History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 127

Author: Hopley, John E. (John Edward), 1850-
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago,Ill., Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1302

USA > Ohio > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 127

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In November, 1886, Mr. Kepler was mar- ried to Miss Nora Shumaker, one of the fol- lowing family of eleven children born to Joel and Elmira (Weatherbee) Shumaker; Ange-

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line, who is the wife of William Allebach; Sarah, who is deceased; Margaret, who is the wife of Isaac Read; Almeda, who is the wife of Frank Benedict; Ella, who is the wife of James Stoneman; and Albert, Charles, Ed- ward, David and Nora, and Effie, who is de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kepler have four chil- dren: Russell, who married Catherine Heiber and has one son, William Flavius; and Lucius, Marie and Della Alice.

In his political views Mr. Kepler is a stanch Democrat, was reared in this party, his father being a strong party man and an admirer and supporter of the late ex-President Cleveland. For seven years Mr. Kepler served as town- ship assessor and at present is a member of the school board. He belongs to that impor- tant party organization, the Democratic Cen- tral Committee. Mr. Kepler is an interested member of the local Grange and with his fam- ily attends the United Brethren church.

G. RAYMOND LICHTY,* freight and pas- senger agent of the Toledo & Ohio Central Railway, at Bucyrus, O., has been identified with this corporation since 1901 and through ability and fidelity in a comparatively short time won his way from a clerkship to his present responsible position. He was born in 1880, at Bucyrus, and is a son of Adam J. and a grandson of Peter Lichty.

Peter Lichty was born in Alsace Lorraine, when it was yet a French province and came to the United States in the forties, shortly afterward locating at New Washington, in Crawford county, O. From there he came to Bucyrus, where he followed his trade of wagonmaking, late in life retiring to Toledo, where he died at the home of his eldest son, Peter Lichty, his wife surviving him but a short time. They were members of the Luth- eran church. They had four sons: Peter, who resides at Toledo, Ia .; Charles, deceased, who is survived by children; George, who is a resident of Bucyrus; and Adam J.

Adam J. Lichty was born at New Washing- ton, Crawford county, O., 63 years ago, and is a prominent citizen of Bucyrus, at present serving in an official capacity. He learned the wagonmaking trade with his father and they conducted the business together at New Washington until the older member of the

firm went to Iowa, after which Adam J. oc- cupied himself for some years along the same line. In the early part of the Civil war he enlisted in Co. C, in an Ohio regiment of in- fantry, in which he served for 90 days and at present is an official member of Keller Post, G. A. R., of Bucyrus. Mr. Lichty has always been a Democrat and a working member of his party. He was married at Bucyrus to Anna Streib, who was born in Germany and when five years old accompanied her parents to America. Conrad Streib and wife were members of the German Lutheran church. Three children were born to Adam J. Lichty and wife: G. Raymond; Marcus H., who is in the restaurant business at Canton, O .; and Robert C., who is general superintendent of the K. & M. Railroad, at Charleston, W. Va.

G. Raymond Lichty was educated in the public schools and ever since has been en- gaged in railroad work, in 1901 beginning as yard clerk with the Toledo & Ohio Central. Later he was employed in the freight depart- ment and still later was bill clerk for the de- partment as operated from this center to the main offices at Columbus. In 1907 he was advanced to his present position in which he has given efficient and satisfactory service and has five men in his department.

Mr. Lichty was married at Bucyrus to Miss Ethel L. Frash, who was born here in 1882, a daughter of Louis and Gertrude ( Petero) Frash, residents of this city. The father of Mrs. Lichty was born in Ohio and her mother in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Lichty have one daughter, Dorothea, who was born June 15, 1906. They are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Lichty is not very active in pol- itics but he votes with the Democratic party.

ELMER ELLSWORTH HARVEY, whose valuable farm of 166 acres is situated in Bucy- rus township, is numbered with the prosperous agriculturists of this section and is one of the most highly respected citizens. He was born in Bucyrus township, Dec. 30, 1865, and is a son of George Washington and Elizabeth (Failor) Harvey.

George Washington Harvey was born in Pennsylvania and came in early manhood to Crawford county, where he followed farm- ing all his after life. He married (first) Eliza-

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beth Failor, who was born and died here and her burial was in the Bucyrus cemetery. They were faithful members of the Lutheran church. Their family of children consisted of the following: William F., Galen H., Effie, Elmer Ellsworth. He was married (second) to Elizabeth Neil and they have two children: D. N. and E. R.

Elmer Ellsworth Harvey bears a name that has been held in tender rememberance by the loyal people of the United States since the early days of the Civil war. His boyhood was mainly devoted to school attendance and since then he has been interested in farm pur- suits. In 1906 he purchased his present farm from the G. H. Welsh estate and carries on general farming and stock raising as best suits his convenience, being progressive and up-to- date in his methods. He has improved his property as he has considered advisable and has recently built a substantial barn.

In 1888 Mr. Harvey was married to Miss Effie Welsh, a daughter of the late George H. Welsh. She has one sister, who is the wife of A. L. Beaston, a well known farmer in Bucyrus township. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey have three children: Imo, Mildred and Russell. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Harvey is a very intelligent, well informed man and as he is perfectly capable of drawing conclusions for himself concerning public questions, he is an independent voter.

MRS. ELIZABETH ROBERTS, Sr., one of the best known residents of Holmes town- ship, Crawford county, O., residing on her valuable farm of 40 acres, but owns 80 addi- tional acres which is rented, this latter tract being located nine miles northwest of Bucy- rus, was born in that city and is a daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (Fetter ) Trish.

The parents of Mrs. Roberts were born, reared and married in Germany. For two years after coming to the United States they lived in Pennsylvania and then moved to Craw- ford county, O., and the father followed wagon making at Bucyrus, later moving on a farm in Wyandot county, where he engaged

in agricultural pursuits until the close of his life, when aged 58 years. Of his large family of children, nine reached mature years.

Elizabeth Trish grew to useful young wo- manhood under her parents' roof and obtained a district school education. In 1854 she mar- ried Daniel Roberts, who was born in Fair- field county, O. When he reached manhood he took charge of a tract of land in Tod town- ship, which his father gave him and which Mrs. Roberts still owns. He followed farming with excellent success and provided well for his family. During the Civil war he became a soldier in the Union army, enlisting in Co. H, 123d O. Vol. Inf., and some time after- ward was captured by the Confederates and sent to the terrible prison at Salisbury, N. C., where neglect and hardship caused his death. He left a widow and son to mourn his early passing away. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Roberts: Robert Albert, an

infant and Clara, the last two named being de- ceased. Robert Albert Roberts, locally known as Colonel Roberts, was born on the present farm which he rents from his mother. He married Elizabeth Blimm and they have three children: Daniel, Glen and Daisy. The eldest was named in remembrance of his grandfather. He married Edna Lutz and they have one son, Wilbur. Mrs. Roberts and family attend the Protestant Methodist church.

BURDETT KIRBY HOOVER, who owns and operates a farm of 80 acres in Dallas town- ship, was born in this township, Dec. 7, 1870, a son of Christian and Lorena (Kirby) Hoo- ver. He is a grandson of William and Phebe (Swisher) Hoover, the former of whom was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, but who passed the greater part of his life as a farmer in Crawford county. By his wife, Phebe, who was born in Franklin county, O., he had ten children, namely: John T., Emma, wife of Henry M. Welsh; Christian; George W .; Margaret, wife of David E. Fisher; Marcel- lus; Alice, wife of Marks Tea; Charles Fre- mont; Flora, wife of H. L. Weber; and Wil- liam.

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Christian Hoover, father of our subject, was educated in the public schools and was brought up to agriculture. Since he was four years old he has resided on the old Hoover home- stead, which is operated now by his sons, un- der his direction, he having retired practically from active labor. He was married in 1868 to Lorena Kirby, who was born in Crawford county, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Welsh) Kirby. Mrs. Christian Hoover died Nov. 8, 1909. Two brothers and a sister sur- vive her-John, George and Emma, the last mentioned being the wife of James Orr. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hoover were as follows: Ernest, who married Nonia Flock and has four children-Hugh, Alice, Florence and Lucile; Burdett K., whose name heads this article; Charles F., who married Nora Kerr and has five children-Helen, Wayne, Clifford, Marjorie and Dorothy; Maud; and Madge, who is the wife of Arlington Blair and has three children-Hoover, Thomas and a child unnamed. Christian Hoover is a Re- publican politically and has served the town- ship as trustee, showing himself a capable man of affairs. He attends the M. E. church.

Burdett K. Hoover after attending the com- mon schools in his boyhood, turned his atten- tion to farming. He worked under his father until he was about 29 years old, after which he rented land for six years, two years of this time in Holmes township and four years in Bucyrus township. He then bought his pres- ent farm of A. W. Blair and is engaged in general farming, keeping enough stock for his own use. Like his father, he is a Republican, and he served as township clerk for some years and for two years as treasurer.

He was married in 1901 to Olive Quaint- ance, a daughter of Aaron John and Mary (Heller) Quaintance. Mrs. Hoover's par- ents are farming people of Holmes township, her father being a veteran of the Civil war. Their children are J. B., Leroy, Daniel, Etta, wife of J. W. Dobbins, Blanche, wife of B. S. Kimmel, Oscar, James, Olive now Mrs. B. K. Hoover, Orrel, and Ona, wife of Al- bert Brown. Mr. and Mrs. B. K. Hoover are the parents of two children; Chester, Laverne and Hazel Anita. The family attend the United Brethren Mt. Zion church in Dallas township.

HENRY S. KROHN,* one of the highly respected retired citizens of Galion, O., for many years has occupied his comfortable resi- dence at No. 430 Grand street, in front of which he set out the maple trees which have grown to luxuriance, is well known all over Crawford county, for a long period having been a popular educator. He was born in York county, Pa., Sept. 22, 1840, and is a son of John and Mary (Snyder) Krohn.

Both the Krohn and Snyder families orig- inated in Germany, but for generations have been of America and before coming to Ohio, lived and prospered in York county, Pa., and there John Krohn was born, a son of John and Catherine (Kreitzer) Krohn. He was one of a family of nine children and the eldest. He became a farmer in York county, Pa., mar- ried and died in 1852, at the age of 59 years. After being left a widow, Mrs. Krohn came to Crawford county, O., with her children and purchased 80 acres of land on the out- skirts of Galion, her farm now being a part of the city and laid out in streets and cov- ered with buildings. Mrs. Krohn was mar- ried after coming to Ohio to John Dice, and both died here, Mr. Dice being buried in the old Galion cemetery. She survived to the age of 77 years. In every relation of life she was an estimable woman and was a de- his parents' children and is the only one liv- ing. He was reared to farm pursuits but was more than usually intelligent as a youth and so applied himself to his books that he became qualified for teaching and subsequently taught 46 terms of school, 42 of these in Craw- ford county. He has, at times, been otherwise occupied, from 1874 until 1884 being con- nected with the Big Four Railroad, and occa- sionally has followed the carpenter trade to some extent. He has been practically a con- tinuous resident of Galion since 1872, and his general interests have been centered here.

Mr. Krohn was married in Crawford county, to Miss Anna E. Swisher, who was born in Jefferson township, June 18, 1839, and is a daughter of John and Mary (Garberich) Swisher. The father of Mrs. Krohn was born in Crawford county and died here when aged 60 years. The mother was a native of Penn- sylvania and survived to the age of 76 years. They were members of the United Brethren

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church. Mrs. Krohn is the only one remain- ing of their family of children.

Mr. and Mrs. Krohn have had the fol- lowing children: Mary A., who has been a teacher since the age of 17 years and is well known in educational circles and has many pleasant social connections here; Ida Jane, who is the wife of Hanie L. Seif, residing at Galion; Estella, who is the wife of Evan J. Healy, of Delaware county, O., and has two sons-Elbridge J. and Russell Krohn; William Franklin, who married and removed to Chi- cago, Ill., and has had two children, Willard and Henrietta, the latter of whom died at the age of seven years; Iva May, who mar- ried (first) John Cook, and (second) James E. Mateer, and who resides at Mt. Gilead, Morrow county, O .; Ena J., who married William G. Line, of Galion, and has two chil- dren, Madge E. and Charles H. Mr. Krohn and family are active in the United Brethren church. In his political views Mr. Krohn is a Republican.

JOHN I. MILLIKEN, one of the progres- sive and enterprising agriculturists of Craw- ford county, O., and one of its substantial citizens, resides on his one farm of 120 acres, lying in Bucyrus township, and owns a second farm, containing 56 acres, situated in Dallas township. He was born in Juniata county, Pa., Jan. 6, 1871, and is a son of John and Sarah (Innis) Milliken.

The parents of Mr. Milliken were born in Pennsylvania and still reside there, the father being a farmer and also a carpenter. He has been identified with the Democratic party since his early manhood but has never been a seeker for public office. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church. They have reared a large family, as follows: Jennie, who is the wife of William McGill; Alice, deceased, who was the wife of Neely Arnold; Sarah; Charles; Etta, who is the wife of Warren Gray; Emma, who is the wife of Charles Mc- Cullough; John I .; Myrtle, who is the wife of Joseph Mclaughlin; Elizabeth, who is the wife of John Hockenberry; and Bertha, who is the wife of Crawford Tilfer.

John I. Milliken received his educational training in the public schools of Juniata county and afterward assisted his father until he was

19 years of age when he decided to start out for himself. He came to Crawford county as a promising field and for the four succeed- ing years worked on farms by the month, a very excellent way in which to learn the dif- ferent methods pursued by farmers in secur- ing the best returns from the soil, and then followed farming on shares for two years. His present farm in Bucyrus township, was formerly known as the James P. Beall farm. He carries on all the usual farm industries and has met with great success in his undertakings and is numbered with the best farmers in the township.

In November, 1893, Mr. Milliken was mar- ried to Miss Nora E. Beall, who was born on the present farm, and belongs to one of the old county families. Her parents, James P. and Mary Ann (Keckler) Beall, are both de- ceased, their burial being at Bucyrus. 'James P. Beall was a leading Republican of Bucyrus township and he and his wife were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Milliken was the youngest born of their children, the others being: James Perry and John W., both now deceased; Mary M., wife of Charles Henry; Laura E., wife of E. R. Hill; Dorsey L .; and Eva M., wife of Wesley Beal. Mr. and Mrs. Miliken have one daugh- ter, Edith Beal. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Milliken votes with the Republican party.

H. W. SMITH, general farmer residing on his well improved place of 65 acres, situated nine miles northwest of Bucyrus, O., was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, O., Dec. 21, 1859, and is a son of Frederick Smith. He was a native of Saxony, Germany, and came to the United States when a young man.

H. W. Smith attended school in Lykens township and afterward took up farming, first on the home place and then in Holmes town- ship, subsequently buying a farm in Tod town- ship which he later. sold. In 1904 he bought his present farm, on which he has placed all the excellent improvements and carries on general farming and stock raising.

In March, 1885, Mr. Smith was married (first) to Miss Jane Smith, who died in 1888. Mr. Smith was married (second) to Mrs. Es- ther (Norris) Wilhelm, in 1891, who was

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accidentally killed by a stroke of lightning, July 16, 1907, while in church, on a part of the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had one child that died in infancy. Mrs. Smith had one son by her first marriage, Clyde Wilhelm, who is a teacher in Holmes township and in September, 19II, was married to Miss Hazel Frost. His father, William Wilhelm, was a farmer in Holmes township and died prior to the birth of his son. Mr. Smith is a member of the Evangelical church and is one of Holmes township's most respected citizens. In poli- tics he is a Democrat, but uses his own judg- ment when voting.

DAVID LUST, V. S. is one of the well- known residents of Dallas township, Craw- ford county, and the owner of 120 acres of land, 80 of which are located in Dallas town- ship and the remaining 40 in Tod township. He was born in Crawford county, Nov. 17, 1847, being a son of Conrad and Magdalena (Myers) Lust.

Conrad Lust came to this country from Germany where he had been born, being but nine years of age at the time of his arrival here. His wife was born in Columbiana county, O. Both have passed away and their remains are buried in Chatfield township. They reared a family of children who bore the following names: Israel, Susannah, deceased, who was the wife of Christopher Klink; John; David; Catherine, the widow of William H. Hunsicker; Sophia, the wife of Emanuel Yeiter; Solomon; Daniel; and Elizabeth, who is the wife of John Beal. Conrad Lust was a Democrat in politics.

Dr. David Lust, after completing his com- mon school education, turned his attention to farm work but in connection therewith began the study of veterinary surgery. After three years spent with Dr. Keller he began practice for himself and has since continued to attend to his duties as a veterinary together with his farming. Dr. Lust has lived on his farm about 40 years, having inherited the 80 acres on which he resides from his father. The 40 acres located in Tod township he himself has bought. His land is well improved and he carries on general farming besides raising what stock he needs.

Dr. Lust married Miss Elizabeth Hunsicker

in August, 1871. She was born in Stark county, her parents being Jacob and Otillia (Nearing) Hunsicker, whose other children were: Jacob, William, Catherine ( Mrs. Henry White), Peter, and Mary (Mrs. Jacob Shearer). Mr. Hunsicker spent his life en- gaged in farming.

Dr. and Mrs. Lust are the parents of three children, namely: Noah L., who married Miss Emma Stiger; Ida, the wife of Philip Stiger; and Daniel C., who married Miss Bessie Mur- phy.

In politics Dr. Lust adheres to the Demo- cratic party. He has served as land appraiser. He belongs to the Grange at Bucyrus and the Reformed church.

H. N. OBERLANDER,* a leading business man of Bucyrus, O., a reliable contractor and for some four years largely engaged in build- ing streets in this and other cities, belongs to one of the old families of Crawford county. His grandfather, Jacob Oberlander, came from Germany to this county at an early date, tak- ing up lands in Lykens township and estab- lishing his family here on a sound foundation. H. N. Oberlander was born on the family homestead, in 1863, and is a son of Emanuel Oberlander, the second born son in his grand- father's family.

Emanuel Oberlander was three years old when his parents came to Crawford county and more or less spent his life on the home- stead which comprised a three-quarter section of land. He developed into a careful and suc- cessful farmer and good business man and from time to time added to the property he had inherited. His death occurred in 1902, when he was 63 years of age. Politically he was a Democrat. In his religious views he was in sympathy with the religious body known as the Albright Methodists. He married Ly- dia Spade, a native of Crawford county, who still occupies the old homestead in Lykens township. Six children were born to them as follows: Mary, who is the wife of George Haines of New Washington Crawford county, and has two children: Willis, who resides on the old farm with his mother; Galen, who re- sides with his family in Lykens township, father of one son; H. N., who has resided at Bucyrus ever since he was elected a county

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commissioner; George, who lives on the old farm, and who is married and has one child; and Jennie, who is the wife of Christopher Miller, a farmer in Lykens township and has two sons and one daughter.

H. N. Oberlander obtained his education in the country schools and grew up on the home farm and for a number of years devoted him- self to agricultural pursuits. A man of force and character he secured the confidence of his fellow citizens all over the county and in 1893 was elected a county commissioner and served for six years. During this time he had become a resident of Bucyrus, where he has resided ever since. His leading business for some years has been street and road con- tracting and building, and additionally he deals in hay. In politics he is a Democrat and at different times has been elected to about all of the township offices, in every one of which he has given efficient and honest service.

In Lykens township, Crawford county, on July 10, 1884, Mr. Oberlander was married to Miss Lillie M. Dellinger, who was born 45 years ago at Lima, in Allen county, O., the youngest child of David and Amanda (Wil- liam) Dellinger. Her father, David Dellinger, was also born in Lykens township, a son of Joseph and Susanna (Smith) Dellinger, pio- neers in that section. David Dellinger was a merchant at Lima, O., for ten years prior to his death, which occurred when Mrs. Ober- lander was young. Mrs. Dellinger when left a widow came to Lykens township with her three children and died here Feb. 2. 1905. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Oberlander has two sisters: Mollie and Mattie. The former is the wife of Alexander Flickinger, a farmer in Texas township, Crawford county, and has two chil- dren, Edith and Harry. Edith is the wife of Ralph Larue and has two children. Harry resides with his wife on a farm near Plank- ton, O. Mattie is the wife of H. S. Shupp and they live on a farm in Lykens township. They have one daughter, Maria, who is the wife of Prof. Earl Hall, who is principal of the public schools at Fowler, Colo.

Mr. and Mrs. Oberlander have had two children: N. Winona and Chalmer L. The daughter, who died in the flower of young womanhood, when aged but 20 years, Oct. 26,

1905, was a beautiful and talented girl. Her parents had given her educational advantages and she had taught school for three years. She was universally admired and beloved. Chal- mer L. Oberlander was born Nov. 4, 1887, and is associated with his father and has proven a reliable business man. Mrs. Oberlander is a member of the Free Will Baptist church.

LEVI SHEMER, a prosperous farmer, owner of 127 acres of land in Dallas township, was born in Stark county, O., Oct. 14, 1845, son of John and Mary (Wickard) Shemer. The father of our subject was a native of Switzerland and the mother of Pennsylvania. They came to Crawford county early in mar- ried life and John Shemer followed farming here for many years. Their children were Levi, Garrison, Delila, now deceased, who was the wife of William McBride, Susan, wife of John Aumiller; Emeline, wife of Neal Spade; Priscilla, wife of Marion Spade; Amanda, deceased; Esther, wife of C. P. Shoff- stale; George and J. Corvin. John Shemer was a Republican in politics and he and his wife attended the United Brethren church.

Levi Shemer was quite young when he ac- companied his parents to Crawford county. He was educated in the common schools, and in 1863, at the age of 18 years, enlisted in Company A, 12th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, serving until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Crawford county, where he was married March 30, 1871 to Martha J. Mckinney, a daughter of John and Matilda (Rex) Mc- Kinney. Mrs. Shemer's father was a native of Richland county, O., and her mother of Pennsylvania; they were farming people. Their children were Mary Ann, wife of W. B. Comstock; Martha J., who is now Mrs. Shemer; Eleonore, wife of John Frost; and John Henry.

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History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 127

Author: Hopley, John E. (John Edward), 1850- Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago,Ill., Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1302

Author: Hopley, John E. (John Edward), 1850-
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago,Ill., Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1302