USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio > Part 72
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In 1886 Mr. Winbigler was united in marriage to Miss Veda Roberts, a daughter of Harvey and Mary (Rasher) Roberts, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. They have one child, Howard D., who is a high school student.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Winbigler has given his political allegiance to the democracy and has been an active and prominent worker in its ranks. From 1884 to 1886 he served as city solicitor of Ashland and has also been the chief executive of the city, his term covering the period between April, 1903, and January, 1906. During his administration, which was characterized by reform and improvement, the opera house was built, the sewer system was completed and considerable street paving was done. He has also been on the school board for one term, has served as a member of the educational board for six years and has acted as county examiner for two terms and as city examiner for five years. His membership relations include the Colonial Club
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of Ashland and the Disciple or Christian church. He is known as one worthy of the trust and confidence of his fellowmen, not only in professional but in private life as well, and Ashland numbers him among her most respected and honored citizens.
MICHAEL K. SEIBERT.
Michael K. Seibert, numbered among the veterans of the Civil war and long a representative of farming interests in Ashland county, was born near Millbrook, Wayne county, Ohio, March 19, 1832. He was the sixth in order of birth in a family of ten children, whose parents were Samuel and Mary (Mong) Seibert. The father's birth occurred in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1796, and the mother was born in Berkeley county, West Virginia, in 1800. In his youthful days Samuel Seibert went to Virginia, where he attended school and was married. He and his wife began their domestic life in that state and there remained until after the birth of four of their sons. In the year 1828, they sought a home in Ohio, settling in Wayne county. The father was a farm- er and miller and operated a grist and sawmill on his farm in Wayne county. About 1848, he removed to Ashland county and operated the Rochester mill on the Mohican in Lake township, for four years. Both he and his wife spent their last days at Lake Fork, where his death occurred when he had reached the age of eighty-nine years, while his wife passed away at the age of eighty- five. They reared a family who were a credit to their name. There were nine who reached adult age, while one died in infancy. The others were as follows : Aaron, who devoted his entire life to farming and spent a number of years in Missouri covering the period of the Civil war, died in Lake Fork. He was married but left no children. Moses H. died at the age of twenty-three years. John W. died in September, 1908, in the state of Washington. His death re- sulted from grief over the loss of his son Rollo, who was killed by an Indian while aiding the sheriff in capturing some red men in that locality. Samuel J., who acquired his education at Delaware University and taught school in early manhood, went to California in 1851 and there died in 1904. He was a man of considerable literary talent and wrote a number of practicable poems. Mary Ann, who is the widow of Lemuel Miller, resides at Lake Fork. Michael is the next of the family. Cyrus S. is also living at Lake Fork. Benjamin Frank- lin, of Mohican township, enlisted in Mclaughlin's Squadron of Cavalry and served for nearly five years. He then reenlisted and served for several months after the war closed. He was held as a prisoner of war for several months at Andersonville. Joseph D., who enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry under Captain Mckinley, was shot while color bearer on the boat, City Bell, while on the Red river expedition under General Banks.
Michael K. Seibert spent the first sixteen years of his life at the place of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Rochester Mills on the Mohican in Lake township, Ashland county, where the family home
M. K. SEIBERT
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was maintained for four years. He then removed to Lake Fork and has spent the greater part of his life in Mohican township to the present time. Im- mediately after his marriage, however, he resided for six months in Wayne county and for a year and a half lived in northeastern Missouri. He remained upon the farm until 1859, when he established a grocery store at Lake Fork and conducted it and also acted as postmaster until 1870. His time and ener- gies, however, have mostly been given to farming and trucking and he now operates fifty acres of land for a widowed sister. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the Union cause, enlisting on the 2d of May, 1864, as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under He first served for one hundred days at the open- Captain Joseph R. Remley.
ing of the siege of Petersburg. In his political views Mr. Seibert has always been a stalwart republican, voting first for John C. Fremont, since which time he has given his allegiance to every republican candidate at the head of the ticket. He has also voted for several republican candidates for governor of Ohio, save when he cast a ballot for Pattison, the democratic governor. He is a member of Andrews Post, No. 32, G. A. R., in Ashland and he belongs to the United Brethren church at Lake Fork. In the work of the church he takes an active and helpful interest and is serving as one of the teachers in the Sunday school.
Mr. Seibert was married December 21, 1854, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Stoler, who was born at Lake Fork, July 18, 1833, a daughter of John and Sophia Stoler. This union was blessed with six children, as follws: Alice, the wife of Phil Hess, of Wooster, Ohio; Myron S., who lives in Columbus; Helen L., the wife of F. S. Finley, of Kendallville, Indiana; Howard E., also of Kendallville; and Sam Luther and Ida May, both of whom died in infancy. The wife and mother departed this life July 19, 1876.
JOHN F. KILAVER.
John F. Kilaver, who for fifty-seven years has carried on agricultural pur- suits in Ashland county, is a native of Wolfshlugen, Germany, his birth there occurring September 10, 1839, his parents being John and Katie (Shrote) Kilaver. When but twelve years of age he lost his father and the family, con- sisting of six children, scattered, John F. Kilaver coming to the United States in 1852 in company with his sister, Hedwig. Upon arriving at New York city they found that they were without funds and were compelled to seek work by which to earn their living. Mr. Kilaver consequently became connected with the dairy business, while his sister was employed at house work.
They tarried in New York, however, for only four months, and in September, 1852, the brother and sister continued their westward journey, arriving in Ash- land county, Ohio, where the former entered upon agricultural pursuits. He secured work as a farm hand in the employ of John Fritz, who later became his father-in-law, and continued in this capacity for seven years, or up to the time of his marriage. Hard labor and careful saving enabled him at this time to
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purchase a half interest in Mr. Fritz's farm and he subsequently bought out the interest of the heirs, becoming sole owner. The farm consisted of eighty acres, but as he prospered he has added to his original holdings until his property today aggregates one hundred and sixty acres on section 8, Green township. He has erected substantial buildings upon the place, which today bears evidence of the care bestowed upon it by the owner, while his highly cultivated fields prove a source of gratifying income. In 1860, at the country's call for aid, Mr. Kilaver left his wife and children under the care of his father-in-law and enlisted as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving for a term of three years. In December, 1864, he contracted malaria and was sent to the hospital, where he remained until the close of the war. When hostilities ceased he returned to his home and again took up the work of the farm.
In 1859 Mr. Kilaver was married to Rachel Fritz, a native of Massillon, Ohio, and they became the parents of two daughters: Sarah, the wife of Sol Copus, of Putnam county, Ohio; and Katharine, who died at the age of thirty-five years. Nine months after his return from the Civil war Mr. Kilaver lost his wife, her death being caused by consumption, and in 1867 he again married, his second choice being Mary Frantz, who was born August 25, 1840, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Wittemere) Frantz, natives of Pennsylvania. Unto this union were born two children: Frank, who wedded Nellie Covert and is with his father on the home farm; and Anna, the wife of Godfrey Myers, of Green town- ship, who by her marriage became the mother of five children. At the death of his sister he also received into his home and reared her five children, four girls and one boy. In this locality where he has for so long made his home Mr. Kilaver has made many friends and his energy and perseverance, combined with his sterling traits of character, have won for him a high place in the regard and esteem of his fellowmen.
FRANCIS L. STAMAN.
The farm on which Francis L. Staman now resides on section 11, Mifflin township, was his birthplace, his natal day being April 21, 1860. He has always resided here and his entire life has been given to general agricultural pursuits. Ile was the eighth in order of birth in a family of nine children, whose parents were Jacob and Fannie (Lantz) Staman, both of whom were natives of Lancaster county, Pensylvania. The father, who was born November 5, 1812, died Febru- ary 3, 1866, while the mother, whose birth occurred January 14, 1823, was called to her final home on the 24th of July, 1902, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. Both came to this county with their respective parents, the former in 1827 and the latter in 1822. Their last days were spent upon the farm which is now the home of their son Francis. Their children were as follows: William, a resident of Indiana; Abraham, living in Missouri; Anna, the wife of Reuben Balliet, of Van Wert county, Ohio; Mary, the wife of Henry Koogle, of Mifflin township; Curtis, living in the same township; Fannie, the wife of William Reed,
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of Van Wert, Ohio; Hattie, the deceased wife of Hudson Williams; Francis L .; and Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Barr, of Ashland.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Francis L. Staman in his youthful days. He has always resided on the farm which is now his home and cultivates one hundred and ninety-three acres of rich and productive land, all in one body, situated on section 11, Mifflin township. This includes ninety-six acres of his father's old homestead and is a well im- proved farm, supplied with good buildings, modern machinery of all kinds and well kept fences, while large crops are produced and good grades of stock are raised.
In 1886 Mr. Staman was married to Miss Flora Kagey, who was born on a part of the farm whereon she lives in February, 1866, her parents being Samuel and Esther (Croninger) Kagey, natives of Mifflin township. The father died in this county, while the mother now resides in Mansfield. Mr. and Mrs. Staman became the parents of three sons : Dennis K., Jacob W. and Samuel E. The parents are members of the Lutheran church of Mifflin and are people of the highest respectability to whom the hospitality of the best homes is freely ex- tended. In his political views Mr. Staman is a republican and is one of the present township trustees, which position he has filled for three years. He is never unmindful of his duties of citizenship but gives to public measures his generous support and rejoices in all that the county accomplishes in the way of general progress and improvement.
LEWIS A. FUNK.
Lewis A. Funk, who is the most extensive landowner in Perry township, has for many years been numbered among the most prosperous and progressive farmers and stockmen of the county. He was born in Perry township, Ashland county, Ohio, April 1, 1860, on the same farm where he now resides, his parents being Amos and Matilda (Kramer) Funk. The father, who was a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, accompanied his parents, Benjamin and Eliza- beth (Roush) Funk, on their removal to Plain township, Wayne county, in the early '20s. At that date this section of the state was still covered with timber and he assisted in clearing the land, later devoting his time and energies to agricultural pursuits and also to the sawmill and lumber business for a number of years. Energetic and persevering, he prospered in his undertakings and was widely recognized as a prominent citizen whose high principles and genuine personal worth made him well worthy the respect and esteem which were uni- formly accorded him. He passed away in September, 1882, while his wife was called to her final rest in March, 1880, their remains being interred in the cemetery at Reedsburg. For many years they had been devoted members of the Church of God, taking an active and helpful interest in its work. Their family numbered eight children, namely Elizabeth, Benjamin, two who died in infancy, William, Lewis A., Stanza Ellen and Abner.
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Lewis A. Funk was reared on the old homestead farm and acquired his education in the district schools and the Hayesville high school. He assisted his father in the mill and subsequently was employed as a fireman on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad for about a year, on the expiration of which period, in the spring of 1882, he abandoned that work in order to give his father the benefit of his aid in the cultivation of the home place and the care of the stock, while in the winter months he attended the Hayesville high school. After his marriage he settled on the old home farm, comprising eighty-seven acres, which has since continued his place of residence. His at- tention has been given to general farming and the raising of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle, there being no finer herd in the county than his. For some years he raised melons on an extensive scale and has always been a large potato grower, having the record of raising five hundred and forty bushels of potatoes to the acre. As his financial resources have increased he has purchased more property from time to time until he is now the largest landowner in Perry township. He has extended the boundaries of the home farm until it now comprises one hundred and eighty-seven aeres and likewise owns two hundred and fifteen acres elsewhere in Ashland county, while in Wayne county he has a farm of one hundred and twenty-six and a half acres, his total holdings em- bracing five hundred and twenty-eight and a half acres of rich, productive, well improved and highly cultivated land. Starting out in business life on his own account with a debt of six thousand dollars, he set to work with a reso- lute and determined spirit and the years have witnessed his steady progress until he is now numbered among the most substantial and influential citizens of his native county.
On the 29th of November, 1884, Mr. Funk was united in marriage to Miss Ella Kreiling, a daughter of Samuel and Caroline (Fulk) Kreiling, the former still a resident of Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio, while the latter is deceased. Samuel Kreiling, an agriculturist by occupation, was formerly very extensively known as a large stock buyer and feeder. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Funk have been born eight children, as follows; Glen W., Sherman J., Delpha May, now the wife of Samuel Martin; Edith V .; Blanche; Paul A .; Harvey R .; and an infant. The four sons assist their father in his farming operations.
In politics Mr. Funk is a stanch republican and though private interests make heavy demands on his time and attention, he is a most public-spirited and loyal citizen, serving his fellow townsmen in various positions of trust and re- sponsibility. He was trustee of Perry township for five and a half years and then resigned the position on being chosen county commissioner in 1904. The fact that he won the election by eighty-seven votes in a county that usually gives a democratic majority of from six hundred to one thousand, is ample proof of his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fel- lowmen-confidence that proved to be well founded. In 1906, he was a candidate for reelection and, though his extensive private interests prevented his making an active canvass, he was defeated by only sixteen votes. At the urgent solicitation of many tax payers of both parties, he was again a candidate for commissioner in 1908, this time being defeated by only about two hundred votes. He has the record of polling the largest vote ever given a republican
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candidate in Ashland county. In the spring of 1909 he was appointed trustee of Perry township to fill a vacancy but declined on account of private business affairs. For many years he has served as a member of the district school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He and his family are members of the Reformed church, to which they contribute liberally of their time and means. Having resided in this county throughout his entire life, he has a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders and that his career has ever been an honorable and upright one is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers. His life has been characterized by the performance of each day's duty as it has come to him and, brooking no obstacle that honest effort can overcome, he has steadily worked his way upward until, having long since left the ranks of the many, he today stands among the successful few.
GODFREY MYERS.
Godfrey Myers, who successfully carries on general farming and stock raising on his farm of one hundred and fifteen acres on section 5, Green township, was born near Stuttgart, in Wurtemburg, Germany, on the 31st of October, 1862. His parents, George and Louisa (Keuerleber) Myers, spent their entire lives in Germany, the father being a carpenter by trade. Their family numbered four children, namely: Godfrey, of this review; Frederick, who still makes his home in the fatherland; William, deceased ; and Mary Trost, also a resident of Germany.
At the age of fourteen Godfrey Myers began learning the plasterer's trade and followed the same until eighteen years of age, when he determined to seek his fortune in the new world and in February, 1881, arrived in Ashland, Ohio, having since made his home in this vicinity. He was first employed by John F. Kilaver for four years, on the expiration of which period he was married and started out on his own account, working land on shares until 1897, when he purchased the farm on which he now resides on section 5, Green township. The place comprises one hundred and fifteen acres of rich and productive land and the many substantial improvements on the property are indicative of the enterprise, thrift and progressive spirit of the owner. The old log house and barn which were on the farm when he took possession of it have been replaced by substantial and commodious structures and his land has been developed in keeping with the most progressive ideas of modern agriculture. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is also engaged in stock raising, both branches of his business proving a good source of remunera- tion to him.
Mr. Myers has been married twice. In 1885 he wedded Miss Sarah Shinnebarger, a native of Green township, who died in 1890, leaving one son, George, now at home. In 1892, Mr. Myers was again married, his second union being with Anna Kilaver, whose birth occurred in Green township in 1877, her father being John F. Kilaver, of whom mention is made on another page of this
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volume. By this marriage there are four children, as follows: Emma, Nellie, Pearl and Franklin J.
Politically Mr. Myers is a stalwart democrat, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church of Perrysville. He is likewise identified with Mohawk Grange, of Lucas, and is well known and highly esteemed throughout Ashland county, where he has now made his home for more than a quarter of a century. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to America, for in this country he has found the oppor- tunities which he sought and through their utilization has worked his way upward, becoming one of the successful representative farmers of the com munity, his life indicating what may be accomplished by determination and well directed energy.
EDGAR HORACE FUHRMAN.
Edgar Horace Fuhrman, traffic manager for F. E. Myers & Brother, pump and haytool works, has been connected with this enterprise for sixteen years, his ability, fidelity and diligence winning him promotions from time to time until he has reached his present position of responsibility. He was born at Pleasant IFome, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 17th of October, 1872, and is a son of Michael and Rhoda Ann (Roddy) Fuhrman. His grandfather in the paternal line was George Fuhrman who served with official rank in the German army and came from his native country to America. He became one of the first settlers of Wayne county, Ohio. Among the pioneer residents of that county was also numbered the maternal grandfather of our subject, who was a native of Ireland and was quite prominent in governmental affairs in that country. Attracted by the republican form of government in the new world he came to the United States and when this country became engaged again in war with England he joined the American army for service in the war of 1812. He was a cousin of John R. Roddy, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, who was the only white man ever chosen chief of an Indian tribe, holding that relation, however, with the Sioux.
Michael Fuhrman, the father of our subject, was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, and, removing westward, became one of the most prosperous farmers and highly respected citizens of Wayne county, Ohio. Having arrived at years of maturity he was married there to Miss Rhoda Ann Roddy, who was born on the old Roddy farm in Wayne county, which is now owned by the Fuhrman heirs and which has been in the possession of the family for over a century. Both Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fuhrman were prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were among its financial leaders also, con- tributing generously to its support. His death occurred November II, 1904, when he was sixty-nine years of age, while his widow passed away February 14, 1906, at the age of sixty-five years.
The uneventful life of the farm boy brought to Edgar H. Fuhrman the experiences of his early youth, but there is much to be gained in close contact
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with nature that is denied the city-bred lad. His early education was acquired in the district schools but, ambitious to enjoy better educational privileges he was accorded the opportunity of attending the West Salem high school, where he pursued a literary course. He afterward entered Oberlin College in 1889 and in 1891 became a student in the Zanerian Art College, of Columbus. He ranked among the best for his age in pen art and public school drawing in the state, possessing much natural ability in this direction, which was greatly augmented by his training. From early youth also he displayed a deep love of music and from his boyhood has been interested in both vocal and instru- mental music. After leaving school he engaged for some time in teaching and was successful in that field of labor, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired, but thinking to find a more profitable field of labor he entered commercial circles as an employe of F. E. Myers & Brother. pump and haytool works. As previously stated, he has been with that house for about sixteen years and has worked steadily upward to his present position as traffic manager. That he enjoys the full trust of the company is indicated in his long continuance therewith. He is also interested in several manufactur- ing enterprises and displays sound judgment in placing his investments.
On the 17th of May, 1899, Mr. Fuhrman was married to Miss Effie Myers, a daughter of George Myers, and they have one child, Frances Rhoda Fuhrman, an interesting little daughter who was born on the 28th of February, 1908. Mr. Fuhrman gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is conversant with the leading questions and issues of the day, his study thereof bringing him to the belief that the democratic platform contains the best elements of good his attention outside of business hours to other things. He is a charter member
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