USA > Ohio > Crawford County > A centennial biographical history of Crawford County, Ohio > Part 15
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A native of Columbus, Ohio, George Donnenwirth was born January 28. 1835, a son of George and Sophia (AAnthony ) Donnenwirth. His pater- nal grandparents, George and Magdalene (Ruth) Donnenwirth, were natives of France, who in 1827 crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating first in Buffalo, New York, whence they removed to Stark county, Ohio. In 18344 they came to Crawford county and secured land in Cranberry town- ship, where they spent the rest of their lives. They were the parents of five children, including George Donnenwirth, the father of our subject, who was born in Strasburg, France, September 7, 1810, and was educated in
le Donnemusste
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the schools of his native town. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, and soon afterward accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He found employment at his trade in Buffalo, New York, and later in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and then in Stark county, Ohio, and then worked on the Ohio canal, drifting to Columbus, Ohio, in 1833, and there he wedded, in 1834, Miss Sophia Anthony, who was born in Lorraine, France, in 1809, and died in Crawford county in 1849. Their children were George and Adam (twin brothers). Jacob, Will- iam, Magdalene, Charles and John. Three other children died in childhood. William, Charles and Jacob are deceased. After the death of his first wife the father wedded Miss Caroline Derr, a native of Bavaria, Germany, and four children graced this union, namely: Lewis C., Franklin P., Sophia M. and Caroline M., but the last named has passed away. In 1838 the father came to Crawford county and located at New Washington, where he engaged in blacksmithing, continuing with success for several years. He became well and favorably known, and about 1846 was elected to the lower house of the state legislature, representing Crawford and Wyandot counties. In 1855 he was elected county treasurer and the following year removed to Bucyrus. the county seat, where he resided up to the time of his death, in 1884. In 1868 he was chosen mayor of Bucyrus and filled the office for two terms of one year each. In all the public positions which he was called upon to fill he discharged his duties with entire satisfaction to all concerned, his loyalty being above question, was prompt and energetic and gained the unqualified approval of the best citizens. His judgment was considered sound and reliable in the councils of the Democratic party, and he aided materially in advancing the best interests of his community.
George Donnenwirth, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the schools of New Washington, Crawford county, until his fifteenth year, when he entered his father's shop and worked at the black- smith's trade for four years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Sandusky, Ohio, where he was employed in a grocery store for eighteen months. For a short time he was also a clerk in Burlington, Iowa, but returned to Bucyrus and entered a business career that has been prominently successful through a long period of forty-four years. His first venture was in connection with Henry Anthony. They established a brewery and after a short time Mr. Donnenwirth's father purchased Mr. Anthony's interest, the enterprise being then conducted under the firm name of George Donnen- wirth & Son. Upon the father's retirement, in 1875, Frank P. Donnen-
9
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wirth, a half-brother of our subject, entered the firm, and their business connection was maintained until 1889, when they sold the business. They had built up an excellent trade, having a large and constantly increasing patronage, owing to the excellence of the brewing product and through reliable business methods. In 1881 Mr. Donnenwirth was one of the organ- izers of the Monnett Bank, of Bucyrus, the style of which was changed in 1892 to Bucyrus City Bank. He became a director of the institution upon its organization, and was also elected vice-president of the bank. Since 1886 he has been its president, and the concern is one of the most substantial in this portion of Ohio. His business career in Bucyrus covers a period of about forty-three years and has been one of uninterrupted success due to tireless energy, cool, sound judgment and to strict integrity. These traits have been a tower of strength to the bank, and have had much to do with its steady and substantial growth.
In 1865 George Donnenwirth was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Fuhrman, of Bucyrus. Fraternally Mr. Donnenwirth is connected with the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. A stanch advocate of Democratic principles, he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the party, and on that ticket has been frequently called to public office. He is also active in formulating the policy and controlling the campaigns in his county, having served as a member of several committees, while his advice and counsel carry weight in Democratic circles. For twenty-five years, from 1874 until 1899, he served as a member of the school board, and for a number of years was its treas- tirer. He has also been a member of the city council for fifteen years, and was treasurer of the township through a long period. In public office he has labored for the good of the majority, and his work has proved of benefit and value. In business affairs he has displayed great discrimination and superior executive ability, and such qualities, combined with industry and strong purpose, never fail to gain success. He stands to-day among the wealthy residents of Bucyrus, and his enviable position in financial circles is well merited.
THOMAS S. KENNEDY.
Thomas S. Kennedy, whose success in life results from earnest, inde- fatigable efforts, is numbered among the leading and influential farmers and stock raisers of Dallas township. Crawford county, his farm being on section
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2. He was born in Tully township, Marion county, Ohio, October 23, 1848, and is of Irish lineage, for the name is of Irish origin. The family, however, was probably established in America at a very early day and the grandparents of our subject, Thomas and Nancy Kennedy, were both natives of Pennsyl- vania. In 1832 they left that state and coming to Ohio settled in Crawford county, where they spent their remaining days, passing away in Whetstone township. The journey to this state was made in a wagon, and during their early residence here they lived in true pioneer style. The grandfather died in the '4os, and the grandmother passed away in 1863. Their children were : William K., the father of our subject; Martha, who died in early woman- hood; Margaretta, who is living in Marion county, Ohio; John, deceased ; Nancy Jane, who has also passed away ; Thomas, who died in Jasper county, Indiana, in 1900; Sarah, deceased; Samuel, who is living in Whetstone town- ship; Mary E., who died in Marion county in 1901 ; and George Washington, who is living in Marion county.
William K. Kennedy was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1818, and when a youth of fourteen accompanied his parents to this state, being reared here upon the home farm. He acquired a good common-school education and for a few terms engaged in teaching school. He had a strong mind, was a man of good judgment and was well informed. For five years he worked as a farm hand, at eleven dollars per month, being thus employed on the plains south of Bucyrus. For his first wife he married Miss Margaret Shank, who was born in Pennsylvania, and was of Pennsylvania-Dutch descent, her ancestors coming from Holland. Her parents, Jacob and Lydia (Bush) Shank, settled in Crawford county about 1832. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy the following children were born: Nancy, who died at the age of three years ; Lydia Jane, the wife of Samuel Baker, of Dallas township; Thomas S., of this review; Martha, who died after her marriage; James W., who is residing in Marion county, Ohio; Emma, wife of Madison Roberts, of Marion county ; Anzilla, wife of George Watts, of Marion county ; Margaret, wife of Jolin R. Hill, of Marion county. The mother died in 1861 and a few years later the father married Mary Lance, a native of Pennsyl- vania, who still survives him and is living on the homestead farm in Marion county. By the second marriage there was one child, Samira, the wife of Elsworth Jones, of Marion county. Throughout his business career the father followed farming. He located on the boundary line between Crawford and Marion counties, his farm lying in both counties, but his residence in the latter, and there he remained until his life's labors were ended in death. He
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prospered and gained a good estate. He engaged in dealing in and raised large flocks of sheep and also handled other stock. Being an excellent judge of domestic animals he was enabled to make judicious purchases and upon his investments he realized a handsome profit.
Mr. Kennedy was reared upon the home farm and the labors of the. field and meadow became familiar to him during the period of his youth. The common school afforded him his educational privileges and through the winter months he pursued his studies, again taking up the work of the farm with returning spring. In 1874 he was married to Hester F. Monnett, a daughter of Thomas Monnett, of Marion county, and their union was blessed with twelve children : Thomas Mervin, William C., Otho W .. Orange D., Myron G., Amy E., James C., Ollie, Ralph, Myrtle, Almet and Jay. The last named died at the age of two years, but the others are all living, and three of the sons, Thomas Mervin, William C. and Otho W., have engaged in teaching in the district schools.
After his marriage Mr. Kennedy began farming in Whetstone town- ship, Crawford county, where he remained for seven years, after which he removed to his present place of residence. Here he owns two hundred and eighty acres of land, and in addition he has eighty acres a mile west, forty acres in Whestone township and one hundred and seventy-five acres in Marion county. In connection with general farming he raises cattle, sheep and hogs and also buys and sells others. His business interests are well con- ducted and directed along progressive and straightforward lines. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office, and he has satisfactorily served in a number of minor positions, but he has never been an aspirant for political office. In his political views he is a Democrat, and in religious faith is a Methodist. His life is honorable, his actions sincere, and his integrity unquestioned, and in Crawford county he has gained many warm friends who esteem him highly for his sterling worth.
ROBERT K. WARNER.
Among the honored pioneers who aided in laying broad and deep the foundations for the present prosperity and progress of Crawford county, who met the hardships and trials of pioneer life, yet continued an active factor in the work of reclaiming the wild land for purposes of civilization was Robert K. Warner. He was one of the representative men of the community, hon-
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ored by all for his sterling worth and upright life, and in the biographical his- tory of the county he well deserves prominent mention.
A native of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Warner was born on the 8th of April, 1825, a son of Benjamin and Mary ( Walton ) Warner, both of whom were born in the same county and were of English descent. The father's birth occurred about 1801, the marriage was celebrated in 1822, and in 1827 he came with his family to Ohio, traveling in a wagon drawn by four horses. When they were about four miles from Galion the wagon sunk so deeply in the mud that the family were obliged to get out and walk the re- maining distance to the home of a relative in Galion, leaving the wagon be- hind. The father remained in Crawford county throughout the remainder of his life and for many years carried on farming. He settled in the southern portion of Whetstone township. Crawford county, but in 1833 removed to a farm on section 35, Bucyrus township, where he resided through a long period. He was a successful farmer, although frail health prevented him from taking an active part in the work of the fields, but he capably managed his affairs and realized therefrom a good financial return. He died May 8, 1872, while visiting in Kankakee, Illinois, and his wife passed away March 7, 1877. He was a man of kind heart and noble purpose and his wife was a most ex- cellent woman. They were of the Quaker faith and lived useful and quiet lives, which gained them uniform respect. They had three children: Robert K .; Harriet, the widow of St. Clair Welsh and a resident of Missouri ; and Louisa, the wife of Hiram Everet, of Iowa.
Robert K. Warner was only two years of age when brought by his par- ents to Ohio, and here he was reared amid pioneer scenes and environments. The Wyandot Indians were still numerous in the county and he played with the "Johnny Cake boys" many a day, also learned their language. It was in 1836 that he attended the first school taught in Dallas township, the teacher being Miss Susan Bovee. He continued his education in the old log school house until twenty years of age and was reared to manhood upon the farm, where he early became familiar with the work of caring for the stock and cultivating the field. Lessons of industry and perseverance were early im- pressed upon his mind and were active factors in his successful career. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached his twenty-third year, when he was married.
The wedding was celebrated November 22, 1847, Miss Martha Monnett becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Jeremiah and Elsie ( Slagle) Mon- nett, and to her husband she proved a most faithful companion and help-
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mate on the journey of life. For a year and a half they resided on a farm on section 26, Bucyrus township, on the Columbus & Sandusky road and then removed to the old homestead on section 27, of the same township, where Mrs. Warner still makes her home. At that time he owned one hundred and twenty acres of land, to which he added in later years, until at the time of his death his farm property comprised four hundred and twenty acres. In 1875 he erected a fine residence and afterward built a barn. He was a suc- cessful business man and gained a large estate, dying a wealthy man. The home was blessed with four children: Ellen, the wife of W. T. Mckinstry, of Bucyrus township; Mary, the widow of Albert Yaker; Harriet, the wife of Smith C. Caldwell : and Louisa, who married Francis M. Caldwell. They reside with her mother on the old homestead.
Mrs. Warner is now in her seventy-fifth year and yet enjoys fair health. She was born and reared a Methodist and has been a member of the church since fourteen years of age, her entire life being in harmony with her pro- fessions. In his political views Mr. Warner was a strong Republican and held a few minor political positions, but was not an office seeker. He was highly esteemed for his strict regard for honesty and upright principles and in his religious faith was a Quaker, living a life consistent with that faith. He passed away October 14. 1889. In his friendships he was faithful and in the discharge of his duties of citizenship he was loyal and true, while in his family he was a devoted husband and father, finding his greatest happiness in min- istering to his family.
ALBERT M. ENSMINGER.
The press has not only recorded the history of advancement, but has also been the leader in the work of progress and improvement, -- the van- guard of civilization. The philosopher of some centuries ago proclaimed the truth that the pen is mightier than the sword, and the statement is continually being verified in the affairs of life. In molding public opinion the power of the newspaper cannot be estimated, but at all events its influence is greater than any other single agency.
In the history of Bucyrus, therefore, an account of the Daily and Weekly Forum should form an important factor, as this journal is the oldest estab- lished one of the county and its present proprietors keep in touch with the most advanced methods of journalism, making the paper one of great value in Crawford county. Albert Milton Ensminger was associated with this paper
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from 1890 until October, 1901, when it was sold to the newly organized Bu- cyrus Publishing Company. He was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, September 27, 1858, and traces his ancestry back to Christian Ensminger, who was born in the Keystone state June 8, 1762, and died March 6, 1836. His second son, David Ensminger, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and married Barabar Messinger. Their son, Henry Ensminger, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1826, and pursued his education in the district schools near his home. He afterward turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and followed farming in Pennsylvania until 1866, when he settled in Jefferson township, Crawford county, Ohio. In that year he established a store, and for two years was in partnership with his brother, George Ensminger, at North Robinson, the connection being dissolved by the death of the brother. Henry Ensminger then carried on business alone for four years, when he disposed of his mer- cantile enterprise and purchased a farm near North Robinson, upon which he resided until 1879. In that year he came to Bucyrus and opened a dry goods store in the Quinby block, being identified with business affairs in this city for some time. He was known as a reliable and trustworthy merchant and enjoyed the business confidence of the public in an unusual degree. He mar- ried Susan Jacobs, and his death occurred in Bucyrus, February 24, 1892. Unto this worthy couple were born the following children : Franklin P., AAlbert M., Charles E., Anna M. and Alberta E.
Albert Milton Ensminger, whose name forms the caption of this article, pursued his education in the public schools of Crawford county, Ohio, and on the completion of his literary course entered the law department of the State University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with the class of 1882. In the same year he was admitted to the Ohio bar and began practice in Bucyrus. In 1885 he was elected city so- licitor and discharged his duties so capably that he was re-elected for a second term. After his retirement from office he became associated with The Forum, and has since been connected with the paper except during the period from the Ist of August, 1894, until the Ist of September, 1898, when he was postmaster of Bucyrus.
On the 16th of December, 1886, Mr. Ensminger was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Blair, a daughter of E. Blair, president of the Second National Bank of Bucyrus and a most prominent citizen. Their only child, Edward Blair, was born September 2, 1899. Mr. Ensminger is a member of St. Paul's English Lutheran church and socially he is connected with the Knights
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of Pythias fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In his political affiliations he is a stalwart Democrat and was a candidate for presidential elector on the Democratic ticket in 1888. He has been an im- portant factor in the progress and upbuilding of Bucyrus since locating here, and educational, church and social interests owe their promotion in a con- siderable degree to his efforts.
WILLIAM W. REEHL.
William W. Reehl, the subject of this sketch, was born in Bucyrus on February 22, 1868, attended the public schools until 1885. and then he took a business course in the Nelson Commercial College, of Cincinnati. After finishing his course he accepted a position as bookkeeper for Lee Cann & Company, of that city, but resigned to enter business for himself. Return- ing to Bucyrus, he entered the firm of Reehil & Howe, hardware dealers, an enterprise which he did much to build up. Owing to failing health, he sold his interest to G. P. Fisher, and after six months of rest and recuperation lie, in December, 1888, with others, organized the Frey-Sheckler Company, which bought out the Frey-Sheckler & Hoover Company, manufacturers of clay-working machinery. In organizing the business staff of the new com- pany Mr. Reelil was made head bookkeeper, and after a year was made auditor of the company, acting in that capacity until September, 1896, when a consolidation of the Frey-Sheckler Company and the firm of J. W. Pen- field & Son, of Willoughby, Ohio, was consummated under the firm name of The American Clay-Working Machinery Company, with general offices in Bucyrus. Under the consolidation Mr. Reehl was made secretary and resident manager of the Bucyrus plant. He has continued in this capacity since his election to the office and has contributed in large measure to the phenomenal success of the enterprise. The American Clay-Working Ma- chinery Company does the most extensive business of its kind in the world, its products being shipped to all parts of this country and abroad. They manufacture a full line of clay-working, cement and pottery machinery, and employ over four hundred workmen in their combined plants. In 1888 the Bucyrus and Willoughby plants combined employed about fifty-six men, which taken in comparison with the present pay-roll indicates the great increase in business.
Mr. Reehl is also the president of the New York Blower Company, a
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growing enterprise composed largely of eastern capitalists, devoted to the manufacture of heating and ventilating machinery. The company was established in Bucyrus in 1899. Owing to his ability as a manager, Mr. Reelil was selected as the head of the company, a position he assumed in January, 1901. The employes of the company number nearly a hundred, with branch offices in New York, Boston and Chicago.
On January 7. 1892. Mr. Reehl was married to Miss Margaret Troop Harris, of Peoria, Illinois, Miss Harris being a daughter of D. W. C. Harris. Two children grace their union: Helen Harris, born May 20, 1894, and William W., born December 5, 1900. The parents occupy an enviable posi- tion in social circles, the hospitality of the best homes in Bucyrus being open to them. They also belong to the Presbyterian church, Mr. Reehl having served on the board of trustees of the church. Mr. Reehl is a young man, but has already attained a position in business circles that many a man of even twice his years might well envy. His determination and keen sagacity, combined with unflagging diligence and scrupulous honesty, have been the salient features of his success.
Mr. Reehl is of German parentage. His father, Nicholas Reehl, was born at Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, August 1, 1825. The parents of Nicholas Reehl, Michael Reehl and Anna Louise Plaizer Reell, were life- long residents of Hessen. the wife having been born at Allarts-Hofen, Ger- many. Michael Reell died September 14, 1852, his wife preceding him in February of the same year. The son, Nicholas Reell, came to the United States in 1847. and after a year spent in Philadelphia he removed, in 1848, to Bucyrus. Soon after his arrival he formed the acquaintance of Anna Elizabeth Kreighbaum, and on May 13. 1851, they were married. Mrs. Nicholas Reell was born in Reichenbach, Germany, December 10, 1828, and came to this country in 1849, landing at New Orleans, and later settling at Upper Sandusky. Her parents were Falten Kreighbaum, who died Feb- ruary 2, 1850, and Katherine Kaffenberger, who died December 10, 1866.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Reell was solemnized at Colum- bus, and they at once removed to Bucyrus, where they were identified with the early history of the community, Mr. Reehl following his trade of wagon and carriage-maker, and later on becoming largely interested in manufactur- ing and real estate. Mrs. Reell died in the fullness of a well spent life on September 12, 1899. To Mr. and Mrs. Reehl nine children were born, as follows: Henry, born October 28, 1852, deceased; Carl, born October 30, 1853, deceased; Louisa, born November 3, 1855, the wife of Rev. John
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Horst, of Covington, Kentucky; Lewis, born July 29, 1858, deceased; John, born October 28, 1861, deceased ; Edward, born December 14, 1862, deceased ; Katherine M., Bucyrus, Ohio, born December 1. 1864; William W., born February 22, 1868; and Samuel, born May 21, 1870, deceased.
DANIEL PFLEIDERER.
The ancestors of the Pfleiderer family were old and established families of Wurtemberg, Germany, where their thrift, energy and economy had brought them a comfortable competence ; but a restless spirit entered into the younger members, as they saw their sons growing up about them, and some of them decided to emigrate to the great country across the sea, where there was land for all. Among these came Christian and his wife Barbara (Auberly) Pfleiderer, the former born in 1789, the latter in 1794. They left Germany in the spring of 1831, with their children,-Adam. Jacob. David and Chris- tian,-and after ninety-two days on the ocean, they landed in Baltimore, Maryland, and pursued their journey across the continent until they reached Columbiana county, Ohio. Winter was near and they were weary of travel, and although they intended to go into the forest they wisely decided that it was not the season to go into an unsettled portion of the country. They found shelter with the family of Mr. Seacrist. and Mr. Pfleiderer went to work at whatever jobs he could find, as did also the oldest boys. As soon as spring opened they purchased a yoke of oxen and an old wagon, and thus equipped set out for Crawford county, where they arrived the first week in April. They located on eighty acres, which had been entered by the father during their stay in Columbiana county, and on arriving in Crawford county he purchased an adjoining eighty acres for one hundred and forty-five dollars. The improvements on this tract consisted of a miserable lob cabin, and there the family found refuge until they had time to build a more comfortable one, in which there was scarcely a nail used in construction. About one year later the father bought another eighty acres, for one hundred and forty dollars. In those days each settler felt honorably called upon to assist every other, and soon after his location the father was asked to assist a man by the name of Ludwig Geiger to raise a cabin. By some accident a pole fell upon Mr. Pfleiderer and broke his right leg. This was a terrible discouragement, for there was so much work to be done in the clearing of land and improving the farm. No clearing had yet been done and no crops could be started, but fortu- nately he had brought some means with him, and the money earned by him
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