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 72
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HENRY ROTHENBUHLER, a prominent young agriculturist of Webster township, is a son of ons of the pioneer farmers, John W. Rothenbahlei and was born in Webster township. August 2r. 1860. His education was obtained in the school
J. It yates
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of his district, and until the age of twenty-five he remained at home assisting his father.
He was married June 16. 1885, in Ann Ar- bor, Mich., to Miss Sophia Helena Rothenbuhler, who was born May 23, 1864, the daughter of Christopher and Mary Rothenbuhler. of Troy township. They have one son, George H .. born January 23, 1886, a bright, intelligent boy, who is already taking a high rank as a student. Aft- er his marriage Mr. Rothenbuhler settled upon a farm of twenty acres, which he improved and sold, buying a tract of forty acres near Luckey. Here his industry and frugality have brought him prosperity, of which his handsome residence and modern farm buildings give pleasing evidence.
Politically he is a Republican, and he and his wife are leading members of the Evangelical Church at Luckey.
THOMAS KNEALE CRAINE. There is proba- bly no man in Lake township wider or more favorably known than Mr. Craine, who came to this section of the country in the pioneer days, and is recognized as one of the important factors in its progress and development. A native of the Isle of Man, he was born March 10, 1825, at the home of his parents, James and Isabel (Kneale) Craine. His father, who was also born on the Isle of Man, was constable for many years at Dollybeg, where he made his home until his death, which occurred when he was aged sev- enty-eight years. His wife was aboutseventy-two years of age when she was called from this life, and they were both faithful members of the Church of England. In their family were thefollowing chil- dren: Jolin, who died on the Isle of Man; Mary. who became the wife of John Lewin, and died on the same island; Catherine, widow of W. Kinney, and Isabel, widow of Richard Cowley, both still re- siding on the Isle of Man; Ann, wife of Ned Kew- ley, of Galva, Ill .; James, of Cleveland, Ohio; Thomas K., subject of this review; Elizabeth, wife of John Kneen, of O'Brien county, Iowa; and William, deceased.
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In his native land our subject was reared and educated, there learning the stone-mason's and plasterer's trades; but when still a young man, believing that in America he could more easily secure a competence, he took ship, and after a voyage of three weeks and one day landed at New York. This was in 1850, but in 1893 when he made a visit to his old home, he was only eight days in crossing, while on the return tr.p. . which was made on the largest vessel on the ocean, it required but five days and twelve hours. On his first arrival in the New World. Mr. 79
Craine located at Buffalo, N. Y., where he re- mained for a year, during which time he was em- ployed on a stone church, and then went to Cleveland, Ohio, where two years were spent in learning brick laying, at which he then worked in that city for six years. He then removed to Toledo, Ohio, and in Lake township, Wood county, purchased his present farm in 1859, on which he erected a log cabin. On January I, 1860, his family, which then consisted of his wife and two children, located upon the farm. while he still continued to work at his trade in Toledo until about 1873; but since that time he- has devoted most of his time to the cultivation and improvement of his land, though at various places in the community he has subsequently been employed on odd jobs. In Cleveland he had earned the money with which to buy his place, and after paying for it had $20 remaining. He was fortunate in securing a tract of land of remarkable fertility, which, in its present high state of cultivation, yields in abundance the choice products of northwestern Ohio.
In Cleveland, Ohio, August 14, 1855, Mr. Craine was married to Miss Jane Cowles, who was born on the Isle of Man, December 12, 1833: but June 15, IS89, he was called upon to mourn the loss of her who had for almost thirty-four years been his faithful companion and helpmeet. To this union came the following children: (I) Mary Jane, born July 7, 1856, is the wife of B. M. Crandall, of Lake township, by whom she has four children-Thomas, Ethel, Gray and Bernice. (2) William James, born September 16, 1858, is a merchant of Mermill, Ohio. (3) Florence O., born June 16, 1860, married Charles Coy, of Ross township, Wood county, and has
one son -- Aaron. (4) Charles J., born Septem- ber 19, 1861, wedded Maggie Rideout, by whom he has twin boys-Thomas and Isaac. (5) Alice O., born February 17, 1863, died March 12. 1877. (6) Kneale Henry, born December 9. 1864, died December 24. following. (7) Heury K., born November 3, 1865, is a merchant of Mermill, and by his marriage with Nellie Bacon has one child-Opal. (8) Isabel C., born Decem- ber 16, 1866, is the wife of Charles Webb. and has two daughters --- Mildred and Rachel. (9) Richard C., born March 30, 1868, died January 7, 1895. (10) Clara L., born May 1. 18;o, is the wife of George Blandin, of Lake township. Edward J., born April 3. 18;2; and Alma B., bonn November 3. 1873, are both at home. In politics Mr. Craine was formerly a Republican, but is now a Prohibitionist, and an earnest and strong advocate of any legislation
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or method that will suppress the liquor traffic. He holds membership with the Episcopal Church. He is an intelligent, well-read man, and has one of the best libraries to be found in the locality, while his pleasant, genial manner has won him many warm friends throughout the community.
WILLIAM MARION MERCER is a well-known representative of one of the old established fami- lies of Wood county-his parents, Abraham and Harriet (Rice) Mercer, having located here at an early day. He was born in Liberty township, June 15, 1852, and, as soon as he had arrived at a suitable age, entered the district schools of the neighborhood, where he acquired an unusually good English education, for the time, his natural abilities leading him to make the most of every opportunity offered him. He was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, and aided his father in the cultivation of the old homestead until he went to a home of his own. At the time of his marriage his father gave him forty acres of land- his present property-and he now has seven oil wells upon the place, producing four hundred barrels per day, from which he derives the excel- lent income of about $50 per day. In 1872 he erected thereon a good residence, and now has a pleasant home and a valuable property.
In 1872, in Liberty township, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Mercer and Miss Susan E. Donzy, who was born in Liberty township De- cember 6, 1853, a daughter of Peter Frederick and Catherine E. Donzy. Their union has been blessed with a family of four children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are Dana Otto, Clement Artus and Benjamin Elwood. The parents are members of the Disciples Church, of Rudolph, and take an active part in its work and upbuilding. Mr. Mercer is a very important factor in public affairs, gives a hearty support to all interests calculated to benefit the community at large, and has served as school clerk and school director for three years. He is an in- dustrious, energetic worker, a man of rare judg- ment and good sense, and to-day stands among the leading farmers of Liberty township.
ROBERT W. McMAHAN, treasurer of Wood county, and a prominent business man of Bowling Green, was born in Jeromeville, Ashland county, Ohio, October 9, 1842.
John McMahan, his grandfather, was born October 21, 1769. in Ireland. He was a weaver by trade, and, coming to America in early man- hood, he followed that business for many years, and died in Jeromeville, May 14, 1844. He
married Miss Margaret Hargrove, a native of Eugland, who was born July 11, 1778, and died September 18, 1838. She came to this country with her parents, John and Sarah Hargrove, in 1784. from Newry, Ireland, and settled in Som- erset county, Md., where Mrs. Hargrove died, November 6, 1817, at the age of sixty-seven. Mr. Hargrove died in Jeromeville, December 26, 1825.
Robert McMahan, our subject's father, was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., January 5. ISOS, and was married in Danville, Ohio, Feb- ruary 23, 1839, to Miss Emily A. Whitney, a na- tive of Tunbridge, Vt., born February 5, ISIO. Her father, Thomas Whitney, was born in Tol- land county, Conn., in 1790, was married at Tunbridge, to Miss Fannie Jennings, and some years later moved to Danville, where he settled permanently. Robert McMahan was a merchant, and engaged in business in several towns in this State, among them Loudonville, Jeromeville, Ashland and Crestline, before coming. in 1861, to Wood county, where he located at Portage, and was engaged in farming and mercantile pur- suits until his death, which occurred August 12, 1886. His wife died in February, 1890. They were devout Presbyterians, and preserved the strict principles of their Covenanter ancestors.
Our subject received a good common-school education, and at the age of nineteen came to Wood county. He worked on a farm some ten years, and then went into the grocery business, gradually enlarging his store to include general merchandise. Subsequently he became a hard- ware merchant of Bowling Green. After some five or six years he sold out and engaged in the lime business at Portage, and two years later, in 1888, he organized the Snow Flake Lime Co., of which he became presidemt. His well-known integrity, good judgment, and executive ability have made him a leader in the Republican party in his locality. He has served as coroner of the county, and in November, 1895, was elected to the office of county treasurer. In 1884 he was chosen a delegate to the Republican National Convention. Socially he is prominent, being a member of the K. of P., of the I. O. O. F. and Encampment, and is a Royal Arch Mason. He is identified with the Royal Arcanum, and with the order of Maccabees. Whitney Lodge I. O. O. F. was organized by his father and himself many years ago.
Our subject was married June 15, 1860, t, Miss Kate Osborne, a native of Wood county, and whose death occurred December 2. 1872.
CLARENCE JENNINGS MCMAHAN, the only child
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of this union, was born July 19, 1870, and was educated in the schools of Portage and at Oberlin College. After one year in the employ of the T. & O. C. R. R., as agent at Portage, he became secretary and treasurer of the Snow Flake Lime Co., which position he has since filled satisfac- torily. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Ohio Lime Co., with offices at Toledo, in the Chamber of Commerce building, and is recog- nized as one of the best of the young business men of the county. He is a young man of high moral principals, and an active worker in Church work.
FRANKFOTHER BROS., dealers in buggies, car- riages, and wagons, and manufacturers of wagons, are known as one of the most enterprising firms in Wood county, and, indeed, in their section of the State. The firm is composed of W. S. and O. D. Frankfother.
Their parents, David and Mary (Boozer) Frank- fother, were both born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and were married in Bloom township, Wood county. David Frankfother learned the carpen- ter's trade in early life; but having met with a pain- ful accident, he was obliged to go on crutches for life, his right knee being permanently injured. After marriage he settled at Bloom Center, where his father. Frederick Frankfother, also lived, and father and son made the first furniture for the latter's house, doing all the work by hand. Fred- erick Frankfother was an all-around mechanic. wheelwright, gunsmith, carpenter, etc. After a few years David Frankfother removed his family to a forty-acre farm in Montgomery township, and built a shop on it, following his trade as much as possible. Here he passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1878, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. Eight children were born to him and his wife, of whom W. S. was born September 12, 1853, in Bloom Center: Thomas, who was a blacksmith by trade, died in 1893, in Montgomery township; Lafayette died in infancy; Charles, who is a building mover by trade, lives in Portage township; Orville D. is junior member of the firm of Frankfother Bros .; Margaret E. died young; Eli is a wagon maker of Jerry City; Rosetta died young. The father, though handi- capped by his crippled condition, supported his family in comfort, and never made a single effort to accumulate a fortune by depriving them of any comforts, As it was, he became well- to-do, having a good business in his line in Montgomery township, and he also owned a half-interest in a wagon shop at Jerry City, from which sources he derived a very fair income. He was a kind and
generous father, a good husband, and a useful, progressive citizen of the community in which he made his home, favoring advancement in every line. In politics he was a Democrat, and though an ardent party man, was not a politician, giving no time to such matters. His remains now rest in the Mennonite cemetery, in Perry township. Mrs. Frankfother lived on the farm until her second marriage, when she removed to Sandusky county, and she now has a comfortable home in Jerry City. She is an earnest member of the Methodist Protestant Church, to which Mr. Frankfother also belonged.
W. S. - FRANKFOTHER enjoyed the advantages of the district schools in his youth, but he was never over fond of study, preferring to spend his time in mechanical work, and he was always de- lighted to work with his father in the wagon shop. He acquired thus a knowledge of wagon making in early manhood; but when eighteen years of age he commenced to work for Adam Graham, a farmer, with whom he continued for some time. During the "seventies," when the Baltimore & Ohio railroad was being built through Wood county, he was employed at grading and other work connected therewith, and finally drifted to North Baltimore, where he. found employment in a shingle-mill, and acquired an interest in the business. This he traded for a wagon shop in North Baltimore, which he con- ducted for about one year, in 1876 coming to Jerry City, where he was given charge of his farther's interest in the wagon shop established by Hunsicker & Beck. At that time his father had a half-interest in the business, the other half being owned by Mr. Hunsicker and our subject's brother, Thomas. After a time Thomas retired, and. in 1882, W. S. bought the interest of his father's estate, his brother Orville D. purchasing Mr. Hunsicker's share, and since that time the firm has been Frankfother Bros. W. S. Frank- fother is a thorough mechanic, and makes a specialty of wood-working, having full charge of that branch of the business. When the brothers took possession the business was simply for the manufacture of wagons, and they have not only enlarged this department until their wagons have a wide reputation throughout this section of the State, but have also engaged in dealing in boggies and carriages, handling many different makes of vehicles. They built up an extensive business by fair, honest dealing, and their patronage comes from miles around: their success is well mente i. for they are hard-working men, respected by all who come in contact with them, either in business | or social circles, for their industry and integrity.
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They are energetic citizens of the town in which they make their home, wide-awake to every thing that will advance the interests of the section in which they have lived all their lives. W. S. Frankfother was married in Bloom township, in September, 1876, to Miss Ann Sherwood, danghter of Benjamin Sherwood, a farmer, and children as follows have blessed their union: Rosella (Mrs. Hiram Tyson, of Bloom township), and Aaron D., Chester A., Lena and Gail, all four at home. Mr. Frankfother is a Democrat. in politics, is active in public affairs, and served as a member of the city council. He and his wife belong to the Radical U. B. Church.
ORVILLE D. FRANKFOTHER was born in 1859, in. Montgomery township, Wood county, received his primaryeducation in the district schools, and, later, attended a select school in Jerry City, taught by Edward Hubbard, who was a most excellent instructor. Mr. Frankfother learned readily, and, having fitted himself to teach, he followed that profession, in 1881 teaching in Thrush District, Henry township. In November, 18.82, he came to Jerry City, and, as above stated, purchased an interest in the wagon busi- ness, which he and his brother have since con- ducted. Like his brother he keeps well abreast of the times, and has won the confidence of all his associates; he does not give his attention to any department in particular, doing everything that comes to his hand. Since 1890 he has served as city marshal, but he is not an office seeker, and, beyond casting his vote for the Democratic party, gives little attention to poli- tics. In July, 1889, he was married, in Tiffin, Ohio, to Miss Cora E. Sell, and they have had one child, Lila M.
D. L. SOULE. The history of Wood county would be incomplete without mention of our subject and the family to which he belongs. He was born in Portage township, February 5, 1851. and is a son of John E. and Rachel (Burgess) Soule. The father, a native of Germany, came to America when a young man with his brother Lorenzo, and was married in Huron county, Ohio, whence he came to Wood county. In Portage township he purchased forty acres of land which he afterward sold, removing then to Webster township. His first wife died in Huron county, and his second wife still survives him. The children of the first union are Silas W .. who died in January, 1892; D. L. ; and John E .. a farmer of Michigan.
Mr. Soule, of this sketch, was a child of seven years at the time of his father's death, and
then lived with different farmers of the neighbor- hood. He resided with Mr. Henry of Portage township, until seventeen years of age, and during that time worked on the farm through the sum- mer and attended school through the winter. He afterward worked for other farmers, receiving from $13 to $20 per month. By hard study in the evenings he qualified himself for teaching, and on attaining his majority embarked in that profession. He afterward rented land which he operated for about five years.
As a companion and helpmeet on life's jour- ney, Mr. Soule chose Hannah E. Jones, and their marriage was celebrated in Liberty. Octo- ber 15, 1878. She was born near Richland Cen- ter. Wis., March 1, 1852, a daughter of Gideon and Nancy (McMahon) Jones. The father was a native of Huron county, Ohio, and when a young man removed to Liberty township, Wood county. where he was married. He afterward took his family to Richland Center, Wis., where he car- ried on farming and rail splitting. In the 'Sos he engaged in prospecting for gold at Pikes Peak. When the war broke out he returned to Toledo, Ohio, and enlisted in the United States army as a private. He was killed at Honey Hill, and was buried on the field of battle. His widow, who had removed to Liberty township, Wood county. died January 13, 1895. They had but two chil- dren-Lewis, of Liberty township; and Mrs. Soule.
For two years after his marriage our subject operated a rented farm. and then purchased forty acres of his present farm. He afterward bought a residence and ten acres of land that in the summer of 1895 he exchanged for a house and three lots in Omaha, Neb. He has five oil well- upon his farm, and his wife also has a like number on forty acres of land which she owns in Liberty township. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. Both Mr. and Mrs. Soule are members of the Disciples Church, and in social circles they hold an enviable position.
WILLIAM L. Ross. Among the many esti- mable citizens of Weston township, none is more highly respected or better beloved than the gen . tleman whose name introduces this sketch, who is one of the wealthy farmers of that township
Joseph W. Ross, the father of our subject. was born in Pennsylvania in 1820, and when a young man came west, settling first in Holmes county, Ohio, and liter going to Freeport, Il . where he bought forty acres of land on which I. made his home for seven years. He then te- turned to Ohio, and, coming to Wood county
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located in what is now Grand Rapids township. At various times he purchased 120 acres of land. of which he retained eighty, and resided thereon the remainder of his life. He was married, Febru- ary 16, 1843, to Miss Mary Barton, and three chil- dren were born to them: Margaret, who married Samuel Brown, and is now deceased: William L .; and Eulalia, who became the wife of Daniel Pugh. (both are deceased). Mr. Ross died June 24, 1883. his wife surviving him until June 2, 1893.
William L. Ross was born August 19. 1846, in Holmes county, Ohio, and was educated in the district schools of Beaver Creek. He re- mained at home, assisting his father upon the farm, until he was twenty-three years old, -when he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Hey- man. After his marriage Mr. Ross bought eighty acres of land in Weston township, which he has brought under fine cultivation, and on which he has erected one of the most palatial homes of Wood county. His wife also owns forty acres of improved land in the corporation of Weston, making in all 120 acres, which Mr. Ross operates. Six children have blessed the union of this esti- mable couple, viz .: Nellie B., born April 26. 1872; Maud M., born October 28, 1874; Charles K., born in June, 1876, farming on his father's place; Ralph R., born September 10, ISSO; May M., born September 25, 1882; and Ethel Rose, born June 22, 1884. Mr. Ross at one time taught school, and has been a school director for fifteen years, and also clerk of the school board. He is a Republican in politics, and a member and elder of the United Presbyterian Church, while his wife belongs to the United Brethren Church. Mr. Ross has always been a total abstainer never having used intoxicating liquors or tobacco, and owes his present prosperity to strict economy and close attention to business. He is a man of fine character, genial disposition, social temperament, and is greatly beloved in the home circle, as well as by a large number of friends in all classes of society. His example is one which the young inen of to-day would do well to follow, if they desired to secure the same results, and become not only prosperous, but worthy and respected citizens.
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E. R. RISSER, who for years has been a sub- stantial farmer and one of the best-known and most popular citizens of Perry township. was born in Ashland. Ohio, June 11, 1846, son of Christian and Magdaline (Echelberger) Riss .r.
Christian Risser was a native of Germany. born in May, 1812. When ouly seventeen years
old he came to the United States, landing at New York City and going thence to Buffalo, and later to Cleveland. From the latter city he walked to Ashland, Ohio, his feet being blistered by the long journey. By trade he was a shoemaker, and he worked at his calling a number of years in Ashland. After some years, by his help and in- fluence, two of his brothers, Jacob and Henry, came to this country with their families, settling in Ashland. Mr. Risser was married in Ashland to Miss Mary Risser, who, although -of the same name, was no relative. She bore him three children: Abraham, who grew to manhood, was a shoemaker by trade, and died in West Mill- grove; Daniel, who died in infancy; and Chris- tian A., a leading shoe merchant of Findlay, Ohio. After the death of the mother of these children Mr. Risser married Magdaline Echel- berger, who was born in Germany, near his own birthplace. To this union two children were born: Mary, now Mrs. Moses Legion, of Perry, and our subject.
In the spring of 1848 Mr. Risser traded his house and lot in Ashland for 160 acres of land in Section 35, in Portage township, Wood county. and removing into the place set up a shoe- maker's shop, employing three men and securing custom from all around the vicinity. In those early days living was somewhat different from the present. The farmers had plenty of corn bread. but very little bread made from wheat, and for six months at a time would have no " white " bread in the house. Maple syrup and sugar were made in large quantities, and were a staple article of trade. One year a doctor's bill of $40 was paid (Dr. Ranger's, of West Millgrove), all in these products. Game was plentiful, and the settlers could not complain of lack of provisions, but malaria and fever and ague were prevalent, and many of the comforts of older communities were lacking. After five years' residence on this place Mr. Risser traded his oxen and cows for property at West Millgrove, which he bought from Osman Divers. Later he purchased corner property in that village, and worked at his trade until his removal to Section 10, Perry township, where he owned 160 acres of land. He had at this time given up doing much active work, but set up his work-bench at home, and continued to do shoemaking for his family and his near neighbors. His death took place in February, ISS6, his wife having passed away November 30, ISS4. Both are interred at West Millgrove.
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