Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 120

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 120
USA > Ohio > Ottawa County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 120

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

J OHN BINKLEY, farmer, Jackson township, Sandusky county, was born December 23, 1835, a son of John Binkley, Sen., a farmer from Penn- sylvania, who moved in pioneer days to Perry county, Ohio, bought 160 acres of land and lived there until his death from apoplexy, in 1878. Our subject's mother was Mary (Fisher) Binkley, born October 15, 1800, and her children were: (1) Michael, born in April, 1819, who mar- ried Anna Albert, and had four children. (2) Melanction T., who married George Bixler, and had one child that died in childhood. (3) Charles, who married Annie Pressler, and whose children were Nettie, Clarence, Mary, Jennie, Annie, Irving, Carl, and an infant. Charles Binkley was a soldier of the Civil war in Company K, One Hundredth Regiment, O. V. I., served three years, was in the battles of Limestone Station, Atlanta, etc., was wounded in the right leg and laid up for six months, unfit for duty, was in Libby prison a short time, and after his release returned to Fremont. He is a farmer, a Republican and a member of the U. B. Church. (4) Tena, married George Bixler (a soldier of the Civil war, a Republican and a member of the Re- formed Church), by whom she had five children; she died in 1889. (5) Mary Ann married John Surbate (a merchant of Clyde, Ohio, a Republican and a mem- ber of the Reformed Church), by whom she had three children; she died in 1884. (6) Samuel, born October 18, 1821, who married Tena Albert, whose children are - Ramanas, Amos, Mary and Tena. (7) Lydia, wife of Daniel Albert, born July 8, 1824, who had twelve children-George

(who married Sarah Coe), Stella, Jeffer- son, Lillie, James, Claydie, Jennie and five that are dead. (8) Link, who mar- ried Hannah Reed, and whose children were-Ida, Tillie, Susie, Alice, Isadore, Emma, Francis, and four that are dead. (9) Peter, who married Jane Rider, and had a family of twelve children. (10) Mary, who married J. Grut, and had nine children. (11) Annie, wife of Peter Bink- ley, who had eight children, two of whom are dead. (12) Charles, who married Kate Macklin, and was blessed with five children. (13) Ellen, who married Mich- ael Binkley, and had eight children. Mar- garete, who married L. Carr, and whose first two children -- Commodore and Amor- etta-were twins, and the others being Mary, William, John, Caroline, Adelina, and Elmer, who was killed in a railroad accident in 1876. Matilda, married Solo- mon Bauman, whose children are-John, Katie, Betsey, and Lydia; Mrs. Bauman died in 1869, and Mr. Bauman in 1871. Christian married Lavina Kessler, lives near Holt, Mich., and has six children. Aaron married Mary Hensel, who died leaving five children, after which he mar- ried Alice Potter, by whom he had six children, living in Ottawa county, Ohio. Hannah married Martin Stainer, and their children are-Edward, John, Levi, Cora and Ellen; he died in the army, of fever, and was buried near Washington, D. C. Sarah, who married John Downie, a soldier of the Civil war, who died at Washington, D. C .; they had five chil- daen; she died in 1865. Holly, who mar- ried Lewis Hawk, a soldier of the Civil war, who died in Washington, D. C., in 1865, leaving three children-Charlie, Sherman and Fred; Mrs. Hawk is a mein- ber of the Reformed Church, and lives near Fremont, Ohio.

Our subject, John Binkley, was mar- ried at Fremont, December 23, 1887, to Miss Christena Hensel, the Rev. Heller performing the marriage service. She was born September 17, 1841, and died

817

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

August 20, 18-, leaving eight children, viz .: (1) Jane S., born March 14, 1859, and died at the age of three years. (2) May A , born February 25, 1862, wife of John Barnes, railroad agent (they have one child, Lulu). (3) James A., born April 20, 1865, who married Sarah Car- ter, whose children were-Grace, that died, and Fred, who is clerk in a store at Worstville, Paulding county. (4) Effie I., born June 28, 1867, wife of William Carter, married June 6, 1888. (5) Ella A., born July 25, 1869, wife of John Warren, married in the spring of 1894. (6) Clara A., born November 8, 1872, wife of J. Hardin, married in 1892. (7 Venia M., born November 15, 1878, who attended school in Cleveland (Ohio) and Peoria (Ill.). (8) John S., born May 19, 1881. On June 6, 1886, John Binkley married his second wife, Mrs. Barbara Dost; she had two children-Willie, born April 8, 1878, died April 2, 1888; and Maud, born May 19, 1880.

Our subject has an honorable war record. At the outbreak of the Civil war, in 1861, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundredth Regiment, O. V. I., and went with his command from Toledo to Cin- cinnati, crossed the Ohio river, met the enemy, routed them, marched to Cum- berland Gap, drove them to Knoxville and took possession of the town. After they besieged the place the enemy made an attack on one of their best forts. After the battle the enemy lay dead and wound- ed three deep. They retreated toward Virginia, and the same night snow fell to the depth of three inches, and their men being barefooted were obliged to remain in camp, and there were about 1, 500 cap- tured. After lying in eamp until April 1, 1863, they started for the Georgia cam- paign. After Atlanta was taken Gen. Sherman divided his troops, a part going on to the sea and the rest remaining to protect his rear. The enemy finding they could do nothing with Serman's main army, attacked the forces in the rear.

After long and hard fighting with doubtful results, the Union forces received rein- forcements from Gen. Thomas at Nash- ville, and the tide of victory turned on the side of the Union. After peace was de- clared our subject returned to his wife and children in Sandusky county, and re- sumed farming. Himself and family are members of the U. B. Church.

P ETER BAKER. The German Fatherland has furnished thous- ands of immigrants to America, whose habits of industry, economy and thrift have made them model farmers and mechanics, and level-headed citizens. Generally, they are not afraid of hard work, plain food or coarse clothing, and usually make an honest living, pay their debts if they make any, and lay up some- thing for a rainy day. As such an one we present the subject of this sketch.

Peter Baker, farmer, Ballville town- ship, was born in Germany, May 6, 1853, a son of Peter, Sr., and Christena (Mat- tie) Baker, whose children were: Chris- tian, who married Minnie Brinkman, and had two children; Peter, our subject; and Christina, wife of Martin Gessner, a farm- er, of Riley township (they have two chil- dren). The father of our subject was a soldier in Germany for seven years, and a police officer some fourteen years. He emigrated to America, and settled in Seneca county, Ohio, where he bought forty acres of land, and lived there until his death.

Our subject, having remained with his parents until his twenty-third year, and saved his earnings, married Miss Lucy Miller, of Riley township, and entered upon life on his own account. Mrs. Mil- ler was born August 18, 1858. The names and dates of birth of their children are Charles P., July 16, 1879; Clara E., May 31, 1881; George C., March 26, 1884; Anna M., June 18, 1886; and William L., September 12, 1891. Our

818

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

subject earned his money when a young man by working by the day. Alter mar- riage he rented a farm for two years on shares. In 1881 he bought forty acres of land for $4,000, and in 1893 built a new barn at a cost of $500. He follows gene- ral farming, and raises some fine Jersey cattle. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Baker takes an active interest in educa- tional matters in his neighborhood.

H ENRY H. ALMROTH, postinas- ter and proprietor of general store at Elliston, is one of the best known young men of Benton township and vicinity, and is recognized by his wide circle of acquaintances throughout Ottawa county as a most able and progressive business man, and a val- uable citizen.

He is a native of Benton township, born September 28, 1865, on a farm near Elliston, son of Peter and Anna (Kurth) Almroth, who were among the earliest pioneers of the township. Peter Almroth was born in Germany, in 1831, served three years in the army of his native land, and ahout 1860 came to this coun- try, sojourning temporarily in Lorain county, Ohio, where he remained about one year. He then came to Benton town- ship, Ottawa county, at a time when the entire region was a wilderness, not even a road crossing the township. He settled near what is now Elliston, where he still lives, and bought forty acres of land, his wife paying down one dollar to hind the bargain, the dollar being a silver pocket piece she had brought all the way from New York. By hard labor they paid for their land, also purchasing an additional one hundred acres, besides which they built a fine house and barns, together with the other necessary outbuildings. The farm is now considered one of the finest in Benton township, and its appearance and fertility speak volumes for those who,

by their economy and hard labor, brought it to this state by their own hands. To Mr. and Mrs. Almroth were born eleven children-eight sons and three daughters -six sons and two daughters still living and residing in Ohio. Mrs. Almroth died June 19, 1895.

Henry H. Almroth spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and received a liberal education in the public schools of Trowbridge, completing the course at the age of fourteen. Commencing life for him- self, he now engaged as clerk in the gen- eral store of Magee & Paffenbach, of Elmore, Ohio, where he remained four months. After two months of illness he again took up clerking, this time with G. F. Otten, at Elliston, with whom he con- tinued seven years, without the loss of even a day. Mr. Almroth then spent one summer at home on his father's farm, where he fully recuperated his somewhat impaired health, afterward entering the store of Mr. O'Neil, of Trowbridge, Ohia, for whom he clerked one year. In February, 1887, Mr. Almroth and George Stick opened a general store at Elliston, conducting same in partnership for eight years, when Mr. Almroth purchased his partner's interest, and is now sole owner of the large and growing business. In addition to his mercantile business Mr. Almroth is a dealer in all kinds of grain- the only one in the vicinity-buying at Elliston, Graytown, Trowbridge, and Limestone. A stock company has just been formed at Elliston for the purpose of drilling for oil and natural gas, Mr. Almroth being a charter meinber of the company, and also its secretary. That his business ability is appreciated by his townsmen is shown by the fact that they have elected him to the office of township clerk for the fourth successive term; he has also been postmaster at Elliston for six years, the only Democratic postmaster in Ottawa county who continued in office through Harrison's administration. Mr. Almroth is now enlarging his store to aç-

819

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

commodate his trade in farm machinery, in which branch he does a flourishing business. In fact, he is one of those men who succeed in everything they un- dertake, but there is no mystery sur- rounding his success, as it has been ac- complished solely by the exercise of his own ability, energy and unceasing activity.

On March 20, 1890, Mr. Almroth was married to Miss Myra Kirk Baldwin, of Elmore, Ohio, and they immediately set- tled in Elliston, where they have a fine well-kept home, and very pleasant sur- roundings. To their marriage have come two children: Ruth Ann, born May 10, 1892, and Thomas Kirk, born December 8, 1893. Mrs. Almroth was born De- cember 2, 1867, at Elmore, Ohio, where she received a liberal education in the public schools, at the age of sixteen tak- ing up the profession of teaching, which she followed for six years. She is the youngest of five children-two sons and three daughters-born to Thomas and Sarah (Kirk) Baldwin, of Elmore, the former of whom was born in Greene county, Ohio, June 17, 1832; the mother was born in Maryland June 7, 1832. They were married March 16, 1854, and the greater part of their lives has been spent in Elmore, where they yet make their home. Mrs. Henry H. Almroth is a member of the M. E. Church of El- more, and Mr. Almroth, in religious con- nection, is a member of the Evangelical Church of Elliston. Socially he is a K. of P., and in political faith is a stanch Democrat.

G W. NEFF, who is engaged in farming in Washington township, Sandusky county, is numbered among the native sons of that locality, his birth having occurred in San- dusky county, April 21, 1860. His father was born November 13, 1813, and his mother in 1830. They had a family of four children-Ellen, wife of I. Edwards,

who has one son, William, now a farmer in Sandusky township, Sandusky county; L. W., who for eighteen years has been successfully engaged in teaching in Ball- ville and Washington townships (he is a Democrat); and Mellisse, born in 1855, who is the wife of C. C. Ludwig, a farm- er of Allen county, Ohio, by whom she has four children (her husband is a sup- porter of the Democratic party).

Upon the home farm Mr. Neff spent the days of his boyhood and youth, no event of special importance occurring dur- ing that period. The public schools of the neighborhood afforded him his edu- cational privileges, and he early became familiar with the duties of farin life. As a companion and helpmeet on life's jour- ney he chose Miss Louisa Lautz, who was born August 8, 1860, and is the daughter of Simon Lautz, a well-known and respected farmer residing in Washington township. Four children grace the union of our sub- ject and his estimable wife-Lottie, Met- tie, Maud and Elmer-and the family circle yet remains unbroken. The Neff household is the abode of hospitality, and its members occupy an enviable position in social circles. Our subject remained upon the old home farm up to the time of his marriage, when he purchased forty acres of land, his present farm, and his care and labor have transformed this into a richly cultivated tract. He is enterpris- ing and progressive, and upon his place are seen many modern improvements.

Mr. Neff attended Normal school, and in addition to agricultural pursuits he has been engaged in school teaching for a number of years. In 1892 he was elected to the office of assessor upon the Demo- cratic ticket, and filled that position for two years, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He takes an active and commendable interest in every- thing pertaining to the welfare of the community, and his support is given to all worthy enterprises that are calculated to advance the general welfare. He holds

820

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

membership with the Lutheran Church, and those who know him have for him the highest regard.

J OHN A. NEIDECKER, proprietor of an extensive furniture establish- ment, and funeral director, Port Clin- ton, Ottawa county, was born in Chicago, Ill., May 25, 1859, a son of Peter and Anna A. (Struve) Neidecker.

Grandfather Neidecker was born in Germany in 1776, and died in 1882; his wife was born in 1806, and died Decem- ber 28, 1880. Peter Neidecker, father of our subject, was born in Baden, Germany, March 21, 1834, and at the age of four- teen accompanied his parents to the United States, they settling in Erie town- ship, Ottawa Co., Ohio, where they passed the rest of their honored lives in agricultural pursuits. Their son, Peter, received a portion of his education in the Fatherland, and after coming to Ottawa county attended the common schools for a time. Removing to Chicago, Ill., he there made his home till 1865, in which year he returned to Ohio, taking up his home in Port Clinton, where in the fol- lowing year he engaged in a coopering business, which he conducted in that vil- lage until 1872, when he opened out an undertaking and furniture establishment. In this line he continued until 1876, when he retired from active life. In the city of Chicago, September 25, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna A Struve, and children as follows were born to them: Minnie, wife of George Smith, of Cleveland; George William, who for six years was a printer, and is now a phy- sician in Brooklyn; Frank, who when fourteen years of age commenced in the drug business at Port Clinton, Ohio, and is now a resident of Cleveland; Caroline, at home; and John A., subject of sketch. The father of this family is deceased; the mother is living in Port Clinton with her

daughter Caroline and two little grand- daughters-children of our subject.

John A. Neidecker received his educa- tional training at the schools of Port Clinton, learned the furniture and under- taking business with his father, and suc- ceeded to the same at the latter's death. For a time he was in the recorder's and probate judge's office, and in 1876 he was appointed probate judge, filling that posi- tion eight months. He is a man of at- tractive appearance, well adapted for the management of his lucrative and widely- expanding business, and enjoys an envi- able popularity.

S COTT STAHL, junior member of the well-known firm of Finefrock & Stahl, attorneys at law, Port Clinton, Ottawa county, is a na- tive of Ohio, born at Marion, Marion county, December 23, 1866, a son of Benjamin F. and Elizabeth (Finefrock) Stahl.

Our subject received his elementary education at the common schools of his native place, remaining there until he had reached his fourteenth year, at which time the family removed to a farm, where he learned the rural lessons of industry and perseverance that are ever the ac- companiments of a successful career. At the country school in the neighborhood of his father's farm he continued his studies, after which he taught school at Prospect, Ohio, preliminary to his legal studies. He began reading law in the office of his uncle, Judge T. P. Finefrock, of Fremont, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar December 3, 1891, after which he located in Port Clinton, where he has built up an enviable practice, and is held in high esteem by his colleagues. He is a young man of liberal views, taking a lively interest in public affairs. A stanch Democrat in his political predilections, lie was, but ten weeks after locating in Port Clinton, elected to the office of city so-

821

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

licitor; was re-elected at the close of the term without opposition, and is at pres- ent filling the incumbency with eminent ability.

On September 8, 1892, Mr. Stahl was united in marriage with Miss Grace Dana, daughter of George Dana, one of the sub- stantial citizens of Green Creek township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, and one child, Kate E., has blessed their union. In his fra- ternal affiliations Mr. Stahl is a member in good standing of the Knights of Pythias.

J OHN KIRSCH, who owns and oper- ates a good farm of 185 acres in Washington township, Sandusky county, is a native of Germany, born June 13, 1835, and a son of Nicholas and Emma (Vogel) Kirsch. The father was born November 6, 1806, and by occupa- tion was a farmer, following that pursuit throughout the greater part of his life. In 1853 he left his native land, and with his family crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in the Buckeye State, where he and his wife spent their remaining days, her death occurring in 1885, his in 1886. They left two children, Philip and John, the former of whom married Anna Ripper and reared a family of seven children upon his Ohio farm; they are as follows: John; Ralph; Daniel, who married Theresa Hatten, by whom he had nine children, and follows farming in Oregon; Mary, widow of John Hobbart, who died leaving a family of six children; Peter, who died in childhood in Germany; Jacob; and Emma, wife of John Conrad, who is liv- ing in Wisconsin.

John Kirsch was reared in his parent's home, and at the age of eighteen came with them to America, since which time he has resided continuously in Ohio. When twenty years of age he was united in marriage with Miss Lena Hobbart, and to their union were born six children, as follows: John, Peter, Tillie (now the wife of William Usher, by whom she has one

child), Josh, Mary (who died in October, 1869), and Clay. On May 8, 1875. the wife and mother was called to her final rest, and her death was deeply mourned thoroughout the community. For his second wife Mr. Kirsch chose Mary Hass, who died May 18, 187g. For his third wife he married Elizabeth Nickles, and by this union were born six children, five of whom are still living, namely: Mary, Kittie, Robbie, Frankie and Nichols. One child, Frankie, died October 28, 1893, and the mother passed away Febru- ary 8, of the same year.

Mr. Kirsch came to Washington town- ship, Sandusky county, in 1861, and a few years later purchased eighty acres of his present farm, to which he has added from time to time. His second purchase made him the possessor of one hundred acres, and in 1883 he extended the bound- aries of his farm by becoming the owner of an additional tract of eighty-five acres. He thoroughly understands farming in all its details, his land is highly cultivated, and his place is well improved with good buildings, while the owner ranks among the leading agriculturists of the commu- nity, with which he has now been identi- fied for a third of a century. He exer- cises his right of franchise in support of the Democratic party, and in religious belief is a Catholic.

F S. HELLER, M. D., a successful medical practitioner of Oak Har- bor, Ottawa county, is numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Fremont, Sandusky county, November 29, 1863.

Dr. Heller is a son of George B. and Rhoda (Smith) Heller, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, and was of German ancestry, while the latter was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, and was of Scotch and English lineage. For many years they were honored residents of Port Clinton, this State, and the father effi-

$22

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ciently filled the office of auditor of Otta- wa county for six years. Upon his retire- ment to private life he engaged in the boot and shoe business in that place until 1883, when he removed to Oak Harbor, and embarked in the lumber business. He and his estimable wife are still resi- dents of this place and are popular and highly esteemed members of the commu- nity. Their union was blessed with a family of four children, three of whom are now living, namely: Roland F., F. S. and Rufus S.

The Doctor obtained his primary edu- cation in the public schools of Port Clin- ton, and completed his literary education by a collegiate course in the Ohio Wes- leyan College, Delaware, Ohio. Wishing to take up the study of medicine and make its practice his life work he began reading with Dr. M. A. Hughes, of Port Clinton, with whom he continued for a year, and in 1885 entered the Medical Department of the University of Michi- gan at Ann Arbor, where he took a three- years' course, graduating in the class of 1888. On leaving that school he at once began the practice of his chosen calling, establishing an office in Oak Harbor, where he has remained continuously since. From the beginning he has enjoyed a large clientele, and now has a very exten- sive and lucrative practice, which attests his skill and ability.

In Oak Harbor, in November, 1892, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Hel- ler and Miss E. Gertrude Metzger, daugh- ter of John C. and Emma Metzger. One child graces their union, Louis Welling- ton, who was born Octobor 17, 1893. The Doctor and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are most highly esteemed residents of Oak Harbor, occupying an enviable position in social circles. Our subject is a member of the Northwestern Medical Society, and the Ohio State Medical Society, and is also a member of and medical examiner for Oak Harbor Lodge No. 516, K. of P.,

and Oak Harbor Lodge No. 226, K. O. T. M. He also belongs to Alpha Chapter, Nu Sigma Nu Fraternity, of Ann Arbor, Mich. In his political views he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. He is a deep student professionally, keeping thoroughly informed on everything con- nected with the science of medicine, and his ability is acknowledged both by the public and the medical fraternity.

C ONRAD ALMROTH, one of the popular young men of Benton township, Ottawa county, and one of the most energetic and prosper- ous farmers here, is the son of Peter and Anna (Kurth) Almroth, and was born Sep- tember 17, 1870, on the farm where he now lives in Benton township. His par- ents were among the earliest settlers in Benton township, coming here when it was a wilderness, and, by hard work and the assistance of faithful children, made one of the finest farms in the county.

Conrad Almroth was educated in the public schools of Elliston, Benton town- ship, and completed his course of studies in 1886, after which he worked on the farm for his father until 1894, since which time he has had complete charge of it. He owns the stock and machinery, and, with the assistance of one man, employed by the month, works about IS0 acres of land, comprising the homestead. Mr. Almroth attends strictly to business; his farm is kept in fine condition, fences in good repair, land well tilled, and all the surroundings give evidence of a skillful and industrious farmer. His yearly out- put of grain averages: Wheat, sixty acres; oats, twenty; corn, thirty; and hay (cut), twenty-five acres. In addition to the regular work of the farm, Mr. Almroth is engaged in the stock business, dealing in cattle, sheep, and hogs, which he sells to local dealers. Unlike his brothers, Con- rad Almroth has not yet taken unto him- self a wife. His sisters Mary (born Feb-

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 120

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