USA > Ohio > Crawford County > A centennial biographical history of Crawford County, Ohio > Part 26
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GEORGE W. HEINLE.
Prominent among the successful farmer residents of Bucyrus township, who is known and esteemed as one of the industrious and upright citizens, is George W. Heinle, whose birth was in this township, on what is now known as the Ben Sinn farm, on February 18, 1845. His parents were John G. and Maria ( Leitzy) Heinle, both of whom were born in Wurtembery, Ger- many, but were married in America, having come to this country on the . same vessel. The father was accompanied by his brother, Mathias Heinle, and the mother came with her parents, who settled about one mile north of Bucyrus, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Both of the parents of our subject were about eighteen years old, and the friendship formed on board the ship continued for three years, by which time Mr. Heinle had become established, and then they were married, settling first in Bucyrus township, but soon after purchased land in Holmes township, where they ever after lived. The mother died in 1897, aged seventy-five years, and the father survived until 1899, when he was eighty-one. Their eight children were: Eliza, Francis, George W., Catherine, Mary Ann, John M., Philip and Joseph, all of whom survive. Although Mr. Heinle had but one dollar when he landed in America, he accumulated a fair estate, by the exercise of in- dustry and economy, and was well known as one of the pioneers who did his full share toward the development of the resources of Crawford county. Mr. Heinle was present at the land sale, when the Indians disposed of a vast tract
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of land in the northwestern portion of the county. He could relate many very interesting tales of the Indians, who were still numerous when he settled in the county. Both he and wife were consistent and worthy members of the German Lutheran church and were universally respected by all who knew them, and reared a family which has reflected credit, not only upon them, but also on the community. All were reared on the farm, were given a common- school education and taught in the household those principles of honesty and industry which have been useful in their lives until the present day.
George W. Heinle remained at home until he was twenty-six years old, marrying at that age, and then settled down as a farmer, passing the first five years in Holmes township, and then moving to Bucyrus township, where he has since remained. His business in life has always been that of a farmer and stock-raiser and his industrious efforts have been amply rewarded. He now owns a fine, well-improved farm of one hundred and forty-three acres and is able to enjoy all of the comforts of life.
The marriage of Mr. Heinle was to Matilda Zimmerman, a daughter of Martin Zimmerman, a pioneer of Crawford county, coming here from his native place, Wurtemberg, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Heinle have three chil- dren : Susan, Amos and James. Susan married Willian Traxler, a farmer of Bucyrus township, and Amos married Blanch Mason, and is also a farmer in this township, both of them residing near enough to their parents to be able to enjoy their companionship.
Mr. and Mrs. Heinle are consistent members of the German Lutheran church and are among the most respected residents of the county. In pol- itics Mr. Heinle has always supported the men and measures of the Demo- cratic party, but has never been an office-seeker. All his life he has been frugal and industrious and has honestly earned the comfort which now is his.
REV. GEORGE MATHER.
Rev. George Mather is one who has had signal influences in Galion. where. as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, he has labored among the people for many years. There often seems a barrier between the representatives of the ministry and the men in business life, but this is not so in the case of Mr. Mather. He is in close touch with the people. has their confidence and regard in an unusual degree and enjoys the warm friendship of many of the residents of this city in all walks of life. He is a native of England, his birth having occurred in Derbyshire, on the 17th of
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February, 1832. His grandfather lived to be ninety-six years of age and was never ill. For seventy-six years he was a member of one church. His son, the father of our subject, was a well known resident of his locality in England, where he had charge of railways and mines. In his native land our subject was educated as a civil engineer, after which he was employed in Cambridgeshire and North Wales on the Cambridge & Newmarket and the Chester & Holyhead Railroads. After coming to the United States he spent two years as civil engineer in southern Ohio, in the employ of what is now the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. His education was com- pleted in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, with the class of 1858, and for the four succeeding years he was professor of natural science and mathematics in the female department of that institution. On the expiration of that period he began regular ministerial work, but previous to this time had engaged in the preaching of the gospel, entering the min- istry at the age of twenty-six years, as a member of the Central Ohio Conference. He has served as presiding elder of the Cleveland district for one term and of the Wooster district for one term, and in his church work he has met with excellent results, witnessing a wonderful growth in Meth- odism in this state and taking a very active part in promoting the labors of his denomination. In 1881 he came to Bucyrus, as pastor of the Methodist church of this city, remaining there through the full term of three years. In 1886 he was appointed to the church in Galion, where he also remained for three years, and in 1899 he took up his permanent abode in Galion, for his health does not now permit him to engage in active ministerial work. His influence and efforts have been far-reaching and beneficial. He took up his work with zeal and energy, and in the pulpit his words of wisdom and strength, supplemented by eloquence born of the theme and of the occasion, left their impress upon the minds of his hearers, and in a way this has produced much rich fruit.
In 1875 Rev. Mather was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Neal, a native of Knox county, Ohio, born near Fredericktown, and a daughter of the Rev. Thomas Neal, who was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and died many years ago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mather have been born two children .- Arthur, who is now a lawyer in Seattle, Washington, and Mary, who is successfully engaged in teaching in the schools of Galion.
Mr. Mather yet actively performs his work as a local member of the church, and is a public spirited citizen who is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the progress and welfare of his community. He does not
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belong to that class of ministers who, somewhat narrow-minded, feel that they have naught to do with the practical and active interests concerning political life and the duties of citizenship. With a full realization that this life is a preparation for the one to come he believes in performing each duty day by day and joining forces with the work of progress and improvement in all lines. He was elected mayor of Galion April 1, 1901. His high character and honorable purpose win him the good will and confidence of all with whom he is associated, and wherever known his influence is felt on the side of all that is right, true and beneficial.
WILLIAM ARBUCKLE.
William Arbuckle, a successful farmer, who for many years has car- ried on agricultural pursuits in Crawford county, makes his home on sec- tions 15 and 16. Bucyrus township. He was born in Juniata county, Penn- sylvania, on the 5th of September, 1832, a son of John and Isabella ( Innis) Arbuckle, who were also natives of the same county. The father was of Irish lineage and the mother was of both Irish and Scotch descent. Will- iam Arbuckle, the paternal grandfather, was likewise a native of the Key- stone state and there followed the occupation of farming. In the state of their nativity the parents of our subject were married and then took up their abode on a farm, where were born unto them three children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being William and James. The last named died in Marion county, Ohio, in 1874. The mother passed away in Pennsylvania, in 1851, at the age of forty years, and in 1853 William Arbuckle came to Ohio, settling in Marion county. The following year he and his father re- moved to Macon county, Illinois, the father remaining in that state until 1862, when he became a citizen of Bucyrus, which was his place of abode for four years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Pennsylvania, where his death occurred about 1893, when he was eighty-six years of age. He was a second time married, Mary Dobbs becoming his wife.
In the common schools, William Arbuckle of this review, pursued his education and in his early youth he worked on the home farm. Later he was employed by others, but his father received his wages until he had attained his majority. For six years he was employed as a salesman in one store in Penn- sylvania. As before stated he came to Ohio in 1853 and for one year engaged in clerking in Marion county, after which he went to Illinois. For seven years he resided in Macon county, that state, and was there engaged in the
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stock business, but in 1861 he returned to Marion county, where he again spent a year handling stock. In the spring of 1861 he went to New York with a shipment of stock and was in that city when Fort Sumter was fired upon.
In the spring of 1862, Mr. Arbuckle was united in marriage to Miss Susan Kerr, a daughter of James and Nancy ( Towers) Kerr, of Crawford county, Ohio, and then took up his abode upon his present farm in Bucyrus township, where he has now lived for almost forty years. At first the farm comprised one hundred and thirty-five acres, given his wife by her father, and to this he has since added sixty acres ; and his wife has a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Whetstone township, Crawford county. He makes a specialty of sheep-raising and has large flocks of fine sheep. His farm is well improved with modern accessories, indicating his careful super- vision and progressive spirit, and the place is characterized by neatness and thrift.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Arbuckle has been blessed with six chil- dren : James Franklin, who is living in Cleveland; Elmer, who died when four years of age; Clara, the wife of William Price, of Bucyrus; William I., who was a railroad brakeman and was killed on the road November 28, 1900, leaving a little daughter, Ethel, her mother, who bore the maiden name of Cora Sauer, being also deceased; Grace, the wife of Oscar S. Quaintance, of Whetstone township; and John K., at home. The parents are members of the Christian church, and in his political views Mr. Arbuckle is a Democrat, but he never seeks or desires office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs, in which he is meeting with creditable and gratifying success. He started out in life on attaining his majority, having no capital to aid him in the commencement of his business career, but by close applica- tion, industry, economy and perseverance he has gradually increased his possessions until he is now numbered among the men of affluence in the com- munity.
LOUIS K. REISINGER.
This well-known and popular proprietor of a drug store in Galion is also a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the city. He was born here, in 1852, and is a son of Dr. John S. Reisinger, one of the first practicing physicians of this locality. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Reis- inger, was a resident of Hanover, Pennsylvania, and married Susanna
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Schultz. Among their children was Dr. Reisinger, who was born on the 6th of October, 1811, in Hanover, Pennsylvania. He furthered his educa- tion in the Willoughby Medical College, in which he was graduated in 1845, and then continued the practice of medicine, to which he devoted his energies throughout his active business career. In 1832 he came to Galion, being one of the first physicians in the city. For thirty-four years he was a member of the medical fraternity here and throughout a long period was a leader in the line of his chosen calling. His patronage was extensive and of an im- portant character. He was also recognized as a leader of public thought and action. He was twice chosen to represent his district in the state legis- lature, serving from 1859 until 1862, and he left the impress of his individ- uality upon the laws that were enacted during that period. He carefully considered each question which came up for discussion and his support was given or withheld from a measure after due reflection. He was one of the founders of the German Reformed church of Galion, took an active part in its work, was known as one of its leaders and long served as one of its trus- tees. He held membership in the State Medical Society, which he joined in 1819. becoming one of its first representatives. He married Miss Sarah Ditzler, a daughter of Jacob Ditzler, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, the marriage being celebrated on the 13th of December, 1832. They became the parents of the following named children: Samuel D. Reisinger was a student in the Miami Medical College, of Cincinnati, in 1866, and was there taken ill with cholera. His father. Dr. Reisinger, went to that city in order to attend him and both the son and father died of the disease. The son was a member of the One Hundred and Ninety-first Regiment of the Ohio Volunteers in the Civil war, from 1863 to 1865, serving as hospital steward. George Z., the third of the family, spent his entire life in Galion, where for a quarter of a century he was engaged in the hardware business. He died in this city in 1900, at the age of fifty-three years. James P. died in July, 1900, at the age of fifty-one years, being at that time a resident of Kansas City, Missouri, where he was a prominent member of the stock exchange. Homer V. engaged in the practice of dentistry in Galion and died in 1886, at the age of thirty-three years. Sarah E. is the wife of James Leibert, of Pasadena, California ; Louis K., of this review ; and John, who died at the age of twelve years.
In taking up the personal history of Louis K. Reisinger we present to our readers the record of one who is widely and favorably known in the county. He pursued his education in the schools of Galion and then entered a drug store, where he became familiar with the business. His connection
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with this line of trade dates from 1873. He opened a store of his own in 1873 and has since conducted the enterprise with success, it proving very profitable to him. He carries a large and well selected line of drugs and other commodities kept in a first-class establishment of that kind and his trade is constantly and steadily increasing, his business methods commending him to the confidence and patronage of the public.
Mr. Reisinger was united in marriage to Miss White, of Fremont, Ohio, daughter of William B. and S. A. White. Her father served for four years in the Civil war. Their marriage has been blessed with three daughters and a son, namely : Estella, who graduated in the high school of Galion and is now the wife of E. R. Lovett, of Delaware, Ohio; Alice, who was also graduated in the high school; Rollin Ditzler, who completed the high school course and is now associated with his father in business; and Ethel, who is one of the graduates of the Galion high school. The family attend the Pres- byterian church, in which Mr. Reisinger holds membership. He is a Demo- crat in his political affiliations, and socially he is a prominent Mason, be- longing to the blue lodge and to the Scottish rite, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the Mystic Shrine and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and for fifteen consecutive years he has been a member of the school board, having acted as its secretary since 1900. He is interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of his city and his labors have been of benefit to the public along many lines.
REUBEN STAHLEY.
Reuben Stahley is now living in Crestline. He was for many years an active factor in public affairs and his official career is without blemish, for he discharged his duties in a manner at once prompt, capable and trustworthy. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, January 25, 1852, and is descended from Revolutionary stock. His paternal great-grandfather, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, was proprietor of a hotel, which he was conducting at the time the Revolutionary war was inaugurated. The spirit of inde- pendence burned strong within him, and when the colonies attempted to throw off the yoke of British tyranny he joined the Pennsylvania troops and served throughout the conflict. He was with Washington in the memorable winter at Valley Forge, where the army suffered untold hardships, but at the same time manifested the spirit of resolution, which was the potent factor in
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winning independence for the country. When victory had crowned the army MIr. Stahley returned to his Pennsylvania home, and in connection with general farming he conducted a hotel, remaining in Pennsylvania until his demise. His son, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, that state, and was a clock-maker by trade. He removed to Stark county, Ohio, at an early period in the development of that section of the state and was there engaged in the manufacture of clocks, building up a good trade. His death occurred when he had attained the venerable age of eighty-three years.
Jacob Staliley, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1815, and in early life learned the tailor's trade, which he followed through many years. In 1840 he became a resident of Stark county, Ohio, where he conducted a tannery until his removal to Crawford county, making the journey on one of the first trains that ran over the Pennsyl- vania road. In Crestline he opened its first clothing and tailoring shop and received a liberal patronage from the best class of citizens, his large and constantly increasing business gaining for him a good income. He was also a leader in public thought and action and his opinions carried weight among his friends and neighbors, who, recognizing his ability, called him to public office. For two terms he served as mayor of the city, and his ad- ministration was practical, business-like and progressive. He exercised his official prerogatives in support of all measures for the general good and in- troduced many needed reforms and improvements. He was a member of the board of education and was one of the promoters of the movement which led to the erection of the west school building. He continued to make his home in Crestline until his death, which occurred in 1873. In early man- hood he married Rebecca Moser, a native of Pennsylvania, who was born in Berks county, near Reading, whose father was a near relative of Governor Heister, of the Keystone state. Mrs. Stahley's mother, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Ludwig, was also born in Pennsylvania, but spent her last days in Crawford county.
In taking up the personal history of Reuben Stahley we present to our readers the life history of one who is widely and favorably known and whose upright character has commended him to the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated. In his boyhood he came to Crawford county and has since been a resident of Crestline. In the public schools here he acquired his primary education, but completed it by a course in the Ohio University, at Delaware, after which he returned to his home and took up
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the practical duties of a business career. For fifteen years he was employed by the American Express company at this place and was a trusted representa- tive of that corporation. For four years he was postmaster of the city and for six years he filled the office of county auditor, discharging his duties in a manner that enabled him to retire from the office as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of all. For twelve years he was a member of the school board and for some time served as its president, the cause of edu- cation finding in him a warm friend, who had strict regard for the best interests of the schools, and is at present serving as one of its directors. He was also a member of the county board of school examiners for nine years, and his political support has ever been given to the Democracy, his labors in its behalf being efficient and valuable.
JACOB LUST.
The farming interests of a country are apt to have great influence in determining the position that country occupies in the world. In a like degree such is the case with a county, and Crawford county, Ohio, is most fortunate in having its agricultural affairs so well looked after. Among those of this county who have become well and, favorably known as excellent farmers able to bring from the soil an abundant harvest, is Jacob Lust, one of the progressive and successful citizens of Holmes township. The birth of Jacob Lust was in Lykens township, in this county, on March 17, 1855, a son of David and Catherine (Yeiter ) Lust, and he was one of a family of ten chil- dren, all of whom still survive. These are: Jacob; Elizabeth, the wife of William Heiber, of Liberty township; Simon, of Liberty township: Mary, the wife of Philip Cook, of Whetstone township; Noah, of Whetstone town- ship; Sarah, the wife of William Hayden, of Mount Gilead, Ohio; Lydia, the wife of Isaac Stump, of Lykens township; Wesley, of Holmes township; Abe, of Holmes township; and Amos, of Lykens township.
David Lust, the father of our subject, was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1829, his parents dying when he was still an infant. He was taken by his uncle, Conrad Lust, and was reared through his boyhood by him, earn- ing his own way by working for his relatives. In 1832 the family came to Crawford county, settling in Chatfield township, and here David grew up to manhood and later married a most estimable lady. A tract of Indiana land had been left him, from his parents, and this he exchanged for one hundred and sixty acres, which comprises his farm in Lykens township. Here lie set-
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tled and has long been one of the successful farmers of the locality. At one time he owned five hundred and six acres, but has recently disposed of one hundred and four acres. His political sympathies make him a Democrat. For a great many years he has been a consistent member of the Methodist church, in which he held office for a lengthened period.
. Jacob Lust grew up in his comfortable and happy home and obtained his education in the public schools. In 1880 he was married to Miss Amanda Brown, a native of this township, who was born on the farm where the family now resides. After marriage Mr. Lust began domestic life on one of his father's farms, of one hundred and sixty acres, in Liberty township, and operated it for three years on shares; but in 1884, in partnership with his father, he purchased eighty acres in Bucyrus township and Jacob re- moved to that farm, residing upon that place until about 1893, when he purchased of his brother-in-law, George W. Brown, one hundred and four- teen acres of his present home farm, which was a portion of the old Brown estate. In the spring of 1900 our subject bought an additional thirty-five acres, making his present farm one hundred and forty-nine acres. This is an estate of which any agriculturist might be proud, well improved and cultivated.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lust numbered six, four of whom survive. Of those deceased, one died in infancy and Effie May died at the age of fifteen years. The others are: Lavern J. D., Leroy L., Leara E. and Gordon R.
The political belief of Mr. Lust retains him in the Democratic party and he has considerable influence through the township. He takes an active in- terest in educational matters, and for the past four years has acted as school director. In his immediate vicinity, where he is best known, he is most highly esteemed, and ranks as one of the representative men of Holmes township.
JOHN ENGLISH.
John English has for thirty-eight years been a resident of Galion and is one of its most esteemed and worthy citizens. His father, Samuel English, was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born in the year 1813, and on leaving the Keystone state took up his abode at Blooming Grove, Rich- land county, Ohio, about the year 1836. Here, in 1838, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Hall. who was a native of Richland county. Their union was blessed with the following children: William Henry, who was
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