USA > Ohio > Erie County > A standard history of Erie County, Ohio: an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, civic, and social development. A chronicle of the people, with family lineage and memoirs > Part 41
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TIMOTHY COSTIGAN. For more than forty years, almost half a life- time, Timothy Costigan has lived at his present home farm on the Ridge Road near Berlin Heights Village. IFe established himself there in January, 1874, and with the passing years his prosperity has increased and in all that time he has enjoyed the full respect and confidence of the community.
Ilis early life was one of considerable struggle with adversity, and he first became identified with Erie County as a common laborer in a stone quarry. Timothy Costigan was born in Ireland, in the Province of Leinster, between Cork and Dublin, on Christmas Day, December 25. 1849, a son of William and Ellen (Mahar ) Costigan, who came to America in 1889 and made their home with their sons until their deaths, the former dying in 1898 and the latter in 1901. Both lie buried at Milan. Ohio. The family is of old and undefiled Irish stock. The father was a son of William, Sr., and Ellen ( Clancy ) Costigan, who spent all their lives in Ireland and died on their farm in that country. They were of the Catholic religion. Mrs. William Costigan was the daughter of Timothy Mahar, who married a Miss MeDonald, and they were also natives of Leinster Province. Timothy Mahar, after the death of his wife, went into England and died at Leeds when seventy-five years of age. Ile and his family were likewise Catholics. William Costigan, Jr., grew up to farming and took np that as a serious vocation. After his
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marriage he followed the industry in Ireland, and four sons and one daughter were born into his household. The daughter, Ellen, is now married and lives in Ireland. The son, Martin, came to the United States, married and lives in Berlin Township, being employed by the Cleveland & South Western "Green Line" Street Car Company, and has a family of two sons. The son Patrick was married in Ireland, came to the United States and located in Erie County, and has a farm on the Ridge Road in Berlin Township; his family consists of one daughter.
Timothy Costigan, the oldest of the children, grew up in Ireland and received only a limited edneation. In March, 1872, when twenty-three years of age, he embarked on a vessel at Queenstown, the Royal Samaria, Captain Wiley its commander, and two weeks later was landed in Boston. He came on west as far as Sandusky, and afterward came into Berlin Township and found employment with George Baillie in the latter's stone quarry. He continued as foreman of the stone quarry up to 1897, and gained his start by that work. He was industrious, eager to please, and thus won the respect and friendship of Mr. Baillie, who was glad to advance him as rapidly as possible. After the death of Mr. Baillie he turned all his attention to farming and fruit growing. His farm con- sisted of nearly fifty acres, and he had bought this in small tracts from time to time, forty-two acres of it being within the corporation limits of Berlin Heights Village. Ile has been successful as a raiser of small fruits and has about five acres of tree fruits, peaches, pears, apples, cherries and plums. Ile has almost every variety of small fruits, and furnishes a large amount to the market each year. His home is a com- fortable nine-room house and the people of Berlin Township regard him as one of its most prosperous citizens.
Since eoming to Erie County he married Miss Catherine Maroney. She was born in Munster, Ireland, in 1854, and when nineteen years of age came alone to the United States to join her sister Mary in Berlin Township of Erie County. This sister had married Thomas Sheedy of Connectieut, and they are now living on their farm in Wilson County, Kansas. Mrs. Costigan died at her home in Berlin Township. April 17, 1913. She was reared in the Catholic Church. To their marriage were born seven children: William, who is unmarried and assists his father in the management of the farm ; Ellen, the wife of Archbold MeLaren, of Cleveland ; Mary, who is her father's housekeeper : Timothy, who is now in the western states and is unmarried ; Joseph, a eommereial salesman for the Fuller Canning Company of Cleveland : Evelyn, who was gradu- ated from the Berlin Heights High School with the elass of 1915, and the older children had similar advantages in the way of education; and Charles, who is now in the eighth grade of the public schools. All the children are confirmed members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Costigan is independent in polities.
PETER G. ALTVATER. When Peter G. Altvater died it was the general expression of community esteem in Margaretta Township, where he had lived for many years, that a sueeessful farmer, a public spirited citizen. a kind husband and father, and a man of irreproachable character and fine integrity had been removed from his position in the township.
A native of Germany, born in that country February 15, 1850, when two years of age he was brought to Ameriea by his parents, Peter and Catherine Altvater. The family came almost directly to Erie County, and located at Castalia, where the late Mr. Altvater was reared to man- hood, with the incidental acquirement of sneh advantages as were af- forded by the local schools. He became a man of good judgment, noted for his common sense and vigor in all his undertakings, and many of the
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substantial results of his efforts are now found on the Altvater farm near Castalia, where Mrs. Altvater resides.
On December 28, 1880, Peter G. Altvater married Fredericka Sick, who was born in Sandusky, August 21, 1852, a daughter of Frederick and Fredericka (Bechtel) Sick. Her mother is now in her eighty- seventh year and lives with Mrs. Altvater. Both Frederick Sick and his wife were born in Germany and in the spring of 1848 left that country, about the time of the high tide of emigration from the German provinces. and spent sixty-three days on a sailing vessel before they were landed in New York City. From there they came on to Erie County, lived in Sandusky until 1863, and then established their home on a farm in Margaretta Township near Veniee. Mr. Sick was a tailor by trade, and followed that occupation in Sandusky until his removal to the farm in Margaretta Township, after which he became a substantial agriculturist and died in that community February 27, 1914, when in his ninetieth year. The esteem which he enjoyed in the community was represented by a large following of loyal friends. In the old country he had served in the German army.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Altvater. Arthur F. lives in Margaretta Township, married Myrtle Jump and their two sons are named Emerson and Lowell. The second son, Frank E., now lives with his mother on the Altvater homestead in Margaretta Township.
While his business as a farmer required many years of close atten- tion and hard work, Mr. Altvater did not neglect his publie duties, and was honored with the office of trustee and also as a member of the board of education in his home township. In politics he was a republican and was a member of the Congregational Church. The substantial results of his career are seen in the Altvater homestead, which contains 122 acres, all well improved and making a splendid home for Mrs. Altvater. This farm is situated two miles north of Castalia. Mrs. Altvater was reared in Sandusky, and after her marriage she and her husband lived in Castalia several years, and from there moved to the present home- stead in Margaretta Township.
CYRUS C. KNAPP. More than a century ago George Washington said that "agriculture is the most useful and honorable oeeupation of man," and the truth of this statement stands today as it did then. A promi- nent representative of this elass in Erie County, who is also noted as a stoek breeder, is Cyrus C. Knapp, of Margaretta Township. Mr. Knapp was born in Putnam County, New York, January 7, 1847, a son of Gilbert and Cynthia C. (Chase) Knapp, who also were natives of that county. In 1848, with his wife and family, Gilbert Knapp came to Erie County, Ohio, settling in Margaretta Township, on the farm now owned by his son, the subject of this article. Here he devoted himself to agriculture and in time became one of the prominent and representative citizens of the township. His span of life exceeded the scriptural allot- ment of three score years and ten, as he died honored and respected when in his seventy-third year. Of his children there are now three survivors: James H., who resides in Republic, Ohio, and John T. and Cyrus ('., of Margaretta Township, Erie County.
Cyrus C. Knapp was reared to man's estate in Margaretta Township. and acquired his education in its public schools and in the high school at Milan, Ohio. Brought up to farm life from his youth, he has made it his vocation and has attained a high place among the successful and prosperous agriculturists and stock raisers of this locality. Ilis farm contains 170 acres of good land and, in addition to the usual barns and ont-buildings there is a fine residence, built in 1910, which is one of
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the most beautiful homes in Northern Ohio. As a breeder of shorthorn Durham cattle and Merino sheep, Mr. Knapp is associated with his brother, John T., the firm being known as Knapp Brothers. In this department also, as in agriculture, he has been highly successful, the reputation of the firm extending far and wide. That his business ability is recognized throughout the county may be inferred from the fact that he is one of the directors of the Castalia Banking Company, of Castalia, Ohio. In politics he is a republican with independent proclivities.
Cyrus C. Knapp was married, June 10, 1903, to Cora C. Schoewe, who was born in Erie County, Ohio, the daughter of Edward Schoewe, of Margaretta Township. Four children have been born to them, namely : Gilbert S., Melvin E., James W. and John T. Enjoying a comfortable prosperity, and with the esteem and confidence of his neighbors and fel- low townsmen, Mr. Knapp is a notable example of what a man may attain to by industry and perseverance, backed by intelligence and integrity.
LEVI M. COUGHENOUR. The elements of character depicted in the best type of American manhood are energy, enterprise, integrity and a loval spirit manifested by devotion to the general good along lines pertaining to public progress and improvement. Among the citizens of Erie County who exhibit these qualities in a marked degree is Levi M. Coughenour, of Margaretta Township. Mr. Coughenour was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, March 21, 1850, the son of Moses and Susan (Coulson) Coughenour, both parents being natives of the Keystone State. The paternal family is of German origin, but has been settled in this country many years, as Daniel Coughenour, the grandfather of the subject of this memoir, served as a soldier in the War of 1812. The Coulsons, on the other hand, are of English and Welsh extraction.
Levi M. Coughenour was reared in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, where in his boyhood he attended the public schools. Subsequently he became a student at Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio, where he spent one year. Coming to Erie County, Ohio, in the spring of 1870, he took up his residence in Huron Township, where he spent two summers and one winter. After teaching two winter terms of school in Perkins Town- ship, in the spring of 1873 he came to Margaretta Township, of which he has since been practically a continuous resident. For twenty years he followed the profession of teacher in Perkins and Margaretta Town- ships, showing a high order of capacity and gaining the love and respect of his pupils, many of whom, now grown to manhood and womanhood, are prominent members of their respective communities, and hold their old-time teacher in grateful remembrance. For four years Mr. Coughenour served as assistant clerk in the Ohio State Prison, at Columbus, and later was clerk for three years to the secretary of the Ohio State Board of Agriculture, at Columbus. He was a director and is now secretary of the Erie County Farmers Insurance Company, having been a director for a number of years, and secretary since the death of the late J. D. Parker, the former incumbent of that office. From 1879 to 1882 he was the efficient clerk of Margaretta Township. In all these various capacities Mr. Coughenour has shown himself a hard and conscientious worker, faithful to every trust, and efficient in what- ever he has undertaken to do. He takes a special interest in the cause of education, being himself a close student and reader and keeping well abreast of all the important topics of the times. In politics he is a republican. He is a Free Mason and belongs to Erie Commandery, K. T., at Sandusky.
On March 31, 1878, Mr. Conghenour was united in marriage with Emily A. Dwight, who was born in Margaretta Township, this countv.
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a daughter of Roswell and Elosia (Skidmore) Dwight. Both her parents were from New England, the father being a native of Massachusetts and the mother of Vermont. In 1838 they came from Massachusetts to Erie County, Ohio, settling in Margaretta Township, where they were practically pioneers, there being but few other settlers here at the time. Their first dwelling was a log house, but gradually they improved their surroundings until they were numbered among the prosperous residents of the township. Mr. Dwight was politically affiliated with the republi- can party and at one time served as township trustee. He died in 1885, his wife, who survived him several years, passing away in 1900. Mr. Coughenour is a man widely known and esteemed throughout this locality, being ever ready to do a neighborly act or to support to the extent of his ability any practical measure for the moral or material betterment of the community.
WILLIAM HENRY ILINE. It would be impossible to give a just account of the community of Berlin Township without repeated reference to the Hine family. For almost a century that community has been continu- ously honored and benefited by the presence within its borders of some of the active and influential people of this name. In the character of its individuals and in their publie services no family in Erie County has been more distinguished and it is impossible to estimate the strength and diversity of the influences which emanate from such worthy people and affect the social and business affairs of the county even to its most remote bounds.
Conspicuous as representative of this name was the late William Henry Iline, who was born in Berlin Township near what is now the Village of Shinrock on August 12, 1821, and after living to be more than fourscore he died at his home August 2, 1903. His parents came from Connecticut and both in time of coming and in intrinsie worth deserve mention as among "the first families." His parents were Jarred and Elizabeth, better known as Betsey (Minor) Hine. Jarred Hine was a son of Daniel and Sarah (Cowles) Iline, who spent all their lives in Connecticut. The Hine family lived at Bethlehem and the Minors at Waterbury, Connecticut. Not long after the marriage of Jarred and Betsey ITine they set out in 1816 to occupy a portion of the wilderness in Northern Ohio. This journey was made with team and wagon, and they spent six weeks between Connecticut and Erie County. They passed through Buffalo when it was a hamlet of twelve houses, and the site of the present great City of Cleveland had only sixteen homes. From Cleve- land it was necessary to follow a trail made by blazed trees to their per- manent location at what is now Shinrock in the western part of Berlin Township, on what subsequently came to be known as the Berlin Heights and Iluron Road. When the Hines family arrived in Berlin Township the total population comprised only nine families. It would be difficult to exaggerate the wildness and primitiveness of this country at that time. Their first home was a log cabin, and the rude opening which served them for a door had only a blanket to keep out the wind and weather, and the family tradition says that on one or two occasions a curious bear poked his head under this blanket and frightened the in- mates. The wolves howled about, Indians were not infrequent visitors, and for several years the greater part of the provisions which stocked the family larder was the wild game found everywhere in abundance. Jarred and Betsey Hine were people of education and well fitted for the responsibilities of leadership in a new community. Jarred was by pro- fession a trained lawyer, and for a number of years served as a justice of the peace, and often held court in his own home. The old settlers Vol. II-18
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frequently related incidents illustrating his promptness and vigorons decision, and he was esteemed for his sterling integrity and shrewd com- mon sense in dispensing justice from his inferior conrt. He lived a life of convictions and high principles and at the same time was known for his exceeding generosity to the poor. IIis wife was well fitted for her position, and had come into the wilds of Erie County a cultured woman unused to hardship, but facing it with a remarkable cheerfulness and courage. She had taught school in her native state, and was a woman who looked well after her household, and many stories have been told of her firm but kindly character. The fact that her home was for several years a temple of justice for the community brought to it all classes of people, and she frequently had to exercise her authority as a methodical and strict housekeeper in forbidding the unruly and boisterous conduct of those who assembled at the trials presided over by her husband. Jarred Hine in early days was a whig. Ile died at the large homestead in Berlin Township December 14, 1844, at the age of fifty-six. His wife passed away February 22, 1866.
The late William Henry Hine was an only child of his parents. Ile inherited many of the fine qualities of character and intelligence which were found in both his father and mother. He grew up on the old farm at Shinrock, and was a little past manhood when his father died, and he then took over the old homestead of 167 acres and long before his death had made of it one of the best farms in Erie County. He was a man who readily adopted and introduced progressive ideas in farming, and was always a leader in this industry. He acquired other farms in the county and prospered in the raising of general crops, stock and fruit. It was on the old homestead that he spent his last years.
The last Mr. Hine was perhaps best known to the business com- munity as a banker. A little more than thirty years ago he established the Berlin Heights Banking Company, and all the people of Berlin Township are aware that this business is still in flourishing existence. He was president of the bank from the organization until his death, and his fine judgment was largely responsible for its prosperity. The hank started with a capitalization of $50,000, and the business is still conducted on that basis. In his time two branches were established, one at Huron and one at Waitman in Huron County. A member of the present board of directors is the only daughter of the late Mr. Hine.
This daughter, Elizabeth Elvora Hine, was born on the old home- stead at Shinrock in 1851, a daughter of William Henry and Fanny (Green) Hine. Fanny Green was born in Berlin Heights Village, Jann- ary 24, 1825, and was likewise of the pioneer stock in this section of Northern Ohio. She died in Berlin Township April 11, 1893. She spent all her life in the county, and was a woman of noble characteristics and did a vast amount of good not only to those bound to her by ties of blood and kinship but to every needy member of her community. The Green family originated and long had their home in Rhode Island, and she was also related to the Websters of Massachusetts.
Miss Hine, who is now living at the Village of Berlin Heights, was educated in the public schools of Huron County and in Lake Erie Col- lege at Painsville. She developed a considerable talent as an artist in oils and was a student in that art under Mrs. Doctor Goodsell of Nor- walk. In 1904 Miss Hine bought a fine ten-room brick home on South Street in Berlin Heights, and there she has spent most of her time when not traveling. She is a woman of broad interests, liberal sympathies, and in many ways has shown her public spirit in her relations to her native county. She is president of the Tuesday Tourist Club, the principal woman's literary society at Berlin Heights, and is also an active member
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of the W. C. T. U. She attends the Presbyterian Church, and is a former treasurer and member of the Home Missionary Society.
STEPHEN HI. WHITE. The character of a man can usually be gauged by the general opinion of his fellow men, and the extent to which they are willing to entrust him with the safe-guarding of their individual or general interests. Ience, men holding important offices are usually men of some force and stability of character, in whose ability and honesty the people have confidence. Among such is Stephen H. White, trustee of Margaretta Township, Erie County, Ohio, who was elected to his present office in November, 1913, took up its duties in the following January, and has served eapably up to the present time. Mr. White is a native of this township, having been born on the farm on which he now resides, May 22, 1862. He is, therefore, now in the prime of life, in full possession of all his powers and faculties. Ile is à son of John White, an early settler in Margaretta Township and for many years one of its prominent citizens, who died March 23, 1883. John White was a man of force and character and was one of that brave army of men who, in the darkest days of our country's history left home and friends and risked their lives to save the Union from dismemberment. Serving three years as a soldier in the Northern armies, he took part in numerous battles, and at one time was a prisoner in the hands of the Confederates. Ile belonged to the Masons and to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and was at all times an upright man and a dependable citizen. In politics he was a republican. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Mary L. Rogers, and who still survives him, being now in her eightieth year, was born in Margaretta Township, this county, a daughter of Stephen II. Rogers, who in his day was a well known agriculturist and lime burner, and a reliable and respected citizen. Her mother is said to have been the first white child born in this township, and they were both, husband and wife, among the very early settlers here. John and Mary L. White had two children: Sophia E., now the wife of D. N. Williams, of Milan, Ohio, and Stephen II., who was named after his maternal grandfather.
Stephen II. White was reared to man's estate in his native township, in his boyhood attending its public schools. His edneation was subse- quently continued at the Western Reserve Normal School, at Milan, Ohio, which he attended for about three winter terms. His industrial activities since early youth have been connected with farming, and he is now the owner of a good farm of sixty-five acres, well supplied with substantial buildings, including a commodious residenee, the whole property being kept in excellent condition. Mr. White is both an indus- trious and a progressive citizen. For several years he served as a member of the board of education of Margaretta Township, and has always taken a keen interest in the condition and efficiency of the public schools. In fact, any practical measure for the welfare of the community, whether moral or material, meets with his hearty sympathy and sup- port. Hle belongs to the Sons of Veterans and in polities is a ro- publican.
December 16, 1885, Stephen II. White was united in marriage with Nettie P. Jones, a daughter of Henry C. JJones (now deceased) of Margaretta Township, this eounty. Of their union there has been one child, a daughter, Leonora E., who is now the wife of Albert II. Prout, of Margaretta Township, and has one son, A. Howard Prout.
HENRY M. BROWN. The true worth of a man is found in the useful work he has done, and the truly representative citizens of a town,
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county or state are those who have in any noteworthy manner con- tributed to its upbuilding, improvement and commercial prosperity. A biographical review of Erie County, Ohio, would be incomplete without mention of Henry M. Brown, the popular postmaster of Venice, Mar- garetta Township, who is also one of the township's leading business men. Mr. Brown may be called a native son in the fullest sense of the word, for he was born here October 8, 1872, his parents, Church and Elizabeth L. (Moore) Brown, being also natives of the township, where they still reside. The paternal grandfather, Solomon Brown, though not born here, was only four years old when he arrived in the township with his parents, they being among the pioneer settlers here. . Since that time the family has been closely identified with the development of this locality, contributing to its improvement and doing their full part as good and reliable citizens.
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