Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 54

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 54
USA > Ohio > Ottawa County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 54

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H ARLEY HOLLISTER EL- WELL. The subject of this brief biographical sketch stands prom- inent among the most successfu and influential fruit-growers of Ottawa county.

He is a native of the Empire State, born at Meridian, Cayuga county, Novem- ber 14, 1818. Spending his childhood among the picturesque hills and valleys,

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lakes and streams of that beautiful coun- try, where, at that time, the " Red Man " was not an infrequent visitor at the rural homes as he wandered from his tribe, as though reluctant to yield this paradise to the white usurper. Mr. Elwell's father was a New Englander, born in Vermont, where his early years were passed. His mother, Mary (Acker) Elwell, was reared in the Mohawk Valley, as were her par- ents, who were of Holland ancestry. Mrs. Elwell's rare gifts of character were sup- plemented by the practical qualifications of that sturdy people, and admirably fitted her for the trials and duties of pio- neer life. From this excellent mother, whose early death was an irreparable loss to her family and to society, Mr. Elwell inherited much of the integrity, firmness and decision, which has characterized his course through life.

In 1835 he accompanied his father to Lapeer, Mich., where he remained un- til 1838 when he came to Ohio, locating at Plasterbed, Ottawa county, where he was engaged for a short time. He then bought and occupied a farm in Sandusky county, and at length settled in Sandusky City, where he lived over thirty years, serving as engineer and conductor for dif- ferent railroad companies. In 1864 he was injured in a railroad collision, and unfitted for the business. In the follow- ing year he located in Danbury, Ottawa county, where he now resides. In 1840 Mr. Elwell was united in marriage with Miss Alice Lachlison, who was born in England, April 30, 1820, and died August 9, 1849. The surviving children of this union are Annjemmetta Louise, widow of the late Fletcher Hartshorn, and Abner H. Elwell. The year 1853 was again the nuptial year with Mr. Elwell, when, in the land of his nativity, at the home of E. HJ. Burnham, Esq., he was married to Miss J. A. Burnham. Of this paron- tage there are two surviving children: Alice Jennie, now Mrs. T. W. Payne, and Burton H. Elwell.

Politically, Mr. Elwell has always been a Republican, unswerving in his sup- port of the cause which that party has espoused. He is one of those men to whom the term "selfmade" is appro- priately applied. Though lacking the ad- vantages of college education, he has ob- tained much of that most valuable infor- mation which comes from observation, experience, and general reading of books and current events, and has made for himself a character and reputation that places him in the highest regard of those who know him best. He is a man of in- fluence, whose good citizenship has never been questioned, and his name deserves an honored place in the history of his adopted country.

G EORGE W. GRANT is a repre- sentative agriculturist of Wash- ington township, Sandusky coun- ty, of which he is a native, his birth having occured on the old home farm on September 21, 1832.

David and Rebecca (Rabe) Grant, his parents, were among the earliest settlers in this section of Ohio, coming here when much of the land was still in its primitive condition, and when the work of progress and civilization seemed scarcely begun. They located upon a 160-acre tract of land just two miles east of where our subject now resides, and the first elec- tion held in Washington township was held by David Grant, John Berie and James Rose, they being the only voters present in the township, as the record, which is to be found in the town of Lind- sey, Sandusky county, shows. David Grant gave the township its name, calling it after Washington county, Penn., his old home. Mrs. Grant died when our subject was quite young, David Grant passing away not many years afterward, and all record of the ancestry of the family was lost.

Our subject remained under the pa-

George Grant

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rental roof until he had attained his ma- jority, giving his father the benefit of his services. He then started out in life for himself, and whatever success he has achieved is due entirely to his own efforts. He was employed in the neighborhood, scorning no work that would yield him an honest dollar, and thus through industry and prudence he accumulated enough to purchase a farm. He invested his capital in 104 acres of choice land, the place upon which he now resides, and beginning its cultivation at once he has to-day a farm improved with all modern acces- sories and conveniences, and the richly developed fields indicate the supervision of a progressive and painstaking owner. He also owns property in Gibsonburg, Sandusky county. In 1889 he leased his farm to the Ohio Oil Company, and four wells were put down, yielding about fifty barrels per day, Mr. Grant receiving one- eighth royalty and a bonus of one dollar per acre. He has also been quite exten- sively engaged in the stock business.

In 1860 Mr. Grant was united in marriage with Miss Mahala Moses, who was born in 1844, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Hess) Moses, and to them have been born nine children, as follows: (1) Silvanus W., who for twelve years was superintendent of the Lindsey and Woodville public schools, and now re- sides at Tiffin, Ohio, where he is engaged in the mercantile business; he married Dora Cummings. by whom he has one child. (2) Minnie Mowry, who was a teacher, is deceased. (3) Frank follows farming in the State of Michigan. (4) Jacob is employed by the Ohio Oil Com- pany. (5) Estella, who for several years was successfully engaged in teaching, is married to Charles Doty, a contractor and driller of oil wells, of Oil City, Penn. (6) Myrtia is an oil operator. (7) Maud (a teacher) and (8) Elgie are still under the parental roof. (9) Herald is deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Grant hold membership with the United Brethren Church, and

their honorable, upright life is well worthy of emulation. By his ballot Mr. Grant supports the men and measures of the Republican party, is a stanch advo- cate of its principles, and on that ticket he has been elected to several township offices, discharging his duties with prompt- ness and fidelity. He has always lived in the county of his nativity, and those who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his stanchest friends, a fact which indicates a well-spent life.

OHN H. MILLER (deceased), who was recognized as one of the repre- sentative and leading citizens of Ot- 2 tawa county, was the eldest son of Claus and Catherine (Buck) Miller, and was born in New York City, on the 11th of March, 1851.

During his early childhood he was brought by his parents to the West, the family locating in Danbury township, Ot- tawa county, where he acquired his edu- cation, his privileges being those afforded by the common schools. Farm labor was familiar to him from his early youth. He aided in the cultivation of the home farm during his boyhood, and when he began life for himself it was as an agriculturist. Afterward he turned his attention to fruit growing in connection with his other work, and became one of the leading farmers and horticulturists of his adopted county. He managed his business affairs on sys- tematic principles, and as the result of his well-directed efforts acquired a handsome competence.

Mr. Miller was married on the 20th of December, 1877, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna M. S. Brauer, a daugh- ter of John H. and Louisa (Lenkring) Brauer, both of whom were natives of Germany, and on coming to America cast their lot with the early settlers of Dan- bury township, Ottawa county. The father is still living in that locality, but the mother died on the 14th of Novembe

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1875. Mrs. Miller was born in Danbury township, October 14, 1854, and by her marriage became the mother of two chil- dren-Henry E., born October 25, 1878; and Reuben B., born June 27, 1887.

At the time of his death, Mr. Miller was filling the office of postmaster at Pic- colo. He was regarded as a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and took an active interest in all that pertained to the wel- fare of the community, and its upbuilding. He passed away on the 20th of April, 1894, and his death was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, as well as by his immediate family. He had ever lived so as to merit the highest respect and confidence of those with whom he came in contact, and he left to his family the priceless heritage of a good name.

C LAUS BUCK (deceased) was one of the most prominent and highly- respected residents of Danbury township, a wide-awake, progres- sive citizen, taking an active part in all matters tending to advance the interests of the county generally.

He was born in Basdahl, Amt Brem- ervorde, Germany, April 6, 1809, and was educated in his native land. When a young man of twenty-seven years he left his native village for America, and, after a tempestuous voyage of eleven weeks, reached New York City, January 1, 1836. Later in the same month he started for Ohio, traveling by stage and on foot, and on February 19, 1836, after a tedious and tiresome journey of three weeks he reached the southern shore of the Peninsula, being one of the seven original German settlers of Danbury town- ship, all of whom preceded him to the grave.

Here in the then vast wilderness, Mr. Buck made himself a home, engaging in agricultural pursuits, and during his fifty- eight years of residence in Danbury town-

ship, Ottawa county, he saw many wonderful changes in his adopted country, and in all possible ways aided in the development of his resident community. Ohio was at that time considered the "Far West." The Indians still roamed in Ottawa county, and this beautiful Peninsula was a forest awaiting civiliza- tion. The pioneer's life at the best is one of toil. None but those who have passed through a like experience can ever realize the hardships and privations of such a life, and the present generation have but little idea of the difficulties and trials their forefathers, and such men as the subject of this sketch, were obliged to undergo in those early days in order to bring this country to its present state of prosperity and perfection.

On January 5, 1844, Mr. Buck was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Brauer, who was born in Fredricksdorf, Germany, September 29, 1821, a daugh- ter of Frederick and Christina Brauer. In 1842 she came to America with her father, her mother having passed away in the land of her nativity two years previous. For more than fifty years she was the faithful companion and helpmeet of Mr. Buck, and still survives him, now at the advanced age of seventy-four years. Their union was blessed with but one child, a daughter-Christiana M .- who was born March 27, 1845, and who, on the 2nd of May, 1866, was united in marriage with Henry H. Lullman. She died January 1, 1882, leaving two daughters-Regina R. and Rebecca-who still reside with their grandmother, caring for her during her declining years.

Mr. Buck was an earnest worker in the Lutheran Church, and was a liberal contributor to both the old church and the handsome and imposing edifice that now adorns the township. He was a consistent member of the organization, as are his granddaughters and widow. For many years he was a great sufferer, and for two years prior to his death was un-

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able to leave his room. He passed peace- fully away at one o'clock on the morning of December 20, 1894, at the advanced age of eighty-five years, eight months and fourteen days, sadly mourned by his rela- tives and a large circle of friends and ac- quaintances, who loved and revered him for his many noble traits of character and unswerving integrity. He died as he lived, and his end was like the coming into harbor of a stately ship after a long and successful voyage. He looked death in the face with that calmness and dignity, that serene certainty that it was a change for the better which Christian faith, such as he possessed, could alone inspire. He has passed away from among his old friends and companions in life, but his memory will long be cherished by all who knew him.

H ENRY H. LULLMAN. Prom- inent among Danbury township's prosperous citizens we find Henry 'H. Lullman, who was born April 8, 1845, in New York City. His parents, John and Martha (Ahlers) Lullman, came to this country about 1840, from Bremen, Germany, and settled in New York City, where the father engaged in the grocery business. On July 28, 1848, the mother died at the early age of twenty-five, and three years later, July 20, 1851, the father also passed away, aged thirty-six years.

Thus early in life the subject of our sketch was left an orphan, and when nine years old he came to Ohio to make his home with his uncle, Henry Lullman, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Dan- bury township, Ottawa county, having located on the Peninsula in February, 1845. For thirty-four years he resided continuously in the township, ending his life's labors April 14, 1879. His wife, Gacia Lullman, died December 18, 1882. Henry H. Lullman spent his early boy- hood days upon his uncle's farm, and ac- quired his education in the district schools

of the neighborhood. The occupation to which he was reared has been his life work, and in addition to agricultural pur- suits he has for the past fifteen years en- gaged extensively in fruit growing.

Mr. Lullman was married in Danbury township, May 2, 1866, to Miss Chris- tiana M. Buck, who was born March 27, 1845, and was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Buck, honored pioneers of this locality. This union was blessed with three children: Regina R., born July 31, 1868; C. Henry, born April 16, 1871, who died in infancy, and Rebecca C., born April 1, 1875. Mrs. Lullman died January 1, 1882, at Sandusky, Ohio, after an illness of several years, aged thirty-six years, nine months and four days. On August 28, 1888, Mr. Lull- man was again married, this time to Miss Emma Wuhrman, who was born Sep- tember 3, 1857, daughter of Henry and Amelia Wuhrman, who migrated to Ohio in 1847. Mr. Lullman has manifested great interest in the affairs of the town- ship, always endeavoring to promote the general welfare of the community. He has held various local offices at different times-that of treasurer for six years and

clerk for fifteen years. No higher testi- monial of his efficient services can be given than his long continuance in office. In religious belief Mr. Lullman and all the members of his family are Lutherans, and interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of that Church.

W ILLIAM H. ALTHOFF, pub- lisher and proprietor of The Ottawa County News Democrat, is a native of Ohio born No- vember 30, 1861, in the city of Dayton, only son of F. M. and Jennie E. (Clark) Althoff.

He was married at Plasterbed, Octo- ber 7, 1886, to Imogene, daughter of J. WV. and Elizabeth (Smith) Lockwood, and four children have been the result of this

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union, namely: Lina, born August 9, 1887: William L., born February 28, 1890, died June 26, 1890; Herbert A., born September 29, 1892; and Amos C., born January 26, 1895.

The old Port Clinton Bulletin, was purchased by Mr. Althoff in April, 1892. The Bulletin was merged into the Demo- crat, which was consolidated with the Veres in 1895. The News was established in April, 1865, by George R. Clark, an uncle of the subject of this sketch.

H ENRY J. MILLER. This work would not be complete unless it contained some account of the pioneers whose lives and labors were given to make possible the prosper- ity, wealth and comfort of to-day. In the early history of Ottawa county no man took a more prominent part or did more to mold and influence the work of his time than did the subject of this sketch.

Henry J. Miller was born May 18, 1812, in the village of Putnam (now Zanesville), Ohio. His father, William Miller (born 1777, died at the home of his son in 1840, a member of a family of ten children), emigrated from Columbia county, N. Y., to Ohio soon after the or- ganization of the State. He raised and commanded a company of volunteers in the war of 1812. Henry J. came to Ot- tawa county (then a part of Huron) in 1828, buying a small farm of the govern- ment. Upon the organization of Ottawa county he was appointed sheriff, and served until the first election. After an interval of one term he was twice elected, and served two terms in that capacity. After the expiration of his term as sheriff he was three times elected, and served nine years as justice of the peace of his township. He was one of the first to propose the organization of the Ottawa County Agricultural Society, and served as its first president, and for several years thereafter. He was prominent in every

enterprise which had for its object the improvement of his county, and bettering the condition of her citizens.

Mr. Miller was married November 25, 1836, to Susan Wonnell, who came to Ottawa county with her parents from Worcester county, Maryland, in 1828. Of this union six children were born as follows: (1) Maria was born January 15, 1838, became the wife of William Sloan, and is now deceased. (2) Wilson S. was born May 9 1839, (a sketch of whom ap- pears elsewhere). (3) George W., born December 28, 1840, died January 23, 1864, of wounds received while defending his country in the Civil war; he was a member of the First Ohio Sharpshooters. (4) William, a sketch of whom follows this, was born February 4, 1844. (5) James H., born March 15, 1846, was a prominent farmer of Portage township, and died at the age of forty-six. (6) Per- melia A., born June 10, 1848, became the wife of Silas A. Hardy.

During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Miller did valiant service in his country's cause. Three of his sons served in the army. Too old to go to the front him- self, he was faithful in looking after his country's defenders at home. The noble work of these older men during the war has never received the recognition its im- portance deserves. Mr. Miller united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and helped, in 1842, to organize the first so- ciety of that denomination in the county. He remained an active member of that society until his death, which occurred November 12, 1874.

W ILLIAM MILLER. Among the leading residents of Ottawa county none are more deserving of representation in this vol- ume than the gentleman whose name opens this review, and who is numbered among the valued citizens of this com- munity, as well as among the prominent

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fruit growers and farmers of Portage township. He was born in that town- ship, February 4, 1844, and is a son of Henry J. and Susan (Wonnell) Miller, a sketch of whom appears above.

Mr. Miller acquired his education in the district schools near his home, and subsequently for two years pursued his studies in Baldwin University, of Berea, Ohio. He then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he has since continuously followed. He was the first in his township to grow peaches for mar- ket, planting his first orchard in 1868, and is at present quite extensively en- gaged in that branch of fruit growing. He thoroughly understands his business, and his capable management and fair and honorable dealing have brought to him a well-deserved success. During the war of the Rebellion he served asa private in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty- ninth regiment, Ohio Infantry.

On January 12, 1875, he was married to Miss Eliza Petitt Alexander, of Marble- head, Ohio, who was born in Piqua, Ohio, June 23, 1850, a daughter of David Alex- ander (a sketch of whom follows) and Harriet (Petitt) Alexander. Two children grace this union: Henry A., born March 7, 1877; and Mary F., born December 20, 1879. The parents of Mrs. Miller were both natives of Pennsylvania.

The subject of this sketch has filled the office of director of the County Agri- cultural Society for several years. He was one of the organizers of the Peninsula Farmers and Fruit Growers Club, which existed for several years, and also assisted in organizing the first Farmers Institute in the county, acting as its president for two years. He is a member of the Ad Interim Committee of the State Horticul- tural Society; is the present master of the Grange, and does all in his power for the advancement of the farming interests of his locality. For ten consecutive years he has been a member of the township school board, and the cause of education

finds in him a warm friend. He is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and in 1892 was nominated by the Re- publicans of the Ninth Congressional Dis- trict as candidate for Presidential elector, was elected a member of the electoral college, and cast his vote for President Harrison. In his religions views he is a Methodist. His life has not been one of excitement, being quietly passed in devo- tion to his business enterprises; yet it is not without its points of interest as is that of every man who faithfully performs his duty to his country, his neighbor and him- self.

DAVID ALEXANDER (deceased), father of Mrs. Eliza P. Miller, was born at New London, Chester Co., Penn., July 31, 1812, and came to Ohio in 1833, locating first at Dayton, later at Piqua. Here he was actively engaged in business for a number of years. In 1843-44 he repre- sented Miami county in the Ohio Legisla- ture. About that time he removed to Columbus, and for several years was en- gaged in the home office of the Columbus Insurance Co. In 1854 he became general agent for the West of the Hartford Fire Insurance Co., removing to Chicago in 1861. In 1863 failing health compelled him to resign his position, and in order to obtain rest and recreation he came to the Lake Erie islands. Impressed with the natural beauty and advantages of the lo- cality, he bought a farm on the Peninsula, which for thirty years was his home. During the administration of President Grant, Mr. Alexander was appointed Examiner of National Banks, and spent four years in government employ, his ter- ritory embracing all of New York State (except the city), Ohio, Indiana and a part of Virginia.

Mr. Alexander early saw the superior advantages of the Peninsula for fruit growing, and from the first made that the only product of his farm. He was the first on the Peninsula to plant peaches largely for market, and to see, as pro-

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phesied by him, that entire section of country covered with peach orchards. He was called from earth December 23, 1894. Though of a retiring disposition, always seeking to avoid publicity, he took an active interest in public affairs, and few men were better posted in the doings of the day. In early life he united with the Presbyterian Church, and always lived a consistent Christian life. He assisted in organizing the Congregational Church on the Peninsula, and was always one of its faithful supporters.

Mr. Alexander was twice married; first time to Martha A. Graham, of Ches- ter county, Penn., but she died in 1844, leaving one son, Robert Graham Alex- ander, who died in Chicago in 1862, in his twenty-second year. In 1849, for his second wife, Mr. Alexander married Har- riet R. Petitt, of Piqua, who, with three daughters (Mrs. William Miller, of Gyp- sum, Mrs. S. R. Gill, of Lakeside, and Mrs. J. W. Benschoter, of Bowling Green) and one son (S. P. Alexander), survives him.

G EORGE F. MEYER. The sub- ject of this sketch, who has been for nearly twenty-one years a resident of Port Clinton, Ottawa county, is a prosperous cigar manufac- turer, in his business combining the Ger- man thrift and industry with American push and enterprise. He is a native of Hanover, Germany, born September 9, 1840.

Mr. Meyer's parents were both natives of Germany, the father, H. Meyer, born in Lansberger, Hanover, in 1805, and the mother, Mary (Walsen) Meyer, in Bad Rehburg, in 1803; the former died in 1868, and the latter in 1874. The father, who was a man of much intelli- gence and ability, was a surgeon, and practiced his profession from 1825 until his death. He served during the Franco- Prussian war. He was a member of the

Lutheran Church. This worthy couple had eight children, as follows: William, who died after coming to America; August, who lives at Bremen, Germany, and is engaged in the cigar business; George F., our subject; Charles, living in Zulingen, Germany; Frederick, who resides in Bremen, Germany; Caroline, a widow, residing in Sandusky; Dorritt, deceased; and Augusta, who married a Mr. Dink- lage. The maternal grandfather of our subject was a baker by trade, and also held the office of postmaster at Bad Reh- burg, a position which has been handed down in the family from generation to generation until the present time. Others of the connection are also engaged in the postal service. The paternal grandfather, Henry Meyer, was born at Lansberger on the Weser, and was a farmer by occupa- tion.

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Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 54

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