USA > Ohio > Wyandot County > Past and present of Wyandot County, Ohio; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 15
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On August 5, 1895, at North Robinson, Ohio, Dr. Dwire was united in marriage to Miss Grace Smith, a daughter of H. F. and Harriet (Slaughterbeck) Smith, the former of whom for many years engaged as farmer and merchant at North Robinson. Dr. and Mrs. Dwire have four daughters:
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Lucile, Isabelle, Jeannette and Virginia. Dr. and Mrs. Dwire are devoted members of the Methodist church.
Although his professional duties are of such exacting character that they demand most of his time and attention, Dr. Dwire interests himself in other matters pertaining to the public welfare and has actively participated in the polit- ical life of his community, having served for four years as councilman, doing efficient service during that period in pro- moting measures which have proven of distinct value to the city. He also fosters the cause of education whenever an opportunity presents itself to better the school system of the city and for six years has efficiently served as president of the school board. His service as health officer of the city com- prises a period of five years-five years which have been filled with important work undertaken by the Doctor in order to improve sanitary conditions and prevent contagious diseases. He gives his support to the republican party, stanchly uphold- ing its men and principles, and has a comprehensive under- standing of the party's ideals and purposes, keeping well informed upon all public issues that affect the nation. Fra- ternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order, is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. The handsome family residence, where Dr. and Mrs. Dwire often entertain a charming circle of friends, and his office building in Nevada, are both owned by him and he has other interests which give evidence of his prosperity, having become one of the substantial men of the city, where he is highly esteemed and regarded by all who know him on account of his manly qualities of character, the faithful performance of his duties and his true American, public-spirited citizenship.
JOHN E. PARKER.
In a history of the business development of Harpster men- tion should be made of John E. Parker, well known in the town as a successful general merchant. He was born in Pitt town- ship, April 8, 1866, a son of William Parker, a native of Eng- land. The latter was born in 1839 and when eighteen years of age came to America, settling in Pitt township, Wyandot county, where he engaged in farming for a number of years.
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He was afterward the proprietor of a large grocery and gen- eral store in Harpster and his connection with this enterprise continued until his death, which occurred December 11, 1911. The mother has also passed away, her death having occurred when the subject of this review was four days old. In their family were three children, William, Mary and John E., of this review.
The last named acquired his education in the public schools of Newton county, Missouri, whither he was sent when still a child to make his home with his uncle and aunt. He laid aside his books at the age of nineteen and then began his inde- pendent career, returning to Pitt township, where he worked, upon a farm for several years. He operated this property in the interest of his father but after the latter opened his general store in Harpster he became associated in its conduct, their partnership continuing until the death of William Par- ker in 1911, since which time Mr. Parker, of this review, has managed the business alone. He has a well equipped store, with a stock valued at seven hundred dollars, and his inter- ests are carefully conducted, his previous experience well qualifying him for the duties which devolve upon him.
Mr. Parker gives his allegiance to the republican party and his religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Methodist church. His business interests are well con- trolled and his laudable ambition is leading him into impor- tant trade relations.
EDWIN F. STEPHAN.
Under the name of the Stephan Lumber Company, Edwin F. Stephan is conducting a business of extensive proportions. He may well be called a self-made man and he deserves all the praise which the term implies, for he started out in the world to earn his own living when a lad of fourteen. Grad- ually he has advanced, as he has proven his worth, and since 1898 he has figured prominently as a representative of the lumber trade of this city. He was born in Upper Sandusky, November 20, 1869, his parents being Conrad and Catherine (Fink) Stephan, who are now residents of Upper Sandusky. The father was born in Germany in 1835 and is a blacksmith
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EDWIN F. STEPHAN
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by trade. For many years he remained an active factor in business circles here but retired in 1900 and is now enjoying a well earned and well merited rest. His wife was born in 1841 on a farm about three miles south of Kirby, this county. Their living children are John, Edwin F., George, Emma and Luella, while Henry, Charles and Lulu are deceased.
At the usual age Edwin F. Stephan entered the public schools of Upper Sandusky and therein pursued his studies to the age of fourteen years, when he began earning his own liv- ing by clerking in a grocery store at a salary of a dollar and a half per week. He remained in that establishment for four years, his capability and trustworthiness winning a substan- tial increase in salary. He afterward served as deputy post- master for two years and spent four years in a clerical position in connection with the lumber business. During that period he carefully saved his earnings until his economy and industry had brought him a sufficient sum to embark in busi- ness on his own account in partnership with his brother John. They opened a restaurant which they conducted for two years and then sold. The following year, after a three months' tour in Europe, Edwin F. Stephan became teller in the Commercial Bank and in 1898 he formed a partnership with Charles F. Shealy and under the firm name of Shealy & Stephan engaged in the lumber business and bought the sash and door factory then owned and conducted by the John Shealy estate. He soon mastered the details of the business and became an im- portant factor in its successful management. The partner- ship was maintained until 1911, when Mr. Stephan purchased Mr. Shealy's interest and now conducts the business alone under the firm name of the Stephan Lumber Company. He has a well equipped sash and door factory and an extensive lumberyard, which supplies the demand of a trade that has reached gratifying proportions. In the management of his interests he displays excellent executive force and adminis- trative ability and he is notably energetic, prompt and far- seeing.
On the 24th of October, 1907, Mr. Stephan was married in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, to Miss Bertha Althouse, a daughter of Samuel and Sophia (Kuenzli) Althouse, the former one of the early settlers of Wyandot county, now living retired. Mr. and Mrs. Stephan are the parents of one son, Paul Sam- uel, and one daughter, Helen Louise. Mr. Stephan holds Vol. II-11
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membership in the Evangelical church and he seeks to promote the interests and welfare of the city as a member of the Cham- ber of Commerce. He is held in the highest esteem by all who know him. His business methods neither seek nor require disguise, for early in his life he recognized the eternal truth that industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his life, constituting the source of his gratifying and enviable success.
JAMES A. JUVENAL.
James A. Juvenal, deceased, spent his entire life within the borders of Wyandot county and throughout his active busi- ness career was successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits. His birth occurred in Upper Sandusky on the 24th of November, 1853, his parents being Jacob and Emily (Rob- bins) Juvenal, both of whom were natives of Ohio, the former born in Ross county on the 29th of January, 1823, and the latter in Perry county in 1829. The father of Mrs. Emily (Robbins) Juvenal was the proprietor of the first store in Upper Sandusky. Jacob Juvenal spent his active business career in the pursuit of farming and was well known and highly esteemed as a pioneer agriculturist and substantial citizen. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, namely: Alice, James A., Charles D., Jacob H., Katherine, Hester and Martha.
James A. Juvenal acquired his education in the public schools of Upper Sandusky and after putting aside his text- books became identified with general agricultural pursuits, which he followed throughout the remainder of his life, win- ning and maintaining an enviable reputation as a representa- tive and prosperous citizen of the community. It was on the 14th of December, 1892, that he was called to his final rest, passing away in the faith of the Methodist church.
On the 7th of February, 1882, in Crane township, this county, Mr. Juvenal was united in marriage to Miss Jeanetta May Smith, who was born on the 16th of August, 1863, her parents being Joseph M. and Sallie May (Straw) Smith. The father, a native of Seneca county, Ohio, took up his abode among the pioneer settlers of Wyandot county and here
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devoted the remainder of his life to farming and stock-raising, becoming a prominent and influential citizen of the com- munity. His daughter, Jeanetta, was born in a log cabin built by an Indian, named Sarahas, and which remained the home of the family until she was eleven years of age. Joseph M. Smith alone cleared the hazel brush from more than four hundred acres of land, facing and conquering all the difficul- ties and hardships of life in a pioneer region and continuing to aid in its growth and upbuilding with untiring zeal and energy. His demise occurred in 1909, while his wife, who was born in the year 1839, passed away in 1910. Their children were as follows: William S., Jeanetta M., Anna V., Eunice E., David S., Mary C., Sallie M., Joseph M. and George R. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Juvenal were born two children, namely: Howard R., who is employed as an express messenger; and Helen I., who resides with her mother. The latter, who makes her home in Upper Sandusky, enjoys an extensive and favora- ble acquaintance in the county where her entire life has been spent, having won the friendship and regard of all with whom she has come in contact.
JOHN W. WYNKOOP.
Confronting and conquering the difficulties and obstacles in his path, John W. Wynkoop, of Nevada, has made his way in the world to one of the foremost positions in his com- munity, where he now conducts one of the largest general merchandise establishments. He is highly thought of by all who know him and well merits the success which he has achieved by his own efforts and through his energy and abil- ity. Born in Putnam county, Ohio, May 30, 1848, he is a son of Isaac and Margaret (Snyder) Wynkoop, natives of Penn- sylvania, the former born in 1810 and the latter in 1814. The father was a carpenter and contractor and died in 1870. The mother, surviving him for twenty-one years, passed away in 1891. Their numerous family comprised the following children: William F., Martha J., Artalesia B., Sarah E., John W., Jerusha J., Mary M., Charles J., Viola, Isaac M. and Harley.
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John W. Wynkoop was reared in Putnam county until thirteen years of age, there receiving his first lessons, and later entered the Republic Normal School at Republic, Ohio. He subsequently apprenticed himself to the painter's trade for a few years and by thrift and industry was enabled in 1877 to set himself up independently in the dry-goods busi- ness at Arcadia, Ohio, remaining in that place for two years. He then removed to West Independence, this state, success- fully trading there for thirteen years, and then settled in Fostoria, which city he made his home for one year. At the end of that period, in 1895, he came to Nevada, engaging in the dry-goods business, and has been successful from the start. As careful of the interests of his community as of his own, he has become one of the most influential men not only of Nevada but of Wyandot county and is highly respected in business as well as social circles. He gives his attention to general merchandising, carrying in his establishment groceries as well as dry goods, his stock representing a value of about eight thousand dollars. His place of busi- ness is modernly equipped and he is particular in the selec- tion of his employes, in order to give the public the best of service. The lines of goods he handles are always of the best and complete, so that he is enabled to fill practically every demand made by his patrons. His success must be ascribed to his natural ability, his close attention to business and his fair methods. As his means have multiplied Mr. Wynkoop has heavily invested in other representative concerns of his city and is today vice president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Nevada, Ohio. He also owns valuable real estate, including a business block and three residences in Nevada and vacant property in Fostoria. He has, moreover, gone forth to foreign fields for investments, holding stock in the Pan- American Rubber Company and the Santa Isabella Sugar Company, both of Mexico.
Mr. Wynkoop has been twice married. His first union was with Miss Sylvia Strong, of Republic, Ohio, the event occurring in 1872. After seven years of married happiness she passed away in 1879, and subsequently Mr. Wynkoop married Miss Emma G. Gibson, a daughter of John W. and Susan Gibson, of West Independence, Ohio, the marriage taking place on March 21, 1889, at Findlay, this state. Mr. Wynkoop is the father of the following children: Floyd J.
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married Blanche Haspaslagh, of Bucyrus, Ohio, and is mana- ger of his father's grocery store; they have one child, John C. The other children are Ralph L., Eunice F. and Allan G., all of whom live at home.
Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Wynkoop has always taken a deep interest in the cause of education and for six years has served as a member of the school board with result- ant effect. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church, and politically he is a republican. His fraternal connections are with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. Ever ready to lend a helping hand in promoting worthy public enterprises, he has become a forceful element in the advancement of his community and enjoys the high respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. Beginning in a humble position, he has made his way to the top of the ladder and there is none who grudges him his prosperity.
STEPHEN PIKE FOWLER.
Stephen Pike Fowler, one of the oldest residents in Wyan- dot county, being now eighty-six years of age and having spent practically his entire life in this state, has since 1900 been numbered among the retired citizens of Upper San- dusky. Throughout his active business career he was suc- cessfully engaged in the pursuits of farming and stock-raising, owning and cultivating a valuable tract of land in Pitt town- ship. His birth occurred in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, on the 1st of September, 1826, his parents being Stephen and Leefe (Stevens) Fowler. Dr. Stephen Fowler, the father, was born in Massachusetts in 1789 and his wife in Pennsyl- vania in 1799. Stephen Fowler was an agriculturist by occu- pation and also a physician, practicing medicine among the Indians for many years. It was in the year 1827 that he came to Ohio, settling in Marion county. His demise occurred in 1847, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1890. Their children were eight in number, as follows: Finley F., Olive S., Clark R., Betsy A., Stephen P., Scott M., Leefe and Sarah.
Stephen Pike Fowler began his education in a little log schoolhouse and continued his studies at Little Sandusky until eighteen years of age. Subsequently he assisted in the
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work of the home farm in Pitt township until twenty-seven years of age, when the property was divided and he turned his attention to the further cultivation and improvement of the tract which fell to his share, continuing its operation until 1900. In connection with the production of cereals he devoted considerable attention to the raising of stock, win- ning a gratifying measure of success in both branches of his business. For the past thirteen years he has lived retired in Upper Sandusky, owning a handsome residence on South Main street.
Mr. Fowler was twice married, his first union being with Miss Martha Coon, and of this marriage were born four daughters: Corilla, who died in infancy, and Bertha A., Edna Florine and Emma L. On the 18th of December, 1878, at Springfield, Ohio, Mr. Fowler was united in marriage to Miss Frances Flago, a daughter of Charles and Mary Flago, of Urbana, this state. The father, whose birth occurred at Cam- den, New Jersey, in 1804, was a tailor by trade and passed away in the year 1857. The mother, whose natal year was 1817, died in 1898. Mrs. Stephen P. Fowler is the only sur- viving member of a family of seven children.
Politically, Mr. Fowler is a stanch democrat, believing firmly in the principles of that party. His religious faith is that of the Universalist church. He is still hale and hearty at the ripe old age of eighty-six years and is one of the most highly esteemed and respected citizens of the community in which practically his entire life has been spent and the growth and development of which he has witnessed and aided.
GEORGE W. ECKERT.
George W. Eckert is now living retired in Nevada, Wyan- dot county, Ohio, after a long and useful career, enjoying the substantial competence which he has acquired during his long connection with business affairs of the city. Moreover, he is entitled to distinction for the service he rendered to the republic in the Civil war, in which conflict he served for over four years, making a military record of great credit. He was born near Syracuse, New York, October 22, 1842, and is a son of Steven and Blandina (Smadies) Eckert. While a
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resident of the Empire state the father engaged in the manu- facture of poles which he sold to the boatmen on the Erie canal, but after coming to Ohio he followed agricultural pur- suits in Wyandot county. He died in 1849, at the age of forty-seven years. His wife was born in Ulster county, New York, in 1809, and died in 1866. She and her husband came to Antrim township, Wyandot county, when George W. Eck- ert, our subject, was but an infant. In their family were twelve children; Nathaniel, George W., our subject; Maria, Eliza, Luther, Solomon, Jacob, Sarah and four who died in infancy.
George W. Eckert was educated in the district schools of Antrim township which he attended to the age of nine years, when the family moved to Syracuse, New York, where they, however, remained but one year, at the end of which period they returned to Nevada, Ohio, where he continued his edu- cation. He remained upon the home farm until the Civil war broke out, when his patriotic spirit led him to enlist in Com- pany E, Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, also known as the First Ohio Zouaves, under Captain Shaw. He served one year in the ranks but when the band was organized became a member of it. He participated in thirty-six battles and Sheridan's famous ride, which was one of the many thrilling adventures of his army experience. After four years and one day of valorous service he was honorably discharged near Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1865. He then learned the car- penter's trade, which occupation he followed until 1874, when he entered the hotel, saloon and livery business in Kirby, Ohio, so continuing for one year. At the end of that period he came to Nevada, where for twenty years he conducted a saloon and then became connected with the farm implement and buggy business in Nevada, a relationship which continued for seven years. At the end of that time he was enabled to retire from active life and now lives in the enjoyment of a com- fortable competence which assures him of all the conveniences of life. He owns three valuable business properties and the residence in which he lives and also holds title to vacant prop- erty in the city. He also is a stockholder in the Mausoleum Company of Nevada, Ohio.
At Bucyrus, Ohio, on February 26, 1865, Mr. Eckert was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Kieffer, a daughter of George and Sallie A. (Van Voorhies) Kieffer, of Todd town-
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ship, Crawford county, the father a prominent agriculturist of his section. Mr. and Mrs. Eckert are the parents of seven children, Frank E., George Nathaniel, Monta Alvin, Erma, Sarah, Vida and Delta.
In his political views Mr. Eckert is a democrat, always stanchly upholding the principles of his party at the polls. Although he takes a deep interest in the spiritual and moral advancement of his community, he gives his allegiance to no particular church, exemplifying a Christian spirit through all of his connections without giving preference to any dogma. He meets his comrades of old through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. Although he has practi- cally retired from all active business he is still deeply inter- ested in the progress of his community and champions all measures intended to further the general cause. He is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him for his many high qualities of character and since locating in Nevada has not only been an interested witness of the changes that have taken place but a helpful and cooperant factor in bringing about the prevailing prosperous conditions.
REV. JOHN R. FORRER.
Rev. John R. Forrer, pastor of St. Peter's Catholic church of Upper Sandusky, was born in Zuckenriet, Canton of St. Gall, Switzerland, on the 7th of February, 1868. He is a son of Gallus and Elizabetha (Renner) Forrer, the former an ag- riculturist in Zuckenriet, who passed away May 23, 1907, at the age of eighty-seven. His wife survives him and makes her home in Switzerland, having reached the age of eighty- two. In their family were six children: Gallus, Joseph, John, of this review; George, Francisca, who died twelve years ago, and Therese, who lives in Switzerland, where she is taking care of her aged mother.
Rev. John R. Forrer completed the classical course in the Collegium Maria Hilf in Schwyz, Switzerland, and afterward came to the United States, arriving in this country in 1887. He went immediately to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was for six years a student in St. Mary's Seminary, being ordained at the end of that time to the priesthood of the Catholic church.
Res. John R Torres
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This ceremony took place on the 23d of December, 1893, and was performed by the Rt. Rev. Ignatius Fredericus Horst- man, D. D., bishop of Cleveland. Soon afterward Father Forrer was made assistant at St. Stephen's church in that city and continued there until June, 1898, when he was ap- pointed pastor of St. Patrick's church in London township, Seneca county, Ohio. On July 7, 1905, he was appointed pastor of St. Peter's church, Upper Sandusky, succeeding Rev. Aloysius Huthmacher, who was at that time transferred to the important charge of St. Mary's congregation in Mas- sillon, Ohio. In Upper Sandusky Father Forrer has done excellent work during his eight years' connection with St. Peter's church, proving himself both an able business man and an earnest worker for the spread of the doctrines of Christianity. He has, indeed, accomplished something worthy of record among the Catholic people of the city and he has their love in large measure, while he enjoys also the re- spect of people of all denominations. He is a man of schol- arly attainments, most earnest and concentrated in his work, and is very watchful over the interests of his people, his words of wisdom proving a strong element in their character building.
CLINTON D. SMITH.
Perhaps no one is better known throughout Crawford township as an active, successful and prosperous farmer than Clinton D. Smith, who since his childhood has lived in this section and who has today achieved a success which, combined with his many sterling characteristics, gives him a high position in the general confidence and esteem. He was born in Hancock county, Ohio, January 2, 1857, and is a son of a pioneer in the state. His father, David Smith, came west from Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1822, traveling with his parents, Jacob and Sarah (Long) Smith. The family settled in what was then a part of Crawford county, but which is now comprised in Wyandot, and here the father took up government land. His tract was entirely unim- proved and covered with a dense growth of timber, which he was obliged to clear before beginning the work of develop-
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