USA > Ohio > Williams County > Commemorative biographical record of northwestern Ohio : including the counties of Defiance, Henry, Williams and Fulton, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 37
USA > Ohio > Fulton County > Commemorative biographical record of northwestern Ohio : including the counties of Defiance, Henry, Williams and Fulton, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 37
USA > Ohio > Henry County > Commemorative biographical record of northwestern Ohio : including the counties of Defiance, Henry, Williams and Fulton, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 37
USA > Ohio > Defiance County > Commemorative biographical record of northwestern Ohio : including the counties of Defiance, Henry, Williams and Fulton, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 37
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occurred May 9, 1889. They had three children : Elmira (deceased), Will- iam W., who still resides on the old homestead; and Achsah A., wife of our subject.
Mr. Martin was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 23, 1819, on a farm situated about three miles north of Wellsville. He visited the old homestead in 1876, and found the house, within whose walls he first saw the light, still standing. In early youth he moved with his parents to Rose township, Carroll county, where he grew to manhood, and where he mar- ried Elizabeth Dolvin in the latter part of July, 1845, and with whom one month later he penetrated the then nearly unbroken forest, settling on a farm where he spent the rest of his days. This was the southeast quarter of Sec- tion II, Florence township, a quarter that was very slow in being settled, and for fifteen years he had no road, having to pick his way in and out over by- roads cut through the woods so as to avoid the swales. For several years the nights would be made hideous with the howlings of wolves that in- fested the swamps in that vicinity, while the numerous owls would keep up a continual weird-like hooting, and other cries; the visits of thievish bears, also, were not infrequent. Amid these surroundings Mr. Martin toiled to secure for himself a comfortable competence, and succeeded.
Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mark, Charles W., born September 29, 1872, is still at home; Alta M. died August 27, 1878; Ida M., twin sister of Alta, died September 3, 1878, when about two months old; and Ernest H., born May 4, 1879, is at home. The parents are worthy members of the German Baptist Church, and are most estimable people.
JOHN G. STEFFEL.
Mr. Steffel, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Richland township, Defiance county, is one of the prominent and in- fluential citizens of his community. He was born August 4, 1845, in Austria, whence his parents, George and Anna (Aurada) Steffel, emigrated with their family to America in 1852, first locating in Seneca county, Ohio.
In 1861 they came to Defiance county and settled on a farm in Adams township, where they still continue to make their home. In their family were four children-three sons and one daughter-who reached years of maturity, and of these our subject is the eldest. His boyhood and youth were passed in Adams township, he remaining with his parents until his marriage, when he located on the farm in Richland township, where he still lives. Through- out his active business life he has given his time and attention to agricultural
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pursuits, and being a thorough and skillful farmer, he has prospered in his undertakings. His farm is improved with good and substantial buildings; in fact, the whole place indicates the progressive spirit of the owner.
On April 23, 1872, in Defiance county, Mr. Steffel was married to Miss Catherine Shindler, also a native of Austria, born September 1, 1852, a daughter of Mathew and Mary (Kornish) Shindler, who came to America in 1854, and after residing in Seneca county, Ohio, for seven years, removed to Defiance county in 1861. They took up their residence in Highland town- ship, where the mother died April 5, 1895. Mrs. Steffel is the eldest in their family of five daughters. Our subject and his wife have five children still liv- ing, namely: Anna, now the wife of George Moser; John X .; Kate D .; Wesley C .; and Agnes C. Those, deceased are Mary M., who died at the age of eight years, and George, who died at the age of six years.
During the trying days of the Civil war, Mr. Steffel enlisted in the ser- vice of his adopted country, on November 1, 1863, becoming a member of Company A, Forty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he faith- fully fought until honorably discharged, June 12, 1865. He was in the engagements at Nashville, Tennessee, and at Columbia, South Carolina, be- sides in numerous skirmishes, and while in South Carolina he was injured in the right side. He is now an honored member of the Grand Army Post of Defiance.
The Democratic party has always found in him a stanch supporter of its principles, and in local politics he takes a leading part. In the spring of 1891 he was elected treasurer of Richland township, and in the spring of 1897 was re-elected, so that he is now filling that responsible position. He has also capably served in other township offices, being trustee, and justice of the peace in Adams township for two terms. In religious faith he and his family are Catholics.
DAVID G. SHARP.
This energetic and prosperous business man of Hicksville, Defiance county, is a native of Logan county, Ohio, the former home of his parents, Austin and Hannah D. (Symonds) Sharp. Early in the summer of 1875 they took up their residence in Defiance city, where they remained until 1880, and then moved to Delaware Bend, where the father died in 1894. The widowed mother still survives.
David G. Sharp, their only child, was born December 25, 1856, and was reared, until he was about seventeen years of age, in the Logan county home. Coming then with his parents to Defiance, the years intervening between that
DG Sharp
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time and 1880 were passed in further preparation for the life of a business man. In that year, 1880, he purchased a sawmill, which he operated for two years, and in the fall of the same year, in addition to this industry, began the manufacture of cider, vinegar and jellies. In 1882 he converted the mill into a hoop manufactory, and engaged in the business of hoop-making there in connection with his other manufactures, until 1893, when the building was destroyed by fire. Undaunted by this calamity, he promptly turned his atten- tion to the erection of a new building, and, as a result of his enterprise, that same year the present enlarged and improved establishment rose phoenix-like from the ashes. With the increased facilities for manufacturing thus afforded, the proprietor has continued the business with gratifying success. In its present flourishing condition it furnishes employment for nearly forty men. He also conducts a business in general merchandise, in which he embarked in 1894.
On February 17, 1887, Mr. Sharp was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Slough, a daughter of I. N. Slough, of Delaware Bend, and four children have come to gladden their home, their names being as follows: Harry, Forrest, Ray and Gertrude. Socially, Mr. Sharp is a member of the Knights of Pythias ; politically, he is a Republican.
About January 1, 1898, Mr. Sharp extended his business to Hicksville, and a little later he began the erection of a hoop and stave mill near the B. & O. R. R. This he conducts in connection with his other enterprises at The Bend. This Hicksville concern will also employ about fifty men, mak- ing a total of some one hundred hands in both places.
JEREMIAH CLAY.
This thorough and skillful farmer and a man of more than ordinary business capacity, is a representative of the agricultural interests of Jeffer- son township, Williams county, Ohio, his home being in Section 34, where he owns eighty acres of fine farming land under excellent cultivation. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, February 13, 1845, but in the spring of the same year, when only three months old, he was brought to Williams county, by his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Glime) Clay, who located in Mill Creek township.
Jacob Clay, the great-great-grandfather, was born in the Principality of Hesse, Germany, and was one of the soldiers hired to George III of Eng- land and sent to this country to fight against the Americans. He after- ward joined the Continental army, and helped to defeat the forces of Great
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Britain. At the close of the Revolutionary war his family came and they settled near Hanover, York county, Pennsylvania. They reared a son, whom they named Jacob.
This son, Jacob Clay, the great-grandfather, was born in Germany, January 30, 1769, and died August 17, 1860. Catharine, his wife, was born March 30, 1772, and died September 5, 1850. To them was born a son,
John, the grandfather, September 15, 1794; died October 24, 1870. His wife, Margaret (Miller), to whom he was married November 26, 1818, was born January 1, 1796, and died October 1, 1879. To them three sons and one daughter were born.
John Clay and family, together with his parents, removed from York county, Pennsylvania, to Richland county, Ohio, in 1828. Jacob Clay, the father, was the second of the four children, the others being George, William and Catharine.
Jacob Clay was born November 21, 1821. Elizabeth (Glime), his wife, was born in Pennsylvania, July 11, 1823. Both are enjoying good health in their home at West Unity, Ohio. They were married in Richland county, Ohio, in 1844. One son, Jeremiah, was born here. They removed to Williams county, Ohio, in 1845, and here there were eight more children born, four of whom died in infancy. Those who reached maturity were Jeremiah, William, Catharine, Sarah Ann, and John H.
On the home farm in Mill Creek township, Jeremiah Clay passed the days of his boyhood and youth, remaining with his parents until he married and removed to a home of his own. On February 15, 1864, he enlisted in Company G, Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the war was ended and peace once more reigned, being mustered out July 10, 1865. Returning to the old home in Mill Creek township, he worked at the carpenter's trade for three years.
On June 24, 1869, in Bryan, Ohio, Mr. Clay was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Bear, both of whom were early settlers of Williams county, and are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Clay were born six children, three of whom died when young; those living are Sydney S., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Martha D., now the wife of O. L. Kelly; and Charles B.
Mr. Clay has spent the greater part of his life in Williams county, but lived for nine years in Gorham township, Fulton county, Ohio, and two years in Michigan. With the exception of six years during which he was engaged in mercantile business in Pulaski, Ohio, he has always devoted his time and at- tention to farming, and has been remarkably successful in carrying on that
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occupation, with which he is thoroughly familiar. No man takes a deeper in- terest in the prosperity of the county, and it is safe to say that few have contributed in a larger degree in making it one of the best in this great commonwealth. Politically he adheres to the Republican party, is one of its most earnest advocates, and takes a great interest in its success. He is an earnest Christian gentleman, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his wife and children also belong, and all take a leading and active part in its work. The family is one of the highest respectability, and occu- pies a prominent position in social circles. Fraternally, Mr. Clay is a mem- ber of Evans Post, No. 149, G. A. R., and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
A. R. HYATT.
Mr. Hyatt, our subject, is one of the native sons of Williams county, his birth having occurred at Lockport, on September 7, 1846. His parents were Seth B. and Eleanor (Bodel) Hyatt, also natives of Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Meshack Hyatt, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, of Ger- man descent, followed farming until his life's labors were ended. His chil- dren were Mrs. Lydia Serrels; Seth B .; William, a sergeant in the army ; Mrs. Mary Patterson; Mrs. Rebecca Hunter; Elisha, a physician of Dela- ware, Ohio; John, of New York; and Sarah.
Seth B. Hyatt was reared in Wayne county, and about 1843 came to Williams county, where he commenced teaching school. Later he was elected county surveyor, and served in that capacity sixteen years. His wife in- herited some land which had been entered by Robert Bodel in 1820, and after his marriage Mr. Hyatt settled on that property, which he cleared and improved. His first wife died in 1854, and he then went to Bryan, where he carried on the grocery business for several years. In 1856 he was again married, and returning to his farm he remained thereon until 1864, when he again located in Bryan, there remaining until his death, in May, 1883. Dur- ing his last years he engaged in the real estate and brokerage businesses, and he was a popular, progressive and enterprising citizen. He supported the Democratic party until 1856, when he became a Republican, taking an active interest in public affairs, and filling a number of township offices. Both parents of our subject were members of the Methodist Church. The first wife of Seth Hyatt was a daughter of Robert Bodel, a native of Scotland, and a stone mason by trade. He became one of the early settlers of Williams county, and entered three-quarters of a section of land, which he cultivated until his death, about the year 1840. His widow continued the supervision of the
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homestead farm until her death, in 1867. They had three children: Alex- ander, deceased; Mrs. Hyatt; and Isabel, wife of F. Cox, also deceased.
The parents of our subject had three children, he being the eldest; (2) Sarah I. is the wife of G. W. Haigh, of Logansport, Indiana; and (3) Cor- delia is now Mrs. Herald, of Topeka, Kansas. The mother of this family died February 28, 1854, and Mr. Hyatt afterward married Miss Emily Keeler, of Huron county, a daughter of Lewis and Rebecca (Stevens) Keeler, of England. She is still living in Bryan.
A. R. Hyatt, the subject proper of this review, was reared on the old homestead, where he still makes his home. In 1864, when seventeen years of age, he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to Thomas Corps, Army of the Potomac. He went with Sher- man on the march to the sea, and in a hand-to-hand fight at the battle of Jonesboro was shot through the thigh. After three days he was sent to At- lanta, after three weeks to Chattanooga, from there to Nashville, and on to Jeffersonville. He fully recovered his health at Camp Denison, and was then sent to Johnson's island, where he did guard duty until the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge in August, 1865. He then returned to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was mustered out and received his pay.
Once more finding himself in Williams county, Mr. Hyatt resumed farm- ing on the old homestead. After a time, however, he went west, and on his return settled in Huron county, Ohio. He then located in Bryan, and for a time was in the employ of the Lake Shore railroad, but after his marriage he returned to the farm, and in a few years purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old home place. He has one hundred and sixty acres of land under a high state of cultivation, improved with a two-story brick residence and commodious outbuildings. He carries on general farming and stock-raising, and by his effective and honorable business methods has acquired a handsome property.
In 1873 Mr. Hyatt married Miss Emily L. Boothman, who was born in Jefferson township, Williams county, November 5, 1848, and was a suc- cessful school teacher for a number of years. Her parents were Lemuel L. and Melliasendria (Hart) Boothman, both natives of Trumbull county, Ohio. Her grandfather, Thomas Boothman, a native of England, came to America, and was married. One child was born to this union, and when he was eighteen months old the grandfather started on a visit to England, but was never after- ward heard from. The baby boy was then taken to be raised by a family in Trumbull county, Ohio, where he acquired a good education and worked on a farm. At the age of seventeen he began clerking in a store, and in 1843 he
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came to Williams county, where he was married. Here he engaged in school- teaching and also entered land, which he continued to cultivate until 1874. He then removed to Bryan, where he clerked in a store some eighteen years. He is now living retired at that place at the age of eighty-one years ; his wife has reached the age of seventy-six years. She is a member of the Universalist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Boothman have ten children: Mrs. Adeline Thomas ; Melvin M., an attorney of Bryan; Emily L .; Lewis K .; Rollin E., of West Unity; Ellery C., of Bryan; Julian W., a dry-goods merchant; Mina R .; William M., of Bryan; and Florence M., who died at the age of two years.
Mr. and Mrs. Hyatt have four children : Donald A. ; Conroy E .; Mina L .; and Emily. Mr. Hyatt is a member of Evans Post, No. 149, G. A. R., and is a stanch Republican in politics. He is a loyal citizen, as true and faithful to his public duties to-day as he was when in times of war he followed the starry flag on Southern battlefields.
ORLANDO F. OBERLIN.
Orlando F. Oberlin, who resides in Section 25, Jefferson township, Wil- liams county, owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred and eighty acres, whose neat and thrifty appearance well indicates his careful super- vision. Substantial improvements are surrounded by well-tilled fields, and all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm are there found.
Mr. Oberlin is a native of Ohio, born in Holmes county, April 1, 1846, a son of Jacob Oberlin, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1810, and in the fall of 1854 removed from Holmes county to Williams county, taking up his residence in Jefferson township, where his death occurred February 19, 1894. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Rosanna Lautz- baugh, and was born in Pennsylvania in 1798. Orlando F. is the fourth in order of birth in the family of seven children, the others being as follows : Amanda, Maria, Hiram, Milton, Mary and Alice.
At the age of eight years the subject of this sketch accompanied his parents on their removal to Williams county, where he was reared and edu -. cated in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his day. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he enlisted, in the fall of 1863, in Company H, Thirty- eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and valiantly fought for the preservation of the Union until the war was over. At the battles of Jonesboro, Georgia, he was wounded in the left shoulder, and near Kenesaw mountain received a slight wound in the left leg. When hostilities ceased he was honorably discharged and returned to his old home in Jefferson township, Williams county, resuming
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the occupation of farming, which he has made his life work. Since 1854 he has been a resident of that township, making his home with his father until twenty-four years of age, when he married and removed to a home of his own.
On January 1, 1872, in Jefferson township, Mr. Oberlin married Miss Althea Reed, who was born in that township, September 23, 1849, a daughter of George Reed. To Mr. and Mrs. Oberlin have been born two children : Roy E. and Theodore. Roy E. married Elizabeth Barkdol, of Brady town- ship, Williams county, and they have one son, Wayne, born May 21, 1897. They reside in Brady township, where Roy owns and operates a farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres. Like his father, he affiliates with the Re- publican party. Theodore resides with his parents.
Socially, Mr. Oberlin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. He is one of the most successful and prosperous agriculturists of his community, and it is to such men of progressive and liberal ideas, generous and benevolent in spirit, that Williams county owes its advancement.
JACOB W. STIVING.
The subject of this sketch is a prominent and enterprising farmer, and has been actively identified with the growth and development of Madison town- ship, Williams county, where he still makes his home. He is a native of Ohio, born in Richland county, August 23, 1847, a son of Philip and Leah (Dohm) Stiving.
On the historic River Rhine, in Baden, Germany, the father was born and continued to live until thirteen years of age, when he was brought to America by his parents, Jacob and Savilla (Weidner) Stiving, who became pioneer settlers of Richland county, Ohio. On his arrival there the grandfather in- vested his small capital in a tract of wild land, and in order to support his family he was at first obliged to work by the day for others. As the oppor- tunity presented itself he labored on his own land, and was finally able to de- vote his entire time to its cultivation and improvement. He died upon that place, and his widow then made her home with her children in Williams county, dying here at the age of eighty-two years.
Philip Stiving (our subject's father) assisted his father in making a home for the family, and after his marriage engaged in farming upon rented land in Richland county until 1856, when he came to Williams county, here buying a tract of timberland, which he soon transformed into a fine farm. As his financial resources increased, he extended its boundaries until he owned four hundred acres of valuable land. The primitive buildings upon his farm were in
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later years replaced by a fine two-story brick residence and good and sub- stantial outbuildings. Before leaving his native land he became connected with the Lutheran Church, and he was ever an honorable, upright man, his word being considered as good as his bond. Politically he was a Democrat, and he efficiently served as township trustee and in other minor offices. He died in the spring of 1888, his wife in the following October, honored and respected by all who knew them. Their children were: Mrs. Catherine Weidner; Jacob; Mrs. Mary Traxler; George (a farmer) ; Mrs. Sarah A. Greek; Peter (a farmer) ; Mrs. Emma J. Keller; and Mrs. Savilla L. Kunkle.
During his boyhood and youth Jacob W. Stiving attended the local schools and assisted his father in the work of the farm, thus early becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits. He remained at home until his marriage in 1877, and then operated rented land for seven years. After which he pur- chased his present farm in Madison township, Williams county, but at that time only five acres had been cleared. Of the one hundred and sixty acres, one hundred are now under excellent cultivation and improved with a large two- story frame residence with a slate roof, good barns and outbuildings, in fact, equipped with all the conveniences and accessories of a model farm. In con- nection with general farming he is also engaged in stock raising, having upon his place a fine grade of horses, cattle and hogs. His political support has always been given the Democracy, but he has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to devote his entire time and atten- tion to his business interests.
In 1877 Mr. Stiving was united in marriage with Miss Nancy E. Yocum, who was born in Williams county, October 28, 1856, and they have become the parents of three children : Arthur L .; Cornelius O .; and Claudious L., born February 1, 1886. Lemuel and Elizabeth (Martin) Yocum (parents of Mrs. Stiving) are natives of Wayne county, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, re- spectively, and were married in the former place. Andrew Yocum, the grand- father, was born in Pennsylvania, while the great-grandfather was a native of Holland, thence coming to America at an early day, and aiding the Colonies in their struggle for independence ; he located in Pennsylvania.
As Lemuel Yocum was in limited circumstances at the time of his mar- riage, he first worked by the day for others, and when he had saved some money, he purchased a small piece of land in Ashland county, Ohio, which he improved and cultivated until 1842. On selling out he came to Williams county, where he bought a tract of timberland, built a cabin, and at once com- menced clearing and improving his place. By subsequent purchase he added
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to his land, and although he has sold some of his property and given other tracts to his children, he still owns one hundred and sixty acres in the old home- stead. There he and his wife live at the ripe old age of seventy-two years, and are surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, which have been secured through their own industry, perseverance and good man- agement. Both are consistent members of the German Baptist Church; in politics he was formerly a Democrat, but is now a Prohibitionist. Their children are: Andrew, a farmer ; Mary, who died at the age of twenty years : Nancy E., wife of our subject; and Henry, who died at the age of five years.
JOHN BORTON.
One of the prominent, influential and successful agriculturists of Brady township, Williams county, is John Borton, the subject of this review. He was born in New Jersey, September 4, 1820, a son of Bethuel and Rebecca (Clifton) Borton, who were also natives of that State.
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