USA > Ohio > Wyandot County > Past and present of Wyandot County, Ohio; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 22
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The public schools of Marseilles township afforded Myron R. Emptage his educational opportunities and in his child- hood he divided his time between his studies and work upon his father's homestead. At the age of nineteen he laid aside his books but continued to assist his father until he and his brother, James A., purchased the homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, which they farmed in partnership until 1912, when Myron R. Emptage left the farm and came to Marseilles. He is still interested in the property, however, and upon it fine crops of hay, corn and oats are raised, Mr. Emptage being in addition specially interested in the raising of pure bred Merino Delaine sheep, of which he has at present about one hundred head. He is also a breeder on an extensive scale of pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs and has a large number of these animals. In 1912 he opened in Marseilles a farm implement depot, which he has since conducted, and the business has grown in a remarkable way, the stock being now valued at five thousand dollars. A large and lucrative patronage has been accorded to him, for the excellent quality of the goods which he handles has become widely known, as has also his straightforward business methods and his honorable dealings.
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Mr. Emptage married, in Marseilles, on the 15th of April, 1900, Miss Nellie E. Clark, a daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Clark, of that village. Mr. and Mrs. Emptage are members of the Methodist church and well known in social and religious cir- cles. Mr. Emptage is honored as a veteran of the Spanish- American war, having served for eight months during that conflict as a member of Company B, Second Ohio Volunteer
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Infantry. He was also orderly for John A. Logan, Jr., and in this capacity served in Cuba for about forty days, receiving his honorable discharge on the 12th of February, 1899. He belongs to the American and Delaine Merino Record Associa- tion of Delaware, Ohio. Politically he gives his allegiance to the republican party and is interested in all that pertains to the general progress, cooperating in many movements for the good of the community and proving himself at all times a public-spirited and progressive citizen as well as an able busi- ness man and a successful farmer.
FRANCIS F. HOFFMAN.
Francis F. Hoffman is operating the farm in Crane town- ship upon which he was born, and in the conduct of his busi- ness affairs is meeting with that gratifying measure of success which always rewards earnest and intelligently directed labor. His birth occurred on the 23d of December, 1869, his parents being Eli and Rebecca (Reiter) Hoffman, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born July 29, 1826, and the latter in 1829. The father came to Ohio in pioneer times, making the journey by wagon from Pennsylvania, and set- tled on a farm in Crane township, from which he cleared the heavy growth of timber in order to break the virgin soil. With the lumber cut down he erected with his own hands a log cabin and barn and continued to reside upon the property for many years, eventually replacing the original dwelling with a modern residence. He has been identified with much of the growth and development of this section of the state and is classed among the prominent and representative citizens. He has now retired from active life and has made his home with his son since 1896. His wife passed away in 1909. They were the parents of ten children: Henrietta L .; Marie; Levi W .; James W., who died at the age of three years; Hannah L .; Stephen S .; Samuel; Robert M .; Francis F., of this re- view ; and Cora.
In the acquirement of an education, Francis F. Hoffman attended district school in Crane township, laying aside his books at the age of eighteen, after which he worked upon his father's farm until he was twenty-one, in which year he went
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to Columbus, Ohio. He worked in that city for one year and then returned home and joined his father in the conduct of the family homestead, operating it with him on shares for three years. At the end of that time he purchased the prop- erty and has since been very successful in its further devel- opment. He owns eighty acres of land on section 27 and raises hay, corn, oats and wheat, which he sells in the markets of Upper Sandusky. In addition to the work of the fields he makes a specialty of breeding cattle, horses and hogs, and is widely recognized as one of the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of the community.
On March 13, 1892, Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage, at Upper Sandusky, to Miss Maud I. Tschanen, a daughter of Peter and Anna (Smalley) Tschanen, the former a promi- nent farmer of Crane township. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman be- came the parents of a daughter, Ruth Almira, who was born June 7, 1893, and who died April 23, 1899.
Mr. Hoffman attends the German Lutheran church but does not hold membership in any religious organization. He is a democrat in his political beliefs and fraternally is iden- tified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Resid- ing in Crane township since his birth, he is widely known here and the measure of respect accorded him indicates that his life has been an honorable and upright one. In his busi- ness career he has placed his dependence upon the substantial qualities of perseverance, determination and ready use of opportunity, and in the conduct of his farm has, therefore, met with signal success.
EDWIN R. LESLIE.
Edwin R. Leslie is an enterprising and progressive young farmer of Mifflin township, owning and operating eighty acres of land on section 22. He is a native son of Wyandot county, born in Upper Sandusky, February 25, 1887, his parents be- ing Harmon and Sarah (Lindsey) Leslie, natives of Marion county, the former born in 1852 and the latter in 1849. Their marriage occurred in 1880 and to their union were born two children: James W., who married Sylvia E. Gamble in 1904; and Edwin R., of this review. The father of our subject
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passed away September 19, 1895, and on March 1, 1900, his widow married F. M. Chenoweth, who died October 24, 1904.
Edwin R. Leslie acquired his early education in the pub- lic schools of Upper Sandusky, and supplemented this by a course in the Delaware Business College, from which he was graduated November 28, 1905. He afterward worked one year with the Brown Hoisting Machine Company in Cleve- land and then removed on to a farm in Mifflin township, whereon he has since resided. He owns eighty acres of land, with substantial improvements, including a good residence, barns and granaries, and by constant and well directed work he has made this one of the fine agricultural properties of the locality. Excellent crops of corn and oats annually reward the care and labor he bestows upon the fields and his land is well improved and highly developed.
On the 15th of March, 1907, Mr. Leslie was united in mar- riage, in Mifflin township, to Miss Bertha E. Fox, a daughter of Frank M. and Julia Fox. They have three children, Letta L., Frank H. and Fred E. Mr. Leslie gives his allegiance to the republican party and fraternally is affiliated with the Masons. He is a devout member of the Methodist church and is well known and highly esteemed througout Wyandot county, where he has spent his entire life.
MYRON V. CASE.
Myron V. Case, who since his childhood has been a resi- dent of Wyandot county, is now a partner in the grocery firm of Case & McLain. South Dakota numbers him among her native sons, for he was born at Redfield, that state, December 29, 1884, a son of Francis O. and Lydia (Foucht) Case. The father was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1847, and spent his entire active life engaged in farming, following that occu- pation in Ohio, Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska and dying in the latter state in 1909. The mother was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1850 and passed away in 1887. In their family were three children, Pliny W., Carl C. and Myron V.
After the death of his mother, which occurred when he was only two years of age, Myron V. Case became a member of the household of his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Sol Kotter-
EARL F. McCLAIN
MYRON V. CASE
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man, of Pitt township, with whom he grew to manhood. He acquired his early education in the district schools and when he was seventeen years of age entered the summer school in Upper Sandusky, which he attended for two terms. This was followed by a six months' course at the Ada Business College, after which he began teaching, an occupation which he followed in the district and village schools of Wyandot county for about ten years. At the end of that time he turned his attention to commercial pursuits, forming in 1912 a part- nership with E. F. McLain and organized the present grocery firm of Case & McLain. In the intervening year they have built up an enviable business and are today ranked among the leading grocers of the town. Their trade is extensive and they cater to the best patronage, carrying a large and well selected line of staple and fancy groceries. Mr. Case is in addition a stockholder in the Buckeye Foundry & Machine Company.
On September 22, 1910, in Antrim township, Mr. Case was united in marriage to Miss Iva Ritterspach, a daughter of Simon and Eliza Ritterspach, the former a well known farmer of Antrim township. Mr. and Mrs. Case are the parents of a son, Robert Donald. Mr. Case belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men and while he was engaged in teaching was president of the Wyandot County Teachers' Institute and secretary of the Ohio Teachers' Reading Circle. He gives his allegiance to the democratic party, and is a devout member of the Reformed church. He is a man of exemplary habits, strict integrity and strong personality and is well known in the county, holding the high esteem of all who have business and social relations with him.
EARL FOUCHT McCLAIN.
Earl Foucht McClain, a partner in the firm of Case & McClain of Upper Sandusky, proprietors of one of the lead- ing grocery stores of the city, was born on the 28th of June, 1885, in Pitt township, Wyandot county, and is a son of A. L. and Alvena (Foucht) McClain, the former a representative of one of the old families of the county, having been born and Vol. II-16
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reared in the locality in which his entire life has been spent. His wife was born at the place where she now resides. In their family were six children, four sons and two daughters, all of whom are yet living in Wyandot county and are with their parents save one son, who is a resident of Lima, Ohio. In order of birth the children are Earl Foucht, Franklin E., Blanch Margarite, Thomas W., Catherine E. and Luke.
Earl McClain attended the public schools until twenty years of age and then began farming for himself, being thus engaged for five years. He then took charge of his father's farm, which he managed for a year, and on the expiration of that period he entered into partnership with Myron V. Case, of Upper Sandusky, in the conduct of a grocery business. They are among the most popular firms in the beautiful little city where they conduct their store. Both are young men and liked because of their many excellent traits of character. Mr. McClain is energetic, ambitious and enterprising and it takes no gift of prophesy to recognize that his will be a success- ful future. It is such young men who push forward the wheels of progress, discarding old for new conditions, thus pro- moting the development and upbuilding of the community. He has a host of warm friends and wherever known is held in high esteem.
CHARLES H. MEINZER.
Charles H. Meinzer, carrying on general farming on sec- tion 1, Mifflin township, was born in Germany, February 8, 1857. His father, Charles F. Meinzer, also a native of that country, was born in 1812 and there wedded Katherine Hager, a native of Germany, born in 1822. In the year 1861 they crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in Wyandot county, Ohio, where the father followed the occupation of farming. His wife died in 1878 and he survived until 1893, having for thirty-one years been a resident of Wyandot county. In their family were the following named : Frederick married Martha Rocky, who died in 1901, leaving one child, and since then he has wedded Dora Messmer. William, the second son, married Catherine Smith and died in 1877, leaving one child. Caroline became the wife of Peter Binau and died in 1892, leaving one
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child. Louisa is the widow of John Bartholomew, who died in 1890, leaving four children. Pauline became the wife of Henry Smith and died in 1885, leaving five children. Charles H. is the next in the family. Phillip married Susie Bower and has three children. John married Emma Clinger.
Upon the old homestead in Mifflin township, Charles H. Meinzer spent his youthful days, between the ages of four and twenty-one years, and during that period was a pupil in the public schools but afterward worked upon a farm, thus start- ing out in life on his own account. He carefully saved his earnings until the same were sufficient to enable him to pur- chase forty acres of land in 1880. This he cleared and there he built a home in 1883, cultivating and improving this farm until 1892, when he sold it and invested in one hundred and sixty acres on sections 35 and 36, Salem township, and on section 1, Mifflin township, his home being across the line in the latter township. In 1913 he added forty-three acres to his holdings which are located on section 12, Mifflin township. He has a well developed property, making a specialty of the raising of hay, wheat, corn, oats and sugar beets and annually he gathers good crops, for he follows practical and progressive methods of farming, rotating his crops and keeping the soil in excellent condition. He also has fourteen head of cattle and fifty hogs, and sells the products of his farm in the local market. He likewise owns three good residences in Upper Sandusky and has been a successful and enterprising business man whose prosperity has been the direct result of well directed labor. When his first farm came into his possession it was covered with stumps and alone he performed the task of clearing it, as he had previously cleared most of the land which his father bought. While his work was of a very arduous nature in clearing his fields and preparing them for the plow, he remem- bers those days as the happiest period of his life.
On the 25th of April, 1882, at Tiffin, Ohio, Mr. Meinzer was united in marriage to Miss Lena Hunker, who died in 1889, and on the 5th of July, 1894, in Mifflin township, he wedded Miss Minnie Zimmerman, who came from Germany in 1882, and is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Zimmerman. Her father was a cabinet-maker, who died in 1875, in Ger- many, where his wife had passed away in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Meinzer have become the parents of three sons: Roy, Arthur and Carl.
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In politics Mr. Meinzer is an independent democrat, fre- quently voting with the party yet supporting men and meas- sures without regard to party connection if his judgment deems this the wisest step. He served as school director for three years and is interested in the cause of progressive edu- cation. His religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church. Such is the life history of one of Wyandot county's self-made men. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as his prosperity is the direct result of earnest, indefatigable effort. His example should serve to encourage and inspire others, showing what may be accom- plished when industry and ambition lead the way.
SAMUEL W. ALTHOUSE.
Samuel W. Althouse, a prominent tile manufacturer and farmer of Marseilles township, is a native of Ohio, born in Crane township, Wyandot county, February 21, 1853. His father, Christian Althouse, was born in Canton Bern, Swit- zerland, on the 20th of August, 1821, and when he was thir- teen years of age crossed the Atlantic to America, settling im- mediately in Holmes county, Ohio, where he remained for twelve years. In 1847 he moved to Wyandot county, becom- ing numbered among the pioneers in this part of the state, and he carried on general agricultural pursuits upon his farm in Crane township until his death, which occurred in 1886. He married, on the 24th of March, 1851, Miss Anna Gerrich, who was born in Switzerland on the 8th of July, 1827. She came to America in 1849, settling immediately in Wyandot county, where she died March 25, 1887. She was a devout member of the German Reformed church. In this family were eleven children: Lizzie, who has passed away; Samuel W., of this review; Harriett; John; Caroline; Carl; Mary, who died in 1901; William; George, who has passed away; Emma, whose death occurred January 19, 1910; and Alvin.
Samuel W. Althouse attended school in Crane township until he was sixteen years of age and from his early childhood assisted with the work of the homestead, becoming a skilful and practical agriculturist. After laying aside his books he remained with his father upon the farm until after he had
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attained his majority, when he turned his attention to the carpenter's trade, working at it for five years and afterward engaging in the sawmill business. In 1892, after ten years in the latter occupation, he purchased a tile plant in Mar- seilles township and this he has since operated, building up a profitable and growing business by reason of his industry, his business discrimination and his excellent organizing abil- ity. In addition to his manufacturing interests he has also valuable land holdings in this township and is a prosperous farmer, his one hundred and sixty acres, located on sections 15 and 16, constituting one of the finest agricultural proper- ties in this vicinity. He has made substantial improvements upon it and gives a great deal of time to the cultivation of his fields, harvesting fine crops of hay, corn, oats and wheat. Aside from this he is also an extensive stock-raiser, feeding seventy-five head of pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs, fifty sheep and about eight horses and selling his animals in the local markets. He has made this a very remunerative department of his farm, to the development of which he gives careful and practical attention, being known as one of the most progres- sive and able farmers in this locality.
On the 6th of May, 1880, in Upper Sandusky, Mr. Althouse married Miss Catherine Mahle, a daughter of John and Anna M. (Meyer) Mahle, residents of Mifflin township. The father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 14th of March, 1823, and spent his boyhood days in his native country, com- ing to America when he was a young man. He settled in Ohio, where he early made a reputation as a straightforward, hon- orable and reliable business man, gaining the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. He married Anna Mary Meyer in Bucyrus, Ohio, on the 17th of January, 1856, and with her spent over fifty years of a happy wedded life. She also was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, her birth having occurred on the 23d of December, 1827, and she came to America in 1852, settling in Bucyrus and later moving to Mifflin township where she passed away when she was eighty- four years of age. She was a devout member of the Bethany Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Althouse became the parents of four children. Elnora H. married F. W. Ulrich, a farmer in Salem township, and they have three children, Frieda E., Florence M. and Wayne L. Matilda, Allen D. and Harley F. live at home, the latter being engaged in teaching.
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Mr. Althouse is a member of the Presbyterian church and politically gives his allegiance to the democratic party, having served for fifteen years as councilman of Marseilles village and as a member of the school board for five years. He is widely known throughout this section of the county, where he has so long resided, and his many sterling qualities of mind and character command the respect and esteem of the entire community.
JOSEPH F. WONDER.
Joseph F. Wonder, since 1900 justice of the peace in Carey and since 1902 health officer, is numbered among the early residents in the city where for well over a quarter of a cen- tury his activities have been a force in business and political advancement. He was born in Flat Rock township, Seneca county, November 10, 1842, and is a son of Mathias and Cath- erine (Fowl) Wonder, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Germany. The father settled in Seneca county when he was twelve years of age and grew to manhood there, later engaging in farming, an occupation which he followed until his death, in 1898. His wife, who came to America when she was seven years of age, took up her residence in Seneca county and there resided until her death, which oc- curred when she was in her eighty-second year. In their family were the following children: Joseph F., George F., Sarah C., Henry, May E., Margaret, Eva R., Jacob, Laura R. and Louis N.
Joseph F. Wonder acquired his education in the district schools of Crawford township, Wyandot county, and attended a select school, fitting himself for teaching, an occupation which he followed for two terms. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Forty- Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after serving four months was wounded and discharged for disability. During his term of service he was once taken prisoner and placed in the famous Libby prison, from which he escaped. After his discharge Mr. Wonder returned to Ohio and in 1886 turned his attention to sawmilling, an occupation which he followed successfully for five years. His public career began in 1882,
JOSEPH F. WONDER
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when he was elected marshal of Carey, a position which he held two years, after which he was made constable, discharg- ing his duties efficiently and conscientiously for four years. He has been since 1900 justice of the peace in Carey and in 1902 added to his duties those of health officer, in both of which capacities his work is able, conscientious and discrim- inating. He is connected as a stockholder with the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company of Carey and owns some val- uable real estate in the city, including his fine residence.
Mr. Wonder has been twice married. His first union was with Miss Melinda M. Miller, whom he wedded on the 28th of October, 1868. She died in 1890, leaving one child, Arthur E., who passed away when he was twenty-two years of age. On the 30th of November, 1893, Mr. Wonder married Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Sommers, a widow with one child, James Grant Sommers. Mrs. Wonder is a daughter of James Hib- bins, who had the distinction of being the first male white child born in Wyandot county.
Mr. Wonder gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pyth- ias and Carey Post, No. 173, G. A. R. He is now in his seventy- first year but in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime, and his upright, honorable and well spent life has gained him the respect and esteem of all who have been in any way associated with him.
IRA J. MONTROSS.
Ira J. Montross, successfully engaged in general mer- chandising in Mexico, was born in Seneca county, February 5, 1871, his parents being Charles W. and Mary E. (Raively) Montross. The father, a native of New York state, was born February 22, 1848, and was five years of age when he was brought to Seneca county. There he grew to manhood and after completing his education followed the trade of a laborer. He now makes his home in Mexico, Tymochtee township. His wife is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1841. They are the parents of five children, Charles, Ida, Mary, Arthur and Ira J.
Ira J. Montross acquired his education in the district schools of Tymochtee township, which he attended until he
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was twenty-three years of age, after which he spent one sum- mer in the Ohio Northern University at Ada. When he had laid aside his books he engaged in farming on shares and his ability along this line enabled him to continue his labors suc- cessfully until 1911, when he turned his attention to commer- cial pursuits, opening a general store at Mexico. His stock is valued at one thousand dollars and he carries a complete and well selected line of goods which are tastefully and at- tractively arranged. In recognition of his straightforward and reliable business methods Mr. Montross enjoys an exten- sive and steadily increasing patronage and is already known as a prosperous and progressive merchant and public-spirited citizen.
Mr. Montross has been twice married. His first union was with Miss Ida Rosier, of Mccutchenville, whom he wedded at Upper Sandusky, April 12, 1894. They were the parents of four children, three of whom died in infancy. The other is a daughter, Verna. Mr. Montross' first wife died in 1906 and on December 4, 1909, he married Miss Mary Tallman, a daugh- ter of George W. and Melissa Tallman. To this union has been born a son, Klahr.
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