USA > Ohio > Crawford County > A centennial biographical history of Crawford County, Ohio > Part 17
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On the 9th of April, 1890, Dr. Duncan was united in marriage to Miss Adelaide H. Young, of Lisbon, Ohio. She died June 24, 1899, leaving three daughters, namely: Carol, Ethel Elizabeth and Lois Emma. She was the only daughter of Colonel G. I. Young, who was military secretary to Gov- ernor Tod and served on the governor's staff during his term of office. After- ward he was for four years in the war department at Washington and then returned to Lisbon, where he became editor and proprietor of the "Buckeye State." He died suddenly, of lung hemorrhage, in the capitol at Columbus, January 27, 1871, while representing Columbiana county in the state legisla- ture. He was the only son of Peter Young, whose father came from Holland to America and settled near Lisbon, Ohio, in 1807.
Dr. Duncan is a member and elder of the First Presbyterian church of Bucyrus and was a commissioner from the Presbytery to the general assembly of the church in 1897. He was a member of the board of health of Bucyrus for six years after its organization, but resigned to accept the position of health officer of the city. AA year later he resigned, for the work interfered with the performance of his professional duties.
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JOHN GEBHARDT.
John Gebhardt, whose identification with the commercial interests in Bucyrus is not only of benefit to himself but of value to the community through the promotion of commercial activity, was born in Holmes township, Crawford county, on the old family homestead two miles north of Bucyrus, September 16. 1859. As the name indicates, the family is of German lineage, and Adam Gebhardt, the father of our subject, was born in Baden, Germany, on the 15th of September, 1815. Emigrating to the United States, he located in Craw- ford county, Ohio, in 1848. immediately after landing in this country. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Wittner, and to whom he was married in Germany, died only six months after their arrival in this country, leaving two children, viz: Eva, wife of Philip Whittmer, of Pauld- ing county. Ohio, and Elizabeth, deceased wife of Jacob Defenbacher. He subsequently wedded Susan Brand, also a native of Baden, this marriage being celebrated at Bloomville, Seneca county, Ohio, in 1851. On the farm where he first located in Crawford county the father continued to reside until the time of his death, which occurred August 27, 1897. His widow is still living and re- sides with his daughter on the old home place two miles north of Bucyrus, The children of this marriage are: Catherine, wife of J. C Krauter ; Caro- line, wife of William Krauter, a brother of her sister's husband, and both are energetic business men of Crawford county; Jacob, who resides in Ada, Hardin county, Ohio; Susan .\., wife of A. Michaelis, who is engaged in sad- dlery and harness-making business in Bucyrus ; and John, of this review.
In taking up the personal history of John Gebhardt, we present to our readers the life record of one who has a wide acquaintance in Crawford and ad- joining counties. The old home farm was the scene of his youthful labors and pleasures. He worked upon the farm through the summer months and at intervals attended school, obtaining a good English education. His time was thus passed until eighteen years of age. In 1891 he began auctioneering in connection with George McNeal. His first attempt at this business was made at a stock sale on the farm of Mr. Murphy, just west of Bucyrus. He is said to have become greatly frightened at the sound of his own voice as he began his duties there, but with resolute will he conquered his timidity, and, not dismayed by this beginning, he has persevered until he is to-day regarded as one of the best auctioneers in northern Ohio. In conducting this business he speaks both English and German. In 1892 he extended his field of labor by joining J. W. Snavely in the butchering business in Bucyrus, and this they con-
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tinued until 1898, when they sold their market to George Tuttle, but in May, 1899, Mr. Gebhardt repurchased the business from Mr. Tuttle, and with his son, Cleo E., is now operating the market on North Sandusky street. They carry a large line of first-class meats, and their obliging manner and earnest desire to please their customers have secured to them a gratifying patronage.
In 1881 Mr. Gebhardt was united in marriage to Miss Emma C. Vollrath, a daughter of F. A. and Caroline (Ashbacher ) Vollrath, of Bucyrus. Two children have been born unto them: Jeanette S., born November 20, 1882; and Cleo E., born May 24, 1886. The former is an accomplished young lady of eighteen years and the latter is a bright and enterprising youth of fourteen, who now ocupies the responsible position of bookkeeper and assistant manager in his father's extensive meat and provision house in Bucyrus.
Mr. Gebhardt, of this review, has served in several positions of public trust. He was associated with the management of the Crawford County Agricultural Society and is now its president, having served as director and vice-president. Throughout his entire life he has supported the principles of Democracy, doing everything in his power to advance the party's interests. At the Democratic primary election held in April, 1901, Mr. Gebhardt was nominated for sheriff of the county, the nomination being equivolent to an election, as the county is overwhelmingly Democratic. He is a member of the German Lutheran church.
CHARLES B. SHUMAKER.
Since 1865 Charles Baker Shumaker has been a resident of Galion and has long been accorded a position of prominence in connection with public affairs and as an honored representative of business interests. Many are his, individual characteristics that win for him the high regard of those with whom he is associated. He is a native of the Keystone state, his birth having oc- curred in Northumberland county. His father, John Shumaker, was born in Schuylkill county. Pennsylvania, and is a son of John Shoemaker, Sr. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Catherine Baker, and she, too, was a native of Schuylkill county. The subject of this review was reared in Williamsport. Lycoming county, and acquired his education in the public schools and afterward engaged in clerking in a general store for several years. In 1865 he came to Galion, where he has since continuously made his home. For eight years he was employed in the railroad shops and in 1873 was elected
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constable for Polk township, serving for one term of four years, after which he was made justice of the peace. Through a long period he has been con- nected with the insurance and real-estate business, handling much valuable property and conducting many important real-estate transactions. He has a very comprehensive knowledge of the value of realty and is thus enabled to make judicious investments and to advise his clients so that they will purchase property that will bring to them a good return. His time has also been occupied by official duties, which have ever been discharged in a manner so as to win him the commendation and respect of all con- cerned. In the year 1878 he was elected justice of the peace and was again chosen to that office in 1881, 1883. 1886, 1889 and 1899. He filled the position for fifteen consecutive years and then after an interval was again elected, so that he is now serving his sixth term. He discharges his duties with the utmost impartiality and has "won golden opinions from all sorts of people." Law and order find in him a careful guardian, and no higher testi- monial of his efficiency could be given than the fact that he has been so long in office. He has also been honored with other official positions by his fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth and ability. In 1885-6 he filled the position of mayor, and in 1890 and 1891 was a member of the city council. In both capacities he exercised his prerogatives in support of every measure calculated for the general good, and his labors were effective, beneficial and far- reaching in their influence.
On the 3Ist of December, 1857, Mr. Shumaker was united in marriage to Miss Rachel A. Smith. a daughter of Asa and Letitia Smith and a native of Williams county, Ohio. Unto them have been born nine children, of whom four died in early life. The eldest, AAlice, became the wife of Theodore Stewart, of Dayton, Ohio, and died January 28, 1891, at the age of forty-two years, leaving two children, Charles Theodore and Helen. Thomas M .. the second of the family, pursued his education in the schools of Galion and entered the railroad service in the freight office of the Big Four road at this place. He has worked his way upward step by step, his close application, energy and ability winning him advancement through all the grades until he is now occupy- ing the very important and responsible position of traffic manager for the Union Pacific Railroad Company, having charge of the Oregon Short Line, with headquarters at Salt Lake City. He was for several years manager of the Continental Fruit Express Company. Clara, the third member of the family, is now the wife of George Stoltz, a resident farmer of Whetstone township. Sarah Emma is the wife of William Neff, of Polk township.
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Wilbert A., who was graduated in the high school of Galion with the first honors of his class of eighteen, engaged in teaching school here for one year and then went to Chicago, where for several years he was in the employ of the Illinois Steel Company. He now ocupies a splendid position with Armour & Company, as manager of the transportation department. He married Miss Cunningham, of Salt Lake City.
For thirty years Mr. Shumaker has been a member of the church of Christ, with which all of his family are identified. In his political views he is a stalwart Democrat, believing that the principles of the party are best adapted to secure the welfare of the nation. For thirty-five years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge, for sixteen years was its treasurer and also belongs to the encampment. He has made good use of his opportunities, has prospered from year to year and has conducted all busines matters carefully and successfully, displaying special aptitude for successful management. He has not per- mitted the accumulation of a competence to affect in any way his actions to- ward those less successful than he and always has a cheerful word and pleas- ant smile for those with whom he comes in contact. He is a splendid type of manhood, honorable and honored, and in the history of his native county he well deserves mention.
WILLIAM L. ALEXANDER.
On the roster of county officials in Crawford county appears the name of William Lewis Alexander, who is now serving as treasurer, having entered upon the duties of the office on the 3d of September. 1900, for a term of two years. He has long figured conspicuously in connection with public affairs, and his patriotic devotion to the general good is widely rec- ognized. Crestline is his place of residence, and in Richland county, Ohio, four miles east of Crestline, he was born October 14. 1865, his parents being Isaac Newton and Sophia ( Shifler) Alexander. On the paternal side he is of Scotch lineage. Several centuries ago, however, the ancestors removed from Scotland to the north of Ireland. His great-grandfather, Jacob Alex- ander, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1780. G. W. Alexander, the grand- father of our subject, is still living in Hocking county, Ohio, and has passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey. He was born in Hocking county September 1, 1819, and for many years was engaged in farming and school
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teaching. The grandmother was born in the same county as was her hus- band, the date being October 4, 1815.
Isaac N. Alexander, the father of our subject, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, September 17. 1843, and from his native county removed to Richland county, and thence, soon afterward, to Crestline. There he was in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for some nineteen years, being thus employed at the time of his death. He took quite an active interest in public affairs, was elected and served as a member of the city council, and was also a member of the city school board. In Richland county he was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Shifler, who was born in that county July 15, 1840. Her parents came from Pennsylvania to the Buckeye state and cast in their lot with the early settlers of Richland county. Mr. Alexander died at Crestline, Crawford county, April 10, 1889, in his forty-sixth year, but he is still survived by his widow. There is also another living son. Frank O. Alexander, who makes his home in Toledo, Ohio.
In taking up the personal history of William L. Alexander we present to our readers the life record of a popular and prominent citizen, who is both widely and favorably known in Crawford county. He pursued his education in Crestline, in the public schools, and in 1882 entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a telegraph operator at Crestline, occupying that position until 1894. His fitness for publie duties and public honors has led to his selection for a number of positions of trust and respon- sibility. He abandoned the profession of telegraphy on account of being appointed by President Cleveland to the position of postmaster of Crest- line, in 1894, and served in that capacity for four years. He was a mem- ber of the city council of Crestline for two terms, and for one term of three years served as a member of the school board, having been president of the board for one year. The cause of education found in him a warm friend, whose labors in its behalf were effective and beneficial. In 1899 he was nominated for the office of county treasurer, and, having been elected, entered upon his duties on the 3d of September, 1900. He is a faithful custodian of the public exchequer, prompt and reliable in the .discharge of the trusts reposed in him. He has long been a recognized leader in Democratic circles and served for three years on the county central Democratic committee of Crawford county.
In 1891 Mr. Alexander was united in marriage, in Toledo, Ohio, to Miss Carrie Evelyn Vineia, a daughter of F. H. and Harriet (Johnson) Vincia, of French descent. Mrs. Alexander was born in Toledo, Ohio.
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They now have four children, namely: Egie Mina, Guy Stanley, Harriet Elsie and Dodge Vineia. The parents hold membership in the English Lutheran church, in which Mr. Alexander served as trustee for ten years. Prominent in the Masonic lodge of Crestline, he has served in all of its offices and is regarded as one of its exemplary representatives. He is also connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Bucyrus.
Mr. Alexander has passed his entire life in this portion of Ohio, and he has become widely known, his characteristics being such as to commend him to the confidence and regard of those with whom he has been associated. He is known as a man of sterling integrity, of strong convictions and fear- less in support of what he believes to be right. He has a large circle of friends, who have been won and are being retained by his mental ability, his attractive personality and his outspoken devotion to the best interests of the community.
JOHN G. HERBOLD.
John G. Herbold is engaged in the undertaking business in Galion, having carried on operations along this line since 1885, but the establishment of which he is at the head has been numbered among the business interests of the city since 1862. Mr. Herbold is a native of Galion. His father, Philip Herbold, was born in Baden, Germany, pursued his education in the schools of that country and about 1848 sought a home in the United States, first locating in Buffalo, New York. He afterward came to Ohio, taking up his abode in Galion, and in 1862 he opened a furniture store and undertaking establish- ment, which are still carried on. He was proprietor of both departments for forty-nine years and then divided the business, his son assuming the manage- ment of the undertaking, while Mr. Herbold continued in charge of the furni- tuire store. He carries a large and well selected stock of goods, and, though now eighty-one years of age, he daily gives his attention to business. Such a record should put to shame many men who, grown weary of the struggles and labors of business life, would relegate to others the burdens which they should bear. He is still hale and hearty and is an honored and valued representa- tive of the commercial interests of his adopted city. He married Frederica Feldman, a native of Germany, who died in 1895, at the age of sixty-seven years. They were the parents of four sons,-John George, Gustavus, Philip H. and Adam, all residents of Galion.
John George Herbold, whose name forms the caption of this review, was
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reared under the parental roof, and to the public school system of Galion he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. After putting aside his text-books he entered his father's employment, becoming familiar with the business. He also attended the Oriental School of Embalming, at Boston, Sullivan's Embalming School, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Barnes Embalming School, of Chicago, while for a time he was associated as a student under Mr. Clark, of Cincinnati. He is one of the most efficient and capable embalmers in the entire state, and for his work in this direction is known throughout the northern part of Ohio, where his services are continually in demand. He was the first undertaker to introduce the ambulance and invalid coach in Crawford county, and has the only one in the county at the present time. He remained in business with his father until 1895, when he assumed charge of the under- taking department, of which he has since been sole proprietor. He has a liberal patronage, which is well deserved, and his labors bring to him a good income.
In 1895 occurred the marriage of Mr. Herbold and Miss Ester Burgener, of Galion, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Bergener, pioneer residents of this portion of the state and natives of Germany. Socially Mr. Herbold is connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge, of Galion, in which he is past chancellor. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a representative of the Modern Woodmen of America. Although reared in the Reformed church, of which his people are members, he is now identified with the Presbyterian church. Having long resided in this city, he has a wide acquaintance among its residents, and in social circles as well as in business. life he is highly esteemed.
CAPTAIN C. H. MUELLER.
Captain Mueller is so well known in business and military circles that he needs no introduction to the readers of this volume. He has long been a conspicuous and honored factor in both walks of life and his history cannot fail to prove of interest. He is a young man of sterling worth, popular, genial and courteous, and wherever he is known he wins the friendship of those with whom he comes in contact. He was born in Carey, Ohio, in 1869, and is of German lineage, for his father, John Jacob Mueller, was a native of Hesse- Castle, in the province of Darmstadt, Germany, where he lived until fourteen years of age, and in that period acquired his education in accordance with the laws of his native land. He then came to America, and at the time of the
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Civil war he manifested his loyalty to his adopted country by entering the Union army, enlisting in 1862, among the boys in blue of Company K, Fifty- fifth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. He joined the service at Upper San- dusky as a private, and with his command proceeded to the front. He ac- companied Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea, which showed that the strength of the Confederacy was exhausted. He took part in the battle of Lookout Mountain, and was in the hotly contested engagements at Gettys- burg. Missionary Ridge, Reseca, Buzzards' Roost and other places where sanguinary engagements tested the courage and strength of both armies. When the war was over he received his honorable discharge and with a most creditable military record returned to his home. In 1876 he took up his abode in Galion, where he is still living, and throughout the period of his residence here he has been a representative of the mercantile interests of the city. The prosperity of every community depends upon its commercial activity, and Mr. Mueller has been one who has taken an active part in ad- vancing business growth. He now retains pleasant relationship with his old army comrades through his membership with the Grand Army of the Republic. He married Elizabeth Wright, a native of Petersburg, Virginia, and a representative of a family prominent in connection with the Con- federacy. Mr. and Mrs. Mueller are members of the Reformed church of Galion.
Captain Mueller, of this review, was a lad of only five summers when brought by his parents to this city, where he has continuously resided, en- joying the pleasures and advantages of school life, after which he put aside his text-books to learn the more difficult lessons in the school of experience. He is now associated with his brother, George Franklin Mueller, under the firm name of Mueller Brothers, in conducting the largest merchant tailoring establishment in the city. They employ quite a large force of workmen, and their skill and ability in the line of their chosen calling is such as to retain for them a large share of the public patronage. In fact their business sur- passes in volume and importance that of any other individual or firm in the same (line in the city. They also have a large and well selected stock of goods to display to their patrons, and the work executed in their establishment is ever of high grade.
The patriotic spirit which prompted the father's enlistment as a defender of the Union has been manifest in the son, who is well known in military circles. He has ever taken a great interest in military affairs, is fa- miliar with tactics and early learned that a soldier's first duty was obedi-
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ence. He commanded the High School Cadets in 1898. On the 12th of March, 1900, he joined the Eighth Ohio National Guard, as captain of Company L, a position which he still occupies. Skillful in maneuver and accurate in marksmanship, he has also been captain in the uniformed rank of the Junior Order in Galion for one year. While Captain Mueller ever maintains discipline, he is also just and considerate of those who serve under him, and the most amicable relations exist between him and his troops.
GEORGE W. DIDIE.
George W. Didie is one of the native citizens of Bucyrus, his birth having occurred here April 21, 1848. He is also recognized as one of the important factors in political circles, and through many years has been con- tinued in office, a fact which indicates in an unmistakable manner his ability and fidelity to duty, for though men may win office sometimes through un- worthy means, when they are incapable of performing the duties the judg- ment of the American people is too accurate to permit of their continuance in positions of public trust. Through many years Mr. Didie has served his fellow townsmen in office, and his labors have been of value to the city, for his administration of public affairs is ever business-like and progressive. His father, Washington Didie, was a carpenter and builder and spent his last days in Bucyrus, passing away in 1882, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife bore the maiden name of Maria Layman and was a daughter of Christian and Mary ( Botts) Layman, who came from Berks county, Penn- sylvania, to Ohio. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Isaac Didie, who resided in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. His people were formerly from Philadelphia and originally from France. John Didie, the great-great- grandfather of our subject, came from France to the new world and with patriotic spirit aided the colonists in their struggle for independence. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject was a native of Holland, and his family resided upon a farm which Major Andre made his headquarters during the Revolutionary war.
Mr. Didie, of this review, pursued his education in the schools of Bu- cyrus, completing the high school course, and after putting aside his text- books entered upon his business career, being connected with several lines of trade, and for three terms he engaged in teaching school in Indiana, but since 1874 he has been almost continuously in public service, filling many positions of trust and responsibility. In the year mentioned he was elected
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