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BIOGRAPHIES
* Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records
of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896
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REUBEN M.
BABCOCK, charcoal manufacturer and landowner.
This old and highly respected citizen of Williston,
Allen township, Ottawa County, is a native of New York
State, born in Columbia county, Oct. 24, 1820, and is
the son of John and Clarissa (Gray) Babcock, of
Berkshire county, Mass., and Columbia county, N. Y.,
respectively.
Our subject received a better education than fell to
the lot of most boys of his day, attending the public
schools of his native place in his boyhood, and then,
for three years, going to the college at Farmington,
Trumbull Co., Ohio, from which he was graduated at the
age of twenty-two years. He taught school for
several years both in Burn township, Athens county, and
in Belmont county, Ohio. He then decided to learn
a trade and took up that of carpenter for twenty-one
years, part of the time being spent at Farmington, and a
part at Pittsfield, Mass.; during this time he helped to
build three steamers for the Ohio river trade.
Later he gave up working at his trade and went to
Michigan, settling in Ash township, Monroe county, where
he engaged in the manufacture of states, giving
employment to a number of men. In connection with
this enterprise he carried on farming, and also went
into the real estate business, in which latter he was
fairly successful. While at this place he also
began the manufacture of charcoal, running four kilns.
At the end of twenty-one years spent in Michigan, Mr.
Babcock came to Ottawa county, this State, and
located at Martin, in Clay township, where he built four
kilns, and continued the manufacture of charcoal.
Here he remained one year, and then selling out, removed
to Williston, Allen township, where he built six
charcoal kilns. He purchased a tract of 160 acres
of timberland, near Williston, and used the timber which
he cleared from it to make his charcoal. Here he
erected a comfortable dwelling house, with all necessary
barns and outhouses, and has made his property a
highly-cultivated farm and pleasant home, where he is
pending his declining years in the enjoyment of the
fruits of his labor.
Mr. Babcock was married May 23, 1850, to Miss
Lucy M., daughter of Thomas and Electa (Williams)
Ensign, of Pittsfield, Mass., and children were born
of this union, of whom the following record is given:
William H., born in Pittsfield, Mass., Sept. 18,
1852, was educated in the public schools of Michigan.
Reuben E., more fully spoken of farther on.
Lucy E., born Mar. 31, 1857, was married Mar. 21,
1877, to Nelson Richards, a farmer of Monroe
county, Mich., and they have four children - Frank,
born May 11, 1879; Judy, Oct. 3, 1884; May,
Mar. 3, 1887; and Pearl, Dec. 4, 1889.
Emily E., born Sept. 6, 1859 in Ohio was married
Nov. 18, 1884, to Alsom Phile, son of Henry E.
Phile (whose sketch will be found elsewhere); two
children have been born to them - Eva and
Alsom E. Edwin H. Babcock, was born in Ash
township, Michigan, June 13, 1865, and received his
early training in the high school of Genoa, Ottawa
county, this State, which was supplemented by a course
in a private school at Port Clinton, conducted by
Miss Mothly; he afterward attended the high school
at Ada, and subsequently the Business College at
Cleveland, from which institution he was graduated with
honor; after this he went to Ann Arbor, and entered the
high school, at which he pursued his studies in geology
and botany; he was married June 3, 1890, to Miss Cora
M. Chapman, of Bowling Green, Ohio, who was a
graduate of Ann Arbor (Mich.) College, and two children
are the result of this union - Corwin, born Dec.
1, 1892 and Edna, born Jan. 7, 1894. Mr.
Babcock resides in LaPlata, Mo., where he is
engaged in the manufacture of charcoal. James
Babcock was born in Ash township, Monroe Co., Mich.,
Sept. 6, 1863, and died in youth. Two other
children died in infancy. Reuben E. Babcock,
above mentioned, was born at Pittsfield, Mass., Sept.
22, 1854, and received his education in the public
schools of Ada, Ohio, and Valparaiso, Ind., where he
attended the high school. Deciding to adopt the
profession of a lawyer he entered the Law Department of
Ann Arbor (Mich.) University, graduated in 1887, and was
admitted to the bar at Columbus, Ohio, the same year; he
practiced in Toledo for two years. On Mar. 31,
1883, he was married to Addie Carpenter, a
daughter of Erastus Carpenter, of Pittsfield,
Mass., and one son, named after his father and
grandfather, blessed their union. Mrs. Babcock
graduated at Pittsfield, Mass. The promising
career of this brilliant scholar and fine lawyer was cut
short by his sudden death at Williston, July 10, 1889,
from heart failure. His death was deeply felt, not
only by his immediate friends but by his associates at
the bar and business men who knew his worth.
John Babcock, the father of our subject, was
born in 1780 at Berkshire, Mass., and was a son of
John Babcock, the latter a native of England, who
took arms against the mother country during the war of
the colonies for independence in 1775.
John Babcock, Jr., received a very limited
education, and learned the trade of a cabinet maker in
Pittsfield. He was married Mar. 17, 1808, to
Clarissa H. Gray, who was born in 1787, and they
became the parents of eleven children, as follows:
Thaddeus G., born Apr. 7, 1809; John G.,
born Apr. 28, 1811; Sylvia Ann, born Mar. 22,
1813, now the widow of Henry Roberts; Eliza
A., born May 5, 1815, deceased Nov. 21, 1854;
James M., born Jul. 4, 1818, at New Lebanon, N. Y.;
Reuben M., our subject; Edwin H., born
Nov. 4, 1822, died Oct. 9, 1863, at the Chestnut Street
Hospital, Philadelphia, from the effects of a wound
received during the Civil war; Adaline A., born
Feb. 16, 1825, died at Pittsfield, Mass., in 1893;
George H., born Apr. 20, 1826, at New Lebanon, N.
Y.; Horatio N., born Jul. 12, 1828, died Jan. 23,
1853; and Clara A., born Feb. 4, 1830, deceased
wife of Frank Sparks. The parents of this
large family have both passed away, the father having
died July 22, 1860, the mother in 1857.
Thomas Ensign, father of Mrs. Reuben M.
Babcock, was born May 27, 1790, at Pittsfield,
Mass., and was a carpenter and joiner by trade. He
was married Feb. 16, 1814, to Electa Williams,
whose father was a blacksmith, born in Connecticut, and
they became the parents of five children: Mary
E., born May 19, 1815, married Sept. 22, 1835, to
Calvin Carver; Kezia, born Apr. 10, 1819, who was
married Apr. 1, 1838, to William Treadwell;
Edgar N., born Oct. 1, 1821; Lucy M., born
Dec. 22, 1823, wife of our subject; and James M.,
born Apr. 2, 1826, who died in youth. Mr.
Babcock is a stanch Republican, and the family are
members of the Free Methodist Church.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 590 |
Mrs. Mary E. Bailey |
GEORGE
W. BAILEY
(deceased) was one of the
honored citizens of Catawba Island township, Ottawa
county, He was a native of Connecticut, born in Danbury,
Fairfield county, Feb. 1, 1811, and was a son of
William Ward and Anna (Bowton) Bailey, the former of
whom served as a soldier in the war of 1812.
In his native city our subject spent the days of his
boyhood and youth, and there learned the trades of
shoemaker and bricklayer, following the former during
the winter months, while through the summer season he
worked at the latter. In 1844 he removed to Ohio,
and on May 14 of that year located on Catawba Island
(then Van Rensselaer township), when this county was
almost an unbroken wilderness. Here he engaged in
shoemaking until his death, which occurred Mar. 19,
1848.
At New Fairfield, Conn., Jan. 12 1835, Mr. Bailey
married Miss Mary E. Bearss, a native of New
Fairfield, born May 16, 183, and a daughter of Joseph
T. and Annie (Hubble) Bearss, also natives of
Fairfield County, Conn. In the war of 1812, her
father fought in defense of the stars and stripes, and
her grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary war.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey became the parents of four
children: Thomas W., born May 13, 1837, died Mar.
8, 1890; Lorenzo S., born Dec. 24, 1838; Anna A.
born Aug. 19, 1840, is the wife of Frank Wonnel,
residing in Portage township, Ottawa County; and
George O., born Oct. 29, 1843, died Mar. 4, 1890,
from hardships incurred while serving in the army.
In religious faith the family is identified with the
Universalist Church.
LORENZO S. BAILEY,
since
the death of his father, has looked after the interests
of the homestead farm and cared for hi smother, who is
now one of the oldest living residents of the community,
having attained her eighty-second year, is still hale
and hearty, and able to attend to her household duties.
During her life she has been a great weaver and has
woven thousands of years of rag carpet, prior to which
for years she spun the wool and wove the cloth for the
family's clothes. In the summer time they wore
cotton clothes colored with yellow oak or black walnut
bark boiled down to an extract and set with copperas to
hold its color. "Our young people of today" says
Mr. Lorenzo Bailey, "think they have hard times,
but they know nothing about hard times. I remember
very plainly when our family had nothing but boiled
wheat and hulled corn to eat. Flour was not made
in the county, and was hard to get. I worked many
a day for twenty-five cents per day, and the winter I
was sixteen I chopped wood for my uncle at fifty cents a
cord, and boarded myself. At eighteen I went to
learn the carpenter's trade, and for three years worked
for almost only my board; then followed fishing for
several years, made a little money, bought a piece of
land and commenced fruit growing." Lorenzo
Bailey is one of the most successful fruit growers
of the island, and is held in high esteem by all who
know him.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 478 |
| |
CHARLES E. BAKER, M. D.,
a prominent and popular physician of Genoa, Ottawa
county, is numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth
having occurred in Fairfield county May 27, 1857.
His parents, Richard H. and Lucinda (Baker) Baker,
were also natives of that county, the former born in
April, 1832, the latter on Jan. 2, 1831. They
still reside there, honored and respected, the father
being numbered among the esteemed and leading
agriculturists of the community. For many years he
has efficiently filled the office of township trustee,
and other local positions within the gift of the people,
and in all has discharged his duties with a commendable
promptness and fidelity. The family numbers but
two children: Charles E., subject of this sketch;
and Eva M., widow of George Turner,
of Fairfield county, Ohio. The great-grand father,
Peter Baker, a native of Maryland, became
one of the honored pioneers of Fairfield county, where
he located about the year 1799.
Dr. Baker acquired his rudimentary
education in the district schools of his native
township, and then attended the Fairfield Union Academy,
from which he was graduated in June, 1877. For
about three years thereafter he successfully engaged in
teaching school in Fairfield county, after which he took
up the study of medicine under the preceptorship of
Dr. H. C. Baker, of New Salem, Ohio. He
further fitted himself for his chosen calling by
prosecuting his studies in the Columbus Medical College,
from which he was graduated with honor in March, 1881.
A few months afterward here where he was connected with
the Hospital for the Insane for a period of two and a
half years. This added practical experience to his
thorough knowledge of the science of medicine, and made
him a skilled physician. In 1884 he came to Genoa,
where for a period of more than eleven years he has
continuously practiced, being the second oldest
physician in the place. By his skill and ability
he has succeeded in building up a large and rapidly
increasing business, to which merit well entitles him.
The Doctor was married in Genoa, May 17, 1894, to
Mary M. Humlong, and their union has been blessed
with one child, George Lee, born Aug. 17,
1895. Mrs. Baker was born January 9, 1864,
in Marshall county, Iowa, received her early education
in Genoa, graduating from the high school in 1880, and
subsequently attended Berea College, here completing her
literary training, after which she was for several years
a teacher in the public schools of Genoa. Her
parents, William and Emma Humlong, prominent
citizens and early settlers of Clay township, Ottawa
county, were natives, respectively, of Kentucky and
Preble county, Ohio, both born in 1836, the father on
May 15, the mother on Sept. 6. William
Humlong took a two years' course in Oberlin College,
and was for some years a teacher in Sandusky county.
About 1856 he wedded Miss Emma Swann,
and they became the parents of four children—John,
Ernest, Eugene C. (deceased) and Mary
M. (Mrs. Baker). Mr.
and Mrs. Humlong settled in Genoa,
Ottawa county, about the year 186o. He served
three years in the war of the Rebellion, and was first
lieutenant of Company E, Twelfth Regiment, Ohio
Volunteer Cavalry. John Humlong
(grandfather of Mrs. Baker) was born in
1802 in Kentucky, but was obliged to leave his native
State on account of his politics, he being an
Abolitionist. He married Mary A. Hollis,
who was born Dec. 21, 1812, in Kentucky, and they became
the parents of nine children. Robert and
Margaret (Crume) Swann, maternal grandparents of
Mrs. Baker, were born in 1796 and 1800,
respectively, and were married in 1816. Seven
children were born to them. After Mr. Swann's
death Mrs. Swann for her second husband
married Judge Gregg, of Indiana.
The Doctor and his wife attend the Presbyterian Church,
and occupy a prominent position in social circles.
His political views are in accord with the principles of
the Democratic party. He is one of the most
popular gentlemen in Genoa, and his name is a household
word in the homes throughout his section of the county.
His genial manner and kindness have won for him hosts of
friends among all classes of people. He is
indefatigable in his attention to those that are placed
under his professional care, and has won golden opinions
from friends and patrons, ranking deservedly high among
his professional brethren.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 363 |
| |
WILLIAM J. BAKER, one of the
prominent agriculturists of Allen township, Ottawa
county, was born in Devonshire, England, Feb. 28, 1847,
and is a son of James and Eliza (Bailey) Baker
the former a native of Devonshire, the latter of
Cornwall, England. He received a limited education
in the schools of his native county, attending to his
studies during the winter seasons and working upon his
grandfather's farm in Cornwall, in the summer, until he
was sixteen years old. He then learned the trade
of carriage maker, spending five years as an apprentice
and one year afterward as a journeyman.
On Feb. 20, 1869, Mr. Baker left the home of his
birth for America, finding his way to Ohio, and locating
in Woodville township, Sandusky county, where he
followed carpentering and painting some eight years.
He then married and moved to Allen (then Clay) township,
and began work on a farm of seventy-five acres owned by
his wife, the larger portion of which was unimproved.
He did much hard work on this place, letting not a
moment go to waste, and succeeded in clearing the land,
erecting a large, comfortable dwelling house, barns,
outhouses, and making other improvements which to-day
testify to his industry and enterprise. The
marriage of our subject took place Sept. 13, 1877, when
he was united to Miss Mary E. Kent, daughter of
Anson and Mercy (Wood) Kent, farmers of Allen
township. To them has been born a family of five
children, as follows: Della P., born June
24, 1878, was educated in the schools of Allen township,
and is housekeeper for her widowed father; Eliza M.
was born July 29, 1880; Mary E. on Apr. 1, 1884;
Florence M. on Aug. 2, 1886, and Dorothy H.
on Aug. 14,1891. All the younger children are
attending school in Allen township, Mrs. Baker,
the wife of our subject, was born in Clay township,
Ottawa county, Aug. 21, 1856, and there obtained her
education. Her father died Apr. 28, 1864, and her
mother was again married, his time in December, 1869, to
John Tiplady, of Allen township. He died
Jan. 5, 1892. The mother is still living, and
resides in Allen township with her daughters, Carrie,
who was born Oct. 31, 1870, and Inez, born Oct.
27, 1874. Mrs. Baker passed
peacefully away Mar. 13, 1894, leaving a devoted husband
and five young daughters to mourn the loss of a faithful
and loving wife and mother.
James Baker, the father of our subject, was a
native of Devonshire, England, where he was a farmer.
He was married in 1845 to Eliza Bailey, and a
family of twelve children was born to them, of whom the
following record is given: William J. is
the subject of this sketch; Annie M. is the wife
of Walter Hewitt, of Islandville, Mass.; Eliza,
wife of Francis Bailey is residing in California;
Rachel is the wife of Dr. Hobert Hewitt,
of Glenwood Springs, Garfield Co., Colo.; Richard
is a school teacher and farmer, residing in Allen
township; Frances resides in Morrison, Colo.;
Elizabeth is the wife of Francis Monroe,
owner of a coffee plantation in San Jose, Costa Rico,
Central America; John H. is in the United States
mail service at Toledo; Thomas sleeps in in
the Denver (Colo.) cemetery, and the three younger
children sleep in the old home churchyard in England.
Mr. baker, in his political views, affiliates
with the Prohibition party. In religion he and his
family are in sympathy with the Disciples Church, the
services of which they attend at Genoa. Mr.
Baker is looked upon as a man of principle, upright
in his business relations and a good citizen.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 637 |
| |
MRS. EVELINE BALL
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 650 |
| |
RICHARD BARNES,
a thrifty and well-known farmer of Benton township,
Ottawa county, is a son of Hamilton and Renew (Sweet)
Barnes, and was born July 24, 1840, in Lorain
county, Ohio.
Hamilton Barnes, the father, was born in 1803,
in New York, lived there until thirty years of age, and
then came to Ohio, where he died in 1893; the mother was
born in New York in 1804. They were married about
1825, and ten children were born to them, four now
living, viz.: A. H., H. S., E. L. and Richard.
Grandfather Barnes was born about 1775,
the grandmother about 1783.
Our subject lived in his native county until
twenty-four years of age, obtaining his education in the
district school, which he attended during the winter
until sixteen years of age. From the time he was
twelve years of age he was obliged to work on the farm
summers, with only a meagre opportunity for schooling
even in the winter. At the age of sixteen he
struck out in life for himself, and for two years worked
on a farm for thirteen dollars per month, at the end of
which time he returned home and worked the homestead for
two years. Coming to Ottawa county, he worked here
on a farm for one summer, and then going to Saginaw,
Mich., he worked for one season in the salt works, after
which he returned to Ohio. For one year he was
laid up with typhoid fever, and on recovering he went to
Elmore, Ohio, where, for some time, he was engaged in
getting out stave timber.
In 1864 Mr. Barnes was married to Miss Mary
Yost, of Elmore, and he then settled on the old
farm, buying out the heirs. In July, same year, he
enlisted in Company H, First O. V. H. A., remaining in
the service until the close of the war; he was in no
special battles, his regiment being mainly engaged in
foraging. In July, 1865, he returned to his home
on the old farm, but after a residence there of two
years sold out and settled in Section 14, Benton
township; the township was at that time a forest, there
being not even a road by which to reach his farm, and a
road had to be cut before he could move on to his
property. He at once erected a comfortable house,
and settled down to clearing his new land. He
remained here for fourteen years, when he purchased a
place at Limestone on which he lived three years, and on
selling out he came to Section 11, Benton township,
where he purchased sixty acres more land. He and
his brother now divided up their property, Richard
taking the Limestone property and fifteen acres of the
first piece purchased in Section 14. In 1882 he
sold the Limestone property, and gave his entire
attention to the improving of the farm where on he now
lives. The place is systematically cultivated, and
a fine orchard, good fences and comfortable buildings
add considerably to its appearance and value.
To Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have come two children:
Phoebe, born Jan. 14, 1865, died May 23, 1883;
and bertha L., born Aug. 16, 1868, married Feb.
16, 1893, to Oliver Kincaid, of Nevada, and had
one child, Leah, born Mar. 25, 1894, died Oct.
25, 1895. Mrs. Mary Barnes was born in
Harris township, Ottawa county, Dec. 17, 1846, attended
the Portage River schools, obtaining what education
could be gained therein in her day, and lived in her
native township until her marriage to Mr. Barnes.
Her father, John S. Yost, was born in
Pennsylvania in 1810, her mother, Phoebe Ferris Yost,
in Clark county, Ohio, Dec. 25, 1814. There were
seven children in their family, six of whom are living -
three in Kansas and three in Ohio.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 612 |
| |
SAGISHMAEL BARNES,
an enterprising, progressive citizen of Oak Harbor,
Ottawa county, and proprietor of one of the best
equipped and most extensive flour mills in the county,
was born in Monroeville, Allen Co., Ind., Jul. 20, 1850.
Henry and Mary (Curtis) Barnes, the parents of
our subject, were both natives of the State of Vermont,
and honored and respected citizens of Allen county,
Ind., for over thirty-five years. Their family
consisted of nine children, five of whom still survive,
viz.: Sarah, widow of Henry Stevens,
residing at Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Ind.; Sagishmael;
Garmiel, residing in Oak Harbor; Annie, wife
of Charles Swede, residing in Paulding, Ohio; and
William A. Mr. Barnes' death occurred in
June, 1881, Mrs. Barnes dying in March of the
same year.
Sagishmael Barnes, the subject proper of this
sketch, received his education in the district schools
of his native town, and early in life was trained to
farm work. On attaining the age of seventeen years
he began his career as a miller, working first as an
apprentice, then as a journeyman, until 1873, when he
entered into partnership with Daniel Shank in the
milling business, under the firm name of Shank &
Co. In 1878 Mr. Barnes disposed of
his interest in this mill, and removed to Paulding,
Ohio, operating a mill at that place until his removal
to Oak Harbor, where he purchased the ill which he still
continues to run, having fitted it up with the most
modern machinery. Mr. Barnes, possessing a
thorough knowledge of his business, and by a life of
energy and perseverance, has succeeded in building up a
large and rapidly increasing trade, ranking to-day among
the most prominent and influential business men of Oak
Harbor.
Our subject has been twice married, first time to
Miss Mary Calvert, of Pennsylvania, to which union
were born five children, one of whom Harlan,
still survives. On Mar. 3, 1888, Mr. Barnes
was again united in marriage, this time with Miss
Maria Welden, daughter of Joseph and Mary
(Stewart) Welden. There are no children by the
second marriage. Politically, our subject has
always been a Republican. The family are members
of the Methodist Church, and socially they enjoy the
respect of a wide circle of friends.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 692 |
| |
JOHN BARNUM
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 779 |
| |
PAUL DE LA BARRE, M. D.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 379 |
| |
GIDEON H. BEARSS
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 676 |
| |
HART BEARSS, a leading
and influential citizen of Ottawa county, residing on
Catawba Island, claims New York State as the place of
his nativity, where he first opened his eyes to the
light of day, in Putnam county, October 14, 1840.
He is descended from one of the early families of that
region. His grandparents, Joseph T. and Annie
Bearss, had a family of thirteen children, of whom
eight are still living, namely: Mary, widow of
George W. Bailey;
Gideon H. ; Louisa, widow of William
Shepherd, and a resident of Wood county, Ohio;
Joseph T., of Ottawa county, Ohio; David, who
is living in Lucas county, Ohio; Orson, a
resident of Bureau county, Ill.; Lucinda, wife of
Ashabell Burke, of Portage township,
Ottawa county; and Flora, widow of Wheeler
Porter.
Gideon H. Bearss, the father of our subject, is
a retired fruit grower, and the oldest surviving pioneer
settler of Catawba Island—a man honored and revered by
all who know him. He was born in New Fairfield,
Fairfield Co., Conn., August 3, 1815, and is a son of
Joseph T. and Annie (Hubble) Bearss, who were also
natives of the Nutmeg State. Like many boys of
that day he had very limited advantages for procuring
even a primary education, the duties pertaining to farm
life requiring all his time in his boyhood days.
In 1831, when sixteen years of age, he left home and
went to Putnam county, N. Y., where he learned the trade
of shoemaking, following that business for thirteen
years. In 1844 he removed to Ohio, locating on
Catawba Island which at that time was known as Van
Rensselaer township, and was an almost unbroken
wilderness. Here he entered land and made a home
for his family, willing heart and hands soon enabling
him to convert the raw land into a fruitful farm. In
peace and contentment he has here lived for over fifty
years, and now in his declining days he has given over
the care of the farm to his children, while he is
resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former
toil. Many a lesson might well be learned from his
well-spent life, which shows what can be accomplished by
industry, integrity and perseverance in a land where
merit is not hampered by caste or class.
Gideon Bearss was married in Putnam
county, N. Y., October 6, 1835, to Betsy
Turner, daughter of Adam and Eunice (Rockwell)
Turner. She was born in that county, July 12,
1809, and died on Catawba Island, March 23, 1878.
They became the parents of five children, two of whom
died in infancy; George Henry died at
Chattanooga, Tenn., while nobly aiding in the defense of
the old flag, and the cause it represented; Clarasia
became the wife of Henry Wonnell, of
Portage township, Ottawa county, and has also passed
away, leaving our subject the only surviving member of
the family. The father has served for many years
as township trustee, and has acceptably filled other
local offices. He cast his first Presidential vote
for William Henry Harrison, and was
a stanch supporter of the Whig party, until the
organization of the Republican party, with which he has
been identified since its inception.
When a child of only four years Hart Bearss
came with his parents to Catawba Island, whereon he has
since resided, and during this period has witnessed its
development from a wilderness into fine farms and fruit
orchards, dotted with beautiful residences. He
received a limited education in the village school of
his day, and for over forty years has been connected
with the fishing business, but for the past six years
has devoted his entire time and attention to the
cultivation of fruit. He has to-day one of the
finest orchards on the Island, and the excellent variety
of fruit which he raises finds a ready sale on the
market.
On May 29, 1863, on Catawba Island was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Bearss and Miss
Catherine Rogers, who was born in Seneca
county, Ohio, February 26, 1844, a daughter of Thomas
and Verlinda Rebecca (Wheeler) Rogers, the former a
native of England, and the latter of Maryland.
About 1859 they located on the Island where they
continued to live until called to the home beyond, the
father dying in October, 1870, and the mother October 6,
1894. To Mr. and Mrs. Bearss were born five
children: Alvertes, born June 29, 1863, married
to Kate Gron October 30, 1889; Gusta Amelia,
born October 23, 1865, the wife of Oliver H. Elliott,
of Elyria, Ohio; George H., born January 15,
1868, killed August 15, 1887, by a fall from the
Poughkeepsie (N. Y. ) Bridge; Jennie L. , born
November 12, 1871, now the wife of William
Freer; and Carrie E., born October 26, 1874,
the wife of William F. Leinbach, operator on the
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroad, at Marble Head
Junction, Ottawa county.
Mr. Bearss has served as trustee of his
township for four terms, and has filled other offices.
He is a worthy member of Port Clinton Lodge, No. 341, F.
& A. M.; Catawba Island Lodge, No. 2783, Knights of
Honor; and during the Civil war he joined the
one-hundred-day men of Company K, One Hundred and
Thirty-ninth O. V. L, doing guard duty at Point Lookout,
Md. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, is a
wide-awake and progressive citizen, and one of the most
esteemed residents of Catawba Island. The family
attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife
and daughter Jennie are worthy members, and all
who know them hold them in high regard. They have
just completed their handsome dwelling on the old farm.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 675 |
| |
ANDREW BECHSTEIN
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 586 |
| |
SAMUEL BECK
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 723 |
| |
GEORGE A. BEEBE
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 576 |
| |
WILLIS BEEBE
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 577 |
| |
HENRY BEHRMAN
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 580 |
| |
FREDERICK BEIER
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 535 |
| |
WILLIAM BEIER
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 827 |
| |
OTTO BEIER
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 535 |
| |
ABRAHAM BELL - See
R. BELL
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 495 |
| |
R.
BELL. The subject of this sketch, senior
partner in the firm of R. Bell & Co., is one of
the leading men of Port Clinton, Ottawa county, where he
has carried on the fishery business for many years.
He was born Apr. 7, 1832, in Cecil county, Md., and is
the son of Abraham and Sarah Trump Bell.
ABRAHAM BELL was born in
Pennsylvania, near the Maryland State line, in 1800, and
carried on his occupation of a tanner and currier in
Maryland until 1834, when he came to Ohio and located
five miles west of Port Clinton, on Lake Erie, in Erie
township. Here he bought a farm, built a tannery,
and manufactured the first leather ever made in the
county. He was engaged in the business for some
thirty-eight years, and died in Ottawa county in 1875.
In politics he was a Whig; afterward, on the absorption
of that party into the Republican party, joining the
ranks of the latter. In religious faith he was
brought up in the Quaker faith, and was connected with
that denomination throughout his life. His wife
was born, in 1802, in Cecil county, Md., and died in
1841, the mother of twelve children - six sons and six
daughters.
The following is a record of the parental family:
Robert M. lived at home until eighteen years of age,
when he returned to the East, married and practiced
medicine at Harrisburg, Penn.; he afterward returned to
Ohio, where he died, leaving a widow and two sons,
Samuel T. is living retired at Riverside, Cal.;
Mary Anna married James Hoops, and lives in
Chester county, Penn.; Rachel died when about
twenty years old; Rebecca, who lives in
Louisville, Ky., is the widow of Dr. Officer, and
has had two children, both living with her; Philena,
who married W. W. Batlin, is deceased; Sarah
Melissa married William Clark, and died in
early womanhood; our subject comes next in order of
birth; Abraham, who is in the general merchandise
business, lives at Elwell, Ohio; Joseph M., who
was a member of Company I, Forty-first Regiment Ohio
Infantry, in the Civil war, died near Chattanooga,
Tenn., in the latter part of 1863.
The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days on
his father's farm, assisting in the farm work and in the
tannery, and having only the limited advantages to be
obtained at a country school, until he was sixteen years
old, when he started for himself, becoming a clerk in a
store at Port Clinton, where he remained two years.
At the early age of eighteen years he was married to
Miss Amelia Wilson, and made his home in Erie
township. Here he began fishing with seines in
1850, carrying on a small business at first, which has
steadily grown ever since. In all these years he
has missed but one season's fishing. In 1859 he
went to California, crossing the Plains with an ox-team,
and locating near the foot hills of the Sierra Nevada
range. It was a wearisome journey to the land of
gold in those days, and Mr. Bell was five months
making the trip, leaving home on the 6th of March, and
reaching Placerville, or Hangtown, August 8. He
returned home via the Panama Route, and was twenty-four
days coming form San Francisco to New York. In
1873 Mr. Bell erected the building which he still
occupies, and has been carrying on a prosperous business
ever since, sending carloads of fish as far west as
Omaha and east to the Atlantic. His yearly catch
is between five thousand and eight thousand tons of
fish, and he uses two steam tugs in his business.
Mr. Bell's first wife died in Port Clinton in
1873, when forty-one years old. They were the
parents of the following named children: Perry,
who died when twenty-four years old, was married, and
left four children - Amelia, Norah, Richard and
Perry; Phylena and George died in early
youth; Joseph lives in Port Clinton (he married
Miss Angeline Magruder, and has one child -
Ruth; he is a member of the firm of R. Bell &
Co., and captain of one of his father's tugs);
Rebecca; Josephine; Sarah Lucinda, who married W.
R. Webster, editor of the Port Clinton News,
and has one child - Chauncey; and two that died
in infancy unnamed.
Mr. Bell was married in1874 to Miss Huldah L.
Masten, who was born in Scottsburg, N. Y., in 1852.
Of this marriage four children have been born: John
McAllister, Bessie, Edna and Earl. Mr. Bell
is a Republican, and, socially, has passed all the
chairs in the I. O. O. F. [Since the above was written
Mr. Bell informs us that he left Port Clinton
September 19, 1895, and will spend the remainder of his
life at Riverside, California - Editor.]
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 495 |
|
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PETER BETTS
devotes his time and energies to fruit growing on Put in
Bay Island, where he is a highly-esteemed citizen.
His name is almost a household word, so widely is he
known and so highly is he respected. He was born
in Lycoming county, Penn., April 20, 1832, and is a son
of the late Peter and Mary (Stinger) Betts, who
were also natives of Keystone State. There they
spent their entire lives and passed peacefully away at
the old homestead in Lycoming county. Their union
is blessed with a family of eleven children, four of
whom are still living: Sarah, widow of Joseph
Mackey, a resident of Missouri; Charles, who
is residing on the old home farm in Pennsylvania;
Peter, subject of this sketch, and Ellis, a
resident of Kansas.
In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject spent
the days of his boyhood and youth, and the duties of the
farm left him little spare time in which to procure even
a limited education, but in the school of experience he
has learned many valuable lessons; and reading,
observation and contact with the world have made him a
well-informed man, and given him the important position
in the community which he now fills. In 1855 he
bade adieu to his old home and migrated to Iowa,
locating in Chickasaw county, where he was manager of a
sawmill for more than four years. In 1859 he left
the Hawkeye State, and took up his residence in Huron
county, Ohio, where for three years he was engaged in
agricultural pursuits. In the fall of 1862 Mr.
Betts removed to Put in Bay Island, and for
thirty-three years has been a constant resident of that
place, extensively engaged in the cultivation of fruit.
He raises fine varieties, and the care and labor which
he bestows upon his orchard command for its fine
products a good price on the market.
Mr. Betts has been twice married, first time to
Mary Jane Mackey, the marriage being celebrated
in Lycoming county, Penn., Dec. 1, 1854. Of the
four children born of this union, two died in infancy;
Sarah Catherine is now the wife of J. V.
Hitchcock, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, and
Oscar resides on Put in Bay Island. Mrs.
Betts died Aug. 20, 1862, in Huron county, Ohio, and
Mr. Betts, for his second wife, married on Put in
Bay Island, Mar. 17, 1864, Miss Saphroni Hughes,
who was born in Lexington, Mich., a daughter of Capt.
James and Helen (Ellsworth) Hughes.
When Mrs. Saphroni Betts was about seven years
old her father removed with his family from Lexington,
Mich., to Manitowoc, Wis., to make their home there, and
Mrs. Betts resided there until 1863, when she
came to Put in Bay. Capt. James Hughes,
father of Mrs. Betts sailed on the lakes for
about twenty-five years, and most of the time sailed the
Transit, one of the Goodrich steamers. His
residence was at Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Mr. Betts is a progressive citizen, manifesting
a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the
welfare of the community and its upbuilding. In
politics he is a stanch Republican, and for eleven years
has efficiently served his township in office. He
and his wife are members of the Reformed Episcopal
Church, and have a wide circle of friends and
acquaintances who hold them in high regard.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of
the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J.
H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 696 |
|
|
OSCAR BILLINGS
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 496 |
|
|
CHARLES BLECKNER
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 501 |
|
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WILLIAM BLECKNER
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 811 |
|
|
JOHN C. BLEHER
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 587 |
|
|
JOHN BLOOM
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 506 |
|
|
FRED BOLTE
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 497 |
John Boschen |
JOHN BOSCHEN,
one of the progressive and prosperous fruit growers of
Portage township, Ottawa county, is a native of the
county, having first seen the light July 4, 1839, in
Danbury township.
His father, CLAUS H. BOSCHEN, was
a native of Hanover, Germany, and in 1832 crossed the
Atlantic to New York. On landing in that city as
he could find no employment at his trade, that of
blacksmith, he went to Long Island, where for four
months he was engaged in farm labor at $4.00 per month.
Returning then to New York City, he met an old friend
who was then engaged in the manufacture of candy, and
worked with him for some time, finally buying his
employer out and continuing in the business until his
removal to Ohio, in 1835. Locating in Danbury
township, where he was one of the earliest settlers, he
carried on agricultural pursuits there up to the time of
his death, which occurred Apr. 13, 1883. He
married Elizabeth Shook, who was born in Pickaway
county, Ohio, and in 1825 settled in Portage township,
Ottawa county, with her parents, John and Susanna
Shook, who in pioneer days migrated from
Pennsylvania to Pickaway county, Ohio, living there
until coming to Ottawa county. The father was a
teamster, and during the war of 1812 carried provisions
across the Allegheny mountains for the army.
Mr. and Mrs. Boschen became the parents of four
children, all yet living, namely: John; Susanna,
wife of William Tankey, who lives near Elmore,
Ottawa county; Martha, wife of Henry Schweck,
who is living on the old homestead in Danbury township;
and Mary E., who makes her home with her sister,
Martha.
Our subject was reared a
farmer boy, and acquired but a limited education in the
district schools of his native town; but he had ample
training at farm labor, and since his boyhood days has
successfully followed agricultural pursuits. He
has also operated a threshing machine for nine years,
and a cider-mill some twelve years, while for the past
fourteen years he has been extensively engaged in the
cultivation of grapes and peaches, and owns and operates
one of the most productive fruit farms in the township.
On Apr. 7, 1861, in Danbury township, Ottawa county,
Mr. Boschenwas united in marriage with Miss Laura
J. Rosue, who was born in that township Aug. 3,
1841, and is a daughter of George L. and Mary (Knapp)
Rouse. Three children graced this union:
Norma S., born Aug. 6, 1863, who died Sept. 2, 1883;
Bennie F.b, born Dec. 14, 1866, died May 12, 1889;
and Mattie A., born Apr. 1, 1868, married
June 11, 1887, to Sherman Shook, and they have
two children - Bennie B., born Mar. 5, 1888, and
Ethel, born Jun. 21, 1889. Mr. Boschen
has efficiently filled the office of township trustee
four terms, and though frequently tendered numerous
other positions of trust has always declined to serve,
preferring to give his time to the duties of is farm and
the enjoyment of his home. Politically, he votes
with the Democratic party, and, socially he is connected
with O. H. Perry Lodge, No. 341, F. & A. M., of Port
Clinton, and he is a member of the Sandusky City
Chapter. He is a man of untiring energy and
perseverance. Favored with but few early
advantages for mental culture, he made the most of his
opportunities, has become well-informed and the
possessor of a handsome competence. He is an ideal
self-made man, and, having earned what he possesses by
hard labor and economy, thoroughly understands its true
worth.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 518 |
| |
JOHN
BOWLAND, mayor of Genoa, Ottawa county, and
postmaster at that place, is a man whose life record is
proof that a person's environments do not necessarily
limit his possibilities, and that the working out of his
future, for good and evil, lies in the hands of any
young man who possesses brains and strength of character
enough to make up his mind what he will be, and to bend
all his energies to that end.
Mr. Bowland was born in Harris township, Ottawa
county, Aug. 3, 1851 and was the son of John and
Diana (Parrott) Bowland. who were also natives
of Ohio. His father died a month before our
subject was born, leaving the mother with her family of
little ones dependent on her for support. When the
Civil war broke out in 1861 her three eldest boys
enlisted, serving throughout the struggle, and the
younger children were obliged to do what they could to
earn their daily bread. The mother had in the
meantime removed from Harris township to Clay township,
and here the subject of this sketch began work on a farm
at the early age of fifteen years. His education
was necessarily very limited, but his quick intellect
gathered up and put to sue what book learning he had
acquired, and constantly absorbed whatever could be
gained from reading and observation. Until the
death of his beloved mother, which took place April 17,
1875, he proved a faithful, devoted son, working
cheerfully and untiringly, and, with his brothers,
ministering to her every want.
After spending a number of years upon the farm, Mr.
Bowland went into partnership with his brother
Thomas in the manufacture of hoops, carrying on this
business both at Martin, Ottawa county, and in Henry
county. He also was in the same business by
himself for several years and up to 1890. Mr.
Bowland was married Aug. 25, 1875, to Miss Mary
Eyre, daughter of George and Sarah Eyre, who
now reside in Genoa, and of this union three children
have been born: Errett G., March 18, 1877;
Bertha M., Mar. 16, 1883; and Walter,
Sept. 19, 1889. The eldest son of this interesting
family attended the public schools of Genoa, and also
attended the High School at Columbus. This was
followed by three terms in the High School of Genoa,
from which he was graduated with honor June 4, 1895.
He is a young man of fine intellect and a worthy son of
his father, whose assistant he is in the post office.
The family attend the Christian Church.
The early struggles of Mr. Bowland taught him
lessons of perseverance, frugality and industry, which
have borne fruit in the success that has attended his
career. His genial disposition and sympathy with
his fellow men have rendered him exceedingly popular
with all classes, and they have showed their
appreciation of his sterling worth by bestowing on him
numerous responsible offices, all of which he has filled
with dignity and to the satisfaction of the public.
In 1877 he was elected constable of Clay township on the
Democratic ticket, holding the position two years.
In 1881 he was appointed assessor for the township, the
term being one year, and both in 1883 and 1884 was
re-elected by a large vote. In 1887 he was elected
city councilman for a term of two years and polled a
large and popular vote. Mr. Bowland was
elected assessor for the third time in 1889. For a
term of two years he filled the office of guard of the
Penitentiary at Columbus, this State, remaining in that
city for two years. At the end of this time he
returned to Genoa and was elected mayor of the village
by acclamation, his popularity being so great that
opposition was useless. He was re-elected in the
spring of 1895, and is filling the office with great
ability. On June 20, 1893, he received the
appointment of postmaster of Genoa, and merits the high
commendations he has received for the manner in which he
discharges the duties of that responsible position.
On May 6, 1895, Mr. Bowland received his
commission from the Governor of Ohio as notary public
for Ottawa county, and in addition to his numerous
public duties he is carrying on a real-estate and
insurance business. He is a member of Clay Lodge,
No. 584, I. O. O. F., at Genoa.
With all his energies devoted to the important trusts
held by him, Mr. Bowland still finds time to
interest himself in anything which will promote the
welfare of his town and county, and lends a helping hand
wherever needed. He has won the respect and esteem
of his fellow men by his integrity of character and his
spirit of enterprise, and is well deserving of all the
honors received at their hands.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 756 |
| |
THOMAS
BOWLAND, a prominent manufacturer, of Martin,
Clay township, Ottawa County, was born in Perry county,
this State, Oct. 14, 1844, and was a son of John and
Diana (Parrott) Bowland, the former of whom was a
native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio.
The father of our subject died when the latter was only
ten years old, and the little lad was early put to work
that he might contribute his share to the support of his
widowed mother and the younger children. His early
education was therefore very limited; but, like many of
the men who have been leaders of our nation, he
neglected no opportunity to add to his scanty stock of
book knowledge, and by reading and observation has made
of himself an intelligent man whose opinions are eagerly
sought for, and whose judgment in all matters in well
worth considering. His parents removed before his
death to Ottawa county, living for a time in Elmore,
Harris, Harris township, and afterward coming to Clay
township. Here our subject worked upon a farm with
his two elder brothers until the breaking out of the
Civil war in 1861, when they enlisted and left the care
of the family to Thomas and a younger brother,
John, of whom a sketch is given elsewhere.
This labor of love which he performed diligently and
faithfully was pursued for a number of years, the few
leisure hours not employed in farm work being given to
the improvement of his mind.
In 1879 Mr. Bowland began the manufacture of
hoops, starting a factory in Martin and employing
several men. This proved to be a profitable
business, and he has since successfully carried it on,
being now assisted by two of his sons who have an
interest in the establishment. Mr. Bowland
was married Jan. 21, 1869, to Charlotte Jones,
daughter of Daniel and Ruth Jones, of Sandusky
county, and they became the parents of one child,
Irvin who was born Jan. 20, 1870; his mother died
Mar. 26, 1871. Mr. Bowland was again
married Dec. 22, 1872, to Miss Herminia, daughter
of George and Sarah (Wall) Eyre, both whom were
natives of England. Three children have come of
this marriage, namely: (1) George D., who was
born Apr. 6, 1874, at Genoa, and was there educated; he
is unmarried, and is engaged in business with his
father. (2) Ernest, born Apr. 7, 1877, in the
same town, was educated in the schools there, and in the
high school, and holds a teacher's certificate; he is
also connected with his father's firm. (3)
Estella, born Feb. 22, 1886, died Aug. 13, 1887.
The parental family of our subject comprised fourteen
children, eight of whom are living, as follows:
Mary is the wife of Powell Frugh a
farmer in Sandusky county; Daniel is a farmer of
Clay township; Jeremiah, a machinist, lives in
Wood county; Elizabeth is the wife of Stephen
Walsh, of Clay township; Martin is a miller
of Benton township; Thomas is our subject;
Hannah is the widow of Walter Warrener; and
John is postmaster at Genoa. The father of
this large family died in Harris township in June, 1854,
and his wife in Clay township, Apr. 17, 1875.
George Eyre, the father of our subject's wife,
was born in London, England, and came to this country
when eighteen years old, settling first in Cleveland,
where he followed the occupation of a millwright, and
also did some carpentering; his wife, Sarah Wall,
was also born in England. They were the parents of
eight children, five of whom are living: Mary is
the wife of John Bowland, postmaster at Genoa;
Cilena is the wife of William Bodett, a
railroad man; Esletta married Albert Stewart,
a cigar manufacturer, living in Toledo; Sarah is
the wife of Miles Price, of Detroit; George
died when aged thirty-six, Henry when five, and
Carrie when fourteen. The parents are still
living, and reside in Genoa.
Mr. Bowland has always been very popular with
his fellow citizens, as well as throughout the entire
county, and in consequence has held numerous responsible
offices. He was for two years constable of Clay
township, and has been time and again elected justice of
the peace, or local judge of Clay township, which
position he is now filling with dignity and great
ability. In all the cases which have com before
him in the past twelve years, and which have been
carried to the higher courts, his decisions have there
been confirmed, without exception, and his honesty and
integrity have never been questioned. During his
official life he has solemnized upward of thirty-five
marriages, which is a further evidence of his popularity
with the people. Mr. Bowland has held the
office of school director for seven years, and has been
clerk of the board throughout that period. In
politics he is a strong Democrat and a leader in his
party, and, with his family, holds a prominent position
in society.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 561 |
|
|
J. H. BRADY
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 402 |
|
|
AUGUST BREDBECK
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 703 |
|
|
HENRY BREDBECK
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 664 |
|
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CAROLINE BRETZ
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 585 |
|
|
FREDERICK BRETZ
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 585 |
| |
DANIEL BROWN
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 393 |
| |
MRS. MELISSA I. BROWN
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 394 |
| |
FRANK BROWN
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 577 |
| |
CLAUS
BUCK (deceased) was one of the most prominent and
highly-respected residents of Danbury township, a
wide-awake, progressive citizens, taking an active part
in all matter tending to advance the interests of the
county generally.
He was born in Basdahl, Amt. Bremervorde, Germany, Apr.
6, 1809, and was educated in his native land. When
a young man of twenty-seven years he left his native
village for America, and, after a tempestuous voyage of
eleven weeks, reached New York City, Jan. 1, 1836.
Later in the same month he started for Ohio, traveling
by stage and on foot, and on Feb. 19, 1836, after a
tedious and tiresome journey of then weeks he reached
the southern shore of the Peninsula, being one of the
seven original German settlers of Danbury township, all
of whom preceded him to the grave.
Here in the ten vast wilderness, Mr. Buck made
himself a home, engaging in agricultural pursuits, and
during his fifty-eight years of residence in Danbury
township, Ottawa county, he saw many wonderful changes
in his adopted country, and in all possible ways aided
in the development of his resident community. Ohio
was at that time considered the "Far West." The
Indians still roamed in Ottawa county, and this
beautiful Peninsula was a forest awaiting civilization.
The pioneer's life at the best is one of toil.
None but those who have passed through a like experience
can ever realize the hardships and privations of such a
life, and the present generation have but little idea of
the difficulties and trials their forefathers, and such
men as the subject of this sketch, were obliged to
undergo in those early days in order to bring this
country to its present state of prosperity and
perfection.
On Jan. 5, 1844, Mr. Buck was united in marriage
with Miss Rebecca Brauer, who was born in
Fredericksdorf, Germany, Sept. 29, 1821, a daughter of
Frederick and Christina Brauer. In 1842 she
came to America with her father, her mother having
passed away in the land of her nativity two years
previous. For more than fifty years she was the
faithful companion and helpmeet of Mr. Buck, and
still survives him, now at the advanced age of
seventy-four years. Their union was blessed with
but one child, a daughter - Christiana M.- who
was born Mar. 27, 1845, and who, on the 2nd of May,
1866, was united in marriage with Henry H. Lullman.
She died Jan. 1, 1882, leaving two daughters - Regina
R. and Rebecca - who still reside with their
grandmother, caring for her during her declining years.
Mr. Buck was an earnest worker in the Lutheran
Church, and was a liberal contributor to both the old
church and the handsome and imposing edifice that now
adorns the township. He was a consistent member of
the organization, as are his granddaughters and widow.
For many years he was a great sufferer, and for two
years prior to his death was unable to leave his room.
He passed peacefully away at one o'clock on the morning
of Dec. 20, 1894, at the advanced age of eighty-five
years, eight months and fourteen days, sadly mourned by
his relatives and a large circle of friends and
acquaintances, who lived and revered him for his many
noble traits of character and unswerving integrity.
He died as he lived, and his end was like the coming
into harbor of a stately ship after a long and
successful voyage. He looked death in the face with that
calmness and dignity, that serene certainty that it was
a change for the better which Christian faith, such as
he possessed, could alone inspire. He has passed
away from among his old friends and companions in life,
but his memory will long be cherished by all who knew
him.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 368 |
| |
CARL BUDDENHAGEN
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 402 |
| |
HERMAN
BUNTE. Among the enterprising and
prosperous citizens of Allen township, Ottawa county, is
found the gentleman whose name here appears, and who,
besides carrying on farming, is engaged in the
manufacture of tiles and also coopers' material.
Mr. Bunte is a native of the "Fatherland",
having been born in Hanover, Germany, Oct. 18, 1849, a
son of William and Mary (Hebbeler) Bunte, both
also natives of Hanover, who had a family of nine
children, six of whom are living, as follows:
Mary, wife of Henry Gerkensmyer,
residing in Clay township; Henry, who lives in
Woodville, Sandusky county; Herman, our subject;
William, who lives at Curtis, in Allen township;
Annie, wife of Herman Strautman residing
in Clay township; and Louis, who lives in Allen
township. The father is still living, near
Williston, Allen township, but the mother passed away
July 26, 1891. Our subject received his education
in the district schools of his native county, and spent
his boyhood upon his father's farm. In 1866 he
accompanied the family to America, where they settled in
Woodville township, Sandusky Co., this state. Here
he was engaged in farming for thirteen years, and in
1879 removed to the section of Clay township which is
now Allen township, where he has since carried on
agricultural pursuits. Not content to confine his
energies to one branch of business, Mr. Bunte
entered upon the manufacture of tiles, in which he has
been so successful as to place him among the leading
manufacturers of this part of the county. Later he
still further extended his operations by going into the
lumber business in Centre township, Wood county, where
he owns and operates a mill for furnishing boards and
other material for the use of coopers. In this as
well as in other ventures he has been remarkably
successful a result due to his industry, progressive
ideas and excellent judgment. Mr. Bunte was
married in Covington, Ky., Dec. 18, 1884, to Sarah
Philena, daughter of William and Mary (Roberts)
King. No children have been born of this
marriage.
Mr. Bunte is a stanch Democrat, and is
interested in all that pertains to the growth and
upbuilding of the community in which he resides.
He and his wife are worthy members of the Lutheran
Church, and command the respect and esteem of their
neighbors.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 695 |
|
|
HENRY BURGGRAF
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 798 |
|
|
MATHIAS BURGGRAF, JR.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 800 |
|
