James E. Heinlen

As printed in 1912

JAMES E. HEINLEN, a dealer in butter, eggs and livestock, at Gallon, O., belongs to one of the old and substantial families of

Crawford county, and was born on the family homestead in Whetstone township, Aug. 5, 1869. He is a son of Lewis B. and Mary (Fink) Heinlen.

Lewis B. Heinlen was born in Pickaway county, O., a son of Lewis Heinlen, but was reared in Whetstone township, Crawford county, where he followed farming all his active life. He died on Easter Sunday, 1910, when aged 86 years. In politics he was an old-time Democrat, and in religious connection he belonged to the United Brethren church. He married Mary Fink, who survives, and, now in her 77th year, resides at Winchester, O. She is still interested in family affairs, local happenings and church work. Of the family of four sons and three daughters, the following survive: Henry, who is now a widower, who lives with his mother at Winchester and has one son and two daughters; Lavina, living at Bucyrus, who is the widow of Byron Neish, and has one daughter; Amanda, who is the wife of William G. Roberts, of Bucyrus, has one daughter; James E.; and Edward C, a farmer residing in Whetstone township, who has one son and one daughter.

James E. Heinlen grew to manhood on his father's farm in Whetstone township and carried on agricultural operations there until 1904, when he came to Gallon, where he entered a grocery store as a clerk and remained for three years and then went into business for himself in his present line, dealing in the staples for which there is a never failing demand.

Mr. Heinlen was married at Bucyrus to Miss Edna Warrick, who was born in Whetstone township, and they have three children: Hilda L, who was born January 20, 1896; Mildred Olefa, who was born January 28, 1900; and Iva W., who was born August 10, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Heinlen are members of the United Brethren church. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party. As a business man Mr. Heinlen has met with a large degree of success, and as a citizen of his community commands general respect.

FRANK, SPROW, the leading general merchant at Brokensword, O., and a representative citizen of this place, justice of the peace and owner of valuable real estate, was born in Jackson township, Crawford county, O., Oct. 24, 1852, and is a son of Martin and Hannah (Rhodes) Sprow.

Martin Sprow was born in Germany and was brought to America when one year old, his parents settling in Vernon township, Crawford county. After his marriage he moved into Jackson township and later to Liberty township, and died in the latter on his well-improved farm, when aged 64 years. He married Hannah Rhodes, who was born in the state of Pennsylvania, and died in Liberty township, Crawford county, O., when aged 68 years. They had children as follows: Frank, born Oct. 24, 1852; G. W., who was born in May, 1855; W. F., who was born Aug. 2, 1858; Sarah, who was born Nov. 3, 1860, and died at the age of 28 years; H. J., who was born July 2, 1863, and died in 191 1; Mary, who was born Oct. 11, 1867, who married Harry Sell; Flora, born April 26, 1871, who married Samuel Gardner; and Ida, now Airs Bender, who was born Oct. 2, 1874.

Frank Sprow secured a district school education and afterward engaged in farming in Liberty township for about 14 years and later for seven years, in Chatfield township. After four years in business in Bucyrus township, in 1903 he purchased his present store at Brokensword, from A. Muth, and is doing a large but safe business. He carries a heavy stock of dry goods, boots, shoes and groceries and supplies the local demand and sells over a considerable outlying territory.

Mr. Sprow was married in 1875, to Miss Elizabeth Zimmerman, of Richland county, O., a daughter of Peter Zimmerman, and a family of seven children have been born to them, as follows: Emma, who married AI. C. Muth, of Cleeland, O., and has twin children, Victor and Ethel; Albert, who is now deceased; Ellen, who married Ellsworth Overlander, and has one daughter, Bernice; Edward, who married Alyrtle Gearhart; John, who assists his father; Reuben, who is deceased; and Bertha, who is the wife of W. H. Smith. 'Sir. Sprow is a member of the Evangelical Association in Lykens township while his wife is a Methodist. For a number of years INIr. Sprow has served in the office of justice of the peace, his decisions being seldom reversed. In politics he is a Democrat, and fraternally he is connected with the order of Alaccabees.

As printed in History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1912). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.