Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 117

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1040

USA > Ohio > Sandusky County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 117
USA > Ohio > Ottawa County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 117

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J OHN GOATE, who is carrying on agricultural pursuits in Scott town- ship, Sandusky county, was born in Cambridge, England, October 16, 1860, and is a son of Robert and Eliza (Lee) Goate.

The father of our subject was born in Cambridge, December 25, 1839, and in 1866 came to America, locating in the State of New York, where he still resides, engaged in general farming. His wife

was born in England in 1837, and they are the parents of six children, namely- John; Elizabeth, wife of F. Lord; Smith; Emma; William, who married Jennie Blodgett (she is a member of the famous Blodgett family of the Empire State, numbering four hundred living members, who were present at the last re-union of the family, which traces its ancestry back to the time of Columbus); and Annie, who married William Lee. The paternal grandfather of our subject, John Goate, was born in England in 1805, and was killed near Cambridge City, while rescuing ten intoxicated men, who were upon the railroad track just as the limited express passed by. He succeeded in saving the lives of the others, but lost his own in the heroic action. His widow is now living in New York, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, and four of her five children yet survive. The great-grand- father, Robert Goate, was born in Eng- land in 1753, and died at the advanced age of one hundred and twelve years. Great-grandfather Smith was born in 1759, and died at the age of one hundred and eight years. It will thus be seen that our subject comes from a family noted for longevity. His maternal grand- parents, Henry Lee and wife, were also born in England, and are now living in New York. They had a family of eight children, all of whom are living. An uncle of our subject, Dr. Henry Lee, was for many years principal at Cambridge College, and a very scholarly gentleman.

John Goate was a lad of six summers when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the New World. He lived in New York until he had attained his majority, and has since been a resident of Sandusky county. In 1883 he was united in marriage with Miss Alice Bowser, of Helena, Ohio, who was born in Scott township, Sandusky county, July 7, 1864, daughter of Frederick Bowser, and com- pleted her education in the schools of Clyde, For six years after their marriage

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Mr. and Mrs. Goate resided in Helena, and then the city property was exchanged for a part of the old Bowser farm, to the cultivation and improvement of which our subject has since devoted his energies. He now has an excellent home, pleasantly situated a few miles from Gibsonburg, and is numbered among the leading farm- ers of the community.

To Mr. and Mrs. Goate came two children-Ethel, who was born Septem- ber 15, 1886, and died at the age of eleven months; and Violet, born Septem- ber 15, 1887. The mother died on the 28th of December, following, and in 1888 Mr. Goate wedded Miss Maggie Bowser, a sister of his first wife. They have three children-Glenn, born in 1890; and Eleanor and Laurel, born August 11, 1893. Mr. Goate is a practical and pro- gressive farmer, a wide-awake and enter- prising man, and Sandusky county num- bers him among her representative young farmers.

F REDERICK MYLANDER is one of the sturdy, substantial farmers of Salem township, Ottawa coun- ty, who have endured the trials and hardships incident to a pioneer life, and been instrumental in converting what was at one time a vast unbroken wilder- ness into well-cultivated, productive farms; and under whose strong arm the noble giants of the forest have given place to beautiful fields of waving grain, and the old log houses of a quarter of a century ago to homes of comfort and architectur- al beanty.

He was born in Prussia, Germany, August 23, 1823, to Henry C. and Eliza- beth (Kelling) Mylander, and received his preliminary education in the schools of his native land, during his early life being trained to the duties of the farm. In 1846 he emigrated to America, locating first in Cleveland, Ohio, where he re- mained until 1853, in which year he pur-

chased some eighty-two acres of land in Salem township, Ottawa county, upon which he erected a log house, and set to work clearing a portion of the land for his crops; and, being a young man of great energy and determination, he made great progress in this work. At the end of four years Mr. Mylander returned to Cleveland, where he remained some five years, at the expiration of that time once more taking up his residence in Salem township, Ottawa county, of which he has since been a constant resident. By a life of hard, honest labor our subject has added considerably to his worldly posses- sions, and is now the owner of one of the most attractive and productive farms in the county.

Mr. Mylander has been thrice mar- ried, the first time to Miss Anna Maria Frieze, of Cleveland, Ohio, to which union were born eight children, only three of whom are now living, viz .: Henry, John Frederick, Jr., and August, all re- siding in Salem township. Our subject's second wife was Mrs. Anna Marie Sum- menmeyer, widow of Fred Summenmeyer, and in 1877 he was again united in marriage, this time with Mrs. Anna Marie Tousing, to which union one child, Louis T., was born August 3, 1878. The family are strict adherents to the Luther- an Church, taking an active interest in all church work, and socially they enjoy, to the fullest extent, the respect and esteem of the community.

John Frederick Mylander, a son of the subject of this sketch, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, December 31, 1862, and came with his parents to Salem township, Ottawa county, when but one year old. His primary education was received in the district schools of the township, and until reaching manhood he remained at home assisting his father in the care of the farm. In 1893 Mr. Mylander left the paternal abode, going to Kansas, where he re- mained about fifteen months. Then re- turning to Salem township he engaged in

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agricultural pursuits for a number of years. Later he spent three years in Toledo, Ohio, in which city he worked as a car- penter; but always having a preference for the place where he had spent his boy- hood days, he again returned to Salem township in 1894, and has since been en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. Our subject has inherited all his father's good qualities, and as a consequence is a man of indom- itable perseverance and of upright char- acter. On March 12, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Miller, a daughter of Ferdinand and Mary Miller, and to this union have come two children: Gertrude L., born May 7, 1892, who died July 28, 1892; and Les- ter R., born December 16, 1893.

G EORGE F. WILT, farmer, and late proprietor of the "Germania House," of Fremont, was born in York township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, June 28, 1844, a son of Harrison and Hannah (Good) Wilt.

Harrison Wilt was born in Pennsyl- vania, and came to Ohio when a boy, in company with his maternal grandfather, John Bunn, who located in Seneca coun- ty, near Flat Rock, on what was then called the Oak Openings, and followed farming. Mr. Wilt afterward bought a valuable farm in Sandusky county, on the line of the Kilburn road, near Bellevue, where he devoted himself chiefly to grain farming, and making substantial improve- ments in the erection of stone buildings. His death occurred at his home in 1876. His wife was born in Pennsylvania in 1821, came to Seneca county at the age of ten years, and grew to womanhood in the vicinity of Flat Rock. Her death occurred June 27, 1893. Both were mem- bers of the Reformed Church in Thompson township, Seneca county.

George ' F. Wilt was the eldest of a family of eight children, and grew to man- hood on his father's farm. After receiv-

ing an ordinary common-school education, he spent one year at Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio. He continued to follow farming, with the exception of one year, previous to the age of twenty-four, when he engaged in the sale of farm implements in the State of Michigan. Returning to Ohio, he settled on a farm near Bellevue, where he followed agricultural pursuits, and continued the sale of farming imple- ments for about twenty years. He then sold his farm in York and bought another in Jackson township, near Millersville, where he remained until 1892, the year of his removal to Fremont. He still re- tains possession of his choice farm of 156 acres, lying in the oil and gas region. Mr. Wilt has always been a stanch Demo- crat in politics, and has held various offices of honor and trust in his com- munity. He served as clerk of York township three terms, and as commis- sioner of Sandusky county two terms, his last term expiring in January, 1892. He is a member of the Reformed Church, of the Knights of Honor, and of the Knights of the Golden Cross.

In 1868 he married Miss Armena Smith, who was born in York township in 1848, daughter of Frederick Smith, of that township, and the children born to this union are: Aletta L., wife of Rev. Irwin Beaver, of the Reformed Church, at Marion, Franklin Co., Penn .; William H., a school teacher, of Fremont, Ohio; Luella, a medical student, of Toledo, Ohio; Emma Belle, attending the Fre- mont schools; and Georgie Florence, liv- ing at home.

B YRON HARTSHORN was one of the prominent stock dealers, fruit growers and agriculturists of Ot- tawa county, and in his death the community lost one of its valued citizens.

Our subject was born January 1, 1829, at Plasterbed, Danbury township, a son of Wyatt and Jane (Kelly) Hartshorn. He

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received his elementary education in the schools of the community, and also pur- sued his studies in Sandusky City. From early life he engaged in stock buying and in butchering, and also followed fishing to some extent. Later he formed a part- nership with Milo Clemons in the quarry- ing business, at Marble Head, and con- tinued in that line for a number of years. He possessed good business ability, was enterprising and progressive, made the most of his opportunities, and by his well directed efforts achieved a fair success.

On July 28, 1853, in Portage town- ship, Ottawa county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hartshorn and Miss Mary Dwelle. who was born in Portage town- ship, near Plasterbed, December 16, 1828, a daughter of Elijah and Clarissa (Wood- ford) Dwelle, the former a native of Massa- chusetts, and the latter of New York. They located in Portage township at a very early day in the history of the county, and there spent the remainder of their lives. To our subject and wife have come nine children, of whom Clarissa, born May 27, 1854, died August 16, 1856; Wyatt, born June 7. 1857, died February 7, 1861; Alta, born September 3, 1859, is now the wife of M. E. Hettrick, a resident of Lakeside, Ohio; Lydia, born June 25, 1862, is the wife of William Hocke, a resident of Sandusky City, Ohio; George B., born December 5, 1864, makes his home in Lakeside; Everett, born November 18, 1867, is at home; and Nellie was born October 27, 1870.

The Hartshorn family were among the earliest settlers of Danbury township, Ot- tawa county, and during his entire life our subject was one of its most prominent and progressive citizens. He was public- spirited and enterprising, and readily en- dorsed any project calculated to stimulate the development and prosperity of his na- tive township and county. He was gen- erous and affable in manner, his sympa- thies expressing themselves in kindness to friends and family. He was a man of

broad charity and noble impulses, and when called to his final rest, December 12, 1894, he left to his family the priceless heritage of a good name. At the old home place resides his faithful wife and her children, Everett and Nellie, and all their surroundings bespeak taste and cul- ture.

H ENRY BURGGRAF. In a work devoted to the representative citizens and early settlers of Otta- wa county none are more deserv- ing of mention in this volume than the gentleman whose name begins this review, and who is one of the wide-awake and progressive fruit-growers on Put in Bay Island.

Mr. Burggraf was born on Kelley's Island, Erie Co., Ohio, June 2, 1859, and is a son of Mathias and Anna Marie (Schmidt) Burggraf. He was only a little more than a month old when his parents removed to the Island, and here he has resided continuously since. Its public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and from his boyhood days he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was early introduced to the labors of the farm, and has led a busy and useful life, until to-day he is ranked among the leading fruit growers and wine makers on the Island. On November 22, 1887, Mr. Burggraf was united in marriage with Miss Anna Marie Miller, who was born on Middle Bass Island, February 10, 1862, and is a daughter of Joseph and Helena (Rehberg) Miller. Three children grace their union-Carl H., born Decem- ber 4, 1888; Frederick A., born Novem- ber 28, 1890; and Ruth Helena, born May 19, 1894.

It is interesting in this connection to note something of the family to which our subject belongs. His father, Mathias Burggraf, retired fruit raiser and wine manufacturer, is now living on Put in Bay Island. He was born June 2, 1825, in

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the town of Wolfenweiler, Baden, Ger- many, and is a son of Mathias and Anna Marie (Kuechlin) Burggraf, both of whom were natives of Germany, where the father died in 1847, and the mother in 1876. Their son was reared and edu- cated in the land of his nativity, and there carried on agricultural pursuits and grape growing until twenty-seven years of age. He then determined to try his fortune in America, crossed the Atlantic in 1852, and for thirty-five years has made his home on the Island, which is still his place of residence. He was married in Baden, Germany, June 2, 1847, to Anna Marie Schmidt, whose birth occurred there June 20, 1820. To this union came five children, namely: Caroline, born in Baden, May 18, 1848, who is now the wife of Frederick Bretz, living on Middle Bass Island; Mathias, born April 2, 1850; Frederick W., born in Huron township, Erie county, November 20, 1856; Henry, born on Kelley's Island, June 2, 1859; Anna Marie, who was born February 14, 1863, and died September 1, 1870.

When Mr. Bruggraf came to this country he left his family in Germany until he could make preparations to bring them to America. In 1853 he took up his residence in Sandusky, Erie Co., Ohio, where he was joined by his wife and two children. The following year he removed to Huron county, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until the spring of 1856. During the succeeding three years he was employed in the stone quarries on Kelley's Island, and in July, 1859, he took up his residence on Put in Bay Island. It was thus he got a start in life, and by earnest labor, perseverance · and good management he acquired a handsome competency, which now en- ables him to live retired. His wife died January 11, 1893, and her departure was deeply mourned by many friends as well as her immediate family. The Burggraf family is one of prominence in the com-

munity, widely and favorably known, and well deserve mention in this volume.

When excavating for the cellar of his residence, Mr. Burggraf dug into what he supposed was a burial place of the Indians many hundred of years ago, and unearthed the skeletons of some extraordinarily large (supposed) warriors which were in a fair state of preservation. Curiosity seekers have carried away most of the re- mains, but Mr. Burggraf still has in his possession some very interesting relics.

F REDERICK W. ROOSE, a prom- inent and progressive citizen, and a leading merchant of Salem town- ship, is a native of Ottawa coun- ty, having first seen the light in Salem township, about two miles from Oak Har- bor, in January, 1855. He is a son of Charles and Maria Roose.

Our subject's preliminary education was received in the public schools of Ot- tawa county, and his early life was spent assisting his father in the care of the farm. On attaining manhood he engaged in agri- cultural pursuits for three years in Carroll township; but, not liking the work in connection with the farm, he decided to sever his connection with it and to devote his time and talents to a mercantile life. Consequently, in 1882, he returned to Sa- lem township, and embarked in a general merchandise business, which he still con- tinues to carry on. Being a man of great energy and indomitable perseverance, and having given faithful attention to his busi- ness, Mr. Roose has been very successful, and is now in most comfortable circum- stances.

Our subject was united in marriage in Salem township, in 1879, with Miss Lena Seemann, a daughter of Henry and Eliza- beth Seemann, both natives of Germany, who emigrated to America at an early date, and for many years were honored and respected residents of Salem town- ship. The father still survives; the

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mother died some years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Roose have no family. Politically Mr. Roose is a stanch Democrat, and has ever taken an active interest in public af- fairs. The family are members of the Lutheran Church, and enjoy the respect and confidence of the entire community in which they reside.

M ATHIAS BURGGRAF, JR., an enterprising and energetic fruit raiser and wine maker, living on Put in Bay Island, Ottawa county, is a native of Baden, Germany, born April 2, 1851, and is a son of Mathias and Ann Marie (Schmidt) Burg- graf, who were also natives of that coun- try. The father is still living and resides on Put in Bay Island; the mother passed away January 11, 1893.

In early life our subject obtained a limited education in the district schools, but subsequently availed himself of the advantages of a select school, and through study, observation and experience has be- come a well-informed man. He was only two and a half years old when he came to America with his parents, and at the age of eight years he became a resident of Put in Bay Island, where he has since made his home. Here he grew to man- hood, and to-day he is one of the most in- fluential and prosperous men of the lo- cality. When his school life was ended he gave his time and energies to work upon the home farm, where he continued until he had attained his majority. In 1874, with the capital he had acquired through industry and prudence, he pur- chased the good farm upon which he now resides, and here he devotes his labors to the cultivation of fruit, in which work he is quite successful.

Mr. Burggraf was married, in Sandusky City, Erie Co., Ohio, November 16, 1876, to Miss Louisa Sherer, a daughter of George Jacob and Louisa (Wagoner) Sherer, both of whom were natives of

Bavaria, Germany. The father died March 9, 1886; the mother is still living and resides in Sandusky City. It was there that Mrs. Burggraf was born, on March 4, 1858. Our subject and his wife have one son, George J., who was born in Put in Bay, December 7, 1878. They also have adopted a little niece (a daugh- ter of Mrs. Burggraf's brother), Louisa Sherer, who was born in Sandusky City, July 5, 1882. Her father died May 3, 1890, and her mother's death occurred May 20, 1894.

Our subject has efficiently served as school director in Put in Bay township for twenty-one consecutive years, and has done much toward perfecting the school system on the Island. He has also been a member of the township board for sev- eral terms, and in office, as well as in all the other relations of life, he is true to every trust reposed in him. His char- acter is above reproach. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. He and his wife at- tend the Reformed Episcopal Church. Mr. Burggraf is one of the progressive young men of the township, enterprising, prudent and industrious, and is ever ready to lend a helping hand to all matters cal- culated to benefit the community and ad- vance the best interests of the township. His surroundings indicate taste and good judgment, and are a credit to the owner.

L ORENZ MILLER (deceased) was a son of Lorenz Verena Miller, and was born September 11, 1831, at Schopfheim, Weisenthal, Ba- den, Germany. In his native land he ac- quired his education, grew to manhood, and learned the trade of a watchmaker. On attaining his majority he sailed across the briny deep to the New World, and two years later, in 1854, located on Put in Bay Island, Ottawa county, where he re- sided until life's labors were ended. He was extensively engaged in the cultivation

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of a fine vineyard, and his business ability and sound judgment won him a creditable success.

Mr. Miller was married May 26, 1860, to Henrietta Foy, a daughter of Henry and Henrietta (Myer) Foy, who were na- tives of Germany. There the mother died during the infancy of her daughter, and the father afterward married Dorothy Myer, a sister of his first wife. In 1854 the family came to America and the fol- lowing year settled on Put in Bay Island, where Mr. Foy died December 9, 1859, his wife surviving him until August 15, 1879. By his first marriage there were two children, Henrietta, Mrs. Miller, and one who died in infancy. By the second marriage there were six children, of whom five are still living, namely: Marie, wife of Jackson Fullington, chief of police of Santa Barbara, Cal .; August C., who re- sides at Put in Bay, and is chief officer on the steamer " Arrow;" Louis T., who re- sides at the same place; Anna, wife of August Renderly, who is living on North Bass Island; and Henry, a resident of De- troit, Michigan.

Mrs. Miller was born in Braunschweig, Germany, June 30, 1842, and came with her parents to America. Since 1855 she has lived on the Island, and is now resid- ing at the beautiful home which was left her by her husband. Their union was blessed with four sons, as follows: George Frederick, born May 2, 1861; Frank Jo- seph, born September 1, 1862; Henry Theodore, born October 11, 1873; and Lorenz, born October 26, 1875. The last two are still on the old home farm. The father of this family passed peacefully away at his home, February 26, 1875, after a twenty-one-years' residence on Put in Bay Island. He was, however, cut off in the prime of life, when it seemed that he had much yet to live for. His whole career was a practical commentary on the noble virtues of an upright man. He commenced his course at the bottom round of the lad- der, and by honesty and industry worked

his way upward and acquired a handsome fortune. Although it was his desire to gain wealth for himself and family, there was nothing sordid in his nature and he followed the golden rule, doing unto others as he would have them do to him. No one could say that he acquired his fortune through unfair means. His honesty and liberality were among his most marked characteristics, and no man seeking to rise by his own endeavors ever asked assistance of Mr. Miller in vain, while many a one has received aid without even soliciting it and owes his success in life to Mr. Miller's helping hand. In his death the commu- nity lost one of its most prominent and progressive men, his wife a loving and de- voted husband, and his children a kind and indulgent father.

A LEXANDER McDONALD (de- ceased) was one of the early set- tlers of Portage township, Otta- wa county, and many years of his well-spent life were passed in that locality, where he was numbered among the suc- cessful agriculturists. He endured all the trials and hardships of pioneer life, and was actively interested in all that per- tained to the welfare of the community. A native of Banffshire, Scotland, he was the only child born to Louis and Janet McDonald. His childhood days were passed upon a farm, and he acquired his education in the common schools of the home neighborhood.

In 1832 Mr. McDonald sailed for the New World, embarking on the 20th of July from Greenock, on the ship " Roger Stewart," which reached Quebec forty- five days later. He was not accompanied by his wife, who remained in Scotland two years longer, she sailing from Greenock on the vessel "Frances," Au- gust 24, 1834, and arriving at New York after a voyage of forty-one days. She was met by Mr. McDonald in Buffalo, N. Y., and together they proceeded to the

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home which he had prepared in Sandusky county, Ohio. In 1836 they removed to Plasterbed, Portage township, Ottawa county, where he spent his remaining days. On October 14, 1827, Mr. Mc- Donald had married, in Banffshire, Scot- land, Miss Marjory McDonall, who was born in Perthshire, Scotland, and was a daughter of Ronald and Margaret (Car- michael)McDonall. She became the moth- er of nine children-Ronald, born January 8, 1829, who is deceased; Janet, born Jan- uary 15, 1830, who became the wife of Caleb Cooper in 1846, and died at their home in Portage township; Lewis, born October 14, 1835, who resides in Sandusky City, Ohio; Charles, born June 1, 1838, re- siding at Plasterbed; Margaret, born July 4, 1840, who is the widow of Aaron Gow, a resident of New Jersey; Elizabeth, born June 20, 1843, who died February 14, 1 844; Annie, who was born June 9, 1845, and died March 25, 1855; John, born April 16, 1848, living at Marblehead, Ohio; and James, born April 15, 1851, who is living in Portage township. The father of this family passed away February 14, 1891. His faithful and devoted wife, with whom he had traveled life's pathway for sixty-three years, survives him, and has now reached an advanced age. He was one of the valued and representative pio- neers of this locality, and a well-spent life won him the esteem of all.

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Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 117

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1040

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago, J.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1040