USA > Ohio > Wyandot County > Past and present of Wyandot County, Ohio; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 11
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and devoted members of the Baptist church and were well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which they made their home. The mother was left a widow with a family of small children but bravely shouldered her responsibilities and has seen them grow to honorable and use- ful manhood under her training and care. She still survives, residing on the old homestead farm in Scioto county.
Samuel S. Barrett was born and reared on the farm which was the home of his parents and grandparents and obtained his early education in the district schools. Subsequently he followed the profession of teaching in the district for a period of fourteen months and then entered Rio Grande Col- lege at Rio Grande, near Gallipolis, Ohio, being graduated from that institution at the end of a six years' course of study. Again entering the ranks of pedagogy, he taught for one year at Arkadelphia, Arkansas, as professor of English and science in the State Baptist College. Subsequently he taught at Salem, Missouri, acting as superintendent of schools there for three years. In 1892 he entered the Western Re- serve Medical College at Cleveland and was graduated from that institution in 1895. He continued his studies by a post- graduate course in New York city on the treatment of dis- eases of the eye and ear and on completing the same located for practice in Nevada, Ohio, which town has since remained the scene of his professional labors. He is eminently success- ful and has built up a practice which is both extensive and lucrative. The Doctor has a kindly heart, which prompts him to attend all calls and give the same care to the lowly patient that he would to the richest patron, even when he knows that the only reward he will receive is the thanks of the suf- ferer and the consciousness of a good deed performed. The weather is never too inclement, the cold too severe or the day too sultry to keep him from those who are in need of his services. His considerate care and cheerful words have brought comfort to many a sickroom, while his skillful min- istration has brought relief to the sufferer. He gives his undivided attention to his profession and keeps well informed on all the latest discoveries in medicine and science, his ample library and medical journals furnishing him with studies most suited to his requirements. At his office he has a large medical library, while his home is adorned with a magnificent collection of books on miscellaneous literature.
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On the 28th of April, 1898, Dr. Barrett was united in mar- riage to Miss Sabina Bever, a daughter of the late Samuel and Christiana Bever, of Nevada, Ohio. They have four children, namely: Carey C., who was born on the 8th of March, 1899; Mary M., whose natal day was March 10, 1900; Arthur B., whose birth occurred October 18, 1901; and Milton E., born February 25, 1905. The family are among the lead- ers in the social circles of Nevada and are earnest workers in any cause for the advancement of the town and its citizens. Fraternally the Doctor is identified with the Masons, belong- ing to the lodge, the chapter and the Order of the Eastern Star. He is likewise a member of the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a very enthusias- tic lodge worker, and it is largely due to his earnest and per- sistent effort that the lodges owe their own building and also the Masonic-Pythian Auditorium. As an influential citizen of Nevada his services may be counted upon to advance every worthy measure and his influence is a potent factor in the cause of humanity. Few men have been granted a warmer place in the affections of their fellowmen or are more deserving of commendation than Dr. Samuel S. Barrett.
RALPH N. FOWLER.
Ralph N. Fowler, a prominent representative of agricul- tural interests of this county, is a native son of Pitt town- ship, born in Little Sandusky, February 22, 1879. His par- ents were Hiram and Alice (Hornby) Fowler, the former a well known agriculturist in Pitt township, where his birth occurred in 1852. For a number of years he was successful in the operation of five hundred and eighty acres of land and owned this extensive tract at the time of his death in 1905. His wife, who was born in 1857 in Marion county, survives him and makes her home with the subject of this review. In this family were two children: Finfun A., a prominent farmer of Pitt township, who married Miss Grace A. Wood, by whom he has two children, Charles R. and Leafy Alice, and Ralph N., of this review.
Ralph N. Fowler acquired his education in the public schools of Little Sandusky, laying aside his books at the age
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of sixteen. From that time until the death of his father he assisted with the work of the homestead, gaining a practical knowledge of all the details connected with the operation of a modern farm. In 1905 he assumed possession of his share of his father's estate and has since been very successful in the conduct of his agricultural interests. He owns two hun- dred and fifty acres in Pitt township and upon this property carries on general farming and stock-raising, both branches of his work constituting important sources of his income. He raises hay, corn, wheat and oats, which he sells in the local markets, and in addition keeps fifteen head of cattle, five hundred Jersey Red hogs, of which he makes a specialty, and from eight hundred to one thousand sheep. He is an able, alert and enterprising business man and is well known and highly esteemed as one of the progressive and successful agriculturists of this community.
On March 5, 1904, at Harpster, Ohio, Mr. Fowler was united in marriage to Miss Frances Monte, a daughter of David and Mary (Sheets) Monte, the former a dealer in sec- ond-hand metals. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have three children, Nova G., Hiram R. and Max N. Mr. Fowler gives his alle- giance to the republican party, and is a devout attendant at the Methodist church.
STANTON ELLWORTH BRETZ.
A native of Wyandot county, Stanton Ellworth Bretz of Nevada has here won his success, enjoying a profitable prac- tice as veterinary surgeon and being also engaged in the undertaking and real-estate business, owning moreover valu- able farm property. He was born in Antrim township, Wyan- dot county, January 24, 1862, and is a son of David S. and Jane A. (Coon) Bretz, the father a native of Marion county, Ohio, where he was born in 1838 and where he successfully followed agricultural pursuits until his retirement from active labor in 1908. The mother was born in 1836 and passed away in 1910. In their family were the following children: Fannie Josephine, who married John Ten Eyck, a retired farmer, and lives at Marion, Ohio; Stanton Ellworth, of this review; Cora B., who married Charles Swartz, a farmer of Antrim town-
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ship, by whom she has two children, John E. and David L .; and Sarah E., the wife of Henry Bardon, a bank cashier at Morral, Ohio, by whom she has two children, Helen and Grace.
Stanton E. Bretz received his education in the district schools of Wyandot county, in the Pitt township district school and also attended public school at Upper Sandusky. He then took a course at Oberlin College and graduated from the Chicago Veterinary College in 1888. Thoroughly pre- pared for a professional career, he opened an office at Little Sandusky, there remaining for ten years, at the end of which period he moved to Nevada in 1898, since which time he has been located here, his patronage increasing as the years have passed. He is thoroughly skilled and has gathered a wide and valuable experience in his profession, making him one of the foremost veterinarians in this section. The Doctor has also acquired an enviable reputation as horse expert and in extreme cases has been called in to break and educate some of the most vicious and wild horses in this neighborhood which were considered beyond all redemption. He also is engaged as undertaker and is assisted in the business by Mrs. Bretz, who is a graduate embalmer, having received a state license. The real-estate field has also been entered by Dr. Bretz, who has handled some of the important transfers in Wyandot county. He personally owns a valuable tract of one hundred and twenty acres on section 5, Eden township, and ninety-six acres in Salt Rock township, Marion county. Other of his property interests are two residences and a veterinary barn in Nevada, the latter of which is used for the execution of his work and as a stabling place for animals to be treated.
On September 24, 1892, in Marion county, Ohio, Dr. Bretz was united in marriage to Miss Eva Ione Walters, a daughter of William and Lucretia (Shoots) Walters, the parents being farming people of Marion county. Dr. and Mrs. Bretz have one daughter, Rowena Antoinette, who was born in Nevada, July 10, 1899. Mrs. Bretz was born in Marion county, May 31, 1868, and was educated at the Delaware College, giving special attention to music.
Dr. Bretz gives his allegiance to the republican party and has at various times given evidence of his public spirit by par- ticipating in the public life of his community, having served as member of the council of Nevada for two terms and as member of the school board for three terms, his latter con-
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nection giving evidence of his sincere interest in the cause of education. He keeps in touch with his colleagues through the medium of his memberships in the Northwestern Ohio Veterinary Medical Association and the National Veterinary Medical Association. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and his religious faith is that of the Methodist church. He is highly regarded in his community and the surrounding district, where he is widely and favorably known and enjoys the confidence and good-will of the general public. Ambition has led him to engage in various fields of labor and he has been successful along all lines to which he has given his attention. A substantial man and a man of worth, he has contributed to the general welfare and his life has to be esti- mated not only in regard to the personal prosperity it has brought to him but as a factor in the general advancement along material, moral and intellectual lines.
A. P. JOHNSON.
A. P. Johnson is well known in business circles of Carey as the proprietor of a large automobile garage and in the political life of the city by reason of his able work as a member of the city council. He was born in Berea, Ohio, June 21, 1882, and is a son of W. C. and Adah (Pickering) Johnson. The father was educated in the public schools of Hiram and later attended Oberlin College. The mother's schooling was acquired in Geauga county, where she grew to womanhood. Their marriage occurred in Berea and they afterward lived in Wellington and Creston before coming to Carey. The father was well known throughout the county for his success in the cultivation of onions and celery and in 1894 opened up the marsh lands north of Carey. Here he was successful in his vegetable farming until 1896, when he met with reverses, his crops failing on account of continued rain. However, his financial condition improved in the fol- lowing year and he had become once more a successful and prosperous farmer when, on the 11th of September, 1900, he was killed while defending his home against an attack of burglars. His wife now owns the farm and makes her home upon it.
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After acquiring his education in the public schools A. P. Johnson came to Carey and here began his independent busi- ness career as the proprietor of the automobile garage which he still conducts. He does an excellent business, being prac- tical and far-sighted in his methods and incorruptible in his integrity. His attention is divided between his private busi- ness affairs and his duties as a member of the city council, to which he was elected in the fall of 1911. In this position he has since done practical and constructive work, supporting measures which he deems for the best interests of the com- munity and proving his public spirit by active and well directed political service. His fraternal connections are with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Lutheran church.
GUILFORD D. TROWBRIDGE.
Guilford D. Trowbridge, conducting a photographic studio in Upper Sandusky, was born in Fayette, Fulton county, Ohio, August 21, 1859, a son of William and Mary A. (Erick) Trow- bridge. The father, born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1833, is a cabinet-maker by trade and makes his home with his son in Upper Sandusky. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1835, and her death occurred in Fulton county in 1894. In this family were three children. Zella married F. L. Felger, a piano dealer at Fayette, Ohio, and they have two children, Grace and Helen. Guilford D., the second in order of birth, is the subject of this review. Mattie married Henry J. Bachman, an implement dealer and speculator at Wauseon, Ohio, and they have a son, Roland.
Guilford D. Trowbridge attended the public schools of Fayette, Ohio, until he was twenty years of age and afterward worked for a short time at the carpenter's trade. He then, however, learned photography and has been connected with this art since that time. He worked in the employ of others in his native section through 1880 and afterward spent five years at Morenci, Michigan. In 1886 he began his indepen- dent career, establishing himself in the photographic busi- ness in Fowlerville, Michigan, where he remained until 1893.
GUILFORD D. TROWBRIDGE
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He then spent two years with his father, after the death of his mother, after which he came to Upper Sandusky, where he now conducts a studio. His patronage is extensive, owing to the excellent class of work which he turns out, and his ability ranks him with the leading members of the profession in this part of the state. He was called upon to do all the photo- graphic work in connection with this history and as special photographer furnished all of the illustrations appearing in these volumes, acquitting himself with great credit of this important and difficult task.
On August 3, 1885, in Fowlerville, Michigan, Mr. Trow- bridge was united in marriage to Miss Anna K. Burg, a daugh- ter of Henry and Eliza (Chapman) Burg, of Junction City, Kansas. Both have passed away, the father dying in 1876 and the mother ten years later. Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge have one son, Dale, who is a draughtsman in Marion, Ohio. He married Miss Iva M. Evans. Fraternally Guilford D. Trow- bridge is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is an independent republican and is closely con- nected with the general business life of Upper Sandusky through his membership in the Chamber of Commerce. Dur- ing his sixteen years of residence he has won many friends here and is much esteemed for his social qualities, as well as for his artistic attainments in photographic lines.
MILFORD H. BRINKERHOFF.
In the years of an active and successful business career Milford H. Brinkerhoff has ever enjoyed an unassailable reputation for enterprise, capability and commercial integ- rity. He is now the oldest music dealer in Wyandot county and has a well appointed store in Upper Sandusky, where he is accorded a liberal patronage. His birth occurred in Mc- Cutchenville, Ohio, February 22, 1849. His father, Alexan- der W. Brinkerhoff, was born at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1821, and in 1834 became a resident of Seneca county, Ohio. He was educated in the public schools and with his initial step in the business world became connected with the dry- goods trade. Later he entered the piano and music business in Upper Sandusky. In 1879 he began to practice medicine
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as a specialist in the treatment of rectal diseases, being the inventor of five surgical instruments and remedies specially adapted for that branch of medical science. He was very successful and continued actively in the work of the profes- sion to the time of his death, which occurred in 1887. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha E. Hall, was born in Hainesville, Ohio, in 1827, and passed away in 1864. In their family were three sons: Milford H., of this review; Byron, who died at the age of seven years; and William C., who married Minnie Geisinger, of Springfield, Ohio, and is a practicing physician of Chicago.
In his youthful days Milford H. Brinkerhoff became a pupil in the public schools of Upper Sandusky, which he attended to the age of eighteen years. He started in the busi- ness world by engaging in painting machinery for two years. He then began selling machines and devoted his energies to a growing business along that line from 1869 until the present time. He subsequently added the music and piano busi- ness, to which he now devotes much of his attention and is the oldest music dealer in Wyandot county in years of continuous connection with the trade. For forty-one years he has been handling the Sterling goods. In fact his business has been very successful from the beginning and has constantly grown and developed because of his close application, his enterpris- ing methods and his earnest desire to meet the requirements of his patrons. He is also a stockholder in the First National Bank and in the Upper Sandusky Telephone Company.
On the 24th of October, 1876, at Gilman, Illinois, Mr. Brink- erhoff was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Kiskadden, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Kiskadden. Her father, a pioneer of Wyandot county of 1844, devoted his life to farm- ing. Mr. and Mrs. Brinkerhoff have become parents of four children. Harry A. first married Nellie Philbrick, who died in 1908, since which time he has wedded Bessie Parker. He has one child, Mary A. He is now a sales manager with the Universal Pattern Company. Grace M., the daughter, is at home. Zachary K., who married Laura Katzmyer, is a farmer living in Louisiana. Van Wyck is an osteopathic physician at Toledo, Ohio.
In his political views Mr. Brinkerhoff has been a republi- can since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and he has attained
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the Knights Templar degree of the Scottish Rite. He is inter- ested in all effective movements for the welfare and progress of the city. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. A lifelong resident of Ohio and for many years one of Upper Sandusky's most valued citizens, Mr. Brinkerhoff has contributed in large measure to the progress and development of the city, not alone along material lines, but also in its intellectual, social and moral development.
GIDEON BOWEN.
The real builders and promoters of Wyandot county have largely been the men who came to this region when it was an unimproved tract and utilized its natural resources, trans- forming the wild prairie into rich and productive fields, the products of which constitute one of the chief sources of the county's prosperity. Preeminent among these men is Gid- eon Bowen, who, if not the oldest living settler in Wyandot county, is one of the three oldest and whose residence here, dating from 1829, has covered the most important period of the county's history. He has not only been a witness of the growth and progress that has transformed this into a popu- lous and prosperous region but has also borne his full share in the work of general development and improvement. He has seen wild prairies become fertile farms, roads built and cities founded and as the years passed, his unwearied labor has been rewarded by success, making him one of the success- ful and honored citizens of this part of the state.
Mr. Bowen was born in Wyandot county, February 15, 1829, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret Bowen, both of whom have passed away, the father dying in 1833 and the mother in 1887. Mr. Bowen spent a hard and burdensome childhood, assuming as a boy a man's responsibilities and combating with rare courage and determination the hard- ships, obstacles and privations of pioneer times. When he was only four years of age his father died, leaving the mother so poor that she was obliged to "farm out" her eight chil- dren. Hard labor fell to the lot of Gideon Bowen, who was set to work at clearing land and opening up new farms out of the wilderness. He was connected in a peculiar way with
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the foundation of Upper Sandusky, for his master, to whom he was hired out, was employed to move from the present town site the homes and effects of the Indians, who were compelled to leave what was then their reservation. The. master assisted in the moving of the wigwams and in the transportation of the squaws and papooses to Cincinnati, where they embarked for their new home selected by the government. Mr. Bowen was left behind in Upper Sandusky to take charge of eighteen acres of corn, which was planted on the homestead owned by his master. During this time he received a meager education, attending the little log school- house on the river bank, which was converted from an Indian council house.
Mr. Bowen's next work here was clearing the land, where Upper Sandusky now stands, and in the course of this oc- cupation he cleared and filled in the corner at Walker and Main streets where the Moody grocery store was later erected. He aided in the construction of the old log building used as a general store in the early days and he was afterward a clerk in the establishment. Eventually, however, he turned his attention to farming, his years of earnest, indefatigable and untiring labor placing him today among those who have con- tributed in substantial measure to the county's agricultural development and advancement. He owns eighty acres of land in Crane township but has put this in the hands of a tenant, having some time since laid aside the cares of active business life. He has built on the first property which he ever owned in Upper Sandusky a fine modern house, and in memory of his early struggles, difficulties and hardships in pioneer times has incorporated in it some of the lumber, from which his first little log cabin was made many years ago.
Mr. Bowen married, November 18, 1852, at Upper San- dusky, Miss Deborah Woolley, and they became the parents of five children. The eldest, Samuel, died at the age of four years. Ada is now Mrs. Straw, and has one child. Della, now Mrs. Moyer, makes her home in Upper Sandusky. Ota B. is the widow of S. W. Nigh, who died in 1908, after a successful agricultural career. Mrs. Nigh was for twelve years a school teacher in Upper Sandusky and for six years was connected with the public schools of North Baltimore. She was an earnest, capable and conscientious teacher and very much beloved by her scholars, as she is also by all who
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come in contact with her. She now makes her home with her father, the subject of this review, at 308 North Seventh street, in Upper Sandusky. Pliny W., the youngest child in this family, makes his home on his father's farm in Crane township. He is married and has three children, Martha L., Helen C. and Miller E.
Mr. Bowen gives his political allegiance to the republican party but is never active as an office seeker. For a number of years he was a member of the United Brethren church, serving as superintendent. He has been interested in the welfare of the county and has given active cooperation to movements for the public good, while his efforts in behalf of general improvement have been effective and far-reaching. Living in Wyandot county for eighty-four years, or since his birth, he is one of the best known citizens of this locality, being widely recognized as a man of tried integrity and worth, of business enterprise and unfaltering diligence. He is a self-made man, who, depending upon his own resources, has conquered hardship and defeat, working his way up- ward and proving the force of his character and the extent of his energy in the splendid success he has achieved.
ORLANDO V. RILEY.
One of the prosperous men of Nevada and a leader in the commercial life of the city, Orlando V. Riley is engaged along various lines, including general merchandising, dealing in farm implements and machinery, real-estate transactions, and is also the sole owner of the only fireproof auto garage in Nevada. A versatile man of business ability, energy and pro- gressive methods, he has sought and found prosperity along various lines until he is considered today one of the substan- tial residents of Nevada, which city in turn has profited by his efforts, so that his life work has become a serviceable factor in the general upbuilding. A native of Davis county, Iowa, he was born October 1, 1869, and is a son of David M. and Bertha (McGough) Riley. Both parents are natives of Van Wert county, Ohio, where the father was born in 1842 and the mother in 1846. The former during practically all his active
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