Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 59

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 59
USA > Ohio > Ottawa County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 59


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).


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Cyrus Moore died December 7, 1871; his widow, Esther H., is still living at the age of seventy-eight years. They had a family of seven children, as follows: Eleanor E., wife of I. K. Gibbons, re- siding at Gypsum, Ottawa county; Im- mer C., subject of this sketch; Celina S., wife of Richard B. Moore, of Oketo, Kans .; Lucinda F., wife of Nathan Pier- son, of Carroll; Abigail E., wife of Brin- ton Hoopes, residing in Toledo; Robert B .; and Mary A., wife of James Snider, of Erie township.


When but a youth Immer C. Moore accompanied his parents to Erie town- ship. He was reared a farmer's boy, re- ceived his education in the district schools, and was employed for a number of years in sawmills in Ottawa county, also rail- roading for a short time; but the latter part of his life was spent in agricultural pursuits. He served as a private in Com- pany C, Forty-first O. V. I., from Octo-


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ber, 1864, until the close of the war. In Adrian, Mich., September 21, 1876, Im- mer C. Moore was united in marriage with Mary E. Dubach, and they had five children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Laurence D., January 27. 1878; Mabel, July 31, 1879; Grace, August 13, 1880; Gertrude, August 16, 1883; and Harold, February 23, 1887. Mr. Moore was a Republican in politics. The family attend the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Immer C. Moore died April 8. 1895.


A DDISON RICHARDSON DOLPH is one of the extensive and progressive farmers of Ot- tawa county, one who thoroughly understands the scientific side of farming, and a man who not only understands that certain things must be done, but knows why they must be done.


Although he is one of the younger agriculturists of the community, he yet ranks among the most prominent. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, August 12, 1866, and when six years of age was brought by his parents to Ottawa county, the family locating upon the farm where he now lives. He is a son of Aaron and Lavina (Richardson) Dolph, prominent people of Elmore. He obtained his early education in the district schools of Ottawa county, afterward attended the high school of Elmore, and completed his literary course in the Ohio Wesleyan University, after which he returned to his father's home and aided in the cultivation of the farm for two years.


On February 7, 1888, Mr. Dolph mar- ried Miss Kate Kelsey, of Toledo, Ohio, who was born March 26, 1866, in San- dusky, this State. She is a daughter of Capt. Ira and Susanna (Sinith) Kelsey, who, during her early girlhood, removed to Toledo, where she was educated. She made a special study of instrumental


music, became quite proficient in that art, and for two years taught music in Toledo. Her father was born in New York, April 1, 1833, and for many years engaged in teaching. He subsequently went to Cali- fornia, where he mined with excellent success. On September 26, 1861, he wedded Miss Susanna Smith, of Mere- dith, Ohio, and when President Lincoln issued his call for 75,000 volunteers, he was among the first to respond, re-enlist- ing on the expiration of that term. He served as a member of Company I, Sixty- eighth O. V. I., until the close of the war, and was wounded at the battle of Gettys- burg. When the country no longer needed his services, he became a resident of To- ledo, and there made his home until Au- gust 1, 1881, when he was drowned in the Maumee river. His wife, who was born in Greene county, N. J., February 7, 1836, acquired the greater part of her education in the public schools of Fre- mont, Ohio. On September 9, 1888, she became the wife of Edward Upton, and they now reside in Toledo.


Mr. and Mrs. Dolph began their do- mestic life upon the farm which has since been their home-a rich and fertile tract of 260 acres of the finest farming land that can be found in the State. They have two children: Lovina Belle, born September 9, 1889; and Anna Gertrude, born April 2, 1893. The parents are nine- teenth-century people in every sense of the term-educated, hospitable, genial and possessed of the true enterprising progres- sive spirit of the West. Each year Mr. Dolph sows about forty acres in wheat, and in 1891 from thirty-eight acres had a yield of 1,447 bushels, while in 1894 he raised 1,700 bushels on forty acres. His corn crop usually averages about fifty-five bushels of shelled corn to the acre, and the yield of oats has been as high as six- ty-five bushels per aere. He keeps abreast, if not in the lead, of the times in every particular. He believes in and practices the rotation of crops, and also


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plans to give each field what he terms a rest in each rotation. He also changes seed grain, and before using it makes a special test of it by purchasing and sow- ing a couple of bushels, then makes a careful study of the crop, not only as to the yield, but also as to the weight and color, its adaptability to the soil, etc. If all is satisfactory he then uses what he has harvested as seed for the next year, and thus raises his own seed grain. If it proves other than what he hopes, it is at once discarded and another variety tried. Mr. Dolph follows this plan not only in regard to wheat but also oats and pota- toes, and his products, being of superior quality, always bring the highest market price. The ground is always carefully prepared for his grains, and careful thought and study, the result of deep re- search, is always applied to his work. He also raises considerable stock of high grades, being full-blooded, and in his shipments receives the highest market price. He now has on hand full-blooded Durham cattle and Clydesdale horses, and is the possessor of some of the finest stock that can be found in the State. His chickens are of the white Plymouth- Rock breed, and in his care of these mem- bers of the feathered tribe he displays the same painstaking effort that char- acterizes his other work. In all of his labors he is intensely scientific, at the saine time practical, and belongs to that class of progressive, cultured men who have made the business of farming of equal importance to that of any other pursuit in life.


F REDERICK A. ALLYN (deceased) was born in New London, Conn., November 11, 1809, and became one of the valued residents and prominent farmers of Erie township, Ot- tawa county. His loss to the community was a matter of sincere regret. His par- ents, Frederick and Cynthia (Williams)


Allyn, were also natives of the Nutmeg State. He began to write his own biog- raphy, but death prevented the comple- tion of this task. He wrote: "I was born in North Gaston, now called Led- yard, New London, Conn., and left there March 31, 1834, going to Lycoming coun- ty, Penn., on the west branch of the Susquehanna river, and staid there eight months. I then went to Coventing town- ship, Portage Co., Ohio, arriving there December 9, 1834; left there January I, 1835, and came to Lower Sandusky (now Fremont); next I went to Riley township and lived there two years. In June, 1835, I removed to Erie township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, where I purchased 120 acres of land, and in 1837 commenced cutting wild grass. I was married April 13, 1838, [?] to Rebecca Laforce, who died February 12, [?] 1859, and was married again No- vember 6, 1862."


. Here the writer laid down his pen never to resume it again, but he is well entitled to a more extended mention in this work devoted to the honored pioneers and best citizens of Ottawa county. He acquired his education in his native State, and when quite a young man left home to make his own way in the world. Going to Pennsylvania, he worked as a farm hand for several years, and on leaving the Keystone State, he removed to what was then called Upper Sandusky, Ohio. From 1835 up to the time of his death he was an esteemed resident and leading farmer of Erie township, Ottawa county, taking an active interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the community, and doing all in his power for its advancement and progress. He was united in marriage with Mrs. Rebecca Misener Laforce, who was born February 20, 1811, and died Febru- ary 14, 1859, leaving one son, George Williams, who was born March 24, 1838, and lives in Elmore, Ohio. For his sec- ond wife, Mr. Allyn wedded Mrs. Sarah (Adams) Falley, who was born October 19, 1825, in Erie county, Ohio, and was


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the widow of Francis Falley. By the second marriage was born, September 19, 1863, one son, Charles Lester. Mr. Allyn passed away at his home in Erie town- ship, April 24, 1891, and his death was deeply and sincerely mourned. He had lived an honorable life, and all who knew him respected him for his sterling worth. In his political views he was a Republican.


CHARLES L. ALLYN was born and reared on the old homestead farm which is still his place of abode, and his educa- tion was obtained mostly in the schools of Port Clinton. At an early age he be- came familiar with all the duties of farm life, and has since been identified with the agricultural interests of his native county, being one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of Erie township. He was married, at the home of his wife's parents in Erie township, February 3, 1887, to Miss Emma Belle Sharpe, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, January 29, 1868, daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth (Bailey) Sharpe. Her father died July 26, 1892; her mother is now a resident of Lacarne. To this union were born four children, two of whom are living: Fred- erick Leonard, born April 19, 1888; and Myrtle Belle, born September 12, 1891. The parents attend the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and in his political views Mr. Allyn is also a Republican.


George W. Allyn, son of Frederick A. Allyn by his first wife, was married Au- gust 18, 1859, to Esther K. Gamble. Their only daughter, Clara Edna, was born July 16, 1862, and died in Novem- ber, 1879, aged seventeen years. They have two sons: George W., born Feb- ruary 12, 1872, and Andrew Frederick, born September 16, 1874.


C ARL BUDDENHAGEN (deceas- ed) was in his lifetime one of the extensive grape growers of Middle Bass Island, Ottawa county, of which locality he was one of the earliest


settlers. He was born September 16, 1819, in Mecklenburg, Germany, and was a son of John and Hannah Budden- hagen, who were born in Germany and died there.


Carl Buddenhagen was reared to man- hood and received his education in his native land, where he also learned the trade of a stone-mason. He was married in Germany, in 1845, to Maria Wardo, who was also born in Mecklenburg, and they had eleven children, five of whom are living, as follows: Caroline, wife of Peter M. Schnoor, residing at Oak Har- bor, Ottawa county; Wilhelmina, wife of Nicholas Fox, of Put in Bay, Ottawa county; Louisa, born December 1, 1859, wife of J. H. Brady, living on Middle Bass Island; Anna, the wife of H. J. Sloat, residing at Milan, Ohio; and Carl Frederick, residing at Sandusky, Erie county.


In 1853 Mr. Buddenhagen embarked for America, came to Ohio, and settled in Sandusky, Erie county, where he fol- lowed his occupation of mason some twelve years. About 1 862 he removed to Middle Bass Island, and was engaged in grape growing. He was a continuous resident from the date of his settlement until his death, which occurred March 21, 1872, and was intimately connected with all the early history of the Island. Surrounded by an intelligent and inter- esting family in his home, Mr. Budden- hagen was a devoted husband, and a kind and indulgent father. Among men he was genial and companionable, manly and fearlessly independent in character and thought, and consistent throughout. His social standing was high, his integrity incorruptible, and his memory will long be revered by those who knew him.


J. H. BRADY, who married Louisa Buddenhagen, was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, went to Chicago, Ill., when a young man, and later re- moved to Toledo, Ohio, where he fol- lowed his occupation, that of contractor


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and builder, and whence, in 1874, he came to Middle Bass Island. On No- vember 8, 1875, he was united in mar- riage with Louisa Buddenhagen, and they have had eight children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: May E., August 8, 1876; Ella Anna, May 30, 1878; Alma Belle, December 3, 1879; Lillian, October 5, 1882; Carl F., November 15, 1884; Walter, September 12, 1886; J. Bertram, June 10, 1888, and Louis, Oc- tober 30, 1893. A few days after his marriage Mr. Brady removed to Toledo, where he resided for three years. In 1878 he returned to Middle Bass, has since been a continuous resident of the Island, and is now extensively engaged in grape growing. He is Democratic in his political views, is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Sandusky, and the family are connected with the Protestant Episcopal Church.


J OHN H. REHBERG (deceased), who was connected with the earliest history of Middle Bass Island, Ot- tawa county, and was one of the extensive grape growers there, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, January 15, 1827,. and was a son of John and Chris- tina Rehberg. Mrs. Rehberg died in the Fatherland, and John Rehberg on Middle Bass Island, Ohio, December 22, 1880.


Our subject was reared to manhood and educated in Germany, where he fol- lowed the butcher business, and in 1853 came to America. At Mecklenburg, Germany, in the spring of 1848, he was united in marriage with Sophia Varrnke, who was born in Mecklenburg August 10, 1825, and they had a family of fifteen children, nine of whom are yet living, as follows: Henry, born December 4, 1849, now residing on Point Pelee Island, Canada; Caroline, born September 16,. 1854, wife of Henry Engel, residing in Michigan; William, born April 15, 1857; living on Catawba Island, Ottawa Co.,


Ohio; Frederick, born February 21, 1859, residing at Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio; Lena, born May 18, 1860, wife of Andrew Stoll, living on Kelley's Island, Erie Co., Ohio; Sophia, born November 13, 1861, wife of Charles Fisher, also of Kelley's Island; John, born April 30, 1864, a resident of Put in Bay, Ottawa county; Augusta, born July 14, 1867, and Edward, born August 22, 1872.


Having come to America in 1853, John H. Rehberg resided for about three years in Chicago, Ills., removed to Cedar Point, Hamilton Co., Ohio, where he lived two years, and then returned to Chicago, whence, about six months later, he removed to Indiana, where for six years he was engaged in agricultural pur- suits. In the latter part of the year 1864 he removed to Middle Bass Island, and was a continuous resident of the Island, and closely identified with its progressive interests until his death on May 4, 1888.


For twenty-one years he held the office of school director, and also numner- ous other township offices, all of which he efficiently filled. He took a great interest in educational matters, and was ever fore- most In promoting the welfare of the island. He was loved and revered in life, and in death many marks of respect were shown him by sorrowing friends and neighbors. Sadly they bore him to his last resting place, and, as the island breezes chant their requiem o'er his grave, loving hearts will entwine and bedew with tears an imperishable garland to his memory.


S AMUEL KUESTHARDT, editor of the Ottawa County Zeitung, published at Port Clinton, Ottawa county, was born in Arnsburg, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, February 6, 1855, and is one of the best known and most highly-respected citizens of the county in which he now resides.


He is the son of G. C. and Elizabeth


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(Wollenhaupt| Kuesthardt. His father was born in Rambach, Hesse Cassel, Germany, in 1804; was educated in the teachers' seminary at Beuggen: followed the profession of a teacher throughout his life, and for many years had charge of a reform school. He died in April, 1875, a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. His first wife was Marie Wol- lenhaupt, by whom he had one child, Marie, who lives in California. The sec- ond wife of Mr. Kuesthardt, and the mother of our subject, was born in Harle, Hesse Cassel, Germany, in 1826, came to America in 1875, and died in California April 5. 1894, the mother of seven chil- dren, all of whom lived to manhood and womanhood: Christiana, died at the age of twenty years; Magdalena, wife of Rev. Julius Klopsteg, lives at Henderson, Minn. ; Tabitha was married in Germany to Gustav Brobst; our subject comes next: Anna is married to Julius Ulber, an artist, now of California; Hermina is the wife of Andrew Peterson, and lives in St. Paul, Minn .; G. W. lives in California, where he follows the trade of a carpenter, and is also engaged in fruit raising.


Samuel Kuesthardt attended school at the theological seminary in Melsungen, Germany, from which he was a graduate in 1874. He then came to America and took a practical course at the schools of Mendota, Ill. He was the assistant min- ister for one year in a church in Toledo, Ohio, and in the fall of 1876 was ordained the pastor of a church at Custer, Wood Co., this State. At this time he preached to six different churches. He remained at Custer until 1881, in the fall of which year he received a call to Fair Haven, Mich., where he remained until 1887. He was then attacked with inflammatory rheumatism, from which he suffered greatly, and, being obliged to seek a change of climate, went to Louisiana and settled in Calcasieu Parish, where he took up a homestead and timber claim, 325 acres in all. His health rapidly improved, and


he spent a couple of months in that place, while there preaching at Lake Charles. He then returned to Toledo, Ohio, and from there came to Rocky Ridge, in Ottawa county, where he founded a congregation, and built the first Lutheran church in the place. This was a frame building, which soon after was burnt down, and they then erected one of brick. He preached at Rocky Ridge for two and a half years. In September, 1890, Mr. Kuesthardt gave up preaching, and the following New Year (1891) took charge of the Ottawa County Zeitung, then published at Oak Harbor, and in 1893 he removed the paper and his family to Port Clinton. In politics he is a Democrat, and his paper is printed in the German language. It is a newsy, well-conducted journal, and is popular with the German citizens.


Mr. Kuesthardt was married in Toledo, Ohio, April 19, 1877, to Miss Marie Kuehn, of that city, and they have had nine children (seven of whom are living): Paul; Martha; Samuel; Marie; Laura; Ernest, who died in Louisiana; Lydia, who died when four years old; Hans and Phyllis.


A LPHONSE COUCHE (deceased), for many years a prominent lum- ber dealer and grain merchant of Port Clinton, Ottawa county, was a native of France, born in the town of Chinon, old Province of Touraine (now Department of Indre et Loire), February 14, 1833. His father was born in 1789, and died in 1859; his mother was born in 1794, and died in 1838.


Our subject received a good education at his home, and succeeded in passing an examination for entrance into the College of Arts and Manufactures in Angers, securing the bursary which admitted him to the School on payment of a small sum; but the Revolution of 1848 caused the institution to be closed about twelve months. For a couple of years he fol-


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lowed the business of commission mer- chant in Paris, purchasing goods for the South American trade, which first sug- gested to him the idea of migrating to one or other of the English colonies. Pro- ceeding to London, England, he remained there a year, familiarizing himself with the language and gaining some insight into general business. In 1856 he came to New York, and there remained until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he returned to France, but two years later once more came to the United States, again locating in New York. In 1 864 he moved west to Ohio, and in Otta- wa county erected a sawmill on the banks of the Portage river, a few miles east of Oak Harbor, where, until 1873, he did an extensive business in the manufacture of lumber; then removed his main plant to Port Clinton, continuing, however, to op- erate a sawmill at Rocky Ridge and Crane Creek. In the Rocky Ridge branch of the business he had two partners from 1880 to 1889 in the persons of John Mitchell (who was interested only in the Rocky Ridge mill) and J. Lecluze (who was a partner in all the businesses of Mr. Couche, and acted as bookkeeper). In addition to sawing and manufacturing building material they bought and dealt extensively in pine lumber of various kinds, also in coal and wood. Mr. Conche erected grain elevators at Port Clinton and at La Carne, where he bought and shipped grain. His largest operations were in the purchase of walnut and other hard woods from the Northern and South- ern States, which, for about fourteen years, he exported to different countries of Europe. He was the first shipper of " Birdseye Maple," from America to Europe. From the year 1886 up to the time of his death Mr. Couche was in the habit of spending his winters in France, going there in the fall and returning in the spring.


During his residence at Port Clinton he was one of the most substantial con-


tributors to the prosperity and growth of the town, paying out many thousands of dollars in wages every year, and keeping many workmen employed. In all his business affairs he was honest, just, and prompt, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. July 30, 1891, he suffered from a stroke of paral- ysis of the brain which deprived him more or less of the use of his mental faculties, and occasioned his death December 19, same year.


On December 15, 1877, Mr. Couche was married at Tours, Province of Tour- aine, France, to Miss Antonie Cartier, daughter of Francois and Pauline (Tros- seau) Cartier, the former of whom was a manufacturer of champagne wine, and children as follows blessed their union: Jane Marie Pauline Alice, born October 3, 1878; Marie Madeleine Alphonsine, born April 23, 1880; and Frank Alphonse Antoine, born January 24, 1883. Were Mr. Couche asked during his busy life- time for the secret of his success, he would no doubt have defined it, from his own experience, as hard work, availing itself of fair opportunities.


A UGUST SCHMIDT (deceased), who was among the earliest set- tlers of Middle Bass Island, Ot- tawa county, and who during his long residence here was extensively en- gaged in grape growing, besides following contracting and building, was born in An- halt, Germany, October 7, 1825.


The father of August Schmidt died before his son was born, and the mother, Rosamond Schmidt, died when August was about twelve years of age, conse- quently very little is known regarding their history. When but a youth August Schmidt went to Berlin, and there grew to manhood, receiving his education, and learning the trade of a stone mason. In 1852 he came to America, and settling in Detroit, Mich., resided there and near


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there for about twelve years, engaged in contracting and building. On January 17. 1854, Mr. Schmidt was united in mar- riage, at Detroit, with Christina Mueller, who was born in Hesse, Germany, May 26, 1830, and they had six children, five of whom are still living, as follows: Au- gust, born December 27, 1855, now re- siding in Sandusky, Erie Co., Ohio; Eliza- beth (Mrs. E. Wehrle), born May 13, 1859, lately living on Middle Bass Is- land, at present (December, 1895) a resi- dent of Sandusky; Katherine, born Sep- tember 29, 1861. Charles, born Septem- ber 11, 1863, and Emil G., born January 3. 1866, all three also living in Sandusky.


In 1864 Mr. Schmidt removed to Mid- dle Bass Island, where he resided up to his death, which occurred February 10, 1886. Mrs. Schmidt at present resides in Sandusky, Erie county, and the vine- yard is rented out on shares. Mrs. Schmidt attends the German Evangelical Church, while of the children some at- tend the Presbyterian Church, the others the Congregational.


T HOMAS E. KIRKBRIDE. A his- tory of the growth and spread of the commercial interests of San- dusky county - and they are neither few nor unimportant-could not well be written without containing an account of the enterprises with which the name of this gentleman is intimately as- sociated, and a sketch of whose business career is here presented.


As one of the most successful business men in Sandusky county, and one of the greatest oil producers in the State of Ohio, if, indeed, not the greatest, it is the more proper that Mr. Kirkbride should be conspicuously represented in this work; and although a resident of Toledo, where his family reside, he has kindly consented to have his personal history and portrait inserted within the pages of this Bio- graphical Record.


A native of New York State, Mr. Kirkbride was born in Ogdensburg De- cember 26, 1858, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah Jane (Nugent) Kirkbride. The father at present lives at Findlay, Ohio, and has been interested in the oil industry since 1866. When he was nearing the age of eight years our subject's parents removed to Tidioute, Warren Co., Penn., and here he received his education and had his home until he was about twenty- one years old, at which time he entered the oil fields. His first venture was as wooden-tank builder, then in rig building, pipe-line work, drilling; in fact, engaging in every detail of the business, and there is no branch thereof with which he is not thoroughly conversant "from A to Z." In 1890, disposing of his interests in Penn- sylvania oil fields, Mr. Kirkbride removed with his family to Fostoria, Ohio, remain- ing there, however, but a short time, for it was not long before he entered the arena of the Ohio oil fields, about one mile from where the present village of Gibsonburg now stands, by purchasing the Blousey farm of forty acres, on which there were already three wells, to which, by drilling, he soon added two more. Shortly afterward he and his brother, J. WV. Kirkbride, bought eighty acres of oil land in the Rollersville field, where they have put down six wells. This completed, the brothers entered Wood county and pur- chased a 110-acre farm of C. R. Rosen- dale, also six acres of Clark Earle, mak - ing a total in that neighborhood of 116 acres, whereon they drilled fourteen wells. They also piped gas from their gas well at West Millgrove to Hatton, Wood county, supplying that town with both fuel and light. Their oil territory became, in 1891, still farther increased by the purchase of 120 acres of land at Pemberville, they finishing a well already commenced on this property, making what is known to oil men as a "mystery," for not being operated the outside world became of the opinion that the "territory " was poor.




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