USA > Ohio > Crawford County > A centennial biographical history of Crawford County, Ohio > Part 29
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There was a Rev. John Keller, a minister of the Reformed church, who prepared himself for the gospel ministry under the direction of the Rev. George Weiss, at Lancaster, Ohio, and who was licensed and ordained in New York, in 1827, by the synod of Ohio, and died in Erie county, New York, in 1852, in his fifty-second year. He was a member of this family of Kellers, a descendant of one of the brothers of "great-grandfather Philip" Keller. In all generations the Kellers have been noted for loyality to convictions and honesty of purpose and for the strength of their physicial constitutions.
Philip Keller was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, January 26, 1818. one of the eight children of John H. and Maria ( Engler ) Keller, who were named as follows: Philip; Anna, wife of Philip Ossman, of Bucy- rus, Ohio; Eli, a minister of the Reformed church at Allentown, Lehigh coun- ty, Pennsylvania; Amos, captain of Company C, Forty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who was killed at the battle of Stone River; Aaron, lieu- tenant of Company C, Forty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who was also killed in the same engagement ; Susan, who married J. B. Shumaker, of Tiffin, Ohio; Joseph A., who also saw service in the Civil war and who lives
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at Alliance, Ohio; Joel F., who lives in Liberty township, Crawford county, Ohio.
John H. Keller, father of Philip Keller, of Liberty township, was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1786, a son of Philip and Sarah ( Miller) Keller, both natives of Northampton county, Pennsyl- vania; he was born March 29, 1763, and she September 27, 1763. Sarah ( Miller ) Keller died October 16, 1804, and Philip Keller afterward married Susanna Niemeyer, who was born November 22, 1770, and died December 4, 1859, aged eighty-nine years and twelve days. Philip Keller died October 2, 1842, aged about eighty years. He was a son of Joseph Keller, the emi- grant, who as has been stated came to this country in 1737. He was a prominent farmer of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, where he died.
John H. Keller grew to manhood in his native county in Pennsylvania. and was educated in the common schools near his home and in due time mar- ried and settled down to farming and the operation of a gristmill. His father owned a large tract of farming land and was able to give each of his children a good start in life. After a time Mr. Keller gave his attention to surveying and became expert in such work. He long held the office of justice of the peace and was for several years judge of the court of common pleas of Northampton county, Pennsylvania. In 1856 he disposed of his holdings in Pennsylvania and came to Crawford county, Ohio. He had come out the previous year and contracted for two farms,-the Rupert farm, of two hun- dred and sixteen acres in Sandusky township and the Souder farm of one hun- dred and eight acres in Liberty township. Upon their arrival in this county in 1856, Mr. Keller and his son Philip settled on the Rupert farm and his son Joel F. on the Souder farm. In the fall of that year Mr. Keller removed to Bucyrus, Ohio, where he lived until his death, which occurred September TO. 1867. In early life he was a Jackson Democrat, but he voted for Fre- mont for the presidency in 1856 and thereafter was an ardent Republican. For many years he was an elder in the Reformed church and in every relation of life was faithful to all trusts reposed in him and as a citizen stood deservedly high in the esteem of all who knew him. His wife, Susanna Engler, was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1797, a daughter of Casper and Susanna ( Niemeyer) Engler, and died in November, 1884. After the death of her father, her mother, Mrs. Susanna Engler, married Philip Keller, grandfather of the subject of this sketch.
Philip Keller, of Liberty township, Crawford county, Ohio, was reared on his father's farm in Pennsylvania and acquired a fair common-school edu-
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cation in German schools, but attended English school only three months; but his father was a constant student and his home was practically a school, where every night study was carried on by lamp light, from immediately after supper until late bedtime, the father being the teacher of a class constituted of his children. At the age of twenty-five. Philip began to teach school and taught four winter terms successfully. In January, 1846, he married Miss Hannah Stocker, a native of Northampton county, daughter of Francis and Barbara (Stofflet) Stocker, both of whom were of German parentage. After his marriage, he settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he leased from his father. In the fall of 1855, with his father and his brother Joel, he came to Crawford county, Chio, to prospect for land. His father had come out earlier the same year and desired his sons to see certain property before he contracted for it for them. The purchase of land in Sandusky and Lib- erty townships and the early removal of the father to Bucyrus have been re- ferred to. About ten years ago, Mr. Keller sold fifty acres of his original farm and bought his present home farm of seventy-five acres, on which his son John lived until his death. About 1895. Mr. Keller removed to his present homestead, leaving his son Amos on the old farm. To Mr. Keller have been born eleven children. His daughter Maria is dead. His daughter Mrs. Sabina Teel resides in Bucyrus, Ohio. His son John is dead. His daugh- ters Abbie and Ellen are members of his household. His daughter Lydia is the wife of C. S. Ackerman, carpenter, of Liberty township. Amos is man- aging the old homestead in Sandusky township.
In politics Mr. Keller is liberal and independent. He has been a life- long member of the Reformed church, but is tolerant of the religious views of others of all denominations. Now in his eighty-fourth year, his mental and physical preservation is remarkable. A diligent and studious reader all his life, he is a well informed man.
GABRIEL KESSLER.
Gabriel Kessler was born in Schuykill county, Pennsylvania, on the 30th of September, 1838, his parents being Daniel and Susanna ( Clouser ) Kessler. The family is of German lineage on both the paternal and maternal sides. The father of our subject was born in Schuylkill county, but his parents were both natives of Germany, having located in the Keystone state in early life. There Daniel Kessler was reared to manhood and began farming on his own account, acquiring a property of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1849, how-
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ever, he disposed of his interests there and came to Crawford county, Ohio, purchasing sixty acres of land in Liberty township, where he made his home up to the time of his death. Soon after his arrival he also bought a tract of land of eighty acres in Chatfield township, and his farming interests re- turned to him a good financial reward for his labors. He was a member of the German Reformed church and was a Democrat in his political views. His wife was also born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom six are yet living, namely: Paul, who makes his home in DeKalb county, Indiana ; Daniel, of Mercer county, Ohio; Mathilda, who resides in Liberty township. Crawford county ; Lucy, the wife of Peter Trumater, of Sandusky township, this county; and Catherine, who married Samuel Kurtz and is also living in Liberty township.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for Gabriel Kessler in his youth. His early boyhood days were passed on the old homestead in Pennsylvania and later he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio. He attended the common schools to a limited extent, but was largely engaged in clearing away the timber upon the new Ohio farm when he was at the school age. On attaining his majority he started out upon an independent business career as a farm hand in the employ of agri- culturists living in the neighborhood. Three years later he purchased a threshing machine, and for eleven years was engaged in its operation during the harvest season, receiving. a very liberal patronage and thus prospering. In 1871 he was enabled to purchase his present home farm of seventy-six acres. Since that time he has carried on agricultural pursuits on his own account, and his work has been crowned with a well merited and highly gratifying degree of success.
On the 7th of August. 1873. occurred the marriage of Mr. Kessler and Miss Sarah E. Clapper, a native of Warren county, Indiana, and a daughter of William and Julia A. ( Moore) Clapper, who came to Crawford county in 1864. The young couple began their domestic life upon the farm which has since been their home, and in 1884 Mr. Kessler rebuilded his barn and in 1886 erected one of the most attractive residences in this portion of the county. The latest improved machinery and all modern accessories are found upon his place, and the buildings stand as a monument to his thrift and enterprise. The home is well known for its gracious hospitality, which is enjoyed by many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Kessler. Unto our subject and his wife have been born eight children, of whom seven are yet living, namely: William A., a resident of Auburn township; and Charles E., Clara E .. Franklin S., Ada B.,
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Harvey A. and Mabel M., all yet under the parental roof. The parents hold membership in the German Reformed church, and Mr. Kessler exercises his right of franchise in support of Democratic principles and the men who are made the candidates of the party for office. His life has been one of untir- ing activity in agricultural circles, and he is known and honored for his fidelity to principle and his straightforward dealing.
JOHN WENTZ.
One of the prosperous, energetic and capable agriculturists of Crawford county is John Wentz, who makes his home in Bucyrus township, where he is engaged in the tilling of the soil and the raising of stock. He was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in Chambersburg, September 1, 1837, a son of John and Mary ( Monard) Wentz, both of whom were natives of Hesse, Germany. In early life, however, they came to the new world and were mar- ried in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1839 they removed to Blackford county. Indiana, settling in the midst of the forest and there they cleared and developed a farm, upon which they spent their remaining days. Of their children only John and his brother Jacob are now living.
John Wentz was only two years of age when his parents removed to the Hoosier state, and there amid the wild scenes of pioneer life he was reared to manhood, assisting his father in clearing away the forest trees and preparing the fields for cultivation. He never attended school for a single day until he was fifteen years of age, and after that attended for only a few weeks for two or three years. His entire attendance would not aggregate one year, but though he gained a limited education in the schoolroom he is a well informed man, gaining his knowledge through reading, observation and experience.
On the 26th of November, 1857, when twenty years of age Mr. Wentz was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Greenich, who was born in Waynes- burg, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jacob and Christina Greenich, who were also natives of the fatherland and early settlers of Crawford county, Ohio, whither they came with their daughter, Mrs. Wentz, when the latter was only five years of age. In the spring of 1858 Mr. Wentz and his young wife went to the place where his parents were living, in Blackford county, Indiana, and there he engaged in farming through the summer, but in the autumn of the same year he returned to Crawford county, where he purchased of his father- in-law ninety acres of land, situated on section 34, Holmes township. On
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this land he took up his abode, entering upon a successful career as an agri- culturist. He added to his landed possessions as he prospered and at one time owned nearly five hundred acres, a part of which he afterward sold but, at the present writing, in the summer of 1901, he owns more than three hun- dred and sixty acres of fine land, three hundred acres being within the borders of his home farm, on section 34. Holmes township, and sections 2 and 3. in Bucyrus township. The farm is under a high state of culti- vation and is well improved. Upon the farm are two residences. The one situated in Holmes township was his place of abode for thirty-one years, but after purchasing the old George Kent farm in Bucyrus township, he removed to the residence thereon in 1890, and two years later remodeled it into a con- venient and pleasant home.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wentz have been born the following children: Mary E., the wife of Thomas J. Caldwell, a farmer of Bucyrus township; Annette, the widow of John Beall : Clement L., at home ; Willis J., who wedded Mary Miller, is a farmer of Holmes township, residing on his father's old home- stead; Ora Alice, the wife of Hugh Dobbins, of Bucyrus township: Ida May, Emma Pearl and John Earl, all at home. They also lost one child, who died in infancy in 1870. The Wentz family is one of the most prominent in the county, its different members being highly respected for their sterling worth.
In his political views Mr. Wentz is a stanch Democrat, but the honors and emoluments of public office have had no attraction for him. He has pre- ferred to give his time and attention to his farm interests and though he began business life as a poor boy he is to-day numbered among the prosperous farmers of the community as the result of his untiring industry, his determina- tion and his force of character. He is a public-spirited citizen and withholds his support from no movement or measure which he believes will prove of public benefit. His worth is widely acknowledged by those who have regard for true and upright character, and thus he has gained many friends.
CHARLES L. WHITMYER.
Charles L. Whitmyer, who is yard conductor of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad at Crestline, was born in Baden, Germany, April 15. 1845. His father, Michael Whitmyer, was also a native of this locality and was there reared, educated and married. He was a stone cutter by trade and in 1852 came to the United States, locating in New York City, where he died six months later. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Christina
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Bishop, was also a native of Baden and she only survived her husband three days. They were the parents of six children, one of whom died in the old country, one went upon the sea, crossing the Atlantic, and one in New York City, so that three children were the only ones living at the parents' death. These were: Anna, Charles L. and William, aged respectively, ten, eight and six years, when the parents were called away. They were then reared by strangers, and going to different families, were separated. The daughter is now the wife of George G. Herr, of Crestline, and William died in Mans- field, Ohio.
At the time of the father's death Charles Leonard Whitmyer was placed with a poor family and as soon as old enough he began to work, following any pursuit that would yield him a living. He spent a period of some time in New York City, where he acted as nurse. There he remained until 1854, when the children all came to Ohio together, locating in Akron, their home being with an aunt.
Our subject remained with his aunt for about three years, when, with his sister and brother, he went to Canal Fulton, Stark county, Ohio, where he lived for two years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Akron and a year later came to Crestline. In the vicinity of this city he worked for one summer as a farm hand, receiving three dollars per month in compensation for his services. After two years spent in Crestline, Mr. Whit- myer and his sister and brother went to Mansfield, Ohio, and he secured a situation as a porter in the Wyler House, where he continued for about two years. He then began working on the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark Rail- road. now the Baltimore & Ohio road, in the Lexington gravel pit, remaining with the company for one season, after which he returned to Crestline. In 1863 he engaged with the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad Com- pany to shovel coal at the coal pile and was thus employed for eight months, when he was made brakeman in the yard, acting in that capacity for three years. He was then made brakeman upon the road running between Crestline and Alliance, with Conductor Jake Fink. He had been engaged in that work for about six weeks, when, as the train ran out of Alliance and was about one and a half miles west of Orville, the cars separated from the rail while in full speed and Mr. Whitmyer was thrown to the ground and it seemed that he turned about twenty somersaults before alighting. He then went back to' Orville and telegraphed to the conductor that he was all right. On the next passenger train he went to Crestline. For about a week he was forced to remain at home on account of the injuries from his fall and then began
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work in the yard again as brakeman, which work he followed until he was promoted to yard conductor about 1874. In 1878 he was made assistant yard master and served in that capacity for about six years, when he again assumed the position of yard conductor and is now acting in that office, being the oldest yard conductor in Crestline by many years.
In 1864 Mr. Whitmyer was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Hass, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, where she was reared, and a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Brick) Hass, both of whom were natives of Germany and became early settlers of Richland county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Whitmyer have been born four children: Anna, wife of John Reindal, of Crestline; Charlie W., who married Miss Nettie Paden and is now a traveling sales- man, living in Chicago; Mary E., widow of John C. Adams, who was killed on the railroad in the Crestline yards in 1899: Ellen, wife of Irvin Bishop, of Crestline. They also have six grandchildren: Estella and Charles W. and Helen L. Reindal ; Ruth L. Adams : Elizabeth C. Whitmyer ; and Leona Gladys Bishop. Mr. Whitmyer is a member of the Railroad Brotherhood, the Crest- line Tent, No. 51, Knights of Maccabees, and of the Relief Society. He also belongs to the German Reformed church, and is a Democrat in politics. His life has been quietly passed, devoted to the promotion of the welfare of his community, being one of those substantial citizens, who at all times and under all curcumstances are faithful and loyal to their country, to their friends and the people.
ROBERT R. BLACK.
A representative of the medical fraternity of Galion, Robert Resee Black has already won an enviable position as a member of the profession, although he has engaged in practice for only a few years. He is a native of Knox county, Ohio, born in 1874, and is a son of Dr. John Luther Black, now de- ceased. The father was also born in Knox county, and was a son of William Black, one of the pioneer settlers of that locality, who is still living, at the advanced age of ninety years. He married a Miss Cornell, who probably came to this state from Pennsylvania. Dr. John L. Black pursued his professional education in Wooster University, of Cleveland, Ohio, now the Cleveland Med- ical College, and for about twenty years successfully engaged in practice it Democracy, Knox county, enjoying a large and lucrative business. He died in 1886, at the comparatively early age of forty-five years. His wife bore the maiden name of Fedora Sapp, and is a native of Knox county. She is still
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living, her home being in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Her father, Robert Sapp, was also numbered among the early settlers of Knox county.
Dr. Black, whose name introduces this review, pursued his literary edu- cation in the schools of Mount Vernon and of Democracy, Ohio. He began reading medicine under the direction of Dr. Russell, in 1891, and later con- tinued his studies in the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, being gradu- ated in that institution with the class of 1897. Immediately afterward he entered into business relations with his former preceptor, Dr. Russell, with whom he practiced in Mount Vernon, Ohio, for six months, after which he came to Galion, where he has since remained. The ambition and energy of young men are his, and, supplemented by a laudable determination to succeed, he will undoubtedly gain a foremost place in the ranks of the medical frater- nity, having already won success which many an older practitioner might well envy.
Dr. Black was joined in wedlock to Miss Lulu Knight Hall, of Mansfield, Ohio, a daughter of William B. and Margaret ( Knight) Hall, formerly resi- dents of Knox county, Ohio, where the father was extensively and success- fully engaged in farming and stock-raising. The Doctor and his wife now have one interesting little son, Robert Russell. The Doctor is identified with the Independent Order of Foresters. During his residence in Galion he has formed a wide circle of acquaintances, gained many warm friends and won a desirable position in the ranks of his chosen calling. In business affairs he is energetic, prompt and notably reliable, and as a student his researches and investigations are continually broadening his mind, fitting him in the highest degree for the responsibilities that rest upon him as a representative of the medical profession.
JEFFERSON I. SMITH. -
Jefferson I. Smith, who is serving as deputy auditor of Crawford county. and a resident of Bucyrus, is a well-known resident of this portion of Ohio, where his entire life has been passed. He was born in Lykens township. Crawford county, Ohio, in 1863, his parents being Frederick and Lucy Ann (Shupp) Smith. More extended mention of the parents is made in the biog- raphy of L. M. Smith. At the usual age he entered the public schools and pursued his studies until he had completed the high school course at New Washington, with the class of 1885. In the fall of that year he became editor of the Herald, published in New Washington, and continued his connection
J. Smith.
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with the paper until 1897, making it a representative Democratic journal of the county. He was a forceful, earnest and interesting writer and his editorials carried weight in forming public opinion in the county. While still connected with the paper Mr. Smith served for three terms as town clerk of New Wash- ington and was also a member of the board of education. He made a close study of the needs of his town and the improvements that would best advance its interests and in every way possible promoted the upbuilding and sub- stantial improvement of the place. Throughout his entire life he has been connected with the Democracy and for three years was a member, from Cran- berry township., on the Democratic county central committee, and for one year acted in the capacity of chairman. From 1890 until 1896 he was a mem- ber of the board of school examiners for the county and has been one of the state supervisors of elections since 1893. In 1897 he was appointed deputy auditor of Crawford county and in April, 1901, was nominated, without oppo- sition, the Democratic candidate for county auditor, and elected in November following. In every public duty he has manifested marked loyalty and trust- worthiness.
Mr. Smith was united in marriage in Wayne county to Miss Linnie Breneman, a daughter of J. H. and Lydia B. ( McNary) Breneman. They now have one son, Russell B. Mr. and Mrs. Smith hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He has been a very active worker in the Sunday- school, realizing the importance of youthful training. For five years he served as superintendent of the Sunday-school at New Washington, which made commendable progress under his direction and is now a teacher in the Sunday-school of the church at Bucyrus. Socially he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Knights of Pythias fra- ternity, of New Washington. He is a popular man. of genial and courteous- manner, and the circle of his friends is limited only by the circle of his ac- quaintances.
FERNANDO J. NORTON.
Fernando Jefferson Norton was born in Bucyrus, December 28. 1859. His father, Jefferson Norton, was a native of Pennsylvania, born February 26. 1825, and with his parents he became a resident of Bucyrus. After ar- riving at years of maturity he married Eleanor M. Byron, who was born March 9, 1824, and died March 18, 1882. At the usual age Mr. Norton, of this review, entered the public schools, where he acquired a good English
18
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education, after which he learned the trade of carriage wood working. When he had completed his apprenticeship he engaged in journeyman work with his father for a year and then took a contract to carry the mail from Bucyrus to Oceola. Susbsequently he extended his route to Benton, Buljoe and Wingert's Corners and was so employed for nine months. He then accepted a position as fireman on the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad and was employed in that capacity for two years and nine months, when he was injured in the perform- ance of his duties. This necessitated his retirement front labor for nine months, and on recovering he found that he would have to give up railroad work. He then secured a position in a machine shop, where he remained for a brief period. Prior to this he had erected a small greenhouse, fifteen by forty-five feet, and determining to leave the shop he decided to give his at- tention to gardening and the cultivation of flowers. He admitted his brother to a partnership in the business, under the firm name of Norton Brothers, and purchased six and a half acres of land, known as the Winner estate, north of Bucyrus. The relationship between the brothers was maintained for about a year, when Mr. Norton, of this review, became sole proprietor, purchasing his partner's interest. After two years he purchased the prop- erty on the corner of Spring and Charles streets and removed his greenhouse to that place. After conducting the business for about two years he returned to the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad as a fireman and on the completion of his apprenticeship was promoted to the position of engineer, running an engine on the road for three and a half years. He then left the railroad service, for his greenhouse business demanded all of his attention. About that time he erected two more greenhouses in Bucyrus and purchased and equipped a greenhouse at Nevada and three in Bucyrus, but after a time he moved the greenhouse from the former place to this city, combining the business so that he had over ten thousand feet of glass roof. He made a specialty of cut flowers and potted plants. AAlready he has an extensive and profitable business, but in the near future he expects to enlarge his facilities by in- creasing his greenhouses until he will have two thousand more feet under glass. The finest varieties of plants, shrubs and flowers may be seen here and Mr. Norton thoroughly understands the business, making him very competent to conduct the extensive enterprise which he now controls.
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