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 40
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 40
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 40
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 40
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Reared on the home farm, George Cliffton acquired his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, and after his school days were over he and his brother Samuel carried on the farm and operated the cider-mill. Our subject now has one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, supplied with flowing water, and improved with good buildings. He has always successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, to which he still gives his at- tention in connection with operating the mill for his brother's estate. Po- litically he is a stanch Democrat, advocating the free coinage of silver. Our subject was a candidate for county commissioner in 1898, but was defeated in the convention through the treachery, he maintains, of his party leaders in the county.
In 1889 Mr. Cliffton married Miss Alice M., daughter of Jonathan and Sarah E. (Vanarsdalen) Hibbard. Her father, a son of John Hibbard, is an early settler of Gorham township, Fulton county, Ohio, where he improved a farm, and he and his wife still live on the old homestead, the former now (1898) aged sixty-five years, the latter being fifty-eight. They are con- sistent members of the United Brethren Church. During his younger years Mr. Hibbard followed carpentering for some time, but later turned his at- tention to farming. In his family are the following children: Carrie, wife of A. Hamlin; Irene, wife of G. Fidler; Alida; Albert; Elmer; Alice, wife of our subject; Catherine, wife of M. Smith; and Cora. Mr. and Mrs. Cliffton have one child, Nellie H., born September 1, 1897.
The following is an extract from a letter written to our subject's father by his grandfather in an early day, before postage stamps and envelopes were in general use, the postage on same being twenty-five cents, and bearing the postmark, "Woodbury, N. J., August 10, 1840:"
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Dear Children: I take this opportunity to inform you that we are all well, and hope these lines will find you the same. I am sorry to hear you don't like the country very well, but I hope you won't come back again, as the times are not as good here now as they were when you went away, and are not likely to be any better. The season here was cold till harvest, and since then the weather has been warm. The corn crop looks well, and so do vegetables generally. The rye crop in this neighborhood failed. Wheat- flour sells for three dollars a hundred; rye flour two dollars a hundred; corn 56 cents a bushel ; oats 26 cents a bushel ; potatoes 45 cents a bushel ; salt pork from 8 to 10 cents a pound. We don't expect to stay where we are longer than spring. I have handed my account for work to Cooper, which did not please him, and we have not yet settled it. My account for work for the last year and this amounted to $37 and 873 cents. I should be glad to be out there to take a squirrel hunt with you. I will get you a bullet mould and send it out with Bortons. Please write as soon as possible. Give my respects to all inquiring friends. Your affectionate parent,
SAMUEL CLIFFTON.
The following is an extract from a letter written four years later, is with- out stamp or envelope, and cost ten cents postage, which shows that postage as well as produce had fallen in price :
Lumberton, N. J., January 23, 1844.
I got your letter last fall. Markets are better this winter than last; wheat 70 cents ; corn 25 cents per bu .; oats 15 cents; potatoes 25 cents ; pork $2.50 per hundred.
JOSIAH BORTON TO AARON BORTON.
Aaron Borton was an uncle to our subject, and resided in Ohio at that time. This letter was mailed on the 24th of January, 1844, and received on the IIth of February, 1844, being on the way seventeen days, which shows quite a contrast to our flying mail trains of the present day.
JOHN A. STOUGH.
This prominent farmer, who is one of the trustees of Springfield town- ship, Williams county, is a native of Ohio, born November 17, 1848, in Wayne county, whence his parents removed to Fulton county, same State, when he was five years old. There he spent the days of his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farmer lads of his day, and he continued to make his home in that county until coming to Williams county in 1880. In Spring- field township he now owns a fine farm of one hundred acres, which he has
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placed under excellent cultivation, making it one of the most desirable places in the locality. He is a thorough and systematic agriculturist, and has met with a well-deserved success in his life work.
While still a resident of Fulton county, Mr. Stough was married, Oc- tober 22, 1871, to Miss Laura Cunningham, a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, by whom he has two children : Mary (now the wife of W. W. Himes), and David B.
Politically, Mr. Stough is a pronounced Republican, and is one of the most prominent and influential members of the party in his community, taking an active part in its work, and serving on the Republican committee in Spring- field township for several years. He has also been called to public office, and efficiently served as supervisor two terms; as school director two terms; as clerk of District No. 4 and trustee of his township for the same length of time. In the Methodist Episcopal Church he holds membership, takes an active inter- est in all Church work, and is now filling the office of steward. Those who know him best are numbered among his warmest friends, and no citizen in Springfield township is more honored or more highly respected.
JACOB P. HOFMEISTER.
Mr. Hofmeister, who owns and operates a good farm of one hundred and forty acres in Section 7, Hicksville township, Defiance county, was born September 13, 1849, in Germany, and was about three years old when, with his parents, Jacob and Fredricka Hofmeister, he crossed the broad Atlantic and became a resident of the New World. The family made their home in Fostoria, Ohio, until 1861, when they removed to Hicksville township, De- fiance county, where the mother died in 1886. The father is still living, and is one of the highly esteemed citizens of his community.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm, and after his marriage he continued to engage in its operation for eight years. At the end of that time he removed to Clinton county, Missouri, where he lived for two years, and then returned to Defiance county. For nine years he engaged in farming with J. M. Ainsworth, and in August, 1893. purchased the farm on which he is now living, locating thereon a year later. To its cultivation and further improvement he has since given his time and attention with most gratifying results.
In Hicksville township, Mr. Hofmeister was married to Miss Catherine Moore, on December 24, 1873. She was born in Medina county, Ohio, Feb- ruary 22, 1849, a daughter of Francis and Mary Moore, who came to De-
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fiance county in 1854 and took up their residence in Hicksville township, where both died. Mr. and Mrs. Hofmeister have two sons : Frank J. and Harry E. Parents and children are all identified with the Lutheran Church. Of a social, genial disposition, Mr. Hofmeister makes many friends and is held in high regard by all who know him. For two years he most capably served as trus- tee of Hicksville township.
FRANK MAXWELL.
This energetic and progressive agriculturist, residing in Section 10, Hicks- ville township, Defiance county, was born September 25, 1855, on the farm where he still continues to reside, and is a representative of one of the highly respected pioneer families, whose identification with the history of the county dates from an early period in its development.
William R. Maxwell, our subject's father, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, December 12, 1822, and in that State he grew to manhood and was married October 27, 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Ames, also a native of Pennsylvania, born October 28, 1822. In 1845 they migrated to Defi- ance county, Ohio, and took up their residence in Section 10, Hicksville township, where the father still continues to reside. He has transformed the wild land into highly-cultivated fields, and has made many useful and valuable improvements upon his place, which stand as monuments to his thrift and industry. He is justly regarded as one of the representative pioneers and honored citizens of his community. His wife departed this life October 13, 1864.
In the family of this worthy couple were eight children, as follows : Mary Ann, who died when young; Jane, who died when about twenty years of age; Frances, now the wife of J. H. Greer; William, who died at the age of sixteen years; Isabella, wife of Frank Warner; Frank, the subject of this sketch; James H .; and Eliza, wife of William Elliott.
On the home farm Frank Maxwell passed his boyhood and youth, and in the common schools of the neighborhood he acquired a good, practical education. Early in life he began to assist his father in the labors of the farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of good land, and he is now successfully operating the same.
On March II, 1879, in Hicksville, Defiance county, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage with Miss Mary Tracht, who was born in Crawford county, Ohio, May 5, 1850, and was about fourteen years old when brought by her parents, Peter and Elizabeth Tracht, to Defiance county. In the village
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of Hicksville she grew to womanhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell have been born four children, namely: John O., William O., Loa E. and Bertha L. For one term Mr. Maxwell served as assessor of Hicksville township, and as a public-spirited, enterprising citizen he has always been prominently identified with its interest. His genial, pleasant manner has made him quite popular in both business and social circles.
WILLIAM H. GETROST.
One of the most reliable and energetic farmers of Hicksville township, Defiance county, is W. H. Getrost. He was born there May 5, 1856.
George W. Getrost, father of our subject, was a native of Germany, born in 1820, and after coming to this country married Miss Lucy Powell, , whose birth occurred in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1821. At an early day they emigrated to Defiance county, Ohio, and took up their residence upon a farm in Section 4, Hicksville township, where they spent their remaining years. The father died June 18, 1871, his death resulting from an accident caused by a runaway team, and the mother passed away June 2, 1877, dying of apoplexy. In their family were eight children: Catherine M., now the wife of Benjamin Kelsey; Anna E., wife of W. F. Lanson; Lydia J., who married George Frease, and died in Labette county, Kansas; John M .; George W .; William H .; E. M .; and Joseph, who died in Hicksville town- ship.
During his boyhood and youth William H. Getrost acquired a good common-school education, being well fitted to engage in teaching, a profes- sion he successfully followed for three years-from the age of eighteen until he attained his majority. He then took charge of the old Getrost home- stead of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, upon which his entire life has been passed, and in its operation has met with a well-merited success, as he is a thorough and skillful farmer. In addition to his farming interests he operates two steam threshing rigs, and a mill for the manufacturing of pickets and handle squares. He also engages in the manufacture of hard and soft wood lumber.
On December 14, 1882, in Hicksville township, Mr. Getrost was united in marriage with Miss Alice E. Forlow, who was born in that township, November 18, 1860, a daughter of Amos Forlow, whose sketch appears else- where. One child graces this union : Daisy Belle, born July 30, 1887. Polit- ically Mr. Getrost is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, takes quite an active interest in local affairs, and has acceptably served as trustee of his
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township. Since the age of nineteen years he has been a faithful member of the United Brethren Church, and has always taken an active and prominent part in its work, being the present superintendent of the Sunday-school and class leader in the Church. He is eminently public-spirited and progressive, and those who know him best are numbered among his warmest friends, a fact which indicates an honorable and upright career.
JOHN SPANGLER.
Prominent among the successful farmers and extensive stock raisers of Defiance county, may be named the subject of this historical notice, whose homestead is in the North precinct, Richland township, and who, by his enterprise and energy in the direction of his chosen industry, has given to his work a significance and beauty of which few deemed it capable.
Mr. Spangler comes from the beautiful land of the Alps, born near the River Rhine, in Canton Schaffhausen, Switzerland, May 4, 1836, a son of John and Elizabeth Spangler, also natives of that country, whence they emigrated to America in 1845. With their three children-our subject and two daughters-they embarked on a sailing vessel, which after a long and tedious voyage of forty-two days landed them safely at New York. Coming direct to Ohio, they spent nine years in Franklin township, Fulton county, and then removed to Defiance county, locating north of the city of Defiance, where they lived for several years. On leaving the farm, they took up their residence in the city, where both died.
The subject of this sketch came with his parents to Defiance county, and made his home with them until twenty-nine years of age, although he spent a portion of that time in the West. In 1864 he took a drove of horses across the Plains to California by way of Fort Laramie and Salt Lake City, and remained on the Pacific slope for two years engaged in teaming. Returning to Defiance county in 1866, he was employed in buying and shipping stock for about a year, and then engaged in the flour and feed business, and also con- ducted a meat market in Defiance, in company with John Greenler and Alex- ander Swartz. At the end of nine months, however, he disposed of his in- terest in the business, and went to Florida, Ohio, where he purchased a grist- mill, which he successfully operated for nine years. Selling out, he returned to Defiance county, and in 1877 bought his present farm in North Richland, on which he has since lived, devoting his energies to general farming and stock dealing. Prosperity has crowned his efforts, and he is now the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and twenty acres, on which he has erected
yours Truly
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an elegant residence, built good barns and other outbuildings, and made many other valuable improvements, so that it is now classed among the most desirable farms of the township.
On the 25th of July, 1869, in Defiance, Mr. Spangler was united in marriage with Miss Isabella Tuttle, who was born in that city December II, 1847, and died on the farm in North Richland township, October 6, 1888. Her father was the late John Tuttle, one of the early settlers of Defiance county, where for many years he was engaged in the grain and mercantile business. To Mr. and Mrs. Spangler were born seven children, namely : John D., Fred W., Herman A., Mary ( wife of Horace Taylor), Grace E., Carrie I. and Florence M.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Spangler has been identified with the Democratic party, and has done all within his power for its success in the community in which he resides. He has ably served as treasurer and trustee of his township, and filled other minor offices. He was also elected infirmary director, but resigned that position at the end of a year. He is one of the most valued and highly respected citizens of his community, and wherever known is held in high regard.
CLARENCE R. BETTS.
This leading and representative farmer of Williams county, residing in Section 12, Springfield township, belongs to one of the prominent pioneer families of the county, his grandfather being John L. Betts, who located here at an early day, and died in April, 1898. The father, Hiram T. Betts, was born May 12, 1833, and during the latter part of the '40s came to Williams county with his parents. In Springfield township he married Mrs. Mary Ann Thurston (née Appleman), and upon a farm in Section 12, that town- ship, they continued to make their home until the fall of 1891, when they removed to the village of Stryker, where they still reside, honored and re- spected by all who know them. They have two children: Franklin T. and Clarence R.
On the old home farm in Springfield township, Clarence R. Betts was born June 1, 1858, and was there reared to manhood, acquiring an excellent knowl- edge of all departments of farm work. After attending the common schools near his home, he became a student in the Valparaiso (Indiana) Normal School, and completed his education at the Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. He has always made his home in Springfield township, Williams county, and throughout his business career has successfully engaged in teach-
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ing and agricultural pursuits, following the former occupation during the winter season for twenty-one years. In connection with general farming, he devotes considerable attention to stock raising, making a specialty of Poland- China hogs and Shropshire sheep. His farm comprises two hundred and twenty-eight acres of rich and arable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, so that it now yields abundant harvests in return for the care and labor bestowed upon it.
Mr. Betts was married June 1, 1882, to Miss Lillian, daughter of Amos Snyder, of Evansport, Ohio, and three children bless their union : Mabel S., Grace L. and Florence L. Politically Mr. Betts is a Republican, but has never been an office seeker. Socially he is a member of Evansport Lodge, F. and A. M .; Bryan Chapter, R. A. M., and Springfield Grange. Since 1887 he has been county lecturer for the Grange in Williams county, and, being a fluent and able speaker, he has done much to advance the interests of that society. He is a member of the Ohio Export Judge Association on blooded stock, and attends many of the different fairs in both State and county. At the early age of twelve years Mr. Betts united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has since taken an active and prominent part in all Church work, serving as superintendent of the Sunday-school in Springfield township for twelve years. He takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the public welfare of his township and county, and withholds his support from no enter- prise calculated to prove of public benefit.
LOUIS H. GACKEL.
The subject of this review, a man of more than ordinary intelligence and business capacity, is prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Richland township, Defiance county, contributing largely to its reputation by building up one of the most desirable homesteads within its borders. He is in the prime of life, and the midst of his usefulness, admired and esteemed by his friends and neighbors, and enjoying, as he deserves, a generous portion of this world's goods.
Frederick Gackel, the father of our subject, was born in Alsace, Ger- many, and in early life emigrated to the United States, taking up his resi- dence in Richland township, Defiance county, where he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Deitsch, a native of Bavaria, Germany. They began their domestic life in Richland township, and are still residents of Florida, Henry county, Ohio, being numbered among its highly respected citizens. Their children are: Sarah, Louis H., Mary, George and William.
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Louis H. Gackel was born November 5, 1859, in Richland township, where he passed his boyhood and youth, assisting his father in the labors of the farm, and acquiring his education in the public schools near his home. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which was celebrated in Bryan, Ohio, December 25, 1890, Miss Annie V. Woods of Ney, Defiance county, becoming his wife. She was born in that county April 5, 1869, a daughter of G. A. Woods of Ney. By her marriage with our subject she has become the mother of one child, Jessie C., born July 20, 1894.
After his marriage Mr. Gackel located upon his present farm of sixty acres in North precinct, Richland township, Defiance county, and as he was well fitted for his chosen calling by his early training he has prospered. The Democratic party has always found in him a stanch supporter, and in local politics he has taken an active interest. In the spring of 1894 he was elected clerk of Richland township, and has since accepted that position, having been re-elected in 1896. He is a leading member of the Lutheran Church, of Richland township, in which he has served as organist for many years, and he takes an active and prominent part in religious affairs. Mrs. Gackel is a member of the M. E. Church at Independence, Defiance county. Prior to her marriage she was a successful teacher of music in Richland township, and for some four years has been organist in the Union Sunday-school of that township.
ABRAM COY.
This enterprising and successful business man of Evansport, Defiance county, is a representative of one of the oldest and most highly esteemed families of that locality, and was among the first white children born there.
Jacob Coy, Esq., father of our subject, settled in the fall of 1831 upon a tract of government land at the present site of Evansport, and built the first sawmill and gristmill erected there, his brother and brother-in-law be- ing his partners in the enterprise. He also served for thirteen years as justice of the peace for that township, and during that time he officiated at many marriages. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Ann Shank, were among the early workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church in that vicinity, and their influence was a potent factor in religious pro- gress in the community. Jacob Coy was born in Greene county, Ohio, February 20, 1807, and about three years after his marriage, which oc- curred in the same county, he decided to seek a home in this section, then newly opened for settlement. From 1831 to 1859 he resided in Tiffin
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township, Defiance county, in the latter year removing to Springfield town- ship, Williams county, where his wife, who was born in Maryland in 1811, died in March, 1887. Our subject was the second in a family of thir- teen children-two daughters and eleven sons. The father died in De- cember, 1897, at the advanced age of ninety years, seven months.
The subject of this sketch was born January 18, 1832, at the old home- stead in Evansport, and on attaining manhood he engaged in business there as a farmer and miller. He has assisted in building three mills, and is one of the stockholders in the Northwestern Milling Co. at Stryker, Ohio. In August, 1893, he met with a severe loss, his flourmill at Evansport be- ing destroyed by fire. His enterprises have been uniformly successful, and he is the owner of valuable property, including one hundred acres of land in Williams county. While he takes much interest in local affairs, he has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business. He is active in religious work as a member of the Metho- dist Church, and he is also identified with the Masonic fraternity.
On February 14, 1857, Mr. Coy was married in Tiffin township, De- fiance county, to Miss Margaret Donaldson, who was born August 30, 1830, in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. Her parents, John and Mar- garet Donaldson, came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1836, and their re- maining years were spent in Tiffin township, Defiance county. Mrs. Coy died at Evansport December 2, 1888, leaving no children. An adopted daughter, Ida Coy, died in September, 1864, when nearly seven years old, and an adopted son, Jacob E. Mercer, is now a resident of Defiance.
CHARLES WILLIAM PHILLIPS.
One of the energetic and progressive farmers of Tiffin township, Defi- ance county, is the subject of this sketch, who is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the county.
Israel Phillips, father of our subject, was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, July 14, 1814, and in 1837 married Miss Nancy A. Vry, a native of Pennsylvania, born November 8, 1817. They began their domestic life in Fairfield county, Ohio, where they made their home for about six years, coming to Defiance county in 1843, and locating upon a farm in Washing- ton township. Two years later they removed to Tiffin township, and in 1852 located upon the farm in that township, where the father died November II, 1886. From the wild land he developed a good farm, erected substantial buildings thereon, and made many excellent improvements which added to
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