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BIOGRAPHIES
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CHARLES E. FEASEL.
In the history of the agricultural interests of Seneca county Charles
E. Feasel well deserves prominent mention, being one of the leading
and enterprising farmers of Liberty township. He was born in
Jackson township on the 24th of June, 1863, and is a son of John and
Rebecca (Stahl) Feasel, who were the parents of seven children, as
follows: Clara, deceased; Charles E.; William, who
resides in Liberty township; Ida E., who died in childhood;
John L., a resident of Jackson township; Esther E., the wife
of George Aumaugher, of Jackson township; and Irvin who
resides in Jackson township. Throughout his active business career
the father of this family was connected with agricultural pursuits,
becoming a well-known and enterprising farmer. He died in 1886, at
the age of fifty-eight years, and his wife, surviving him eleven years,
passed away in 1897, also at the age of fifty-eight years. Charles E. Feasel is indebted to the public-school system of his native county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He worked on the home farm through the months of summer, attending school during the winter season, and with the labors of field and meadow he early became familiar. At length he left the home place in order to engage in business on his own account and chose as his vocation the work to which he had been reared. He is to-day the owner of a tract of rich and arable land of one hundred and thirty-five acres and carries on both general farming and stock-raising. His fields give promise of golden harvests and in his pastures and feeds lands can be seen good grades of cattle, hogs and sheep, which find a ready sale on the market and add materially to his annual income. He has good improvements upon his place and a glance will indicate to the passer-by that the owner is a progressive agriculturist. In the year 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Feasel and Miss Mary Millhine, of Jackson township, and a daughter of John and Sarah Millhine. Seven children have been born to their union, namely: Irvin E., Harvey H., Cora E., Alberta B., May Ethel, Belvah M. and Gladys A. The parents hold membership in the United Brethren church, taking a very active part in its work and contributing materially to its support. Mr. Feasel has been honored with several offices in the church; has been superintendent of the Sunday School, class-leader, trustee, and is now secretary of the board of trustees. He has also filled civic position, having for three years capably served as the township treasurer. He has likewise been a member of the school board and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend, who does all in his power for its advancement. His political faith is that of the Republican party, and, as every true American citizen should do, he keeps well informed on the issues of the day and does what he can to secure the adoption of the principles in which he believes. In manner he is frank and genial, and his many good qualities are recognized by friends who have known and respected him from boyhood. Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. by Lewis Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 563 |
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CHARLES H. FEASEL is a
self-made man, who from early boyhood has been dependent upon his own
resources. Unaided he has fought the battles of life and has come
off conqueror in the strife. To-day a valuable farm of one hundred
and twenty-five acres pays to him a golden tribute and is the visible
evidence of his life of industry and perseverance. Mr. Feasel is numbered among the native sons of Seneca county, his birth having occurred in Liberty township, Apr. 5, 1857. His parents, Alexander and Mary A. (Turner) Feasel, were also natives of Ohio, and the former was born in Liberty township, the paternal grandfather of our subject, Henry Feasel, having been one of the honored pioneer settlers of the locality. Coming here in early days, he entered land from the government and began the development of a farm, making a good home for his family. Alexander Feasel spent his entire life here and after attaining to man's estate devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred when he was fifty-five years of age. In his family were four children: William, a resident of Seneca County; Elmer, who is living in Jackson township; Charles H., of this review; and Mariette, the wife of Frank Brown, an agriculturist of Liberty township. On the old home farm Charles H. Feasel was born, and in the common schools he pursued his education. When a little lad of seven summers he went to live with his grandparents and at the age of thirteen he began earning his own livelihood by working as a farm hand in the neighborhood. The compensation was not great, but it made him independent and he developed a self-reliance and a force of character which have proved important elements in his later business prosperity. When nineteen years of age he left Ohio, going to Michigan, but after a few months he returned to this state and for a year was employed as a farm hand in Seneca township and has since been a representative of its agricultural interests. At the age of twenty-one, August 6, 1879, Mr. Feasel was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Jane (Flack) Updegraff, a daughter of Lewis and Mary Ann (Null) Flack and the widow of John Andrew Updegraff, and their home has been blessed with seven children, as follows: "Alexander; Nora Augusta, who died when three years of age; Eva Belle, LeEtta, Hattie E. A., Mary Jane and Franklin E. J. Mrs. Feasel has two children by her former marriage, Ernest and Minnie May Updegraff, now wife of Herman Barton. Eva Belle is the wife of James Cheney, Alexander married Viola Cheney and Ernest Updegraff married Ada Sheets. Mr. and Mrs. Feasel began their domestic life upon the farm which is still their home. Our subject here owns and operates one hundred and twenty-five acres of rich land and is carrying on general farming. His fields are well tilled, his buildings are substantial and kept in good repair, and everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating his careful supervision. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, having from his early boyhood been dependent upon his own resources. His life has been quietly passed, yet there is much in his history that is worthy of commendation. He has ever been straightforward in his dealings with his fellow men and has placed his dependence upon the substantial qualities of industry, careful management and resolute purpose, so that he now occupies a prominent position among the substantial farmers of Seneca county. Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. by Lewis Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 551 |
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ISAAC FEASEL. It is
an indication of the opportunities and advantages which Seneca county
affords to her citizens that so many of her native sons still reside
within her borders having no inclination to seek homes elsewhere.
A representative of this class is Isaac Feasel, who is a resident
of Liberty township and who was born in this township on the 26th of
August, 1836, his parents being George and Jane (Anderson) Feasel,
the former a native of Virginia. Unto this worthy couple were born
eleven children, namely: Mary A., Jacob, John and Margaret,
who have passed away; Elizabeth, now residing in Henry county;
Lucinda, deceased; Isaac, our subject; Andrew, who
lives in Missouri; George who has also passed away; Sarah,
the wife of John Armstrong, a resident of Illinois; and
Rebecca, the widow of John Lynch. The family has long
been identified with Seneca county and its representatives have ever
borne their part in the work of public advancement and improvement. It was in 1821 that George Feasel, who was then twenty years of age, arrived in Seneca county, making the journey by team, moving a family to this place. He then returned to Franklin county, Ohio, where he had previously located, making his home there almost before Columbus was established, the city then being but a hamlet containing a few pioneer homes. Mr. Feasel, however, was pleased with the appearance and prospects of Seneca county and in 1829, accompanied by his wife and four children, he returned to this locality and entered from the government a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty township. There in the midst of the forest he erected a log cabin containing but one room and in primitive pioneer style the family began life in this portion of the state. Indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and his resolution and energy energy enabled him to carry on the work of improving his land until the richly cultivated fields returned to him golden harvests. He continued his farm operations throughout his active business career and lived upon the old homestead until his death, which occurred in 1886. His wife passed away at the age of eighty-four years. They were members of the United Brethren church and were people of the highest respectability. The father aided in laying out roads, in organizing schools and in promoting improvement in many lines of progress. Associated with other pioneers he made possible the present prosperity and progress of the county, and well does he deserve mention in a history of the leading and representative men of Seneca county from early days down to the present. It was upon the old family homestead that Isaac Feasel first opened his eyes to the light of day, and in Liberty township he was reared, early becoming familiar with the arduous tasks of developing a new farm in the midst of the forest. Three had to be cut and the land prepared for cultivation before a return could be gained for labor. In company with his brother John he would take jobs of clearing new land, clearing about forty acres each season and receiving three to five dollars per acre for the heaviest timber, and so continued for about seven years, making several hundred acres that he assisted in clearing. He became very expert in the use of the ax. He was the first man in the township to begin the use of tile in draining his land, and was yet three thousand five hundred dollars in debt when he bought his first tile, against the prediction of many friends, including his wife, that it would not pay. He persisted and in three years had paid his debts, not owing a dollar. The crops produced were nearly doubled and land that it was said would not yield enough for his bread has never failed to produce excellent crops. Mr. Feasel worked with his father until twenty-seven years of age, when he made preparation for a home of his own by his marriage to Catherine Good. Unto them have been born eight children: Orlando, a residentt of Liberty township; Rosetta, at home; Jacob and Della, twins, the latter the wife of Franklin Hall; Sarah J., the wife of Charles Lightner; Lydia, who married J. F. Early; and John, who died in infancy. After his marriage Mr. Feasel purchased eighty acres of wild land and his first home was also a pioneer log cabin, containing but one room. After two years he removed to the farm upon he now resides and which has been his home for thirty-five years. It was then but partially improved, but with characteristic energy he began its further development and soon well tilled fields returned to him good harvests. At the time of the Civil war he put aside all personal consideration and on the 27th of September, 1864, enlisted in the First Ohio Heavy Artillery, joining his regiment at Cleveland, Tennessee. He then served until the close of the war and was a loyal defender of the Union. For five months he was in the hospital at Knoxville, but ultimately recovered his health. In his political views Mr. Feasel is independent, supporting the man whom he thinks best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliations. He has never been an aspirant for office, as his farming interests have claimed his entire attention. He now owns one hundred and sixty-five acres of good land, and no better improvements can be found in the township than are upon his place., He has an attractive residence, substantial barns and outbuildings and the latest improved machinery. There are over fifteen miles of tiling on his farm and he successfully engages in the cultivation of the crops best adapted to this climate and in stock-raising, both branches of his business returning to him a good income. His business methods have ever been commendable and have gained to him the high regard of all with whom he has been associated. Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. by Lewis Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 529 |
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JOHN FEASEL, farmer, P. O.
Fostoria, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1828, is a son of
George and Jane (Anderson) Feasel, natives of Pennsylvania, the
former of Dutch, and the latter of Irish descent. George Feasel
was a farmer all his life, and an early settler in Seneca County, Ohio.
He reared a family of eleven children, John being third.
Our subject received his education in the common schools, has been
engaged in farming all his life, and is now the owner of a well improved
farm. He was married, in 1860, to Rebecca Stahl, daughter
of Henry Stahl, and their children are Clara Alize, Charlie
Elsworth, Willie Franklin, Ester Ann, John Leroy and Irvin Larue.
Mr. Feasel as served twelve years as justice of the peace, three
years as school director, and eleven years as township treasurer; was
land appraiser in Jackson Township in 1880, the last time the land was
appraised in the State; was also supervisor of roads. SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio containing a History of the County, Its Townships, Towns, Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Statistical and Miscellaneous Matter, etc. etc. - Illustrated - Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1886 - Page 871 |
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SAMUEL FEASEL. One
of the prominent and honored early settlers of Seneca county is the
gentleman of whom this sketch is penned. He is a practical
thorough-going farmer, understanding every department of the work
connected with the proper supervision of a country home, and success has
abundantly rewarded his persevering labors. Now, in his declining
years, he may look backward over the pathway he has traversed and truly
feel that his efforts have been blessed, while he can have few regrets
for idle days and wasted moments. Mr. Feasel was born in Franklin County, Ohio, on the 29th of September, 1826, a son of Henry and Mary J. (Kennell) Feasel. The father took up his abode in Liberty township, Seneca county, in 1833, at that time locating on the farm on which our subject now resides, at the center of Liberty township, entering the land at the same time that his brother George became the owner of his farm, in 1828. The father erected a log cabin in the midst of the dense wilderness, and there he made his home throughout the remainder of his life, passing to his final reward in the eighty-fourth year of his age. By his marriage to Mary J. Kennell he became the father of nine children, but only five of the number are now living: Catherine, the wife of John Chaney, of Liberty township; John, a resident of Bettsvile; Susan, the wife of Edward Pope, of Lansing, Michigan; Jacob, who makes his home in Liberty township; and Samuel, the subject of this review. Those who have passed away are: Polly, George, Alexander, and Elizabeth Mr. Feasel, of this review, has spent nearly his entire life on his present home place. Early in life his time was chiefly employed in clearing new land, and thus his educational privileges were somewhat limited, but practical experience, reading and observation have continually broadened his knowledge and have made him a well informed man. After his marriage he continued the operation of his father's land, and after the latter's death he and his brother, Alexander became the owners of the old farm. Our subject has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful and progressive agriculturist, always known for his prompt and honorable methods of dealing, and thus he has earned and deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellow men. Until within the last few years he gave his political support to the Republican party, but he is now identified with the Prohibition party, and to its principles he gives an earnest and unfaltering support. For the past forty years he has been a worthy member of the Zion's Temple United Brethren church, in which he has served as one of the trustees since the building of the church. When twenty-two years of age Mr. Feasel was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Powell, but after two years of happy married life she was called to her final rest, leaving one child, Mary F., who is now the wife of A. E. Alderton of Saginaw, Michigan. Three years after the death of his first wife our subject wedded Miss Martha Kime, and two children blessed their union - Belle, who is the wife of Lewis Glick, a resident of Bascom, Seneca County; and Alice, who died in childhood. For his third wife Mr. Feasel chose Miss Elizabeth Armstrong, their marriage being solemnized on the 4th of May, 1858, and until them have been born the following children: Laura J., who is the wife of John P. Lynch, of Liberty township; Irvin, who died at the age of twenty-five years; Albert, who passed away at the age of thirty-four; Homer, who operates a stave factory at Grafton, Ohio; Roscoe, who carries on the work of the homestead; Lucetta, who became the wife of Norman Mowrey, died at the age of twenty-five years, and her two children, Bessie and Russell, now make their home with our subject; Eva is the wife of James Blue, of Toledo, Ohio; Edna, who remains at the parental home, taught the school in her home district for a period of four years, being one of the successful and popular teachers of the county; and Mandie died at the age of three years. Our subject has eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Feasel is one of the most honored and highly esteemed citizens of his community, and it is safe to say that no man in Seneca county has a wider circle of friends and acquaintances. Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. by Lewis Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 195 |
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ELI FEBLES, clergyman and
teacher, Fostoria, was born in Pennsylvania Sept. 9, 1831, son of
Frederick and Christiana (Kempher) Febles, who settled in Perry
township, Wood Co., Ohio, in 1839, where they resided six years and then
removed to Jackson Township, this county, where they remained until
their death, the mother dying in 1863 and the father in 1876. They
endured many of the hardships and trials of pioneer life, and had a
family of twelve children, seven of whom survive; Eli, George,
Sophia, Frances, Ann, Sarah and Louisa, Frederick
Febles had served as township trustee of Jackson Township for
several terms, and was respected by all who knew him. Eli
Febles was reared on a farm, received a good English education, and
was for a time a student of Heidelberg College and of the Delaware
University. He was a teacher in the common schools of Seneca
County for many years, and taught one term in Texas, and for seven or
eight years in Kansas. In 1856 Mr. Febles was licensed to
preach by Presiding Elder Wesley J. Wells, of the Findlay
District Central Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
was ordained a deacon by Bishop Morris at the conference held at
Findlay, Ohio, in 1869. He has served as clerk and trustee of
Jackson Township, this county, and in 1860 was one of the land
appraisers. Mr. Febles was married, Dec. 30, 1862, to
Sarah J., daughter of Peter Singer, of Near Lockport, N. Y.
The issue of this union was two children: Libbie E. born July 2,
1864, and Cora B., born Oct. 17, 1866. Mr. Febles
removed to Garnett, Kas., in 1872, where he resided until 1883, when he
returned to his old home in Ohio, and now resides in Fostoria. (Source: History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. 1886 - Page 898) |
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| WILLIAM H. FOCHT,
M. S., M. D., Riegel, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., Jan. 18,
1858. His parents, James F. and Polly A. Focht, were also
native of Pennsylvania, where they were married and remained until Nov.
10, 1870, when they moved to Seneca County, Ohio, where they have since
resided. They are the parents of three children: William H.,
James D. and Charles E. Our Subject, who is the eldest,
pursued a scientific course of study at Heidelberg College, Tiffin,
Ohio, graduating June 17, 1880. He then read medicine with Dr.
A. B. Hovey (now deceased), and, Mar. 1, 1883, graduated from the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Baltimore, Md. and located Mar.
9, same year, at New Riegel, this county, where he has since been
following his profession, having now the best practice of any physician
in Big Spring Township. On the 21st of June, 1883, the trustees of
Heidelberg College entered upon him the degree of Master of Science,. SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio - 1886 - Big Spring Twp. - Page 718 |
| JOHNSON
FORD was born in Rensselaer county, New
York, June 9th, 1796. His father died when he was but eight years
old; his father was poor and had a large family, and consequently the most
of the children had to be bound out. Young Johnson was one of
them, but fortunately he found a good home, where he remained until he was
twenty-one years old, getting all his education while he was yet bound.
After he became of age he worked with his brother on a farm they had
bought, in the same county, for eight years, when he sold his interest in
the farm and married, and immediately removed to Venice township, Seneca
county, Ohio, he being the first settler in the township. He entered
a quarter section of land, upon a part of the which the village of Attica
now stands, and built one of the first log cabins, in the year 1828,
fifty-two years ago this June, 1880. He helped to clear off the land and lay out the village of Attica, giving it its name, having come from Attica, New York. For several years he was engaged in clearing up his farm, and assisting in building the Sandusky and Columbus turnpike, which was being built at that time to develop the resources of the unbroken forest. He cleared the first land, ploughed the first furrow, and raised the first wheat in Venice township. He is in reality the pioneer of this township. His wife died during the first year of his pioneer life from over exertion and exposure, to which her constitution had not been accustomed, and she failed from the trials incident to early life in the woods. He returned to the state of New York and married again, and returned to his new home, where he has lived to see the forest melt away like the morning dew, and the ground to be cleared from all traces of the old monarchs that formerly stood thickly over the face of the country, the pride of all Americans. Twelve years ago he sold his farm and retired from active work, and now his means are invested in a large hardware store in Attica, in the firm of Ford and Strandler, a son and son-in-law, from which he derives his support at present. He has always been an active, hard working, industrious man. He has always been religiously inclined, having united with the Presbyterians in his youth. For twenty-five years he conducted a Sabbath school in Attica, the first and for many years the only one in the township. He raised three children by his second wife - two daughters and a son. One daughter is now living in Great Bend, Kansas. The wife of James W. Brown is the other daughter. Young Ford and Brown are partners in the hardware store. Mr. Johnson Ford is wonderfully preserved, having been born June 9th, 1796, which at present, July 22d, 1880, makes him eighty-four years, one month and thirteen days, and from present prospects, he is good for another decade. For the last ten years he has received a second sight, being able at present to read fine print without his glasses, a thing he was unable to do for thirty years. The following sketches were kindly furnished by Prof. S. McKetrick, of College Hill, Tiffin, Ohio: History and literature are practically useful only so far, and to such a degree, as they inspire those who read their pages to aspire to the noble example they portray, whether it be in mental discipline or physical execution. History should be nothing but truthful facts, and therein differ from fiction. History is the truth of the past. Fiction is fancy, and belongs neither to time or place. The one is healthful and invigorating, the other weak and debasing. The page we present here shall be history. We present this page not to relieve memory of its burden, but to recall deeds and their actors, as we all love to do; to live again a few moments with friends of the past; to be enlivened again by their association, though they come but from memory, and from it I draw, the most hallowed associations of my life, which were acted in Venice township. The men who first impressed upon my mind the realities of living, lived and toiled upon its soil. The one who ranks first there was James D. Stevenson. I know little of his early life. He was born in the state of Vermont; served as a soldier in the latter part of the last war with Great Britain. A part of his life was spent as a sailor upon our northern lakes. About the year 1838 he left a wife and five children and came to Ohio. He traveled over the greater part of the state in search of a spot where he might make a home in the new country. He found, and entered into a contract with Mr. Zachariah Betts for the farm, he owned until 1863. The contract between the parties was that he should chop and clear one hundred acres of land, and for this service he was to receive the full and free title for the one hundred acres which he owned. All in the world he possessed was a strong body and a willing heart. He earned his living by threshing out grain with a flail by the light of a lantern. His board bill was not extravagant, for he told me of many days of hard toil with nothing to eat but batter, baked upon an iron griddle, and maple syrup. After such hard life for several years, he received the title for his land, and has a few acres cleared and a log house upon it. He then returned and removed his family (who knew nothing of his whereabouts all these years of toil) to their new home in the west. A few years of such severe til and the deepest privation and he has changed his forest to a beautiful farm, producing abundance. But in those few years death has visited their circle and taken his wife, and soon after, fire consumes his house and its contents, save himself and children, but soon upon the ashes of that house is built a better one, and his second wife makes cheerful its hearth. Another farm is added to the first, and prosperity smiles on every effort. About the year 1850 he commenced to shake with the palsy. That strong frame was wrecked. It grew weaker and still less able to battle with the realities it had known so well in life, and fell to its last resting place in Ionia county, Michigan, in the spring of 1865. In politics my subject was an Abolitionist, a Republican and a true Union man during the dark days of the rebellion. In religion he was a member of the Baptist church. The hard circumstances through which he had past made him a close dealer, though in money, weights and measures, strictly honest. He was naturally noble, kind-hearted and true. |
CHARLES FOSTER. One of the conspicuous
figures in teh history of Ohio and in that of the nation is Hon.
Charles Foster, the distinguished and honored citizen of Fostoria,
Seneca county, - a man whose career has conferred credit and dignity
upon the great commonwealth of which he is a native son and whose marked
abilities have heightened the fame which the Buckeye state bears as the
contributor of men of ability, honor and power in connection with the
public life of the nation. A strong mentality, an invincible
courage, a most determined individuality have so entered into his makeup
as to render him a natural leader of men and director of opinion.
It is manifestly proper that a just celebrity should be given to those
men who are distinguished in their day and generation, that the living
may enjoy the approbation of their contemporaries as well as that of the
grateful posterity. Biography is the essence of all generic
history and in it are to be found both lesson and incentive, to an
extent not superficially evident. Called upon to serve in
positions of distinguished public trust and responsibility, Charles
Foster has discharged is assigned duties with ability,
discrimination, integrity and with a high sense of his stewardship, and
to him has not been denied that ample measure of objective appreciation
and honor which is his just desert. As an influential member of
the national house of representatives, as the governor of a great state
and as secretary of the treasury, Mr. Foster made enviable
records, and his name is lastingly inscribed on the roll of those who
deserve well of the state and nation which he has so signally served.Charles Foster was born in a log cabin on a farm near Tiffin, in Seneca township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the 12th of April, 1828, being the son of Charles W. and Laura (Crocker) Foster, the respective families having been established in New England in the early colonial epoch. His father was of Scotch-Irish lineage and his mother, the daughter of John and Lucy (Bartlett) Crocker, is of Welsh-English extraction. Charles W. Foster passed away years (1902), being specially well preserved in both mental and physical powers. The parents of our subject were natives of Massachusetts, later became residents of New York, whence the Crockers moved to Ohio in 1824. His father came to Ohio in 1826,, and his marriage to Miss Crocker her3e occurred in June of the following year. In 1832 they came to what was known as the "black swamp," in the northwestern part of this state, locating at Rome, a primitive hamlet in the forest wilds and the nucleus of the present city of Fostoria, which was named in honor of Charles W. Foster who there engaged in business as one of the pioneer country merchants of Seneca county. He built a double log house, utilizing a portion of the same for the family dwelling and the remainder as a store, in which he displayed a small stock of general merchandise. He START PAGE 178 Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. by Lewis Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 176 |
| CHARLES W.
FOSTER, deceased, was born in North Braintree, Worcester Co.,
Mass., Nov. 21, 1800, and at the age of eighteen years removed with his
parents, William and Elizabeth (Nichols) Foster, to Monroe
County, N. Y. in 1826 our subject came to Seneca County,
Ohio, where he remained a short time. June 7, 1827, he married
Laura, daughter of John and Lucy (Bartlett) Crocker who
settled in Seneca Township, this county, in 1823. After his
marriage Mr. Foster was engaged in business in Seneca Township
for two years. He then removed to Hopewell Township, where
he had 160 acres of land, which he sold in a few years, and, with the
proceeds, in 1832, he and his father-in-law (who had more means)
embarked in mercantile business in a cabin where the "Foster
Block" now stands (then known as Rome), under the firm name of
Crocker & Foster This partnership existed for ten years, when
Mr. Foster became sole proprietor, and continued alone up to
1848, when his son Charles became associated with him, under the
firm name of Charles W. Foster & Son, and in 1856 Mr. Olmsted
& Co. when the firm of Crocker & Foster started in
business, their combined capital did not exceed $2,000, but at the time
of Mr. Foster's death the business of the house in their various
lines of trade exceeded $1,000,000 annually. Mr. Foster had
six children, of whom three grew to maturity: Charles, John W.
(deceased) and Emily (deceased). Mr. Foster was a
man of character, and his method of doing business won him thousands of
friends. The house of Foster & Co. contributed largely to
every enterprise that tended to build up the town and county.
Mr. Foster served his township as justice of the peace for several
years. He was postmaster under the administration of President
Polk. In politics he was as stanch Republican. He died
Apr. 26, 1883, in his eighty-third year. (Source: History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. 1886 - Page 900) |
| EX-GOV.
CHARLES FOSTER, Fostoria, son of Charles W. and Laura
(Crocker) Foster, was born at his grandfather's house on the old
Crocker place, in Seneca Township, this county, April 12, 1828.
After a course of educational training at the common schools and the
academy at Norwalk, Ohio, he early in life engaged in mercantile
pursuits, becoming associated with hsi father in business at Fostoria,
in 1848. As a member of the firm of Foster & Co., who made
banking a special department of their business, he became prominently
identified with the financial interests of Fostoria and surrounding
country; and the banking house of Foster & Co. has since enjoyed
a widespread and enviable reputation. Mr. Foster never held
any public office until he was elected in 1870 a representative from
Ohio in the Forty-second Congress, receiving 13,274 votes, against
12,498 votes for Edward F. Dickinson Democrat; was re-elected to
the Forty-third Congress in 1872, receiving 14,997 votes, against 14,271
votes for R. R. Sloane, Liberal Republican; was re-elected in
1874 to the Forty-fourth Congress, receiving 13,778 votes, against
13,619 votes for George E. Seney, Democrat, and 289 votes for
Mead, Temperance candidate; and was re-elected in 1876 to the
Forty-fifth Congress, receiving 17,324 votes, against 17,053 votes for
Hudson, Democrat. He was again nominated in 1878, but, the
district having been changed and made so overwhelmingly Democratic, he
sustained a defeat. In 1879 Mr. Foster was nominated by the
Republicans and elected governor of the State, being re-elected in 1881.
He served both terms with such marked ability and discretion as to win
the esteem of all political parties. In 1854 the subject of our
sketch was married to Annie, daughter of Judge Olmstead,
of Fremont, Ohio, and to this union were born two daughters: Jessie
and Annie. (Source: History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. 1886 - Page 900) |
| JONAS FOSTER,
farmer and breeder of fine stock, P. O. Fostoria, was born in Perry
County, Ohio, Nov. 4, 1826, son of Christian and Mary (Groves) Foster
the former of German, and the latter of English extraction.
Christian Foster followed farming all his life. He reared ten
children, Jonas, being fourth. Our subject was reared on a
farm, receiving a common school education in Jackson Township, this
county, and at the age of fifteen years he began learning the
carpenter's trade, which he followed for sixteen years, but farming has
been his main business. He has been a resident of this county
since he was three years old. His father gave him forty acres of
wild land, and he is now the owner of 200 acres of well-improved land.
He married. Sept. 4, 1849, Elizabeth Stahl, daughter of
Michael Stahl, and to this union ten children have been born, six of
whom are now living: W. H. S. (an attorney in Fostoria,
Ohio), O. L., Louisa E., Maria E., Ida I. and Charles W.
The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Foster
enlisted, in 1861, in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving
his time; then enlisted in the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
He was a lieutenant, and afterward was promoted captain. He was
wounded at Mission Ridge, and in 1864 he resigned. In politics he
is a Republican. (Source: History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. 1886 - Page 871) |
| HOWARD S. FREE,
farmer and sheep-breeder, P. O. Attica, was born July 21, 1860, in Reed
Township, this county, son of John and Eliza (Wolf) Free. He was
married, Dec. 11, 1884, to Cora Neikirk, born in Venice Township,
this county, Aug. 24, 1863, daughter of D. J. Neikirk. Mr. Free
takes great interest in breeding and selling fine sheep. His
flock is composed of seventy-five head of thorough bred merinos of the
most popular strains, and from some of the best blooded sheep in the
State. His breeding points are: size, constitution, length of
staple, and compact and fine fleece. Mr. Free, tough a
young man, is very successful in his line, and aims to become one of the
most extensive sheep-breeders in this county. SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio - 1886 - Reed Twp. - Page 957 |
| THEODORE
M. FRINK, retired farmer, P. O. New Riegel, is one of the
pioneers of Seneca County, Ohio, and was born in West Springfield,
Hampden Co., Mass., Nov. 2, 1804, a son of Luther and Phoebe Frank,
also natives of Massachusetts, where they were married and there
remained until death. Our subject was united in marriage in his
native State, Apr. 25, 1832, with Sabrina Torrey, born in
Hampshire County, Mass., Jul. 22, 1808, and to this union were born four
children: Ellen, wife of HenryPepper; Elvira, wife of
William Ames; James and Henry. Mrs. Frink
departed this life Feb. 3, 1855. Our subject was married on second
occasion, July 3, 1862, with Frederica Kopp, born in Wurtemburg,
Germany, Feb. 28, 1831, daughter of Jacob and Frederica Kopp, who
both died in Wurtemberg, and by this marriage there was born Apr. 3,
1866, one child, Sophia L. Mr. Frink owns eighty acres of
fine land, whereon he and his family reside. He filled the office
of trustee eight years and has been one of the justices of the peace of
Big Spring Township for thirty-one years. Mrs. Frink is a
member of the Lutheran Church. SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio - 1886 - Big Spring Twp. - Page 718 |
| THEODORE
M. FRINK,
ESQ. -
Among the few native Americans that live near New Reigel and have not yet
sold out to the Germans in Theodore M. Frink, Esq., the subject of this
sketch. He was born in West Springfield, Hamden county, Massachusetts, at a place where Holyoke City now stands, on the south bank of the Connecticut river. When about 17 years old he moved with his father to Northampton. On the 25th of April, 1832 he was married to Miss Sabeah Torry, and in May, 1836, he started with his family for the west. For want of any better conveyance they took a canal boat at West Troy for Buffalo, and from there they came by steamer to Cleveland and then made their way to Ravenna, Portage county, where a brother of his wife then lived. This brother-in-law, Torry, had a son living in Tymochtee, who had come home on a visit. With him Squire Frink came west in October of that year and bought the land where he still resides. This took about all the money he had, and he made his way back to Ravenna, one hundred and fifty miles, on foot. In January following he bought a yoke of oxen, made a sled, put his wife and goods upon it and started for Big Spring. Here he opened a farm, where he is now comfortably situated. During all this time he has enjoyed the respect and esteem of the good people of Big Spring to such an extent that for eight years he served them as a trustee, and as justice of the peace ever since 1848. What better proof can be required of his good report among his neighbors? There is no man living in the township who stands better in the esteem of its citizens than Squire Frink. His good counsel is sought daily and he has saved many litigations by his good advice. His first wife died on the 3d of February, 1855. He was married to his present wife July 3, 1862. The Squire remains among his neighbors as one of the olden school, and as the years increase, the esteem of the people for his white head grows in proportion. * pg 629 |
| ABRAHAM FRUTH,
clothier, Fostoria, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 8, 1848; son of
Jacob and Civilla (Shardon) Fruth, who came to America in 1854,
and in 1856 settled in London Township, this county, where Jacob
Fruth cleared a farm of 124 acres, on which he resided until his
death; he died, in 1872, in his sixty-second year. Their children,
five in number, were Civilla, wife of Conrad Herbert; Susannah,
wife of David Peter; Abraham; John and Augustus, all
born in Germany, except Augustus. Our subject was reared in Loudon
Township, this county, from eight years of age, was educated in the
common schools, and remained on the old homestead until twenty-three
years of age. He was married, Aug. 22, 1871, to Charlotte,
daughter of Abraham and Mary (Vesper) Peter, of Fostoria.
After his marriage he purchased eighty acres of land of his father, and
engaged in farming till 1876, when he came to Fostoria. Here he
served as clerk in a grocery store for four years. In the fall of
1880, in company with Abraham Peter, he embarked in the business
in which he is now engaged; this firm existed up to February, 1885, when
Mr. Fruth purchased Mr. Peter's interest, and is now
conducting the business alone, carrying a full line of clothing, hats,
caps and gents' furnishing goods, and has a large and growing trade.
Mr. and Mrs. Fruth are members of the United Lutheran Church.
He is a F. & A. M.; politically he is a Democrat. (Source: History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. 1886 - Page 901) |
| FREDERICK FRUTH,
liquor dealer, Fostoria, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1824; son of
Jacob and Elizabeth (Peter) Fruth, who came to Seneca County,
Ohio, in 1833, and settled in London Township, where they cleared and
improved a farm of 160 acres, on which they lived and died. They
reared a family of six children: Margaret (Mrs. E. Vischer), Jacob,
Elizabeth (Mrs. A. Reinbold), Frederick, Abraham, and Matthias.
Our subject was reared and educated in Loudon Township, this county,
from nine years of age. He followed farming up to 1852, in which
year he went to California, where he engaged in mining for a time.
He then embarked in business for himself, as a manufacturer of and
dealer in wines, in El Dorado County, Cal., where he resided till 1874,
where he returned to Fostoria, Ohio and established his present
business. Mr. Fruth married, Jan. 14, 1879, Martha,
daughter of Philip Heck, by whom he has three children:
William F., George W. and Nellie J. Mr. Fruth is
one of the substantial citizens of Fostoria. In politics, he is a
Democrat. (Source: History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. 1886 - Page 902) |
| FREDERICK M.
FRUTH, farmer, P. O. Fostoria, was born in Loudon Township, this
county, July 17, 1848; son of Jacob and Sarah (Stevens) Fruth,
the former a native of Germany, the latter of Pennsylvania. His
paternal grandfather, Benjamin Stevens, a native of Washington
County, Penn., both settled in Loudon Township, this county, in 1832.
Benjamin Stevens, a prominent man in the township, was of the
first trustees elected, and held the office of justice of the
peace, and many other official positions. Jacob Fruth,
father of our subject, was a resident of Loudon Township from 1832,
until his death; he died December 15, 1861, at the age of forty-six.
He, Jacob Fruth, had a family of six children: Frederick
M., Herchel, Mary (Mrs. David Price), David, Albert and Elmer.
Our subject, who has always resided in Loudon Township, was educated
in the common schools. Dec. 12, 1872, he married Angeline,
daughter of Nathan and Angeline (McMann) Hattfield, of
Cincinnati, Ohio, and by her he has one child - Gracie.
Mr. Fruth now owns had occupies the old homestead purchased by his
father in 18252. He is a pushing and enterprising young farmer.
In politics he is a Republican. (Source: History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. 1886 - Page 902) |
| ALBERT FUCHS,
farmer, P. O. Adrian, an enterprising young man, was born in Sandusky
City, Ohio, Aug. 3, 1855, his parents being Sebastian and Agatha Fuchs,
natives of Baden, Germany. Sebastian Fuchs is from the
village of Gindlingen, Baden Co., Old Breisach. Mrs. Agatha
Fuchs, former name Agatha Kraus, wife of Sebstian Fuchs,
was from the village Eshbach, Baden Co. Staufen. They immigrated
to Ohio, settling in Big Spring Township, Seneca County, about 1854,
where they remained until the death of Mrs. Fuchs, Apr. 12, 1875;
Mr. Fuchsonw resides with his son Albert. Our subject
was united in marriage, June 12, 1877, with Catherine Kin, born
in the village of Hachy, County D'Etalle, Province de Luxemburg,
Belgium, Aug. 28, 1855, daughter of John and Mary Kin, former a
resident of Kirby, Wyandot Co., Ohio; latter deceased. to our
subject and wife were born four children: Mary L., born June 29,
1878, died Aug. 29, 1878; John S., born Oct. 11, 1879;
Margarette, born Ot. 30, 1881, and John H., born Sept. 11,
1883. Mr. Fuchs has met with good success, and now owns 120
acres of land, mostly improved, whereupon he resides. He and his
family are members of the St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Mr.
Fuchs is serving on the school board of Big Spring Township. SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio - 1886 - Big Spring Twp. - Page 718 |
| * SOURCE:
History of Seneca County : from the close of the Revolutionary War to
July, 1880 : embracing many personal sketches of pioneers, anecdotes, and
faithful descriptions of events pertaining to the organization of the
county and its progress Springfield, Ohio: Transcript Print. Co., 1880, 717 pgs. |
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