USA > Ohio > Crawford County > A centennial biographical history of Crawford County, Ohio > Part 79
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The fourth child was Miss Effie Monnett, an only daughter, who was born December 25, 1865. She attended private school and was fitted for the high school by her stepmother, graduating at the high school in 1884 and at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1888. She was fond of her classical studies but excelled in her mathematical grades in all her classes. On February 12, 1891, she was united in marriage to Smith W. Bennett, an active young at- torney of Bucyrus, who was afterward selected as special counsel in the office of attorney general at Columbus, Ohio, under F. S. Monnett, and still retains the same position under Attorney General Sheets. Two children were born
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of this marriage: Hugh Monnett and Grace Lizetta. Mrs. Effie Bennett failed in health late in the year 1896, and spent the fall and winter and the following summer in Alabama, Texas and New Mexico, and finally suc- cumbed to the dread malady, consumption, on the 27th of October, 1898, and was buried in Oakwood cemetery, Bucyrus, Ohio.
JOHN C. CAHILL.
Prominent among the eminently successful farmers of Crawford county, Ohio, is John C. Cahill, who is one of the most progressive and intelligent agriculturists of his locality and one who has raised his farming operations into a science. The birth of Mr. Cahill was on the farm which he now occupies, in Vernon township, on April 14, 1862, and he is a son of Richard Wallace and Catherine ( Richards ) Cahill, and was a member of a family of thirteen children born to his parents. The seven survivors of this once large family are: Eliza, who is the wife of Washington Cummins: James, who resides in Tiro; Isaac, who is an attorney in Bucyrus; Richard, an attorney who resides in Napoleon, Henry county, Ohio: Warren, who lives in this township : John C., the subject of this sketch : Jennette Gundrum, of Toledo, Ohio.
Richard W. Cahill, the father of our subject, was a distinguished citizen of Crawford county. He was born in Derby township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on March 6. 1801, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was a son of Abram and Nancy ( Wallace ) Cahill. His father was an officer in the state militia, and at one time had charge of all of the forces in western Penn- sylvania. In 1818 Richard W. Cahill removed with his parents to Wayne county, Ohio, in 1827 removed to Crawford county and later purchased the farm which our subject now occupies. In 1829 he married Miss Eliza Cum- mins, who died in 1843. To this union were born two children : Abraham, who became a distinguished lawyer of the Dayton, Ohio, bar ; and David C., now a practicing attorney of Bucyrus, Ohio. In 1844 he was married to Miss Catherine Richards. In 1841 Mr. Cahill was elected to the state legislature and was re-elected in 1842 and in 1843, serving his constitutency in an ad- mirable, non-partisan mannar. In 1850 he was elected a member of the Ohio constitutional convention, serving with distinction as a member of that body, In all his career, both public and private, the sympathies of Richard W. Catill were always with the great masses of the common people, and he was at all times an uncompromising foe of corporations. Mr. Cahill became a large land owner before his death, which took place on October 2, 1886. His
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home farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, while he also owned two hundred acres east of the town of DeKalb, one hundred and twenty acres in Auburn township, which is now the property of B. F. Lash, and other holdings. He was a power in the Democratic party and held many of the township offices besides his public service in the legislature and constitutional convention. He was known as a consistent Christian gentleman, and his de- clining years were comforted by the affection of all who knew him.
The mother of our subject was born in 1822, in Vernon township, which is now Jefferson township, a daughter of James Richards, who was the second settler in the township, appearing here in 1821. He was the first blacksmith in the locality, and shortly after the erection of his cabin built a small round- log shop. He made cow bells, prepared iron points for plows, hammered out and tempered axes, obtaining his supplies of iron from Sandusky City. Mr. Richards found much to do in repairing settlers' wagons that had become disordered in the long journey from the east. At this date there were but two roads in the township. The Columbus and Sandusky road, running north and south through the township, had been first cut out about the year 1818, and was simply a blazed path through the forest, from which undergrowth and fallen trees had been removed. The death of the mother of our subject was on February 28, 1898.
Jolın C. Cahill, whose successful farming operations, in connection with his prominent identification with all progressive movements in the township, has became an important factor in this part of Craword county, was reared on his father's farm. His primary education was completed in the public schools, from which he graduated into the normal college, at Ada, with a view of still pursuing higher branches in a university. However, his father was alone on the farm and needed his assistance, and in 1880 our subject returned to the old home and took charge of the operations there. His parents ex- perienced tender care as long as they lived, and after the death of his father he purchased the interest of the other heirs and now owns the old Cahill farm, with the exception of two small portions. Mr. Cahill is a thoroughly hon- orable man, liberal with his employes and generous of heart-destitution and poverty never appealing to him in vain. Modest and unassuming in manner, yet when drawn out in conversation his opinions are sound and valuable upon all questions which come under his observation. He is a scientific farmer, thoroughly up-to-date and manages his agricultural operations on the same basis that he would conduct any other business. Hence he has been unusually successful and many of his neighbors are inclined to follow his methods.
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Mr. Cahill was married in 1887, to Miss Mary Weirich, who was a native of Wayne county, Ohio, a daughter of Christian and Addie ( Miller ) Weirich, both of whom are now deceased. To our subject and wife have been born three children, as follows: Allen W., John R. and Edith, deceased. In politics he has been a life-long Democrat, and has been honored by his fellow citizens by election to many of the responsible offices of the township. For a considerable period he served as township trustee. At the present time he is serving his second term as clerk of the township, his efficiency and honesty making him one of the most highly esteemed officials in the county. Mrs. Cahill is a consistent member of the United Presbyterian church, and our sub- ject is usually an attendant upon the services there with Mrs. Cahill. For very many years the family name has been one which has commanded respect in Crawford county, and our subject is a worthy representative of it.
SILAS GUNDRUM.
Silas Gundrum, a representative citizen and leading farmer of Crawford county, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 14th of January, 1830, a son of John and Charlotte (Fogle) Gundrum. The father was also a native of the Keystone state, his birth occurring about 1797, and his father came from the fatherland to the United States. John Gundrum learned the blacksmith's trade early in life, but later devoted his time and attention to agri- cultural pursuits. About 1834 he came to Crawford county, Ohio, and about six months later located in Bucyrus township, where he purchased the farm of eighty acres on which our subject now resides. This place was then cov- ered with native timber with the exception of about three acres, which had been cleared by a Mr. Cox, the former owner, and to this tract the father after- ward added another eighty acres adjoining the place on the south and which is now owned by Lewis Heller. Thus he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he improved and placed under a fine state of cultivation, and he became known as one of the substantial and reliable citizens of the township. He passed to his final reward in 1862. He was an active supporter of the Democratic ticket and was a stanch member of the Lutheran church. His wife survived him but a few months, when she, too, passed away in death. Mr. and Mrs. Gundrum became the parents of sixteen children, sev- en of whom still survive, namely : Henry, a resident of Richland county, Ohio; Pasetta, wife of Arthur Cleland, of this county; Sarah, the wife of Isaac Cole, of Richland county, Ohio; Lovina, wife of Henry Cloyd, of Missouri; Michael,
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who resides in Steuben county, Indiana; Rebecca, wife of James Smith, of Tiffin, Ohio; and Silas, the subject of this review.
The latter was reared to manhood in the place of his nativity, there ac- quiring a limited education in the old pioneer log school house of his neigh- borhood. In 1856 he came to Bucyrus, Ohio, and learned the cabinet-maker's trade, but after two years spent in the city his father purchased his eighty-acre tract and, wishing the son to assist him in its cultivation, the latter located on that place, and in 1860 he and his brother Henry took charge of the farm, conducting the same on the shares. After the father's death Silas purchased the home farm and the brother became the owner of the adjoining eighty acres. On this place our subject has ever since continued to make his home, and his efforts in his chosen vocation have been attended with a high and well merited degree of success. His fields are under a fine state of cultivation, everything about the place being neat and thrifty in its appearance, and its owner stands among the foremost agriculturists of Crawford county.
On the 27th of June, 1861, Mr. Gundrum was united in marriage to Miss Lovina Buck, a native of Licking county, Ohio, and a daughter of John Buck. . Unto this union have been born eight children, as follows: John, a resident of Polk township, Crawford county; William, at home; Anna, de- ceased ; Joseph, who resides in Sandusky township, this county; Margaret, the wife of Albert Heller, of Sandusky township; Silas and Emma, twins, and both now deceased; and Frank, who is still under the parental roof. Mr. Gundrum is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democracy and is also a zealous member of the United Brethren church.
WILLIAM SHERMAN NYE.
William Sherman Nye, one of the leading business men and agriculturists of Crawford county, is a native son of the Buckeye state, his birth having oc- curred in Cranberry township, Crawford county, on the 9th of September, 1865. He is a son of Jonathan and Lovina (Immel) Nye. The father was born in Medina county, Ohio, on the 2d of March, 1823, his parents being Jonathan and Sabrina (Briggs) Nye. Jonathan Nye, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Massachusetts, in 1770, and the father, also named Jona- than, was a well known resident of Massachusetts. The latter was a son of Jonathan Nye, who was engaged in whale fishing, following that dangerous occupation for many years.
Jonathan Nye, the grandfather of our subject, was reared to manhood in
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his parents' home, receiving his education in the common schools of the neigh- borhood. After his marriage he engaged in farming pursuits on his own account, and a few years afterward he removed to the state of New York. where his wife died. He afterward married again, his second union being with Sabrina Briggs, the grandmother of our subject. By his first marriage he had seven children, all of whom are now deceased. Soon after his second marriage he came to Ohio, locating in Medina county, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of forest land, on which he erected a log cabin. As the years passed he cleared his land, there remaining until 1825, when he sold that property and came to Crawford county, here entering one hundred and sixty acres of forest land near what is now North Robinson. He cleared eighty acres of his land, giving the remaining eighty acres to two of his sons, and there he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1849. In 1853 his widow was also called to the home beyond, and at her death the farm passed into possession of Jonathan and Lorenzo Nye. In 1857 the brothers sold the place and came to Cranberry township, the former purchasing the farm which he yet owns, consisting of eighty acres, while Lorenzo became the owner of ninety-five acres just across the road from his brother. Lorenzo Nye was married, and his brother Jonathan boarded with him until his marriage, on the 21st of April, 1861, to Miss Lovina Immel, who was a native of Cran- berry township, her birth having occurred on the farm adjoining that which belongs to her husband, and was a daughter of Philip Immel, one of the early pioneers of this township. He emigrated from Pennsylvania, his na- tive state, his parents having been of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. After his marriage Philip Immel emigrated with his bride to the Buckeye state, making the journey by wagons, and after his arrival in Crawford county he entered eighty acres of land in Cranberry township, the deed being signed by Andrew Jackson. He erected a log cabin, and blankets were hung up for doors and to keep out the wolves. As time passed he cleared his farm and placed his fields under a fine state of cultivation, and there he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1885.
After his marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Nye began life in an old log cabin on his father's farm, and through this rude structure the wind whistled and the rain and snow were blown through the crevices, it being almost impossible in severe weather to keep from freezing to death. For five years they remained in that primitive dwelling, and in 1866 they erected their pleasant and com- modious dwelling, where they are now enjoying the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Six children blessed their union, three of whom still
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survive, namely: William Sherman, whose name introduces this review ; Albert Sheridan, an agriculturist of Cranberry township; and Eli Liberty, who is still at home. The father of these children is a Republican in his politi- cal views, and during the Civil war was a stanch abolitionist. Although not a member of any religious denomination his views are in harmony with the Methodist doctrine, and he has always given liberally of his time and means to its support. His life has been crowned with success, and he now enjoys the respect and esteem of all with whom he has become acquainted.
William Sherman Nye, the immediate subject of this review, was reared to manhood under the parental roof, and his educational advantages were those afforded by the common schools of his locality, and the G. W. Michael Business College, of Delaware, where he prepared himself for the teacher's profession. After receiving his certificate he had two different schools tendered him, but that occupation did not prove congenial to his tastes, and he accordingly aban- doned all thought of becoming a teacher. At the early age of fourteen years he began working on the farm, and from that time on the major portion of its work fell upon his young shoulders. When eighteen years of age he received his share of the crops, and for five years following his marriage he remained on the home farm, after which, in the spring of 1897, he purchased and re- moved to the place which he now occupies, consisting of eighty acres. He has placed his fields under a high state of cultivation, which annually yield to him golden returns, and he now ranks high among the influential and prom- inent agriculturists and swine-breeders of Crawford county.
On the 29th of November, 1891, Mr. Nye was united in marriage with Miss Zella M. Springer, a native of Cranberry township, and a daughter of S. S. Springer, now deceased. Two children have graced this marriage, Ber- tha L. and Willis L. In political matters Mr. Nye affiliates with the Republi- can party, but the honors or emoluments of office have never had an attraction for him, although he is a public-spirited and loyal citizen. He is well and favorably known in the community in which he resides, and numbers its best residents among his warmest and most confidential friends.
JOHN HARKENRIDER. .
John Harkenrider is a well known representative of the industrial interests of Crestline, being foreman in the car shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, located in this place. He was born in Allen county, Indiana, Au- gust 23, 1852, and is of German lineage. His father, Henry Harkenrider, ..
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was a native of Germany, and after attaining man's estate was there married to Margaret Grush, who was also born in the same country. Believing that they might have better opportunities in the new world, they bade adieu to the fatherland, crossed the Atlantic and took up their abode near Fort Wayne, Indiana, where the father purchased a farm. For forty years he resided in Pleasant township, Allen county, and there died at about the age of sixty-five years. His widow still survives him, at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years, and is yet living on the old home place in Pleasant township. This worthy couple became the parents of five sons and two daughters.
John Harkenrider, the second son and child, was reared amid the scenes of rural life, working in the fields in the summer months, while in the winter season he attended school, his time being thus occupied until he began learning the carpenter's trade at the age of eighteen years. He began business as an employe of George Holmes, of Vermilion township, Allen county, Indiana, to whom he served an apprenticeship of three years, and afterward was em- ployed by him as a journeyman for two years. He afterward worked for other contractors and was engaged on many buildings in Fort Wayne as an employe of Jesse Lower. In 1881 he entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a carpenter, receiving one dollar and ninety-five cents per day for his services. He was with the corporation in Fort Wayne until 1889, when he came to Crestline as foreman of the car shops at that place, since which time he has served continuously in that capacity. His long and varied experience in the line of his chosen occupation as well as his good executive ability and capable control of the business won him the confidence of the officers of the road. He is well qualified for the duties and labors which devolve upon him, and he has control of all the carpenter work in the shops of Crestline and at times he has as many as one hundred men under his supervision.
Mr. Harkenrider was united in marriage to Miss Mary Shaughney, a na- tive of Pleasant township, Allen county, Indiana. Her people were early settlers of that locality. Their marriage has been blessed with four daughters and a son, namely : Lizzie, Annie, Maggie, Loretta and Thomas. Mr. Harkenrider has taken a great interest in the education of his children, realiz- ing the importance of good mental training as a discipline and preparation for life's work. The eldest daughter, Lizzie, having enjoyed good school privi- leges, is now occupying the position of bookkeeper at the Gibson House. Annie is quite a successful musician and is now engaged in teaching music, while the younger children are students in the schools of Crestline. Mr. Harken-
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rider himself had but limited educational privileges, his knowledge being largely acquired by study at night after working hours were over. He has also added to this by extensive reading and observation and is now a well informed man. He and his family are members of the Catholic church at Crestline, and in his political affiliations he is a Democrat. On the ticket of · the party he was elected a member of the city council and is now serving in that capacity. His official prerogatives are used in support of all measures for the development and improvement of the city.
JOHN FISHER.
John Fisher, an engineer on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Rail- road, residing at Crestline, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, February 9, 1852. His father, Adam Fisher, was a native of the same locality, and in the year 1855 crossed the Atlantic to America, bringing with him his family. He believed that he might better provide for his wife and children in the new world, and accordingly he located upon a farm in Crawford county, Ohio, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in the year 1878. His wife, Mrs. Catherine Fisher, was also born in Hesse- Darmstadt, passing away in Crawford county. Their children are Adam, Mrs. Grufstein, Mrs. Elizabeth Clemens, Philip, Lein, George, Eliza, Fred, Jacob, John and Mrs. Mary Fiddler.
In taking up the personal history of John Fisher we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely known in Crawford county. He was brought to Ohio by his parents when only three years of age, and has here passed his entire life. He pursued his education in the schools of Crestline and in his youth worked upon his father's farm, assisting in the labors of field and meadow from the time of early spring planting until the crops were gathered in the autumn. Not desiring to follow the plow as a life work, how- ever, he left home in 1871 to enter the railroad service as a fireman in the employ of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. He was thus engaged for five years, on the expiration of which period he was promoted to the position of engineer, in which capacity he has served for a quarter of a century. He has been offered postions on passenger trains, but has refused these, preferring to run on a freight engine. He is most reliable, painstaking and careful, and he enjoys in an unusual degree the confidence of his superiors. In the line of his chosen life work he has social relations with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
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In 1876 Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Metz, who was born in Crawford county, October 12, 1854, her parents having come to Ohio from Germany in an early period of the development of the Buckeye state. Two children grace the union of our subject and his wife,-Amos and Howard. The parents hold membership in the Lutheran church, and in his political affiliations Mr. Fisher is a Democrat, supporting the men and measures of the party and keeping well informed on the issues of the day. He has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to give his entire attention to his work. He has a wide acquaintance in Crawford county and his friends are almost as numerous.
R. M. YOUNGBLOOD.
R. M. Youngblood, who is occupying the position of clerk in the yard- master's office of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad Company, was born in the city of Indiana, Pennsylvania, March 6, 1840. His father, William Youngblood, was a native of Middleton, Franklin county, Pennsyl- vania, and by trade was a shoemaker, learning the business in early life, and following it for a number of years. After his marriage he removed to Indiana, Pennsylvania, and thence came to Ohio, locating in Alliance, Stark county, where he died when about sixty years of age. He was of German lineage, the original American ancestors having come from the fatherland. But the grandfather of our subject was a native of the Keystone state. William Youngblood married Miss Isabella McCune, who was a native of Franklin county, where she resided up to the time of her removal with her husband to Indiana county. She lived to attain the age of eighty-five years and died in Alliance, Stark county, Ohio. She was of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Youngblood were the parents of fifteen children, thirteen of whom reached years of maturity, while eight of the family are still living, four of the brothers being railroad men.
Mr. Youngblood, of this review, was the eleventh in order of birth and is now the only one of the brothers in the railroad office. He was in his eight- eenth year when he accompanied his parents on their removal from Penn- sylvania to Alliance, and at that time he secured a position as freight brake- man, running from Crestline to Alliance and Allegheny. In 1862 he was made freight conductor and followed that business with the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad Company until 1871, when he was made a passenger conductor, running from Crestline to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, until 1885,.
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covering a period of almost a quarter of a century, serving as conductor of the same road. In 1885-6 he tended the switches in the Crestline yards and from 1886 until 1899 was assistant yardmaster at Crestline, since which time he has occupied his present position in the yardmaster's office. The large rail- road corporations are exacting in their demands made on their employes, yet are quick to recognize faithful service and to continue in their employ those who are true, faithul and capable and to this class belongs Mr. Youngblood, who has been with the company through the entire period of his business career.
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