History of Seneca County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, school, churches, industries, etc., portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of the Northwest territory; history of Ohio; statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc, Part 110

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.)
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1088

USA > Ohio > Seneca County > History of Seneca County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, school, churches, industries, etc., portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of the Northwest territory; history of Ohio; statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 110

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WILLIAM T. BROWN, contractor, plasterer and stone mason. Fostoria. was born in Belmont County, Ohio. November 28, 1829: son of William and Octavia (Kendle) Brown, natives of Culpeper County. Va., and who settled in Big Lick Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, in 1834. William Brown. who was a blacksmith by trade, worked at that occupation in Hancock County until his death; he died in 1878, at the age of seventy-seven years. Our subject was reared and educated and learned his trade in Hancock County, and there lived (with the exception of three years when he resided in Allegan. Mich. 1. till 1867, when he located in Fostoria, this county. where he has since resided. He was the contractor in building the Andes Opera House and the Central Hotel, and has erected many other buildings in Fostoria. He was married. Septem- ber 4, 1852, to Ruth A., daughter of John and Elizabeth (Albert ) Hallowell. of Big Lick Township, Hancock Co .. Ohio, and by her he has five children living: Wealtha J., Irene, Theodosia. J. S. and Orlo E. Octavia K. and Elizabeth A. (twins). eldest daughters of our subject and wife, were born May 15, 1854, and both died of diphtheria: Elizabeth A., died February 3. 1868: Octavia K., died April 20. 1868.

Mrs. Brown and daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically. Mr. Brown is a Republican.

BARTHOLOMEW L. CAPLES, retired, Fostoria, was born in Tuscara- was County, Ohio, November 21, 1812: son of Robert F. and Charlotte L. Caples, who settled in Jackson Township, this county. in 1832. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom eight are now living: Bartholomew L., Robert C., Philip D .. Charlotte L .. Henry L .. Luther W .. Elizabeth S. and John F. Our subject, who received a liberal education in the schools of his day, when five years of age moved with his parents to Wayne County, Ohio, where he resided till they removed to Seneca County, Ohio. Shortly after his people came to this county Bartholomew L. went to what is now Ash- land County, where he engaged as a clerk in the mercantile business. and in 1835 located at Findlay, Ohio, where he embarked in mercantile trade on his own account. Thence he moved to Fremont, Ohio, where he carried on mer- chandising with his brother. R. C. Caples. with whom he remained until 1847. when they dissolved partnership. He then returned to Jackson Township. this county. In 1847, as brigadier general of the militia district, with headquar- ters at Fremont, he raised a company which subsequently did service in the Mexican war. Mr. Caples was married, at Fremont, Ohio, March 4. 1841, to Catherine A., daughter of Isaac and Martha Norton, of Sandusky County, Ohio, and by this union had three children: Martha A .. Charlotte E. and Har- riet A. Mr. Caples has served on the board of school directors for twelve years, was marshal two years, street commissioner two years, justice of the

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peace three years, and as mayor of Fostoria two years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. Is a Mas- ter Mason, and has served his lodge as secretary for about a quarter of a cen- tury.

ROBERT C. CAPLES, physician, Fostoria, was born in New Philadel- phia, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, July 31. 1815; son of Robert F. and Char- lotte L. (Laffer) Caples. who settled in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1832, locat- ing in the southwest corner of Jackson Township; the former a native of Bal- timore County, Md., the latter of Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Penn. Our subject was reared in Wayne County, Ohio. until seventeen years of age, when he came with his parents to this county, his early education being received in the schools of his day. In 1838 he began the study of medicine at Risdon, in the office of Dr. Marcus Dana, with whom he remained three years. In 1842-43 he attended a course of lectures at Geneva Medical College, of Gen- eva, N. Y .. graduating therefrom in 1843. and in the summer of the same year began the practice of medicine in Risdon (now Fostoria), where he has been in active practice to the present time. He practiced alone up to 1856, when Dr. R. W. Hale became associated with him, forming the partnership that exists at the present time. Drs. A. M. Blackman. A. L. Longfellow and George L. Hoege have been associated with him at periods between 1860 and 1864. since which time the firm has been Hale & Caples. Dr. Caples has been twice married, first in 1837 to Ann. daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Wilson, of Geneva. N. Y., who bore him two children: Francis (deceased) and Emma, Mrs. Dr. G. L. Hoege (deceased). His present wife was Mary E. Barber. a native of Medina County, Ohio, to whom he was married April 4. 1871. By this nnion there are two children: Ralph C. and Byron E. Dr. Caples is now the oldest practising physician residing in Fostoria. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been identified upward of fifty years. and of which he has been steward about the same length of time. He has served in many of the city offices, one term as mayor. several terms as councilman, and has been a member of the board of education for twenty-three consecutive years, and for fifteen years was its president. He was postmaster of Risdon under the administration of President Van Buren. The Doctor is a member of the Northwestern Medical Society. He is a F. & A. M .; politically a stanch Re- publican.

PHILIP D. CAPLES. retired. Fostoria, was born in Tuscarawas County. Ohio. March 5. 1816. son of Robert F. and Charlotte L. Caples, natives of Mary- land and Pennsylvania. respectively. and who about 1819 moved to Wayne County. Ohio, and there lived till 1832, when they settled in Jackson Town- ship. this county. Robert F. Caples died in 1834 and Philip D. was left with his father's family to provide for. Our subject received but a limited educa- tion. and was engaged in farming for several years. He was married, in De- cember, 1839, to Sarah, daughter of Major Case and Mary Brown. and by this union were six children of whom four are now living: Mary A .. Lucy E .. Frank and Fred. This wife dying September 23. 1877, Mr. Caples married. Septem- ber 18, 1878. Mrs. Harriet J. Lewis, widow of George Lewis and daughter of David and Mary Ritchart, of Seneca County, Ohio. In 1858 Mr. Caples came to Fostoria and engaged as clerk with Foster & Son. with whom he continued about twelve years, at which time the old firm merged in Foster, Olmsted & Co., Mr. Caples becoming one of the partners ; this partnership existing up to 1868. Mr. Caples then embarked in the queensware and grocery business, which he continued up to 1880, when he retired from business. He has been

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a successful business man and has accumulated a fine property. He served as a member of the town council for six years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

FRANK CAPLES, book-keeper, Fostoria, was born in Fostoria, this coun- ty, October 17, 1854; son of Philip D., and Sarah (Brown) Caples. Frank Caples was reared in Fostoria and educated in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and at the Eastman Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. In 1873 he engaged as a clerk in the store of Foster & Co., which position he re- tained for five years. In 1878 Mr. Caples embarked in the grocery trade, with Rawson Crocker as partner, and with him he was associated in business up to 1880, when they sold their stock of merchandise to P. D. Caples. In 1881 Frank Caples entered the dry goods store of Col. L. J. Hissong as book-keeper and clerk, which positions he now occupies." He was united in marriage, May 20, 1875, with Josie, daughter of Benjamin and Eliza (Crum) Leonard, of Fostoria, Ohio, and by her he has one child-Harry L. Mr. Caples is a F. & A. M., a member of the K. of P. and K. of H. Politically he is a Repub- lican.

JAMES CHRISTOPHORY, pastor of St. Patrick's Church, P. O. Bascom, was born in Luxemburg. Germany, in 18-18, son of Michael and Mary (Bonefas) Christophory. He was reared and educated in Luxemburg, and studied theol- ogy and philosophy at Cleveland, Ohio, where he was ordained to the priest- hood. His first charge was St. Michael's Church, at North Ridge, Defiance Co., Ohio, where he remained from 1878 to 1881, when he was transferred to his present charge of St. Patrick's Church, in Loudon Township, which was established in 1861.

AMBROSE CORY, farmer, Fostoria, was born in Susquehanna County, Penn., May 29, 1825; son of Samuel P. and Serviah (Foster) Cory, former of whom died in 1846, and the latter in 1882. In 1832 our subject came to Perry Township, Wood Co., Ohio, with his parents, was reared on a farm and received a common school education. February 14, 1854, he was united in marriage with Amanda, daughter of Thomas and Catherine Kelly, of Wash- ington Township, Hancock County, by whom he has three children: Howard, Katie S. and Thomas H. After his marriage Mr. Cory continued to live in Perry Township till the fall of 1861, when he moved to Fostoria, where he now resides. He is owner of a fine farm of eighty acres in Wood County, Ohio, as well as eighteen acres of land in Fostoria on which he resides, and which is one of the best improved places in the city. He is a worthy citizen, universally respected. His maternal grandfather, Asa Foster, was a soldier in the Revo- lutionary war.

DANIEL CRAMER, retired farmer, P. O. Fostoria, was born in York County, Penn., August 22, 1818; son of John and Catherine (Slote) Cramer, who settled in Loudon Township, this county, in 1838, and purchased 160 acres of land, most of which they cleared and improved and where they lived; here the father died, in 1855, in his sixty-fifth year; and the mother in 1854, in her sixty-second year. The family of John and Catherine Cramer, consisted of ten children: Daniel, Henry, John, Mary (deceased), Manuel, Adam, Will- iam, Sophia (Mrs. Peter Wickerham), Sarah (Mrs. Augustus Elliott) and Levi (deceased). Our subject was reared in his native county, and there received a limited common school education. He came with his parents to this county in 1838, and was actively engaged in farming up to 1867, when he retired, and now resides with his brother William on the old homestead. He is the only member of the family who has adhered to the German Lutheran Church, of

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which his parents were life-long members. Politically he has ever been a Democrat.

ADAM CRAMER, sexton of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Fostoria, was born in York County, Penn., April 30, 1827. son of John and Catherine (Slote) Cramer, who settled in Loudon Township, this county, in 1838. Our , subject was reared in Loudon Township from eleven years of age, and received a limited education in the schools of his times. On reaching maturity, he began to work as a journeyman carpenter. which trade he followed up to the breaking out of the late war of the Rebellion. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into the service in August following. He veteranized in same company and regiment January 1, 1864; was in the battles of Chancellorsville. Gettysburg, Missionary Ridge, siege of Atlanta, siege of Savannah, and in many other engagements. and lost a leg at Averysboro, N. C .: March 16, 1865, and received an honora- ble discharge at Columbus, Ohio, August 13, 1865. In August, 1870, he was appointed postmaster of Fostoria, which position he held ten years. Since the spring of 1883 he has been sexton of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Fos- toria. October 23, 1853. Mr. Cramer was married to Christiana Klinger, of Clyde, and by her he has had five children, of whom three survive: Ida (Mrs. H. J. Cochran), Jasper and George M. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer are active mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the G. A. R. Politically he is a Republican.

ROSWELL CROCKER. retired. Fostoria. was born in Washington County, N. Y .. May 25. 1806. son of John and Lucy (Bartlett) Crocker, who came to this county in 1823, settling in Seneca Township, where they cleared and improved a farm of 180 acres, on which the mother died. Our subject's father afterward came to Fostoria. where he resided until his death. John and Lucy Crocker had two children: Laura, wife of C. W. Foster, and Ros- well. The subject of our sketch settled in what is now Fostoria in 1832; built a saw-mill. the first in the place and in the western part of the county. After conducting this mill for seven years he went to Big Spring Township, this county, where he remained for two years. and built a saw-mill and a grist-mill. He then returned here, bringing his mill machinery with him, and conducted a grist-mill for several years. He has been largely interested in real estate, has platted several additions to the town of Fostoria. and is now residing in what is said to be the first frame house built in Fostoria. Mr. Crocker was married. in the fall of 1836, to Sarah A., daughter of William and Anna (Giles) Cooper, of Pickaway County, Ohio. by whom he had two children: Allen (deceased), and Rawson, a merchant of Fostoria. Mr. Crocker is a repre- sentative and leading citizen of Fostoria, and has always contributed liberally of his means toward the growth and development of the place. Politically he is a Republican.

RAWSON CROCKER, merchant. Fostoria. was born in Fostoria, this county, August 30, 1841, son of Roswell and Sarah A. (Cooper) Crocker. He was reared in Fostoria, where he received his early education. In 1861 he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. In 1865 he attended the Eastman Business College. at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., graduating therefrom the same year. In 1857 he entered the store of Foster, Olmsted & Co., where (with the exception of the time he was at school) he served in the capacity of clerk up to 1867. when he was admitted as a partner of the firm, which partnership existed for six years. Mr. Crocker then served them as book- keeper for two years. and in 1875 embarked in the real estate business. in

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which he engaged till August.27, 1877, when with Frank Caples he purchased the grocery and queensware stock of P. D. Caples, which enterprise existed under the firm name of Crocker & Caples till May 3, 1879, when the stock was sold to P. D. Caples, who conducted the business up to 1880. in which year he sold the building and stock of merchandise to our subject, who has contin- ned the concern successfully to the present time. Mr. Crocker was married, April 2, 1867, to Lucy E., daughter of Philip D. and Sarah (Brown) Caples. of Fostoria. By this union there were seven children: John R., Charles P .. Harry (deceased), Ross E., Emma (deceased), Nellie (deceased) and Fred. Mr. Crocker is a leading merchant of Fostoria. He is a F. & A. M., and a member of the I. O. O. F. He has served one term as a member of the council. In politics he is a Republican.

EDWARD J. CUNNINGHAM. manufacturer, Fostoria, was born in Berkeley County, Va .. November 4, 1831, son of Levi and Alcinda Cunningham. At the age of fifteen he entered a grist-mill to serve an apprenticeship at the mill- er's trade, remaining until twenty-one years of age. In 1852 he came to Tiffin, Ohio, where he worked at his trade for his brother, J. W. Cunningham, until July. 1854, when he went to Cambridge. Ind., and followed his trade there one year. He then returned to Tiffin. Ohio, and with his brother. J. W .. built what is now known as the Shoemaker Grist-mill, which they conducted three years. In 1859 our subject, for the benefit of his health, took a three months' trip through the South and West. On his return to Tiffin he and his brother leased the Keller Mills, which they conducted but a short time when they were burned out, our subject losing nearly all he had. In 1860 he was identified with his brother in building the Clifton Mill, at Tiffin, which they operated three years. when Edward J. sold out to his brother, came to Fosto- ria. and built the Union Mill (now known as the Livingston Roller-mill) which he carried on for several years, and then sold to William Grapes. In 1860. with the Hon. Charles Foster, Mr. Cunningham repurchased the mill. which they conducted for four years. In 1871 Mr. Cunningham became, and is still, identified with the Fostoria Stave and Barrel Works. In 1874, with Mr. Fos- ter as a partner, he purchased the Fostoria Spoke Works, which they operated until March 5, 1882. when they were burned out. They immediately rebuilt their factory, which is now operated under the name of the Fostoria Spoke and Bending Works. Mr. Cunningham was married. April 16, 1860. to Ann E .. daughter of Levi and Elizabeth Keller, of this county, by whom he has five children: Clara, Minnie, Cora, Ralph and Earl. Our subject is a Repub- lican in politics; has served two years as a member of the Fostoria council.

JOEL P. DEWOLFE, publisher Fostoria Review, Fostoria, was born in Butler County, Penn., July 8, 1853: son of Erasmus and Catharine (Christley) De Wolfe. When thirteen years of age he entered the office of the Ohio State Journal, at Columbus, Ohio, with which he was connected up to 1876. when he located in Fostoria. this county, and with O. J. DeWolfe, Esq., purchased the Fostoria Review, which was established in 1861, and this partnership existed up to January, 1883, when our subject became sole proprietor. and he has conducted it with marked success up to the present time. Mr. De Wolfe was married, in 1872, to Clara, daughter of William and Marietta (Bowman) Mungen, of Findlay, Ohio, by whom he had two children: William and Kittie. Mr. De Wolfe is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He is a F. & A. M. and a member of the I. O. O. F.

THOMAS DILLON, farmer, P. O. Fostoria. was born near Wheeling, Va., July 7, 1818; son of Thomas and Polly (Adams) Dillon, who came to

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this county in 1835 and settled in Loudon Township on the farm (now owned by George Dillon), on which they lived and died. Their children were nine in number. Our subject, who was seventeen years of age when he came to Ohio. married. December 6, 1842, Rhoda, daughter of John and Violetta (Clark) Adams. natives of Ohio and pioneers of Loudon Township, this county, and by this union there were ten children: George W .; Mary, deceased; Josephine, Mrs. William Beach; Ellen; Violetta, Mrs. Oscar Wade; John Q .: Thomas, deceased; Alpheus: Tempy, and Earl E. After his marriage Mr. Dillon lived on a rented farm for three years. He then purchased the farm he now occupies, most of which he has cleared, and on which he has made all the improvements in building, etc. His farm comprises 198 acres of land. over 100 of which are under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Dillon is a prom- inent farmer and citizen of London. Politically he is a stanch Democrat.

GEORGE DILLON. farmer. P. (). Fostoria, was born near Wheeling, Va .. June 6, 1820; son of Thomas and Mary (Adams) Dillon, who settled in Loudon Township. this county, in 1835, purchasing 200 acres of land, which is now owned and occupied by our subject. They had a family of nine chil- dren: Margery. widow of Jonathan Adams (deceased); Jacob (deceased); Jobn (deceased): Martha. wife of Martin Adams; Jane, wife of James Carrel; Thomas: George; Mary, wife of Charles Runnels: and Robert (deceased). Thomas Dillon (the father) died in 1836. The old homestead came into the possession of our subject in 1860. He has since added to this property until now his farm comprises 325 acres, of which 190 are improved, well drained and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Dillon has been twice married, his first wife. Margery. was a daughter of Thomas and Nancy Adams, of London Township, and by her he had six children: Thomas: George W .; Jane, wife of Alonzo Marietta: Annetta. wife of George Woleder; Eli; Robert (de- ceased). His present wife. Melinda, daughter of Abraham and Sophia Shoup, of Hancock County, has borne to him five children: Edwin A .. Alpheus, Agnes, Rosa and Cora. Mr. Dillon, one of the leading and pushing farmers of the township. has held the office of trustee two terms. and has served in minor offices. Politically he is a Democrat.

A. E. EBERSOLE, veterinary surgeon. Fostoria. was born in Loudon Township, this county, June 13. 1843; son of Peter and Elizabeth (Fisher) Ebersole. His paternal grandfather. Peter Ebersole. a native of Lancaster County, Penn .. settled in London Township. this county. in 1831. clearing and improving a farm on which he lived until death; he died in 1857, at the age of seventy-one years. Four of his children survive him: John P., Eliza- beth (Mrs. William Green). Peter and Manassa. Peter. the father of our sub- ject, a farmer and stock-dealer by occupation, resided in London Township, this county. from 1831 to 1880. when he moved to Sedalia. Mo., where he now resides. His children were eight in number: Isaiah, Milton (killed at Kenesaw Mountain in 1864). Austin, Alvin E .. Amanda (Mrs. Marion D. Ham- mond). Neri. John (deceased) and Marilla (deceased). Our subject was reared in London Township, this county, and educated in its common schools and at Republic Academy. In 1865 he entered the drug store of Hershiser & Myers, in Fostoria, as clerk. in which capacity he served until 1868, when he embarked in the business for himself at Bowling Green, Ohio, where he remained up to 1874. He then opened the first stone quarry in Fostoria, con- tinuing in the stone business two years, when he engaged in milling, which he followed up to 1880. He then took a course of instruction at the Ontario Veterinary College at Toronto, Canada, and in 1881 began the practice of his

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profession in Fostoria. where he has since done a successful business. Mr. Ebersole was married. October 26, 1869, to Clara J., daughter of Morris P. and Jane M. (Searles) Skinner, of Fostoria. By this union there are four children: Frank, Mary, Myra and Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Ebersole are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is assistant chief of the Fostoria Fire Department and president of the Hook and Ladder Company. In politics he is a Democrat.

JOHN P. EBERSOLE, boot and shoe merchant, Fostoria, was born in Hancock County, Ohio, March 9, 1860, son of Neri and Sisson (Hemming) Ebersole. His paternal grandfather, John P. Ebersole, a native of Pennsyl- vania, settled in Big Lick Township in 1831, and his paternal great-grand- father, Peter Ebersole, settled here at the same time. His maternal grand- father, George W. Hemming, a native of Pennsylvania, was among the pio- neers of Loudon Township. Our subject was reared in Hancock County, Ohio. and was educated in the common and select schools. He moved with his par- ents to Fostoria in 1876, and in 1878 entered the store of Foster, Snyder & Co., serving as clerk up to the winter of 1883. February 15, 1883, he em- barked in the boot and shoe business. He carries a large stock of the finest goods, and by strict attention to the wants of his patrons has built up an ex- tensive trade. He is one of the prominent and enterprising young business men of the city. Politically he is a Republican.

J. JACOB EISSLER, carriage manufacturer, Fostoria, was born in Wur- temberg, Germany, October 3, 1838, son of John and Rosina (Gauger) Eiss- ler. He was reared and educated in his native land, and there served an apprenticeship of four years with his father at the general blacksmithing trade. In 1865 he immigrated to America, and located in St. Louis, Mo., where he worked at his trade one year. In 1866 he settled in Fostoria, Ohio, and em- barked in business in company with John G. Rothacker. This partnership existed twelve years, and then Mr. Eissler purchased Mr. Rothacker's interest in the business, which he has since successfully conducted alone. Our subject was married, September 19, 1867, to Caroline L., daughter of Charles and Eliza (Griehban) Bobsien, of Fostoria, Ohio, and by her he has the following named children: Charles H., Minnie F., Louise M., Mary R., Frederick G., Frank J. and John L. Mr. and Mrs. Eissler are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He is a representative citizen of Fostoria. Politically he is a Democrat.

ANDREW EMERINE, banker, Fostoria, was born near Wurtemburg. Germany, December 3, 1830, son of George and Laura (Hine) Emerine, who immigrated to America in 1835, and settled in Liberty Township, this county. Here his father cleared and improved a farm, on which he resided fifteen years; then went to Sandusky, Ohio, where he cleared another farm, and in 1861 located in Washington Township, Hancock Co., Ohio, where he lived until his death; he died at the age of ninety-three years. George Emerine was twice married. By his first wife there were three children: Michael, Joseph and Andrew; and by his second union were seven children, six of whom are now living: George, John, Nicholas, Catherine, Lawrence and Thony. Our sub- ject was reared in Seneca County, Ohio, where he served an apprenticeship at the saddler's trade. He embarked in the saddle and harness business for him- self in Fostoria in 1849, which he followed up to 1877, after which he en- gaged in farming and brokerage till 1883, when he was elected president of the First National Bank of Fostoria, which position he now holds. He has been twice married; first, October 3, 1850, to Sarah, daughter of Samnel

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Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1088

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.)
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1088