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438 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
tion Avhen the public shoAved far less sympathy with restrictive legislation
than at the present time, and his opponents recognize HOAV the sincerity
and earnestness of his opinions.
Mr. Peeke lives at home, a bachelor, but in the midst of his books
from his OAVH Avell-stocked library he is ever ready to receive his friends,
and in his spacious house he maintains an atmosphere of independent
thought and action, together with cordial hospitality, which accords with
the fine traditions of the American laAvyer.
Joseph Gilpin Pyle, born March 4, 1890, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Educated, 1901 to 1907, Charlotte Hall Military Academy, St. Mary's
County, Maryland; February, 1908, to June, 1912, Washington and Lee
University, Lexington, Virginia. Graduated: Academic, Avith Bachelor
of Arts degree, June, 1910; laAV, with Bachelor of LaAvs degree, June,
1912. Admitted to the Virginia bar in the fall of 1912. Entered offices
of King & Ramsey, September, 1913, and admitted to the Ohio bar, December,
1914.
Probably no resident of the Village of Huron has done more to develop
the resources of that thriving community than Christian M. Ray. Born
in the township in Avhich the village is located, Mr. Ray decided early in
life to reject the opportunities offered in other locations and stick to the
old home. He became a resident of the village as soon as he Avas admitted
to the bar, and has for a good many years enjoyed the distinction of being
the only lawyer in the village. In addition to taking care of his practice
he has Avorked unceasingly for the development of the fine natural harbor
which the Huron River affords and to attract capital to the community.
His initial efforts have borne fruit in the splendid docks built by the
Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad some years ago, over which pass tonnages
of ore and coal running into the millions every year.
Mr. Ray is the best type of the self-made man—that is, he is also well
made. He attended school as a boy and devoted several Avinters to study
at the Milan Seminary, then one of the best small colleges in the state.
This Avas folloAA'ed by a course at Northern Ohio College at Ada and admission
to the bar. For five years he was tovvnship assessor. Aftenvards
he served several terms as mayor of Huron Village. In 1903 he served
as representative of Erie County in the General Assembly. Since then
Mr. Ray has continued the practice of hnv in Huron. He built the first
telephone exchange in Huron and is still the chief stockholder and
manager.
Mr. Ray Avas married, September 23, 1896, to Miss Lutie J. Squier.
daughter of John F. Squier, who at one time Avas a vessel builder of note
in the lake region and who built the first four-masted schooner that ever
plied the inland seas. He is a life-long republican and has ahvays been
active in the councils of the party, though he has seldom asked any honors
at its hands.
Mr. Ray. has ahvays OAvned himself and been more independent in
politics than the average politician. He has advocated the dry side
recently and has made speeches on that side of the question. He has