USA > Ohio > Wood County > Commemorative historical and biographical record of Wood County, Ohio : its past and present : early settlement and development biographies and portraits of early settlers and representative citizens, etc. V. 2 > Part 31
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OTIS BEVERSTOCK, one of the enterprising and rising young men of Wood county, is a native of the same, having been born in 1860 at Tontog- any, in Washington township. He is a son of Edward Beverstock, one of the most prominent pioneers of Wood county.
Our subject was reared in his native village. attending the common and business schools there. also taking one terin at a business college in To- ledo, Ohio. Until he was twenty-two years old he worked on a farni, and then accepted a posi- tion with the firm of Royce & Coon, grain mer- chants, Bowling Green, in whose employ he still remains, in the capacity of general manager.
In 188t, at the age of twenty-one, Mr. Bev- erstock was united in marriage with Miss Jennie S. Fuller, who was born at Grand Rapids, Mich .. and six children have been born to them, named respectively: Bertha, Beryl. Howard. Burt, Ruth, and Donald. Politically our subject is a stanc
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Republican; socially he is affiliated with the F. & A. M., a member of the Blue Lodge and of the Chapter.
FREDERIC VON KANEL, who for some six- teen years previous to his death, was a resident of Bowling Green, and one of its leading business men, was born in Asche, Canton Berne, Switzer- land, September 3, 1848. His parents, David and Susanna (Buhler) Von Kanel, were natives of that country and both died there, the former passing away at Asche, Canton Berne, in 1859, the latter at Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton Neu- chatel, in 1873.
The parental family consisted of six children, of whom mention is made as follows: David lives in Massillon, Ohio; Susanna died in the city of Berne, Switzerland; John lives in Akron, Ohio; Christian died in March, 1896, at Chaux- de-Fonds, Canton Neuchatel, Switzerland; Eliza- beth married Jacob Russer, and died in Chaux-de- Fonds, in 1874; Frederic was the youngest child.
Our subject attended the schools of Asche, Canton Berne, Switzerland, until after his fa- ther's death, when his mother and her children moved to Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton Neuchatel, where Mr. Von Kanel finished his education, and learned the trade of a watchmaker and . jeweler, a business which is very general in Switzerland, and in which that people excel. He worked at his trade for five years, in the meantime spend- ing a short period in the military school. and on November 24, 1871, he was married at Chaux- de-Fonds to Miss Elise Marie Maurer. After their marriage the young couple resided for a time in that town, and in 1873 came to America, landing on its shores the 28th of March. They first located at Wooster, Ohio, where they re- mained for three and a half years, Mr. Von- Kanel during that time being watch repairer in the jewelry store of E. Chatlaine. They re- moved to Tiffin, where he was in business some five months, and in 1877 they took up their resi- dence in Bowling Green.
Mr. Von Kanel began his operations in the latter city in a small way, but his thorough knowledge of his business, combined with his straightforward dealing and pleasant manners, soon brought him a large trade, and he gradually increased his stock and equipments until he be- came the leading jeweler and silversmith in the county, dealing in all kinds of wares in that line. He was a public-spirited citizen, and gave liber- ally to any enterprise calculated to forward the growth and prosperity of his community, and was always ready to uphold the institutions of his |
adopted country. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., K. of P. and Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Von Kanel was not a man of robust pliy- sique, although he was not in poor health all the time; yet he was a very active man, and his death, which took place June 5, 1893, found his family totally unprepared for the sad event. The loss fell heavily on them, and also on the large circle of friends and acquaintances who fully appreciated his sterling worth. By that time his business had assumed large proportions, and was in a flourishing condition, and, although having no experience in such matters, bis wife and daugh- ter, Elise Marianne, bravely determined to under- take the management of affairs themselves. Their success has been almost phenomenal. They have carried on the store in an admirable manner, have largely increased the stock, keep- ing up with the latest styles and fancies of the day, and have not only extended their trade in every direction, but have won the admiration and commendation of the business men throughout the county. They also stand high in social cir- cles, and are a living illustration of what women with brains, force of character, and a determined purpose can accomplish in any line to which they devote their energies.
The family circle consisted of six children, the eldest, Ulysses F., having died when nine months old. Elise Marianne, mentioned above, is a young lady of superior attainments. unusual business ability, and, while she is the main fac- tor in the management of the large jewelry store left by her father, she is at the same time one of the most popular and admired of the society girls in Bowling Green. Adele Anna is a grad- uate of Bowling Green High School, and is at home. Carrie Mary is also a graduate of the Bowling Green High School. The remaining children are Bertha Susanna and Estelle Flor- ence.
Mrs. Von Kanel, who proved herself a worthy helpmate to her husband, and is a woman of much ability, was born December 3. 1848, at Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, where she was reared and educated. Her parents were Jacob (a farmer) and Marianne (Stauffer) Maurer, the former of whom was born in the town of Renan in 1821, and died in his native country, October 19, 1876. His wife was also born in Renan, the date of her birth being January 11, 182;, and after the death of her husband she came to Amer- ica in 1878, taking up her residence in Bowling Green where she died September 20, 1888. This worthy couple were the parents of twelve chil-
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dren, namely: Elise M., widow of Frederic Von- Kanel, the subject of this sketch; August, living in Bowling Green; Louis F., living in Minneapolis, Minn .; Ulysses, who died in Switzerland; Marie, who also died in Switzerland; Adolph, residing in Bowling Green; Alfred, a farmer in Wood county; Anna, the wife of W. Parker, of Toledo; Rose, wife of Alexander Klever, of Bowling Green; Melani, who married W. Schafer, of Bowling Green; and Leon and Char- lotte, who both died in Switzerland.
ALEXANDER R. BRUCE, an honored veteran of the Civil war, and one of the progressive farmers of Middleton township, is numbered among the pioneer settlers of the county, his birth having occurred in Perrysburg, on the 29th of January, 1836. His father, Seth Bruce, was a native of Massachusetts, and, leaving the Bay State, emi- grated to Ohio when a young man. This was in 1834. He settled in Wood county, where he followed the carpenter's trade, and also engaged in farming in Perrysburg township, becoming the owner of eighty acres which he transformed into a rich tract. He was married in the State of his nativity to Mary Tower, and six children were born to them, namely: Deborah, Jessie S., Anna E., Roman M., Alexander and Joseph.
Our subject attended school in a house built of logs at Perrysburg, and in this primitive man- ner acquired his early education, but experience and observation have made him a well-informed man. In his younger years he followed the car- penter's trade, and also engaged in fishing on the lakes for five years. When the existence of the Union was threatened by the attempted secession on the part of the South, he enlisted in the three- months' service in 1861, as a member of Com- pany C, 21st O. V. I .. under Capt. Cook, of Perrysburg, and Col. Norton. When his first term had expired he joined Company C, 128th O. V. I., for three years, under command of Capt. Norris and Col. Hoffman. He partici- pated in all the engagements with his com- pany, and a third time enlisted, joining Company F, of the 144th O. V. I., under Capt. Cook. After that he served on guard duty. His army record was an honorable one, and throughout the war he remained at the front, faithfully defend- ing the Union cause. His health, which then be- carne impaired, he has never regained, and he still suffers quite severely from the effects of his army service.
Mr. Bruce, on returning to Perrysburg town- ship, rented a farin which he operated until 1880, when he came to Middleton township and
purchased forty acres of land on Hull Prairie. On account of his ill health his son operates the place. He was married in 1865 in Perrysburg township to Harriet Carter, daughter of Edward Carter, of that township, and to them have been born five children -- Emily S., wife of Alva Hum, of Perrysburg township; Marshall, who operates the farm: Esther, at home; and two who died in infancy.
In his political views, Mr. Bruce is a stal- wart Republican. He adheres to the faith of the Universalist Church, and has lived an up- right, honorable life, characterized by the same fidelity to duty that marked his course on South- ern battle fields.
B. W. PURDY, a stock dealer and farmer of Wood county, was born in Springfield, Richland Co., Ohio, March 13, 1833. He is the son of Archibald and Margaret Purdy, the former of whom was born in York county, Penn., and from there moved to Ontario county, N. Y., and there engaged in the milling business for several years, at the time Buffalo was burned, during the war of 1812. Two of his brothers were soldiers in that war. They moved to Mansfield, Richland Co., Ohio, in 1823. They raised a family of ten children: Charles, James, John, Cunningham H., Boyd W., Sarah J., Mary C., Almira, An- drew and William. Three of them died in boy- hood; James and Cunninghamn raised families. James died at the age of fifty-two, and Cunning- hamn at the age of fifty-five. Their father died October 7. 1875, at the age of eighty-two, and their mother five years later, at the age of seventy- nine.
Mr. Purdy received a common-school educa- tion in Richland county, and attended Oberlin College in 1856. When the news was received that Salmon P. Chase was elected governor of Ohio, he joined with the students in a bonfire jollification. Prof. Peck made a speech to the boys. The following Sunday Prof. Finney repri- manded them, and the students were defended by Prof. Peck. In 1857 Mr. Purdy went to Minnesota, and pre-empted 160 acres of land on the Upper Mississippi; returned to Richiland county, and engaged in farming for two years; sold the farm and went into the stock trade, buy- ing and shipping to Buffalo, Albany and New York, making Buffalo his headquarters for ten years. He bought stock in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, shipping east, and selling on the markets of Buffalo, Albany and New York. He came to Wood county in the spring of 1870, and located in Center township. He leased one
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thousand acres of land which he operated for four years, feeding stock and shipping East. He afterward purchased twenty-four acres of land where he now lives.
Our subject was married in Lockport, Janu- ary 7, 1869, to Catharine Mason, a daughter of Charles Mason, of Lockport, N. Y. They have `eight children, three of whom died in infancy; those living are Andrew W., Chas. H. and Frank A., all graduates of the High School of Bowling Green, Ohio, and B. William and Cora A., now attending school. In politics Mr. Purdy is Republican. He is an excellent citizen, genial and affable by nature, and his name is a house- hold word throughout the county.
MATTHIAS SCHONDELMYER is one of the well known and prominent citizens of Wood county. He has taken quite an active part in public affairs, and in all the relations of life has discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity that have won him high regard. He was born in Cologne, Prussia, December 30, 1839, and is a son of John and Barbara (Yakley) Schondelmyer, the former born in Baden, Germany, in 1809, the latter in 1803. The father followed clock repairing in early life, and afterward carried on farming. In the summer of 1840 he crossed the Atlantic to America, landing at New York, and at once went to Lake county, Ohio, where he operated a small farm for six years. He then located on a farm near Findlay, Ohio, where his death occurred in 1889. His first wife died in 1863, and he after- ward married Margaret Sice, who is still living. The family of John and Barbara Schondelmyer numbered the following named: Fred, Matthias, and four daughters who died in infancy. The children of the second marriage are Paulina, wife of Ernest Irwin, of Hancock county; Margaret, wife of Frank Miller, of Findlay, Ohio; Annie, Mrs. Christina Peiffer, of Hancock county; Mary, wife of George Nelson, of Findlay; Nancy; John, of Findlay; Thomas, who died at the age of three years; and Louis, of Hancock county.
Our subject was only six months old when brought by his parents to this country. He was reared and educated near Findlay, and worked as a farin hand in that neighborhood until twen- ty-three years of age, when he went to the West, and for nine years was engaged in the lumber business near Helena, Mont. He then returned home, and March 19, 1874, was married in Find- lay, to Miss Salina Scott, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, December 22, 1842, a daughter of Thomas B. and Eliza (Moorhead) Scott. Her father was born in Mercer county, Penn., March
7, 1814. His parents came to this country from Scotland after their marriage. When a young man he learned the cabinet maker's trade, and later became a veterinary surgeon. He was married in Stark county, Ohio, to Miss Moor- head, who, when five years of age, went with her parents to Findlay, Ohio. Mr. Scott died there in 1893, and his wife in 1889. John M., their eldest child, married Rachel Davis in 1861, three days later went to the front as one of Mitchell's raiders, was made a prisoner by the Rebels at Atlanta, Ga., and executed by them June 18, 1862. His remains were interred in the National Cemetery at Chattanooga, and a handsome monument has been erected to the memory of the seven heroes who at that time gave their lives for their country. The other members of the family are Margaret J., wife of Jacob Powell, of Findlay; James, who married Annie Pierce, and is living in Findlay; Mrs. Schondelmyer: Robert, who married Ella Kissel. and lives in Terre Haute, Ind .; Mary, wife of George Arnold. of Findlay; Martha, wife of John Exline; Albert, who married Jennie Hill, and lives in Findlay; and Amanda, wife of Charles Ebling, of Findlay.
Mr. and Mrs. Schondelmyer began their do- mestic life on a 100-acre farm five miles east of Findlay, but in 1884 he sold that property, and now owns 154 acres of valuable land in Liberty township, on which he erected a fine residence in 1891. His farm is one of the best in the neigh- borhood, and its neat and thrifty appearance in- dicates his careful supervision, while its buildings stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. To Mr. and Mrs. Schondelmyer have been born six children -- Mary Isabella, born April 24, 1875. died August 19, 1875; Amanda Barbara, born August 26, 1876; Margaret Emeline, born Feb- ruary 18, 1878; George Albert, born September 22, 1879; Fred Scott, born February 6, ISSI; and Fannie May, born March 14, 1884. Amanda and Margaret have both had educational training at Findlay (Ohio) College. In April, 1891, our subject was elected treasurer of Liberty town- ship, in which capacity he has since served con- tinuously. He is a Democrat in political faith : but, though the township is strongly Republican, he was elected by a flattering majority, and in 1895 without opposition. Mr. Schondelmyer and children are all members of the Disciples Church at Rudolph, while Mrs. Schondelnyer holds membership with the Second Presbyterian Church, of Findlay. Ohio. The daughters are members of the Christian Endeavor Society of Bethel Church, Rudolph, of which organization
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GEORGE
MARGARET
FRED
AMANDA
MOTHER
FANNIE
FATHER
FAMILY OF M. SCHONDELMYER.
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
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Miss Amanda is president, and her younger sis- ter, Margaret, is organist.
On March 29, 1890, oil was discovered on Mr. Schondelmyer's farm, and eleven wells have been drilled, from which he receives an income of about $1,000 per annum. Much of the farm is not yet utilized, twelve or fourteen locations being still undeveloped. The faim comprises 154 acres, fertile throughout.
JOHN MERVIN, one of the early settlers at the site of the present town of Risingsun, is a highly respected resident of that place. Like many of the prosperous and influential men of the day, he has made his way to success through adverse cir- cumstances, and his well-won competence reflects credit upon him.
He is of English birth, having entered upon his mortal career in Leicestershire, January II, 1824. His father, Thomas Mervin, was a butcher by trade. Our subject was reared upon a farın, near a small village, enjoying only the limited advantages of the common schools. He showed ability in the management and care of horses, and at an early age found employment in that work; but the opportunities for advancement seemed to him very discouraging, and he determined to come to America. Leaving his young wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth Riley, he sailed from Liverpool, in April, 1849, in the ship " Joseph Badger," and after a voyage of four weeks landed in New York. The trip to Albany was made by river, from Al- bany to Buffalo by rail, and from Buffalo he came by lake to Sandusky, where he took the Mad River railroad, then the only one in this region. His destination was Avon township, Lorain coun- ty, but by mistake he went to New Haven, Huron county. On learning his error he started on foot for Lorain county, but while en route he was taken very ill in Greenfield township, Huron county, and was cared for by some friendly English peo- ple. On his recovery he had but fifty cents left of the sum which he had saved from his earnings for his journey, and a new start in life. This money was spent for wine to stimulate his im- paired energies, and, instead of going on, he de- cided to remain there and rent a farın.
In the spring of 1850 his wife rejoined him. She had a difficult voyage, spending four months on the way, and being shipwrecked three times. They lived there for several years, renting differ- ent farms in the locality. but in the fall of 1863 they came to Wood county, driving through in a wagon. Mr. Mervin purchased sixty acres of land in Section 36, Montgomery township, where the village of Risingsun now stands. At that time
the land was partially improved in the dry portion, and a plank house stood near his present home. The swampy part of the farm had to be cleared. however, and there was no small amount of hard work to be done in the first years of his stay; but the rapid development of the locality brought prosperity. He still owns seventy acres of land in the vicinity, and also has ten acres in Jackson township, Seneca county. In 1877 he built a fine residence in Risingsun, which he has since occu- pied. Mrs. Mervin's death, December 9, ISSS. brought deep sorrow to this pleasant home. Her remains are interred in Trinity cemetery, Scott township, Sandusky county. They had nine chil- dren, all of whom are living: Sarah, Mrs. George Young, of Seneca county; Mary, Mrs. Adam Gra- ber, of Risingsun; George, a farmer in Perry township; Elizabeth, Mrs. Frank Blonde, of Perry township; Eliza and Lucy, who are at home; Frances, Mrs. Benjamin Bates. of Risingsun; Anna, Mrs. Courtland Essex, of the same town, and Hattie, Mrs. Russell Hoover, of Montgomery township.
Mr. Mervin's parents came to the United States in 1855 or '56, and located in Greenwich township, Huron county, where his father died at the age of seventy-three years. His mother afterward made her home in Wood county with her children, but died in Richland county at ninety years of age. Mr. Mervin is the eldest of six children, all living, Thomas resides in Rising- sun; George, in Longley; Elizabeth is the widow of James Brinson, of Huron county; Hannah married John Thompson, of Richland county, and Emma married first the late John Jenney. and second John Winder, of New Orleans, Louis- iana.
Mr. Mervin possessed in youth a powerful physique, and is still well-preserved, his strictly temperate habits being in his favor. Fond of reading, he has intelligent views on the questions of the time, and his interest in the education of the rising generation has led to several years of able service as school director. In principle he is a Democrat, but is not bound by partisan ties in the choice of suitable inen for local offices. He is a leading member of the M. E. Church.
JOHN MARRON receives that respect which fidelity to duty and an industrious life always commands. He is now serving as postmaster of Hull Prairie, and is successfully engaged in black- sinithing. A native of the Emeraldt Iste, he was born in County Monaghan, June 20, 1835, and is a son of Patrick and Julia ( Bird) Marron. The father died in 1849, the mother in isso. He
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was a farmer by occupation, and after his death the mother brought her little family to America in 1850, and spent her last days in Toledo. Her children were Mary, deceased wife of William Davis, of Iowa; John, of this sketch; Michael, a shipbuilder of Toledo, and Annie who died in childhood.
Mr. Marron, of this review, attended school in his native land, and at the age of fifteen came to the United States, locating first in Sandusky, Erie Co., Ohio. For four years he was employed as a farm hand in that county, after which he learned the blacksmithing trade, which he has since followed. He pursued that business for a time in Lorain county, also in Toledo, and in 1868, came to Wood county, locating on Hull Prairie, where he has since remained, building up a very successful business. He is an excellent workman in his line, and his well-directed efforts and honorable dealings have secured him a
liberal patronage. He also owns a farm of sixty acres near by, on which his son-in-law lives. In 1886 he was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland, but would not accept the office. In 1893 he was again tendered the position, which he is now filling to the general satisfaction of the public.
Mr. Marron was married in Erie county, Ohio, in 1864, to Miss Horan, a native of Ire- land, and to them have been born six children- George; John; Carrie, wife of E. B. Twining; Julia, and Sophia, at home; and Mary, who died in childhood.
Mr. Marron was school director for two terms, and has been a member of the town- ship board of trustees. His political support is given the Democratic party, and in relig- ious faith he is a Catholic. His industry and enterprise, and the resolute purpose that has en- abled nim to work his way steadily upward, well entitle him to the honorable distinction of being known as a self-made man.
GEORGE GREEN, deceased. As a representa- tive of the intelligent and hardy pioneers who opened up Plain township for settlement, and have since taken a conspicuous part in develop- ing it, we are pleased to place in this volume a brief sketch of the life of the gentleman whose name introduces this review.
Mr. Green was born at Wigan, near London, England, March 28, 1846, and when quite young came to America with his parents, William and Sarah (Brown) Green, both natives of the same isle. On emigrating to this country in 1846, the father came direct to Ohio, locating in Cleveland,
where he remained four months working at his trade of a butcher, after which he came to Wood county, and bought eighty acres of unimproved land in Plain township. Indians still lived in the neighborhood, wolves and deer were to be seen, and wild game of all kinds furnished many a meal for the family. They were among the first settlers of Plain township, and their first home was a rude log hut. The father continued to work at his trade, and as his sons grew up they helped him in the management and care of the farın. He and our subject also constructed some of the roads and ditches of the township. There were seven children in the family, all of whom grew to years of maturity, namely: Mary, de- ceased wife of John Moore; Ellen, a resident of Weston; Richard, deceased; Sarah, wife of Amos Dewese; Isaac, deceased; Jane, wife of Thomas Woodesly, of Canada; and George. The par- ents have both departed this life, the father dying in 1851, and the mother in 1846. .
As our subject was reared in a pioneer settle- ment, he received his education in the primitive school house, characteristic of the times and place. As soon as he was old enough, he was obliged to share in the labors of developing the farm from the wilderness. This early training in agricultural labors doubtless made the young lad sturdy, self-reliant, and capable beyond his years. and prepared him for a life of independence. By dint of hard labor, perseverance and wise man- agement, he had at the time of his death a farm which, in its neat appearance, with its ample farm buildings, unsurpassed productiveness, and all the other essentials of a good farm, compares favorably with others in the neighborhood. Thus his thrift, frugality and industry was rewarded by a substantial home, and an assured income which gave him the means of procuring all the com- forts of life for himself and family. His wife. who was to him an excellent counselor and help- meet, shared with him the respect and esteem of the entire community.
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