USA > Ohio > Wyandot County > Past and present of Wyandot County, Ohio; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 5
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Henry Kear grew to manhood in Tymochtee township amid the environments which fell to the lot of all pioneers. He attended the crude country schools of his day, studying in a little log schoolhouse with slabs for seats. He used goose quill pens and was instructed by teachers who never made it a practice to spare the rod and spoil the child. At eighteen he had advanced far enough to receive a certificate to teach and this occupation he engaged in for some twenty years, supple- menting at an early period his district-school education by a few terms at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. Later, however, he turned his attention to farming and devoted a great many years of his life to this occupation, abandoning it finally in order to engage in the insurance busi- ness in Upper Sandusky, with which he has now been con- nected for twenty-one years. He deals in all kinds of insur-
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ance, including fire, tornado, accident and plate glass, and has secured a large and representative patronage and developed a fine business, the able conduct of which places him among the city's successful and prominent men.
Mr. Kear married, November 24, 1858, at Mexico, Ohio, Miss Susetta E. Gibbs, a daughter of J. P. and Catharine M. Gibbs. Mr. and Mrs. Kear became the parents of four children, John C., Laura M., Mary L. and Seth Sherman, who has passed away. Fraternally Mr. Kear is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has been a member for fifty-five years, being today in the twenty-eighth year of his service as financial and recording secretary. His religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Meth- odist Episcopal church and, politically, he supports the man whom he considers best fitted for the position, never being influenced by party lines. He is active in public life and has served ably in various responsible positions, having been justice of the peace for three years and a member of the board of education for more than twenty years. He is a self- made man, who, starting out in life empty-handed and handi- capped by the hard conditions of pioneer life, has steadily worked his way upward, his prosperity proving his ability and industry.
IRVIN R. MANKEL.
Mercantile interests in Upper Sandusky find a worthy and progressive representative in Irvin R. Mankel, proprietor of one of the finest jewelry stores in the city and a young man who well deserves his growing prominence in business circles. He is a native son of the city, born March 22, 1889, his parents being Frederick J. and Lizetta (Roszman) Mankel, the former of whom was born in Baden, Germany, in 1852 and the latter in Salem township in 1857. The father learned the shoemak- ing trade in his native country and came to Upper Sandusky at the age of eighteen, pursuing his chosen line of work until his death, which occurred April 5, 1893. His wife survives him and makes her home in Upper Sandusky.
Irvin R. Mankel acquired his education in the public schools of his native city, attending until he was fifteen years
IRVIN R. MANKEL
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of age, after which he clerked for some years in a local jewelry store, becoming subsequently connected with Brauns Broth- ers, jewelers, as a clerk and after four years bought out his employers' interests and since October, 1912, has been con- ducting the enterprise alone. His patronage, drawn from the city and from the surrounding country districts, has already made a notable increase, for Mr. Mankel is known to be a man of strict integrity, business ability and straightforward methods. He is also interested in raising high-grade chickens.
On the 26th of June, 1912, Mr. Mankel was married in St. Paul's Lutheran parsonage in Upper Sandusky to Miss Emma M. Oesterly, a daughter of Charles and Katherine (Matz) Oesterly, of this city, the former identified with business inter- ests as a successful butcher. Mr. Mankel gives his allegiance to the democratic party but never seeks public office, pre- ferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. Although still a young man he has already attained a gratify- ing degree of success and his many friends do not hesitate to predict for him continued progress in his chosen field.
THOMAS O'BRIEN. 1
Thomas O'Brien, who since 1886 has been engaged in the plumbing and steam-fitting business in Upper Sandusky, is one of the most popular and widely known business men of the city, his success rewarding many years of earnest and well directed labor. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, July 6, 1855, and is a son of Patrick and Jane (Branton) O'Brien, the former of whom was born in Ireland in 1833 and the latter in Chicago in 1840. The father came to America when he was fourteen years of age and settled in Chicago, where he engaged in milling and distilling until the temperance crusade of 1876, after which he worked at various occupations until his death, which occurred in 1902. His wife survived him until 1911. In their family were ten children, three of whom have passed away. Those who survive are Thomas, Katie, Sarah J., Rob- ert P., Francis C., Edward and Rosie E.
Thomas O'Brien attended the public schools of Upper San- dusky until he was fourteen years of age and afterward con- ducted a blacksmith shop until he was twenty-two. He then Vol. II-4
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learned the plumbing and steam-fitting trade, working at it in Pittsburg until 1886, when he again came to Upper Sandusky and opened a shop of his own. During the intervening years he has built up a large and representative patronage and has gained a reputation for incorruptible integrity in business circles. This, combined with his undoubted ability, is per- haps his greatest asset and accounts for the fact that all of the most important plumbing work done in Wyandot county is entrusted to him. In 1902 he completed the installation of the plumbing and gas fixtures in the county courthouse at Upper Sandusky and has done also some excellent work in private residences and in business buildings. He is very pop- ular with his associates, who recognize in him a man of super- ior ability and force of character, and who honor his integrity and respect his upright business methods. Mr. O'Brien has a modern, up-to-date shop, excellently equipped, and owns be- sides a fine residence and a business block in the city. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Upper Sandusky, in the Indian Motor Car Company and is interested in many important corporate enterprises.
On October 22, 1902, Mr. O'Brien was united in marriage at Toledo, Ohio, to Miss Martha McGrath and they have be- come the parents of a daughter, May R. Mr. O'Brien is inde- pendent in his political views, supporting the men and meas- ures in which he believes, without regard for party lines. His strong and salient characteristics are such as endear him to all who come within the close circle of his friendship, while wherever he is known he is respected and honored.
ANDREW F. BARDON.
Andrew F. Bardon, who is successfully engaged in gen- eral merchandising in Upper Sandusky, is a native of Wyan- dot county, born in Pitt township, February 21, 1860. His father, Henry Bardon, was a native of Switzerland, his birth having occurred in 1825, and when he was sixteen years of age he came to America, locating in Crawford county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming. At the age of thirty-two he transferred his residence to Wyandot county, buying land in Pitt township, and this property he improved and developed
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until his death in 1903. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Elizabeth Hazelbacher, was also born in Switzerland, her birth having occurred in 1833. She survives her husband and makes her home with the subject of this review in Upper Sandusky. In their family were five children: Charles, who met death by drowning at the age of fifty-three; Andrew F., of this review; Sarah J., who died in 1894; Henry J., who is cashier of a bank at Morrow, Ohio, and who married Miss Nellie Bretz, by whom he has two children; and Robert, a telegraph operator at Morrow.
Andrew F. Bardon attended the district school in Pitt township and then worked as a monthly laborer upon neigh- boring farms for about four years. He spent two years there- after engaged in various occupations and then, for five years, farmed on shares. At the expiration of that period he bought forty acres of land in Pitt township and after thirteen years, during which time he brought the property to a high state of improvement and development, sold the farm and purchased one hundred and seven acres in Crane township. This he operated for about eleven years but finally rented it out and turned his attention to manufacturing, specializing in a lime and sulphur embalming fluid. His product obtained a ready sale upon the market and he continued in this line of work for two years, after which he came to Upper Sandusky and pur- chased a department store, with which he is still connected. He carries a large and well selected line of novelties and notions valued at five thousand dollars and in recognition of his straightforward and reliable business methods is accorded an extensive and steadily growing patronage and is well known as a prosperous and progressive merchant and public- spirited citizen. He is in addition a stockholder in the Clear Creek Coal & Lumber Company of Tennessee and also in the Toledo Life Insurance Company of Toledo, Ohio. He owns a handsome residence in Upper Sandusky, the family home standing on a spacious lot of three acres area.
In Upper Sandusky, on August 27, 1885, Mr. Bardon was united in marriage to Miss Alice Bolyard, a daughter of Wil- son and Elizabeth (Swinehart) Bolyard, of Upper Sandusky. Mr. and Mrs. Bardon have four children: Harry P., a farmer, who married Miss Grace Bowers; Grace, who is teaching school; Cleo M., also engaged in teaching; and Robert A., who is pursuing his studies.
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Mr. Bardon is a democrat in his political beliefs and emi- nently public-spirited and progressive in matters of citizen- ship. For three years he was supervisor of Crane township, district No. 2, and was for eight years a valued member of the school board. His entire life has been passed in this county where he is widely known, and he has many friends who have known him since childhood and who can attest to the fact that his life has been in all respects upright and honorable.
GEORGE S. EVANS, D. D. S.
Dr. George S. Evans, who since May 1, 1908, has practiced dentistry in Upper Sandusky with constantly increasing suc- cess, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, February 23, 1881. He is a son of Charles and Edith (Berlet) Evans, both natives of Delaware county, born in 1854. The father was the pro- prietor of a transfer line and cab livery at Delaware, an en- terprise with which he was connected until his death in 1888 .. His wife survives him and makes her home in her native sec- tion. In their family were two children: George S., of this review; and Ernest V., who is chief clerk of a chemical manu- facturing company at St. Louis, Missouri.
Dr. Evans acquired his early education in the public schools of Delaware, afterward entering the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated with the degree of D.D. S. in 1903. He opened an office for the practice of his profession in his native city and there re- mained two years, after which he went to Shanghai, China, and was successful in the practice of dental surgery for three years, becoming during that time a member of the Shanghai Volunteer Infantry, which was organized to protect the prop- erty of the foreign inhabitants. Upon his return to America he settled in Upper Sandusky and has since been identified with the dental profession here. He has demonstrated his skill and ability by much successful and difficult work and has already built up a good practice.
On the 12th of July, 1905, Dr. Evans was united in mar- riage at Homer, Illinois, to Miss Roxie Butler, a daughter of Calvin B. and Venora L. (Whitlock) Butler, the former a prominent hardware merchant of that place. Dr. Evans is
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well known in the Masonic order and in the Knights of the Maccabees and is deeply interested in the affairs of the Cham- ber of Commerce. He gives his allegiance to the democratic party. Although a young man he has already become a recog- nized factor in the life of the city, for he is very popular in social circles and in professional life has gained rank with those whose ability and energy have won them wide recognition.
SOLOMON S. LANGABAUGH.
Solomon S. Langabaugh, who is prominently connected with business interests of Upper Sandusky as a partner in the firm of Langabaugh Brothers, buggy dealers, and who conducts also an important real-estate business, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, April 14, 1853. He is a son of Samuel and Martha (Cherry) Langabaugh, both natives of Pickaway county, Ohio, the father born in 1808 and the mother in 1812. The father was a blacksmith by trade and followed that occupation until his death, which occurred in 1853. His wife has also passed away, having survived her husband until 1893. In their family were fourteen children: Ellen, George, John and Joseph, all of whom have passed away; Catherine, who married William Johns, a farmer in Kansas, by whom she has three children; Amanda, Elizabeth, Martha and Samuel, all deceased; Jesse, a member of the firm of Langabaugh Brothers of which our subject is a partner; Jacob, David and Sarah, deceased; and Solomon, of this review.
The last named acquired his education in the district schools of Tymochtee township and in the Carey high school, from which he was graduated at the age of nineteen. He then worked as a farm hand for about nine years and at the ex- piration of that time bought one hundred acres of land in Tymochtee township and after living upon it for eleven years sold it and came to Upper Sandusky. He spent the first four years of his residence here as treasurer of Wyandot county and in 1901 established himself in the implement and buggy business. After two years he sold the implement depart- ment and has since developed the other branch into a large
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and profitable concern, following only the most straight- forward and upright business methods and being rewarded by a liberal and growing patronage. Mr. Langabaugh is a member of the firm of Langabaugh Brothers and is also inter- ested in real estate, handling a great deal of valuable prop- erty and doing also a large loan business. He is a stockholder in the Commercial National Bank and in the Citizens Savings Bank and belongs to the Upper Sandusky Chamber of Com- merce, these connections indicating something of his high standing in financial and business circles.
Mr. Langabaugh married, in Tiffin, Ohio, October 20, 1881, Miss Florence M. Stokley, a daughter of Louis and Sarah Stokley, the former a prominent farmer of Tymochtee town- ship. Mr. Langabaugh is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias and he belongs also to the Wyandot Agricultural Society. He is one of Upper Sandusky's most enterprising and progressive men and his straightforward dealings, together with his in- dustry, have won him an excellent reputation and a high place among substantial and desirable citizens.
BENJAMIN QUICK AYRES, D. D. S.
Dr. Benjamin Quick Ayres, whose ability in the practice of dentistry is attested by the liberal patronage accorded him by the citizens of Upper Sandusky, was born in this city, June 17, 1861, and is a son of William and Harriett (Quick) Ayres. The father was born in Perrysville, Ashland county, in 1815, and spent his active life as a contractor and builder. He was also prominent in public affairs and held the position of county commissioner of Wyandot county at the time of his death, which occurred on October 4, 1879. His wife was born in Loudonville, Ashland county, in 1817. She also has passed away. In their family were nine children: Mendus, who died at the age of fourteen; Mary J., who passed away when she was twelve years of age; Jonathan, who died in infancy; Wil- liam M., whose death occurred in 1909; Ella, who died in 1905; Clara, who makes her home in Upper Sandusky with the sub- ject of this review; Girard, a bookkeeper, who married Belle
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Frost, by whom he has three children: Benjamin Quick, the subject of this review; and one child who died in infancy.
Dr. Benjamin Q. Ayres acquired his early education in the public schools of Upper Sandusky and was later a student at the Ohio Dental College at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1890, with the degree of D. D. S. Immediately afterward he opened an office for the practice of his profession in Upper Sandusky and has here continued since that time. He is an exhaustive student of dentistry, interested in each new development along lines of his profession and well versed in its underlying principles, and the success which has at- tended his labors is the best proof of his ability. He has left his mark also upon business interests of the city, being the owner of a fine business block, a valuable tract of business property at the corner of Johnson and Sandusky avenues, and two residences, one on South Eighth street and one on Seventh street. He is besides a stockholder in the Commer- cial National Bank. As a member of the Chamber of Com- merce he gives his indorsement to all measures undertaken in the interest of the city and in his political beliefs is a demo- crat. He was for six years a member of the Kirby Light Guards. He is well known in Upper Sandusky, being a recognized factor in business life, while in professional circles he has taken his place with those whose ability and close application have won for them wide recognition.
CHARLES F. CLOSE.
The bar of Wyandot county finds a worthy and capable representative in Charles F. Close, who is now serving for a second term as prosecuting attorney, in which connection he is making an excellent record. He was born January 13, 1882, in Nevada, Ohio, a son of James T. and Loraine S. Close. The father is a well known attorney and court stenographer for the district comprising Marion, Crawford and Wyandot counties. He came to this county at an early day and for many years has engaged in the practice of law or in court reporting, in which connections he has become widely known. He makes his home in Upper Sandusky. The children of that family are: Charles F .; Anna, the wife of Julius J. Beck-
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man, of Cleveland, Ohio, by whom she has one child, Loraine; James T., who died April 1, 1909; Imogene M., who is a clerk in the forestry department at Washington, D. C .; Loraine, a clerk in the patent office at Washington; and John S., who is yet in school.
At the usual age Charles F. Close became a pupil in the public schools of this county and passed through the consecu- tive grades until graduated from the high school of Upper San- dusky in 1900. He afterward spent one year in study in an academy in the east, at which time he entered upon a steno- graphic course in Walworth College in New York city. Be- coming well qualified for work of that character, he was engaged as one of the court stenographers of this district and so continued from 1901 until 1911, possessing expert abil- ity for the work that devolved upon him. While thus engaged he took up the study of law and in 1906 was admitted to the bar. Four years later he was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney. He entered upon the duties of the position in 1911 and made such an excellent record during his first year's term that he was reelected without opposition and is now serving for a second term. He discharges his duties with marked ability and fidelity, carefully safeguarding the interests of the public, and has proven his knowledge of law to be comprehensive and accurate. He is a close and cogent reasoner and his deductions are logical and convincing.
On the 11th of October, 1911, at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Mr. Close was married to Miss Helen E. Hare, a daughter of C. D. and May (Mccutcheon) Hare, the former a prominent insurance man of Wyandot county. Mr. Close gives his polit- ical allegiance to the democratic party.
JASPER E. LANKER.
Jasper E. Lanker, engaged in the general practice of law in Upper Sandusky and also prominently connected with busi- ness interests as an insurance and real-estate agent, was born in Eden township, May 6, 1880. He is a son of Joseph A. and Sarah Viola (Taylor) Lanker, both natives of Ohio, the former born in Eden township in 1860 and the latter in Holmes town- ship, Crawford county, in the same year. The father is a
JASPER E. LANKER
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farmer and also operates a threshing outfit, living upon the old homestead of two hundred and forty-three acres in his native section. He and his wife have four children. Jasper E. is the subject of this review. Edgar L., a farmer of Eden township, married Edna Fox, by whom he has three children, Clare, Viola and Edgar, Jr. Pearl T. will graduate in June, 1913, with the degree of A. M., from the Ohio Northern Uni- versity. Fairy Q. married Professor Chalmer A. Riggle, a teacher in the Edgerton high school, Williams county. They have one son, Albertus L. Riggle.
Jasper E. Lanker acquired his early education in the dis- trict schools of Eden township, which he attended until he was sixteen years of age, and he afterward entered the Ohio Northern University at Ada. After one year in that insti- tution he began teaching school and continued in this occupa- tion for nine years, later studying law and engaging to some extent in literary work. He spent two years afterward teach- ing school in Crawford county and was then for one year upon a farm in that section. He continued farming for some time, removing to one of his father's properties in Eden township but coming to Upper Sandusky in 1912. Here he associated himself with his uncle, Judge T. D. Lanker, in the practice of law and has continued in this occupation since that time. The Judge has, however, retired from active life and Mr. Lanker manages all the legal business of the office. He is a strong, able and forceful practitioner, well versed in the under- lying principles of law and possessed of the strong intellectual powers necessary for success in this difficult profession. As a consequence he has secured a large and representative patron- age, connecting him with much important litigation, and he holds a prominent place among the successful and able law- yers of this section. Mr. Lanker is also interested in the in- surance and real-estate business and sells bonds for the Geiger Jones Company of Canton, Ohio, for which he acts as agent in Wyandot county. He has some valuable realty holdings in Upper Sandusky, most of which is improved real estate, and he holds title to three fine residences in the city, all located on Fourth street.
On January 10, 1903, Mr. Lanker married, in Upper San- dusky, Miss Marguerite Courtad, a daughter of Joseph A. Courtad, a prominent farmer of Crane township. Mr. and Mrs. Lanker have two children, Cella Helen and Paul Thomas.
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Mr. Lanker gives his allegiance to the democratic party but is never active politically. During his university days he belonged to the Cadet Corps. He is still a young man but he has already attained a gratifying success in his profession and in business life and he has many friends in Upper Sandusky, who do not hesitate to predict for him continued progress in both fields.
GEORGE W. SAMPSON, M. D.
The medical fraternity of Wyandot county numbers among its representatives no more able, talented or worthy practitioner than Dr. George W. Sampson, whose work dur- ing the thirty-three years of his professional life has been suc- cessful, beneficial and far-reaching in its results. He is to- day one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons in Upper Sandusky, his labors embracing the duties of a large private practice as well as those of United States pension examiner and surgeon for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was born in Seneca county, July 15, 1854, and is the son of one of the pioneers in this part of Ohio, his father, Dr. George W. Sampson, having been physician to the Indians in Ty- mochtee township for many years after his settlement here in 1828. In that year he commenced the practice of his pro- fession and in 1830 moved to McCutchenville, where he re- sided until his death, which occurred at the age of ninety-two years and four months. In the early times he aided the In- dians with professional help and advice and became much be- loved by them. He also conducted a flourishing and repre- sentative private practice and was one of the most promi- nent and popular physicians of his time. He married Miss Nancy F. Huff, who was born in 1821 and who passed away in 1875. They were the parents of three children: Alice, who died at the age of four years; George W., of this review; and Emma, who married William N. Wilkin, a salesman in Tiffin, Ohio, by whom she had one daughter, Nellie, who died at the age of three years.
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