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 49
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 49
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 49
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 49
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Jacob Halm (2) was born in 1834, at Baltmannsweiler, and in his youth received an excellent education in the schools of that locality. Thus equipped for the battle of life, he determined in early manhood to seek in America a better opportunity for advancement than his native land promised him, and in 1854 he crossed the Atlantic. On reaching New York City he found employment in a large wholesale wine and liquor establishment, where he remained about four years, In 1858 he came to Ohio on a prospecting tour, but, being dissatisfied with the outlook, he returned to New York. In 1863 he again came west, the rapid development of this section having dispelled all doubts as to the future value of investments here, and soon after his arrival he located at Bryan, purchasing three or four lots on the north side of the public square, including the present site of the First National Bank. He at once opened a grocery and saloon there, but after carrying on the business for a year he sold the property and removed to a farm in Defiance county, five miles south of Bryan. In 1865 he sold out and returned to Bryan, having purchased from Henry Arnold the old brewery there. It was then a com- mon frame structure, limited in its capacity and crude in its fittings, and with characteristic foresight and energy he added various modern improvements.
In 1873 he removed the old buildings entirely, and erected a modern brick structure, ninety feet square and four stories in height, with basement, and equipped it with the most approved appliances. His special aim was to secure a good quality of beer, absolutely free from adulteration, pure malt and hops being used instead of the cheaper substitutes which are sometimes employed by other manufacturers. The water for the plant was obtained from an artesian well, thus insuring perfect purity, and even this was carefully sterilized before being used. It is not strange that with such methods he soon established a reputation for making a first-class product, and the demand rapidly increased until he had an extensive and profitable business. At the time of his death, which occurred March 7, 1883, he was worth more than seventy-five thousand dollars, and was regarded as one of the substantial business men of the locality.
He was a generous man, liberal in thought and in his dealings with others, and as a citizen he was public-spirited and progressive. In politics he was a Democrat, and during two terms he served acceptably as a member of the city council. For many years he was a leading member of the German Lutheran Church, and socially he was identified with the I. O. O. F. and the
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Masonic fraternity. His death was a sad blow to the community in which he had so long resided, especially as it came without warning. While over- seeing some work in the brewery his sleeve was caught by a set screw on a rapidly revolving shaft, and he was instantly killed. His wife, Caroline Kiesel, to whom he was married in New York City October 20, 1858, sur- vived him several years, dying June 15, 1895, and their remains now rest side by side in the Fountain City cemetery, at Bryan. Their acquaintance had begun in childhood, at Baltmannsweiler, Germany, where Mrs. Halm was born May 26, 1834, and as she came to America in 1853 they had known but little separation throughout their lives until death came between them. Of their five children-the eldest, Caroline, died at the age of twenty, unmar- ried; Rosa married A. G. Helwig, a stenographer, residing at Kendallsville, Indiana ; Jacob C., our subject. is mentioned more fully below ; Julia married F. H. Kreagloh, now the secretary of the Halm Brewing Company at Bryan ; and William died (unmarried) in 1892, aged twenty-three years.
Our subject was born July 15, 1864, at the farm then owned by his father in Defiance county, and his education was secured in the schools of Bryan. During his boyhood he began to take an interest in the management of the brewery, and in time he became thoroughly acquainted with all the details of the work. At the time of his father's death, although only eighteen years old, he took entire charge of the business, and he has ever since con- ducted it successfully. Under his able and progressive management the plant has been improved, any new device being added which will increase the effi- ciency of the works and the value of the product. The plant has a daily capacity of sixty barrels, about double the daily product at the time he took charge, and nine men are kept constantly employed. As may be supposed, he has taken no backward steps, and, following the example set by his father, he permits no adulterants to be used in the goods bearing the name of his company. Under his able and progressive management the reputation of the product has been greatly extended, and it commands, as it should, the highest market price.
Mr. Halm resembles his father in many respects, and especially in his courteous manner and generous and hospitable disposition. He enjoys wide popularity and socially is identified with various orders, including the F. and A. M. and I. O. O. F. In religious faith he is a Lutheran ; politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. His enterprise is displayed in local affairs as well as in his private business, as he is always ready to assist in any movement which promises to benefit his community, and he has served two terms as treasurer of Pulaski township, Williams county.
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On December 15, 1887, he married Miss Millie M. Rankert, a daughter of Michael Rankert, now an honored resident of Bryan. This venerable gen- tleman was born in 1816 in Alsace (now a province of Germany), and for seven years was a soldier in the French cavalry, serving in the African cam- paigns, and the reminiscences of his long life are full of interest. Mr. and Mrs. Halm have had three children, viz. : Lorene, born January 6, 1890, and died when only eight months old; Jacob Charles, born April 5, 1891, and Arthur William, born September 30, 1893.
EDWARD HELLER.
This well-known resident of Delaware township, Defiance county, is a Pennsylvanian by birth, having been born March 24, 1834, in Dauphin county. Pennsylvania, the birthplace of his parents, also. Here his father, Jacob D. Heller, was married to Margaret Daniels, and for a number of years after marriage their history and interests were identified with the familiar scenes of their native county ; but in 1838, turning from these, they moved to Craw- ford county, Ohio, which became their permanent home. Both lived to the advanced age of eighty-five years, the husband and father having nearly com- pleted his eighty-sixth year when called to his long home. Of the thirteen children-seven sons and six daughters-born to them, our subject was seventh in the order of birth.
Edward Heller from the time he was four years of age was reared on a farm in Crawford county, and agricultural pursuits have been his chief life vocation. When a young man he worked at the trade of a house plasterer to some extent, later in life joining the ranks of those who were gallantly offer- ing their lives in their country's defense, enlisting, February 20, 1865, in Company D, One Hundred and Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Hap- pily the end of the bitter conflict was near at hand, and after a period of about eight months he was mustered out of the service, and returned to the quiet of ยท farm life.
On March 18, 1857, Mr. Heller was united in marriage with Miss Mary Miller, of Crawford county. She was born in Harrison county, August 17, 1835, the youngest child of David and Mary (Shoos) Miller, natives of Penn- sylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of ten children-six sons and four daughters. The father died in Crawford county, the mother in Defiance county, both being about seventy-six years of age.
Soon after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Heller moved to Wyandot county, Ohio. After a stay there of a little more than six years, they returned to
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Crawford county, where they remained nearly a year and then settled in their present home in Delaware township, coming here in March, 1864, nearly a year before Mr. Heller's enlistment. Their union has been blessed with the follow- ing children: Franklin C .; Mary A. (Mrs. William English, who died in 1895, at Bass Lake, Indiana, when about thirty-four years of age) ; William E .; and Laura L. ( Mrs. Jacob C. Miller).
The homestead contains forty acres of land in Section 18, and the good buildings with which it is furnished have been erected by Mr. Heller. He is a member of Hancock Post, G. A. R., and in political faith is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church.
PETER CHARPIOT.
Mr. Charpiot is a leading representative of the business interests of . Stryker, Williams county, being a prominent hardware merchant of that place. Of excellent business ability and broad resources, he has attained a leading place among the substantial citizens of this part of the county, having won success by his well-directed, energetic efforts, and the prosperity that has come to him is well-deserved.
Mr. Charpiot was born September 23, 1835, in France, where he was reared, and where he learned the tanner's trade. In 1854 he crossed the At- lantic, and after spending three months in Defiance, Ohio, he came to Williams county. He worked at his trade for four years in West Unity, and then opened a small tin shop in Stryker, adding to it a limited stock of hardware a year later. As his trade increased he gradually enlarged his stock to meet the growing demand, and now has a large and well-equipped store. While in West Unity his store was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of nine thousand dollars, and in January, 1897, his store in Stryker was burned, the damage amounting to eighteen thousand dollars, but it was partly covered by insur- ance. As soon as possible, he resumed business, however, and to-day enjoys an excellent trade.
In West Unity, Mr. Charpiot was united in marriage to Miss Elise Peugeot, who was also a native of France, and to them were born six children, namely : Edward, Leo, Leah, Emil, living, and two-Henry and George- deceased. The mother of these died June 30, 1876, and on November 26, 1876, Mr. Charpiot married Louise Charpiot, a second cousin (their grandfathers being brothers), who was born November 13, 1838, in France, coming to America in 1861. For fifteen years she lived in New York City. By this marriage there is one daughter, Alice, now the wife of Charles Grisier, of
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Wauseon, Ohio, where he is engaged in the insurance business. As a busi- ness man Mr. Charpiot has been enterprising, energetic and always abreast of the times, and besides his property in Stryker he now owns about five hundred acres of valuable land in Williams county. He has ever taken an active interest in public affairs, gives his political support to the Democratic party, and has efficiently served in the capacity of school director and councilman. His life record is well worthy of emulation, and contains many valuable lessons of incentive, showing the possibilities that are open to young men who wish to improve every opportunity for advancement.
CHARLES C. WELSON.
To the Fatherland this country is indebted for very many of her most loyal, industrious, frugal and enlightened citizens, among whom is worthily numbered the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, a veteran of the war of the Rebellion.
Born near the city of Berlin, Germany, January 4, 1841, our subject is a son of Frederick and Mary (Neuman) Welson, and a grandson of Christo- pher Welson, a farmer by occupation, who was born in the Fatherland in 1783, and died there in 1866. In his family were three sons-Joseph, Fred- erick and John; and three daughters-Elizabeth, Sophia and Seretha; all now deceased except John, who has his home in Michigan.
Frederick Welson, father of our subject, was born September 16, 1820, in Germany, and died in Wood county, Ohio, May 22, 1895. In his native land he married Miss Mary Neuman, who was born there July 10, 1820, and five children blessed their union, viz .: Charles C. (our subject), Sophia (who died in Germany ), Frederick (also deceased), Minnie ( wife of David Swab, of Hancock county, Ohio), and Henry (also a resident of Hancock county )- all natives of Germany except Henry, who was born in Ohio. In 1855 the family came to the United States, locating at Fostoria, Ohio, where the father followed farming.
At the age of fifteen, after attending and graduating from the schools of Germany, our subject came to the United States, and in the schools of Hancock county acquired a good knowledge of the English language. He then began working by the month, remaining some twenty-one months with one employer, his wages being about one dollar a week ; then was employed by another man at seventy dollars a year, which engagement continued two years, and after that he worked at carpentry one year at eight dollars per month. After his return from the war (his experience therein being referred to below), he resumed
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the pursuits of peace in Hancock county, working by the month at twenty dol- lars per month, and in course of time purchased and came to his present farm of eighty acres in York township, Fulton county.
On August 26, 1861. Mr. Welson enlisted at Findlay, Ohio, in Company D, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years or during the war, and served consecutively under Generals Nelson, O. M. Mitchell and H. Thomas, the regiment being attached to General Sherman's army. In the spring of 1864, his term of service having expired, he re-enlisted as a veteran. Among the many engagements in which this gallant soldier participated may be mentioned those of Stone River, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Dalton, Ken- esaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Siege of Atlanta, Ivy Mountain, Buzzard Roost, La Vergne, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Savannah. On February 17, 1865, he was taken prisoner, and was confined in Libby Prison about three and one-half months, at the end of which time he was paroled; the war being now ended, he received an honorable discharge and returned home to Hancock county, as above related.
On May 2, 1869, Charles C. Welson was married to Matilda E. Foster, a daughter of Rev. Silas Foster, of Wood county, Ohio, and three children have blessed this union, all yet living at home, their names and dates of birth being as follows : J. R., July 18, 1870; Maude L., June 25, 1874 ; and Blanche B., September 18, 1881. Mrs. Welson was born June 3, 1849, in Wood county, Ohio, where she received her education. She and her husband are members of the Presbyterian Church. Socially, he is affiliated with Mc- Quillan Post, G. A. R., at Delta, Fulton county. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, his first Presidential vote being cast for Abraham Lincoln, and he and his amiable life partner enjoy the respect and esteem of the community in which they live.
TAYLOR G. WICKERSHAM.
This enterprising farmer and well-known citizen of Delaware township, Defiance county, was born at Mount Union, Stark county, Ohio, September 15, 1842.
His parents were Pennsylvanians by birth, born at Marlboro, Chester county, the father, John Wickersham, on February 7, 1800, the mother, Deborah (Nichols) Wickersham, on December 14, 1811. They had a family of three children-one son (the subject of this sketch) and two daughters. In 1854 they moved from their home in Stark county to Wood county, Ohio, and settled on a farm at Pemberville, Freedom township, where the remainder of their lives was passed. The father died January 18, 1865, and the mother was called to follow him in January, 1876.
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Taylor G. Wickersham, accompanying his parents to Pemberville when about twelve years of age, became an active helper on the home farm, and as he grew to manhood gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits there with his father until the death of the latter, with the exception of the time he was in the army, which was in 1864. In the spring of that year he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-Ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served one hundred days. On the death of his father he became proprietor of the home farm by purchase, and conducted it until July, 1875, when he bought the farm in Delaware township, of which he is the present owner.
On October 21, 1875, he was married at Fremont, Ohio, to Miss Lodie Townsend, who was born in Lorain county, this State, February 23, 1854. She is a daughter of Luther A. and Olive ( Roberts) Townsend, natives of New York. They were the parents of six children-one son and five daugh- ters. Mrs. Townsend's death occurred in Delaware township March 5, 1885. Her husband survived until March 23, 1895, when he passed from earth, at Holgate, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Wickersham have been residents of Delaware township since March, 1876, when they settled on the farm which has since been their home. It contains eighty acres. Mr. Wickersham is an advocate of the principles embodied in the Republican party. He is a member of the Knights of the Golden Cage, Castle No. 52, and of Hancock Post, G. A. R., No. 579, of which he has been adjutant for several years. Mrs. Wickersham is a mem- ber of Hancock Relief Corps, No. 282, of Sherwood.
ABRAM BERNARD.
Prominent among the thorough-going and progressive agriculturists of Delaware township, Defiance county, is the subject of this personal narrative, who has made his home in Section 30 since 1856. He was born January 21, 1839, in Crawford county, Ohio, where he spent the first seventeen years of his life, and then came to Defiance county with his parents, Jacob and Sarah (Shade) Bernard, the former a native of Switzerland, the latter of Pennsyl- vania. They lived upon the present farm of our subject until called to their final rest. Abram is the eldest of their four children; the two daughters died when young; and Franklin is now a farmer of Mark township, Defiance county.
Throughout his active business life Abram Bernard has engaged in agricultural pursuits, and he is now the owner of the old homestead of one hundred and twenty acres of valuable and highly cultivated land. In Delaware
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township, he was married August 13, 1860, to Miss Lucy Ann Smith, also a native of Crawford county, Ohio, born June 14, 1840. Her parents, Augustus and Elizabeth (Shade) Smith, were natives of New York State and Pennsyl- vania, respectively, and the father died in Antwerp, Paulding county, Ohio, the mother in Crawford county. In their family were the following chil- dren : Jacob, John, Andrew, Abram and Isaac (twins), and Lucy Ann. To Mr. and Mrs. Bernard were born five children, namely: Sarah L., who died at the age of five years; Francis M., who died in childhood; Charles A., who married Dora G. Durfey, of Paulding county, Ohio, and has two children- Elma L. and Erma M .; Susan A., who died in infancy, and William F.
For several years Mr. Bernard has most capably served as trustee of Delaware township, and has also been a member of the school board. For over forty years he has been identified with the interests of the township, and is justly numbered among its valued and useful citizens.
HON. BLAIR HAGERTY, M. D.
Among those who devote their time and attention to the practice of medicine and surgery in Williams county, and have gained a leading place in the ranks of their profession, is Doctor Hagerty, of Montpelier.
A native of Williams county, he was born in Bridgewater township, December 14, 1840, a son of Blair and Rebecca (Goodrich) Hagerty, natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania. In 1807 his paternal grandparents came to this country from Ireland, locating in Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna river. During the Indian troubles, while their son, Blair, Sr., was quite small, they were obliged to leave their home and seek a place of safety. In order to reach the blockhouse erected for the protection of the settlers in that region, they had to cross the river where it was over a mile in width. On horseback they swam across, the mother carrying her child in her arms and the father leading her horse by a long rope. After a hard struggle they reached the opposite bank in safety, and finally arrived at the primitive fort. Through- out life they remained residents of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where the grandfather engaged in the distilling business.
In 1844 Blair Hagerty, Sr., brought his family to Bridgewater township, Williams county, Ohio, where he improved a farm in the midst of the forest, and here spent his remaining days, dying at the age of eighty-four years, his wife in the spring of 1897, at the age of eighty-one. Both were faithful members of the Church of Christ, and had the respect and esteem of all who knew them. Their children were: Joseph L., a practicing physician
BLAIR HAGERTY, M. D.
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of Topeka, Kansas; James R., a jeweler (now deceased); Blair; Spencer, a real-estate dealer; Almyra; Elizabeth and Rhoda.
In the public schools near his childhood home, Doctor Hagerty com- menced his education, and later attended college at Hillsdale for one term, after which he began reading medicine while clerking in a store at that place. In 1861 he made a visit to Chicago, where he enlisted for three years in Com- pany F, Forty-Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Western Department, Army of Missouri, but was later transferred to the Army of the Tennessee. After one year spent in the ranks, the Doctor was made hospital steward, by General Rosecrans, and soon afterward was promoted to assistant-surgeon, having full charge of a hospital, where he remained until the expiration of his term of service in 1864. - Going to Louis- ville, Kentucky, he was honorably discharged and returned to his home in Williams county. Here he commenced the practice of his chosen profession, subsequently attended medical lectures in Detroit, Michigan, and in 1870 graduated at Bennett Medical College, Chicago, also at the Eye and Ear College of that city. He has neglected no opportunity to advance himself in his chosen calling, keeps abreast with the latest discoveries in the science, and is acknowledged to be one of the most skillful surgeons and successful physi- cians of Williams county. Since 1873 his office has been in Montpelier, but his practice is not confined to the city, it extending over a large section of the surrounding country.
Politically, Doctor Hagerty is an uncompromising Democrat, taking an active and prominent part in public affairs. He is a recognized leader of the party in his community, is one of its most influential workers, and has often led the hosts to victory in Williams county. In the General Assembly of Ohio, he represented his district in 1869-70, was a member of several im- portant committees, and served with distinction and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Subsequently he was the Democratic candidate for State senator, but was unable to overcome the large Republican majority. Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
EMANUEL MILLER.
This representative and public-spirited citizen of Sherwood. Defiance county, is a native of Harrison county, this State, born December 4, 1843.
Elias Miller married Rebecca Foos, and they had a family of five children, the second of these being Emanuel, the subject of this sketch. Z. H. and Vincent V. are also members of this family. Mr. and Mrs. Elias Miller re-
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sided in Harrison county for a number of years prior to the fall of 1855, when they removed to Defiance county, making it their permanent home. The father is still living, but the mother is deceased.
Emanuel Miller, accompanying his parents to Defiance county when a lad of nearly twelve years, remained with them in their new home until he was about twenty years of age, when he went into the forests of Michigan and worked at lumbering about eight months. With the exception of this time and several months spent in Illinois and Iowa, he has been a resident of Sher- wood ever since his removal here with his parents. Although agriculture has been the chief business of his life, he has devoted some time to other pursuits, was associated with his brother Vincent for about five years in the operation of a sawmill, and has engaged in the work of a carpenter to some extent.
Mr. Miller married Miss Martha E. Taylor, of Sherwood, a daughter of the late William Taylor, a Pennsylvanian by birth. Mrs. Miller is a native of Crawford county, Ohio. Her father lived but a few years after locating in Sherwood. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had six children, as follows: Nellie G., Emerson, Maggie J., Cora B., Elba M. and Clara. All of them are living except the eldest, with whom they were called to part when she was twelve years old.
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