Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 58

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 58
USA > Ohio > Ottawa County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 58

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).

Dr. Kingham's parents, James and Lydia Ann (Knight) Kingham, were born, the father in England in 1803, on the noted "Farm Golder," in Oxfordshire, the mother at Rising Sun, Md., in 1818. They were married in 1836. James King- ham followed mercantile pursuits the greater part of his life; he died in 1875, and the mother now lives with her daugh-

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ter, Mrs. Jacobs. There were four chil- dren in the family, two of whom are now living, Dr. Joseph Kingham, and Mrs. Jacobs, of California.

G EORGE W. LONG (deceased), who was one of the prominent and progressive farmers of Car- roll township, Ottawa county, was born in Hanover, Germany, Decem- ber 29, 1838, and was a son of Henry and Christina Long, natives of the same country, who, emigrating to this country, took up their residence in Erie township, Ottawa county, in 1843. The father was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring the same year. His wife survived him about eight years.

Our subject remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of age. when he bade adieu to his old home and removed to Bureau county, Ill., residing there for four years. He then returned to Erie township, Ottawa county, and in 1867 took up his residence in Carroll township, where his remaining days were passed. On November 17, 1862, Mr. Long was united in marriage with Miss Mary Louisa Meeker, who was born in Erie township, Ottawa county, March 15, 1842, daughter of Chalon and Mary (Ammons) Meeker, who were pioneer set- tlers, and for many years honored and re- spected residents of Erie township, where they inade their home until called to their final rest. The father passed away very suddenly August 17, 1877; the mother died of diphtheria February 19, 1869. Their family numbered ten children, six of whom are yet living, namely: Amanda, wife of Robert Mckay, a resident of Tuscola, Ill .; William, who makes his home in Henry county, Ohio; Rachel, wife of Robert Stevens, who is located in Carroll township, Ottawa county; Mrs. Long; Teressa, wife of Thomas Hambly, a resident of Rocky Ridge, Ottawa coun- ty; and Thomas, who is living in Douglas

county, Ill. To Mr. and Mrs. Long were born three children, as follows: (1) Amanda Lavina, born October 9, 1864, who married Frank S. Foote, now a teacher in Toledo; she has one child, Edgar Foote, born October 12, 1890. (2) George Edward, born August 7, 1869, living in Carroll township. (3) Sylvanus, born April 10, 1881, is still living with the mother.

Mr. Long was killed by the kick of a horse, May 7, 1890. He was recognized as one of the valued and leading citizens of the community, and took quite a prominent part in county affairs. He was a Republican, but though giving a loyal support to the party he was not a politician in the sense of office-seeking, rather one who favored safe principles and good officials, and he capably served in many township offices, discharging his duties with credit to himself and satisfac- tion to all concerned. He made farming his life work, and led a busy and indus- trious life. Well-known and highly-es- teemed by all who knew him, his sudden death was mourned by a large number of sincere friends. His genuine worth and true nobility gained him the respect of all, and no one in Ottawa county was more favorably known. Since his death his faithful and devoted wife has managed the estate with more than ordinary ability, and her excellent care has made it return a good income. She is a consistent mem- ber of the United Brethren Church, and very popular in the social circles of the township, where she has a host of warm friends.

D ANIEL BROWN (deceased) was one of the most progressive and influential farmers of Carrol town- ship, Ottawa county. His birth occurred in Lancaster, N. Y., March 23, 1815, and he was a son of Joseph R. and Ruth (Smith) Brown, who were early set- tlers of Erie county, Ohio, where they

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passed away. In their family of nine children only three now survive: Solo- mon, who is residing on the old home- stead in Margaretta township, Erie Co., Ohio; Diadami, wife of Thomas Persons, of Sisson, Siskiyou Co., Cal .; and Mrs. Martha Newman, a widow, of Barcelona, Tulare county, California.

In February, 1819, Mr. Brown, whose name introduces this sketch, removed with his parents to Erie county. Ohio, where he was reared to manhood and re- ceived his education. His principal oc- cupation through life was farming, though for eleven years he was foreman of Mr. Heywood's flouring-mill and saw- mill at Venice, Ohio. He located in Carroll township, Ottawa county, May 4, 1866, from which date until his death he was a constant resident of that commu- nity, where he was widely and favorably known. His death occurred at his home July 19, 1893, and he was deeply and sincerely mourned.

At Venice, Erie Co., Ohio, June 8, 1845, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Melissa I. James, who was born in that county, November 24, 1830, a daughter of Henry and Phœbe (Dunham) James, both natives of this country, who became early pioneers of Erie county; there they resided until death, both dying in Venice, the father on November 29, 1874, the mother on October 7, 1881. To them was born a family of six children, three of whom are still living, namely: Melissa I., widow of Daniel Brown; Rebecca, wife of Charles Hiemlich, of Venice, Ohio; and Yeamon, residing near Genoa, Ottawa county. Nine children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, namely: Phoebe, born July 7, 1846, died April 11, 1848; Rebecca, born April 3, 1848, now the wife of Leman Thompson, of Carroll township; Isabel, born November 16, 1850, now the wife of Roscoe Wise, of Curtis, Ohio; Heury, born October 11, 1852, died October 12, 1853; Martha,

born March 26, 1854, now the wife of Austin L. Carey, of Mount Vernon, Ohio; Frank, born August 11, 1856, a resident of Carroll township; Rachel, born Feb- ruary 14, 1858, making her home in Mount Vernon; James K., born June 8, 1861, living in Lorain county, Ohio; and Alvira, born March 14, 1866, married James Clopfenstein, and died February 22, 1885.

In his political affiliations Mr. Brown was an ardent Republican, but was never an aspirant for office, preferring to give his time and attention to his agricultural duties, and was one of the successful men of his day. Though enjoying in his youth but meagre literary advantages, he acquired a practical education, and was a close observer of men and events. He took an active part in all matters relating to the welfare of the township and coun- ty, and was held in the highest esteem by his friends and neighbors. His faith- ful wife, who is a well-educated and in- telligent lady, still resides in Carroll town- ship, where she is surrounded by hosts of friends.

G EORGE H. RICE, who during his lifetime was a prominent fruit- grower and agriculturist of Car- roll township, Ottawa county, was born April 26, 1826, in Painesville, Ohio, son of Isaac and Lucy (Devol) Rice, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of the Buckeye State. She was born in Marietta in 1802, and her father, Jonathan Devol, was one of the honored pioneers of Ohio.

Isaac Rice was born in Brattleboro, Vt., May 7, 1792, and previous to 1820 removed to the southern part of Ohio, where he followed his trade of wagon- making. He was married in Marietta in 1820, and in 1825 removed with his wife to Painesville, Lake Co., Ohio, where he followed the same business. He built

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fifteen of the first stages that ever ran be- tween Buffalo and Cleveland. In Feb- ruary, 1829, he removed to Danbury township, then a part of Huron county, now a part of Ottawa county, where he spent his remaining days, passing away April 14, 1845. His wife survived until January 17, 1867. Their family num- bered seven children, but only one is now living-Mary Ann, wife of D. W. Stew- art, a resident of Alton, Illinois.

George H. Rice acquired his educa- tion in the district schools of Danbury township, and also in Westfield, Medina Co., Ohio, and when his school life was ended became a sailor on the lakes. He was serving as mate on the steamer "Oregon" at the time it was blown up on the Detroit river, April 14, 1855. He continued on the water until 1882, and in connection carried on fruit farming and ship and boat building, but for the last twelve years, owing to poor health, he led a practically retired life. His labors were interrupted in 1865 by his enlist- ment, on February 14, in Company C, Second Ohio Cavalry; after serving for a few months at St. Louis he became so ill that he was sent home on furlough, and the regiment was mustered out of the service before his leave of absence ex- pired.

Mr. Rice was married in Westfield, Medina county, December 25, 1851, to Miss Celestia P. St. John, who was born in Westfield, January 31, 1831, daughter of Myron and Philena (Allton) St. John, natives of Vermont, who became early settlers of Medina county, where they spent their remaining days, the father dying December 1, 1866, the mother on June 9, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Rice are the parents of eight children: Noah Lovell, who was born October 17, 1853. and is a prominent farmer of Carroll township, Ottawa county; Philena L., born November 4, 1856, residing in Chicago; Louisa C., born September 2, 1858, now the wife of C. C. Strong, a

resident of Chicago; Henry Lincoln, born July 28, 1861, died February 21, 1869; Mary A., born August 28, 1863, now the wife of Aretus Crane, of Chicago; Dan S., born August 8, 1867; Julia M. W., born June 19, 1871; and George Allton, born April 24, 1875: the three youngest are at home. The family attend the Baptist Church.

Mr. Rice was one of the oldest pioneer settlers of Ottawa county, and during his long residence here ever sustained a repu- tation for integrity and good citizenship, alike creditable to his judgment and char- acter. As one of the men who in an early day took part in subduing the wil- derness, transforming it into fine farms and beautiful homes which the present generation enjoy in comparative comfort and ease, Mr. Rice is well worthy of being represented in this volume. At the time of his decease, though he had almost reached the honored age of three score years and ten, he was a well-preserved man, of commanding presence, possessed of a vigorous mind, good practical busi- ness sagacity, and a reliable memory, as to early events. Ofttimes he reviewed the changes that have taken place since the days of the old open fireplace. and the log schoolhouse with its half-barrel seats, where he received his rudimentary educa- tion, and the twang of the thread as the good mother plied her needle by the dim light of a tallow candle. These and many more of the circumstances connected with pioneer life frequently flitted across his mind, as he took a retrospective glance into the past, recalling the marvellous work of the first settlers of Ottawa coun- ty, a work in which he always bore his part. But his days of hardship and toil were crowned by success, and in his de- clining years he enjoyed a well-earned rest, and the blessings of his home and fireside. He was a successful agricul- turist, and his farm and orchard, with their many improvements and neat ap- pearance, speak well in his praise.

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In politics Mr. Rice was a Republican, and he took an active and intelligent in- terest in local and national affairs. He was highly respected by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and was a worthy representative of the pioneers of Ottawa county. He passed away at his home in Carroll township, June 30, 1895, and was laid to rest at Oak Harbor.

C ARL RUH (deceased) was a well- known business man and highly- respected citizen of Put in Bay Island, Ottawa county, and in his death the community lost one of its best residents. He was born in Baden, Ger- many, December 31, 1834, and was a son of John and Mary (Ackerley) Ruh, who were also natives of the Fatherland. They had a family of seven children, of whom Joseph, now a resident of Put in Bay, is the only known survivor.

The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch was reared to manhood in the land of his birth, acquired his education in its public schools and learned the trade of butcher, and tanner of hides. In 1854 he crossed the Atlantic to America, and took up his residence in Sandusky City, Ohio, but after a short time removed to Put in Bay Island, where he made his home for a period of forty-five years, and was one of the most highly-esteemed citi- zens of that community. During his earlier residence here he engaged in wood chopping and butchering, but in later years his entire time and attention were devoted to grape. growing, his vineyard being one of the finest on the Island. A handsome and well-kept residence and beautiful grounds, themselves the en- bodiment of neatness, indicate the thrift and enterprise of him who was the owner.

Mr. Ruh was married in Sandusky City, June 11, 1857, to Christina Schmidt, a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Brandt) Schinidt, the former a native of Baden, Germany, born August 10, 1828. Mr.

and Mrs. Ruh became the parents of two children: Herman, born July 18, 1869; and Marie L., born February 24, 1871. The mother of this family came with her parents to America in 1854, and since 1855 has resided continuously on Put in Bay Island-a most estimable lady, one who has many warm friends in the com- munity.

Mr. Ruh efficiently filled the office of school director of Put in Bay for twelve years, was also township trustee for one term, and served in other local offices, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that won him high commen- dation. He was a man of broad and liberal views, charitable to a fault, and his hearty support and co-operation were given to all worthy enterprises calculated to benefit the community. His life's la- bors were ended May 11, 1895, and in his death Put in Bay lost one of her most valuable citizens, his wife a loving and de- voted husband, and his children a kind and indulgent father. His career was above reproach, and he left to his family not only a good property but the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.

OHN SIEGRIST (deceased), who was one of the earliest settlers on Middle Bass Island, Ottawa county, and a prominent grape grower, was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 2, 1825, and was a son of Leopolt and Kate (Har- mond) Siegrist.

John Siegrist was educated in his na- tive land, engaged there in fruit growing, and learned the trade of stonecutter. About 1850 he left Germany for America, and coming to Ohio located in Sandusky, Erie county, where he resided for some years, and worked at his trade of stone- cutter. Afterward he removed to Kelley's Island, and engaged in grape growing, in 1866 removing to Middle Bass Island, where he continued in the same occupa- tion. In Sandusky on October 24, 1853,

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Mr. Siegrist was united in marriage with Margaret Stoess, and they had nine children, as follows: Mary, born July 24, 1854, died March 28, 1860; Elizabeth, born August 31, 1856, died March 14, 1860; Magdalena, born July 15, 1858, died March 12, 1860; Conrad, born January 14, 1860, died August 12, 1861, Margueretta, born March 19, 1862, is the wife of Peter Lonz; Louisa, born July 8, 1863, is the wife of Jacob Scherer, resid- ing in Sandusky; Lizzie, born March 18, 1865, died December 7, 1870; Anna, born August 20, 1867, died September 2, 1868; and Emma, born October 28, 1869. Mrs. Siegrist's parents, Godfrey and Louisa Stoess, were born in Germany.

After removing to Middle Bass Island, in 1866, Mr. Siegrist resided there up to the date of his death, January 5, 1882. His widow died January 30, 1893.

P ETER F. LONZ, a grape grow- er on Middle Bass Island, Otta- wa county, was born March 5, 1857, in Sandusky, Erie Co., Ohio, son of Peter and Mary (Werber) Lonz, who were born, respectively, in Prussia and in Baden, Germany; both are still living, having their home in San- dusky.

Peter F. Lonz was reared to man- hood and educated in Sandusky, and has been engaged principally in agricultural pursuits since boyhood. In 1876 he came to Middle Bass, and has since been a con- tinuous resident thereof, engaged in grape growing and wine making. On April 13, 1882, Peter F. Lonz was united in mar- riage with Margueretta Siegrist, and they have had four children, three of whom are now living, namely: Cora Rosa M., born August 31, 1884; George F. A., born January 12, 1887; and Louisa Anna, born January 15, 1889. Mrs. Lonz is a daughter of John and Margueretta Sie- grist.

Mr. Lonz has served as a school direct-

or two terms. In his political views he is a Democrat. He is well-known in Put in- Bay township, and throughout the county generally, has held many offices of trust, and in all of them has performed his duty with fidelity. He is a man of more than ordinary ability, and has made good use of his opportunities, possessing sterling honesty, which has characterized his con- duct throughout life, and has won for him a high place in the esteem and confidence of his fellow men.

D AVID JAMESON (deceased) was for fifty years one of the promi- nent and progressive residents of Danbury township, Ottawa coun- ty. His birth occurred in New York City, November 22, 1817, and he was a son of Andrew and Esther (Fowler) Jameson, the former a native of Scotland, the lat- ter of Connecticut. His father, who was a dry-goods merchant of New York City, died there when our subject was quite young.

In 1822 tbe mother with her family removed to Bloomingville, Ohio, where they resided until 1834, when they located on Johnson's Island. At the end of ten years they came to Danbury town- ship, Ottawa county, making a location at Bay Shore, where they resided for about six years, and where the mother passed from this earth in 1850. Our subject then removed to the present homestead farm now occupied by his wife and family, and from that time up to his death, which took place January 31, 1894, he was a continuous resident of that section of the township. Most of his time was passed in fishing, his farm be- ing attended to by hired help. He also commanded a freight steamer on Lake Erie, and owned several sailboats which he used in the pursuit of his business.

Mr. Jameson was twice married, his first union being with Miss Almira Mea- cham, and to them were born four chil-

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dren, three of whom are still living- Lorena, wife of Frederick Johnson, of Danbury township; John B., a resident of Lakeside, Ottawa county; and Will- iam, a resident of Danbury township. On December 12, 1855, Mr. Jameson mar- ried Miss Elizabeth Tynan, who was born in Danbury township, March 2, 1839, and is a daughtor of William and Marga- ret (Johnson) Tynan, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Ohio. Her father was among the early settlers of Danbury township, and for many years was fore- man of a stone quarry at Marble Head. He also engaged in the quarry business in his own interest for several years, be- sides being one of the leading agricultur- ists of the county. The mother of Mrs. Jameson is now the widow of Gavin Watson.

Ten children were born to the union of Mr. Jameson and his second wife, namely: (1) Howard E., born October 26, 1857, is a resident of Lakeside, Ot- tawa county, and by his marriage with Miss Dora Newton has two children- Hazel May and Russell H. (2) Delia M., born May 2, 1859, became the wife of Durell Battle, and died February 17, 1884, leaving a daughter-Delia Elizabeth, who was born on the 14th of that month, and now makes her home with her grand- mother, Mrs. Jameson. (3) Luella T., born January 17, 1860, is the wife of M. W. Pettibone, of Lakeside, Danbury township. (4) Lucy A., born November 15, 1861, is the wife of M. H. Beebe, of Cleveland, Ohio. (5) Minnie A., born February 10, 1863, is at home. (6) Cora Lillian, born March 1, 1866, is the wife of Alfred M. Morton, of Cleveland. (7) Genevieve was born December 12, 1867. (8) Benjamin Mead was born September 26, 1872, and makes his home in Dan- bury township. (9) Flora Belle was born February 13, 1874; and (10) Ernest R. was born June 13, 1877.

During his early life Mr. Jameson was connected with the United Brethren

Church; but after his removal to his late residence in Danbury township he became a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and contributed liberally of his means to church purposes and charities. For sixteen years prior to his death he was unable to do active business, and for five years was a constant but patient suf- ferer. He was a self-made man in every respect, having from small beginnings made a complete success in life, and ac- quired an enviable record for fair and honest dealing. He was a man of excel- lent judgment and sound common sense, while his unswerving personal integrity and the general rectitude of his life gained for him a favorable reputation in the community where he was best known.

J OHN WICKLIFFE LOCKWOOD, who is numbered among the leading business men of Ottawa county, is extensively engaged in farming and fruit growing, and also operates a large plaster quarry.

He was born June 23, 1827, on the old homestead farm in Portage township, which is still his place of abode, and is a son of Col. Samuel M. and Gertrude (Doughty) Lockwood. His father was born in Stamford, Conn., and his mother in New York City. About the year 1818 they took up their abode in Danbury township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, and in 1821 removed to Portage township, where the Colonel engaged in agricultural pursuits, and conducted a plaster quarry until a few years previous to his death, when he retired from active business life. He was one of the earliest settlers of the county, and erected the first stone residence in Portage township. He won his title of "Colonel" by serving in the New York State Militia during the war of 1812. A prominent and influential citizen, he was recognized as a leader in the community in which he lived; was honored with elec- tion to the State Legislature on several

Lockwood

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different occasions, and was also State commissioner of the Mad River & Lake Erie railroad, the first road built in Ohio, and the second west of the Alleghanies. He passed away in Sandusky City in 1848. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary Doughty, a sister of the mother of our subject. They had four children, only one of whom is now living, Edward J. By the second union there were seven children who reached mature years, and those of them who survive are John W., Gertrude Ann (wife of F. F. Smith, of Chicago), and Emeline (living with her brother).

John W. Lockwood was reared to manhood on the old home farm, and like many another boy who has made his life work a success obtained his education in the old log school house near his home. With exception of a few years spent on Sandusky Bay, in connection with a ferry- boat in which he was interested, he has always lived in Portage township, and his occupation has been farming, fruit grow- ing and plaster quarrying. He is a thor- ough-going business man, upright and honorable in all transactions, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indi- cates his careful supervision. . He raises a fine variety of fruits, whereby not a little is added to his income, and success- fully operates onc .ne largest quarries in the county.

At Port Clinton, June 20, 1850, Mr. Lockwood was married to Miss Elizabeth Smith, who was born in November, 1827, daughter of Henry V. and Catherine (Fralick) Smith, natives of New York, and later residents of Portage township. Both have now departed this life. Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood had a family of eight children, of whom one died in infancy; the others are Ida, wife of R. W. Gill, who is living at Lakeside, Ohio; Herbert D., on the old homestead; Horace A., a resident of Victor, Colo .; Gertrude, wife of John Helberg, a prominent merchant of Port Clinton; Imogene E., wife of W.

H. Althoff, editor of the Port Clinton Democrat; Alfred H., of Toledo; and Stanton W., at home.

Mr. Lockwood has efficiently filled the office of township trustee at intervals, serving altogether more than twenty years, and has been honored with other positions of public trust. He has always voted the Republican ticket, and has been an earnest supporter of interests calcu- lated to prove of public benefit, lending a helping hand to all worthy enterprises. Such a man is well worthy of representa- tion in this volume.

MIMER C. MOORE (deceased) was farmer and fruit grower of Erie township, Ottawa county, and a Union soldier in the war of the Re- bellion. He was born in Port Clinton, Portage township, Ottawa county, August 21, 1841, and was a son of Cyrus and Esther H. (Knight) Moore, who were among the early settlers of Port Clinton, and afterward removed to Erie township.

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Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 58

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