USA > Ohio > Hancock County > A centennial biographical history of Hancock County, Ohio > Part 4
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CYRUS GRUBB.
In recounting the life of Cyrus Grubb we are touching the history of one of the prominent families of this county. His parents, Jacob and Mary A. (Critzer) Grubb, were both of Welsh descent and natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a tailor by trade, but shortly after his marriage began farming in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. In 1848 they left the old home to put their efforts into an unimproved farm of one hundred and twenty acres
Lizzie Grubb
Lyfries сочива
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near Findlay in Marion township. They held this land until 1862, when they sold and located on a farin of the same size in Liberty township. The old farm in Marion township is now owned by D. I .. Norris, whereas the land in Lib- erty township is still in the family, being held and operated by the youngest son, John H. Grubb.
Jacob Grubb was a man in whom his fellow citizens placed great confi- dence. He belonged to the United Brethren church and was for several' years a steward in that church. In 1889 his wife died, and three years later. in 1892 he followed her to the grave. Of their nine children six survive : Elizabeth, Cyrus, Catherine, Emma, Jacob G. and John H. Grubb.
The eldest son, Cyrus, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. November 9, 1843. Five years later his parents settled near Findlay, where Cyrus spent his childhood and youth, securing a common-school education and learning to enjoy agricultural pursuits. In 1862 he followed his parents to Liberty township, and one year later enlisted in Company B, of the Twen- ty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving his country until the close of the war, when in 1865 he was honorably discharged. Three years later, in 1868, he married Leaffa A. Goudy, by whom he had four children: Lewis O., Mary B., Calvin O. and Bertha A. Mary became the wife of D. D. Porter, and Bertha was married to Roy George. In 1884 his wife died, and two years later he married Lizzie Fry, who was born in Snyder county, Penn- sylvania, March 28, 1862, a daughter of Jesse and Mary Ann ( Bowman) Fry, who were born and died in Pennsylvania. By this marriage Mr. Grubb was the father of four children: Roy A., Grace M., Clarence H. and Fae Aline.
Cyrus Grubb stands among his fellow citizens as a true type of the self-made man. His industry has assured him comfortable circumstances, and by his integrity and patriotism he has won the esteem of the community. His first purchase of land was made in 1872 under the burden of a heavy debt. By untiring industry he gained a clear title to the first eighty acres. and now he is sole owner of four hundred and thirty-seven acres of the finest farming land in Hancock county. Two hundred of these acres are in Blanchard township, upon which there are new buildings; the remaining land is in Liberty township, where in 1899 he built a beautiful residence and where from time to time he has put up larger and finer farm buildings, as the increased demands of his business dictated.
Mr. Grubb, though thoroughly devoted to farming, has had sufficient time and interest in public affairs to hold several township offices, including
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that of township trustee. His life may truly be counted a success. In politics he has been a life-long Republican and member of Benton Ridge Post, No. 109, G. A. R.
GEORGE F. CRAMER.
Since early pioneer days members of the Cramer family have resided in Hancock county, and they have nobly borne their part in the work of im- provement as loyal and patriotic citizens. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Philip Cramer, came from Pennsylvania, his native state, to Fair- field county, Ohio, in early pioneer days, and in that locality the family made their home for some time. Coming to Hancock county in 1830, he here entered four hundred acres of land, which was located in various townships, and this he afterward gave to his children. His was a deeply religious na- ture, and he became a prominent minister in the United Brethren church, having been the means of guiding many to the better way, while at the same time he proved himself a financier of no small ability. Through his efforts was erected the first grist-mill operated by horse power in Union township. Philip Cramer was three times married and became the father of fifteen chil- dren, and one of his daughters, Sally, was the first girl married in Union township, Hancock county. The following are the children who accom- panied him on his removal to Hancock county: Philip, John, Christina, Simon, Adam, Daniel, Jacob, Sarah, Phebe, Rachel and Margaret. Philip Cramer died after reaching the eighty-fourth milestone on the journey of life. His was a long, active, useful and honorable life, and his name is in- delibly inscribed on the pages of Hancock county's history.
Daniel Cramer, the only one of the above named children now living, became the father of our subject. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 22d of July, 1820, and was but ten years of age when he was brought by his parents to Hancock county, the year of their arrival being 1830. His farm of seventy-three acres was inherited from his father, and the tract is located in Union township, where he is engaged in general farming. In April, 1844, he was united in marriage to Christina Hartege, who was born in 1824, in Germany, where her father, Lorenzo Hartege, served as a soldier under Napoleon. In 1834, when ten years of age, Mrs. Cramer left her little German home for the United States, and by her marriage she became the mother of ten children, eight of whom are now living, namely: George, Lou- isa, Levi, Elmira, Rebecca, Aaron, Amanda and Melissa. Six of the number reside in Hancock county.
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George Cramer, whose name introduces this review, was born on his father's farm in Union township, on the 30th of March, 1846, and to its public school system he is indebted for his elementary education, which was completed in the schools of Findlay. During the early years of his life he worked at the carpenter's trade, but later abandoned that occupation for farming, which he now continues on the old homestead. For six years he made his home in the village of Rawson, and during that time he served efficiently as its treasurer. He has also held other public positions, having for ten years served as the constable of his township, and for a long period was an assessor. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Rawson. His marriage was celebrated on the 26th of August, 1886, when Miss Sarah C. Barnhill became his wife. She was born in Liberty township, Hancock county, Ohio, May 18, 1858, being a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Barnhill, and her death occurred on the 26th of August, 1892. Three children graced this union, but the first born, Grace, is now deceased, the others being Georgie F. and Gerty G. The family are members of the United Brethren church.
BENJAMIN C. STEINMAN.
Jenera, a village of Van Buren township, though a comparatively new growth, holds its own quite well with other towns of its size in Hancock county. It is surrounded by a good farming community and is the center of a considerable trade of a local character, which promises in time to make the village a place of some importance. In places of this kind "the store" is al- ways a feature of consequence, being a kind of rallying point and headquarters for news, as well as the supply depot for all in need of goods of any kind. The establishment in Jenera which fills this description has for six or eight years been under the energetic management of Mr. B. C. Steinman, who has shown himself well qualified to fill the role of general merchant, and has attained a high degree of prosperity among his patrons. He is of German descent and a son of a man who rose to distinction in politics and held a position of commanding influence during his days of activity. Adam Stein- man, a native of Germany, was but eleven years old when brought to this conil- try by his parents. His first residence was in Pennsylvania, but later he came to Columbus, Ohio, and there learned the tailor's trade, which he afterward pursued many years with a profit that made him fairly independent. Event- ually he found his way to Hancock county, where his "mixing" qualities soon made him popular and enabled him to rise in the political world. Be-
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coming one of the local leaders of the Democracy, he was elected county re- corder on the ticket of that party during the period of the Civil war and subsequently served repeated terms in the office of justice of the peace. By a first marriage, with a Mrs. Smith, Mr. Steinman had three sons and one daughter; by a second union, contracted with Mrs. Elizabeth (Tanner) Helmes, there was no issue.
Benjamin C. Steinman, the second child as well as second son in this family, was born in Eagle township, Hancock county, Ohio, February 4, 1858, and received his education in different schools, including those at Findlay. In early life he went to Springfield, Ohio, in search of work, and, obtaining employment as a clerk in one of the general stores of that city, remained there four years. At the expiration of that time he returned home and subsequently went to Findlay, where he was engaged a short time in the grocery business. This he abandoned to go into farming, which pursuit he followed until his marriage, August 30, 1888, to Miss Maggie C. Gross- man. A year after this important event in his domestic life Mr. Steinman engaged in the general merchandise business at Jenera, first as clerk and later as proprietor. In 1395 he purchased from his employer the store in which he had been clerking and has since then had sole charge. It is a general store in the truest sense, containing a large and miscellaneous stock of goods of every kind likely to be in demand at such a place, dry goods and gents' fur- nishing's being special features. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Steinman one, named Carrie, died in infancy, the survivors being Ancel C., Calvin A., Nelo B. and Imo C. Mr. Steinman is Democratic in his politics, has held the offices of clerk of the township and mayor of the village and is now treasurer of the corporation. He holds fraternal relations with the K. O. T. M. and ranks as one of the leading men in the political and social as well as the business life of the township.
GEORGE F. HAMMOND.
The above named, at present a prosperous farmer of Union township, is one of that honored class who served his country loyally and well during the great crisis of the Union, and cherishes the memory of the adventures, hardships and dangers which beset every veteran of the Civil war. The modest soldier never boasts of his achievements, but it is fitting that others should say for him what he fails to say for himself, and it is a pleasure for the biographer to state that no private soldier of the great army whose heroism and self-sacrifice perpetuated this great Republic, has a more creditable record
.
Our. and Ours. George. F. Hammond.
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than George F. Hammond. More fortunate than others, though serving throughout the whole period of the war, he escaped without serious injury and has since devoted his strength of mind and body in achieving another honorable career in the ranks of industrial toilers. On the paternal side he is of Virginia ancestry, his father, George Hammond, having emigrated from the Old Dominion during the earlier decades of the nineteenth century. Le located in Carroll county, Ohio, married a lady whose parents came from Maryland, and in 1852 removed to Hancock county. He was a cooper by trade and followed that calling throughout his life, the latter years of which were spent in Indiana, where he ended his days in 1865. His wife Ann Hammond had preceded him from the scenes of earth, her death having oc- curred in 1863.
Their son, George F. Hammond, was born in Carroll county, Ohio, September 19. 1838, and was consequently fourteen years of age when his parents took up their abode in Hancock county. The Civil war was opened shortly after he reached manhood and he imbibed the spirit of patriotism then rife around him, which urged every able bodied young man to take up arms for his country. . Mr. Hammond was one of the first to come forward and exhibited his earnestness by enlisting in the Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he was promptly sent to the front. It was his fortune to serve in some of the most important of the western campaigns, including the ever memorable one of Sherman in 1864 from Chattanooga to Atlanta. During his service Mr. Hammond took part in innumerable skirmishes and hard marches, besides the great battles of Stone River, Chicka- mauga, Missionary Ridge and Atlanta. He carried his musket until the termination of hostilities, missing few roll calls, and always on hand when serious work was to be done, finally getting an honorable discharge without serious mishap at the close of the war in 1865. Mr. Hammond's father and one of his brothers were also soldiers in the Eleventh Regiment, Indiana Cav- alry. Another brother, named Harrison, died in the service at Nashville, Ten- nessee, in June, 1863.
After returning to civil life Mr. Hammond lost no time in seeking a means of livelihood by joining the hosts engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1867 he made his first purchase of land, consisting of forty acres in Blanchard township, which he retained and cultivated for some years after- ward. Subsequently, however, he disposed of this property and purchased of Lewis Dukes a tract of one hundred and fourteen acres situated in Union township, which constitutes his present homestead. This farm was in only a fair state of cultivation at the time it was purchased by Mr. Hammond, but
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he has since greatly improved it and devotes all the arable area to general farming and stock raising.
October 28, 1858, Mr. Hammond selected his life partner in the per- son of Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Martha Seitz, with whom he lived happily until her death July 31, 1902, at the age of sixty years. The children resulting from this union were eight. in number, but of these only the following named grew to maturity: Jane, Sherman, Emma, Alfred, Amanda and George G. Mr. Hammond has always supported the principles of the Republican and preserves memories of old times and old associations as a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
WILLIAM R. RUMMELL.
One of the representative citizens and progressive business men of the city of Findlay is Mr. Rummell, whose life has been passed here, his father having located in the town more than half a century ago and having been prom- inently identified with its business activities until his death, being a man of the highest character and commanding unequivocal confidence and esteem in the community.
William R. Rummell was born in Findlay, on the 2d of September, 1860, and received his early educational discipline in the public schools of luis native city. He left school at the age of fifteen and gave inception to his business career by assuming a clerical position in his father's furniture estab- lishment. He thoroughly familiarized himself with all details of the enter- prise, and in 1888 was admitted to partnership in the business, the firm name of D. Rummell & Son being simultaneously adopted. Since the death of his father, in 1897, the subject of this sketch has individually continued the business, which is one of no inconsiderable scope and importance, the es- tablishment being well equipped with a large and select line of furniture and being one of the popular business institutions of the city.
David Rummell, father of our subject, was likewise a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in the year 1830, the son of Jacob Rummell, who was born in Germany, in the year 1792, and who died in Findlay, in 1879, having been a brick mason and contractor by vocation and honored as one of the pioneers of the state. In 1851 David Rummell was united in marriage to Mary Reed, daughter of William Reed, of Letonia, Columbiana county, and they became the parents of four chil- dren, namely : Ellen M., Jesse B., William R. and George B. David Rum- mell came to Hancock county in 1848, having been a chairmaker and brick
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mason by trade. In 1875 he established himself in the furniture business in Findlay and by his sterling integrity and honorable and progressive methods succeeded in building up a large and representative business, while he took a lively interest in all that promoted the general welfare of the community. He served for a number of years as a member of the city council and also as a member of the board of education, and he was honored for his fidelity and for his rigorous observance of the ethics which should safeguard all human thought and action.
William R. Rummell proved an able coadjutor to his father in his busi- ness enterprise and has since continued the same with honor and credit. He is a Republican in his political proclivities and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
In Allegan county, Michigan, in the year 1882, Mr. Rummell was united in marriage to Miss Nancy E. Bowman, a daughter of William Bowman, and they are the parents of three children,-Karl R., Maud B. and Mary C.
FRANCIS M. MILLER.
During his residence of less than seven years in Findlay the subject of this sketch has become popular in connection with the city's varied activities, social, political and commercial. He has made the "Oak Pharmacy" a well known establishment and both by business tact and uniform courtesy in his intercourse has acquired a good patronage along with many friends and well-wishers. He thoroughly understands the technique of his calling, which is that of a pharmacist, and keeps well informed as to all improvements and new discoveries in that line of business. His family originated in Pennsyl- vania, whence his grandparents came in the first half of the nineteenth cen- tury, and settled in Monroe county, Ohio. With them came a son named Jacob, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1822, and was but a youth when the removal to the west took place. Jacob Miller grew up in his new Ohio home, married, raised a family and went to his final rest in Beallsville in 1883. His surviving children, five in number, are thus named in order of birth : Eminet M. ; Ophelia, wife of Isaac Hartline; Francis M. ; John B. and Clara.
Francis M. Miller, third of the above enumerated family, was born at Beallsville, Monroe county, Ohio, in 1868, and was reared and educated in his native place. From an early age his tastes and inclinations were towards
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the druggist's profession, and after growing up he lost no time in securing an opportunity to qualify himself for this useful calling. Shortly after reach- ing his majority he entered the College of Pharmacy at Ada, Ohio, and re- mained at that excellent institution until his graduation in 1894. Thus equipped with a modern education in his chosen vocation, he went with little delay to Lima, Ohio, where he purchased a drug store and opened for business. Not liking the location, he determined to transfer his scene of operations to Findlay, where, in 1895, he established the "Oak Pharmacy," and from that time on he has had charge of this store, which has grown in popularity as it increased its patronage.
Mr. Miller is quite conspicuous in Knights of Pythias circles, and takes much interest in the affairs of the order. He is a member of Lodge No. 400 at Findlay, captain of the Uniformed Rank and has held all the chairs in his lodge. Politically his affiliations are with the Republican party, though not especially active in the campaigns, and he holds membership in the Church of Christ. As a young man of good manners as well as good morals, Mr. Miller has commended himself to all with whom he has come in contact, and enjoys general esteem both in the social and business world.
WILLIAM H. HOUCK.
An interesting old pioneer couple were the late Jacob F. Houck and his wife, whom he married as Eve Ebaugh. The former was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, early in the nineteenth century, and the latter in York county, Pennsylvania, and after marriage in the east they came to Hancock county in the fall of 1836. They located on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land, purchased in Jackson township. which was. shortly afterward increased to the extent of thirty-six additional acres, and here they settled down to the hard work of clearing a primitive place. Jacob became a man of consequence in the community in various ways, holding every office in the township except those of constable and justice of the peace, and was cap- tain of a militia company called the Blanchard Blues. The family's religious affiliations were with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Houck was steward for a number of years and one of the pillars of the organiza- tion. This worthy pioneer pair had ten children, of whom eight grew to ma- turity and seven of these are still living. The mother passed away in 1850, and her husband, after surviving her thirty-four years, closed his eyes upon the world in 1884.
William H. Houck, eldest son among the children above mentioned, was
110
and
Getz Hauck
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born in Baltimore, now Carroll county, Maryland, March 4, 1826, and con- sequently was ten years old when his parents made their journey to the west- ern wilderness. It was upon his vigorous young shoulders in after years that the task devolved of bringing into cultivation the wild land purchased by his father. In 1852, in connection with his father, he built a sawmill at what was called Houcktown and the operation of this occupied most of his time for ten years. Eventually he exchanged this property for eighty acres of land, which, however, was soon sold and the proceeds invested in another tract, still in its virgin state. Mr. Houck took hold of this with his usual energy and in time converted it into a smiling farm, well fenced and highly improved after the latest methods. Some notion of what this pioneer settler has gone through may be realized from the statement that during his life- time he has cleared all told two hundred acres of land. The amount of "hard licks," patient endurance, grinding labor and endless drudgery involved in this will give the modern man an idea, however incomplete, of what it took to make Hancock county the agricultural paradise it now exhibits. Mr. Houck's present homestead, which he has owned since 1863, consists of two hundred acres of well improved land in Jackson township, which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. He has held various important town- ship offices, including that of trustee for six years and in a general way has been both a busy and useful citizen.
In 1852 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Smaltz, and of the eleven children of this union ten grew to maturity: Solomon S., Adam B., Catherine E., Annie M., Lottie A., John P., Jacob H., Robert C., Perry H. and Willie E. All these have been liberally educated, well settled in life and occupy places of usefulness in their respective spheres. The mother passed away in September, 1899, in ripeness of years and enjoyment of the devoted love of her family as well as the universal respect of all acquaintances. Mr. Houck is a devoted member of the Methodist church, in which he has been class leader for more than half a century and licensed to exhort over forty years. The appreciation put upon his good judgment and rectitude is shown by the fact that on five different occasions he was selected as a member of the county grand jury. His brother Adam served as a soldier during the Rebellion and became an eminent physician after the war, removing to Kan- sas, where his death occurred some years ago. The foregoing details are ample to show that the Houcks, both of the older and later generations, are among the best families in the county and second to none in the discharge of all the duties of good citizenship. In 1902 Mr. Houck took up his home with his son Willie, at 605 West Hardin street, in Findlay. Willie married
3
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Gail Grindle, daugliter of D. H. and Lizzie U. (Miller) Grindle, and has two interesting children, Hugh H. and Mary Elizabeth. He is interested in the marble and granite business.
JACOB O. KETZENBARGER.
Few citizens of Hancock county, Ohio, are better known or have been more successful in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising than Jacob O. Ketzenbarger, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Union township. He is a native son of Hancock county, his birth oc- curring in Union township on the 7th of February, 1861. He is a son of Sebastian Ketzenbarger, who was born in Germany August 31, 1823, and the latter's parents, Michael and Eve (Strong) Ketzenbarger, were also na- tives of the fatherland. In 1833 they emigrated to America, first taking up their abode in Baltimore, Maryland, where Michael pursued his trade of wagonmaking and farming for a number of years. From Baltimore they subsequently removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, there making their home for a time, and in 1840 cast in their lot with the early settlers of Hancock county, their son Sebastian being at that time about eighteen years of age. During all these years Michael Ketzenbarger continued to follow his trade of wagonmaking, while his sons carried on the work of the farm. In his family were three children who grew to years of maturity-Mary, Annie and Sebas- tian, but the last named is now the only one living. The father was called to his final rest in 1845, and his wife followed him to the grave some years later.
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