USA > Ohio > Wyandot County > Past and present of Wyandot County, Ohio; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
Harry S. Rieser acquired his education in the public schools of Upper Sandusky and later was a student in a busi- ness college at Poughkeepsie, New York. After he laid aside his books he served for one term as deputy postmaster under his father. He afterward formed a partnership with his father in the grocery business and together they conducted a flourishing enterprise of this character from 1894 until the death of John F. Rieser, since which time the subject of this review has been in business alone. He carries a large and well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries, and has been accorded a liberal patronage in recognition of his upright business methods, his courteous service and his earnest desire to please his patrons. Besides his store he owns a valuable business property on Johnson street and an attractive modern residence on South Main street. He is a member of the Upper Sandusky Chamber of Commerce and well known in this relation as a progressive and enterprising business man whose individual success is a strong element in the city's advancement.
On March 23, 1894, at Upper Sandusky, Mr. Rieser was married to Miss Mary A. Young, a daughter of Edward and Sarah Young, the former a well known farmer of Marseilles township. Mr. and Mrs. Rieser had three children, the eldest of whom died in infancy. Those living are Frederick and Joseph E. Mr. Rieser served from 1887 to 1890 as a member of Company B, Ohio National Guard. He gives his allegiance to the republican party, and fraternally is con- nected with the Masonic order. His religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Methodist religion and he exemplifies in his life the principles in which he believes, serving as steward of his church. Having been a resident of Wyandot county during all his life, he is largely familiar
47
PAST AND PRESENT OF WYANDOT COUNTY
with its annals from a pioneer period to the present time and in the successful conduct of his business interests has gained a measure of prosperity that entitles him to representation with the substantial and leading citizens of his community.
JOSEPH BOLISH.
Joseph Bolish, county recorder of Wyandot county, was born in Upper Sandusky, September 5, 1872, a son of Chris- topher and Anna Bolish. The father was born in Prussia in 1829 and worked as a laborer in his native country until he came to Ohio, at the age of thirty-eight. He settled in Upper Sandusky and there his death occurred in 1888. His wife, who was born in Luxemburg, survives him and makes her home in Upper Sandusky. In their family were nine children: Theodore, who died on the steamer while crossing from Ger- many to America and who was buried at sea in 1866; Susanna, who died in childhood; a child, who died in infancy; Casper, who passed away at the age of twenty-four; Anna, whose death occurred in 1907; Katie, who passed away in 1897; Joseph, of this review; Benjamin; and Theodore, the second of the name.
Joseph Bolish acquired his education in the parochial schools of Upper Sandusky, which he attended until he was thirteen years of age, and when he had laid aside his books he spent three years working as a cigar maker. For one year thereafter he was employed in a brickyard and at the end of that time turned his attention to railroading, an occupation which he followed for four years. He met with a serious accident in the discharge of his duties in this connection, los- ing his feet, and was obliged to abandon his connection with railroading. He opened a fruit stand which he conducted for three years and at the end of that time bought a farm in Mif- flin township, adding to it from time to time until he now owns two hundred acres of valuable and productive land. He resided upon his property for seven years but finally returned to Upper Sandusky and joined his brother Theodore in the conduct of a saloon. At the end of eight years he sold out his interest to his brother in order to give his entire time to the discharge of his duties as county recorder, to which office he
48
PAST AND PRESENT OF WYANDOT COUNTY
was elected in 1910 and reelected in 1912. He has since filled this position and the affairs of the office are capably managed, everything being done according to the most progressive system. Mr. Bolish gives a stalwart support to the demo- cratic party, for he believes that its principles constitute the first elements of good government.
On July 2, 1895, Mr. Bolish married at Detroit, Michigan, Miss Mary Weber, a daughter of John and Ellen Weber, of Upper Sandusky, the former for many years prominently con- nected with agricultural interests. He retired in 1910 and makes his home in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Bolish have be- come the parents of two children, Robert C. and Leta E. Mr. Bolish is well known in his native county and is popular not only with the members of the democratic party but with those who represent the opposition, for he possesses a social, genial nature and wins friends wherever he goes.
RICHARD A. SHEPPARD, D. O.
Dr. Richard A. Sheppard, whose ability in the practice of osteopathy is attested by the liberal patronage accorded him by the people of Upper Sandusky, was born in Fostoria and is a son of Rev. Richard D. and Jessie (Hale) Sheppard, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. The father's birth occurred in 1858 and after he had reached maturity he was ordained a minister. He is now connected with the West Lafayette College. He makes his home in Upper Sandusky. Rev. and Mrs. Richard D. Sheppard be- came the parents of two children: Jessie Pauline, who died in 1909; and Richard A., of this review.
The last named acquired his early education in the public schools of Fostoria and in the high school at Paris, Illinois. After completing the usual course he entered the American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri, and was grad- uated in 1911, with the degree of D. O. He practiced for three months thereafter in North Carolina and then opened a branch office at Fostoria, later selling his practice in that section to Dr. M. A. Prudden. Dr. Sheppard then came to Upper Sandusky and in the intervening period has built up a practice which attests the fact that he is recognized as one
49
PAST AND PRESENT OF WYANDOT COUNTY
of the best informed and most capable osteopathic physicians in the city. He has always been a close student of his pro- fession and his success further lies in his ability to apply his knowledge correctly to the needs of his patients.
Dr. Sheppard is independent in his political beliefs, voting for men and measures without regard to party lines. He has attained a place of distinction in the Masonic order and along lines of his profession belongs to the Ohio State and the Amer- ican Osteopathic Associations. In college he was initiated into the Phi Omicron Gamma and still retains his member- ship. He is a devout member of the Methodist church. In his professional service he is prompted by a laudable ambi- tion to work his way upward and is always actuated by human- itarian principles, which are manifest in a ready and helpful sympathy.
LONDES M. BOWERS.
Londes M. Bowers, one of the members of the Upper San- dusky bar, is well versed in all departments of the science of jurisprudence and his skill and ability have found recognition in a large and representative clientage. He is a native of Wyandot county, born in Crane township, May 25. 1856, his parents being John S. and Mary (Mower) Bowers. The father was born in Richland county in 1825 and during his active life engaged in farming, dying October 17, 1908. His wife was born near Shippensburg, Cumberland county, Penn- sylvania, in 1828, and passed away in 1906. To their union were born eight children: May, who married Myron B. Case, a farmer of Eden township, by whom she has two children, Mabel and Beulah; Lou M., who became the wife of Elza Carter, a lawyer in Upper Sandusky, by whom she has two sons, Robert and Earl; Londes M., of this review; Newton M., who died in 1886; Mattie E., whose death occurred in 1884; Franz S., who is a fruit grower in the state of Washington and who married Myrtie Van Gundy, by whom he had three chil- dren, of whom one has passed away; Virginia, who makes her home in Upper Sandusky; and Floy, who passed away in 1887.
50
PAST AND PRESENT OF WYANDOT COUNTY
Londes M. Bowers acquired his early education in the dis- trict schools of Crane township, which he attended until he was eighteen years of age. This he supplemented by a course in college at Ada, graduating in 1885, after which he entered the office of Elza Carter and studied law. He was admitted to the bar at Columbus in 1893 and practiced in Upper San- dusky for one year, entering public life at the end of that time as probate judge of Wyandot county. He served ably and conscientiously for one term and after leaving office practiced his profession alone until 1902, when he formed a partnership with H. H. Newell, which connection still maintains. Mr. Bowers engages in general practice and the power which he has displayed in handling intricate legal problems has won him classification with the most successful and able members of the local bar.
On the 8th of December, 1897, Mr. Bowers married, at Upper Sandusky, Miss Emma L. Peifer, a daughter of Peter and Mary (Kessler) Peifer, of Upper Sandusky. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers became the parents of three children; Edward P., Mary E. and Robert K. Mr. Bowers gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is well known in the affairs of local organization. He takes an active and public- spirited interest in community affairs but never seeks public office, preferring to devote his entire time to his important professional duties. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masons and he belongs also to the Chamber of Commerce. He is well known in Upper Sandusky and in the vicinity, for he has resided in Wyandot county all during his life and his many fine qualities of mind and character have won him a wide circle of friends. In his profession he has met with success, while in every relation of life he has won the respect and unqualified confidence of those with whom he has come in contact.
MALCOLM R. JOLLIE.
Among the younger men who are coming forward in Wyan- dot county and assuming positions of prominence and impor- tance in business and professional circles is Malcolm R. Jollie, who has a large and gratifying patronage as a veterinary
MALCOLM R. JOLLIE
53
PAST AND PRESENT OF WYANDOT COUNTY
surgeon in Upper Sandusky. He is a native son of the state, born in Jefferson on the 11th of June, 1889, his parents being Richard C. W. and Mary Belle (Powell) Jollie. The father was born in France on the 15th of March, 1859, and when he was four years of age was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Detroit, Michigan. There the father grew to manhood and was afterward a captain on the Great Lakes for a number of years. The mother of our subject was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1868. They were the parents of three children, Laura E., Malcolm R. and Oliver C.
Malcolm R. Jollie acquired his early education in the pub- lic schools of Jefferson and was graduated from the high school in 1907. Later he entered the Ohio State University and in 1910 received his degree of D. V. M. He located for practice in Jefferson but in December, 1911, moved to Upper Sandusky, where in one year he has secured a large and rep- resentative patronage, the results he has accomplished being the best proof of his ability. Although still very young he has already achieved a definite degree of prosperity and his many friends do not hesitate to predict for him continued progress in his chosen line.
On the 23d of December, 1911, at Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Jollie was united in marriage to Miss Elinor Adelaide Beers, a daughter of John and Anna Beers. Mr. Beers is a manu- facturer of dairy supplies at New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he is well known and prominent. He has recently purchased a farm property in that district. His wife passed away in August, 1910, and of their ten children seven are living. Mr. Jollie is a republican in his political beliefs and is affiliated with the Alpha Psi fraternity. Young, ambi- tious and energetic, he possesses in his character the elements of success and there is no reason to doubt that he will make still greater progress in his chosen field.
GEORGE KELLER.
George Keller, a representative of one of the oldest and most highly esteemed pioneer families of Wyandot county, is acceptably filling the office of sheriff, bringing to the dis- charge of his duties the energy, public spirit and conscien-
54
PAST AND PRESENT OF WYANDOT COUNTY
tiousness which are traditions in his family and which have made its members honored and respected here since early times. He is a native of Upper Sandusky, born March 6, 1860, his parents being Joseph and Mary (Brooks) Keller, natives of Germany. The father was born in Hockenheim, Baden, June 13, 1829, and when he was twenty-three years of age came to America, arriving in Ohio in the spring of 1852. He lived for a short time at Sandusky and then came to Up- per Sandusky, where he was an honored resident for nearly sixty years with the exception of a few months that he and his family spent in Belleville, Illinois, in 1866. Joseph Keller worked as a laborer, assisting in the construction of the Penn- sylvania Railroad through this part of Ohio and for years had charge as foreman of the first section of that road west of Bucyrus. In the '80s he served for six years as city street commissioner under the administration of D. D. Hare, but for a number of years before his death lived a retired life. He was a devout and faithful member of the Catholic church during his entire life and was one of the greatest individual forces in its spread and expansion in this part of the state. A't the time he made his first location here there was no church edifice in Wyandot county and Joseph Keller was one of the band of twenty-five men who erected the first church build- ing and school. He passed away in 1912, in his eighty-third year, and his death was widely and deeply regretted by those among whom he had spent the best part of his life and who honored his integrity and respected his deep sincerity and strength of purpose. Mr. Keller married Miss Mary Brooks, a daughter of Christian and Mary Brooks, both deceased. She was also born in Germany, her natal day being April 3, 1839. She was ten years of age when she came to America with her parents, settling at Mansfield, whence they later moved into Salem township. Her marriage occurred in 1855 and Mrs. Keller proved a worthy and loyal helpmate to her husband during fifty-one years of wedded life. In their family were ten children: Frank B .; Mary; George, of this review; Eliza- beth, the wife of Frank Mossbrugger; William, who died in infancy; Rosie Amelia, the wife of Alexander Hampsch, of Cleveland; Bertha; Edward; Clara, the wife of Frank Volz, of Columbus; and William, the second of the name, who passed away at the age of two.
55
PAST AND PRESENT OF WYANDOT COUNTY
George Keller acquired his early education in the paro- chial and public schools of Upper Sandusky but laid aside his books at the early age of ten in order to work as a house boy. After three years he obtained employment in a tile and brick yard, spending six years there, after which he worked on a railroad construction train for three years. He spent a simi- lar period of time as clerk in a local produce store and then bought a drayage business, which he conducted successfully for four years. For one year thereafter he worked as a laborer and from 1890 to 1895 engaged in various occupations, finally becoming a member of the local police force. He con- tinued his connection with it until 1902, when he was made marshal of Upper Sandusky, serving loyally and ably until 1909. He resumed private work in that year but in 1912 was elected sheriff of Wyandot county, an office which he still holds. He has proved himself ideally fitted for this position, for he possesses the integrity, ability and courage necessary for the discharge of his duties and he has, moreover, a con- scientious public spirit which makes him always alert and eager in the interest of the community.
Mr. Keller married, on June 24, 1902, at Upper Sandusky, Miss Minnie Fritchie, a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Shumer) Fritchie, of Upper Sandusky. She also is a rep- resentative of one of the pioneer families in the city, her father, Frederick Fritchie, Sr., having been for years one of the best known and most highly respected residents of the community. He was born in Oesingen, Baden, Germany, in 1850, and remained in his native province until he was sixteen years of age. He learned the shoemaker's trade and fol- lowed this occupation all during his life, having been for twenty-eight years at the Peifer shoe store in this city. Dur- ing the years 1870 to 1872 he served in the German army and took part in many of the engagements of the Franco-Prus- sian war. He arrived in America on May 6, 1876, and spent some time in Philadelphia, after which he made his home in Wyandot county. He was a faithful member of St. Peter's church and a force in local Catholic circles, having been a charter member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio. He mar- ried, on April 23, 1878, Miss Mary Shumer, of Norwalk, who died July 13, 1894. To their union were born four children: Minnie the wife of the subject of this review; John, who is
1
56
PAST AND PRESENT OF WYANDOT COUNTY
connected with the clothing firm of Fritchie & Pierman; and Fred W., Jr., and George E., both of Upper Sandusky.
George Keller gives firm allegiance to the democratic party and has always been active and loyal in matters of citi- zenship. He was for three years a member of the Kirby Light Guards and fraternally is connected with the Catholic Knights of Ohio. He has always been a devout and faithful attendant of the Catholic church. Those things which are honorable and worthy find exemplification in his life and his actions are at all times prompted by high and upright stand- ards. He has kept alive family traditions and has added something to the luster of the name which for half a century has stood in Upper Sandusky for integrity, conscientious- ness and honor.
FRED STUCKEY.
Fred Stuckey, who is closely connected with the mercan- tile interests of Upper Sandusky as a dealer in oil and water well supplies, is one of the progressive and prominent busi- ness men of the city and in his successful career is following in the footsteps of his father, who founded the enterprise many years ago. He was born in Eden township, June 4, 1880, and is a son of Godfrey and Amelia (Rengsegger) Stuckey. The father, a native of Holmes county, Ohio, was born December 5, 1853, while the mother's birth occurred in Tuscarawas county, this state, July 18, 1855. Godfrey Stuckey was an expert oil well operator and controlled valu- able leases in oil lands. In the latter part of his career he established himself as a dealer in oil and water well supplies in Upper Sandusky and was thus engaged at the time of his death. His wife survives him and makes her home in Upper Sandusky. To their union were born three children. Allen R., the eldest, is a dealer in well supplies at Bucyrus, Ohio. He married Winona Poole and they have three children, Wanetta, Glenn and Bernice. Fred is the subject of this re- view. Pearl, who completes the family, is the wife of Reu- ben H. Kuenzli, a well supply dealer at Friona, Texas.
Fred Stuckey acquired his education in the district schools of Eden township, which he attended until he was nineteen
57
PAST AND PRESENT OF WYANDOT COUNTY
years of age, afterward spending one winter studying at Van Wert, Ohio. After laying aside his books he joined his father in the conduct of his oil and water well supply business, Mr. Stuckey of this review conducting the concern alone after his father's death. The firm, operated under the name of Fred Stuckey & Company, is one of the old established business en- terprises in Upper Sandusky and is the only one of its kind in the city. Mr. Stuckey has carried forward the business in an able and progressive way and has secured a liberal and rep- resentative patronage which has come to him in recognition of his upright business methods and his high standards. He is in addition interested in a similar concern at Friona, Texas, and is a stockholder in the Cook Motor Company at Delaware, Ohio.
Mr. Stuckey belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to the Orpheus Club at Upper Sandusky, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has spent his entire active life in Wyandot county and is therefore widely and favorably known here, for he has the reputation of a man honorable and straightforward in his business deal- ings and thus commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.
CHARLES F. SMITH.
Charles F. Smith, who since 1891 has been engaged in the insurance and loan business in Upper Sandusky, is one of the prominent business men of the city and is, moreover, active in public life. He was born in Morrow county, December 18, 1862, and is a son of John N. and Barbara (Watson) Smith, the former a native of Morrow county, born December 18, 1840, and the latter of Richland county, born in the same year. The father spent all of his active life engaged in farm- ing and died November 2, 1900. His wife survives him and makes her home in Richland county. They had six children: Charles F., of this review; John W .; Franklin A .; Clyde C .; James R .; and Mollie.
Charles F. Smith acquired his education in the district schools of Morrow county and afterward spent two years at Iberia College. He farmed afterward until 1887 and then be-
لم
58
PAST AND PRESENT OF WYANDOT COUNTY
came connected with the Central Ohio Buggy Company of Galion, Ohio, with whom he remained for about three years. He spent one year thereafter on a farm in Kansas but in 1891 came to Upper Sandusky and entered the insurance and loan business, with which he has been connected since that time. He has been very successful in the conduct of his interests and has secured a large and representative patronage, accorded him in recognition of his honorable and straightforward busi- ness methods. He handles life and fire insurance and all kinds of loans, negotiating all of the business of this character done by the Union Central Life Insurance Company in this district. He has besides other business interests in Upper Sandusky, being a stockholder in the Citizens Savings Bank.
Mr. Smith married, on December 30, 1889, at Lexington, Ohio, Miss Clara Logan. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one daughter, Grace E., who is a graduate of Madam Baur's Con- servatory of Music at Cincinnati.
Mr. Smith has always been eminently active and progres- sive in his citizenship and since casting his first vote has given loyal support to the democratic party. He was elected to represent his district in the state legislature in 1903 and took his seat in 1904, serving as a member of the seventy-sixth and seventy-seventh general assemblies. During this time he lent the weight of his influence to all progressive public measures, standing for right, reform and progress and constantly pro- moting the interests of his constituents in every possible way. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Methodist Brotherhood, being a devout member of the Methodist church. Mr. Smith belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, taking a deep interest in the general expansion and development of the city, and Upper Sandusky regards him as a valued addition to the ranks of her business men.
HENRY KEAR.
Henry Kear has resided in Wyandot county since his birth in pioneer times and has not only been a witness of the growth and progress of the section but has borne his full share in.the work of general improvement and development. As the years
59
PAST AND PRESENT OF WYANDOT COUNTY
have gone by his well directed efforts have won their natural reward of success and prosperity, so that he stands today among the substantial and wealthy citizens of Upper San- dusky, where he makes his home. Mr. Kear comes of farm- ing stock and a great deal of his life has been spent in agri- cultural pursuits, although for the past twenty-one years he has concentrated his attention upon the development of his insurance business. He was born in Tymochtee township, Wyandot county, which was then Crawford county, Ohio, May 10, 1831, and is a son of Moses and Jemima (Nathan) Kear, the former a native of Tarrytown, New York, born August 29, 1797, and the latter of Ross county, Ohio, where her birth occurred June 4, 1803. The father of our subject was a son of Peter and Anna (Odell) Kear and he spent his early years in Tarrytown, emigrating from that city to Ross county, Ohio, in the year 1812. There he grew to manhood and there his marriage occurred June 4, 1820. He had learned the trade of a gunsmith and followed this in Ross county until June, 1821, when, seeking a broader field of activity, he went to Tymoch- tee township, this county, where he established himself in business in early pioneer times. He dealt largely with the Indians, who inhabited the section, and built up among them a successful and prosperous patronage until the tribe was re- moved to the west in 1843. Mr. Kear's mother was a daugh- ter of Nicholas and Catharine (Kimball) Nathan. She grew to womanhood in her native section of Ross county and shared her husband's hard pioneer life. Both have passed away.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.