USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio > Part 61
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of many with whom he has come in contact and he is widely recognized as a citizen whose efforts have contributed in large measure to the upbuilding and develop- ment of his native county along various lines.
EDMOND HELBERT.
In the seventy-six years of a well spent life Edmond Helbert has so directed his efforts that he is now living retired in Jeromeville with a competence suffi- cient to supply him with all of the comforts of life. From his early childhood he has resided in Ashland county, arriving in Mohican township in 1835. He was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, on the 23d of September, 1833, so was only in his second year when his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Mock) ITelbert. removed to this state. Their family numbered thirteen children, of whom he was the twelfth in order of birth. The parents were born and reared about thirty miles west of Philadelphia and after their marriage they removed to Bedford county, that state, where all of their children were born with the exception of their youngest, John Helbert, whose birth occurred in Ashland. Thinking to find better business oportunities in a less thickly settled district, the father removed with his family to Ashland county, Ohio, in 1835, and pur- chased a tract of land north of Mohicanville, where with characteristic energy he began the development and improvement of the farm. He built the first bank barn in Mohican township and his neighbors predicted that he would never raise enough crops to fill it. but his harvests the first year were more than sufficient to utilize the capacity thus afforded. With resolute purpose he under- took the task of entting away the forest trees, picking out the stumps, burning the brush, turning the furrows and cultivating the land until the dense forest growth was replaced by fields of waving grain. His labors were continued without interruption until he had placed one hundred and sixty acres under a fine state of enltivation. He also bought one hundred and ten acres additional
which he afterward gave to one of his sons. Both he and his wife reached ad- vanced age. Jacob Hlelbert being ninety-one years of age at the time of his demise, while his wife died when eighty years of age. Their children were as follows : Marie. the deceased wife of John Newman ; William. who was a twin brother of Marie and went to California in the spring of 1849. his death there occurring two years later; Jacob. deceased : Michael. living in Vermillion township; Rebecca, who became the wife of John Garst and died in 1862; Peter, who died in June. 1908. at the age of eighty-four years in Jeromeville, where he was living retired; Hettie. who married Jacob Wachtel and after his death became the wife of Charles Cosner; Henry, a resident of Ashland county; Sarah, who is the widow of Henry Wachtel and lives on the old home place; Levi. deceased; Edmond. of this review ; and John. living in Hayesville.
Arriving in Ashland county while yet an infant. Edmond Helbert has known no other home. His memory goes back to the time when there were many evidences of pioneer life here and his recollection covers the period when many homes were log cabins. when cooking was done over the fireplace and even
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to the time when kerosene lamps had not in very large measure supplanted tallow candles. He worked in the fields with his father through the period of his boyhood and youth and continued upon the home farm until eleven years after his marriage, cultivating the farm on shares. He then purchased a farm of eighty acres and now has one hundred and thirty-four acres about two miles north of Mohicanville on section 30, Mohican township. There he continuously engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1901, when he removed to Jerome- ville. The farm still pays to him a good tribute and in addition he owns five acres in the village upon which he has erected an attractive dwelling, being now most comfortably situated in life.
In March, 1865, Mr. Helbert was united in marriage to Miss Katharine Sumner, who was born in Lake township, Ashland county, July 23, 1843, and is a daughter of Clement and Elizabeth (Underwood) Sumner, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania, respectively. With their parents they came to Ohio in their childhood days and were married in Lake township. There the death of Mrs. Sumner occurred and later Mr. Sumner removed to Liverpool, Medina county, Ohio, where he died. They were the parents of five children : Mrs. Helbert; Phoebe, who is the widow of Samuel Millen, a resident of Kansas; Seneca, who died in Kansas; Rebecca, who died in Lake township at the age of fourteen years ; and Solon, residing in the state of New York. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Helbert have been born four children, but the first two, Mary Elizabeth and Laura Etta, died of scarlet fever about the same time, the former at the age of seven and the latter when five years old. Clement W. died at the age of one year. Adam Augustus, the only surviving child, is now a representative farmer of this county. He married Dema Seigler, who died leaving one son, Guy Eugene, and after her death Adam Augustus Helbert wedded Lilly Hossinger, by whom he has two children, Ruth Pauline and Mildred Irene.
Mr. and Mrs. Edmond HIelbert are members of the Reformed church of Mohicanville and his political support is given to the democracy. His life has been well spent and has been crowned with a substantial measure of success. This is evident in the fact that he is now the owner of a valuable farm property on which are large, fine buildings, while everything about the place is indicative of the thrift of the owner.
CHARLES M. AND EDGAR J. ROHN.
Charles M. and Edgar J. Rohn, who are successfully engaged in farming, stock raising and dairving in Orange township, are worthy representatives of a prominent and well known pioneer family of this county. The birth of Charles M. Rohn occurred February 21, 1876, and his brother. Edgar .J .. first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 29th of November. 1877. The paternal grandfather, Charles Rohn, was born in 1802 and in 1839 made his way from Pennsylvania to Ashland county, Ohio, settling on the farm which is now the home of his grandsons. Throughout his active business career he followed farming and stock raising and his demise occurred in September, 1888. ITis
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son, William A. Rohn, who was born August 22, 1841, wedded Miss Ophelia C. Miller and was called to his final rest on the 18th of September, 1906. Like his father he was prominently and successfully identified with the pursuits of farm- ing and stock-raising, being numbered among the substantial and progressive citizens of the community. He is still survived by his widow, two sons and two daughters, the latter being Mary E. and Ina M., the wife of John Alsdorf.
Charles M. and Edgar J. Rohn were educated in the district schools and have always resided on and cultivated the old homestead farm. It comprises one hundred and eighty-seven and a half acres of rich and productive land, splendidly improved and equipped with all modern conveniences to facilitate the work of the fields. Here the brothers are carrying on farming, stock-rais- ing and dairying and in all of these undertakings are meeting with success, owing to their keen business discernment, untiring energy and capable management.
On the 17th of August, 1907, Charles M. Rohn was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Melehing, a daughter of August and Anna M. (Satler) Melching, of Milton township.
Both Charles M. and Edgar J. Rohn give their political allegiance to the democracy and take an active and helpful interest in the local work of the party, favoring all movements and measures instituted to promote the general welfare. Fraternally they are connected with Mohican Lodge No. 85, I. O. O. F., while their religious faith is indicated by their membership in the Trinity Lutheran church. Their lives have been characterized by industry, honesty and integ- rity in all relations and they have fully sustained the honorable record made by their grandfather and father. They are moreover young men of genial, cordial disposition and are prominent in social circles of the community, the circle of their friends being almost coextensive with the circle of their acquain- tances.
GEORGE W. GARST.
George W. Garst carries on general farming on section 21, Mohican town- ship, having there three hundred and nineteen acres of land in one tract. His place is three miles southeast of Jeromeville and in its further development and improvement his time is fully occupied, with the result that the property constitutes a valuable investment. returning to him a gratifying annual income. Mr. Garst was born in Mohicanville on the 13th of May, 1850, and was only a year old when his father removed to a small farm a half mile west of the village. His parents were John and Rebecca (Helbert) Garst. The former was born in Alsace. France. in 1820, and when eleven years of age sailed to New York with his parents. The family first settled in Pennsylvania, but the parents both died in the metropolis of cholera a few days after their arrival in the new world. The five children then continued the journey to the Keystone state, making their way to the home of friends who had previously resided in the same locality with them in the fatherland. John Garst arrived in Jeromeville, Ohio, when about fifteen years of age and there learned the trade of blacksmithing, after which he removed to Mohicanville, where he was employed by others until
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he was able to buy a shop and begin business for himself. He conducted his smithy in Mohicanville for a time and also on his farm just west of the town where he remained most of his active life. He was one of the first men to be drafted for service in the civil war, but feeling that he could not leave his family and business he sent a substitute. As the years passed he prospered in his undertaking and became a money lender, handling large amounts for others. In fact he did a regular private banking business and for a considerable period invested extensively in land, buying and selling. At one time he had over six hundred acres but gave to his children, for whom he made generous provision. When he arrived in this county his clothing was of a very cheap quality and his actual capital consisted of only three or four dollars. His success proves con- clusively what may be accomplished by earnest, indefatigable labor and judicial investment. In business matters his judgment was seldom, if ever, at fault and his success followed as a logical sequence to his persistent effort. He died near Mohicanville in 1904 at the age of eighty-four years. He was not a mem- ber of a church but regularly attended the services of the Methodist Episcopal and the Reformed churches at Mohicanville and contributed generously to their support. In politics he was a democrat and held various township offices, yet frequently refused to serve as he cared more to devote his attention to busi- ness affairs than to receive the honors of office. His first wife was a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ashland county in her childhood with her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Helbert. The Helberts were a prominent pio- neer family of this county, of whom extended mention is made in connection with the sketch of Henry Helbert on another page of this work. The death of Mrs. Garst occurred in 1862, when she was forty-two years of age. The children of that marriage were: William, living in Fulton county, Ohio; George W., of this review ; Phoebe, now deceased, who was the wife of George Obrecht and after his death married Charles Mclaughlin; Elizabeth, the wife of W. E. Paullin; Rebecca, the wife of George Glasener of Vermillion township; and Mary, who died at the age of sixteen years. Having lost his first wife the father married Margaret Wallace and they have three children: Belle, the wife of George Maurer of Texas; Dora the wife of Peter IIelbert, who is living on the old homestead of his father-in-law in Mohican township; and Della, the wife of James J. Welch, of Loudonville.
Upon his father's farm about a half mile west of Mohicanville, George W. Garst spent his youthful days, indulging in the sports common to the lads of the interior and also dividing his time between the work of the schoolroom and of the fields. He remained upon the old home farm until thirty years of age. After putting aside his text-books he gave his attention to the task of plowing, planting and harvesting and also assisted his father in the blacksmith shop. Following his marriage he lived for two years on an adjoining farm at the edge of Mohicanville and in 1882 came to his present place, which he had pur- chased the previous year. Here he has since resided and the evidence of his active life is seen in his well developed farm. He at first purchased two hun- dred and twenty-eight acres but has since extended the boundaries of his place until it now comprises three hundred and nineteen acres all in one body. It is situated on section 16 and 21, Mohican township. He has a splendid set of
-
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farm buildings upon it which were erected by Mr. Garst. His home is a com- modious and beautiful residence, built in modern style of architecture and in the rear is a large bank barn and other outbuildings necessary for the shelter of grain and stock. He devotes his attention to general agricultural pursuits and raises good grades of horses, cattle and hogs. The capable management which he displays in carrying on his farm work has brought to him a creditable measure of success. In addition to his home property he has two hundred and three acres in Plain township, Wayne county, which is operated by his son-in- law. He also owns a section of land in Carson county, Texas. As the years have gone by he has thus prospered and his realty holdings are now extensive, while he derives therefrom a substantial annual income.
In 1880 Mr. Garst was united in marriage to Miss Katie Butler who was born in Holmes county, Ohio, September 13, 1858, and is a daughter of James and Margaret (Ullerich) Butler. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Garst have been born seven children who are yet living and they also lost one in infancy. Those who still survive are: Charles B., of Reedsburg, Ohio, who was born November 22, 1882, and married Blanche Lucas; Walter, a resident of Mohican township, who was born December 13, 1883, and married Florence Moon, by whom he has one son, Harry; Paul, a resident of Mohican township, and was born October 23, 1885, and married Carrie Garn, by whom he has two children, George W. and Katharine; Fern, who was born January 5, 1888, and is the wife of T. R. Garn, living on her father's farm in Plain township; Flossie May, who was born May 5, 1890, and is at home; Robert, who was born September 17, 1893, and is yet under the parental roof; and Essie, who was born September 12, 1897, and completes the family.
Mr. and Mrs. Garst have a most hospitable home and delight in entertain- ing their many friends. They are prominent and influential people in the community and enjoy the warm regard of all with whom business or social relations have brought them in contact. Mr. Garst is a democrat in his politi- cal views and has served as school director for thirteen years but otherwise has held no publie office. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity in Jeromeville and is in sympathy with the beneficent spirit of that order. A lifelong resident of the county, his many good qualities are known to his fellow- men and he is classed with the foremost representatives of agricultural inter- ests here.
ELLSWORTH G. WELCH.
Ellsworth G. Welch is engaged in general farming in Orange township. He likewise raises sheep and deals in wool and he possesses, moreover, consider- able mechanical ingenuity, which has been manifest in the production of several valuable inventions. He was born April 15, 1861, in the township where he yet resides, his parents being Johnson and Emeline (Buchanan) Welch. His grandfather, Ephraim Welch, was one of the early settlers of Ashland county, arriving in 1828 from Washington county, Pennsylvania. He was the father
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of four sons and two daughters: James M., John, Johnson, Rankin, Catharine and Mary Jane, all of whom became prosperous and influential citizens of the communities in which they lived. Johnson. was a large landowner and a breeder of Delaine sheep, being recognized as an authority on the matter of sheep raising. He was energetic and determined in his business affairs and the qualities which he displayed in all lines of life made him highly respected. His integrity was unassailable and his energy constituted the basis of a very grati- fying success. In his farming operations he kept everything about his place in excellent condition and raised only high grades of stock. He died October 26, 1886, at the age of fifty-five years and his remains were interred in the Nankin cemetery. He is still survived by his widow, a most estimable lady, who enjoys the warm regard of all who know her. In their family were seven children : Eugene B., Ellsworth G., Etta L., Frank L., Mary J., Herman B. and Royal J.
Mr. Welch, whose name introduces this record, spent his youth on his father's farm and after attending the common schools continued his education in the Polk high school and in Ashland College, while subsequently he spent four terms in Oberlin College. He was thus afforded excellent educational privileges, well qualifying him for life's practical and responsible duties. He has since given his attention to farming and stock raising and his business interests have been so capably conducted that he is now numbered among the prosperous residents of this part of the county. His fields produce good crops and in his pastures are seen high grades of stock. He makes a specialty of raising sheep and dealing in wool, handling the Delaine sheep, which are excellent wool producers. He has followed farming continuously since his marriage and in 1900 he took up his abode upon the place where he now lives, known as the "Old Ricket" farm. He has given considerable attention to the matter of metal roofing and his inventive turn of mind has resulted in giving to the world several valuable mechanical devices, including an approved rural mail box, which has had a good sale. He has patented a corrugated roofing device, by which a large saving in material is secured and leaks prevented over the laps. He is a man of unfaltering industry and marked energy and accom- plishes whatever he undertakes.
On the 22d of April, 1899, Mr. Welch was united in marriage to Miss Bertha P. Porter, a daughter of Giles and Mary J. (Urie) Porter. Her father was a native of the state of New York and for a time was engaged in business in Ashland, where he was married. The Uries were an early family of this county and the grandfather, George W. Urie, who came from Pennsylvania in pioneer times, settled in Richland county. There he was prominent in public affairs and took an active part in promoting the development and shaping the public policy of that district. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Giles Porter removed to Geneseo, Illinois, and Mrs. Welch was there born. She lost her mother when quite young but her father is still living at Fairfield, Illinois, having sometime since retired from mercantile business and is now a prosperous farmer and fruit grower. Mr. and Mrs. Welch now have three children : Florence L., Donald M. and Marshall Johnson. They also lost one child, their firstborn, in infancy.
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In politics Mr. Welch is a stalwart republican and has been urged to become a candidate for office by his fellow townsmen, who recognize the worth and value of his citizenship. In 1897 his party made him its candidate for representative, but he was defeated although he ran ahead of his ticket for Ashland is a strong democratic center. His wife is a member of the Eastern Star. Their home is one of refinement and culture, where good literature is greatly enjoyed. They occupy a prominent position in the social circles, where intelligence is regarded as a necessary attribute to congeniality. Their own home is most hospitable and is always open for the reception of their many friends. Mr. Welch takes a firm stand in support of public improvements and his advocacy thereof is not one of words but of works. When he sees a public or private need he at once attempts to meet it and his patriotism, his high ideal of citizenship and the substantial qualities which he shows in every walk of life have gained him recognition as one of the honored and valued residents of the county.
WILLIAM H. HUFF.
William H. Huff is numbered among the honored veterans of the Civil war and also among the progressive farmers of Lake township, where he devotes his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits and stock raising. His natal day was July 15, 1832, while the place of his birth was a farm about a mile southeast of Mohicanville, in Lake township, Ashland county. His parents were . Peter and Rose Ann (Loer) Huff, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, in which state they were reared and married. Peter Huff lost his mother when he was quite young and the father afterward bound out the boy to a man by the name of Wright, who came to Ashland county, Ohio, and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land for Mr. Huff when he should become of age. The latter built a cabin upon the tract, then returned to Pennsylvania and was married, after which he brought his bride to Ohio the following spring, their remaining days being spent here. Mr. Huff cleared his land, which was covered with a native forest growth when it came into his possession. Cutting down the trees he grubbed up the stumps and prepared the fields for cultivation, so that in time he gathered rich harvests as the reward of his labors. He placed under cultivation nearly the entire tract of one hundred and sixty acres, constituting the southwest quarter of section 4, Lake township. He lived a busy and useful life and died at the age of seventy-two years, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-eight vears. Her parents attained a remarkable old age, her father dying in Pennsylvania at the age of one hundred and one years, while the mother died in the same state as a centenarian. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Huff were six children : Samuel, a resident of Cheriton, Virginia; Mary Elizabeth, who is the widow of Anthony Stentz and lives in Lake township; Sarah, who makes her home with her brother, William, and is the widow of Jacob Parker, who died while serving in the Union army; Edward W., who died in childhood; William H .; and Martha, the wife of George Ryland, of Mansfield.
WILLIAM H. HUFF AND FAMILY
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William H. Huff was reared as a farm boy and has given his entire life to general agricultural pursuits. He now has a farm of seventy-five acres, which is a part of his father's original quarter section. Practically the only interruption that has come to his work in the fields was when in the spring of 1864 he enlisted for service as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Sixty- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, joining the command on the 2d of May. He was first with the militia but later went out with the army of the Potomac in response to the call for troops to serve for one hundred days, at the expiration of which time he was honorably discharged. On his return he resumed his farm work and has since diligently managed the property and cultivated its fields, having a good farm which is improved with substantial buildings. He also operated a sawmill in the early days. It was a water-power mill which was conducted by his father and later by himself, and he also operated a cider mill with water power. His brother Samuel owned and operated the Mohican Woolen Mills, at Mohicanville, but subsequently traded that property for the farm in Virginia whereon he resided for some time but he is now living in Cheriton, Virginia.
On the 9th of September, 1869, Mr. Huff was united in marriage to Miss May Horn, who was born in Lake township, July 20, 1843, and has always lived in this neighborhood. She is a daughter of Jacob and Katharine (Hans) Horn, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Germany. They were married, however, in this county and spent their remaining days within its borders. Their family numbered six daughters and three sons. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Huff was blessed with five children: Lydia, now the wife of Sylvanus Coble, of Vermillion township, by whom she has one child, Ethel; Lucy, the wife of George Moore, of Wadsworth; Rilla, the wife of Ed. Kittering, of Green township, by whom she has three children, Wayland, Owen and Grace; Anna, at home; and Edward.
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