Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 51

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 51
USA > Ohio > Ottawa County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 51

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D ANIEL HOCK, the leading baker and grocer of Fremont, Sandusky county, is a native of Webenheim Rhein Phalz, Bavaria, Germany, born April 10, 1832, and is a son of Chris- tian and Caroline (Schunck) Hock.

Christian Hock was a hotel-keeper and farmer by occupation. When fifty years of age he started for America to

meet one of his sons at Yonkers, N. Y., but was never heard from after he got on shipboard, and it is supposed he died on on the way across the Atlantic Ocean and was buried at sea. The paternal grand- father of our subject, Nicholas Hock, was a native of Switzerland, and a large farm- er. He had two brothers who came to America in 1793, and landed at Phila- delphia, Penn., and from them many of the Hock families of America have de- scended. The mother of our subject was born in Germany in 1799, and died in 1843. The children of Christian and Caroline Hock, in the order of their ages, were: Carrie, John, Christian, Frederick, Mary, Jacob, Daniel, Catharine, Louis, Otto. Of these, John, Fred and Mary died in Germany, Jacob and Otto in Clyde, Ohio, and Christian at Fremont, Ohio. Carrie was married in Germany, came to America in 1836, and she and her husband died at Albany, N. Y .; Louis is a dealer in boots and shoes, at Clyde, Ohio; Cath- arine is the wife of Andrew Markstahler, of Tiffin, Ohio. Otto Hock was a sol- dier in the Civil war, having served as a member of Company F. One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Regiment O. V. I.

Daniel Hock learned the baker's trade in Germany, and followed it there for eight years. He then emigrated to Amer- ica, at the age of twenty-one, to avoid being drafted into the German army, land- ing at New Orleans, La., where he found work at his trade. The yellow fever was epidemic there, and his employer fell a vic- tim to it; so on learning the facts in regard to that terrible plague, Mr. Hock con- cluded to go farther north, and promptly took a steamer for Cincinnati, Ohio. From there he went to Sandusky City, Ohio, where, on the shore of Sandusky Bay, his brother Christian was foreman in a large stone quarry, called " Plaster Bed." Here he found ready employment, and remained two years. In the spring of 1856 he first came to Fremont, but did not stay long. He went on down to

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Cincinnati, where he worked at his trade, in 1858 returning to Fremont and estab- lishing his own grocery and bakery, at the corner of State and Main streets, where he is still located and doing a prosperous business.

Daniel Hock was married, in 1859, to Miss Elizabeth Fuchs, a native of Hom- burg, Bavaria, who was born in 1836 and died in 1881. Their children were: Will- iam, who died when ten years of age; Carrie, who is living at home and assist- ing her father in business; Daniel and Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Clara, Edward, Libbie and Haidee, all four at home.

A ARON MYERS was born April 5, 1847, in Madison township, San- dusky county, where he still makes his home, and is a son of Samuel Myers, a native of West Virginia.

The father was a son of Jacob Myers, a farmer of West Virginia, who removed to Perry county, Ohio, where he carried on agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. His son Samuel received but limited educational privileges, for there were no free schools in those days. His first employment was in a distillery, and he also worked upon his father's farm until his marriage, at the age of twenty- four years. In 1835 he came to Madison township, Sandusky county, where he pur- chased 160 acres of timber land, receiving the deed for the same from Gen. Jackson, who was then serving as President, and for whom Samuel Myers cast his first vote. He erected a log cabin with his own hands, cutting away the trees in order to make room for the dwelling, and then returned to Perry county for his girl wife, whom he brought to his cabin home. She rode on horseback, while Mr. Myers drove a team, hauling the household effects.

The young couple lived in a rude house without windows or doors-quilts serving as a substitute-and were forced to keep

fires burning all night outside of their cabin to ward off the howling wolves and other wild animals which then infested that part of the country. There Mr. Myers lived alone with his wife and little family, far away from neighbors, and with no roads or even a pathway. He fre- quently had to go to Fremont on horse- back with a bushel or two of wheat, which he took to the mill and had ground in or- der to make bread for the family. The road was at times impassable, and it was necessary to follow the Indian trails, the journey thus consuming two days. He was aided and encouraged by his young wife, and thus sustained began clearing away the dense growth of timber, which soon fell before the axe of the young pio- neer, and was replaced by the green corn and golden-headed wheat. In time he became the owner of a well-cultivated and valuable farm, and, though many were the trials and hardships in early days, he continued his labors until they were crowned with success, an example well worthy to be followed. He succeeded in fencing the land, and the rude cabin home gave way to a more commodious and or- namental structure, the log barn being replaced by good frame outbuildings, and instead of the wolves and deer which were seen in the neighborhood there were fine grades of cattle and horses. He also planted a fine orchard, and the place is now one of the model farms of the nine- teenth century-a monument to the hon- est toil, laudable ambition and enterpris- ing spirit of the owner. He also aided in laying out the roads through the town- ship, gave one and a half acres of land on which to erect a school house, and has done all in his power for the promotion of education, of which he is a stanch friend.

In 1835 Samuel Myers was married, in Perry county, Ohio, to Susanna Win- ters, who shared his pioneer life in the woods, and was indeed a faithful compan- ion and helpmeet to him. Their family numbered eleven children. Those living

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are: Isaac, born in 1838, a farmer, oper- ating his brother's land; Mary J., born in 1844, the wife of Herman Seen, a farmer of Petersburg, Mich .; Aaron Myers is the sixth child; Henry, born in 1851, farms in Madison township, Sandusky county; Frank, born in 1856, is also an agricul- turist; those deceased are: John; Sarah, wife of Christopher Foster; Elias; Phœbe, wife of Elia Rife; Levina and George. The mother died in 1880, mourned by . a loving husband and father, to whom she devoted her life with an unselfishness sel- dom equaled. Mr. Myers was elected trustee of the township for many years, and discharged the duties of the office with credit to· himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He took a deep interest in the cause of education, and was a leading member of the school board for more than a quarter of a century. He quietly passed away April 20, 1895, respected and be- loved by all who knew him, for his life was above reproach. Although eighty- four years of age at the time of his death, he was still quite active. Eight years be- fore his decease he had prepared for him- self a coffin, placed therein $50 for funeral expenses, made all arrangements for the funeral, chose those whom he wished to act as pall bearers, and selected a tomb stone. His wishes were carried out by those who were left behind to mourn the loss of one whose life was ever a source of inspiration and encouragement. Thus one of Sandusky county's most honored pio- neers passed away, but his memory re- mains green in the hearts of all who knew him.

Aaron Myers acquired a limited edu- cation in the district schools of his native township, pursuing his studies through the winter season, while during the summer months, in connection with his brothers, he aided in the labors of the farm. At the age of twenty-one he removed to Woodville township, Sandusky county, where he rented land, continuing its culti- vation for three years, when he returned

to Madison township, and purchased fifty acres of land from his brother Elias. This he operated for some years, and then disposed of it to his brother, while he owns and operates the old homestead, comprising 140 acres of well-cultivated land.

Mr. Myers was married at Woodville, Ohio, March 24, 1870, to Betsy Truman, who was born January 1, 1848, in Wood- ville township. Three children constitute the family: (1) Ora C., born October 12, 1870, in Woodville township; was educated in the public schools of Madison township, and now follows farming; on May 5, 1892, he wedded Miss Mellacena Kiser, daughter of Daniel Kiser, a farmer of Madison township, and they have one child-Orvil, born January 16, 1894. (2) Orrison Ray, born in Woodville town- ship, June 5, 1875; was educated in Madi- son township, and is at home with his parents. (3) Ralph B., born September 24, 1883, is attending school. Mrs. Myers is a member of the Baptist Church, and of the Ladies' Aid Society of Madison township. Our subject is a stanch Demo- crat, but has never sought or desired of- ficial preferment. He is an honest, in- dustrious man, enterprising and progres- sive, and acted the part of a dutiful son toward his father, who found with him and Mrs. Myers a pleasant home after the death of the mother. They cared for him with loving consideration, and such acts of kindness are characteristic of the worthy couple who are well deserving of mention among the best citizens of the community.

A LVA J. HAWK, farmer, Ball- ville township, Sandusky county, was born in Green Creek town- ship, same county, November 17, 1851, a son of Joseph and Martha (Har- ris) Hawk. Joseph Hawk was born in Pennsylvania, came to Ohio early in life, and settled in Green Creek township,

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where he followed farming. He was fond of hunting, and kept a deer park near his house. His first wife was a Miss Riden- our. by whom he had four children: William, a farmer, who died in Michigan, 1893: Marie, wife of Joseph King, died 1879; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Baker, a farmer of Green Creek township; and Marian, farmer and ex-soldier. The sec- ond wife of Joseph Hawk was Martha Harris), born in Schuylkill county, Penn., who came to Ohio at the age of fourteen. She is still living, at Cleveland, Ohio, aged sixty-six. Their children were: Sarah, wife of Henry G. Gibbons, a real- estate agent at Clyde, Ohio; Alva J., our subject: Mary, wife of Albert Snyder, of Wood county, Ohio; Charles, living in Baker City, Oreg .; Byron M., a farmer, of near Clyde, Ohio; Ida, wife of William Sherwood, of Fremont; Anna, wife of Dr. Harnden, of Clyde, Ohio; and Etta, wife of Mr. Kessler. The parents of our sub- ject were both of Pennsylvania-Dutch de- scent. Joseph Hawk died in 1889, at the age of seventy-five years.

A. J. Hawk grew to manhood on his father's farm, and attended the common schools. In 188 1 he married Miss Amanda Wise, who was born October 19, 1857, in Pennsylvania, and settled in Clyde, Ohio, where he worked at the painting trade several years. He then moved upon a farm in Green Creek township, and later, in 1891, bought his present farm in the northeastern part of Ballville town- ship, where he has made marked im- provements, and where, in addition to general farming, he gives attention to poultry raising and small-fruit culture. Their children are: Laurel, Vernon, Rollen, Romie, Cleveland, and Ethel May.

D H. M(GRADY, farmer, Sandusky township, Sandusky county, was born in County Down, Ireland, October 22, 1852, a son of Pat- rick and Mary (Aguess) McGrady.

Patrick McGrady was born in the same locality. He came to America in 1861, his family following him two years after- ward. They located on a farm near Cas- talia, Ohio, on which they remained two years, and then removed to Townsend township. In 1893 they came to San- dusky township, near Fremont, to live with the family of our subject. Here Patrick McGrady died January 24, 1894; his wife, who was born in 1813, is still living. They had nine children, six of whom died young. The living are: Eliza- beth, wife of Michael Gallagher; Mary, wife of Benjamin Robinson; and D. H., our subject.

D. H. McGrady grew up in Townsend township, and received a common-school education. He was married in 1878 to Elizabeth Lietzke, who was born in Ger- many, September 12, 1858, and they have seven children: John, Charles P., Mary A., Luella C., Joseph H., Francis E., and Otto T. Mr. McGrady purchased his present excellent farm in 1893, located in close proximity to Fremont, and by economy, thrift and industry has accu- mulated means, and is looked upon as one of the most enterprising of the younger element of men in the vicinity. He is the "bred-in-the-bone" of his Gallic ancestry. He is an ardent Roman Catholic, and a patriotic American citi- zen. His paternal grandfather, George McGrady, died in Ireland.

F RANK R. HAVENS, farmer and dealer in live stock, Jackson town- ship, Sandusky county, was born near his present place of residence January 11, 1860, a son of William J. Havens.

Our subject was reared on his father's farm, where he received valuable lessons in the most approved modern methods of farming in vogue in the Black Swamp, a re- gion formerly noted for its deep mud, and fever and ague, but which has had its soil

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fertilized and its air purified by scientific ditching and subsoil drainage, making it the garden spot of northern Ohio. He obtained his education in the common schools, and at the home fireside. He remained with his parents until his eight- eenth year when he married, and then en- tered upon farming on his own account. He first rented one hundred acres of land of J. B. Winters, for one year; then inoved upon eighty acres of his father's land which he farmed on shares. He next bought eighty acres of his father, and, three years later, seventy-six acres of the Thomas Brown estate; then three years still later eighty acres of his father, then forty acres of William Lease, and twenty acres of Solomon King, and 153 acres of the old Otho Lease farm, making a total of 449 acres. He carries on gen- eral farming, and makes a specialty of raising, buying and shipping fat hogs to East Buffalo, once or twice a year. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has held various local offices; in religious connection he is a member of the U. B. Church. He has been very successful in his business ventures, and is highly es- teemed for his upright character.

On January 23, 1879, F. R. Havens was married to Miss Avilda J. Winter, and the names and dates of birth of their children are as follows: Flavel S., August 23, 1882; Robert G., August 17, 1884; Essie G., February 2, 1890; Ross Ray, January 28, 1892; and Willis B., Decem- ber II, 1894.

D AVID J. WINCHELL, a pros- perous farmer of Scott township, Sandusky county, was born in Wheaton, Du Page Co , Ill., Sep- tember 3, 1845, and is one of the eleven children of Luther and Phoebe (Water- man) Winchell.

The father of our subject was born in Connecticut, in 1800, and when a lad of but twelve years entered the war of 1812,

as a substitute for his uncle who had been drafted, and with whom he was liv- ing at the time. He engaged in sev- eral battles, including that of Sackett's Harbor, which was fought in 1813, and resulted in an American victory. The gun which he carried is now in possession of our subject, who values it most highly. After the war, Luther Winchell learned blacksmithing, and followed the trade for a few years in his native city; but having a desire to see the West, he emigrated to Ohio, and purchased land in Ohio and Illinois, at one time owning altogether 700 acres, 160 of which were on the site of the present city of Chicago. By the time of his death he had become quite wealthy, and left a large property to his family. His wife, a native of Massa- chusetts, was born in 1805, and died July 19, 1895. Their children were Stephen R., Luther, David J., Sabra A. (who has extensive real-estate interests in Chicago), Harriet M., Phoebe R., Lucy, Cynthia, and three who died in childhood.

David Winchell coming to Ohio at an early day has witnessed its development from an almost unbroken wilderness into fine homes and farms. When only six years of age he accompanied his par- ents to Lake county, where he grew to manhood, acquiring his education in the public schools and in the Madison Normal. Subsequently he came to Scott township, Sandusky county, and rented his father's farm of 340 acres for twenty years. During this time he purchased portions of it at intervals until he now owns 104 acres, which are located in the oil regions. A gas well has also been sunk upon the place, which supplies the home with gas, both for lighting and fuel. In addition to farming, Mr. Winchell has been engaged in general stock raising, buying and shipping stock direct to Buf- falo and New York. In this branch of his business he has been very successful. When he purchased his land it was partly

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covered with a dense grove of native forest trees; but by earnest and persistent toil he has transformed the place into highly-cultivated fields, and it is now a well-tilled, well-fenced property, im- proved with good buildings and all the accessories of a model farm.

Mr. Winchell has found in his wife a faithful companion and helpmeet. He was married September 18, 1869, to Harriet Rineholt, who was born in Jack- son township, Sandusky county, Septem- ber 16, 1852, a daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Selsor) Rineholt, who were pioneers of Jackson township, where they still reside. Mrs. Winchell attended the public schools in the locality, and re- mained with her parents until her mar- riage, when she went to the farm which has since been her home. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Winchell-Myra- was born October 26, 1870, and was married November 13, 1890, to J. F. Wagner, who carries on general farming in Scott township. He was educated at Findlay, Ohio, and in Delaware College, from which he was graduated, while his wife has been a special student of vocal and instrumental music. Two bright children-Estella Ivonia and Hazel Ger- trude-grace the home of their parents, bringing much life and enjoyment thereto.

P ETER NICKLES is one of the old and honored residents of Sandusky county, where he has lived for more than half a century, en- gaged in farming. He is a native of France, born February 26, 1815. His father, Henry Nickles, was a farmer of that country, and Peter spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the old home place, where, aiding in the labors of the field, he became familiar with all the du- ties of agricultural life.

In 1836, having attained years of ma- turity, Mr. Nickles determined to try his fortune in America, believing that he

might better his financial condition there- by, and accordingly crossed the Atlantic to New York City. He did not remain long in the Eastern metropolis, however, but came direct to Sandusky county, Ohio, and after living at various places for a few years, located upon a seventy-seven-acre tract of timber land in Jackson township, the nucleus of his present landed posses- sions. This he at once began to clear and improve, and there made his home for thirteen years, when he came to Wash- ington township. His entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and has therefore been a quiet one; but he has faithfully performed every duty that has come to him, and has won the respect of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

On May 8, 1845, Mr. Nickles was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Jo- seph, who was born October 22, 1825, and was one of a large family; her father was a German farmer, living in Sandusky county. Eleven children were born of this union, as follows: Sophia, in 1846; Mary Ann, in 1848; Christina, November 5, 1849; Margaret, October 13, 1851, died October 1, 1874; Sarah, October 28, 1853; John G., October 13, 1855; Anna, August 10, 1858; Catharine Jane, March 9, 1861; Lydia, August 30, 1863; George H., March 28, 1866, and Minnie, April 9, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Nickles are still liv- ing on the old home farm that has been their place of residence for so many years. The father was industrious and enterpris- ing, and as his financial resources in- creased he bought other property, and now owns ninety acres on which his son George lives, and ninety acres which is the home of his son John G. In politics he is a Republican, and formerly took quite an active interest in political affairs, but he has now largely withdrawn from public life. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church, and are worthy people, well meriting the es- tecm of their many friends.

Sarah Pickles

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JOHN G. NICKLES, the six child in the above mentioned family, has spent his entire life in Sandusky county. He was born on the old home farm in Washing- ton township October 13, 1855, and passed the days of his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of farmer lads, re- maining with his parents until his marriage. On March 20, 1881, he wedded Miss Emily L. Culbert, daughter of a farmer of Sandusky county, and the young couple began their domestic life upon a ninety- acre tract of land belonging to Mr. Nick- les' father, to the cultivation and improve- ment of which he has since devoted his time and energies. The fields are now well tilled, and the neat and thrifty ap- pearance of the place indicates his careful supervision.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. John G. Nickles has been blessed with a family of six children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Lottie Mand, November 24, 1882; Lucy, October 26, 1884; Helen, October 30, 1886; Addie, March 25, 1888; Walter, December 1. 1889; and Ruth, who died in early child- hood. John G. Nickles exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, and has been called upon to fill the offices of road supervisor and school director, discharging the duties of both in a prompt and able manner. He is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer fam- ilies of the county, and as a citizen is pub- lic-spirited and progressive, interested in whatever tends to promote the general welfare.

L KOLB was born in Schwetzin- gen, Baden, Germany. July 2, 1826, and is a son of Michael and Magdalena (Weir) Kolb. His fa- ther was a weaver in the old country, and followed that trade up to the time of his death. Both he and his wife spent their entire lives in their native land, the father passing away at the ripe old age of sev-

enty-six years, while the mother died at the age of fifty-one. They left a family of six children, all of whom remained in Germany with the exception of our sub- ject, to wit: Elizabeth (who became the wife of Frederick Boop, but both are now deceased), subject, Adam, Margaret (wife of George Kolpe), Elizabeth and Philip.

As soon as he was old enough our sub- ject began working with his father, and to the weaver's trade devoted his time and energies until 1853, when he left home for the New World, hoping to ben- efit his financial condition by a residence in America. Before leaving the Father- land, however, he was united in marriage with Miss Susanna Kulpe, daughter of Lonis and Barbara Kulpe, farming people who spent their entire lives in Germany. The daughter was the second in order of birth in a family of seven children, the others being Jacob, Effie, Abraham, Ma- ria, Michael and Catherina. Mr. Kolb had no capital with which to begin life in the New World, but being a man of reso- lute spirit, and not afraid of work, he soon secured a start. His first position was as a section hand on the railroad, and he worked in that capacity some ten years, five of which were spent in Port Clinton, Ottawa Co., Ohio. After that he went to Norwalk, Ohio, where he was employed by the day as a farm hand for a period of five years. In the meantime he saved his earnings, and with the capi- tal acquired removed to Washington town- ship, Sandusky county, where he invested his earnings in eighty acres of farm land. This was in 1855, and for thirty-five years he lived upon that place, continuing its cultivation, until the once wild prairie was transformed into rich and fertile fields that yielded to the owner a golden tribute in return for his care and labor. In 1889 he purchased his present farm, to which he later removed, and here he is practi- cally living retired, his son-in-law opera- ting the farm, while he is resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

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To Mr. and Mrs. Kolb were born three children-one son and two daughters- the eldest of whom, Philip, born August 15, 1851, is now deceased; Lena, born November 4, 1853, is the wife of George Stotz, who is a farmer of Washington township (they have six children): Bar- bara, born June 26, 1869, is the wife of Jacob Beeker, who operates the old Kolb homestead (to their union has been born one child ).

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Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 51

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