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 39
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 39
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 39
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 39
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Cummins was married. April 12, 1864, to Miss Jane Evans, who was born in Portage county, Ohio, December 23, 1839, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (James) Evans, both natives of Wales, where they were mar- ried, emigrating to America soon afterward (in 1835) and locating in Port- age county, Ohio, where, in connection with his father, Mr. Evans opened up a farm in the midst of the forest. Later he removed to a home of his own in the same county, and upon that farm spent his remaining days. In early life he engaged in carpenter work, but later gave his attention wholly to farm- ing. In religious belief, both he and his wife were Methodists. Their chil- dren were John, who died in a hospital while in the Union service; Margaret, who first married a Mr. Reese, and after his death wedded William Jenkins ; Jane, wife of our subject; and David and James, who are single, and still reside on the old homestead, where they are engaged in farming, stock dealing and the manufacture of cheese. Ten children blessed our subject's second mar- riage, namely : Marion, Fidelia and Henry, who all died when young ; Charles, who conducts a meat market in Pioneer, Williams county ; Delbert C., a resi- dent of the same place; Mrs. Elizabeth Vanortrick; Mrs. Susie Martin; Zilpha and Orpha, at home; and Alva, who died at the age of three and one-half years.
Mrs. Cummins was reared in the Methodist Church, and still holds to that faith, while our subject has been for many years a leading member of the United Brethren Church. Politically he is an ardent Republican, has served as clerk of the election board, school director, supervisor, and in all the local offices. He is one of four now living who aided in the organization of the Republican party in Williams county, the others being Mr. Hoy, of Northwest township, and Mr. Koonsman and Mr. Waterstone, of Mont- pelier. Believing that a nation could not exist which was half slave and half free, he takes just pride in the course he pursued at that time, and every day becomes a stronger ally of his party. On locating in Williams county, Defiance was still the county seat, and the towns of Bryan and Montpelier had not yet sprung into existence. He has therefore witnessed almost the entire development of the county, has borne an important part in its advancement, and aided in organizing its Sabbath-schools and Churches. He voted at the first election held in Madison township, there being only about six voters at that time, and the ballots were deposited in an old teapot. This was held for the purpose of starting a school, there being at that time eight or nine children of school age in the community.
Nature has dealt kindly with Mr. Cummins, and, although seventy-six years of age, he is still hale and hearty, able to superintend the manage-
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ment of his fine farm, and he still takes an active and prominent part in public affairs. He is widely and favorably known throughout this section of the State, and has the respect of all with whom he comes in contact.
GEORGE W. AND PETER O. STIVING.
These well-known farmers of Madison township belong to one of the prominent and highly-respected families of Williams county, their parents being Philip and Leah (Dohm) Stiving.
The father was born May 9, 1821, in Baden, Germany ( where the name was formerly spelled Stibing), and in 1834 came to America with his parents, Jacob and Savilla (Weidner) Stiving, also natives of Germany, who landed in the United States in September of that year, and located near Shelby in Richland county, Ohio. In his native land Jacob Stiving had engaged in milling, but here he turned his attention to agriculture, and developed one of the best farms in Richland county, making it his home until called to his final rest. He was a member of the Reformed Church. In his family were five children: Philip; Mrs. Catherine Phingsday; Charlotte, who died at the age of fourteen years; George, who died in Madison township, Williams county ; and Peter, who died in Richland county. Their mother died at the home of her children in Williams county, aged eighty-nine years.
Philip Stiving ( father of our subjects) remained with his parents until 1845, when he married Miss Leah Dohm, who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1823. Her father, Christian Dohm, a native of Germany, came to this country during the Colonial period, and aided in the Revolu- tion. Some of his brothers located in Virginia, becoming prominent residents of that State, but he settled in Pennsylvania, whence he afterward removed to Crawford county, Ohio, where he developed a farm. His last days, however, were spent at the home of his son Jacob in Williams county. Both he and his wife died at a ripe old age. The children born to Philip and Leah (Dohm) Stiving are: Catherine, now the wife of P. Widener; Jacob W., a prominent farmer of Madison township, Williams county; Mrs. Mary Traxler; George W .; Mrs. Sarah A. Greek, whose husband is a noted teacher now living in Alabama ; Peter O .; Mrs. Emma J. Keller; and Mrs. Savilla L. Kunkle.
Philip Stiving had labored hard to make a home for his parents, and on starting out in life for himself was without capital, but, with the aid of a devoted and faithful companion, he met with success in his undertakings, and at his death left a large and valuable estate to his children. In 1856 he moved to Williams county, locating on the farm where his sons are now
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living. Five years previous he had made a trip on horseback to this county, and purchased eighty acres of heavily-timbered land. Soon afterward he contracted to have forty acres of timber slashed and deadened, but on lo- cating here he had to cut a road a mile in length in order to move his house- hold effects by wagon to his new home. Finding an old log shanty near his land, he fixed it up and lived there until the following season, when he built a hewed-log house upon the place. He also began to clear and cultivate his land, and as his financial resources increased he added to his possessions until he owned four hundred and ten acres of valuable land. Upon the old home- stead, comprising two hundred and forty acres, he erected a commodious two-story brick residence, a large barn and substantial outbuildings, making it one of the most desirable farms of the locality. He was a popular man, widely and favorably known, a stanch Democrat in politics, for a number of years served as township trustee, and also filled many minor offices of honor and trust. Religiously he was a member of the German Reformed Church, with which he became connected at the age of twenty-two. Deer and other wild animals were abundant when he first came to Williams county, and one day while on his way to a sale in company with others, during his first year in Madison township, he discovered a deer caught in the snow, it having broken through the crust and so disabled from proceeding faster. Their dog caught the deer, and the men placed it in an adjacent corn-crib, then on their return from the sale they dressed it and took it home with them.
GEORGE W. STIVING, one of our subjects, was born in Richland county, Ohio, January 15, 1851, and Peter O. was born there August 19, 1854. Both were educated in School District No. 5, Madison township, Wil- liams county, and early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At one time they gave considerable attention to the buying and shipping of stock, but at present devote their entire energies to the cultivation and improvement of the old homestead, which they now own. Here they have one hundred and twenty acres, and also own another well- improved farm of eighty acres, one-half mile distant, and sixty acres south of the homestead. Their elegant residence commands a fine view of the sur- rounding country, and the farm is supplied with all modern improvements, in- cluding a good windmill, through which water is supplied to the different lots which contain their stock.
George W. Stiving married Miss Anna Kiser, a native of Fulton county, Ohio, and a daughter of John Kiser, now a farmer of that county, who was born in Germany, and served as drummer in the German army under General Siegel. The only child born of this union died in infancy, and the mother
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died three years later, on January 4, 1893, since which time George W. has made his home with his brother.
PETER O. STIVING was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Kunkle, who was born in Williams county, a daughter of H. S. Kunkle, and died in 1881. In June, 1887, Mr. Stiving was again married, his second union be- ing with Miss Mary E. Wallace, who was born in Mill Creek township, Wil- liams county, January 22, 1868. Her parents, Lockwood M. and Emily (Stants) Wallace, were natives of New York State and Crawford county, Ohio, respectively, but were married in Williams county. The paternal grandfather, Samuel Wallace, came to Williams county at a very early day, but, as the country was new and seemed very unhealthy at that time, he returned to New York State after about two years. In 1847, however, he again came to this region, and here improved a farm. Game of all kinds was then quite plentiful, and during the first winter spent here he was enabled to kill many deer with a club, as they would break through the crust on the snow and be unable to extricate themselves. Lockwood Wallace grew to manhood amid these primitive scenes, and for many years successfully followed farm- ing, but he and his wife are now living retired in the village of Kunkle, Williams county. They are earnest members of the United Brethren Church, and he was formerly a Republican in politics, but is now a free-silver Dem- ocrat. During the Civil war he served for a year and a half as a Union sol- dier. His children are Mary E .; Mrs. Liddia M. Erick; and Rosa E. To Peter O. Stiving and his wife have been born three children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Martha B., January 2, 1888; Grover C., July 31, 1891 ; and Bessie R., April 17, 1894.
Politically the Stiving brothers are both stalwart supporters of the De- mocracy, and advocate the free coinage of silver. Although they have never cared for official honors, they have creditably served in several township offices, including those of supervisor and school director. For over a year and a half Peter O. also carried the mail on horseback from Deer Lick to Kunkle. Wherever known they are held in high esteem, and have a host of warm friends throughout the county.
DAVID RIDENOUR.
There is no class of biographies which is more interesting to read than that of the industrious and enterprising farmer boy who has risen unaided to a position of affluence and comfort. Prominent among the men of Defiance county who have thus laboriously toiled onward and upward is the subject
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of this sketch, who is now a well-to-do agriculturist residing in Section 24, Milford township.
Mr. Ridenour is a native of the county where he still makes his home, born in Farmer township, January 17, 1848, a son of John and Susanna Ridenour. In their family were seven children who reached years of ma- turity, and our subject is sixth in the order of birth. He was reared on the old home farm in Section 18, Farmer township, and continued to reside there- on for two or three years after his marriage. He then located on what was known as the William Cheyney farm in the same township, and eight years later removed to his present farm in Section 24, Milford township. It com- prises one hundred acres of valuable land, on which he has erected a com- fortable residence, and made many other excellent improvements, which add greatly to its value and attractive appearance.
In Farmer township, January 26, 1871, Mr. Ridenour was united in marriage with Miss Lavina Blosser, who was born in Seneca county, Ohio, May 29, 1850, a daughter of Peter and Rebecca Blosser. The father died in that county, after which the mother came to Farmer township, Defiance county, where her death occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Ridenour have three chil- dren : Iona D. (now the wife of James Husted) ; Homer A .; and Dora May. The parents both hold membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, while politically Mr. Ridenour affiliates with the Democratic party. Enjoying the esteem and respect of the whole community they may well be classed among the prominent citizens of Milford township.
HENRY SCHOONOVER.
This well-known farmer of Defiance county, residing in Section 10, De- fiance township, is a native of Ohio, born May 17, 1848, in Tuscarawas county, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the State. His paternal grandfather, Henry Schoonover, was a native of New Jersey, and from that State removed with his family to Pennsylvania, locating in Washington county, whence he subsequently came to Ohio. His death oc- curred in Tuscarawas county in 1845.
Nicholas Schoonover, our subject's father, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1817, but was reared in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he continued to live until 1851, whence he removed to Defiance county, locating upon a farm in Section 10, Defiance township, which is still his home. In Tuscarawas county he was married, April 6, 1843, to Miss Mary Van Vlerah, who was born in that county, November 26, 1822, and is
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also still living. The children born to this worthy couple are as follows: Martin, who died in Tuscarawas county when about three years old; Isabel, now the wife of Lewis Sitterly, of Defiance county; Henry, the subject of this sketch; Sarah, wife of Charles E. Sloppy, of Paulding county, Ohio; and Elizabeth D., wife of Englebert Link, also of Paulding county.
From the age of three years Henry Schoonover has made his home in Defiance county, spending his boyhood and youth upon the old homestead in Defiance township, and obtaining his early education in the common schools of the locality. Later he attended Oberlin College for four terms, but not continuously, as in the meantime he taught several terms of school. After leaving college he continued to follow that profession in both Defiance and Paulding counties for a time, but aside from that farming has been his. chief occupation. He has always taken an active and prominent part in educational affairs, for three years served as school director in his district, and for the period of thirteen years held the office of county school examiner.
JOHN J. MILLER.
Prominent among the progressive and influential agriculturists of Dela- ware township, Defiance county, is found John J. Miller, who is of Swiss descent.
Jacob and Fanny (Walter) Miller were born and reared in Switzerland. There, too, they married and passed a brief period of their wedded life. But Mr. Miller's aspirations reaching far beyond their little mountain republic, he, in 1854, with his family, joined the tide of emigration westward to Amer- ica. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were then about twenty-nine and twenty-six years of age, respectively. On their arrival in the New World, they located in Defiance county, Ohio, where they have resided continuously since that time ; were in the city of Defiance a number of years and are now living in Delaware township. They have had six children, as follows: Anna, wife of Daniel Sprow; Mary, deceased wife of William F. Derge; John J .; Jacob C .; Louisa, wife of James Bloom; and Charles F.
John J. Miller is the first of the family of American birth. His native place is the city of Defiance, having been born there September 23, 1854. Here his home was with his parents until he was fourteen years of age, when with them he removed to Delaware township. His education was ob- tained in the common schools, and with the exception of two years spent in the State of Washington and British Columbia, he was with his parents until his marriage, which took place in Delaware township, August 17, 1877. His
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wife, formerly Miss Rebecca Miller, a daughter of David and Rucy (Core) Miller, was born in Crawford county, this State, March II, 1854.
About one year after his marriage, our subject and his wife moved to the State of Washington, where Mr. Miller engaged in farming and stock raising five years. Returning then to their native State, they have since made Defiance county their home, residing most of the time in Delaware township. They are the parents of seven children, named, respectively: Curtis W., Elmer A., Melbourn A., Ada L., Etta F., Walter Wayne, and Mabel Beatrice.
Mr. Miller has made farming his life occupation. In politics he acts with the Democratic party, and takes a lively interest in public affairs. He has held the office of township trustee, and being in sympathy with educational interests, he has been chosen a member of the school board, in which office he is serving at present. In religious matters, also, he takes a prominent part, being an active and interested worker in the Reformed Church, of which he and his wife are members. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
JOHN OREWILER.
This leading citizen of Pioneer, Williams county, and an honored veteran of the Civil war, was born January 9, 1827, in Richland county, Ohio, where he obtained a good common-school education, which has well fitted him for life's responsible duties. His father, Adam Orewiler, was a native of Ken- tucky, but was reared in Pennsylvania, and in 1820 became a resident of Richland county, Ohio, where he married Miss Nancy Walkup, a native of Ireland, who when a child came to America with her widowed mother and two sisters, locating first in Pennsylvania and later in Richland county, Ohio. The Orewilers were of German descent. Politically Adam Orewiler was first a Whig and later a Republican, and by occupation was an agriculturist, improving two good farms in Richland county, where he died in January, 1873. John is the oldest of his twelve children, the others being as follows : Ellen, wife of A. Alleman; David, a farmer by occupation; Mrs. Barbara Cline; Eli, who served in the Union army during the Civil war, and died in 1873; Sarah, wife of J. Kohler; Henry, a farmer; Mary, wife of W. J. Boggs; Hiram, who was also a Union soldier, and is now a resident of Toledo, Ohio; and Nancy, Samuel and Margaret, who all died when young. The mother is a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church. She died in Rich- land county, Ohio, in April, 1872.
Upon the home farm, John Orewiler early became familiar with agri- cultural pursuits, and remained with his father until his marriage in 1848, -
John Oraviler
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Miss Mary Keiser becoming his wife. She was born in Wayne county, Ohio, December II, 1826, a daughter of Jacob Keiser, of Pennsylvania-German stock, who on coming to Ohio first located in Wayne county, later removed to Richland county, where he spent many years, and in old age came to Williams county, dying here in 1881. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife, who died at Prattville, Michigan, in 1883, was a German Baptist in religious belief. Their children were Sally, Nancy, Mary, John, Henry, Jacob, Elizabeth, Catherine, Elias A., Samuel, Lucinda and George W. Of these, Elias is a physician, and Samuel a dentist of Bryan, Williams county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Orewiler were born the following children: Elizabeth, who died when young; Nancy, now Mrs. Weaver; Jacob, a farmer of Wil- liams county ; Mrs. Anna M. Belcher; Mrs. Sarah A. Umbenhaur; Adam, a resident of Pioneer ; Warren M., a farmer ; Luella, at home; and Cimmiott- tee, wife of Mr. Bigbee, who conducts a meat market in Pioneer. The wife and mother, who was a faithful member of the German Baptist Church, was called to her final rest January 3, 1891.
For one year after his marriage Mr. Orewiler worked by the month as a farm hand, and then operated rented land in his native county until 1853, when he removed to Williams county and purchased a tract of land which was still in its primitive condition, having to clear a road to his place. After building a cabin he began the improvement and cultivation of his land, his whole time being devoted to this arduous task, when not ill with fever and ague, which was prevalent among the early settlers. On selling that place in 1860, he bought one hundred and ten acres in Madison township, upon which he now lives. A few acres had been cleared, and a small frame house erected thereon, but to-day eighty acres are under a high state of cultivation, and the improvements include a commodious residence, one-half mile east of Pioneer, two good barns and substantial outbuildings.
In May, 1864, Mr. Orewiler placed his farm in charge of his son, and entered the Union army, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Forty- second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He was elected first sergeant of his company, faithfully served for one hundred days, and when his term had expired was honorably dis- charged at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio. He was a member of the National Guard both before and after his service. On his return home he resumed farming, but his place has been operated by his sons since 1875. Since 1864 he has continuously served as justice of the peace, with the exception of four years ; was town clerk eight years; notary public a number of years ; and has
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also served as school director-filling all of these positions in a prompt and capable manner. He is an ardent Republican, a true and loyal citizen, and in many respects his life is well worthy of emulation. In April, 1898, Mr. Ore- wiler broke up housekeeping, and is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Bigbee.
GEORGE CLIFFTON.
Among the leading farmers and representative citizens of Brady town- ship, Williams county, stands George Cliffton. He was born November 30, 1855, on the old home farm adjoining the one he now lives on, a son of John R. and Sarah E. (Borton) Cliffton, natives of Burlington county, New Jersey. The mother was born October 26, 1812, and on June 8, 1839, gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Cliffton.
In the following October they started in a one-horse wagon for Ohio, with all their earthly possessions thereon, Mr. Cliffton walking across the moun- tains, and carrying a small rifle with which he killed small game for them to live on while on their way. They arrived in Fulton county, this State, after a journey of three weeks' duration. They lived in a small cabin owned by John and Job Borton until the following spring, when Mr. Cliffton built one of his own, his only tools being an axe, with which he made the lumber, for both floor and roof, from the trees growing in the forest. There he made his home until the fall of 1843, when he came to Brady township, Williams county, spending his remaining days upon the old home farm. On his ar- rival in the State he had but twenty-five cents, his horse and little wagon; but with a will he set to work to secure a home and competence, at first working at anything he could find to do. Subsequently his wife inherited a small amount of money, which they invested in forty acres of heavily-timbered land, and upon the place he made some improvements; but sold it on com- ing to Williams county. Here he bought eighty acres, and later on pur- chased an adjoining eighty, which he transformed into a fine farm, improved with good and substantial buildings. He erected one of the first peppermint stills in the county, which he operated for a number of years, finding a ready sale for his product in the Eastern markets. Subsequently he put in the first cider-mill in the county, which he successfully operated until 1875, when he sold the business to his sons, George and Samuel, and they operated it with good success until 1888, at which time our subject sold his interest in the mill and old homestead to his brother Samuel, and invested his money in real estate adjoining what he already owned.
Politically the father was independent, voting for the man whom he
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considered best qualified to fill the office, regardless of party affiliations. He died on the old homestead, October 22, 1887, aged sixty-eight years and four months, honored and respected by all who knew him. His wife, who was reared in the Friends Church, and always adhered to its doctrines, passed away October 25, 1896, at the age of eighty-four years, leaving seven chil- dren, twenty-three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
To John R. and Sarah E. Cliffton were born nine children, namely : Rachel A., who first married M. Mills, and after his death wedded J. Metcalf ; Esther P., wife of G. Sparks; Sarah B., wife of J. Hutchison; Mary, wife of D. Crumrine ; Charles D., who died at the age of four years; John S., a farmer of Brady township, Williams county; Samuel, a prominent farmer and well-known business man of Williams county, who died June 21, 1896; Abigail, wife of S. Crumrine; and George, the subject of this sketch.
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