Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 82

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 82
USA > Ohio > Ottawa County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 82

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Mr. Pfeifer's marriage to Elizabeth Emerich took place in 1857, and their union was blessed with three children: John, born September 29, 1858; George, born February 26, 1862; and Edward, born April 25, 1864. On July 14, 1873, Edward was accidentally killed by the dis- charge of a gun, the charge entering his right side below the ribs and passing di- agonally through the body. Mrs. Pfeifer was born in Germany February 25, 1828, and came to America in 1848. George Pfeifer the second son, lives on a farm near his brother John. At the age of twenty-two he married Matilda Tabbert, of Elliston, who was born December 22, 1861, at Elliston (where she obtained a

liberal education), daughter of August Tabbert, who died in 1894. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. George Pfeifer settled on the farm where they now live, a place which, like that of his brother, shows enterprise and neatness on the part of the owner.

John H. Pfeifer, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Emrich) Pfeifer, was born September 29, 1858, at Bellaire, Ohio, and spent his boyhood days in Cleveland and Ottawa county, where he received the education afforded by the district schools of his time and place. An inci- dent which occurred when he was nine years of age is worth relating: He was sent to Elliston on mule back for some groceries. He rode down the L. S. & M. S. track, and all went well until the train was seen backing to Elliston from Toledo. The mule did not propose to give the right of way for the train, and John succeeded in dismounting in time to save all of himself save a piece of one toe, but the animal was not a match for the train, which completely demolished him. When twenty-two years of age our sub- ject commenced life for himself as a fire- man on the L. S. & M. S. railroad, con- tinuing thus for three years. On September 25, 1883, he was married to Miss Matilda Liek, of Elliston, and having purchased a farm near Rocky Ridge they made their home thereon for six years. They then sold out and purchased the old homestead of his father on Section 23, Benton town- ship, where they now live. His parents moved to Rocky Ridge, where they have erected the finest home in the village. A walk over Mr. Pfeifer's farm at once con- vinces one that he is a thorough agricul- turist ; the fences are in neat shape, the farm stock and buildings are all well kept, and the yards around both house and barn display neatness and care on the part of the owner, who takes a pardonable pride in his beautiful property. The history of one member of the family is the history of all, and to say that he has worked with

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his father from boyhood shows what part he has taken in this work.

Mrs. Matilda (Lick) Pfeifer was born Auguest 28, 1862, at Elliston, where she received her education and lived until her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Pfeifer have been born three children: Walter George, April 10, 1885; Reuben Edward, May 6, 1887, and William Carl, October 19, 1891. Walter G , died March 19, 1892. and was buried in the Elliston cemetery.

C APTAIN WILLIAM J. SLACK- FORD (deceased) sailed on the lakes for many years, and was a well-known sea captain, whose death was deeply regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. A native of England, he was born near Kent, February 28, 1831, and was one of a family of four children, two of whom are now living: Edward, a retired sea captain now in Detroit, Mich .; and Han- nah, wife of Thomas Clayton, who makes his home in Carthage, Hamilton Co., Ohio. In the summer of 1849, when he was seventeen years of age, the Cap- tain came with his father to the United States, locating at Plasterbed, Portage township, Ottawa Co., Ohio. Here, soon afterward they were joined by the wife and mother, and other children of the family, and the parents were contin- uous residents of the township through- out their remaining days.

In 1861 the Captain purchased a farm a short distance from the old family homestead, and engaged extensively in fruit growing and farming up to the time of his death. From 1864 up to 1878 he was part owner and operator of the steam- ers "Gen. Grant;" "Clinton " and " R. B. Hayes," running ferry between the Peninsula and Sandusky. The change in his occupation was caused by ill health. The captain was for many years num- bered among the valued citizens, and took an active part in all progressive

movements. He was esteemed by all who knew him for his many sterling qualities and straightforward business methods.

On November 20, 1860, at Sandusky. Ohio, the Captain was married to Thirsa Gertrude Moore, who died October 12, 1864, and this union was blessed with one child, William George, born September 24. 1861; he is a licensed sea captain, and resides in Danbury township, Ottawa county, The Captain was again married, this time at Fremont, Ohio, December 7, 1875, to Kate C. Englebeck, daughter of Herman and Caroline (Fechtler) Engle- beck. This union was blessed with two children: May Pearl, born May 1, 1878; and Jennie Gertrude, born May 5, 1884.

After a long illness of three years, the Captain passed away December 14, 1890. His last voyage was over and he reached the harbor of rest. He had been a promi- nent member of the Masonic fraternity, and was highly esteemed by his brethren in that Order. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and was possessed of broad, general information. He had a genial, sunny temperment, and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. His faithful and devoted wife deserves no little credit for the manner in which she has conducted the affafrs of the estate since her husband's death. She is a lady of culture and sound judg- ment, and controls her farm in a way that well exemplifies her innate business sa- gacity and acumen. Her residence is among the finest in the township, and all its surroundings give evidence of the ex- quisite state and refinement of the owner.

OAB KELLY, one of the best known and most honored farmers and fruit growers of Danbury township, Otta- wa county, was born January 31, 1842, on the homestead farm on which he still resides, and is a son of Hon. John and Elizabeth (Pettibone) Kelly. His

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educational privileges were such as were afforded by the district schools of that day, and since early life he has been en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, though for the past twenty-five years he has devoted his attention more especially to the culti- vation of grapes, peaches and other fruits.

Mr. Kelly was married in Danbury, December 21, 1870, to Miss Stella M. Hogg, who was born in Sandusky City, Erie Co., Ohio, June 15, 1849, a daugh- ter of Thomas and Mary (Driver) Hogg, early settlers of Erie county, Ohio, who removed to Danbury township about 1868, where the former passed away in 1882; the latter still makes her home in Dan- bury. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have been born two sons -- Thonias LeRoy, on Sep- tember 15, 1871 ; and J. Reid, on October 8, 1874; both are still under the parental roof. In his political views Mr. Kelly is a Republican, and he and his family attend the Congregational Church.

The mother of our subject was the first white child born in Newberg, Ohio, her birth having occurred October 18, 1814, and she was but six weeks old when she was brought to Danbury town- ship by her parents, Truman and Phœbe (Wolcotte) Pettibone. The Wolcotte family came to Danbury township in 1808, but after a residence of three years were driven away by the Indians, and went to Cleveland, Ohio, where they re- mained until 1814, when they returned and from that time until their deaths were continuous residents of Danbury township.

On July 23, 1835, Hon. John A. B. Kelly and Miss Elizabeth Pettibone were united in marriage. Mr. Kelly was born in Troy, N. Y., December 14, 1809, and was a son of William and Jane (Reid) Kelly, both natives of Ire- land. Eight children were born of this union, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Jane, May, 1836, was united in marriage with Josias B3. Wright, now of Danbury, October 1, 1853; Will- iam, March 17, 1838, makes his home in

Port Clinton, Ohio; Alice, October 14, 1840, died November 5, of the same year; Joab comes next in the order of birth; Malcolm, July 31, 1844, is judge of the court of common pleas and resides in Port Clinton; Salima, January 6, 1847, is the wife of John G. Bredehoft, of Dan- bury township; John August 14, 1851, lives in the same township; and Mary, March 28, 1855, died June 13, 1856. The father, who represented the Thirtieth Sen- atorial District in the Fifty-fifth General Assembly of Ohio, 1862-63, died April 18, 1883; the mother passed away Oc- tober 8, 1895.

S IMON HENRY KINSTING is numbered among the pioneer set- tlers of Ottawa county, having lo- cated within its borders when it was almost an unbroken wilderness, with few roads laid out and few settlements made. With the work of development and progress he has been identified, and has aided in the improvement of the lo- cality by faithfully performing his duties of citizenship.

Mr. Kinsting was born in Prussia, De- cember 25, 1832, and is a son of Fred- erick William Kinsting, also a native of Prussia, born in 1800, a tailor by trade, who died at the home of his son, July 28, 1871. In 1849 he emigrated with his wife and two children to America, after which he followed the occupation of farm- ing. He was first employed for only fifty cents per day, and was very well satisfied, but as years passed his financial resources increased. In the Fatherland he married Minnie Saack, who was born in Prussia, April 4, 1804, and died December 13, 1885. They had two children-Simon Henry, and Henrietta, wife of William Budky, of Woodville, Sandusky county. The parents spent their last years at the home of their son, who tenderly cared for them in their declining days. Our sub- ject's paternal grandfather and his wife

SH Kinsting

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were both born in Germany about Octo- ber, 1766, and the former died in 1833. The maternal grandfather was born in Prussia, in 1774, and his wife's birth oc- curred there in 1775.

S. H. Kinsting, the subject proper of this review, spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native land, and was edu- cated in the public schools. He then came with his parents to the United States, and here attended the English schools, so that he now speaks both languages fluently. In 1858 he was united in marriage with Miss Frederica Priesing, a native of Hanover, Germany, born June 6, 1835. She obtained her education there, and when twenty-two years of age came to America, locating in Toledo, Ohio, where she met her future husband. The wedding was celebrated six months later at the old homestead, one mile from Elmore, where our subject now resides. Her parents, who were also natives of Hanover, Germany, had a family of six · children, five of whom are now living, one son, Henry, having died in the hos- pital in Memphis, Tenn., while serving in the Civil war. The father was a black- smith by trade, and died at an early age, leaving a widow to care for her family. Mrs. Kinsting was a faithful wife and lov- ing mother, one who trained her children to habits of industry and uprightness. A fall occasioned the loss of her mental faculties to a degree, and on September 2, 1892, she passed away.

Mr. and Mrs. Kinstring were the par- ents of four children, namely: (1) Will- iam, born August 13, 1860, was married March 23, 1881, to Rachel Ernsthausen, of Elmore, and resides on a farm one mile from the town; they have three chil- dren-Mary, William and Clara. (2) Fred, born September 16, 1863, was married in August, 1885, to Cora Netcher, and lives on a farm in Monroe county, Mich .; their children are-John and George. (3) Henry, born April 10, 1867, was married in November, 1890, to Libbie Wainwright,

and they have one child-Naomi, born June 25, 1894. (4) Minnie, born April 25, 1870, was married in October, 1890, to Frank Dishinger, of Harris township, Ottawa county, and they had two chil- dren-Henry and Eddie; Mrs. Dishinger died August 10, 1895, and was buried at Elmore.

During his entire residence in America Mr. Kinsting has lived on the farm which now belongs to Frank Dishinger. The first forty acres of land were purchased in 1849 for $375, and the first home was a little log cabin. By diligence and close attention to business our subject and his father and son cleared and developed the farm, extending its boundaries by the ad- ditional purchase of seventy-three acres in Sandusky and Ottawa counties, erected good buildings and secured a nice home. Since his father's death our subject has purchased eighty acres, for which he paid $100 per acre. He has succeeded in busi- ness through his own well-directed efforts, and to-day is the owner of a valuable property, and the possessor of a comfort- able competence. In March, 1895, he called his children together, and, after a very pleasant family reunion, gave each of them five thousand dollars. He has now reached the age of sixty-three years, has been a cripple for twenty-two years, but is one of the most cheerful and happy men in the community, finding great pleasure in visiting his children, who have for him the warmest affection, and take great delight in his visits to them. Since 1858 he has been a member of the Ger- man Methodist Episcopal Church, a con- sistent and earnest Christian, enjoying the respect and confidence of all who know him.

G EORGE M. HIGH, one of the most prominent and extensive fruit growers on Middle Bass Is- land, Ottawa county, was born in Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, July 13,

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1825, son of Hosea S. and Mary A. (Mc- Cormick) High. George McCormick, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was one of the contractors on the building of the first U. S. Capitol at Washington, D. C., which was destroyed by the British.

Hosea S. High, born January 3, 1797, at Bridgeton, N. J., was united in mar- riage with Mary A. McCormick, who was born November 21, 1801, at Washing- ton, D. C., and they had eleven children, seven of whom are now living, namely: George M., the subject of this sketch; Charles G. and Martin V. B., both resid- ing in Madison county, Ohio; Jacob, in Franklin county, Ohio; Fannie, wife of John G. Thompson, of Columbus, Ohio; and Jennie and Susan, in Columbus. Hosea S. High passed away in Franklin county, Ohio, in September, 1874, and his widow, Mary A., at Columbus, Ohio, in March, 1893, she being at the time of her death one of the oldest inhabitants and residents of Columbus. Mr. High was Indian agent for several years, and in 1837 moved the Wyandotte, Delaware and Sandusky tribes to their reservations in Kansas.

George M. High spent his boyhood days among the surroundings of a com- fortable home, and received his primary education in the district schools, after- ward taking a course at the Delaware College, at Delaware, Ohio. About a year after completing his studies he left home for Cincinnati, where in the winter months he was engaged in the pork busi- ness. During the first summer he was a tutor in a private family near Independ- ence, Ky., and the second summer he taught the district school in the same neighborhood. For the eighteen years succeeding he was engaged in the pork business, purchasing in summer and slaughtering and shipping in winter.

At Pleasant Ridge, Hamilton Co., Ohio, on October 21, 1852, George M. High was united in marriage with Anna M. Kincaid, daughter of Blair and Mary

(Lancaster) Kincaid, and born in Dela- ware October 30, 1834. They have had four children, as follows: Hosea and Fan- nie (twins), born June 29, 1853, of whom Hosea is still living at home, and Fannie is the wife of Curtis P. Gladding, residing at Hartford, Conn .; George M., Jr., born in Cincinnati, May 16, 1859, was formerly the editor and proprietor of the Evening Advertiser, a newspaper of Socorro, N. M., and now resides in Butte City, Mont .; and Carrie D., born February 4, 1864, resides at home.

During the winter of 1864-65 Mr. High sold out his interest in the pork business, and late in the spring of 1865 loaded up a steamer with $30,000 worth of provisions, with which he went up the Arkansas river as far as Fort Smith, dis- posing of the goods on the way. He then returned to Cincinnati, purchased another cargo, and returned up the river; but, owing to delays caused by business, he was late, and so established a store at Spadra Bluff, Arkansas, in connection with Col. A. D. King. In the fall of 1866 he re- turned to Springfield, Ohio, where he re- sided during the next four years, for three years of that time continuing his interest in the business at Spadra Bluff, which he sold in 1869. On July 13, 1870, he re- moved to Middle Bass, and engaged in fruit growing. He has now been a contin- uous resident of the Island for twenty-five years, and has probably set out more grape vines than any other man on the Island. Mr. High was the first in the West to introduce the spraying of grapes and other fruits, for mildew and insects that have destroyed so much of the fruits, and this system has produced highly satis- factory results wherever introduced.

In his political views Mr. High is in- dependent, but leans toward the Demo- cratic party. He is a prominent citizen, and a leader, especially in such good works as need sympathy, active work and benevolent contributions. To those who know him, it seems evident that he would

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have been as successful in almost any line of life he might have chosen as he has been in that which he did choose. He is well educated by schooling, reading, travel and experience; happy in society, in his own home and abroad; hospitable, thoroughly appreciated by all who know him; intelligent, possessing tact and gener- osity. He has a most charming home, situated close to the shores of Lake Erie; is happily contented with such reasonable hobbies as occupy his mind, is independ- ent in his own pursuits, and able to pro- vide abundantly for the comfort and hap- piness of his appreciative wife and family.

T HOMAS BOWLAND, a promi- nent manufacturer, of Martin, Clay township, Ottawa county, was born in Perry county, this State, October 14, 1844, and was a son of John and Diana (Parrott) Bowland, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio.

The father of our subject died when the latter was only ten years old, and the little lad was early put to work that he might contribute his share to the support of his widowed mother and the younger children. His early education was there- fore very limited; but, like many of the men who have been leaders of our nation, he neglected no opportunity to add to his scanty stock of book knowledge, and by reading and observation has made of him- self an intelligent man whose opinions are eagerly sought for, and whose judgment in all matters is well worth considering. His parents removed before his death to Ottawa county, living for a time in El- more, Harris township, and afterward coming to Clay township. Here our sub- ject worked upon a farm with his two elder brothers until the breaking out of the Civil war in 1861, when they enlisted and left the care of the family to Thomas and a younger brother, John, of whom a

sketch is given elsewhere. This labor of love which he performed diligently and faithfully was pursued for a number of years, the few leisure hours not employed in farm work being given to the improve- ment of his mind.

In 1879 Mr. Bowland began the man- ufacture of hoops, starting a factory in Martin and employing several men. This proved to be a profitable business, and he has since successfully carried it on, being now assisted by two of his sons who have an interest in the establishment. Mr. Bowland was married January 21, 1869, to Charlotte Jones, daughter of Daniel and Ruth Jones, of Sandusky county, and they became the parents of one child, Irvin, who was born Jaunuary 20, 1870; his mother died March 26, 1871. Mr. Bowland was again married December 22, 1872, to Miss Herminia, daughter of George and Sarah (Wall) Eyre, both of whom were natives of England. Three children have come of this marriage, namely: (1) George D., who was born April 6, 1874, at Genoa, and was there educated; he is unmarried, and is engaged in business with his father. (2) Ernest, born April 7, 1877, in the same town, was educated in the schools there, and in the high school, and holds a teacher's certificate; he is also connected with his father's firm. (3) Estella, born February 22, 1886, died August 13, 1887.

The parental family of our subject comprised fourteen children, eight of whom are living, as follows: Mary is the wife of Powell Frugh, a farmer in San- dusky county; Daniel is a farmer of Clay township; Jeremiah, a machinist, lives in Wood county; Elizabeth is the wife of Stephen Walsh, of Clay township; Martin is a miller of Benton township; Thomas is our subject; Hannah is the widow of Walter Warrener; and John is postmaster at Genoa. The father of this large family died in Harris township, in June, 1854, and his wife in Clay township, April 17, 1875.

George Eyre, the father of our sub-

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ject's wife, was born in London, England, and came to this country when eighteen years old, settling first in Cleveland, where he followed the occupation of a millwright, and also did some carpenter- ing: his wife, Sarah Wall, was also born in England. They were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living: Mary is the wife of John Bowland, post- master at Genoa; Cilena is the wife of William Bodett, a railroad man; Esletta married Albert Stewart, a cigar manu- facturer, living in Toledo; Sarah is the wife of Miles Price, of Detroit; George died when aged thirty-six, Henry when five, and Carrie when fourteen. The parents are still living, and reside in Genoa.

Mr. Bowland has always been very popular with his fellow citizens, as well as throughout the entire county, and in con- sequence has held numerous responsible offices. He was for two years constable of Clay township, and has been time and again elected justice of the peace, or local judge of Clay township, which posi- tion he is now filling with dignity and great ability. In all the cases which have come before him in the past twelve years, and which have been carried to the higher courts, his decisions have there been con- firmed, without exception, and his honesty and integrity have never been questioned. During his official life he has solemnized upward of thirty-five marriages, which is a further evidence of his popularity with the people. Mr. Bowland has held the office of school director for seven years, and has been clerk of the board through- out that period. In politics he is a strong Democrat and a leader in his party, and, with his family, holds a prominent posi- tion in society.

A LBERT ZIPFEL, mill owner and one of the well-known busi- ness men of Rocky Ridge, Ben- ton township, Ottawa county, is a native of Germany, born September

27, 1857, son of Lawrence Zipfel. When about four years of age our subject came to America with his father, who settled at Port Clinton, Ottawa Co., Ohio, and engaged in the boot and shoe business, following same for several years, when he sold out and purchased a farm near Oak Harbor. After farming for some time he sold his place and settled in Oak Harbor, where he died in the spring of 1895.

During the first nine years of his life Albert Zipfel obtained what education he could, and at the early age of nine he went out into the world to earn a liveli- hood for himself, commencing work in a shingle mill in Oak Harbor, where he labored some twelve years. On July 8, 1879, he was married to Miss Amanda A. Fountain, of Oak Harbor, and they shortly afterward settled in Rocky Ridge, where he was employed as foreman in the stave factory of Bopst & Bosh, a position he held for eleven years. In 1889 Mr. Zipfel purchased an elevator and feed mill of Mr. Bopst at Rocky Ridge, in 1890 adding to the mill a sawmill; and he has since been engaged in lumber saw- ing and feed grinding. The business is prospering, and the mill is busy the en- tire year. For several years Mr. Zipfel has been village councilman in Rocky Ridge; he is greatly interested in the improvement of the public schools of the place, and endeavors to have them the best possible. His business, which is constantly increasing, demands his strict personal attention, and he may always be found at the mill, attending very careful- ly to every detail; this surely is the only way to success.

Mr. Zipfel was married July 8, 1879, to Miss Amanda A. Fountain, who was born October 30, 1857, near Port Clinton, where she received her early education, completing it in the schools of Oak Har- bor. Her parents were Alexander and Amy (Sampson) Fountain, the father born | July 4, 1829, in Sandusky county,

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Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 82

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