Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 94

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 94
USA > Ohio > Ottawa County > Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens > Part 94

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).

27, 1874. Mrs. Baker passed peacefully away March 13, 1894, leaving a devoted husband and five young daughters to mourn the loss of a faithful and loving wife and mother.

James Baker, the father of our sub- ject, was a native of Devonshire, England, where he was a farmer. He was married in 1845 to Eliza Bailey, and a family of twelve children was born to them, of whom the following record is given: Will- iam J. is the subject of this sketch; Annie M. is the wife of Walter Hewitt, of Island- ville, Mass .; Eliza, wife of Francis Bailey, is residing in California; Rachel is the wife of Dr. Hobert Hewitt, of Glenwood Springs, Garfield Co., Colo .; Richard is a school teacher and farmer, residing in Allen township; Frances resides in Mor- rison, Colo .; Elizabeth is the wife of Francis Monroe, owner of a coffee plan- tation in San Jose, Costa Rico, Central America; John H. is in the United States mail service at Toledo; Thomas sleeps in in the Denver (Colo.) cemetery, and the three younger children sleep in the old home churchyard in England. Mr. Baker, in his political views, affiliates with the Prohibition party. In religion he and his family are in sympathy with the Disciples Church, the services of which they attend at Genoa. Mr. Baker is looked upon as a man of principle, upright in his business relations and a good citizen.

C HARLES R. TSCHUMY, a rep- resentative citizen, and a leading watchmaker and jeweler of Oak Harbor, Ottawa county, is a na- tive of Sandusky county, Ohio, having first seen the light August 21, 1858, in Fremont.

His parents, Frederick and Marie (Birinley) Tschumy, were both born in Baden, Germany, the former December 25, 1823, the latter August 10, 1825. They were married in the Fatherland, I and in 1849 immigrated to America, lo-

yours Dimerely C. R. Tschumy

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cating first in New Orleans, La., where they resided several years, the father working at his trade, that of a cabinet maker, at which he was an expert. From New Orleans the family moved to Fre- mont, Sandusky Co., Ohio, afterward, in 1863, to Port Huron, Mich., where Mr. Tschumy engaged in the manufacture of pumps. In 1864 they removed to Na- poleon, Henry Co., Ohio; thence, in 1866, to Oak Harbor, where they con- tinued to reside for many years, enjoying the love and respect of all who knew them. The father's death occurred March IO, 1874, his faithful and loving wife sur- viving him until December, 1886, when she, too, passed away. The Tschumy family consisted of eleven children, five of whom are yet living, viz .: Frederick J., a marine engineer, residing in Cleve- land, Ohio; Emma, the wife of Ira Neville, a resident of Teegarden, Marshall Co., Ind .; Louis H., a prominent builder and contractor of Toledo, Ohio; Charles R. ; and Louisa, now the wife of William Heminger, of Oak Harbor.

Charles R. Tschumy, whose name in- troduces these lines, received his prelim- inary education in the public schools of Oak Harbor, on leaving which he was apprenticed to the trade of watch-mak- ing, entering the employ of Otto Brown, a practical watchmaker from Germany, who was at that time doing business in Oak Harbor. After completing his ap- prenticeship our subject worked, at in- tervals, for James Moore, of Toledo, and gained further information regarding the details of his trade, more especially the use of tools for manufacturing the finer parts of watches, though it is mainly through his own energy and skill as a mechanic that he has attained the thorough knowledge of and perfection in his business he to-day possesses. From his early boyhood Mr. Tschumy has been of an inventive turn of mind, and when but eleven years of age he modelled and built, unaided, a miniature engine, the

parts being composed principally of wood, the motive power being compressed air instead of steam; and possessing these in- ventive faculties to so great a degree, he has become a thorough master of the many technical details of his business. Mr. Tschumy has been engaged in watch- making since 1872, and his reputation as a practical, thorough watch-maker and business man is recognized far and near, work being sent him from many places outside of the State in which he lives. The jewelry department of his large and handsome store is well stocked with the finest quality of goods, and his prompt- ness, strict integrity and skill as a work- man have established for him a reputa- tion and trade not excelled, if equalled, by any firm in the county.

In 1884 Mr. Tschumy was united in marriage, at Oak Harbor, with Belle Vining, who was born in Bellevue, Huron Co., Ohio, May 8, 1858, daughter of Calvin and Harriet (Croney) Vining, na- tives of Virginia. The family consists of six children, viz .: Ina and Edna (twins), Beulah Marie, Grace, Florabell, and an infant yet unnamed, besides a daughter, Lula, by a previous marriage of Mrs. Tschumy. Our subject is a member of Lodge No. 516, K. of P., also 'of Oak Harbor Lodge No. 735, I. O. O. F., and in his political views he favors the Dem- ocratic party. The family are consistent members of the M. E. Church. A bio- graphical sketch of Mr. Tschumy, to those who know him, would be incomplete were mention of his musical abilities omitted. In his home life he has always found relief from his routine of duties in literature and music, and for a number of years he has been leader of the Oak Har- bor Band, and his assistance in all social and Church gatherings has added much to his popularity and success. He is also an ardent lover of the science of astron- omy, and he is the possessor of a small telescope, with which he spends many a pleasant evening in the contemplation of

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different heavenly bodies, especially the planets. He renders much aid to the as- tronomy classes in the public school by kindly illustrating to them the various systems treated in their text-books. He is regarded as an honorable man, above reproach in all things, kind to everyone, generous to those who are in need, a man of strong convictions of right and wrong, and ever fearless in upholding that which he knows to be right.

S AMUEL MINIER is a native of Salem township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, his birth having occurred July 15, 1847, on the old homestead farin, the third farm which was opened up in the township. It is still his home and has been his place of abode through child- hood and manhood. He received such limited educational privileges as the dis- trict schools of that day afforded, and from early youth has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. As soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields, and it was not long before he was familiar with farm work in all its de- partments. The pursuit to which he was reared he has made his life work, and to- day he is one of the enterprising agricul- turists of the community, the owner of a highly-cultivated tract of land, which in its neat appearance indicates the careful supervision of the owner. His business transactions are conducted with the ut- most fairness, and his industry and honesty have won him the respect and confidence of all who know him.

Mr. Minier has been twice married; first time to Miss Rachel Beard, a resi- !

dent of Stark county, Ohio, and they be- came the parents of two children-Joseph, who is residing in Salem township, Ot- tawa county; and Flora Belle. The mother of this family, who was a most estimable lady, passed away February 5, 1877, and one year later, December 19, 1878, Mr. Minier married Miss Susanna Kleinhans,

who was born September 5, 1847, daugh- ter of John and Maria (Hineline) Klein- hans, well-known people of Ottawa coun- ty. Five children grace this marriage -- four sons and one daughter-their names and dates of birth being as follows: Claude A., October 5, 1879; Gwendolen, Febru- ary 27, 1881; George S., August 3, 1883; Orville Earl, May 6, 1885; and Lloyd D., June 4, 1890. The family are well-known in this community, the household is the abode of hospitality, and our subject and his wife hold an enviable position in social circles. Mr. Minier is a member of La- care Tent, Knights of the Macabees, and in his political views is a stanch Dem- ocrat, having supported that party since attaining his majority. He is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer fam- ily, and well deserves representation in this volume.

A LBERT A. CLEMONS, a lead- ing fruit grower of Danbury town- ship, Ottawa county, and a son of Alexander Clemons, was born on the old homestead at Marblehead, Ohio, April 9, 1840. Since infancy he has been a resident of that community, where by his good qualities and genial disposition he has endeared himself to the residents of that as well as other sections of the county, and, throughout, his friends are legion. His education was acquired in the public schools of Marblehead, and from early boyhood until 1862 he was en- gaged in farm work.

In August, 1862, Mr. Clemons en- listed in Company G, One Hundredth O. V. I., with which regiment he par- ticipated in numerous engagements, in- cluding the siege of Knoxville, and the battles of Franklin, Resaca, Atlanta and Nashville. He was a faithful soldier, al- ways found at his post of duty, and at the close of the war was mustered out and discharged at Goldsboro, July 20, 1865. On returning to his home in Marblehead

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he became connected with his brother in the quarrying business, being owners of one of the largest quarries in the State. They carried on operations under the firm name of Clemons Sons until 1890, when business was discontinued, and the part- nership dissolved, since which time our subject has devoted his entire attention to fruit growing.

At Sandusky City, Ohio, in 1875 Al- bert Clemons was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Catherman, a daughter of Samuel and Clarissa Catherman, the for- mer a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio, both now residents of Sandusky City. To this union has been born one child, Georgie D., who is still with her parents. Mr. Clemons is a member of Peninsular Lodge, No. 607, K. of P., and of R. B. Richardson Post, No. 454, G. A. R., while in politics he is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. As a citizen he is broad guaged and enterpris- ing, and can worthily be accredited with having done his share in developing the interests of the county. While not a Church member, he is a supporter of all religious efforts, and gives liberal financial aid thereto. The family hold prominent place in social circles.

H ERMAN W. ENGLEBECK. Of German descent, this gentleman was born in Portage township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, December 23, 1836, a son of Herman and Caroline (Fechtler) Englebeck, natives of the Fa- therland. Leaving their old home they crossed the Atlantic to America, and about 1835 located in what is now Portage town- ship, Ottawa Co., Ohio, which was then a part of Sandusky county, there continu- ing their residence until called to the home beyond. Of their family of nine children, six are still living, namely: William, who resides in Weston, Wood Co., Ohio; Her- man W., in Portage township, Ottawa county; John R., a resident of Denver,

Colo. ; Henry J., who is living in Lakeside, Ohio; Katherine, wife of Capt. William Slackford, and a resident of Portage town- ship; and George, who is located in Des Moines, Iowa.

Our subject was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, receiving such edu- cational advantages as were obtainable in the district schools of the neighborhood, and from his boyhood days up to the present time has been engaged in agricul- tural pursuits, winning a well-merited suc- cess, and becoming the owner of one of the most fertile farms and productive or- chards of the township. He enjoys the reputation of being a thorough and prac- tical agriculturist and fruit grower, and his well-tilled fields and fruit-bearing or- chards indicate his care and supervision. His handsome residence and neat sur- roundings bespeak thrift, and the home is noted for its hospitality.

The lady who presides in the Engle- beck residence, was, in her maidenhood, Nancy Wonnell, and in Port Clinton, on the 18th of December, 1859, she became the wife of our subject. Her parents were early settlers of Portage township, Otta- wa county, where she was born April 17, 1838. The children of this marriage are six in number: Oscar W., born Septem- ber 18, 1861, was married July 3, 1883, to Lizzie Lickfelt, and has one son, Ar- thur; Charles Grant, born December 6, 1864. married Jennie Fall, and with his wife and two children, Amos and Helen, resides in Port Clinton; Effie Josephine, born July 3, 1863, was married April 9, 1887, to Burton Elwell, and died January 25, 1893, leaving a daughter, Florence E., who is still living; Carrie Leah was born March 7, 1871; Bertie Hayes, born June 6, 1875, died March 8, 1876; Nannie Belle, born July 20, 1879, completes the family.

In all the duties of husband, father, neighbor and citizen, Mr. Englebeck is found faithful, and occupies a high place in the esteem of those who know him.

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He is a representative farmer, one whose example may well be followed, for his character is above reproach and he is worthy of the highest respect. For al- most sixty years he has resided in Ottawa county, and well deserves mention among the honored pioneers.

H ENRY BOWE, one of the de- scendants of George Bowe, Sr., a well-known pioneer of Sandusky county, was born June 6, 1843, in Scott township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where he still resides. He lived with his parents on the old farm in Scott township until he was twenty-one years, when he began life for himself, working the old farm on shares.

In 1864 Mr. Bowe took a trip to Green Bay, Lake Superior, and Ft. Wayne, Ind. In the following year he again visited Ft. Wayne, Ind., where he remained a few months, and then returned home and worked on the old farm one year. He then again went to Indiana, returning, in 1867, to the old farm where he remained until his marriage, January 27, 1847, to Catherine Fry, of Jackson township, San- dusky county. To them have come four children: Sarah A., born August 31, 1878, died August 14, 1887; Mary Annie, born April 11, 1880, at the present time study- ing music; Roulif, born August 10, 1883; and Lulu L., born January 27, 1889.

A part of the farm, where Mr. Bowe now resides, he obtained from his father. To it he has added forty acres more, erected substantial buildings, and now has the place under good cultivation. In addition to his farmning he is engaged in the oil business. His first lease was in 1886, and provided that Mr. Bowe should have one-eighth of the oil, $300, and an oil well in five years. The wells were not driiled, nor were they expected to be -hence the lease practically amounted to very little. In 1887, he leased his farm again, this time for one year, he to

have one-eighth of the oil, but no wells were put down. In 1888 another lease was drawn, but nothing was done. On April 8, 1895, the first real business for oil began on Mr. Bowe's farm. Accord- ing to the lease he is to have $300, and one-sixth of the oil, besides which a well is to be put down every sixty days until there are six wells in all. In addition to this Mr. Bowe has at the present time just drilled and shot a well of his own which promises to be a very good one. The wells now running are producing about twenty barrels each per day. One- sixth of the oil, together with the well owned by himself, returns a fine income from the oil business.

Mr. Bowe's father, George Bowe, Sr., was one of Sandusky county's pioneers. He relates a striking incident in his own life while living in Scott township. One day, about the year 1843, while laboring on his farm, there suddenly appeared be- fore him an image of his father, as natural as life; he spoke and the vision vanished. He at once went to the house, related the incident to his wife and family, and after a little consultation it was decided that he had better go to Buffalo and visit his father. Accordingly he left at once for that city, and on coming there he found his father a corpse. At that time the old gentleman was about seventy-five years old, thus making the date of birth of our subject's paternal grandfather about the year 1768. The father of our subject was born in France in 1802, and came to America in 1832, settling in New York State, where he remained three years. Thence he came to Ohio, and in Scott township entered 210 acres of land, one- half for himself and the other half for his sister. In 1834-35 he married Catherine Wegstein, daughter of Michael Wegstein, born in Baden, Germany, in 1813. To them were born ten children, three of whom died in infancy, the others being: George, Jacob, Frederick, Henry, Mich- ael, David and Mary C. Of these, Fred-

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erick and Mary C. died some time ago, while the remainder are yet living. The father of our subject acquired a large property in Scott township, owning at one time 600 acres of land. He died June 3, 1872, and was buried in the Bradner Cemetery.

Our subject's maternal grandfather, Michael Wegstein, was born about 1779, in Baden, Germany, where he was mar- ried, and had a family of six children. In 1832 he started for America, but on the voyage his wife took sick, died, and was buried in mid-ocean. Of his family only

two are now living. One son, Michael, was captain of Company H, Seventy- second Ohio Volunteers, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh.

Mrs. Bowe, wife of our subject, was born June 7, 1849, in Jackson township, Sandusky Co., Ohio, where she lived until her marriage. Her father, George Fry, a pioneer of Sandusky county, was born in Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia, in 1798, came to America in 1835, and in 1843 was united in marriage with Miss Mary Gust, who was born March 14, 1821, and died in 1880. They had nine children, five of whom are living. He died November 26, 1890. He helped to construct the Maumee pike, the famous Ohio road. Mrs. Bowe's maternal grand- father, Casper Gust, was born about 1790, and his wife about 1799. They were the parents of ten children.

J EPTHA L. OGDEN, one of the most successful farmers and fruit growers of Carroll township, Ot- tawa county, was born in Morris county, N. J., November 28, 1827, and is one of a family of six children, only two of whom now survive, our subject and his sister Ruth, wife of Henry Jide.

Their parents, Jeptha and Rachel (Munson) Ogden, were also natives of New Jersey, the father born July 24, 1795, the mother on June 12, 1788. They

came across the mountains from New Jersey with teams to Ottawa county, the trip occupying a month, and reached Port Clinton, May 25, 1838. After resting a few days in that city they proceeded in a scow by river to Carroll township, where they located on the land now owned by our subject. The farm was then a per- fect wilderness, but they at once began to clear and develop the land, which has now been placed under a high state of cultivation. In the log house which was there erected the deaths of both parents occurred, the mother dying February 23, 1874, the father on May 15, 1877.

The subject of this sketch passed his boyhood and youth after the manner of most farmers' sons, acquiring his educa- tion in the old log schoolhouse of the district, at an early age being trained to those habits of industry and economy which have proven the secret of his suc- cess in life. In connection with general farming he is also engaged in fruit grow- ing, in which he is meeting with a well- deserved success. In Ottawa county, on November 28, 1852, Mr. Ogden was mar- ried to Miss Margaret Cover, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Cover, and they became the parents of six children: Sa- phroni, born September 26, 1853, now the wife of John Meeker; Reuha, born Sep- tember 18, 1855, was married February II, 1874, to Charles Humphrey, and died July 19, 1882; Philina, born February 8, 1857, now the wife of Daniel Day, of Port Clinton, Ottawa county; Rachel E., born April 14, 1862, now the wife of Charles Humphrey; Jeptha William was born September 29, 1864; Alice, born April 6, 1871, is the wife of Edward Jide; and one child died in infancy. The mother of this family died February 18, 1879, and February 8, 1881, Mr. Ogden was again married, this time to Mrs. Mary Giger, widow of Henry Giger, and sister of his first wife, and her death oc- curred November 19, 1888. On Feb- ruary 13, 1892, Mr. Ogden wedded Mrs.

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Clemenza Almira (Mattock) Conn, widow of Philip Conn. She was born in Coshoc- ton county, Ohio, June 5, 1842, and is a daughter of Isaac and Matilda Mattock, the former of whom now makes his home in Adams, Defiance Co., Ohio. By her former marriage Mrs. Ogden became the mother of five children: Emma, born August 1, 1863, died August 11, 1866; Matilda. born December 11, 1865, mar- ried January 8, 1884, to William Schmaltz, of Defiance county; Mary, born March 19, 1873, married April 28, 1889, to William Tittle; Euphema, born April 22, IS81; and Theodocia, born June 16, 1883.

In his political views Mr. Ogden is a Democrat, and in religious faith the family attend the services of the United Brethren Church. From his early boy- hood our subject's life has been spent in Carroll township, and from a wilderness, inhabited mostly by savages with only a few white settlers, he has seen the coun- try converted into finely-tilled land, dotted with handsome residences, in which work he has contributed his share, and he enjoys and respect of all who knew him.

F REDERICK HOLTKAMP, who is successfully engaged in farming in Harris township, Ottawa coun- ty, was born in Prussia, June 26, 1846, a son of Frederick and Angeline (Schope) Holtkamp, also natives of Prus- sia. They were both born in 1815, and the father, now at the age of eighty years, a hale and hearty old man, is living with our subject; they were the parents of three children, Frederick being the only survivor. The paternal grandfather, who also bore the name of Frederick, was born in Prussia, in 1775. He was a liter- ary man, highly educated, and spent the greater portion of his life in Germany. His wife was born in Prussia in 1786, and they were the parents of seven children. The great-grandmother of Mr. Holtkamp

was born in Prussia, in 1755, but further than this the ancestry of the family can not be traced.

During the first fourteen years of his life, Frederick Holtkamp, the subject proper of this review, remained in the land of his birth, and then accompanied his parents on their emigration to the New World, the family locating at Elmore, Ohio, where the father purchased a tract of land and began farming. Our subject remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when he started out to make his own way in the world. As a helpmeet on life's journey he chose Miss Mary Huber, of Monroe, Mich., who was born in Hessen, Ger- many, March 23, 1835, and is a daughter of John and Agnes (Lisben) Huber, na- tives of the same locality, the former born November 1I, 1805, and the latter in 1806; of their eight children, four are now living, all residents of the Buckeye State. Her paternal grandmother, Helen Pricker, was born in Hessen in 1778, and her maternal grandmother, Maria Hoff- spier, was born in 1773, while the great- grandmother was born in 1749, nearly one century and a half ago.

Mr. and Mrs. Holtkamp began their domestic life upon a farm near Elmore, Ohio, where they lived for some years, and then removed to the village of El- more, which was their place of abode six years, and where he was in the tailoring business. In 1875 he purchased the farm which he yet owns, and at once began to clear and develop it, placing it under a high state of cultivation. The excellent buildings which he has erected, the fences always kept in good repair, the well-tilled fields, and the fine orchard with its va- riety of fruits, all indicate the care and supervision of a painstaking owner. He also devotes some time to stock-raising, selling to local dealers, and has made this a profitable part of his business. He and his family are all members of the Meth- odist Church of Elmore, and are people

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whose well-spent lives have won them the respect and confidence of all with whom they have come in contact. In his political views Mr. Holtkamp is a Re- publican, but has never sought or desired the honors or emoluments of public office.

To Mr. and Mrs. Holtkamp have been born children as follows: (1) Mary, the eldest, married O. O. Overmyer, a wealthy farmer of Lindsey, Ohio. (2) Angeline married A. Coleman, of Genoa, Ohio, who lives on a farm which he bought of Mr. Holtkamp. (3) Lizzie married Rev. P. S. Ingersoll, of Nor- walk, Ohio, who is at the present time in Minnesota. (4) John H., who is a grad- uate of the German Wollace, of Berea, Ohio, is now minister at Mckeesport, Penn. (5) Henry C., is an expert uphols- terer in Toledo, Ohio. (6) Frank E. is a printer, at the present time in Cairo, Ill., where he has an interest in the Cairo Daily People. (7) Caroline is one of El- more's noted dressmakers. (8) Daniel Webster H., who is in his "teens" yet, is still at home on the farm with his father; during spare time he devotes him- self at his desk writing; he is correspond- ent for the Cleveland Press, which work he likes and takes much interest in, and some day expects, when old enough, to follow; he is a bright and energetic young man, standing high in society; he is a member of the Elmore Band, in which he plays cornet; he and his little sister Emma, who is but sixteen years old, and a graduate of the Elmore High school, play cornet solos. (9) Emma is a re- markable musician, being especially a very fine piano player.

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Commemorative biographical record of the counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, Part 94

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