The Smith Families of Crawford County, Ohio

JOHN A. SMITH.

Throughout his entire life John A. Smith has resided in Crawford county and therefore his record is well known to many of its citizens, by whom he is regarded as a man of sterling worth, his industry, energy and reliability having won for him the merited regard of his fellow men. He was born in Jackson, now Jefferson, township, July- 24, 1837, his parents being George and Hannah (Chisholm) Smith. His paternal great-grandfather. John Joseph Smith, was born in Baden, Germany, November 8, 1736, and there resided until late in life, when he came to America, but he was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring soon afterward, on the 16th of November, 1813, when he had attained the age of seventy-seven years His wife, Mrs. Catherine Smith, was born August 8, 1736, and died November 11, 1819. Their son, John Joseph Smith, grandfather of our subject, was born in Baden, Germany, July 25, 1767. and just before attaining his twenty-first year O'f was married. To avoid military service he came to America in the spring of 1788 and purchased a small farm in Perry county, Pennsylvania. To this he added in later years until his landed possessions were quite extensive. By occupation he was a weaver. PI is death occurred July 9, 1836. He was an ardent member and a local preacher of the United Brethren church and was a man highly respected for his many virtues.

The father of our subject was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, January 10, 1803, and was a son of John Jacob and Elizabeth ( Fisher) Smith. In his native county he was reared and there learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed through the winter months while in the summer season he assisted in the cultivation and improvement of his father's farm. In his native county he married Miss Hannah Chisholm, who was born in that county, September 28, 1806. her parents being John and Margaret (McBride) Chisholm. Her father was born near Glasgow, Scotland, while her mother was a native of

Perry county, Pennsylvania. Three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs.. Smith in Perry county, and in the spring of 1836 the family came to Crawford county, Ohio, the father entering from the government forty acres of land in. Jackson, now Jefferson township. He soon afterward purchased an adjoining tract of ten acres. All was wild, his farm being covered with a dense growth of forest trees, in the midst of which he erected a log cabin. When he had thus provided shelter for his family he at once began clearing away the trees, the woodman's ax awakening the echo in the forest. His labors in this direction were followed by the track of the shining plow, and he continued the work of developing the fields up to the time of his death, which occurred April 23, ICS52. In the winter months he also worked at the shoemaker's trade until about 1850. He was a Whig in his political affiliations and served for a number of years as township trustee, while for a considerable period he killed the office of a member of the school beard and did all in his power to promote the cause of education in the community. He was an ardent worker and consistent member of the United Brethren church, taking a leading part in its work, was one of its officers and was a liberal contributor to all charitable and benevolent purposes. His wife died in February, 1864. Her many excellent qualities and true womanly character had won her the esteem and friendship of all with whom she had been associated. She had seven children, but only two are living, John A. and George B., the latter a resident of North Baltimore. Wood county, Ohio.

John A. Smith spent his boyhood days on the home farm and in the common schools he mastered the English branches of learning usually taught in such institutions. He was only fifteen years of age at the time of his father's death and three years later took charge of the home farm, which he operated for his mother until the spring of 1864. On the 28th of May, 1863, he won as a companion on life's journey Miss Jemima Modderwell, a native of Liberty township, Crawford county, who was born on the farm which is now her home and where she has resided continuously since her birth, with the exception of one year. Her parents were James W. and Alary ( Peterman ) Modderwell, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. With their respective families they came to Crawford county, Ohio, becoming its first settlers. In the spring of 1864 Mr. Smith removed to his father-in-law's farm, which he operated as a renter until 1875. He then purchased the farm of eighty acres in Liberty township and twenty acres in Sandusky township and in later years he has added twenty-one acres to the tract in Sandusky township. Pie is diligent, persevering and energetic in his farm work and the well tilled fields return to him abundant harvests for his labor. In 1864 he purchased a thresher and for twenty-four consecutive years he carried on the threshing business and also operated a wood-saw. He became one of the expert threshers of the county and secured a very liberal patronage, his services being in demand throughout the harvest season.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born two children: Anna W., now the wife of J. S.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOSEPH GILBERT SMITH, a retired farmer and well known citizen, residing in Galion, O., was born in Jefferson township, Crawford county, O., Dec. ik,, 1839, a son of Joseph and Mary (Kirkpatrick) Smith. His paternal grandfather, John Jacob Smith, was a native of Germany, who married in his native land and came to America, settUng in Perry county, Pa., about 1798, he and his wife dying in that state at an advented age. They were farmers by occupation, Mrs. Smith being a Presbyterian in region.

The parents of our subject were both born in Perry county. Pa. Joseph Smith (the father) was brought up to farming and married his first wife, Mary Kirkpatrick, in Perry county. After the birth of their first two children— Leonard and Mary E. — they removed, in 1837, to Ohio, making the journey with teams, and stopping here and there by the wayside. Ayhen they reached Crawford county, Joseph Smith selected and entered 150 acres of solid timber land, in Jefferson township, and, being a practical carpenter, he cut out timber and built himself quite a comfortable home. There were no roads in the locality at that time, so for some years the family liver a real pioneer existence in the wilderness. His first wife Mary, who had accompanied him to this section, did not long survive, dying on the day that her last child, the subject of this sketch, was born, Dec. 17, 1839. She was only 23 years old. Joseph later married in this county a cousin of hers, Nancy Kirkpatrick, who was born in Pennsylvania, and she died on the homestead at the age of 58, leaving two children, Alvin and Matilda, the former of whom now resides on the homestead, is married and has a family. Matilda married William Michaels, who is now deceased, and died herself when over 69 years old, leaving two children. Joseph Smith, after the death of his second wife, contracted a third marriage, this time to Sarah Welsh, nee Kirkpatrick, who was a sister of his second wife. She died without issue, and her husband Joseph, died April 26, 1870.

Joseph Gilbert Smith grew up on his father's farm and was trained to agricultural pursuits. He conducted a farm for his father until 1870, when he came to Gallon, where he remained five years. He then purchased a farm near No. Robinson, in Whetstone township, this county, which was his home until October, 191 1. He then sold 64 of the 84 acres he owned there and took up his residence again in Gallon, purchasing his fine home at No. 225 No. Union street, where he is enjoying a well earned respite from hard labor.

He was married in Jefferson township, this county, Nov. 8, 1863, to Miss Amanda Van Voorhis, who was born at Olentazie, this county, April 20, 1843, a daughter of William R. and Almeda (Johnson) Van Voorhis. Her paternal grandparents were Samuel N. and Sarah (Meyers) Van Voorhis, who came to this section in the second decade of the 19th century, locating at the early settlement known as Olentazie, south of Bucyrus, and on the plains. Samuel N. Van Voorhis assisted in laying out the city of Bucyrus, the site of which lay partly on his early farm. He helped to organize the first Christian (or Campbellite) church in this county, and was a member of that faith at the time of his death, which took place when he had attained an advanced age. His wife died several years before him.

William R. Van Voorhis was born near Schuylkill, N. Y., May 25, 1802, the early Dutch ancestors of the family having settled on the Hudson and Mohawk rivers several generations before. After coming to Ohio with his parents he grew up on the homestead in Bucyrus township, where he remained until after his marriage. He then purchased a new timber farm in Whetstone township, where he lived for several years. He then went to Michigan and while living there, not far from St. Joseph, he lost his wife, who was in maidenhood Miss Hannah Jones. She left him with five children. He returned with them to Crawford county, O., where later he married his second wife, Almeda Johnson. Here they spent the rest of their lives, Mr. Van Voorhis dying Aug. 4, 1893, and his wife at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Smith, on July 7, 1910. She was over 92 years old, having been born March 19, 1818. They were lifelong members of the Christian church and he was a strong Democrat in politics. They had a family of twelve children, of whom five are still living and one is yet unmarried.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been the parents of eleven children, as follows: ( i ) Lora A., born Aug. 11, 1864, is the wife of Henry S. Evert, of Galion and has three children: Beatrice, Stewart and Arthur. (2) Alice E., born Oct, 2, 1867, is the wife of Newton Evert, a farmer of Whetstone township and has two children — Marion A. and Paul G. (3) Bertha, who has been a public school teacher in Galion for some years and who resides at home. (4) Jessie E., born 1872, July 12, who is the wife of Charles A. Throckmorton and lives in Columbus, O. Her children are Warren S. and Maxwell H. (5) Eva E., born Nov. 5, 1875, who is the wife of Michael Eusey and lives in Galion. She has three children— Cora, Fred and Gordon. (6) Charles B., a farmer in Chatfield township, who is unmarried. (7) Lettie E., a school teacher, unmarried, who resides at home. (8) Helen M., who married Orvin Braden, resides in Wooster, O., and has a son Donald. (9) Ethel T., who died at the age of eleven years. (10) Edna L., unmarried, who is a stenographer and resides in Cleveland, O. (11) Josephine, born in September, 1878, who is the wife of Dorsey Littler and resides in Galion, has no children. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the English Lutheran church. They are well known and have a wide circle of friends. Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

OLIVER SMITH, farmer; P. 0. North Robinson; was born in Crawford Co., in 184G, and is a son of Joseph Smith, who was of German descent, his parents coming to America about 1795, and settling in Pennsylvania, where they lived.and died, and where Joseph lived until about 1840, when he came to Crawford Co. In his family there were five children — Leonard, Gilbert, Mary E., Matilda and Oliver, all of whom live in the county yet. Oliver is the youngest of the family, and he yet resides on the farm that his father purchased when he came to the county and which was cleared and improved by the family. In 1869, Oliver was married to Eliza Van Voorhis, daughter of W. R. Van Voorhis, whose biography appears in this work, and who was among the first settlers of the county-. From this union there are seven children: Florence V., Frank, LeRoy, Jessie M., Orvil A., Harry, and the youngest is yet unnamed. Mr. Smith has always followed farming; and stock-growing for a business.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

KLLLY R. SMITH,* who is manager and buyer for the firm of Smith Bros. & Co., proprietors of a general store at North Robinson, O., w'as born two miles east of North Robinson, in Jefferson township, Crawford county, July 23, 1879, and is a son of I. \Y. and Susan (Secrist) Smith.

The Smith family has been identified with the mercantile interests of this place since 1888, when I. W. Smith came here as a pioneer merchant. He was born in Perry County, Pa., and practically has been engaged in Mercantile business all his life, during the Civil War being established at Leesville, Crawford county. The other members of the firm of Smith Bros. & Co., are II. G. Smith and f. E. Morion. Kelly R. Smith is a member of the follow family: Mary, wife of T. J. Morrow; William; Verta, wife of J. E. Morton; Della, wife of William Kibler; Edith, wife of II. A. Knell; Alice, wife of Dr. J. B. Kring, a practicing physician of Caledonia, O.; Pearl, wife of L. C. Ness; Kelly R.; L. M.; Bessie, wife of R. L. Bogan, cashier of the City National Bank of Gabon, O.; and IT. G., of the firm of Smith Bros. & Co.

After completing the common school course, Kelly R. Smith entered a business college at Mansfield, O., where he was graduated in 1910. For some two years he was employed at Crestline, O., and then embarked in the grocery business at Gabon, where he continued for three years, selling out to go into the hardware line, in which he remained interested for eight years, in igr [ coming to North Robinson.

I le is a shrewd and able business man and keeps his firm well to the front among the commercial houses in this section.

In October, 1902, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Daisy E. Slianck, a daughter of A.

M. and Ella (Hostler) Shauck, residents of Norwalk, O. Mrs. Smith has three sisters: Grace, who is the wife of Fred E. Fletcher; and Bertha and Alma. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith two children have been born, an attractive little son and daughter, respectively bearing the names of Arthur Lyndon and Donna Eileen. Mr. and Mrs. Smith attend the United Brethren church. ITe is a Republican in politics but has never been willing to consider election to public office, his entire life having been one of too much business responsibility to afford him leisure for political activity.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

LOUIS F. SMITH, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Columbus. Ohio, Oct. "21. 1880, and is a son of Frederick Smith, one of the most prominent farmers of the county. Louis was reared to agricultural pursuits, but, jjossessing good business qualifications, ho has made himself useful in other ways, while conducting his farm. He was married Sept. 3, 185U, to Christian Wilholm. She was born in Stuttgart, Germany, Dec. 0, I N40, and came to this country when six years old. Their union has proved a happy and prosperous one, and has been blessed with eight children, five of whom are living — Sophia, Adolphus, Clara, Loretta and John H. Mr. Smith owns a pleasant farm, which is the result of well-directed labor and care. He is a man of recognized ability, being at the present time Master of Subordinate Grange, No. tant relations with the Grange. Ho is prominently identified with the Crawford Co. Agricultural Society, and manifests a degree of interest in its success. Both he and his companion are members of the Pyethist Church. Ho has always boon a Democrat.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOHN F. SMITH.

The subject of this sketch is of that sturdy German stock which in all parts of our country has developed good citizenship and done its full share in bringing about general progress and prosperity. Mr. Smith was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, June 22, 1840, a son of Frederick Smith, a native of Germany, who married Christina Lipman, who bore him six children: Lewis lives in Lykens township; Hiram is dead; John F. was the next in order of birth; Adolphus lives at Aurora, Illinois; and Clara is the wife of Joseph Laipply, of Chatfield township, Crawford county, Ohio. A sixth child died in infancy.

Frederick Smith came to America in 1832 and located at Columbus, Ohio, where he worked as a stone and brick mason until 1840, when he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Lykens township, Crawford county, and engaged in farming. The land had no improvements and was practically wild and cost him six hundred dollars. He lost no time in erecting a hewn-log house and in beginning the work of improvement and cultivation. His wife died at the age of thirty-four years and he married Lucy A. Shupp, who bore him the following children: Cornelius, Frederick T., Henry, Jefferson, L. M., Matilda, Catherine, Lucy. Emma and Sarepta. He became a prominent man in the township and died at the age of sixty-two years.

The subject of this sketch was born and reared on his father's homestead in Lykens township and was brought up to farm work and received his education in the public schools. At the age of twenty-two years he began a practical apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. After working as a journeyman carpenter for eight years he engaged in contracting and building, which he followed successfully until 1881, when he bought his father's old home farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he lived until 1895, when he retired from active life and removed to Brokensword, Lykens township, where he has made his home to the present time.

In 1865 Mr. Smith married Melinda Shupp, and of their children we observe that Lulu married Edward Pfetcher; Laura married Wesley Lust; Horace J. married Ida Fralick and lives in Lykens township; Lucy Edith and Hiram are dead; Learra married George Lecrove, a farmer of Lykens township; Lottie L. and Lestie B. are members of their father's household; and Linna is dead. The mother of these children died April 22, 1887, ac tne a'e of forty years. She was a woman of many virtues, who was early beloved by all who knew her, and, like her husband, was a consistent member of the Evangelical church. Mr. Smith has been prominent in township affairs and has in many ways shown his public spirit. At one time he held the office of township trustee. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party. He has always been a hard-working man and has achieved success by means of industry and a good name by fair and upright living.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

CORNELIUS SMITH, carpenter. Broken Sword; is the eldest child born to Frederick and Lucy Ann (Shupp) Smith, and was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Dec. 25, 1847. He received a good common-school education, much of it being secm-ed by his own exertions when not at school, through his habits of study at odd hours. When 18 years old he commenced teaching, and followed it for several years with fair success, but relinquished it for the carpenter's trade, which is his present business, and his efforts have been crowned with like results. He was married April 3, 1870, Mary Catharine Ludy becoming his wife. She was born in this county March 17, 1850, and is a daughter of Michael and Catharine (Leimenstoll) Ludy, who came to this country from the Old World. They have two child-en — Joseph Clarence and Cora Ellen. Both he and wife are consistent members of the German Reformed Church. He has a pleasant property situated at Wingert's Corners, and is one of the culti'ed citizens of the place. He is a Democrat.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

H. W. SMITH, general farmer residing on his well improved place of 65 acres, situated nine miles northwest of Bucyrus, O., was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, O., Dec. 21, 1859, and is a son of Frederick Smith. He was a native of Saxony, Germany, and came to the United States when a young man.

H. W. Smith attended school in Lykens township and afterward took up farming, first on the home place and then in Holmes township, subsequently buying a farm in Tod township which he later, sold. In 1904 he bought his present farm, on which he has placed all the excellent improvements and carries on general farming and stock raising.

In March, 1885, Mr. Smith was married (first) to Miss Jane Smith, who died in 1888. Mr. Smith was married (second) to Mrs. Esther (Norris) Wilhelm, in 1891, who was accidentally killed by a stroke of lightning, July 16, 1907, while in church, on a part of the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had one child that died in infancy. Mrs. Smith had one son by her first marriage, Clyde Wilhelm, who is a teacher in Holmes township and in September, 191 1, was married to Miss Hazel Frost. His father, William Wilhelm, was a farmer in Holmes township and died prior to the birth of his son. Mr. Smith is a member of the Evangelical church and is one of Holmes township's most respected citizens. In politics he is a Democrat, but uses his own judgment when voting.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JEFFERSON T. SMITH, ex-auditor of Crawford county, O., who has been active in Democratic councils in this county for many years, is engaged in the insurance business at Bucyrus and represents some of the leading life companies of the country. He was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, April 24, 1863, and is a son of Frederick and Lucy A. (Slnipp) Smith.

Frederick Smith was born in Eitenberg, Saxony, Germany, April 1, 1815, later attended a trade school and became a stone mason. Between 1835 and 1840 he came to America, voyaging on an old sailing ship that was tossed on the Atlantic ocean for sixty days before making harbor at New York. From that city lie made his way to Columbus, ( where lie secured work at his trade and helped to build the stone

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bridge there and presumably secured the capital by this labor which he subsequently invested in 160 acres of land in Lykens township, Crawford county. It was then an unbroken tract of timber and presented a hard task to its new owner, who immediately went to work to clear it. Before his death, in 1877, he had cleared 100 acres of his place and had acquired cattle and stock and was considered a substantial resident of his township. He was an intelligent and interested man in public matters and somewhat of a leader in Democratic politics in his section. In Germany he belonged to the Lutheran church but later in life united with the Evangelical Association.

Frederick Smith was married first at Columbus, O., to Christina Lippman, who was a native of Germany and had come to the United States when a young woman. She died in Lykens township, leaving four children, all living except the eldest. Mr. Smith those Lucy A. Shupp for his second wife. She was born in 1830, in Dauphin county, Pa., and after her parents died she came to Ohio and was reared in the home of her brother, the late Michael Shupp. She died in 1890, in Holmes township, Crawford county. She was a woman of many virtues, a sincere Christian and a member of the Evangelical Association. There were ten children born to the second marriage, the seventh in order of birth being- Jefferson I., of Bucyrus. The others were: Cornelius W., who resides with his family at Bucyrus; Matilda, who died when aged 38 years; Katherine, who is the wife of Jacob Meek of Holmes township; Frederick, who resides with his family at Bucyrus; Henry W., who lives in Holmes township; Lucy A., who died when aged 28 years; Emma J., who is the wife of Abraham Schifer, living in Crawford county, and has eight children; and Scrcpta, who is the wife of Clarence II. Elickinger, of Holmes township.

Jefferson I. Smith attended both the common and high school and afterward taught school very acceptably for some time, after which he went into newspaper work. For 12 years he was the able editor of the New Washington Herald and during this time aroused interest in other sections in northwest Ohio, being ever loyal to his own part of the state. In 1897 he was appointed deputy auditor of Crawford county and served under Auditor j. E. Kimerline through the latter’s term, and in 1901 was elected auditor and served the county in that important office until 1909. He is still officially connected with county affairs in a special way but his main business is life insurance and he maintains his office at Bucyrus.

Mr. Smith was married in Wayne county, O., to Miss Linnie Breneman, who was born there in 1860 and is a daughter of J. H. and Lydia (McNary) Breneman, early settlers and continuous residents of Wayne county until their deaths. Mr. Breneman was a shoemaker by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one son, Russell Breneman Smith, who was born Aug. 23, 1894, and is a student in the class of 1912 in the Bucyrus high school. Mr. Smith and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he is identified with the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias and attends both lodges at New Washington.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

L. MELANCTHON SMITH, principal owner and managing director of the Bucyrus Publishing Company, was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, Ohio, Sept. 1, 1868, a son of Frederick and Lucy Ann (Shupp) Smith. The father, Frederick Smith, was a native of Saxony, Germany, who, on coming to America, first took up his above in Columbus, Ohio, whence he came to Crawford county in 1840. He did contract work on the National pike and afterward purchased a quarter section of land in Lykens township, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. He first married Christina Tipman, of Saxony, Germany, who died in 1846, leaving four children, namely: Louis F., formerly of Lykens township, who died several years ago, after having served as justice of the peace and notary public; John F., a farmer of the same township; Adolph G., a contractor at Aurora, Ill.; and Clara, the widow of Joseph Laipply, of Bucyrus.

After the death of his first wife, Frederick Smith married Lucy Ann Shupp, a daughter of Michael Shupp, a native of Pennsylvania and a pioneer of Crawford county. She was born June 3, 1830. The children born of this marriage were as follows: Cornelius, of Bucyrus; Matilda, who is now deceased; Catherine, wife of Jacob Meek, of Holmes township; Frederick, who is in the Walther hardware store; Henry, a farmer of Holmes township; Lucy Ann, now deceased; Jefferson I.; Emma J., wife of Abraham Scheifer, of Lykens township; L. Melancthon, subject of this sketch; and Sarepta, wife of C. H. Flickinger, of Holmes township.

The father of this family was a prominent and influential citizen of Crawford county and from 1862 until the time of his death served as justice of the peace. His rulings were fair and impartial and his wisdom and honesty were so generally recognized that his counsel in law matters was sought far and near. He was also township clerk for many years and during a great part of the time was a member of the school board and actively promoted the educational interests of his community. He was also a leading member of the Grange and in all things an active and progressive citizen. He died Dec. 3, 1877, at the age of 61 years; his wife passed away in 1891, when also 61 years of age.

L. Melancthon Smith spent his childhood days on the home farm in Lykens township and acquired the elements of knowledge in the district schools. He was only nine years old at the time of his father's death and at the age of 16 was obliged to begin the battle of life on his own account. He worked in the country store of his brother, where he acquired a taste for business and where he came into contact with human nature. He later attended the Bucyrus High School and the Mansfield Business College. After graduating from the latter, he was engaged in business, and in 1891 bought an interest in the New Washington Herald and was associated there with his brother, J. I. Smith, deputy county auditor. In 1898 he desired to come to the county seat and accordingly bought an interest in the Crawford County News and became its business manager, filling that place so successfully that the consolidation of his paper with the old party organ, the Forum, was a logical result. He made many improvements in the Daily Forum and in the semiweekly issue, which, since the consolidation has been called the News-Forum. One of his most notable improvements was the installing, in 19 1 2, of a Goss Comet perfecting press for the more rapid printing of his papers. The Forum under its old management was scrappy, peevish and arbitrary in party affairs. Mr. Smith changed this and declined to enter into party bitterness. He believed in the right of everyone to express honest opinions and did not call names editorially nor speak disrespectfully of those whose opinions did not coincide with his own. If there was an argument to make, he made it, and if only nasty talk would suffice, he neglected the opportunity to use it. He has given to his papers a great deal more popularity than they ever had before. In party councils he has had an important place. For four consecutive terms he was chairman of the Democratic County Executive Committee. In March, 1908, he was appointed a member of the Ohio State Board of Penitentiary Managers, by Governor A. L. Harris, where his ability was used to the advantage of that important state institution, As a citizen he is public spirited and enthusiastic for the prosperity of Bucyrus.

L. M. Smith was married in 1892, at New Washington, Ohio, to Miss Bessie Sexauer, a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Zeigler) Sexauer. Mrs. Smith's paternal grandparents were Christian and Caroline (Schindler) Sexauer, both natives of Baden, Germany, who came to America in 1827, locating at Sulphur Springs, this county. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Sexauer married J. G. Kinniger, who opened a wagon shop at Sulphur Springs, being associated in this industry by his step-son, C. F. Sexauer, and together prominent physician in pioneer times. Mr.

they carried on the business for a number of Smith belongs to the Elks and the Knights of years. Mrs. Mary (Zeigler) Sexauer was a Pythias, and he and his wife hold membership daughter of Dr. G. L. Zeigler, who was a in the Methodist Episcopal church.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

L. M. SMITH.

L. M. Smith, the well-known business manager of the Crawford County Xews. was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, September 1, 1868, his parents being Frederick and Lucy Ann (Shupp) Smith. The father located in this county when a young man, in 1840. He was a native of Saxony, Germany, and on coming to America first took up his above in Columbus, Ohio, whence he came to this county. He did contract work on the national pike and afterward purchased a quarter section of land in Lykens township, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. He first married Christiana Tipman, of Saxony, Germany, who died in 1846, leaving four children, namely: Louis F., of Lykens township, who has served as justice of the peace and notary public; John F., a resident farmer of the same township; Adolph G., a contractor living in Aurora, Illinois: and Clara, now the wife of Joseph Laipply, of Lykens township. After the death of his first wife the father married Lucy Ann Shupp, a daughter of Michael Shupp, a native of Pennsvlvania and a pioneer of Crawford county. She was born June 3, 1830, and the children born of this marriage are: Cornelius, who is living in Bncyrus; Matilda, deceased; Catherine, the wife of Jacob Meek, of Holmes township; Frederick, who is engaged in business at Lemert, Ohio; Henry, a farmer of that place; Lucy Ann, deceased; Jefferson I., of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume; Emma J., wife of Abraham Scheifer, of Lykens township; L. Melancthon; and Serepta, wife of C. H. Flickinger, of Holmes township. The father of this family was a very prominent and influential citizen of Crawford county, and from 1862 until the time of his death served as justice of the peace. His rulings were strictly fair and impartial and his counsel was sought far and wide in law matters. He was also township clerk for many years and during a greater part of the time was a member of the school board and actively promoted the educational interests of his community. He was also a leading member of the Grange and was an active and progressive citizen. He died December 3, 1877, at the age of sixty-one years, and his wife passed away in 1891, when also sixty-one years of age.

L. M. Smith, of this sketch, spent the days of his childhood upon the home farm and in the district schools of the neighborhood acquired the rudiments of his education. He was only nine years of age at the time of his father's death, and at the age of sixteen he was forced to start in life on his own account. For several years he acted as a salesman in a general store belonging to his brother Lemert. and the practical business training which he there received has proven of value to him in his later career. Realizing the importance of education and feeling its lack in his own life he determined to add to the knowledge he had previously acquired and therefore entered the high school at Bucyrus. At a later date he also pursued a commercial course in the Ohio Business College, at Mansfield, and was graduated in that institution in 1888.

After leaving school Mr. Smith killed important positions with a. large manufacturing establishment and with the Adams Express Company until 1 891, when he became connected with the journalistic interests, becoming an equal partner in the New Washington Herald in conjunction with his brother. J. I. Smith, deputy county auditor, lie successfully managed the Herald until September, 1898, when, being desirous of locating in the county scat, he purchased a half interest in the Crawford County News, of which he is the business manager. He is a conscientious and far-sighted business man and his executive ability is manifest in his capable control of the business affairs of the News office. Prosperity has attended the undertaking, owing in no small degree to the efforts of Mr. Smith.

In New Washington, Ohio, in 1892, was celebrated the marriage of L. M. Smith and Miss Bessie Sexauer, a daughter of C. Frederick and Mary ( Zeigler) Sexauer. Her paternal grandparents were Christian and Caroline Schindler) Zeigler, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany. They came to America in 1827, locating in Sulphur Springs. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Sexauer married J. G. Kinnger, who opened a wagon shop at Sulphur Springs, Ohio. He was joined in the industry by his stepson, C. F. Sexauer. Together they carried on business for a number of years. The wife of C. F. Sexauer is a daughter of Dr. G. L. Zeigler, who was a prominent physician in pioneer times. Mr. Smith is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge and he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.

P. S. — Since the foregoing sketch of Mr. Smith was penned, the Bucyrus Publishing" Company, a stock company, was organized. The new organization purchased the Daily and Weekly Foriim and the Semi-Weekly News, and combined the two newspapers. Stock in the new company was offered for sale to the public, many leading Democrats of the county taking stock. Such was the popularity of Mr. Smith that he, also being a stockholder, was, upon the organization of the company, elected a director and the treasurer and business manager, a position he is ably filling at this writing.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected.

HORACE J. SMITH, a leading citizen of Lykens township, Crawford county, O., who owns 160 acres of well situated land, which he devotes to general agriculture, was born in Holmes township, Crawford county, July 3, 1869, and is a son of John F. and Malinda (Shupp) Smith.

John F. Smith and wife were born in Crawford county, members of old families of this section, and spent their lives here into advanced years. Mr. Smith still resides in Holmes township but his wife died in 1887. They had the following children born to them: Lulu, who is the wife of W. E. Pf other; Laura, who is the wife of Wesley Lust; Horace J.; Edith and Sylvanus, both of whom are deceased; Leary, who is the wife of George Lecrone; Lottie, who is the wife of Edward Pfeifer; Celesta, who is the wife of Harry Chester; and Lena, who is deceased.

Horace J. Smith attended the public schools and remained at home giving his father assistance on the farm until he was 22 years of age, after which, for 14 years, he rented land from his father. In 1908 he purchased his present farm from his father and here successfully engaged in farming and raising some excellent stock, not much more, however, that he needs for himself. His surroundings show thrift and good management, an interest in public affairs, schools and good roads and the presence of reading matter, go far to prove the opening statement, that Mr. Smith is a leading citizen in his community. He is a member of the Grange at Brokensword, is serving as school director, and for three continuous terms was a trustee of the township.

In 1 89 1, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Ida C. Fralick, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Hass) Fralick, one of the old families of the county. Mrs. Smith died Feb. 29, 1912. The other members of her parents' family were: Emma, wife of William Lahman; Benjamin; Elizabeth, wife of J. Shawk; and Edward and Harrison. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith four children were born, namely: Alfred, Lula, Mabel and Alton. In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat. He and family attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Brokensword.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ALEXANDER SMITH, farmer; P. O. Sulphur Springs, was born in Washington Co., Penn., June 2, 1821, and is the son of Joseph and Jane (tlogaii) Smith. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1797, and came first to Ohio in 1821. He entered 160 acres of land and settled on it permanently in 1825, being one of the earliest settlers in the township, there being but five families then there. He settled on the land now owned by his son. He lived here and exerted himself to improve his land until his death, in 1843, at the early age of 46. The subject of our sketch was left, as the eldest of six children, to look after the interests of both farm and family, which he did in a creditable manner, working hard and being economical. He early took a lively interest in religion, and has been, throughout his life, a consistent, earnest Christian worker, who has devoted much time and means to the advancement of Christ's cause. He was one of the earliest residents of his township, and is now probably the oldest living settler. He was married, in 1843, to Nancy Jane Dicks, of Columbiana Co. Of this marriage, there are five children living: Martha Jane, Joseph Marion, Porter Willis, Ada and

Alexander. Phoebe Murilla and Tabitha Ann are dead. Mr. Smith has been one of the most successful farmers of the township, and is one of its most prominent men.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Few employes of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad have been longer in the service of the company than Harrison Smith, a well-known and popular conductor living in Crestline. He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, December 20, 1841. His father, Jonathan Smith, also a native of the Buckeye state, was a farmer by occupation, born in 181 5. He is still living, his home being now on Turman's creek, in Sullivan county, Indiana. He married Miss Sarah Slagie, a native of Ohio, born in 1817, and she is also living. This worthy couple became the parents of eleven children, of whom ten reached years of maturity, while eight still survive.

Harrison Smith, of this review, was the third child and was reared upon the old homestead farm in his native county his time being devoted to the work of the field and meadow and in mastering the branches of English learning, as taught in the schools near his home. He assisted his father on the farm during the summer time until twenty years of age, but not desiring to follow the plow as a life work, he then made other arrangements, becoming a brakeman on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, running between Crestline and Alliance. He was upon that train from 1865 until 1869, when he was promoted to the position of conductor, and thus served until 1885. His run was then changed from Crestline to Conway, Pennsylvania, and on that route he remained for four years, when he was sent through to the outer depot in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. However, he was afterward returned to the Conway run and since that time has been continued upon the road between Crestline and Pittsburg. He is the oldest conductor on the road, having been in the employ of the company for forty years.

In 1867 occurred the marriage of Harrison Smith and Miss Emma Wiggins, who was born near Loudonville, Ashland county, Ohio. They had eight children, of whom seven are yet living, namely: Mattie, wife of G. O. Davis, of Crestline, Ohio; Roy, who married Laura Smetzer and is living in Crestline; Xettie; Archie; Lewis; Otto; and May. Of this number Otto is a clerk in the railway office. Archie is a boilermaker for the Pittsburg, Fort Wavne & Chicago Railroad Company. Lewis is a fireman in the employ of the same company; and Roy is airbrake inspector on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago road.

Mr. Smith has made Crestline his home since 1861, the year in which he entered the railway service. Fie is a Republican in politics and carried Major McKinley in his caboose from Alliance to Canton when the Major was governor of this state. Mr. Smith tells how the president took his razor and shaved himself when the train was running at twenty miles an hour. Mr. Smith is a member of the Volunteer Relief Association and the Order of Railway Conductors. In all of his long and varied experience on the road he has never had a collision. He has run on one caboose for twenty-one years and is still in charge. He is most painstaking and reliable in the performance of his duties and enjoys the unqualified confidence and trust of his superior. All who know him entertain for him high regard, for he possesses many excellent characteristics and is truly worthy of the friendship and esteem of his fellow men.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

Anthony Smith is a retired farmer living in New Washington, and his position of financial ease has been Avon by years of indefatigable labor in the earlier period of his manhood. He was born in Hardin county, Virginia, February 24, 1831. his parents being John and Rebecca (Davis) Smith, of whose family of eight children our subject is the only survivor. The father was born in Virginia, about 1785, and in the Old Dominion was reared to manhood, early becoming familiar with farm work in its various departments.

He married Miss Rebecca Davis, also a native of Virginia, and upon a farm they began their domestic life. In the fall of 1833 they removed to Crawford county, Ohio, and the father entered 1hree hundred acres of land in Chatfield township from the government. At that time there were only two houses in New Washington and no roads had been made through this section of the country, so that the pioneer settlers blazed the trees in order to mark a path through the forest. Mr. Smith erected a hewed-log house in the midst of the wilderness and then began the arduous task of clearing his land and preparing it for the plow. He was a frugal, energetic man, and had placed much of his farm under cultivation at the time of his death, which occurred in 1845.

Anthony Smith, of this review, was then only fourteen years of age. His childhood and youth were passed at home and he received but a limited education, owing to the inadequate school facilities found in the pioneer settlement. After his death our subject and his brothers operated the home place until the time of our subject's marriage, in 1866. He then purchased the interest of the other heirs, becoming the owner of two hundred and twenty-five acres of the old homestead, and from that time until his retirement to private life he was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the fall of 1867, however, he sold the old home farm and purchased a better improved property comprising one hundred and sixty acres in Cranberry township, where he cultivated the fields until 1878. He then rented his farm and removed to New Washington, purchasing the present home property in which he yet resides.

On the 30th of January, 1866, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Koehler, a native of Cranberry township and a daughter of Herman and Martha (Guiss) Koehler. Her father was a native of Helserberg, Germany, born August 2, 181 7, and when a lad of twelve years he came to America with his parents, the family settling in Cranberry township, Crawford county, in 1833, being among the first residents of this locality. His wife was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February 1, 1825, and on the 1 2th of November, 1842, she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Koehler, Her death occurred June 22, 1893. Both were consistent members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and were beloved by all who knew them. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born three children, namely: John H., a resident of New Washington; Margaret M., wife of George Longyear, of New Washington: and William H., who is living with his parents.

Mr. Smith exercises his right of franchise in support of Democratic principles. He, too, belongs to the Lutheran church, and is a man of genuine worth, highly regarded for his sterling traits of character. He has made his home in Crawford county since pioneer days and has witnessed the wonderful changes which have transformed this region from a wild tract into cultivated farms and comfortable homes. He has seen the forests cut away, to be replaced by fields of having grain, and has watched the introduction of the railroad, the telegraph, the telephone, the business enterprises and industries and all improvements known to the older east. He takes just pride in what his county has accomplished, and is a loyal and public-spirited citizen.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

NELSON SMITH, sawyer and farmer; P. 0. Bucyrus; was born Feb. 7, 1844, in this township. He is the son of Thomas and Mirilla (Ketchum) Smith, who came here young, and, after they were married, located near where Mr. Smith lives. Our subject is the seventh of a family of nine children, who are all deceased, except himself and one brother. His parents were among the first settlers of the county, and knew well the hardship which pioneer life subjected them to. Both died on the same farm, where they first began for themselves, the mother in 1853, and his father five years later. Nelson worked on his father's farm until he was 27 years of age, except one year in which he worked at the carpenter's trade. On Nov. 29, 1866, he cast his lot with that of Cornelia Hise, who was born in this township Feb. 27, 1846. They have two children—Willie F. and Nellie "B. In 1870, he purchased and erected a good saw-mill on his premises, which he has run ever since, doing a good deal of work. He owns 20 acres of land in connection with his mill, which makes them a comfortable home, and which he has made by his own industry. He is a member of Liberty Lodge, Knights of Honor. No. 845.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ELLIOTT A. SMITH,* foreman in the painting department of the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad main shops at Bucyrus, O., has been connected with this corporation since 1885 and has filled his present responsible office since 1897. He was born July 20, 1845, at Mansfield, O., and is a son of Cyrus A. and Jane (Rowland) Smith. Cyrus A. Smith was born in Broome county, N. Y. and from there came to Ashland county, O., in young manhood. There he was married to Jane Rowland, who was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio with her parents in 1816. They located on untilled land in a wild section and she often recalled seeing Indians in her youth and of sitting, on the knee of that strange old philosopher, Johnny Appleseed, who, in her day, went up and down the country, scattering his apple seeds, that he had faith to believe would fill the land with bounteous orchards.

A few years after marriage, Cyrus A. Smith moved to Mansfield, O., where lie engaged in merchandising during the rest of his active life, spending the closing days with his son Elliott A., at Bucyrus, where his death occurred in 1882. He had survived his wife for two years, her death occurring at Savanna, Ashland county, where they had lived for a few years. Of their children, Eliott A., was the only one to reach maturity. They were Baptists in religious faith and practice.

Elliott A. Smith was mainly reared at Mansfield and there learned his trade and in 1885, when he came first to the Toledo & O. C. Railway, it was as a letter and ornamental sign painter. He thoroughly understood every branch of the business, however, and so proved his qualifications that he was rapidly promoted and finally was made foreman of his department.

Mr. Smith was married at Mansfield to Miss

Ella Chandler, who was born in that city, a daughter of Dr. J. M. and Rachel E. (Mount) Chandler, old residents there. Dr. Chandler was born in 1817 and died in 1863. His widow survived into extreme old age, her death occurring Jan. 10, 1912, in her 87th year. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two sons: Rowland M., who is an artist on what is perhaps rightly termed, the world’s greatest newspaper, the Chicago Tribune, and who is married and has one daughter, Janet; and Charles, a graduate of the Western Dental College, Kansas City, who has been established in practice at St. Louis, for three years, and who married Elizabeth Peckham.

Politically Mr. Smith has always been a Republican. During the Civil war he served four months in Co. A, 163d O. Vol. Inf., and was present at the blowing up of the mines in front of Petersburg, Va. He is a member of Keller Post, No. 108, G. A. R., of which he is adjutant. He belongs also to the Royal Arcanum and formerly was identified with the Knights of Pythias.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

HIRAM I-. SMITH.

Hiram E. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was born in Erie county Ohio, on the 21st day of February. 1866. His parents were Welding e' Smith and Charlotte ( Ashton) Smith. On the paternal side we find his ancestors on one side expelled from north France on account of religious differences among the people at that time, and emigrating to America in the year 1743 and settling in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. On the other side" his father's ancestors were English. They settled in and around Norwalk and Derby, Connecticut, early in the country's history. Here we find them fighting Indians and later doing good service against the British during the war for independence. On the material side his ancestors were all English. His grandparents, Thomas Ashton and Mary (Edgar) Ashton, emigrated to this country as children from England with their parents early in the nineteenth century and settled in Huron county, Ohio. On both sides his ancestors were prosperous and enterprising people.

In the spring of 1866 his parents removed to Monroeville, Ohio, where his father engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements. At the age of six he entered the public school at Monroeville, graduating from that institution in the spring of 1885. After teaching school for two years he decided to try his fortune in the west, and on the 4th of July, 1887, landed at Oberlin, Decatur County, Kansas. During the following September he settled on a quarter section of government land, when there was no house within sight of his. The wolves and coyotes were plentiful and made the nights hideous around his sod house. Antelopes were seen occasionally, and jack rabbits were common. Here he lived alone, boarded himself and taught school, riding from fifteen to twenty miles daily to and from school. During that winter the thermometer registered lower than twenty-seven degrees below zero, Fahr., for six straight weeks. During the following March he proved up on his claim, and by paying one dollar and a quarter per acre received a government patent for one hundred and sixty acres of land.

In October, 1889, he returned to Ohio and went into business with his brother at Monroeville, Ohio, manufacturing bent wood and hardwood lumber. Here he remained until May, 1893, when he came to Gabon, Crawford county, Ohio, bought out the stockholders of the Weaver Bending Company, manufacturers of bent felloes, spokes and hardwood lumber, and has successfully carried 011 the above business for the past eight years.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Episcopal church, a thirty-second degree Mason and an upright, honorable and respected citizen.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

HOWARD FI. SMITH, M. D. physician and surgeon at Pucyrus, O., has been established here since 1895, making a choice of this city as his field of professional effort immediately after his graduation from the Cleveland University of Medicine and Surgery. He was born 111 1869, at Wooster, O., and is a son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Peerbower) Smith and a grandson of Jacob Smith.

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Cornelius Smith, father of Dr. Smith, was born in Wayne county in 1820 and continued to live on the old homestead and carry on its industries until within seven years of his death, when he moved to Wooster where he passed away April 25, 1901. He was recognized as a man of sterling character, for 18 years served as a justice of the peace, and for many years spent much of his time attending to the settlement of states. In politics he was an unflinching defender of Democratic principles. He was married in Wayne County to Elizabeth Beerbower, who was born in Wayne County in 1827, and died there March 10, 1910. Her father, Jacob lleerbower, was of Herman ancestry but was born in Pennsylvania. Like Jacob Smith, he came early to Wayne county, and secured unimproved and uncleared land in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, on which he made his home, married and reared his family there. To Cornelius Smith and wife the following children were born: Benton D., who is in the livery business at Wooster; Kansas, a man of family, who is a retired farmer at Wooster; Emma, who is the wife of Brandon McClure, who is a large dealer in small fruits; Howard IP; Kate May, now deceased, who was the wife of Harper McDonald; James Wiley, who, at death, left a widow, one son and turn daughters; and two who died young.

Howard H. Smith had excellent educational advantages in his youth, the fact of his home being in a college town contributing to this, and when he entered medical college bad already a trained literary understanding, lie is engaged in a general practice and has built up an enviable reputation for professional efficiency. Pie is identified with all the leading organizations of the Homeopathic School of Medicine and keeps fully abreast with the times in scientific discoveries.

Dr. Smith was married at Wooster, O, April _, i8( to Miss Ida Marie Smith, who was born in Wavne county, in 1872, and is a daughter of William N. and Adaline ( Johnson) Smith. Hie father of Mrs. Dr. Smith was born at Steubenville, O., and was a son of N. W. and Maria (Waits) Smith, who were pioneers in East Union township, Wayne county. The old home place, where Mrs. Dr. Smith was born, is now the Ohio State Experimental Station. William N. Smith was a stock raiser and dealer. Pie died in May, 1898, aged 68 years. He married Adaline Johnson, who survives. Pier parents were Isaac and Rachel (Ernst) Johnson, old Pennsylvania pioneers of Wayne county. All these families have had much to do with developing that section of Ohio and for years public record will show that they have been leaders in agricultural progress and in educational and religious movements. Mrs. Dr. Smith was carefully educated and is a graduate of Wooster University and also of the Conservatory of Music, taking both degrees in 1891. In music she was a pupil of Prof. Carl Mers and ol Pro!. C conrad, both of national reputation. To Dr. and Mrs. Smith one daughter has been born, Pleasant Jeanne, an attractive little maiden of nine years. Dr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Presbyterian church and are well known in the pleasant social lile of the city.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.