USA > Ohio > Auglaize County > Wapakoneta > History of Auglaize County, Ohio : with the Indian history of Wapakoneta, and the first settlement of the county > Part 16
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PUBLICATION.
Stern des Westlichen Ohio-Star of Western Ohio. Estah- lished at. Minster, Ohio, by J. V. Schiffer in 1874. Came in possession of M. A. and J. B. Hemstegger in 1877, but shortly afterwards passed into the hands of J M. A. Hemstegger. In 1878 J. V. Schiffer again took charge, but retired December 1, 1879, when it was transferred to Theo. Purpus, who removed it to New Bremen, where it is still published. The Star of West Ohio is the only German paper published in this section of the State. Issued at New Bremen every Friday. Terms $2.00 per annum. THEO. PURPUS, Proprietor.
CHURCHES.
Evangelical Zion .. In 1865 Rev. L. Richter, pastor of St. Peter's congregation, resigned his charge and organized the Evangelical Zion congregation. At a meeting, held April 3, 1865, it was resolved to build a church, and in April of the following year it was determined to build a school-house in connection with the church. These buildings were accordingly erected, and are now occupied. Rev. Richter resigned April, 1868. Rev. A. Eisenhauer was elected pastor, but resigned November, 1870, and was succeeded by his predecessor. Again in 1873 Rev. Richter resigned, and Rev. William Dickman was elected his successor. On Aug. 6, 1873, the Evangelical Zion congregation was incorporated as the German Evangelical Reformed Zion Congregation, Heidelberg Synod of the North- west. The communicants number eighty at present writing, and Rev. William Dickman is pastor.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP-MINSTER.
Minster, like Bremen, was founded by a stock association. On Sept. 1, 1833, a company formed for the purpose of pur- chasing a section of land in Mercer County, Ohio. The object of this purchase was to lay out and found a town, under cer- tain specified conditions. The conditions bound the company to furnish sufficient money, as a joint fund, to enter the land and lay out the town. The funds so provided were to be en- trusted to Francis Joseph Stallo, of Mercer County, Ohio, who was authorized to enter the land in his own name. He was
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HISTORY OF AUGLAIZE COUNTY, OHIO.
further to have this land platted and divided into one hundred and forty-four shares, and fix a day for a meeting of the com- pany at Cincinnati, where the price per share and expenses were to be determined. The selection of shares was then to be made by the members by lot, the drawer of each share to pay a ratable proportion to said Stallo. After the numbers were drawn, Stallo was to make and execute a deed in favor of each purchaser. Under these conditions, Stallo entered the following lands at the Piqua land office, Miami Co., Ohio, Sept. 8, 1832, viz., the northeast quarter of sec. 34; the northwest quarter of sec. 35; the southeast quarter of sec. 27, and the southwest quarter of sec. 26-in township 7 south, range 4 east, situate in Mercer Co., Ohio.
Soon after the purchase, Stallo caused said land to be laid off, platted, and divided into 144 shares or lots, and each share subdivided into ten parts or lots, and estimated and calculated the price of each share at $8.50. On April 14, 1833, the com- pany met at Cincinnati, Ohio, and proceeded to draw lots, in accordance with these conditions, and with the following re- sults : Francis Joseph Stallo, lot 37; John Gerhard Beckman, lot 133; F. L. Bupe, lot 90; J. Wejohm, lot 58; F. B. Feld- man, lot 71; J. H. Pelster, lot 139; J. Harmsen, lot 43; J. H. Gehoens, lot 69; G. H. Theis, lot 141; J. H. Wamke, lot 41 ; J. A. Thalking, lot 75 ; F. Herkman, lot 62; F. H. Wessjolian, lot 96; J. H. Fouke, lot 138; G. Nieman, lot 44; J. Lieke, lot 124; F. H. Wessjohan, lot 100; Clemens Senner, lot 132; C. Lenmann, lot 49; J. H. Feldman, lot 137; F. Buschman, lot 80; John D. Uddhorn, lot 144; J. B. Meyer, lot 27 ; J. H. Wil- kins, lot 106; - Schulte, lot 2; B. H. Bupe, lot 52; A. Theising, lot 7; F. H. Bupe, lot 28; J. Heitman, lot 42; H. H. Quatman, lot 59; H. C. Frilling, lot 11; B. H. Busse, lot 47; B. Lelimann, lot 31; J. Brands, lot 94 ; J. F. Siggin, lot 85 ; Johannes Schap, lot 98; J. Surman, lot 130; J. H. Steinman, lot 5; U. Meyer, lot 53; J. H. Bosche, lot 51 ; F. H. Feldman, lot 116; J. H. Summer, lot 9; F. Jargens, lot 25; -- Codesman, lot 76 ; J. H. Gerken, lot 131; J. H. Stuve, lot 20; Herman Bosche, lot 13; J. H. Albers, lot 82; F. Meure, lot 57; H. Meyer, lot 97; John Zimmer, lot 119; H. H. Mohlmann, lot 140; B. Rottinghouse, lot 108; J. B. Koeper, lot 50; Herman Beck- man, lot 23; F. H. Lehman, lot 125; F. Fortman, lot 8; An- ton Martin, lot 12; F. J. Stallo, lot 32; J. B. Ortman, lot 14; J. B. Frederick, lot 134 ; J. H. Surman, lot 77; F. B. Lange- man, lot 127 ; J. H. Bosche, lots 98, 35, 72; B. A. Kuper, lot 81 ; B. Weisel, lot 120; F. Rhoenkamp, lots 40, 93, 87; J. H. Burger, lot 3; M. G. Kingman, lot 109; M. E. Gausepohl, lot 73 ; B. Kramer, lot 84 ; T. J. Hehmann, lot 114; G. H. Louke,
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HISTORY OF AUGLAIZE COUNTY, OHIO.
lot 17; H. H Buke, lot 34; John Schiræder, lot 103; H. Woch- kenberg, lot 65; J. H. Suermann, lot 11; F. H. Frilling, lot 95 ; F. Rhoenkohle, lot 54; H. Mohlmann, lots 20, 33; Peter Gratish, lot 56; F. Fortman, lots 15, 18, 129; Anton Haver- beck, lot 22; F. J. Stallo, lot 104; J. H. Senner, lot 99; H. Waebenberg, lot 1; Peter Thiel, lot 142; J. G. Tawben, lot 118; F. A. Stuble, lot 105; J. R. Borgsted, lot 143 ; Chris- tian Teller, lot 121; N. E. Gausepohl, lot 21; J. W. Roof, lots 90, 135, 136, 64 ; - B. Mauker, lot 60; F. L. Rombach, lot 123 ; C. L. Neiter, lot 101 ; Henry Evers, lot 4 ; Daniel Hauben, lot 63; Frederick Baumgartner, lot 19; Sylvester Uchlert, lot 38; J. E. Stallo, lots 117, 24, 126, 39, 66, 74, 70, and 61 ; H. Bolke, lot 86 ; B. H. Burgading, lot 102; John Schrader, lot 10; John Zimmer, lots 26, 29, 89; G. Frilling, lot 83; Anton Kramer, lot 107 ; John Louke, lot 110; H. Heckman, lot 36 ; J. H. Bor- ger, lot 67; H. Snider, lot 113; Gertrude Stuve, lot 88 ; J. C. Storks, lot 45; Henry Zumbrinck, lot 128; G. G. Beyer, lot 46; F. J. Stallo, lot 115; C. L. Neumelster, lot 79; Simon Elliott, lot 112; Geo. H. Bohmer, lot 122; J. C. Albers, lot 68 ; J. H. Mescher, lot 8; Geo. C. Smith, lot 55; J. F. Stallo, lot 92; T. J. Stallo, lot 16; John Sewerman, lot 48.
In the summer of 1833, F. J. Stallo died intestate, withont having executed deeds to the several purchasers, as required. For the purpose of securing title to purchasers, a bill in chan- cery was filed at the Common Pleas Court of Mercer County, then sitting at St. Marys, entitled-
JOHN ZIMMER, B. J. FELDMAN, JNO. H. 1 PELSTER, JOS. SURMAN et al.
US. In Chancery.
JNO. M. STALLO, LEWIS STALLO, MARY ANN STALLO, THEODORE STALLO, AND THERESA STALLO.
The complainants asked relief in equity, and prayed an order of the court granting to them their respective purchases in Stallostown as per conditions under which J. F. Stallo repre- sented the stock company.
The defendants, the legal heirs of said Stallo being infants, appeared by their guardian ad litem, John W. Roof. The cause was heard March 3, 1836, when it was ordered by the court that the defendants as they became of age should sever- ally convey to said owners or original purchasers their respec- tive lots or shares, and in their failure to do so within six months after attaining their majority, this decree was to ope- rate as a conveyance.
Stallostown was originally described as follows: Consisting
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HISTORY OF AUGLAIZE COUNTY, OHIO.
of a section of land, it was divided by seven (7) streets from north to south, and cleven (11) from east to west. These be- ing the principal streets were sixty (60) feet wide, and all others to be fifty (50) feet. In the centre, on both sides of streets ad- joining the principal streets, were four (4) public places, the streets fifty (50) feet wide, and these public places sixty (60) feet wide and two hundred and seven (207) feet long. Be- tween streets running east and west are twelve (12) numbers, these to be divided into five (5) lots, and through each lot a street extends north and south, so that each number contains five (5) lots in a direct line to the main street. Between all these lots are alleys sixteen (16) feet wide; all streets and alleys to be opened whenever the public convenience shall re- quire. The lots are numbered from south to north and north to south on Main Street, beginning with 1 at south end of Main Street on west side and numbered consecutively to 72 at north end of same street; then commencing at 73 on east side of same street number consecutively to south end of said street to 144, each number having a front of 683 feet and a depth extending to next street.
The town was thus founded by Germans, and still preserves this nationality. After its foundation it assumed considerable business importance, but other settlements and towns robbed it of some of its business at a later date. The canal passed through at an early day, and gave shipping facilities until the completion of the Minster Branch of the L. E. & W. R. R. connecting with the main line at St. Marys increased these facilities. It is yet a town of considerable enterprise, having' some important industries well represented. The Roman Catholic religion prevails exclusively, and the sect has one of the finest churches in the State. The school in connection is also supplied with a good building. These are elsewhere treated. Among the business enterprises of interest we may mention the hardware establishment of John Laufersweiler, the large boot and shoe house of Laufersweiler and Bornhorst, the extensive hydraulic mill of Sprehe and Depweg, the pork packing establishment and brickyard of Steineman Bros., the tannery of Frank Piening, the agricultural implement estab- lishment of Goeke and Kaiser, and the grocery and drug house of Mrs. E. Schneider and Son.
One of the largest and most complete breweries in this part of the State was erected here in 1870, by Frank Lang, at a cost of $40,000; while the improvements of the present year will reach about $15,000 more. Mr. Lang is one of the early set- tlers of the county, having come here in 1838.
Doctor John P. Schmieder, the well-known and deservedly
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HISTORY OF AUGLAIZE COUNTY, OHIO.
popular physician of Minster, was born in Rust, Granduchy of Baden, Germany, June 26, 1820, and entered upon the study of medicine, when but eleven years of age, at Freyburg Uni- versity ; he graduated and emigrated to America in 1846, and settled in Minster. He is justice of the peace, mayor, and notary public. He ranks among the first in his profession, and retains the confidence of the whole community. He is also a large land-owner, and is proprietor of two hotels in the town.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Jolin Henry Steinmann, one of the pioneers of Jackson town- ship, was born in Haldorff, Oldenburg, Ger., Oct. 28, 1808, and eame to America in 1832. From Baltimore he came to Cin- cinnati, but after a short time he left for the South, where he spent about two years. He married Catharine G. Meyers in 1835, and about a year later moved to his pioneer home, three miles west of Minster, then Stallostown. There were then no roads, and travel was performed by the aid of blazed trees as guides through the forest. He occupied this first farm about two years, when he purchased land near Minster, where he built a new home. Here he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held with little interruption until the date of his death. After 1837 he engaged in trade and the manufacture of brick. Again he engaged at different periods in the mer- cantile trade, real estate operations, cooperage, and grain deal- ing. His first business was small, but attended by success ; he was enabled to enlarge his operations as the increasing de- mands of the new community would dictate. About 1850 he built a brick dwelling, store, and warehouse, and commenced the shipment of all kinds of produce, and at the same time commenced the pork-packing business. He has reared a family of five children, four sons and one daughter, named John H., Theo. B., Frank J., Charles, and Mary-all married and settled in or near Minster. Mr. S. died Jan. 15, 1877, and Mrs. S. May 23, 1872, both having reached an advanced age, and won the respect of a community which remembers them as worthy pioneers.
Matthias Goeke was born in Hanover, Ger., in 1795, and came, with his wife and four children, to what was then Ger- man township, this county. He was thus one of the pioneers, and is now among the oldest residents of the township. Although advanced in years, he is in the enjoyment of bodily vigor, and sustains the respect of all his acquaintances.
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HISTORY OF AUGLAIZE COUNTY, OHIO.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP-NEW KNOXVILLE.
The first white settler in Washington township was Shadrack Montgomery, who settled here in 1830. He located in sec. 24, and was one of the trustees at the organization of the town- ship. At a very early period he was elected justice of the peace, and was one of the Board of Commissioners at the or- ganization of the county. He had previously served in this capacity in Allen County. His son Archibald was twelve years of age when they came to the county. He says that during the years 1830-31-32 he had no associates save the Indian boys. As his home bordered on the reserve he became ac- quainted with their language and skilful with the bow. The first school taught in the township was in a log cabin in see. 24, by Elias Horner, during the winter of 1834-35. The equip- ments were very primitive, having basswood puncheons for seats, greased paper for windows, and planks attached to the wall for desks. Mr. M. had not the privileges of education, as he was the main support of his father's family. He married Julia A. Brannon, and they reared a family of ten children, five of whom are still living. The first sermon preached in the township was by Rev. Kemper. Among those who came to the township about this time were John L. Campbell, Samuel Mccullough, Samuel Blakeley, Wm. Spray, and Thos. Cham- bers. Mr. Montgomery was noted as a hunter. He claimed to have killed the last deer ever seen in the county. On one occasion he killed two deer at one shot. He saw but one, but after the shot he found a second one had stood in range beyond the one at which he aimed. He also claims to have killed the last wolf ever seen in the county.
New Knoxville was laid out in village lots in the year 1836, by James K. Lytle. It consisted of 102 lots. The first store started in the town was by Cummins, Mathers & Brown (who had previously built a steam sawmill), which was afterwards sold to James K. Lytle. Henry Vennemann built the frame dwelling and storeroom he now occupies in 1856, but had been selling goods at his home, just outside the village limits, from the year 1840. Henry Lutterbine commenced to sell goods about the same time. Ever since there has been a gradual increase in the business of the town, till there are at the present time two stores of general merchandise, one boot and shoe store, three shoe shops, one harness shop, three blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, one bent wood manufac- tory, two furniture manufactories and stores, one sawmill, one sash and blind factory, one physician, one photograph
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HISTORY OF AUGLAIZE COUNTY, OHIO.
gallery, two churches, and one public school. The inhabitants of the town are entirely of German descent.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Zachariah K. Ryan was born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1812, and in 1833 came with his father's family to Washing- ton township. He married Elizabeth Montgomery in the autumn of the same year. After rearing a family of eight children Mrs. Ryan died, Jan. 1, 1868. Mr. Ryan afterward married Mary A. Nash, who died Dec. 3, 1879.
Henry Frische, who married a sister of Mrs. Henry Miller, came with Mr. Miller to Washington township, and located on a quarter section of land adjoining that of Mr. Miller. Mr. Frische afterward went to Hamilton County to work, as the settlement in which he had located was new and wild, offering but little opportunity of earning anything. He died in 1852, leaving his widow with three children; one of these died a few days after the father. Mrs. Frische and her two remaining sons continued to manage the farm, and even afterward pur- chased an adjoining 400 acres, on which they erected a fine farm residence, reflecting credit upon the management of Mrs. Frische. In 1871 she married Henry W. Taeusch, of Wapa- koneta, after which she removed to town, where she still resides.
Henry Miller was born in Germany in 1805, and came to the United States about 1834, locating first in Miami County, Ohio, where he remained until 1836, when he came to this county and located in section 12, Washington township, on the farm now owned by his son William. This farm was se- cured of the government in 1835. Of course all was wild in the new settlement, and their first shelter was a canvas, under an oak tree, which served until a cabin was erected. Under these circumstances it required energy of the strongest char- acter to face and overcome the difficulties of the situation. Mr. Miller was equal to the demand, and by toil and economy acquired about 900 acres of land. He reared a family of ten children. His death occurred in 1870, and his wife died eight years later.
John M. Howell was born in 1813, married in 1835, and died in 1878.
Henry Vennemann was born in Westphalia, Germany, 1804, and came to the United States with his family in 1838, loca- ting in Washington township. During the next two years he worked on the canal whenever he could leave his farm. His first venture in trade consisted of the sale of a barrel of
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HISTORY OF AUGLAIZE COUNTY, OHIO.
whiskey in 1840, on which he lost $4. His second barrel about equalized the previous loss. About this time his friends persuaded him to add dry goods to his stock, which they proposed to furnish. His store consisted of a small room in his dwelling, with chests he had brought from Ger- many for counters. The shelving consisted of planks laid upon pins placed in the logs. He knew so little about Eng- lish, that when called upon for articles he was as likely to say he had none, as to say he had, although it might be the article of which he had most. He purchased the first shipping butter and eggs in the county, the former at 22 cents per lb., the latter at 2 cents per dozen. These shipments were made to. Cincinnati and Toledo, and sold at about four times their first cost. His wife died in 1864. They have but one sur- viving child. Although advanced in years, Mr. Vennemann still gives the store his daily attention.
Jesse Roberts was born near Xenia, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1811. He married Catherine Meyers, and moved to Washington township in 1837. He had here entered 160 acres of land, re- ceiving his patent from President Van Buren. His wife died in 1867, leaving eight children, named Minerva A., Lavina J., John M., Cyrus P., Cornelia S., Nancy C., and Mary M. On May 31, 1870, Mr. Roberts married Sarah J. Rush; the result of this marriage being one child, named Ella May. Mr. Roberts, in connection with farming, devoted considerable time to the manufacture of coffins and plows. His death oc- curred March 21, 1874, at which time he owned 640 acres of land, acquired by industry and economy.
PUSHETA TOWNSHIP-FREYBURG.
This township lies on south side of the county, bordering on Shelby County. Its surface is somewhat rolling, being broken by Pusheta Creek, although the general surface is level.
The only significant stream is Pusheta Creek, bearing the name of one of the Indian chiefs, who lived upon its banks.
The soil is exceedingly fertile, and the whole section com- paratively well improved. Schools and churches dot the sur- face here and there, and bespeak educational and religious facilities for all who seek these advantages. The inhabitants are largely of German stock, and are energetic and industrious. Freyburg is the only village and post-office, and contains one hotel, one physician, two stores, one blacksmith shop, one shoe shop, one school, and one church.
15
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HISTORY OF AUGLAIZE COUNTY, OHIO.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
John Lenox was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Oct. 18, 1809. When he had attained the age of two years his father settled near Sidney. He was married in 1831, and in 1833 bought a farm in Pusheta township, about two and one-half miles from Wapakoneta, where he still resides. He has reared a large family, of whom six children are still living. After providing for his children he has still over two hundred acres of land, all the result of toil and economy, as he came to the wilderness and acquired all his possessions by his own efforts.
C. B. Williamson was born in Onondaga County, New York, Aug. 30, 1813, and moved west to what is now Botkins in Shelby County, Ohio, in 1835. He settled in Pusheta town- ship at an early period, before any improvements had been made.
Lawrence Sammetinger was born in Bavaria July 5, 1815. In 1835 he came to America with his father's family, and set- tled in what is now Auglaize County. During his residence here he has constantly resided upon the farm now occupied in Pusheta township. In 1863 he was elected county commis- sioner, which office he held the ensuing nine years. In 1863 he was also elected a justice of the peace, in which capacity he served twelve years. He was married Dec. 23, 1839, to Miss Rosanna Schurr. Their family consisted of ten children, as follows: Barbara M., Christina R., Mary R., Catharine E., John, George M., William L., John W., Christian F., and Law- rence C., six of whom are still living. Mr. Sammetinger still holds a commanding influence in his community.
Lewis Agenbroad came from Maryland to Ohio with his father when about ten years of age, and settled near Dayton. Here Lewis learned the brick and stone mason trade, and built several large factories in Dayton, among which was the foun- dry and cotton factory. His father, Daniel Agenbroad, served in the War of 1812 under Gen. Harrison. He will be eighty- one years of age next Sunday, May 2, 1880, but having been a man of a remarkable strong constitution, even at his advanced age is smart and active, while his hair is less gray than that of most men at fifty.
Conrad Schemmel came from Germany in 1832, and settled in this county. He served as a justice of the peace twenty-one years, and died at the age of seventy-eight years. His son George, who was the only violinist in the county, died at the age of forty-three. Charles and Rudolph J. now occupy the old place.
Adam Engelhaupt - came to this township in 1838. He helped build the first school-house in the township.
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HISTORY OF AUGLAIZE COUNTY, OHIO.
CLAY TOWNSHIP-ST. JOHNS.
This township, but especially the neighborhood of St. Johns, was settled immediately after the cession of the Indian lands in 1832. Among the first settlers may be mentioned John Rogers, John Corder, Wm. Richardson, Chas: Lusk, Peter Princehouse, Richard Henry, Benj. Runyun, James H. Cole- man, Ed. Williams, Andrew Perkins, and John Morris, who came in 1832 and 1833, and Daniel and Wm. Bitler, Samuel and Peter Bechdolt, were among the arrivals in the spring of 1834. John Corder occupied the old lodge of Blackhoof, but soon moved to the Spy Buck tract, now known as the Tam farm. in Dnchouquet township. The Blackhoof lodge stood on the present site of Dan Miller's dwelling in St. Johns, and was a log structure abont 18 x 20 feet, one and a half stories high, covered with clapboards, the chimney being of sticks, and the floor of puncheons. John Carey was one of the original land purchasers, having secured of the govern- ment part of the land since owned by John Rogers. Daniel Bitler secured land, previously occupied by Wayweleapy, a chief who figures in our Indian history. Part of this farm had been cultivated, and the lodge of the chief still stood, to be occupied by the whites. The settlement of 1834 had so in- creased, that the township was organized, and the first elec- tion held at the house of Samuel Bechdolt, Dec. 27, 1834, when eleven votes were cast. Jas. H. Coleman, Thos. Beer, and John Rogers served as judges, and Richard Henry and Joel Bayliff as clerks.
The following persons were elected to the respective offices : Trustees, John Rogers, David Vonblaricom, Thomas Beer. Clerk, Richard Henry. Treasurer, Joel Bayliff. Constable, Thomas Beer. Fence Viewers, Jas. H. Coleman, Thomas Reed, Thomas Beer. Overseers of the Poor, William Copeland and Samuel Bechdolt.
Richard Henry was sworn into office by John Morris, justice of the peace of Union township.
The voters of this election were: Richard Henry, Joel Bay- liff, David Vonblaricom, John Rogers, Wm. Hinton, Thomas Beer, Thomas Reed, Byrd Richardson, James H. Coleman, Wm. Copeland, and Samuel Bechdolt.
John Corder and James H. Coleman were the pioneer teach- ers of the township. Still, among the early settlers, we may mention Peter Bennett, John Hodges, Chas. Martin, Amos Copeland, Henry and Samuel Bitler, Jacob Snyder, Geo. Emerick, and W. Bush. The first settlement was thus made at and about St. Johns. the old Indian Blackhoof Village.
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