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. 3 > Part 23
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Mrs. Judson died January 14, 1891, deeply lamented by her family to whom, as a wife and mother, she had given years of loving devotion, and by a large circle of friends whom her rare wo- manly qualities had won. Her husband followed her to the unknown land June 30, 1896. She and her husband had long been consistent members of the Methodist Church, in which Mr. Judson was for many years a teacher in the Sunday-school. In politics he was a Republican, and while he did not seek official place, he wielded great in- fluence in all local affairs, and was a generous supporter of every progressive measure. He was honest and industrious, always dealing fairly with his fellow men. Upon his death, his children found that deeds of his lands had been made out. signed and acknowledged, deeding each of the children twenty acres of land justly divided. His children can look back with pride upon his ex- emplary life, and should they follow the example mapped out by their father's life, they will make no mistake.
SAMUEL W. BRUNTHAVER is possessed of the true Western spirit of progress, and his chief char- acteristics are industry and enterprise, qualities which are always essential to success. He now follows farming in Middleton township, ard his entire life has been spent in the Backeve State He was born in Ballville township, Sandisky county, August 18. 1853, and is a sou of Peter Bruntbaver, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, February 9, 1823, and spent the days of his childhood and youth upon his parents' farmi. All his life he carried on agricultural pursuits 1s . a means of support. From his native county he removed to Sandusky county, where he farine i It0 acres of land and reared his family. Jak 4. IS47, he was united in marriage, in Toledo, Ohio. with Miss Mary Jane Cook, a native of Richland
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county, born March 2, 1827, and to them were born eight children, five of whom are now living, namely: Charles, Samuel W., Orin, Frank, and Minnie. The father was called to his final rest while living in Fremont, in April, 1891, and his wife died in 1893.
The gentleman whose name begins this sketch was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, working in the fields through the summer months, and attending the district schools of the neighbor- hood in the winter. When twenty-seven years of age he came to Wood county, and located in Middleton township, where he purchased forty acres of land, only twenty of which had been cleared and broken, and on whichi was a small house. He has extended the boundaries of his farm by the additional purchase of forty acres, so that he now owns a valuable tract of eighty acres, of which the entire amount is under cultivation, excepting four acres in timber .. He has erected thereon a good dwelling and barns, and has added all the other improvements found upon a model farm of the nineteenth century. To some extent he has engaged in stock-raising, and has climbed the ladder of success until reaching a position of affluence.
In 1883, at Bowling Green, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Brunthaver and Miss Annie Norton, daughter of the late Michael Norton, of Middleton township, and a member of the Cath- olic Church. In politics our subject is a Demo- crat, and his social affiliations connect him with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
JOHN C. PETERS is numbered among the na- tive sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Morrow county, September 17, 1842. When a child of four years he was brought by his parents, Abraham and Edith (Runyon) Peters, to Wood county, and he attended the district schools of Henry and Bloom townships, his first teacher being Phoebe Bell, a strict disciplinarian. He obtained a good education, and remained at home with his father until after he had attained his majority, when, in May, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, 16Ist O. V. I. From Columbus he went to the front, and took part in the battles of Cumberland Gap and Winchester, reaching Har- per's Ferry July 4. He then participated in the engagement at that place, and was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, in October, 1864.
During the following year he worked at the carpenter's trade in Charlotte, Eaton Co., Mich., and then returned to Wood county, working on the home farm until his marriage; he also followed ditch digging. On November 8, 1867,
in Henry township, he wedded Miss Frances A. Wilson, the ceremony being performed by Peter Freyman, justice of the peace. She was born in Yates county, N. Y., July 14, 1848, and is a daughter of William and Mary S. (Kingsbury) Wilson, the former of whom was a weaver by trade. Their family numbered five children, namely: Mrs. Peters; Edward, cf Henry township, Wood county; Olive, wife of Michael Henning, of North Baltimore, Ohio; Chester, who died in Tennessee, in 1892; Cassius, who died at the age of sixteen; and Charles, a farmer, of Tennessee. Mrs. Peters was only five years of age when she accompanied her parents to Ohio. They located in Hancock county, and in 1864 came to Wood county, settling in Henry township, where they resided until 1874; then re- moved to Tennessee, where the father still makes his home. The mother's death occurred there in August, 1888.
Mr. Peters first purchased twenty acres of wild land, and lived in an old plank house, 18 x 24 feet, which was built by his brother William. After a number of years he located in Hoytville, and erected the first business house in that town. He then embarked in merchandising, which he carried on for two years, when he returned to the farm, there spending three years. His next busi- ness venture was in the line of stave manufactur- ing, purchasing an interest in the factory at North Baltimore, with which he was connected for two years. He then again returned to the farm, but later removed to Michigan, making his home in Coleman and in Mt. Pleasant, that State. In 1885 he again became a resident of Henry town- ship, Wood county, and in the spring of 1894 he purchased property in North Baltimore, where he made his home for a year. He now owns 573 acres of valuable land, and his dwelling stands upon a forty-five acre tract, while upon his land are twelve good oil wells.
To Mr. and Mrs. Peters were born the fol- lowing named children: L. Lunda, born April 22, 1871, and died January 24, 1886; J. Loren, born September 9, 1872, and married Amanda Bartz, of Henry township; Mary Edith, born December 23, 1873, and is the wife of Jolin .1. Rogers, of North Baltimore: Anna Belle, born July 20, 1876, and died June 13, 1884: Willie, born July 22, 1880, and died eight days later: Bassett Le Roy, born September 2. 1881; and Claudie Mearl, born October 28, 1884, and died April 26, 1887.
Mr. Peters is a stanch " Free-Silver' advo- cate, and is well-informed on the political issues of the day. He formerly took great delight in
J. C. PETERS AND FAMILY.
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hunting, but on one occasion was accidentally shot by a fellow hunter, fifteen pellets entering his body. His life has been well spent, and has gained for him the high regard of all with whom he has been thrown in contact. He now lives in Hancock county, one mile south and one-half mile west of Mt. Cory.
ANDREW J. KNAUSS. The Knauss family has long been prominently connected with the agri- cultural interests of the county, and is worthily represented by our subject, who was born in Plain township, January 27, 1864. He is a son of John Knauss, a well-known resident of the county. To the district schools near his home he is indebted for his educational privileges, hav- ing pursued his studies in both Center and Mid- dleton townships. The summer months were spent in work upon the home farm, and from the time that he was old enough to handle the plow he worked in the fields. On attaining his majority he left the parental roof, and started out in life on his own account. He purchased forty acres of land, all of which was wild and unim- proved. With characteristic energy he began its development, has divided it into fields of con- venient size, which are now under a high state of cultivation, and in the midst of the waving fields of grain stand a good residence, substantial barns and other improvenients.
Mr. Knauss was married on March 16, 1887, in Bowling Green, Ohio, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary B. Pickering, daughter of Robert Pickering, a farmer of Middleton township. Her birth occurred September 5, 1865. They now have two interesting children-Robert J., born December 19, 1889; and Essie M., born May 19. 1892. His parents hold inembership with the United Brethren Church, and Mr. Knauss gives his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party. His life has been an in- dustrious and busy one, and his energies have secured to him a comfortable horne. In the county where he has always lived he is quite popular and has many friends.
LINDWORTH P. THOMAS is now serving as trusteeof Middleton township, and is a public spir- ited citizen, interested in the welfare of the con- munity and its advancement. He was born in Monroe county, Mich., July 27, 1843, and is a son of Silas and Eliza A. (Beach) Thomas, both natives of New York. They were married, how- ever, in Michigan, and becune the parents of nine children, namely: Lindworth P .; Perry, a carpenter; Zachariah, Malvina and Albert, all de-
ceased; India, the wife of G. . H. Everett; Gideon, a farmer of Plain township; Clara, deceased; and Clarence, an agriculturist of Plain township. The father removed with his family from Michigan to Plain township, where he owned and operated a tract of land, continuing its cultivation until his death. In politics he was a Democrat, and served as trustee, supervisor and school director in Plain township. Religiously he was connected with the Baptist Church. His wife has also passed away.
Our subject obtained his education in a log school house near his home, and worked on his father's farm until twenty-four years of age, when he started out in life for himself. He purchased forty acres of land in Middleton township, near what was called Devil's Hole. This was all cov- ered with timber and water, but he succeeded in clearing away the trees, in ditching and tiling the place, and in course of time transformed the raw land into richly cultivated fields. He built a good house, erected a good barn in 1872, and also by purchase added sixty acres. In 18S9 he exchanged that property for eighty-five acres of land near the Maumee river, in Middleton town- ship, which he now operates, having made ex- cellent improvements thereon.
Mr. Thomas was married September 14, 1869, in Center township, to Lovina M. Noble. who was born in the State of New York. They have two children-Fannie, wife of Royal Dan- iels, a farmer of Middleton township; and Noble. who is attending school.
Our subject has done effective service in the interests of the schools, while serving as schoo! director in Middleton township, and for two years has been a member of the township board of ed- ucation. He served as road supervisor for two years in Plain township, and one year in Middle- ton township, and has been trustee for five years. His fellow citizens appreciating his worth and ability, have thus frequently called him to office. and he has ever discharged his duties in a capa- ble manner. In politics he is a Democrat.
HENRY MICHAEL, one of the prosperous and go-ahead farmers of Portage township, is a na- tive of the " Buckeye State." born August 11. 1850. near Fremont. Sandusky county. a son of George Michael, who is a native of Germany. near Alsace.
When nineteen years old George Michael came to the United States with his parents, who located near Fremont. Ohio. Here he was mar- ried to Miss Catherine Matthias, who was also born in Germany, and came to the United States with her parents when nine years old, the family
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locating in Sandusky county, where they were pioneers. Catherine had to walk four miles to school. She died November 20, 1894, when she was seventy-three years old, her husband pre- ceding her to the grave, November 1, 1890, when he was seventy-four years old, and they sleep side by side in Oakwood cemetery, near Fremont, Ohio. Mr. Michael was a self-made man, working for every acre which he owned, and he improved his farm of fifty acres, until it was worth $150 per acre, and was one of the best places in the vicinity. He and his wife had eight children, as follows: Caroline (Mrs. Levi Park- er), of Sandusky county, Ohio; Phillip, a lumber merchant, of Deshler, Ohio; George, of Fre- mont, Ohio; Henry, the subject of this sketch; John, a farmer of Portage township; Mary (Mrs. Reuben Swartz), of Fremont, Ohio; Elizabeth (Mrs. Henry Thompson), of Sandusky county; and Charles, who is farming on the old home- stead in Sandusky county. Mr. and Mrs. Michael were both members of the Evangelical Church for many years. He was originally a Republic- an in politics, but during his later years he sup- ported the Democratic party. He held the office of trustee for several years in Sandusky town- ship, but was not a man who gave much time to public affairs.
Our subject received such educational advan- tages as the district schools near his home afforded. He remained at home until twenty-two years old, receiving a thorough training in farm work, and also working at the carpenter's trade during the season, having commenced to learn the same, under Asa Foster, when he was seventeen years old. After his marriage, in 1873. he went to Owosso, Mich., where he remained eight months, embarking in the furniture business; but as he did not succeed at that he followed the carpenter's trade, and returned from Owosso a poorer, though wiser man. He now rented a farm in Sandusky township, Sandusky county, and here went to work, with no team, no implements, no capital of any kind, his only possessions being the furni- ture for his house. In Ottawa county he soon bought twenty acres of land, on which he paid $!00, and after working this farm for two years he sold out, and, in 1878, came to Wood county, buying fifty acres in Section 24, Portage town- ship. This land was, at that time, alinost in its primitive condition, the buildings were very poor, and he was obliged to go in debt to the amount of $635; but, allowing none of these things to dis- courage him, he set to work at once, and has succeeded in acquiring one of the neatest farm properties in this section. He has bought more
land, and now owns ninety acres, equipped with good buildings, all of which he has erected. In 1887 he built a comfortable home, in keeping with the surroundings. He has accumulated all this by his own exertions, and his life is an exam- ple of what industry and energy can accomplish. even without capital.
At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Michael was married to Miss Alice Cookson, of Fremont. who died in Sandusky county, January 15. 1891. at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving one child, Mabel G., who now lives in Detroit, Mich. For his second wife, our subject wedded, in ISS2. Miss Sarah C. Kratser, a native of Sandusky county, whose father, David Kratser, came from Pennsylvania. Five children have blessed this union: Mary, Lottie C., Laura, Chester H. and Lucy, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Michael are, in religious connection, members of the German Baptist Church, in which he is serv- ing as trustee. He is not partisan in politica! affairs, voting for the man best ntted for office. without regard to political connection.
C. J. UPDEGRAFF, the well-known carpenter and contractor of Portage township, was born February 26, 1850, in Canton, Ohio. His parents. Samuel and Caroline (Becker) Updegraff. were born in Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively. and were married in Ohio.
When our subject was twelve years old his father died, leaving a family of seven children with but little to support them, hence they were early obliged to take care of themselves. C. J. and Henry went to live with their uncle, Peter Kentz, near Tiffin, Ohio, and the former was to remain there until eighteen years of age. But. being dissatisfied for many reasons, he left at the age of sixteen years, and commenced work on his own account. He was to have been given fair school advantages, as he had attended school at Canton only a short time; but his schooling was altogether neglected. and he attended only one term after he was sixteen. With no capital. and a scant wardrobe, he set out for himself, com- mencing to work for a farmer at five dollars per month, and he continued to do farmi work, at various places in Seneca county, Ohio, until early in 1871, when he came to Wood county. Here he commenced to learn the trade of carpenter under W. H. Ferguson, of Perry township, dur- ing his apprenticeship receiving $60 per year. and he continued with Mr. Ferguson for three years gaining a thorough knowledge of the trade. which he has ever since followed. For twenty years he has been successfully engaged in carpen-
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tering and contracting on his own account, giving employment to several men, and many of the best houses and barns in the county stand as monuments of his skill. He is a systematic, reliable workman, and has acquired a reputation for fairness and honesty, which could only be gained by satisfactory work, and straightforward- ness in all his dealings.
On May 23, 1874, our subject was married, in Perry township, to Miss Hattie M. Pelton, who was born October 6, 1856, in LaGrange town- ship, Lorain Co., Ohio, daughter of Albert and Mary J. Pelton, the former of whom is now deceased, the latter living in Eagleville, Ohio. Albert Pelton was born in New York; Mary J. Elward, his wife, was born March 15, 1822, in County Tipperary, Ireland, and in early woman- hood was married in Waterford to David Smith, with whom she set out for the United States sev- eral years later. He was buried at sea, and his widow continued alone on her journey to New York City, where a son, Martin D., was born. Mrs. Smith subsequently came to Ionia, Mich., where she had two brothers living, and supported herself by sewing until her marriage, at that place, to Albert Pelton. Not long after they re- moved to Perry township, Wood Co., Ohio, thence to LaGrange township, Lorain county, and thence, in 1857, to Wood county again, where Mr. Pelton died in 1865. Their children were as follows: William (deceased), Hattie M., Charles (deceased). Franklin J. and Lizzie E. Mr. and Mrs. Updegraff have had two children -- Orrin W., born December 20, 1875, and Jesse R., born June 10, 1884, both of whom have been given all the advantages of good schools.
After his marriage Mr. Updegraff located on rented property in Perry township, where he afterward purchased twenty acres of land, and in the spring of 18So he removed to Bur- goon, Sandusky county, where, with a partner, he was interested in the building of a saw and , grist mill. He held his interest in this concern ten months, but the investment was not a profit- able one, and he lost almost all he had during that short time. In the spring of 1882 the family removed to Eagleville, here purchasing a house and lot, and this was partly paid for with money which Mrs. Updegraff had saved. In 1884 Mr. Updegraff rented a farm in Bloom township, and commenced to follow agriculture in connection with his contracting business, in which he has ever since engaged to some extent. In the fall of 1887 he bought the eighty-acre farm in Sec- tion 25, Portage township, on which he and his family now reside, this being part of the . Bis-
bee Farm." During his busy life Mr. Upde- graff has become widely and favorably known throughout Wood and Seneca counties, and he is respected by all who know him. He and his wife are, in religions connection, members of the C. B. Church; in politics, he is a Republican, stanch in his support of the principles of his party, but not an active politician.
PETER C. HUBER, a young man of rare busi- ness skill and excellent judgment, was born in Section 12, Portage township. Wood county, September 15, 1862, and is the son of John C. and Clarissa ( Foster) Huber. During his boy- hood he attended the district schools near his home, where he learned rapidly; but when still in his 'teens he had a severe attack of typhoid fever. which necessitated his learning many things over again. Later, he was a student in a business college at Toledo, Ohio, conducted by R. H. Davis, on Summit street, where he remained for nearly three terms.
On leaving the school-room, Mr. Huber be- gan life for himself as a peddler and clock and watch repairer, traveling through Wyandot, Han- cock, Crawford and other counties in north- western Ohio. He sold jewelry, spectacles and photographic work, continuing canvassing at different times, and carrying on that business for awhile in Canada. In that way he earned enough capital with which to buy three acres of land and a sawmill in Portage township. . He has since conducted the mill with good success, and also engages in the manufacture of cider. jelly and apple butter. He thoroughly understands his business, having been familiar with mill work since boyhood. A wide-awake, energetic busi- ness man, his success is well-deserved. and he is widely and favorably known throughout the com- munity. He lives with his mother upon the old home farm in Portage township.
WARREN W. HAMPTON is a leading business man of Dunbridge, engaged in contracting and building, and is also the efficient and highly es- teemed postmaster. He was born in Plain town- ship, this county, May 29, 1850, and is a son of Joseph Hampton. He pursued his education in the Hampton district school, of Plain township. and to his father gave the benefit of his services on the home farm until he reached man's estate. He then began learning the carpenter's and join- er's trade, which he followed in Michigan, Tole- do, Bowling Green. Tontogany. Haskins and Dunbridge, Ohio. In 1884 he took ap his rest- dence in the latter place. Here on all sides may
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be seen evidences of his handiwork. He thorough- ly understands his business, and his excellent . workmanship and strict adherence to straight- forward business principles have secured him a liberal patronage.
In Middleton township, July 26, 1879, was consummated the marriage of Mr. Hampton and Miss Melinda Jackson, who was born in Lake township, June 12, 1861: Their children are Maude, born July 14, 1880; Bernice, born Au- gust 8, 1882; James, born March 17, 1884; Pearl, born January 20, 1888; and Cora, who was born July 23, 1890, and is now deceased.
Mr. Hampton has frequently been called to public office by his fellow townsmen, who recog- nize his worth and ability. He served as con- stable of the town lor three - years, was school director for one term, and during President Cleveland's first administration served as post- master, from 1887 until 1889, when he resigned. In April, 1893, he was again appointed, and he administers the affairs of that office in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to his con- stituents. Socially, he is a valued member of Middleton Lodge, No. 786, I. O. O. F., of Dunbridge, and both he and his wife belong to Rebekah Lodge, No. 381. They are also con- sistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Hampton is an active worker in the Ladies Aid Society. Their home is noted for its hospi- tality, and throughout the community they have a large circle of friends.
DAVID D. HANLINE. It is eminently proper that one whose entire life has been passed in Wood county, and who, for more than half a century, has been identified with its interests, should be represented in a volume of this char- acter.
Mr. Hanline was born in Montgomery town- ship, March 23, 1838, on the old family home- stead of his parents, David and Eve (Rumler) Hanline. In his early childhood he suffered an accident that for sixteen years prevented the free use of his left leg, and in consequence made his attendance at school difficult. He attended a subscription school, to which he was forced to walk two miles, through a wet, swampy country. In his youth he accompanied his parents to Mad- ison township, Sandusky county, where he was reared to mauhood, and became familiar with the labors of a farm. In April, 1862, he purchased of his father forty acres of land in Section 25, Freedom township, of which only five acres had been cleared, while not a building stood on the place. He at once began to clear the property,
and has carried forward the work of development until the once wild tract has been transformed into rich fields, whose productiveuess brings to him a good income. He now owns eighty acres of valuable land, and the buildings upon the place stand as a monument to his thrift and enterprise. On this farm are three oil wells (the first bored in 1895), that produce about fifteen barrels per day.
In politics, Mr. Hanline is a Democrat, and ardently advocates the principles of his party. He was drafted during the Civil war, but on ac- count of disability, was not mustered into service. He holds membership in the Lutheran Church. and is a warm friend to the cause of education. taking a deep interest in the improvement of the schools, while for one term he served as school director in his district. He is a law-abiding citi- zen, one who has never engaged in litigation of any kind: but true to all the duties of public and pri- vate life, he has so lived as to win the respect and confidence of many friends.
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