Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 77

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 77
USA > Ohio > Ottawa County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 77

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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bell, of Oak Harbor; Elenora, born De- cember 9, 1862, now the wife of Dr. Gradolph, a dentist of Oak Harbor; Ernestina Louisa, born February 16, 1864, now the wife of Carl Bauch, of Oak Harbor; Christian William Godfrey, born November 7, 1867, married to Miss Cora Lattimore, and they reside on the old homestead; Paul Frederick, born March 20, 1870, died August 26, 1878; Carl A. Frederick, born October 14, 1872, now a merchant in Crossville, Tenn .; and Emil Feodor born January 23, 1876, living in Oak Harbor. The family attend the Lutheran Church, and all the members are people of prominence in the community.

H ENRY E. PHILE. No better il- lustration is needed of what can be accomplished in the face of seemingly unsurmountableobstac- les, by any one who possesses a coura- geous heart and determined will, than that shown in the simple record of the gentle- man whose name opens this sketch, and who holds a prominent place in Allen township, Ottawa county, where he has resided for nearly thirty years. That he has inherited some of his energy and per- severance, the following brief sketch of his parents will testify.

Henry Phile, the father of our subject, was born in York county, Penn., May 30, 1 804. His education was very limited, for the schools in those days were few and far between. and the facilities offered exceedingly meagre; he was, however, of an inquiring turn of mind, and eagerly seized every opportunity to add to his store of knowledge, reading everything he could procure. He learned the trade of a cabinet-maker, when a youth, and worked at it for several years, then took up farming in Northfield, Summit Co., this State, to which he came about the year 1826. He was very ingenious, and although he had never served any ap-

prenticeship at carpentering, he readily picked up the practical part of the busi- ness and built several houses, barns and other buildings in and around Summit county, as well as two canal boats. He also worked at coopering, and could boast of making the first pail and barrel ever made in Northfield township, and also the first window sash that was ever put in a house there. In addition to this he began the manufacture of carriages, of which he built seven, and at the age of eighty-five he made a wagon, out and out, which is now in the possession of a grand- son, and is highly prized by him. He lived to the good old age of ninety years, passing away in Northfield township, Jan- uary 16, 1894. He was a man of strong character and great energy, and was re- spected by all who knew him.

The mother of our subject, Roxana (Cranmer) Phile, was born in 1811, in Northfield township, and was a daughter of Jeremiah and Hannah (Cole) Cranmer. Her father was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war, during which he was wounded, and he carried both British and Indian lead in his body to his grave; he was bur- ied in Northfield township. His family consisted of ten children, namely: Jere- miah, David, Abram (who served in the Rebellion), Esther, Hannah, Eunice, Nancy, Roxana (mother of our subject), Sallie, and Joseph, who died young (his was the first grave made in what is now the cemetery at Northfield, and for seven years was the only one; wolves and wild beasts were plentiful in those days, and the family were obliged to build heaps of logs over his grave to prevent them from despoiling it). Mrs. Phile died in 1892, two years before her husband, having lived a useful and busy life, and leaving behind her only tender recollections of a mother's care and affection.

Henry E. Phile, the subject of this sketch, was born March 14, 1837, in the township of Northfield, Summit Co., Ohio, where, at the public schools, he re-

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ceived his education. On arriving at manhood he assisted his father upon the farm until 1862, at which time, with many of his neighbors and friends who rallied around "the flag of their country " when it was threatened by disloyal hands, he enlisted in Company B, Sixty-first Ohio Infantry, in which he served two years and three months, the regiment be- ing stationed most of the time on the Rapidan river, Virginia, where they were doing hard service at the front. Mr. Phile was on detail duty in Kentucky, Tennes- see, Alabama and Georgia. He was not mustered out with his regiment, but was discharged in Nashville, Tenn. Return- ing home he came to Clay (now Allen) township, and purchased eighty acres of timber land, on which he built a small log cabin and lived for some time. In February, 1865, he again enlisted in the army, this time joining the One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Ohio Infantry. His time of service was short, however, for he was seized with paralysis and was dis- charged June 9, of the same year, at Nashville, and returned to his father's home at Northfield, where he remained until May, 1866. At the expiration of that time he returned to Clay township and added forty acres more to his pos- sessions, making a total of 120 acres.

A weighty problem in life now pre- sented itself. How was he, in feeble health, obliged to go about on crutches, and physically unable to labor, to accom- plish the feat of clearing off this land, supporting his family and paying a debt of five hundred and fifty dollars? There were only four log cabins in his vicinity, not a road within three miles of his shanty, the land covered with dense for- ests, and no comforts or conveniences of any description. It was here that the undaunted courage and steadfast purpose of this stout-hearted pioneer and his brave wife came into play. They cheerfully bore all hardships, hired what help they could procure, worked day and night,

and, as a result of twenty-nine years' labor, have to-day one of the most highly improved farms in the county, on which stands a splendid brick residence, with numerous barns, outhouses and other im- provements, which make the place an ornament to the township, and a credit to the intelligent management of its owner.

Mr. Phile was married, January 7, 1860, to Evaline N., daughter of John and Lydia (Spafford) Tryon, the former of whom was a farmer in Northfield township. Mrs. Phile proved herself the worthy wife of a worthy pioneer, and bore no small part in the prosperity of her husband and the development of the township. She died May 27, 1885, much regretted. To this happy union but one child has come, Alsom E., whose birth took place May 9, 1862, in Northfield township. He attended the public schools in Clay township for some years, and took a three-years' course at Oberlin; he then attended a private school at Port Clinton, conducted by Miss Mothly, from which he was graduated in 1881. He now owns eighty acres of his father's old farm, on which he lives. Alsom Phile was married November 18, 1884, to Emma, daughter of Reuben M. and Lucy M. (Ensign) Babcock, the former an agri- culturist and manufacturer of charcoal, who lives in Allen township. They have one son, Alsom E., born December 21, 1891, and one daughter, Eva J., born December 20, 1886. Our subject be- longs to the G. A. R., and is a member of the American Protective Association. In politics he is a Republican, and with his family he attends the Baptist Church.

J OHN KLEINHANS, a retired farm- er, and one of the earliest settlers of Erie township, Ottawa county, is now spending his declining days in the village of Lacarne amidst the sur- roundings of a comfortable and happy home. He is an honored citizen, and one

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well worthy of representation in this vol- umne.

Mr. Kleinhans was born in Williams township, Northampton Co., Penn., De- cember 1. 1816, and is a son of George Henry and Elizabeth (Richardson) Klein- hans. In 1832 they removed from Penn- sylvania to Ohio, and spent the remainder of their lives in Erie township, Ottawa county, where they were esteemed and valued citizens for many years. When they had reached a ripe old age death ended their active and useful lives, but their memory will long be cherished by all who knew them. Their union was blessed with a family of eleven children, five of whom are still living: Maria, widow of Frederick Witmore, and now residing in Detroit, Mich., at the ad- vanced aged of ninety-five; George, also living in Detroit; John is next in the family; David makes his home in Mid- land county, Mich .; and Henry is also located in that State.

We now take up the personal history of John Kleinhans, knowing that it will prove of interest to many of our readers, for he is widely and favorably known. He was educated in the district schools of his native township, and when sixteen years of age came to Erie township with his parents. For sixty-three years he has been one of its most progressive residents, always found in the foremost rank of any undertaking tending to the advancement of the general welfare. He gives of both his time and means to all such worthy objects, and is indeed a progressive and valned citizen. Several lines of business have been carried on by him chiefly fish- ing, butchering, farming and stock raising.

On June 7, 1839, in Bay township, Ottawa county, Mr. Kleinhans was united in marriage with Miss Maria Hineline, a daughter of William and Susan Hineline, and born in Berks county, Penn., Decem- ber 25, 1819, who came with her parents to Ottawa county in 1832. Eight children carne to this union: Anna, born October

9, 1841, is the widow of Richard Wood- ing, and is living in Lacarne; Elizabeth, born July 28, 1843, is the wife of Freder- ick Hall, of Lacarne; William H., born August 5, 1844, is a resident of Toledo, Ohio; George, born November 9, 1845, is living in Erie township; Susan, born September 5, 1847, is the wife of Samuel Minier, a representative farmer of Erie township; Margaret, born April 22, 1849, is the widow of George O. Bailey, a resi- dent of Lacarne; John, born September 27, 1850, is living in Erie township; Lavina, born in Port Clinton, February 24, 1857, is the wife of Reuben Rymers, of Salem township, Ottawa county. The inother of this family died October 13, 1893, from the effects of an accident caused by a train on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroad, while crossing the track in front of her home, October 9, 1893. Her death was deeply mourned, for she was an estimable lady, having the warm friendship of many.

Mr. Kleinhans has been called to several positions of public trust. For four years he faithfully served as county treasurer, for one year was deputy treas- urer, and has filled various local offices. He is ever true to his duties of citizen- ship, and in all the relations of life has been an honorable, upright gentleman. In his declining years he is now enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and well deserves.

J AMES B. THORP, attorney at law and agriculturist. This well-known and highly-respected citizen of Allen township, Ottawa county, who has contributed in no small degree to the de- velopment and substantial progress of the community in which he lives, is a native of the Buckeye State, his birth taking place January 22, 1830, at Warrensville, Cuyahoga county.

Mr. Thorp received his early educa- tion in the district schools of his birth-

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place, which was supplemented by a course in the high school at Cleveland. On leaving school he decided to learn a trade, and served an apprenticeship with the well-known firm of Scofield & Gill, contractors and builders, of Cleveland. At the expiration of that time he went into business for himself in that line in Cleveland, which he carried on with great success for eleven years. His health then failing, he gave up his work and went to Michigan, hoping to be benefited by the change, and; located in Hillsdale, where he remained for two years. Not finding any improvement in his health, he con- cluded to seek a more genial climate, and journeyed to Oregon; from there by sea to Cuba, Central America, Mexico and California. Jn 1862 Mr. Thorp returned to Oregon, and located in Josephine county, where he remained for two years, spending his time most delightfully and rapidly regaining health and strength. In 1864, being fully restored to his former activity, he returned to his old home in Warrensville, this State, and decided to engage in farming, as a more healthful occupation than the one he had been fol- lowing. In 1870 Mr. Thorp left War- rensville and settled in Ottawa county, in what is now Allen township. Here he bought forty acres of timberland, and, first building a log cabin, set to work to clear his land. He found the soil to be very productive, and, with the shrewd judgment which has always characterized his career, he added eighty acres more, continuing to purchase as his means war- ranted, until he owned 335 acres. On this property he has expended much time, labor and money, and its present high state of cultivation and consequent increase in value are evidences of the in- dustry and intelligent management of the owner. Six years were spent in the humble log cabin, that then gave place to the handsome residence, which is one of the finest and most comfortable homes in Allen township. Mr. Thorp was married,

March 19, 1868, at Berea, Cuyahoga county, to Carolina, daughter of Van- Rennesaler and Catherine (Weller) Sur- rarer. both natives of New York State. Of this union one child, Yale J., has been born, his birth taking place January 24, 1871. He was educated at the public schools of Allen township, and also in the high school of Toledo. Having de- cided to follow the occupation of a farmer, he is now the managing partner on his father's farm, and transacts all business appertaining to it; is also a notary public.

Warren Thorp, the father of our sub- ject, was born April 12, 1802, in the third log house that was built on the ground where the city of Cleveland now stands. His father, Joel Thorp, a mill- wright by trade, came from Connecticut to Ohio in 1799, traveling the long dis- tance by ox-team. He settled in Ashta- bula county, and was killed in the war of 1812. Warren Thorp settled in War- rensville and carried on farming. He married Hannah Burnside, a daughter of James Burnside, who was a drummer boy in the Revolutionary war, and a colonel in the war of 1812. In the latter war he was in a number of battles and received eleven wounds (he was an uncle of Col. Burnside, who served in the Civil war). To the parents of our subject seven chil- dren were born as follows: (1) Jane L., born October 25, 1826, was married in 1847 to Henry N. Clark, a farmer of Cuyahoga county; they have one child. (2) Harriette L., born February 27, 1828, was married, August 6, 1845, to Lewis B. Harrington, a farmer of Rockport, and they have five children. (3) James B., our subject. (4) Warren A., born January 15, 1832, is a farmer in Mayfield, and married Elizabeth Barber, and they have five children. (5) Joseph P., born January 22, 1834, is a farmer and lives on the old homestead in Warrensville, where he is a justice of the peace; was married in 1864 to Miss Melissa Morris, and they have five children. (6) Han-

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nah M., born April 30, 1836, now the wife of Daniel Gardner, of Berea; they also have five children. (7) Charles W., born March 16, 1840, was married in 1864 to Melinda Gardner, and they had five children; his wife died in 1873, and his second wife is Miss Mary Brier, whom he married about 1880; they have no children. Hannah (Burnside) Thorp, the mother of our subject, was born May 4, 1809, and died May 3, 1884, her husband passing away April 3, 1888; both died in Warrensville. Caroline Surrarer, the wife of our subject was born in Cuyahoga county, August 30, 1842, and was one of eleven children born to her parents.

The subject of this sketch, after fol- lowing farming for a number of years, decided to begin the study of law and accordingly, in 1887, began reading in the office of Thomas J. Marshall, at Port Clinton, this State. Since beginning practice he has been very successful and has an extensive clientele, both in his immediate vicinity and throughout the county. He takes cases in the Justice Courts and assists Mr. Marshall in the court of common pleas. He was census enumerator in 1890, has served as asses- sor for several years, has been a member of the school board several times, being now president of the board of school di- rectors of Allen township, and is also notary public. Mr. Thorp is an ardent Republican and always alive to the needs and welfare of his community. He is a man of much energy and of broad and progressive views, and his opinion carries weight with his fellow citizens. He and his family are attendants of the Methodist Church.

G EORGE F. BOWSER. It mat- ters not into what station of life one is born in this free land of ours, all avenues of business, of political or of military life are open to the individual who has high ambitions,

determination and enterprise. Mr. Bow- ser, who began life for himself at an early age, has steadily worked his way upward from a position of limited means to one of affluence, and to-day is numbered among the substantial farmers of Scott township, Sandusky county.

He was born August 17, 1849, in Bed- ford county, Penn., son of Fred and Mar- garet (Fickes) Bowser, who, when our subject was five years of age, brought their family to Scott township, becoming pioneers of this locality. The father, who was a farmer and mechanic, was bore in Bedford county, Penn., in 1824, and de- parted this life in January, 1872. His wife, who was born in the same county in 1823, still survives, and is now living in Helena, Ohio. They were the parents of seven children: George F .; Rosanna, who died at the age of twenty-four, and is buried by her father in the cemetery between Clyde and Green Spring; Jacob, a resident of Cowley county, Kans., who married Susan Fickes, and has nine chil- dren; Alice (deceased), who became the wife of John Goate, and the mother of two children; Barbara, wife of John Ward, of Helena; Daniel, who died July 17, 1873; and Maggie M., who is the wife of John Goate, and the mother of three children.

The subject proper of this biography was a mere lad when he left his native State, and the greater part of his boy- hood and youth was spent upon the home farm in the midst of the Ohio forests. Being the eldest child he greatly aided his father in the work of clearing and de- veloping the land, and as opportunity offered attended the district schools of the neighborhood. Before attaining his majority he learned the carpenter's trade, and at the age of twenty-six he went to Indiana, where he followed that pursuit two years. !

On March 10, 1874, Mr. Bowser was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Miser, born August 29, 1853, daughter of

S. J. Bowser.

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Samuel and Catherine Miser, who lived in Ohio in an early day, afterward removing to Indiana. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, was born in Ohio, in 1809, and died in 1883 in Indiana; the mother was born in 1813. Their family numbered ten children, namely: John, Peter, Susanna, Rachel, Catherine, Christian, Anna, Elizabeth, and Jacob and Mary, who died in infancy. Six children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bowser, their names and dates of birth being as fol- lows: Jacob H., March 10, 1875; Aaron, January II, 1876; Curtis A., March 26, 1878; William, August 31, 1882; Maudy May, September 15, 1884; and Bertha, February 3, 1886.

Since his marriage Mr. Bowser has resided upon the farm which has been his home, and made of the place a valua- ble property. His success is due to his own persistent efforts, and the able as- sistance of his estimable wife. He is a man of unfaltering energy and capable management, and justly ranks among the leading and progressive agriculturists of Scott township.

A LBERT PETTIBONE is num- bered among the native sons of Ottawa county, and one of the honored pioneers, who for sixty- five years has been a witness of its growth and development, aiding in its progress and promoting its material prosperity. He has a wide acquaintance and his pleas- ant, genial manner and sterling worth have made him very popular, so that we feel assured this record of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers.

Mr. Pettibone was born in Danbury township, Ottawa county, March 15, 1830, and is a son of Truman and Phœbe (Wolcotte) Pettibone, the former a native of the Green Mountain State, the latter of Danbury, Conn., born February 12, 1796. The father died July 23, 1830, when our subject was only four months

old, but the mother long survived him, and passed away December 24, 1872. They were the parents of five children- three sons and two daughters-only one of whom is now living, Albert, subject of this sketch.

The educational privileges which our subject received were limited to those afforded by the district schools during the winter months. The schoolhouse was built of logs and furnished in a primitive manner. Since his boyhood he has en- gaged in fishing and farming, and was early inured to the arduous labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturists who lives on the frontier. Of late years he has also extensively engaged in fruit farming, and has found this branch of his business a very remunerative one. In Danbury township, Ottawa county, Feb- ruary 5, 1854, Mr. Pettibone married Eliza Ramsdell, who was born December 7, 1836, and is a daughter of Jacob and Experience (Willett) Ramsdell, who were among the earliest settlers of Danbury township, where they located in 1811. The maternal grandparents of our subject, Bennajah and Elizabeth Wolcott, natives of New York, preceded them, however, emigrating from Connecticut to Ohio in 1809. No one else at that time resided in Danbury township, and they therefore had the honor of opening it up to civil- ization.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Pettibone numbered twelve children: Clara M., born October 22, 1855, residing in Dan- bury township; Oscar P., born October 28, 1857, a fireman on the Lakeside rail- road, residing at Lakeside, Ohio; Orra E., born May 8, 1860, and died January 22, 1864; Phobe L., born January 13, 1862, now the wife of William Killey, of Danbury township; Cora E., born May 7, 1864, now the wife of William Brede- hoft, of Oak Harbor, Ohio; Selina A., born December 13, 1866, and now living at Oak Harbor; George A., born Decem- ber 25, 1868; Edna J., born August 17,

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IS;I. now the wife of Martin Southard, of Danbury township; Jacob T., born September 7, 1873, and died February 20, 1876; Lydia A., born November 23, 1875: Willett A., born May 10, 1878; and Zelma E., born October 21, 1881.

His fellow citizens, appreciating his worth and ability, have frequently called Mr. Pettibone to public office, where he has discharged his duties with a prompt- ness and fidelity that have won him the highest commendation. He was the first supervisor of Danbury township, was township clerk for twenty years, township trustee three years, has been justice of the peace some eighteen years, was town- ship real-estate assessor for one term, for four years served as postmaster of Vine Ridge, and was instrumental in establishing this office, and has held other public posi- tions of honor and trust. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican, while socially he is a charter member of the Knights of the Golden Rule, of Castle Rock Lodge, No. 21, of Lakeside. The family attend the services of the Methodist and Congregational Churches, but hold membership with no religious organiza- tion. Mr. Pettibone enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him, and is one of the few remaining settlers who have been spared to see the dense forests and log cabins give place to extensive fruit orchards, waving fields of grain and large and imposing residences. He is a man of noble character, of strict integrity and genuine worth, and is honored and revered by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

J OHN P. VOGEL. Among the prom- inent and influential young business inen of Oak Harbor, Ottawa county, who have done much to build up and further the interests of that enterprising little town, there is no one more deserving of representation in this work than the

gentleman whose name introduces this sketch.

Our subject is a native of Ottawa county, Ohio, born December 18, 1858, son of Christian and Salomane Vogel, both natives of Germany. His prelimi- nary education was received in the public schools of his native county. At the age of twenty-one years he began his career as a business man, opening a hardware store at Oak Harbor, in partnership with C. L. Danner, under the firm name of Danner & Vogel. In 1884 Christian Vo- gel, father of our subject, purchased Mr. Danner's interest, and the business was then conducted by father and son, under the firm name of C. Vogel & Son, until 1887, when the former disposed of his in- terest to G. H. Bredbeck, the business then and now being successfully conducted by these two gentlemen, under the firm name of Vogel & Bredbeck.

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Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 77

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