mr. and Mrs. Fike are both members of the Lutheran church.
ADOLPH HAURI .- The progress and enterprise of a place is determined by the quality of its business men, and the stability and sterling worth of citizens of the fine little town of Attica. Seneca county. Ohio. have contributed in no small degree to its material and civic development. making it thoroughly up-to-date with its modern conveniences -- fire protection, water and light privileges. fine residences and well stocked department stores. One of the leading establishments of Attica is the store conducted by the firm
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of Hauri Brothers, of which the subject of this review is the junior member, being associated in business with his brother Arnold.
Adolph Hauri was born in Reed township, this county, on the 17th of March, 1874, and Arnold Hauri was born in the same place on the 18th of June, 1872. They are the sons of Samuel and Virena (Schotzman) Hauri, both of whom were natives of Switzer- land, whence they emigrated to the United States in early youth, settling in Reed township, Seneca county. Samuel and Virena Hauri became the parents of three sons: Arnold, Adolph and Otto. The latter is now engaged in concrete work at Paris, Tennessee, and in December, 1901, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Anna Valtman: They have one daughter, Ottis. Adolph and Arnold Hauri were reared on the home farm and received their early educa- tional discipline in the common schools of Reed, Scipio and Venice townships. In 1884 they removed to Attica, their father having been summoned to the life eternal in 1882. His second wife, whose maiden name was Jane Runner, survived him by a quarter of a century, her death having occurred at Attica in 1907. No children were born of this union. In 1900 the Hauri Brothers, Adolph and Arnold, initiated their independent career by engaging in the grocery and bakery business, in which connection they con- ducted a most successful enterprise until 1909, at which time they purchased the entire stock of the F. C. Myers' department store, and the concern is rapidly gaining prestige as one of the most popular and prosperous establishments in the county. The broth- ers are men of fine executive ability and of unquestioned honesty and integrity. In polities they are independent, never manifesting aught of desire for public office, and they give their aid in support of all enterprises tending to further the general welfare of the town and county. Both are members of the German Reformed church, to whose charities they have been most liberal contributors and in a fraternal way Adolph is an appreciative member of the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics, while Arnold holds mem- bership in the Senior Order of the same organization and he is also identified with Attica Lodge, No. 367, Free and Accepted Masons.
Adolph Hauri is a bachelor. On the 4th of March, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Arnold Hauri to Miss Alice Rush. who was born at Attica September 3, 1874, and who is a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth ( Woolett) Rush, representative citizens of Attica. They have no children.
LEONARD L. SUTTON .- Within the confines of Seneca county will be found many representative citizens whose fair and honorable business dealings and whose sterling integrity of character have added to the dignity and prestige of this now favored section of the fine old Buckeye state. It is to be regretted that the limitations imposed by the size of this work allow us to touch but briefly upon the life history of a family whose individual members have con- tributed so liberally to the material development and upbuilding of the county. John Sutton, grandfather of him whose name introduces this article, was a native of the old Keystone state, his
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birth occurring on the 2d of April. 1800. As a young man he moved to Steuben county, New York, and in 1854 he resolved to seek his fortune in the west and proceeded to Ohio and purchased land in Reed township. On disposing of this property he became the owner of a farm in Venice township, on which he continued to reside until a short time prior to his demise, which occurred in Attica in 1878. In early life John Sutton was an ardent Whig in his political adherency and later he aligned himself with the cause of the Abolitionist party. He was twice married. He first wedded Miss Hendershot and to this union were born six children, three of whom grew to maturity, Isaac, William and Margaret. For his second wife Mr. Sutton married Miss Christina True. They became the parents of six children. including: Lester, deceased; Susan, who is now the wife of John H. Carpenter, of Marion, Ohio ; and Alva, who is the postmaster of Attica. Mrs. Christina (True) Sutton was summoned to the life eternal in 1890.
Lester Sutton, father of Leonard L., was born in Steuben county, New York, in the town of Hornell, then known as Hornells- ville, on the 13th of July, 1836. He received excellent education- al advantages in his youth. After finishing the curriculum of the common schools he was graduated, at the age of eighteen years, in the academy at Republic, Ohio. He then put his scholastic attain- ments to practical test by engaging in the pedagogic profession, which he followed with success for a period of eight years. In 1862 he began the study of law under the able preceptorship of General Leander Stem. in Tiffin, and continued in the same until the death of General Stem, which occurred at the battle of Stone's River. Mr. Sutton then turned his attention to teaching again, in the mean- while reading law during his leisure hours, and he was admitted to the bar in 1866. He immediately opened an office in the city of Attica, Seneca county, and here initiated the practice of his pro- fession, in due time building up a large and lucrative clientage. In 1878 he established a private bank, known as the Banking House of Lester Sutton. The sterling integrity and the honorable business methods of the owner of this institution made it popular with the financial public from the start. In 1903 Leonard L. and Charles . C. were admitted as partners to the business and the title changed to that of Lester Sutton and Sons, under which it has since re- mained. Mr. Sutton's services were in wide demand as public auctioneer and he was frequently appointed administrator of es- tates, in which connection he acquitted himself with the utmost satisfaction to all parties concerned. Mr. Sutton, during his active business career, was the founder and promoter of many of the leading business enterprises in Attica on the development of which depended in large measure the growth of the city. In polities he was an uncompromising Republican and though never a seeker of the honors or emoluments of public office he ever accorded his support to all measures and enterprises tending to conserve the welfare of the community. As a loyal and public spirited citizen. whose word was as good as his note, his memory will always be revered. His mind was of giant strength; he was broad minded and liberal in thought and action, was charitable towards others'
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opinions and was ever mindful of their rights and sensibilities. In public life he was fair, honorable and outspoken, in private life he was true, kind and tender, and at all times and under all circum- stances he was just, loyal and markedly courteous. Fraternally he was affiliated with Attica Lodge, No. 367, Free and Accepted Masons, and at the time of his demise, which occurred in Attica on the 18th of May, 1909, he was the last of its charter members; he was worshipful master of this lodge for thirteen consecutive years. He also held membership in the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; and in the Commandery, Knights Templars. In the Scottish Rite Masonry he had attained to the thirty-second degree. He was an honored and appreciative member of Venice Lodge, No. 197. Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife were active members of the Baptist church in their home city. On March 20, 1859, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Sutton to Miss Emeline Rundell. who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, and who was a daughter of William and Miranda Rundell. To this union five children were born, Leonard L., concerning whom further mention will be made; Laura, who became the wife of Ross W. Ayres, a prominent business man of Chicago, Illinois, and she died August 20, 1906, while on a visit to her old home in Attica ; Charles C., long associated with his father and brother in the banking busi- ness ; Luella, who is the wife of E. S. Bernard, of Tiffin, Ohio; and Alice, who died in infancy. Mrs. Sutton was summoned to eternal rest on the 7th of February, 1901, deeply mourned by all who had come within the sphere of her gracious influence.
Leonard L. Sutton, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was born in Reed township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 5th of December, 1863. He received a liberal education in his youth, being gradu- ated in Denison University as a member of the class of 1889, and receiving from this well ordered institution his well earned degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was closely identified with the business interests of his father during the latter's lifetime and no higher tribute can be accorded him than that indicated when it is stated that he is following in the footsteps of his father in his square business methods. He is affiliated with Attica Lodge, No. 367, Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has served as worshipful master ; Venice Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Benevo- lent & Protective Order of Elks; and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. In 1895 was solemnized his marriage to Miss Gertrude Wilhelm who was born in Reed township on the 26th of June, 1870, and who is a daughter of David D. and Mar- garet (Brillhart) Wilhelm, representative citizens of Reed township. To this union have been born three sons, Jay H., Corwin and Russell.
Charles C. Sutton, who is in partnership with his brother Leonard L. in the banking business established by their father in Attica, was born in that city on the 14th of December, 1869, and he was afforded the advantages of the public schools of Attica in his youth. Like his brother he holds membership in Attica Lodge, No. 367, Free and Accepted Masons; and in Venice Lodge, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also affiliated with the
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Knights of Pythias. In 1895 he was united in marriage to Miss Eva Smith, born in Seneca on the 2d of November. 1870. She is a daughter of Rice and Elizabeth N. (Cory) Smith. of Attica. Mrs. Sutton has become the mother of one son. C. Norris. Like their late father the Sutton brothers are establishing for themselves a firm foothold in the business and social life of their home city and they are alert and enthusiastically in sympathy with every movement advanced for the progress and development of their home city and county.
LAWRENCE J. WINGART .- An esteemed and highly respected resident of Tiffin, Lawrence J. Wingart holds a place of prominence among the public officials, being widely and favorably known as county recorder of Seneca county, a position for which he is ad- mirably fitted as well by courtesy as by capability. A son of William and Clara JJ. (Underwood) Wingart, he was born in Holmes township. Crawford county. Ohio. August 22, 1877. His father, a native of Pennsylvania. has for many years been identified with the advancement of the agricultural prosperity of Ohio. for many years having been engaged in farming in Crawford and Seneca counties. In 1898 he removed with his family to Seneca county, and is now a resident of Clinton township.
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