USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio > Part 74
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At the age of twelve years John F. Mang came to Green township, Ashland county, to make his home with an uncle, J. F. Kilaver, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. He remained with Mr. Kilaver until the time of his marriage, when he bought his present farm of seventy-nine acres on section 5, in the development and improvement of which he has since been successfully engaged. Nearly all of the buildings on the place were created by him and the farm, in its neat and thrifty appearance, indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.
Mr. Mang has been married twice. In 1882 he wedded Miss Maggie Shambaugh, a native of Green township and a daughter of Jacob and Maria (Hossinger) Shambaugh. By this union there were three children, all of whom died in infancy. In the year 1892, Mr. Mang was joined in wedlock to Miss
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Mary Ann Spade, whose birth occurred in Green township, July 6, 1859, her parents being Noah and Katherine (Shambaugh) Spade.
In his political views Mr. Mang is a stanch democrat and is a citizen whose cooperation can ever be counted upon to further the general welfare. He is a member of the Mohawk Grange and of the Lutheran church of Perrysville. The period of his residence in this county now covers forty years and he has gained the good will and regard of those with whom he has been associated, while his friends speak of him in terms of high praise and kindly esteem.
JOHN McCONNELL.
John McConnell, well known as a prominent and worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Orange township, where his birth occurred February 22, 1841, is a son of George and Narcisus (Cox) McConnell. His father was born on the 17th of March, 1811, and his life record covered the intervening years to the 3d of July, 1888. The mother, who was born in 1812, died in June, 1866. They had a family of five children, of whom two died in infancy, while William, who was born. June 10, 1835, passed away November 25, 1865, and Elza, who was born July 30, 1838, died January 25, 1898. He was. very prominent in financial circles in his part of the county. The subject of this re- view is now the only surviving member of the family. With them lived Elizabeth Christy, a cousin of the father, who made her home with them until her death.
The McConnells came to Ohio with a vanguard of the pioneers and exper- ienced all of the hardships, privations and dangers incident to frontier life. The grandfather, who bore the name of William McConnell, had many adven- tures with the Indians and some thrilling escapes. He was a man of wonderful courage and sagacity and these qualities stood him well at a time when one had not only to think quickly but to act even more quickly. His son, George McConnell, the father of our subject, lived a life in many respects like that of his father in that he shared in the hardships and privations that constituted a feature in the early settlement of Ohio. He was very successful in business, overcoming the disadvantages and obstacles of his early life, and in his later years was an extensive landowner and prominent capitalist. The land original- ly purchased by the family on their arrival in Ohio, and every acre subsequently acquired, still remains in the possession of representatives of the name and now includes nearly nine hundred acres. They have, in addition, large financial interests and are among the substantial residents of this part of the state. George McConnell, the father, became the owner of about seven hundred acres of land and was the most prominent business man of the community, winning well merited success through the cultivation of crops and raising of stock. He made a specialty of sheep, which he handled on an extensive scale. Not only did he conduct extensive business interests, but was also very prominent in public affairs, serving for six years as county commissioner and also for one term as a member of the Ohio legislature from Ashland county.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN McCONNELL
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John McConnell, whose name introduces this record, spent his youthful days with his father on the home farm and was educated in the district schools.
His training in the work of the fields was not meager for in his youth he was instructed in the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In business affairs he displayed sound judgment and keen discrimination, so that he is never at fault in placing his investments, but so utilizes his means as to increase his possessions and add to a gratifying success which he has already won.
On the 11th of October, 1866, Mr. McConnell was married to Miss Juliette Porter, a daughter of Nathaniel and Clarissa (Knealand) Porter. Her father
was one of thirteen sons to come over from Ireland and was married in Massa- chusetts to Miss Knealand, a native of that state. On their removal westward about 1823, they settled at Elyria, Ohio, and Mr. Porter became the first brick- maker in Sullivan, the brick of his kilns being extensively used in the construc- tion of the brick buildings between Cleveland and Sandusky. He died March 25, 1877, while his wife passed away December 1, 1854. They were the parents of nine children : Hannah, James, Clarissa, Samuel, Edward, Caroline, Alex- ander, Juliette and Julian, the last two being twins. Of this number six are now living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McConnell was born one daughter, Neva, who died in her eighteenth year.
There is no name more honored in this part of Ohio than is that of McConnell for the record of the family has at all times been such as wins high regard and unqualified esteem. They have always been much given to char- itable work, freely helping the needy, while in business affairs the name of McConnell has ever been a synonym for straightforward dealing and enterprise. The record of John McConnell is in keeping with that of the other members of the family. He has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of a fellowman in any business transactions, being at all times just and considerate, yet watchful of his own interests, seeking his success in the legitimate and commendable lines of business.
JOHN SPRINGER.
John Springer is a self-made man who deserves great credit for what he has accomplished. He early realized the fact that there is no excellence without labor and his industry and persistency of purpose have brought to him the suc- cess that numbers him among the substantial farmers of Mohican township. His home is on section 26, adjoining the village of Lake Fork on a farm com- prising seventy-two acres of rich land.
Mr. Springer was born in Lake Fork on the 14th of February, 1843, and remained there through the period of his boyhood and youth, spending his minority in the home of his parents, John and Margaret (Griffith) Springer, both of whom were natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania. They were married there and about 1830 came to Ohio. They did not at once locate in Ashland county but soon afterward came to this part of the state and both died in Mohican township. The father was a tanner by trade and for many years
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conducted business in that line in Lake Fork. Attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he went to the Pacific coast in 1849 or 1850, by way of the overland route and remained in the far west for a year. He then returned by water, spending forty-nine days on a sailing vessel. He made a second attempt to go to California by way of the isthmus route but returned home for he could not cross the isthmus. In his political views he was a whig, supporting the party in early life, while later he became a stalwart advocate of the republican party. He was a son of John and Mary Springer who were natives of Wash- ington county, Pennsylvania, and John Springer spent his entire life there while his wife came to Ohio after his demise. The maternal grandparents of our subject came from Wales. John Springer was one of a family of seven children : Elizabeth, who died in infancy ; Mary, who died at the age of twenty-nine years ; Florinda, who became the wife of Dennis Dove of Ashland; Hayman, who was the twin brother of Florinda and died in infancy; James, who served for one hundred days in the Civil war and now resides in Jeromeville; John, of this review; and William, who died, leaving a family.
John Springer remained at home with his parents until 1864. In that year he offered his services to the government, enlisting for one hundred days on the 2d of May, 1864, as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was honorably discharged on the expiration of his term and in February, 1865, he reenlisted for one year as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until mustered out at Columbus on the 10th of September following. He was with the army of the Potomac in 1864 and in 1865 he was on duty in the
- Shenandoah valley with Hancock's Veteran Reserve Corps. After the war he returned to this county where he has since engaged in farming. In early life he was in very straightened financial circumstances and, having no money with which to purchase property, he rented land, cultivating different farms until from his earnings he saved enough with which to purchase a place. He came to his present home in 1880 and here owns and operates seventy-two acres of rich land on section 26, Mohican township, adjoining the village in which his birth occurred. This is a well improved farm, having substantial, new buildings upon it. A part of it has second bottom land and the soil is very rich and productive, so that he annually harvests good crops. The buildings upon the place he
erected in 1894 and 1895. He built a bank barn thirty-four by sixty-four feet and also erected an attractive residence, containing nine rooms. This is tastefully and comfortably furnished and everything about the farm is kept in a good state of repair and indicates the careful supervision of the owner.
On the 7th of October, 1869, Mr. Springer was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Kahl, who was born near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, January 2, 1848. When two years of age she was brought to this county by her parents, William and Sarah (Bittinger) Kahl, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and departed this life in Leadsburg, Ohio. In 1904 Mr. Springer was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 7th of June, of that year, her death being the occasion of deep regret to many who knew her. They were the parents of three chlidren : Melvin L., living in Mohican township; Samuel E. a veterinary inspector for the United States government at South Omaha, and
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a graduate of the Ohio State University; and Rollin K., who until recently engaged in teaching but is now giving his attention to the operation of his father's farm.
In his political views Mr. Springer is an earnest republican, thoroughly in sympathy with the principles and policy of the party, yet he does not seek office as a reward for party fealty. He attends the United Brethren church and is interested in all that pertains to the material and moral progress of the community. His fellow townsmen know him as a reliable citizen and business man and entertain for him high regard.
SEBASTIAN CULLER.
Sebastian Culler occupies one of the old historic farms of the county, whereon stands a monument that was erected to the memory of four white settlers who were massacred here by the Indians on the 10th of September, 1812. It seems hardly possible when one looks over Mr. Culler's well cultivated fields and substantial improvements that this district could have been the scene of savage cruelty less than a century ago, for the farm today speaks only of peace and progress, being a well developed property of three hundred and sixty acres situated on section 25, Mifflin township.
Mr. Culler represents one of the old families of the county, his birth having occurred May 6, 1833, on the farm which is now his home. His parents were Michael and Barbara (Thomas) Culler. The father was born March 25, 1789, while his wife's birth occurred in 1795. They were both natives of Maryland, in which state they were reared and married and about 1818 they came to Ashland county. Two years before Michael Culler had visited this part of the state and had secured a tract of land, purchasing the farm of Philip Zimmer. The purchase was made on the 6th of May, 1815. He had traveled westward from Frederick county, Maryland, and in Mansfield he met Mr. Zimmer, whose father, mother and sister had been killed by the Indians on September 10, 1812. Martin Ruffner also lost his life at the same time. He had gone to help the Zimmers to defend themselves against the hostile savages, for it was known that the red men were on the war path and that the white settlers were in danger. Frederick Zimmer, the father, was the owner of a large tract of land at the time of his death. Not desiring to remain longer on the place with which were associated such sad memories, Philip Zimmer disposed of the farm to Mr. Culler. He cultivated the land for a time and then returned to Maryland, where he was married about 1818, after which he brought his bride to his new home and here amid the wild scenes of the frontier they began their domestic life and spent their remaining days. The father died July 28, 1874, while the mother passed
away July 23, 1873. He was eighty-five years at the time of his demise, while his wife had reached the age of seventy-eight years, five months and eighteen days. In their family were seven children, who were born on the old homestead farm and reached years of maturity, namely: John Peter, who died in Mans- field, Ohio; Michael, who died in Vermillion township; Eleanor, the wife of
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George H. Mowrey, a resident of Richland county; Elizabeth, who died at the age of eighty years ; Sebastian ; Susanna, deceased; and Anna Barbara, the wife of Albert Milligan, of Richland county. Several children also died in infancy. Sebastian Culler was reared to the work of the home farm, taking his place in the fields almost as soon as old enough to reach the plow handles. His memory goes back to the time when all the farm machinery was very crude in comparison with that in use at the present time, most of the work being done by hand. There were no riding plows, no improved threshers or binders.
The farmer tramped along the furrow after the plow, which was drawn by a single horse and when the harvests were ready he cut his grain and bound it into bundles with his own hands. The threshing, too, was very primitive as com- pared with the methods in use at the present time but the early settlers were resolute, energetic men and made good use of their opportunities. As the years have passed Mr. Culler has kept apace with the work of general improvement and now has a well developed farm property comprising three hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land on section 25, Mifflin township, a mile and a half south of the village of Mifflin. It presents a most attractive appearance and annually responds to the care and labor bestowed upon it in a yield of generous harvests.
In 1882 Mr. Culler was married to Miss Susannah Berg, who was born in Ashland county, November 29, 1852, and died September 8, 1900. Her parents were Jacob and Christina (Deter) Berg, natives of Germany and Maryland respectively. They were married, however, in Ashland county, and each had been previously married. Mr. Berg is now deceased but the mother is still a resident of Mifflin township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Culler were born two sons and a daughter: James, at the age of twenty-four years, now operating the home farm; Blanche, at home; and Michael, who died at the age of two years.
Mr. Culler has suffered a stroke of paralysis, so that he is not able to do any of the work upon the farm. He is a republican in his political views and a member of the Mount Zion Lutheran church. His life has been an upright, honorable one, characterized by loyalty to duty in every relation and those who know him entertain for him warm regard by reason of what he has accomplished and the methods he has ever followed.
WILLIAM FLINN.
William Flinn, who since 1879 has been successfully engaged in the cigar manufacturing business in Ashland, was born in the state of New York on the 7th of February, 1852, his parents being James and Margaret Flinn, both of whom are now deceased. Of the seven children born unto them, six still survive.
In the acquirement of an education William Flinn attended the common schools of his native state and when fifteen years of age began learning the cigar maker's trade, which he has followed throughout his active business career. In the year 1879 he came to Ashland, Ohio, and has here since been engaged
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in the manufacture of cigars, meeting with a gratifying measure of prosperity in that undertaking. He owns an attractive and commodious home on Third street and is well known and highly esteemed as one of the city's substantial and representative residents.
At Utica, New York, Mr. Flinn was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Tallman, a native of that city and a daughter of Ira and Sarah Tallman, both of whom have passed away. Mrs. Flinn was one of a family of seven children and by her marriage has become the mother of three, as follows: Frederick T,. who is married and is engaged in business in Ashland; Harry, who is also a resident of this city; and Harriett, at home.
In his political views Mr. Flinn is a stalwart democrat and his fellow towns- men, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to positions of public trust. For four years he has acted as a member of the council of Ash- land and is also serving on the county election board. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 619, of Ashland. They are popular and prominent in social circles, having won the warm regard and esteem of an extensive circle of friends during the long period of their residence here.
CHARLES EAGLE.
Charles Eagle, devoting his attention to general farming on section 23, Mohican township, is one of the leading citizens of Ashland county, his birth occurring in the township which is still his home. His natal day was February 6, 1852, and his parents were George and Elizabeth (Austin) Eagle. The father was born in Lake township in 1822, representing one of the old families of the county that for almost a century has resided here. His parents were William and Rebecca Eagle, who were among the pioneers of this section of the state, settling in Lake township, where they spent their remaining days, William Eagle being closely associated with the early development of this region as the wild lands were converted into rich farms. Their son, George Eagle, was a life long resident of Lake and Mohican townships, save for four years which he spent in Indiana in early manhood. He, too, made farming his life work and prospering in his undertakings, made judicious investments in land, becoming the owner of over two hundred acres. He married Elizabeth Austin, who was born in Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio, about 1833, and as farming people they spent many years in this locality, respected by all who knew them for their sterling worth. George Eagle departed this life in Mohican township at the age of sixty-eight years and his widow now makes her home with her children. He was a member of the United Brethren church at Lake Fork for many years and his was an upright, honorable life, in harmony with his professions. Mrs. Eagle is also a member of the same church and her many good qualities have won her the respect of all with whom she has been brought in contact. Their family numbered eleven children.
Charles Eagle, the second in order of birth, spent his youthful days in his parents' home and has always been a resident of Mohican township, save for four years spent in Lake township in early childhood. He was early trained
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to the work of the fields and devoted the summer seasons to such tasks, while in the winter months he acquired his education in the public schools. He continued to assist his father until twenty-three years of age, when he started out on his own account. At one time he owned seventy acres in farming land near his present home but eventually sold that property and bought thirty acres at Lake Fork. Here he has engaged in general farming and also followed teaming for a number of years. His life has been a busy and useful one, winning him a comfortable competence and in all his business transactions he has been thor- oughly reliable.
On the 22d of February, 1877, Mr. Eagle was married to Miss Mary Ellen Ewing, who was born near Jeromeville, Ashland county, Ohio, on the 2d of July, 1862, a daughter of John and Eleanor (Mawrey) Ewing. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eagle have been born six children: Charley Wesley; Clara Odessa, who is the wife of Frank Seibert, of Lodi, and has five children, Vera Wave, Everitt Ward, Rhea Pearl, Fay Ellen and Kennith Eagle; Rosa Pearl, the wife of Royl Kreiling, of Plain township, Wayne county, Ohio, by whom she has one son, Welden Royl; and Eli Thurman, Ferne Eleanor and Hazel Marie, who are at home. The family is well known in this part of the county and the members of the household have many warm friends. Mr. Eagle is a representative of one of the oldest families here, a family that has ever stood for improvement and progress, and although never seeking to figure prominently in public life, has taken an active part in the work of promoting the agricultural interests of the county and at all times has stood for those interests which have been effective factors in the best development of the section.
DEWALT PIERCE.
Dewalt Pierce, owning and cultivating a tract of forty acres of fine farming land on section 35, Mohican township, was born in Lake township, Ashland county, Ohio, on the 30th of September, 1859, his parents being Leander and Katharine (Wolf) Pierce. The father, who is likewise a native of this county but of Irish parentage, still resides in Mifflin, Ashland county. The mother of our subject, who was born in Alsace, Germany, in 1830, accompanied her parents, John and Margaret Wolf, on their emigration to the new world in 1840, the family home being established in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf passed away in Lake township, while the death of their daughter, Mrs. Pierce, here occurred in 1901. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce were seven in number, as follows: Mary, the wife of Cyrus Otto, of Plain township, Wayne county ; John W., living in Mohicanville; George J., who is a resident of Mansfield, Ohio; Dewalt, of this review; Matilda, the wife of Clinton A. Anderson, residing near Columbia City, Indiana; Katharine S., the wife of George W. Eagle, who is mentioned on another page of this volume; and Della May, the wife of George Crouse, of Findlay, Ohio.
When two years of age Dewalt Pierce was brought by his parents to the farm which has continued his place of abode to the present time. The property
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comprises forty acres of rich and productive land on section 35, Mohican town- ship, to the cultivation and improvement of which he is now devoting his time and energies, meeting with a creditable measure of success in his farming opera- tions by reason of his indefatigable industry and capable business management. Throughout his entire life, covering a half century, he has been a worthy and respected resident of this county, his upright and honorable career having won him the kindly regard and esteem of those with whom he has come in contact.
WILLIAM HENRY WIRT, M. D.
Dr. William Henry Wirt, president of the Ashland County Medical Society, is numbered among the most prominent and successful physicians of this county, now practicing at Loudonville. He was born near Clinton, Summit county, Ohio, on the 28th of October, 1841. His paternal grandparents were natives of Germany. His parents were George and Mary (Craft) Wirt, the former born at Gettsyburg, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and the latter at Canton, Ohio, in 1808, when there were but a few log houses in the town. When about twenty-two years of age George Wirt removed to Canton, Ohio, was there married and resided on a farm in the Buckeye state until 1858, when he and his wife took up their abode in Mendota, Illinois. There Mr. Wirt was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits throughout the remainder of his active business career, owning about four hundred acres of well improved land in Illinois. His demise oc- curred at Ottawa, Kansas, in 1892, when he was eighty-seven years of age, and his wife passed away at that place in the previous year, at the age of eighty-three years. Unto this worthy couple were born twelve children. two of whom died in early life, the others being as follows: Mrs. Savilla Hollinger, of Michigan ; David, who was called to his final rest when seventy-one years of age; Peter, who died at the age of sixty-seven; Sarah Markham, of Baldwin, Kansas; Louisa Codding, of York, Nebraska, who died when seventy-one years of age; Aaron W., of Nebraska ; William Henry of this review; Kate Stacher, who died when sixty- four years of age at. Ottawa, Kansas; George W., of Nebraska, sixty one years of age; and Hiram, of Oklahoma, who is fifty-eight years old.
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