USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio > Part 48
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Rev. Schaub was born August 24, 1872, in Cincinnati, a son of Charles and Anna (Seyfert) Schaub, the former a native of Bavaria and the latter of Swabia, Germany. They were married in the fatherland and came to America and were for long years residents of Cincinnati, where the father died in 1901 and the mother in 1881. The father was of the Catholic faith while the mother
was a Protestant .. The children were reared in the mother's faith. There were two sons and one daughter: Carl, who is the principal of a Lutheran parochial school in Detroit, Michigan; Rev. Schaub of this review; and Emma, who is living in Columbus, Ohio.
The Rev. Schaub was but nine years of age at the time of his mother's death and he and his brother and sister were then taken to the Lutheran Orphans Home at Richmond, Indiana, arriving there on the 12th of October. Rev. Schaub resided there for five years and then left the institute to attend college at Woodville, Ohio, where he was graduated on the 17th of June, 1890, on the completion of a five years' course. In the fall of that year he went to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and was engaged in teaching school at that place through the suc- ceeding three years and then in Circleville, Ohio, for two years. During that period he pursued summer courses of study in Earlham College at Richmond, Indiana, including a course in oratory; also the Martyn College of Washing- ton, D. C. He had taken great interest in music from early boyhood and had intended, after finishing school, to go abroad and study music and make that art his source of livelihood but these plans were providentially interfered with. In the fall of 1895 he entered the Capital University at Columbus, Ohio, where he pursued a three years' seminary course in preparation for the ministry. These were years of crowded activity; in addition to the taxing demands of this course of high standard, he was also enrolled in the senior department of Capital University College, was engaged as leader in chorus work, had charge of a Mission and regularly taught his class in another Sunday school. While here he had charge of the Capital University band and brought the organi- zation up to a high standard of proficiency. 'A local paper in one of the cities in which this band gave an entertainment spoke of it as one of the best that had been given there in a long time, characterizing the program as a choice one of excellent rendition. Continuing his seminary course he was graduated on the 22d of May, 1898, while the 12th of June witnessed his ordination and installation as pastor of the church at Youngstown, Ohio. This was a small mission church over which he presided for three years, or until 1901.
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It had but twelve communicants when he took charge and when he left that place the Trinity English Lutheran church-for such was its name-had a membership of about one hundred. Services were held in a hall but the interest which he had aroused had led to the perfection of plans for building a church at the time he left there. In April, 1901, he accepted a call from the Zion English Lutheran church at Canton, Ohio, and during the first year of his pastorate there he began the erection of a new house of worship which was dedicated on the 1st of February, 1903. The affairs of the church were at a low ebb when he took charge but today the congregation has a property valued at fifteen thousand dollars, the work of the church is well organized in its various departments and substantial spiritual progress was made under his teaching. He continued there until .December, 1906. Under his instruction the congregation had grown to a membership of two hundred with a Sunday school enrollment of more than three hundred, a Ladies' Aid Society of fifty, a Luther League of forty members and a Junior League of thirty.
On leaving Canton, Rev. Schaub came to Loudonville as pastor of Zion Lutheran church, whose large and beautiful house of worship was dedicated on the 11th of May, 1902. He had been in this field for but a short time when he recognized that one of the dominant evils here was the saloon and the power it held over its people. He presented to them in a number of strong and forceful He first addresses that it was a choice between the church and the saloon. thoroughly aroused public thought by speaking from his pulpit on the saloons of Loudonville, after giving earnest consideration to the subject. Threats were made against him but he stood fearlessly in support of his position, stating that Loudonville's saloons like everywhere, have been and are today, the arch enemy of the home, the school and the church. < He said there were families in Loudonville who had no bread nor enough coal to keep them warm, due to the saloon and cited several instances concerning the efforts of men to get credit at the different stores and yet they would pay cash for liquor. Near the end of his sermon Rev. Schaub asked for an expression from his audience on the subject, if they were willing to have a vote taken on the liquor question, and at least nine hundred, three quarters of the audience, signified their assent. He continued his agitation of the question until at the polls at the following election the saloon was voted out and the supremacy of the church and the home sustained. In other lines Rev. Schaub has also been a strong moral force in the town and that he is alive to the needs of the people and the saving power of the gospel is manifest in the fact that over one hundred members have been taken into the church since his arrival here. Not only has he accomplished these practical and beneficial results but is himself making steady progress, re- maining ever a close student. He is now studying for the Doctor of Philosophy degree and is already recognized as a man of scholarly attainment, possessing moreover that deep human sympathy which wins the confidence and the respect of his fellowmen.
On the 20th of June, 1900, Rev. Schaub was married to Miss Clara Bingham of North Jackson, Ohio, a daughter of William and Margaret Katharine (England) Bingham. She is a lady of much musical and artistic talent, pos- sessing, moreover, great tact which is manifest in her gracious and charming
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hospitality. Unto Rev. and Mrs. Schaub have been born two daughters, Esther Grace and Dorothy Emma. During the period of their residence in Loudon- ville, although it is of but three years' duration, they have won many friends in this part of the county, not only among people of their own church but among other denominations as well and the work of Rev, Schaub is being attended with excellent results for he is thoroughly alive to the conditions of the day and the opportunities of the present, working therefore for the highest develop- ment of Christian manhood and citizenship.
CURTIS E. WHITCOMB.
Curtis E. Whitcomb, well known in agricultural lines in Sullivan township, was born in this county, June 19, 1846. His parents were Horace and Jane (Toms) Whitcomb. His father was a prosperous farmer and a well known citizen in this vicinity, whose position with regard to slavery was most pro- nounced as he was rigidly opposed to the institution and his farm being located on the line of the underground railway, it was no uncommon occurrence for him to observe slaves passing over his premises as they were stealing their way into the north.
On his father's farm Curtis E. Whitcomb was reared and daily engaged in the routine of agricultural life during the summer months, while in the winter time he attended the district school where he acquired his education. During his boyhood days he was brought up under the antislavery sentiment voiced by his father, which sentiment was made all the more fervent upon seeing the negroes who had escaped by the underground railway, crossing his father's farm in their efforts to get within northern lines and gain their freedom. On this farm he has remained all his life, engaged in producing general crops and to some extent in stock raising. He makes a specialty of thoroughbred Delaine sheep, which he raises for breeding and stock purposes and, having paid atten- tion for a number of years to the raising of sheep, his long experience has made him an authority as to their qualities and the best methods by which to breed them in order to obtain the best results. In addition to general farming and stock raising he has also carried on a dairy business for upwards of twenty-five years. His farm contains one hundred acres of finely improved land which is thoroughly drained, provided with all necessary conveniences and under a high state of cultivation.
On October 2, 1870, Mr. Whitcomb was united in marriage to Miss Melvina Baily, daughter of Amaziah and Nancy (Van Tilburg) Bailey, her father a farmer of this county. To this union have been born three children: Emory A., who is married and lives in Colorado; Edward S., who is also married and resides in Portage county ; and Ethel, who became the wife of E. E. Hutchinson, of Colorado. His first wife having passed away June 6, 1887, on March 19, 1889, he wedded Mrs. Margaret J. Palmer, widow of M. R. Palmer and a daughter of Hugh and Mary (McCurdy) McKee, of Clear Creek township. To this union has been born one son, Roy C.
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Mr. Whitcomb is a republican and while he is not active in party affairs he is thoroughly conversant with political questions and during elections is always present at the polls with his vote to aid in securing the election of candidates of his party. For several years he was a member of the school board and in 1890 was appointed land appraiser of the township. Although Mr. Whitcomb is not affiliated with any church organization he is a friend and supporter of religious work and his wife is affiliated with the Baptist church, while the remaining members of his family are connected with the Disciples of Christ. He is always in favor of public improvements, particularly advocating good roads and an excellent school system, and being an honest and industrious man he enter- tains the confidence and respect of the entire community. He finds his greatest happiness in his home where, with his wife and family as his companions, he spends his evenings with delight and pleasure.
CAPTAIN HENRY H. EBERHART.
On the roll of those who defended the stars and stripes during the darkest hour in the history of the country appears the name of Captain Henry H. Eberhart. In fact his title is an indication of his service and of the promotions that came to him in recognition of his valor and meritorious conduct for he entered the ranks as a private. Through many years he has been closely asso- .ciated with the agricultural interests of Ashland county, but is now living retired and his rest has been well earned. He was born in Blair county, Pennsylvania, January 26, 1838, and was two years of age when his parents, Moses and Frances (Soliday) Eberhart, removed to Wayne county, Ohio. They, too, were natives of the Keystone state and on removing westward settled on a farm in Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio, where they resided until called to their final rest. The father died at the venerable age of eighty-three years, while the mother passed away at the age of fifty-seven. They were the parents of ten children: Jacob, who is deceased; Mrs. Ellen Rhodes, living in Plain township, Wayne county; Henry H .; Mrs. Katharine Jones, who has passed away; Samuel, a physician, who served as a private in the Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry for three years and is now deceased; Joseph, who died in 1862; Abram, living in Plain township, Wayne county; Moses; Mrs. Maggie Dillgard, who died in 1909; and David, who died in infancy.
Captain Eberhart, brought to Ohio in his early childhood, was reared on the home farm in Plain township, obtained his education in the public schools and worked in the fields with his father until 1861. Interested in the living questions of the day, he was aroused by the attitude of the south in 1860 and re- solved that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would stand loyal in its defense. Therefore at the first call for seventy-five thousand troops he offered his services to the government and joined the boys in blue of Company C, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain A. Wiley. He served for about four months, participating in the battle of Philippi, West Virginia, which was the first engagement of the war. He then returned home
MR. AND MRS. H. H. EBERHART
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on the expiration of his first term of enlistment and taught school for a few days, but he could not content himself to remain at home while the safety of the Union hung in the balance and, hiring a substitute for the school, he enlisted a second time, joining Company I, of the Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years. In June, 1862, he was detailed on recruiting service at Wooster, and while thus serving received a commission from Governor Tod as first lieu- tenant of Company A, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. With that regiment he went to the front and took part in the engagements at Chickasaw Bluffs and Arkansas Post. He was also at Port Gibson, Mississippi,
and in Grant's campaign about Vicksburg. At Raymond, Mississippi, he was taken ill in the spring of 1863, at which time the ill and wounded were left in the rear without a guard after the engagement at Raymond, Mississippi, and fell into the hands of the enemy. He was then held as a prisoner of war for twenty- one months and five days, in Libby prison and at Macon, Georgia, Columbia, South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Just previous to his capture he had received the commission making him captain of his company. After he was released he was granted a thirty days furlough
and returned home. While in prison the One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Regiment was consolidated with the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio, and in that consolidation Captain Eberhart was transferred to Company E, of which he took command on the expiration of his furlough. The time of the One Hundred and Fourteenth expired about two months previous to the expiration of the term of the One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio, and Captain Eberhart was then transferred to the Forty-eighth Battalion of the Ohio Veteran Infantry. He was placed in command and was entitled to a lieutenant colonel's position, but refused to accept it that he might be discharged with his command. He was therefore discharged with Company E, Forty-eighth Battalion, Ohio Veterans Infantry, on the 14th of October, 1865, and returned to his home. For four years he had been on active duty, sharing in all of the hardships and experiences meted out to the soldiers who fought for the defense of the Union. His was a most creditable military record and the country owes to her defenders a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid.
When the war was over Captain Eberhart turned his attention to farming, purchasing a tract of land in Green township, Ashland county, about a mile east of Perrysville. He secured one hundred acres there and resided thereon until 1872 when he sold the property and bought ninety acres five miles east of Ashland in Montgomery township. Upon that place he lived for more than twenty years and then, retaining the ownership of that farm, he bought a small farm in Perry township whereon he made his home for thirteen years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a house and lot in Reedsburg, but after two and a half years sold it and bought his present home in Jeromeville. He has disposed of all of his farms as he does not wish to be burdened with the care of the property, and is living retired, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil.
On the 24th of December, 1865, Mr. Eberhart was married to Miss Mary Jane Webster, who was born in Lake township, Ashland county, May 16, 1841, and is a daughter of Daniel and Margaret Jane (Louderdale) Webster. Her
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father's birth occurred in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1808, and the mother's birth occurred in Genesee county, New York, October 2, 1823. They were married, however in Ohio, and Mrs. Webster still resides in Ashland, but Mr. Webster passed away in 1888. They spent the greater part of their lives on the farm in Lake township and were well known among the leading representatives of agricultural life in Ashland county. They were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom reached adult age: Mary Jane; Mrs. Rhoda Chapman, living near the city of Ashland; Albert, a resident of Ashland; Mrs. Alice Geiselman, of Geneva, Nebraska; Mrs. Olive Priest, of Cleveland; Eliza, the wife of Ora Beard, a resident of Loudonville ; Jud, living in Reedsburg, Wayne county, Ohio; Columbus, living in Akron, Ohio; and Mrs. Janette Buck, of Galion, Ohio.
Only two children were born unto Captain and Mrs. Eberhart: William W., who married Amanda Ambrose, resides in Franklin, Nebraska, and they have one child, Ernest E. Frances Leora is the wife of Charles Latter, of Springfield, Ohio, and they have two children, Mary and Carl William. Both William W. Eberhart and Mrs. Latter were born in Green township, this county, and the former is now a very extensive stock raiser and farmer.
Captain Eberhart was a very active and prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic while the post existed in Jeromeville and has always maintained a deep interest in military affairs and the welfare of his old com- rades-in-arms. He and his family are members of the English Lutheran church and his life has ever displayed those sterling qualities of manhood which in any land and clime command confidence and awaken admiration and respect. He was diligent in business, has ever been loyal in citizenship and reliable in friendship. These qualities have therefore made him a man whom to know is to honor.
JOHN M. NYHART.
John M. Nyhart is one of the leading farmers of Hanover township, making his home on section 14 where he owns and cultivates four hundred and fifteen acres of productive and valuable land about two miles south of Loudonville, on the Mount Vernon and Columbus road. His success is due to his capable management and unfaltering industry. His birth occurred about five miles from his present home in Jefferson township, Knox county, Ohio, December 13, 1839, his parents being Jacob and Mary (Smith) Nyhart. The former was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, the 27th day of April, 1806. His father lost his life in the war of 1812 and Jacob Nyhart came to Ohio with his widowed mother and two brothers and one sister when about eight years of age, the family home being established in Knox county. Here he was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all of its hardships and privations. On the 12th of January, 1832, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Smith, who was born in New Jersey, October 3, 1811, and came from Green county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio in 1821 before she was ten years of age. Immediately after their marriage they located in Jefferson township, Knox county, and there lived for many years, Mrs. Nyhart there passing away
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at the age of seventy-nine years, six months and seventeen days. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nyhart were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and they were held in high regard by all who knew them because of many good. traits of heart and mind which they displayed throughout their entire lives. In 1891, following the death of his wife, Mr. Nyhart went to the home of his youngest daughter, Mrs. Mary O. Scholes, with whom he remained until his death on the 6th of May, 1897, when he had reached the venerable age of ninety- one years and fifteen days. They were the parents of nine children, of whom seven survived the father.
John M. Nyhart, the fourth in order of birth, was reared upon the old homestead farm in Jefferson township, Knox county, Ohio, and pursued, his education in the common and select schools of that locality. He also taught one winter term and in the summer months he worked upon the farm with his father, early becoming familiar with the task of plowing, planting and harvesting. Lessons of industry and thrift were early impressed upon his mind and in due time brought forth rich fruit. Following his marriage Mr. Nyhart purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Brown township, Knox county, placing thereon new buildings and making substantial improvements, carefully tilling the fields and residing thereon for about twenty-eight years. Eighteen years ago he came to his present home, which was owned by his father-in-law, and took care of his mother-in-law until her demise. He then purchased the interest of the other heirs of the property and now has a valuable farm of four hundred and fifteen acres, the land being very rich and productive. The place is pleas- antly and conveniently located about two miles south of Loudonville and in its midst stands a commodious and fine farm residence on one of the hills that border Clearfork creek and the Mohican river. It is located in a most picturesque spot in the midst of scenery that cannot but appeal to the artist and the traveler. Upon this farm Mr. Nyhart carries on general agricultural pursuits and stock raising and in his pastures are seen good grades of horses, cattle and hogs, while his fields bring forth abundant crops. He also owns town property in Loudon- ville and is interested in coal mines in the southern part of the state.
On the 3d of March, 1863, Mr. Nyhart was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Garret, who was born October 29, 1840, on the farm which is yet her home. She is a daughter of William Garret, who at one time was one of the most extensive land holders and prominent citizens of this part of the state. He was born in New Jersey, December 11, 1810, and remained in the east until after his marriage on the 24th of December, 1832, to Miss Dense Jennings, whose birth occurred at Morristown, New Jersey, October 6, 1809. In the fall of 1837 they arrived in Ohio and for many years resided upon a farm near Loudonville. When they came to Ashland county land was cheap but Mr. Garret had very limited capital. However he purchased a small tract of ground and worked diligently and earnestly that he might enhance his holdings, doing whatever his hands found to do. As he earned money he carefully saved it and invested in property until he was soon engaged in agricultural pursuits, becoming in time the owner of thirteen hundred acres. After a number of years he did no manual labor, devoting himself solely to business pursuits and the management of his investments. His labors were thus an important factor in
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the promotion of the county's welfare and upbuilding. He was one of those actively concerned in boring for oil near Loudonville some years ago and was connected with various other business interests, including mines and insurance. From the organization of the Loudonville Banking Company he was its vice president and contributed largely to its prosperity through his sterling integrity, honesty and honorable dealings. In politics he was a stalwart democrat, never faltering in support of any movement which he believed to be right. While he preferred Ohio as a place of residence, he retained a great love for his native state and made frequent trips back to the east, the last being in the fall of 1886 when he expressed the thought that he would probably not return there again. He died May 2, 1887, in the seventy-seventh year of his age, while his wife passed away in 1895. At an early age he became a member of the Presby- terian church and always remained a consistent christian. The members of their family were: Jane, who became the wife of Churchill Priest, and is now deceased; Charlotte, the deceased wife of Dr. A. J. Scott of Cleveland; Mrs. Nyhart; Annie, who became the wife of James Ross and after his death married a Mr. Tobias of Elkhart, Indiana; Virginia, who died in early womanhood; and William, who died at the age of three years, The Garrets, like the Nyharts, were a prominent pioneer family of the county and the parents of Mrs. Nyhart took an active and helpful part in promoting the work of public progress.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Nyhart was blessed with two children. Dennie, born in Galloway, Knox county, December 23, 1863, became the wife of Otto Vance and died May 1, 1887, when twenty-three years of age. Her death was an almost unbearable blow to her parents. She was a young .
woman of pleasing manner and most amiable disposition. She early developed a literary taste and a fondness for music, and devoted much time to the study of the latter. After the removal of her parents to Galloway she became interested In in Sunday school work and for eight years labored effectively as a teacher. 1883 she united with the Methodist Episcopal church and was ever afterward one of its faithful followers. Though called away in early womanhood, her memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew her because of her kindly, helpful spirit which was ever displayed. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Nyhart was William Bud, who was born November 7, 1866, and passed away at the age of forty years, five months and twenty-eight days. In his youth it became evident that he was not strong enough for farm work and his parents decided to give him a practical business education. So rapidly did he advance in his studies that at the age of sixteen he began teaching and successfully followed the profession for eight terms. He pursued a business course in the normal institutes of Ada, Ohio, and Valparaiso, Indiana. So proficient was he that he at once secured a responsible position as bookkeeper with a large whole- sale stationery firm and in the Loudonville Bank. For the benefit of his health he went to the mountains near Los Angeles, California, and subsequently made a trip to San Diego, California. The third time he also went to the Pacific coast but was not greatly benefitted thereby and was satisfied to return to his father's home among the picturesque hills of Clear Fork. There he lingered for several years until at length death claimed him and Mr. and Mrs. Nyhart were left without children to bless them in their declining years. Although
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