Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 83

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 83
USA > Ohio > Ottawa County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 83

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).

563

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

where he lived his entire life, save the one hundred days he served in the war of the Rebellion. He died in 1876. Mrs. Zipfel's grandfather, Alexander Fountain, Sr., was born in Michigan. Her pater- nal great-grandfather was of French de- scent. Mrs. Zipfel's mother, Mrs. Amy Fountain, was born in Port Clinton, May 11, 1837, and when eight years of age removed with her parents to Chicago, where they remained for three years. Her father, Joel Sampson, then entered the Mexican war, and died of cholera near the Gulf of Mexico. He was born in Vermont in 1807. Mrs. Zipfel's maternal great-grandfather was of French descent, born early in the eighteenth century, and served in the French and Indian war, 1757-1763.

G EORGE W. GALLANT, an en- terprising and wide-awake busi- ness man of Elmore, where he is engaged in the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds, was born in Bay township, Ottawa county, January 15, 1842, and is the only known living repre- sentative of the family of seven children born to John and Eleanor (Deselms) Gal- lant, the former a native of Baltimore, Md., the latter of Belmont, Ohio. The parents located in Bay township at an early date in the history of the county, but in 1863 removed to Sandusky, Ohio, where the following year the father's death occurred; later, the mother came to Elmore, where she passed away in 1884.

In the district schools of Bay township, George W. Gallant acquired a limited education, but his instruction in the du- ties of farm life was not so meagre, and he continued to follow that honorable oc- cupation until 1862, when he enlisted in Company G, One Hundredth Regiment, O. V. I. On May 4, 1864, he was wounded at the battle of Resaca, Ga., and sent to the hospital at Chattanooga,

Tenn., from which place he was trans- ferred to Knoxville. After becoming con- valescent he rejoined his regiment at Fort Fisher, and later was ordered to David's Island, N. Y. On the close of hostilities he received an honorable discharge, and returned to Jackson township, Sandusky county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1873. On the first of Janu- ary of that year he removed to Elmore, and since that date has continuously car- ried on his present business with marked success, having now secured a liberal and lucrative trade.

At Jackson, Ohio, October 22, 1865, Mr. Gallant wedded Miss Nancy Huffman, who was born in Fremont, this State, July 1, 1846, a daughter of Michael and Nancy (Nye) Huffman, the former now deceased, the latter still a resident of Fre- mont. Mrs. Gallant is one of a family of ten children, eight of whom still survive: Washington, who makes his home in Bat- tle Creek, Mich .; Michael, living in Fre- mont; Ellen, wife of Henry Hiller, of Hillsdale, Mich .; William H., a resident of Hastings; Mrs. Gallant, the next in or- der of birth; May Etta, widow of the late Andrew Whitemore, residing in Fremont; Charles Luther, living in Hastings, Mich .; and Elizabeth A., now the widow of Louis Benner, and making her home in Fre- mont.

Five children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gallant, as follows: Charles M., born April 25, 1867; Lillie Jane, born March 19, 1869, now the wife John F. Sanders, of Elmore; James W., born February 7, 1871; Edward E., born July 21, 1885; and Bertha Belle, born June 1, 1887. Of these Charles M., whose education was begun in the public schools of Elmore, completed a course in the North American Normal School of Fostoria, Ohio, graduating from that in- stitution in 1887. He then took up the study of mechanical engineering at Salt Lake City, Utah, and for four years was a locomotive engineer on the Rio Grande

564

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

& Western railroad. At the expiration of that time he returned to Elmore, and engaged with his father as bookkeeper. At the present time, however, he is en- gaged in the manufacture of a patent clothes rack, in connection with his brother James. On January 15, 1895, in Elmore, he married Miss Elizabeth Hotmer, a daughter of John and Sarah Hotmer, the former a resident of Elmore, the latter being now deceased. James W., the second son of our subject, after completing his edu- cation in the public schools of Elmore, learned the trade of wood turning, which occupation he followed up to a recent date, but is now engaged in the manu- facture of a patent clothes rack. . In Toledo, Ohio, January 2, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Nettie Walt- ers, a daughter of Thomas and Nettie Walters, the former of whom still makes his home in Toledo, but the latter has departed this life.

In his political views, George W. Gal- lant is an ardent Republican, being a strong supporter of the men and measures of that party, and he has served his fel- low-citizens as a councilman in the cor- poration of Elmore for four terms. He is one of the solid and reliable business men of the city, and in social as well as business circles stands high, having the confidence and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact. With the Knights of Pythias fraternity he holds member- ship, belonging to Elmore Lodge, No. 261, K. of P., and also takes a promi- nent part in Robert Caldwell Post, G.A. R.

S AMUEL R. GILL, secretary of the Lakeside Company, of Lakeside, Ottawa county, is a native of the county, born in Portage township, December 16, 1845, and is a son of Will- iam and Martha (Payne) Gill, both natives of Berkeley county, W. Va., the father born in 1796.

In 1840 William Gill located in Port-

age township, Ottawa county, where he engaged in farming until his death which occurred December 31, 1857. His wife, who was a daughter of Jesse and Martha (Dunn) Payne, was born December 10, 1810, and her death occurred on the old homestead in Portage township, April 28, 1894. They became the parents of four children, namely: (1) Joseph, a resident of Port Clinton, Ottawa county. (2) William, who died at Evansville, Ind., from wounds received while serving in the Union army as a private in Company I, Forty-first O. V. I., in which he enlisted September 6, 1861, and being wounded at the battle of Shiloh, which was fought April 6-7, 1862, he died a few days later. (3) Mary P., wife of Lane Lockwood, a resident of Sandusky City, Ohio, and (4) Samuel R.

The primary education of our subject was acquired in the district schools of Portage township, and he completed his literary studies at Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio, graduating from that insti- tution in 1869. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits on the old homestead farm, following that honorable occupation until 1873, when, in January of that year, he was appointed secretary of the Lake- side company, since when he has made his home in Lakeside, devoting his entire attention to the duties pertaining to the office, still retaining possession of his farm in Portage township. He is also a stock- holder in the Lakeside Company.

In Danbury township, Ottawa county, on January 12, 1875, Mr. Gill was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Alexander, a daughter of David and Harriet R. (Petit) Alexander, who, in 1863, located in Dan- bury township, near Marblehead, where the latter still resides; the former passed away December 23, 1894, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Mr. and Mrs.

Gill have three children: Robert Alex- ander, born May 21, 1880; William Payne, born February 16, 1883, and Samuel Vincent, born September 1, 1893.

565

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Gill has always been a progressive citizen, taking an active part in all mat- ters pertaining to the improvement and welfare of the county. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. In politics he votes the Republican ticket, but in sentiment is a strong Prohibitionist.

L EMAN M. THOMPSON, a leading and influential farmer, who makes his home in Carroll township, Ottawa county, first opened his eyes to the light of day in that township, April 1, 1845. His parents are William and Ruth (Ogden) Thompson, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of New Jersey. From his early boyhood he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, having assisted in the cultivation of the home farm, while he obtained his literary education in the district schools of the community.

Mr. Thompson displayed his loyalty to his country, by enlisting, in August, 1862, in Company G, One Hundredth Ohio V. I., and remained in the service until the close of the war, being mustered out at Greensboro, N. C., and finally dis- charged at Cleveland, Ohio, July 3, 1865. He took part in numerous important en- gagements, among which were the battles of Ringgold, Resaca and Franklin, Tenn., the siege of Knoxville, the battle of Eltawa, the siege of Atlanta and the bat- tle of Pumpkin Vine Run, Ga., together with a large number of skirmishes, in all of which he proved a valiant and fear- less soldier, always found at his post of duty. After being discharged from the army, Mr. Thompson returned to Car- roll township, where he again engaged in farming, which occupation he has made his life work, and he is still a resident of his native township. There he was married July 4, 1869, to Miss Rebecca Brown, daughter of Daniel and Melissa J. Brown.

By this union there is one child-William LeRoy, born July 9, 1882.

In politics Mr. Thompson generally supports the men and measures of the Democratic party, though he is not strictly partisan, and has served his fellow citi- zens as township assessor two terms, and school director three years. He and his family attend the United Brethren Church. He is a practical, self-made man, having, by energy and perseverance, secured his

own financial success. Equipped by nature with strong intel- lectual endowments and rugged physical powers, he has worked his way upward, and, possessing a sterling honesty which characterizes his conduct in all the offices of life, he has won a high place in the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen.

J OHN H. WENDT is an enterprising and popular merchant and fruit grower of Danbury township, Ot- tawa county, of which township he is a native, having been born October 2, 1853, on the homestead where he still re- sides.

His early life was passed amidst the surroundings of a comfortable home and fond, indulgent parents' care. He re- ceived the advantages of a liberal com- mon-school education, and at an early age adopted farming for his life vocation, which he still continues to follow. In 1887, in connection with agricultural pur- suits, he also began merchandising at Marblehead Junction, and by his straight- forward business principles has built up a large and increasing trade, and established an enviable record for honesty and fair dealing. In 1887 he was appointed post- master at Danbury, which position he filled seven years to the satisfaction of all concerned.

In Danbury, November 15, 1882, John H. Wendt was married to Miss Ma- tilda Meter, a daughter of Christian and Dorothy Meter, both natives of Germany,

566

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the former of whom is deceased, the lat- ter still making her home in Danbury township. Mr. and Mrs. Wendt have three children; Lydia S., born May 18, 1883; William H., born February 19, ISS5; and Clara, born February 22, 1889. Politically, our subject affiliates with the Republican party, while in religious faith he and his family attend the Lutheran Church. He is one of the live progres- sive men of Danbury township, a good friend and desirable neighbor. The pleas- ant social and hospitable qualities of Mr. and Mrs. Wendt are widely known, and they enjoy the esteem and respect of all in their community to a marked degree.

Herman Wendt, the father of our sub- ject, was born in the Province of Han- over, Germany, April 14, 1827, was edu- cated in his native land, where he also learned the trade of a cabinet maker. In 1845 he landed on the shores of the New World, and for about a year after his arrival worked at his trade in New York City. He came to Ohio in IS46, and for a few years was employed at the cooper's trade at the Plasterbed Mills in Portage township, Ottawa county. In 1851 he located in Danbury township, where he followed farming until his death, which occurred on the 6th of February, 1894. He was a true friend, a good neighbor, a loving husband and a kind, indulgent father, and his memory will long be cher- ished by those who knew him best.

Herman Wendt was twice married, his first union being with Mrs. Anna Marie Brauer, the widow of Henry Brau- er, and of the four children born to this union, three are still living, namely: Christina, born April 18, 1850, is the wife of Angelus Hauschild, of Salem township, Ottawa county; Anna, born November 18, 1851, is the wife of Henry Windish, of Carroll township, Ottawa county; and John 11., who forms the subject of this brief sketch, is the third child. His mother died on the 21st of September, 1855. The father later wedded Miss

Rachel Schwartz, a native of Germany, and to them were born three children, one of whom still survives-John A., born July 18, 1857, makes his home in Chica- go. Mrs. Wendt passed away June 5, 1872.

M RS. MARIAR E. NELLIS. In a record devoted to the repre- sentative people of a county the ladies who have borne their part in public work are also deserving of mention, and prominent among this class is the one whose name opens this sketch. She is a most capable business woman, and is successfully carrying on a farm of more than 200 acres, superintending its cultivation and its management and mak- ing it one of the neatest and most valua- ble country homes in this section of the State.

Mrs. Nellis is a daughter of Isaac W. and Lucy Ann (Lewis) Ingraham, and was born in Harris township, Ottawa county, March 26, 1853. Her father was born July 22, 1827, in Connecticut, and came with his parents to Ohio, where he is still living, on a farm that belongs to Mrs. Nel- lis. His wife was born June 23, 1836, in New York, and they were married in the Buckeye State, November 30, IS51. Eleven children were born of this union, namely: Mariar E .; Calista, wife of G. H. Damschroeder; Flora, wife of David Mc- Gowan; Gleny, who died at the age of one year; Theodore; Arnold W .; Ruth, who died in infancy; Eunice, wife of George Hotmer; and three that died in infancy unnamed. Benjamin Ingraham, the pa- ternal grandfather of Mrs. Nellis, was born in 1779, and died in 1869. He followed farming the greater part of his life, and reared a family of thirteen children, eight of whom have families of their own. Ben- jamin Ingraham, Sr., father of Benjamin Ingraham, came to America on the " May- flower." Sallie Maria Fuller, the mater- nal grandmother of Mrs. Nellis, was born

Marias E. Nellis

567

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in Bristol county, Mass., May 10, 1807, and was one of the eight children of Jo- seph Fuller, who fought in the war of 1812. His father was one of the Revolu- tionary heroes, and was one of the famous band who participated in the "Boston Tea Party," when the British tea was thrown into the harbor. Miss Fuller was married in 1828 to Lyman Lewis, and they became the parents of eight children, four born in New York and four in Ohio. The father died in 1845, and in 1848 the mother became the wife of George Fletcher, by whom she had one son. Mr. Fletcher died in 1857. On May 10, 1889, Grandma Fletcher celebrated her eighty- second birthday, in which celebration twenty-one grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren participated. Two of her sons and one son-in-law were in the war of the Rebellion. The family has long been prominently connected with this locality, and Mrs. Nellis' father helped to grade the Lake Shore & Michigan South- ern railroad. He has also cradled wheat on the site of the depot at Elmore, and is numbered among the honored pioneer set- tlers of Ottawa county.

Mrs. Nellis obtained her education in a country schoolhouse that stands on the farm which she now owns. When six- teen years of age she began to earn her own living, and displayed the remarkable business ability which has always charac- terized her. She was employed in a tailor shop until about nineteen years of age, and then began doing housework. On May 5, 1874, she became the wife of Cyrus T. Nellis, of Elmore, and the first six months of their married life were passed in Elmore, during which time Mr. Nellis erected buildings on their farm north of the village. In the autumn they removed to the new home, where they lived four years, in the meantime pur- chasing the farm upon which Mrs. Nellis is now living, and still retaining posses- sion of the other. The present home ad- joins the corporation limits of Elmore, 36

and on the place stands a beautiful brick residence and barns and outbuildings which are models of convenience. All the improvements of a model farm may be found there, and have been secured en- tirely through the efforts of Mrs. Nellis. When Mr. Nellis had the large barn well under construction he lost his mind and insanity caused him to attempt his own life by trying to hang himself in the new barn, which was unfinished. He was then, on October 28, 1878, taken to the hospital at Columbus, where he remained one year. During that time Mrs. Nellis completed the buildings which were then in process of erection. On his return Mr. Nellis began preparations for a fine brick residence, and had the foundations laid when his mind again became unsettled, and he was once more taken to Columbus, remaining there six years, after which he was transferred to Toledo. The work of completing the home then fell to his wife, and with indomitable energy and perse- verance she has carried forward the enter- prise, and to-day has one of the most beautiful homes in Ottawa county. [On September 25, 1895, since the above was written, by some cause unknown, Mrs. Nellis' barns, three in number, caught fire and were totally destroyed together with all the contents, her own property as well as that of her father, including the latter's two span of horses, the best in the coun- ty. By November 6, 1895, she had man- aged to have a new barn erected. ]

The family of Mrs. Nellis numbered three children, the eldest of whom died in infancy; Dow L., born March 20, 1878. has acquired a good literary education in the public schools of Eimore, and now aids his mother in the care of her prop- erty; the youngest, Bede C., born Sep- tember 16, 1881, is attending school in Elmore, and has also studied music. The family is one of prominence in the com- munity, having many warm friends, and Mrs. Nellis commands the respect and ad- miration of all by the masterly way in

56S

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

which she has carried forward her busi- ness interests. A thorough lady, she yet has the business ability which character- izes usually the sterner sex.

H UGH SMITH, an old and highly respected resident of Danbury town ship, Ottawa county, is a na- tive of the Emerald Isle, born in County Monaghan, about the year 1825. His parents, James and Alice (Burns) Smith, were also born in the same coun- try, and passed away in their native land.

The subject of this review received a limited education in the schools of Ire- land, and from his early youth has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1847 he left his native land, going to Scotland, and for about seven years resided in Glas- gow and Busby. He worked at farming and in a print factory until, deciding to try his fortune in America, he took pass- age, June 17, 1854, on a sailing vessel, which reached Quebec, Canada, in August of the same year, after a voyage of two months. From there he at once pro- ceeded to Ohio, locating in Marblehead, Danbury township, Ottawa county, where he worked in the plaster quarries for about a year. The succeeding three years were spent in the same line of business at Ca- tawba Island and Plasterbed. About 1861 he removed to Kelley's Island, Sandusky county, where he also worked in the quar- ries some three years. In 1861 he pur- chased his 'present farm near Lakeside, inaking it his home continuously since, and for some time past he has devoted his time and energy to fruit growing on an extensive scale.

Mr. Smith was married in Sandusky City, in February, 1855, to Alice Boylan, a daughter of James and Nancy (Mat- thews) Boylan, who were natives of County Cavan, Ireland, and are both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Smith be- came the parents of ten children. (1)

Mary, the eldest, born September 23, 1855, became the wife of Robert Mckinney, a native of Rochester, N. Y., who died October 12, 1889, leaving three chil- pren-Alice, Isabel, and Jeanette; Mrs. Mckinney was married November 6, 1894, to Francis Thomson, and they now re- side at Lakeside. (2) Hughie died in in- fancy. (3) Alice, born March 8, 1859, married James Connolly, and passed away November 27, 1893, leaving a husband and two children-Alice and Mary-to mourn the loss of a faithful wife and loving mother. (4) James, born January 12, 1861, resides near Marblehead, Ohio; he married Miss Annie McMahon, a native of Ireland, and they have a family of six children, namely: Mary, James W., Isabel, Walter, John and Alice Margaret. (5) Hugh, born July 12, 1863, died December 12, 1894. (6) John B., born August 5, 1865, is a resi- dent of Lakeside; he was married No- vember 29, 1888, to Miss Bridget Rowan, a native of Ireland, and they have three children, named respectively-Henry M. and Elizabeth (twins), born May 15, 1889, and William P., born May 15, 1892. (7) Henry, born September 6, 1867, and (8) Lillian, born December 23, 1869, are at home. (9) Catherine, born January 27, 1872, is the wife of George Connolly, a resident of Port Clinton, Ohio, and had two children-George G. and Clarence C., the former born October 7, 1893, died December 26, 1894. the latter born February 10, 1895. (10) William T., born October 6, 1870, died March 19, 1889. The mother of this family was called to her final rest in 1892, and her death was widely and deeply mourned.

In his political views Mr. Smith is in- dependent, voting for the man rather than the party, and he and his family are con- sistent members of the Roman Catholic Church. Though well advanced in years he is still hale and hearty, and retains con- siderable of the vigor of his youth, attend- ing daily to his fine fruit orchard. He has led a busy life, and his success is the re-

569

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ward of his own labors. Genial and social in disposition, he is highly esteemed as a friend and neighbor.

J ULIUS M. PETERSON, a substan- tial farmer of Benton township, Ot- tawa county, is a son of Peter and Hanna (Hansen) Peterson, and was born at Port Clinton, Portage township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, May 3, 1859.

Peter Peterson, our subject's father was born in Schleswig, Germany, in 1825, and on June IS, 1848, was united in mar- riage with Hanna Hansen, who was born, in 1823, also in Schleswig, Germany. They had nine children, three of whom are now living, as follows: Julius M., whose name introduces this sketch; Will- iam, who lives in Arkansas, and Sophia, now Mrs. Carstensen, of Oak Harbor, Salem township, Ottawa county. Peter Peterson came to America in 1855, and located in Danbury township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, thence moving to Port Clinton, and in 1861 coming to Benton township, where he settled in Section 31, cleared a farm of sixty-two acres, built a barn and fenced the land, being assisted by his children.

Julius M. Peterson, the subject of these lines, was about two years of age when his parents brought him to Benton township and, later, he attended the pub- lic schools of Elliston, Benton township, receiving a business education that has helped him in his life work since. On September 7, 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Dora Braun, of Clay township, Ottawa county, and they have had eight children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Julia, Novem- ber 22, 1882; Leora, April 1, 1884; Ed- ward, September 10, 1885; Mabel, May 6, 1887; Ora, March 3, 1889; Eliza, August 23. 1890; Gertrude, February 7, 1892; and Hazel, May 8, 1894. Mrs. Peter- son's father, Adam Braun, was born in Hessen, Germany, in 1805; her mother,

Margaret (Brandt), was born in Hessen, Germany, in 1819. They were married in 1836, and had eleven children, of whom five are now living, as follows: Dorathea (Gerlach), of Lorain county, Ohio; Jus- tus Braun, of Ottawa county; Henry Braun, of Lorain county, Ohio; Eva (Truman), of Toledo, Ohio; and Dora, now the wife of the subject of this sketch. She was born September 7, 1858, in Hes- sen, Germany, where she lived until four years old, when she came to America with her parents, who settled in Lorain county, Ohio, residing there seven years, and then removing to Clay township, Ot- tawa county, where the daughter Dora lived until her marriage.

Immediately after his marriage Mr. Peterson took his father's farm to work for three years. In 1885 he went to Ar- kansas where he remained only a few months, making the trip mainly for his health, which, however, he did not fully recover until two years after his return. He then, in 1887, went to North Am- herst, Lorain county, and was engineer in a flour-mill there for two and a half years, after which he removed to Benton township, where he now lives and farms IIO acres of land, dealing somewhat in stock, mainly hogs, which he sells to local buyers. He and his wife are highly- esteemed citizens of Benton township, and are training up a family of children to good citizenship and usefulness in the world, work ranking among the noblest of parental duties. In society Mr. Peterson ranks high among the Grangers, being one of the founders of Benton Grange, P. of H., and is prominent among the Odd Fellows. In politics Mr. Peterson is a liberal Democrat.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 83

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