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Mr. & Mrs. S. B. Palmer	SEELEY BURDETT PALMER, a retired agriculturist residing in Norwalk, was born in Fitchville, Huron county, Ohio, on the 29th of May, 1848.  Being reared on the old homestead farm, he early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and continued to assist his father in the cultivation of the fields until nineteen years of age.  He then became connected with the building department of the Western Union Telegraph Company, putting up wires and working in the eastern part of the United States and Nova Scotia.  He was also employed on the construction of the line from St. Louis to Toledo and subsequently worked for Jay Gould  in the same capacity for a year and a half.  He has a very fine gold watch, chain and charm which were presented to his brother-in-law, D. Doran, by Jay Gould and given to Mr. Palmer by his sister at the time of her husband's death.  After leaving the employ of Mr. Gould, our subject resumed the work of general farming, with which line of activity he was successfully identified with the time of his retirement from active business life in 1907.  He retains possession of the old family homestead of three hundred and fifty acres, which is still under his management and is also the owner of some real estate in Cleveland.  On putting aside the active work of the fields, he purchased a lot in Norwalk and erected thereon a handsome brick residence, in which he has since made his home, enjoying in well earned ease,  the fruits of his former toil.  His energy, economy and perseverance constituted the basis of the prosperity which has crowned his labors and he has long been numbered among the most substantial, enterprising and respected citizens of his native county.      Mr. Palmer has been married twice, the first union being with Miss Iola Martin, whose birth occurred in the year 1859.  She passed away in January, 1876, leaving a daughter, Dora, who is now the wife of Hal Amsden.  For his second wife, Mr. Palmer chose Miss Elizabeth Chase, whom he wedded on the 1st of May, 1878.  Unto them were born the following children.  S. Burdett, Jr. who was born Nov. 13, 1879, married Miss Lena May Jennings and now follows merchandising at Fitchville, where he is also serving as postmaster.  Benjamin Chase, who was born Apr. 7, 1881, and married Miss Catherine Kronenbitter, is now manager of the Antiseptic Telephone Company of Los Angeles, California.  D. Doran, who was born Aug. 27, 1884, married Miss Evalina White.  He was formerly a bookkeeper in the Huron County Bank for three years, but is now engaged in general farming.  Lucy Thelma, whose birth occurred on the 25th of October, 1886, gave her hand in marriage to Edwin Martin Thoma.  All of these children obtained their education in Fitchville and the sons are graduate of the Sandusky Business College.      Politically Mr. Painter is a stalwart republican and has capably served his fellow townsmen in the capacity of trustee for several years.  He likewise acted as a member of the school board for a long period and has ever been a helpful friend of the cause of public instruction.  Fraternally, he is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is likewise a valued member of the Congregational church, conforming his life to its teachings.  At all times his life has been active, useful and honorable and it is his genuine personal worth that has gained for him the favorable position which he occupies in the regard of  those who know him.      William Chase, the father of Mrs. Palmer, was born in Hunter, Green county, New York, in June, 1809, and was a brother of the man who is at the head of the Chase Piano Company.  It was in 1835 that he came to Ohio and settled in Fitchville township, Huron county, making that his permanent home.  He always took a great interest in public affairs, holding many responsible positions in the community where he resided, and in the administration of the different offices of trust that he was called upon to fill, he made a fine reputation, and as a business man was imbued with high principles and sterling integrity.  He was twice married, his first union being with Permelia Wolcott, whom he wedded in 1836 and by whom he had three children, namely: Alvin B.; Mary F.; and Watson D.  Both sons enlisted in the Union army during the Civil war, Alvin B. serving for four years with General Sherman, being with that general on his famous march to the sea.  Watson D. enlisted in 1864 and served until hostilities ceased, both contracting diseases caused by continuous exposure to all kinds of weather and the hardships incidental to the life of the soldiers, which hastened their deaths in future years.  The mother of these children died in 1849 and in 1850, at Norwalk, Ohio, Mr. Chase was united in marriage to Miss Betsy A. Jump, who had come to this city in 1836.  After finishing her education in a seminary under the instruction of the Rev. E. and Mrs. Thompson, she engaged in teaching school in Norwalk until her marriage to Mr. Chase, then going with him to Fitchville, where they toiled together, making for themselves a pleasant and happy home.  At that time sewing machines were not in vogue and she spun, cut and made the fabrics into garments for her family.  She was not only the seamstress and maid of all work in her own home, but her duties as a wife and mother were always performed with untiring zeal and energy.  She was one of the many ladies that helped to prepare boxes of clothing and food for the soldiers who were fighting for their country in the south.  By his second marriage Mr. Chase had two children, but Ella E., who was born in 1856, died in 1883, the only survivor being Elizabeth, now Mrs. Palmer, who was born in 1859.  The parents were both earnest and consistent members of the second Congregational church of Fitchville, taking an active interest in religious work, Mr. Chase serving as deacon up to the time of his death and his wife acting as teacher in the Sunday school.  He passed away June 17, 1888, on the seventy-ninth anniversary of his birth.  After his death, Mrs. Chase remained on the old homestead for about three years and then went to live with her daughter, Mrs. Palmer, dying at her home on the 28th of July, 1893. Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 78
	JOHN PARROTT.  Industry, honesty, frugality - the three golden keys which unlock the door to success - used by John Parrott, of Ripley township, he finds himself hale and hearty at the age of eighty-eight years, with broad, rich acres and with the goodwill and respect of a host of friends.  He is of English birth, born Apr. 7, 1821, and the son of William and Hannah (Lee) Parrott of Somersetshire.  His parents with their nine children, came to Ripley township, July 28, 1841, and opened up a farm.  The mother passed away six years later in September, 1847, and the father in January, 1856.  The children in order of birth were:  Mary, John, Charlotte, Frederick, William, Hannah, Angeline, Eliza and George.  Of these, John, Charlotte, Hannah and Eliza still survive.      John Parrott, now one of the wealthiest landowners of Greenwich, said that he landed in Huron county with "one cent in may pocket, with which I bought a cracker."  So with the cracker in his stomach and a large and enthusiastic faith in his heart, he went out and conquered the dragon of adversity.  Hiring to a farmer for eight dollars per month, he began the battle of life.  He married at the age of twenty-six, and in 1850 left home and friends to seek fortune in the California gold fields.  The overland journey of six months, with all its attendant thrilling experiences, brought him to the scene of action.  But, like many others, the steady employment at large wages appealed to him more than the uncertainty of mining.  For a year he drove a three-yoke team of oxen at one hundred dollars per month.  Then family and civilization drew him back to the Buckeye state, returning by the isthmus route to find more gold in the soil of Greenwich township than he ever saw in California.      The secret of Mr. Parrott's success is "work persistently and consistently performed."  Saving a little at eight dollars per month, a little more at two hundred dollars, but always a portion of what he earned and investing as opportunity offered.  That is the story.  The six hundred broad acres of rich Ripley soil came to Mr. Parrott through that channel.  General farming and stock raising have been his life-time occupations.      Voting the democratic ticket consistently each recurring election day, and attending and liberally supporting the Presbyterian church, to which his family belongs, has constituted the extent of his political and religious life.  He is a citizen whose influence gives strength to the community, because of the fine example of his life.      John Parrott was married June 18, 1847, to Miss Jane Harkness, whose mother had the distinction of being the first white woman settling in Fairfield township.  She was the daughter of Amos and Martha (Samples) Harkness, who came to Fairfield township from Pennsylvania, in 1816.  The mother died in February, 1860, and the father in July, 1869.  To Mr. and Mrs. Parrott were born: Charlotte A.; James P., now deceased; William H., also deceased; and Frank, a farmer of Huron county. Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 109
	THAYER K. PERRY.  Investigation into the history of Ohio indicates that the Perrys came to the state during the pioneer times and were active in clearing away the wilderness and utilizing the rich soil for farming purposes.  The great-grandparents of him whose name introduces this review were Joseph and Sarah (Seward) Perry, the latter a relative of Secretary Seward of President Lincoln's cabinet.  Among their children was Daniel Perry who on arriving at years of maturity wedded Elizabeth Dow Tillson, a daughter of Thomas and Azubah (Noyes) Tillson.  Unto Daniel and Elizabeth (Dow) Perry were born seven children: Edwin Louis, Charles Higgins, Dorcas Azubah, Seward Noyes, Anna Lucinda, Elizabeth and Willie Daniel.      Edwin Louis Perry, the father of Thayer K. Perry, was born in Peru township, Huron county, Ohio, Nov. 13, 1841, and was reared in the usual manner of farm lads of the period, his education being acquired in the public schools, the Baldwin University at Berea, Ohio, and Western Reserve Normal School, of Milan, Ohio, while under the direction of his father he received his training in the work of the fields.  In the year 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Emily Tamar Ruggles, who was born July 20, 1843, in Ridgefield township, this county.  The Ruggles family is also numbered among those that formulated the pioneer development of this part of the state.  Her paternal grandparents were Eden and Artemisia (Jackson) Ruggles, of Connecticut, and the family is an old one of New England.  Their son, Martin Luther Ruggles, the father of Mrs. Emily Perry, was born in Connecticut, Nov. 13, 1803.  He spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native state and about 1824, when twenty-one years of age, sought a home in what was then the far west.  In the primitive manner of the times he journeyed at Huron county, Ohio, and took up his abode in Ridgefield township, amid the wild scenes and environments of frontier life.  Here he followed his vocation as a skilled mechanic.  HE was married to Miss Fidelia Webb, who was born in New York, September 25, 1808, and their children were Edward Harvey, Lester, Chester, Moses, Carrollton, Comfort Heber, Emily Tamar and Isabella.      Of this family Emily became the wife of Edwin L. Perry in 1866, and they have since traveled life's journey happily together.   Mr. Perry is a man of liberal education, who supplemented his early advantages by study in Berea, Ohio, and in the Milan Normal School.  He engaged in teaching for one term and with the exception of that period has devoted his entire life to general farming since attaining man's estate.  He has been a busy man, actively engaged in the tilling of his fields, and the excellent appearance of his place is indicative of his careful supervision and progressive methods.  In politics he is independent, voting for principle rather than for party.  His wife is a lady of broad culture, who supplemented her public school privileges by further study in the Western Reserve Normal School at Milan, Ohio.  It was while they were students there that Mr. and Mrs. Perry became acquainted and their friendship ripened into love and was consummated in marriage.  Mrs. Perry engaged in teaching school for five years and has always been a warm advocate of the cause of education.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Perry are members of the Baptist church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part doing all in their power to promote the growth of the church and extend its influence.  Mr. Perry has served as deacon in the church and as Sunday school superintendent and teacher of the Bible class.      Unto Mr. and Mrs. Perry have been born ten children: Ralph, Edith, Irene, Floyd, Daisy, Beth, Gladys, Branch, Thayer and one who died in infancy.  Of this family Thayer K. Perry,  whose name introduces this review, was born May 20, 1889.  He has become an active assistant in the work of the home farm and is numbered among the enterprising young agriculturists of the community.  In his business affairs he displays keen discrimination and sound judgment and he is proving himself a worthy representative of one of the leading families of the county.  He is now teaching school in his second year. Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 504
	JOSEPH H. POST, whose name is known throughout Ohio and other states in the Union in connection with thoroughbred Delaine merino sheep, now owns a farm of eighty-three acres in New London township, in the operation of which he is meeting with most gratifying success.  He is numbered among the native sons of Huron county, his birth having occurred in Hartland township on the 18th of January, 1859.      Reared to agricultural pursuits, he attended the public schools of his native township in the acquirement of his education, and during the periods of vacation he assisted in the work of the home farm.  He continued to devote his time to his text-books until eighteen years of age, when his father's feeble health made it necessary for him to take charge of his business affairs.  The father passed away when Mr. Post was twenty-one years of age, and he continued to reside upon the homestead, directing his efforts to its management, until 1903, when the property was divided.  He then purchased eighty-three acres of fine farm land in New London township, upon which he has since made his home.  Here he has engaged in general agricultural pursuits, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation, while for many years he was identified with sheep-raising interests, making a specialty of thoroughbred Delaine merino sheep.  He was eminently successful in this branch of his business, gaining the reputation of having one of the best breeding flocks of sheep in Ohio.  On account of ill health, however, he was obliged to give up his stock interests, since which time he has confined himself to general farming.  The Post sheep, however, are still well known and are a very popular breed throughout Ohio and adjoining states, while their reputation has even extended as far west as the state of Washington, where they are handled by the Baldwin Sheep & Ranch Company.  Mr. Post has enjoyed a substantial income from the fact that both branches of his business - the raising of grain and the breeding of sheep - have proved profitable, while his indefatigable industry, his intelligently directed labors, his close application and his good business ability have been salient characteristics in his success.      It was in 1885 that Mr. Post was united in marriage to Miss Minnie E. Miller, a native of Hartland township, born on the 1st of November, 1868, and a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Miller, residents of Hartland township.  Mr. Post gives loyal support to the republican party and is now serving as township trustee, while he has also been township appraiser, at all times performing, the duties of these offices in a prompt, efficient and highly satisfactory manner.  Having spent his entire life in Huron county, he has gained an extensive circle of friends within its borders, and the fact that he is most liked and respected where best known is an indication that the principles which actuate him in his relations with his fellowmen are in harmony with those which govern honorable and upright manhood. Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 369
	GEORGE E. PROSSER, alert, energetic and enterprising, has won his success by persevering effort directed by sound and intelligent judgment.  He now figures in the business circles of New London as one of the organizers and the cashier of the Savings and Loan Banking Company.  He represents one of the old families of the county, his birth having occurred in New London township, Jan. 7, 1859.  His father, William S. Prosser, was a native of Yates county, New York, and in his boyhood days, removed westward to Ohio with his father, Abraham Prosser, who brought his family to the Western Reserve and purchased a large tract of land from the government at the usual price of one dollar and a quarter per acre.  It was covered with a native forest growth, the trees standing in their primeval strength, but with characteristic energy he reclaimed the land from the wilderness, developed the fields, made a home and spent his remaining days there.  His son, William S. Prosser, succeeded him in the ownership and in the cultivation of the farm which he continued to operate for many years, but in the evening of his life retired from active business cares and spent his remaining days in New London.  A splendid citizen, ever loyal to the best interests of the community and equally faithful in friendship and all the relations of private life, he enjoyed in unqualified measures the confidence and good will of his fellowmen.  He was no office seeker but a stanch republican and ever maintained a stalwart position in support of his honest convictions.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Johnson, was a native of the state of New York and during her girlhood days accompanied her parents on their removal to Hartland township, this county, when that district was still regarded as a frontier region.  The family of Mr. and Mrs. William S. Prosser numbered three children, the daughter, Mary Amanda, who married Hastings H. Hart, being now deceased, while the brother of our subject is Spencer Prosser, a resident of Norwalk.      In restrospect one can see George E. Prosser as a school boy, pursuing his early education in the country schools and when he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught, be continued his studies in the normal school at Milan and in Oberlin College.  He was identified with educational interests for three years as a teacher, after which he became superintendent of schools at Milan but, withdrawing from that field of labor, he concentrated his energies upon general agricultural pursuits, purchasing the J. R. Sutton farm in New London township.  This he carefully cultivated for seventeen years and still owns the property.  He was systematic in its management, practiced the rotation of crops, closely studied the conditions of' the soil and brought forth rich harvests of those cereals best adapted to climatic conditions here.      Mr. Prosser was called from private life to public office in 1891, when he was elected county commissioner and the trust reposed in him was well merited, his record in office being a most creditable one.  In 1896, he was appointed by Governor Bushnell as a delegate to the Farmers National Congress, which met in Indianapolis, being chosen as one of the representative agriculturists of the state.  He continued in the office of county commissioner until 1901, and retired from the position as he had entered it - with the confidence and good will of all concerned.  He helped to organize the Savings & Loan Banking Company in 1900, at which time he was elected cashier and has since continued in the position, his associate officers being: Charles McClare, president, and S. F. Blackman, vice-president.  While carefully controlling his affairs, he has at the same time been more or less active in political circles and in official connections. In 1894, he was elected secretary of the state board of county commissioners and served until 1898.  He has been an active republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and his advice and counsel have frequently been sought by his party.  For many years, he served as treasurer of New London township.      Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Prosser was married on the 31st of January, 1883, to Miss Anna Truxell, a native of Peru, Ohio, and a daughter of S. S. and Catherine (McFarland) Truxell.  Their three children are: Minnie Louise, the wife of A. I. Adamson; Dean T.; and Georgiana.      Mr. Prosser is an exemplary Mason, belonging to the lodge and chapter at New London and to Norwalk Commandery, K. T. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Methodist Episcopal church, and these associations are indicative of the rules which govern his conduct and the principles whereby his actions are directed.  Public opinion accords him a place of prominence not only by reason of the success he has achieved, but owing also to the straightforward business methods he has followed and the public-spirited and patriotic citizenship which he has displayed in connection with all affairs of general moment. Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 442
`	SEBASTIAN PURCELL.  That the farms of Ohio are valuable investments, furnishing a substantial means of subsistence to those who have thereon settled, has been proven again and again in the fact that Ohio's native sons remain within her borders.  To this class belongs Sebastian Purcell, who was born Dec. 17, 1847, on the farm where where he spent his life and which is his present place of residence.      His parents, John and Margaret Purcell, were both born in Germany and on coming to America in 1846, settled in Huron county, Ohio, having purchased the farm then containing one hundred and seventeen acres which has since been in possession of the family.  It is situated in Peru township, and to the original purchase has been added some twenty-three acres.  In the family of John and Margaret Purcell, there were four children:  John, now deceased; Kathryn, who married Peter Wallrath and reside at Logansport, Indiana; Anna, who married Mat Grimmer and resides in Peru township; and Sebastian, the subject of this review.  The father of this family passed away in 1861, when only forty-two years of age, while the mother, long surviving, died in 1881, when seventy-three years old.  John Purcell was greatly interested in the work of general improvement in his own county and in addition to his farming operations, built a number of bridges and for some time held the position of road supervisor of Peru township, giving his time and service in the building of good roads in this locality.      Sebastian Purcell was reared under the parental roof, assisting his father in the fields during the summer seasons, each fall looking forward to an abundant harvest as the reward of the summer’s toil.  In the winter months, he sought an education in the district and Catholic schools and in this way spent the day of his youth.  In early manhood took upon himself the responsibilities of the agriculturist, following this occupation as a life work.  Carefully saving his earnings each year, at length he was enabled to make the old homestead his own, having purchased the farm from his father and, taking great interest in the place, from time to time he has added needed improvements and in the fall of 1909, he expects to erect a modern residence on his property.      On the 17th of February, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Purcell and Miss Margaret Brown, who was born in Sherman township in 1850, her parents being Fred and Margaret (Pirring) Brown.  Unto this union have been born seven children, namely: Albert and Edward, who are yet at home with their parents; Tracy, who married Martin Habenmeier and is living at Norwalk; Theodore, of Chicago Junction, Ohio, who married Anna Bishop and has one child, Anna; Olive, living at home; Tillie, of Norwalk, Ohio, who married Mat Zurcher and had two children, Edward and Robert, who died when five months old.  Aug. 8, 1909, and Alfonse, who is living at home.      Mr. Purcell has followed general agricultural pursuits all his life, and is now ably assisted in this field of activity by his son, Albert, Edward and Alfonse.  In religious faith, he is a Catholic and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, firmly believing in the principles of its platform and conductive to the best forms of government.  His son Alfonse is a member of the Knights of Columbus of Norwalk, but Mr. Purcell devotes his time and energies exclusively to his business, and success has been the reward of his labors. Source: History of Huron County, Ohio - Vol. II - By A. J. Baughman - Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publ. Co. - 1909 - Page 360

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