History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 144

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 144

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J. B. ALT, general farmer, successfully operating 160 acres of fine land situated in sec- tion 2, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., devotes considerable attention also to fine stock, having some registered animals. Mr. Alt was born in Cranberry township, Sept. 2, 1865, and is a son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Faeth) Alt.

The parents of Mr. Alt moved from Craw- ford to Huron county when he was young and he attended school there before the family re- moved to Seneca county and it was in Reed township, in the latter county, that the father died. The mother continues to reside in the old home in Reed township. They had a fam- ily of seven sons and one daughter.

J. B. Alt remained in Seneca county until 1895, having grown up on the home farm, and then came to Cranberry township once more and afterward moved to a farm in Auburn township. Later he determined to return to his native part of the county and in 1902 lo- cated on the farm on which he has resided ever since, renting it annually from its owner, Frank Wechter, of New Washington. Mr. Alt is an industrious and experienced farmer and through his practical methods and solid agricultural knowledge, has brought this land to a high state of cultivation and has done much to bring about a raising of the standard of stock in this part of the county.

Mr. Alt was married in Seneca county, O., to Miss Anna L. Hitz, who was born in Michi- gan, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Hitz, and they have a family of seven children, four daughters and three sons; Esther, Albert. Ed- win, Laura, William, Charlotte and Katherine. Mr. Alt and family are members of the Roman Catholic church and he is identified with the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association. He is a quiet, law-abiding man, anxious to work for the good of the community and country at large, but not seeking public office. In his political views he is a Democrat.

DANIEL P. WINCH, a representative citi- zen and prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Dallas township, Crawford county, O., where he owns 80 acres of well improved land, was born in Marion county, O., Jan. 2, 1864, and is a son of Frederick and Mary (Crissinger) Winch.

Frederick Winch was born in Germany and came to Marion county as a young man and continued to live here and follow agricultural pursuits until his death. He married Mary Crissinger, who was born in Marion county and now resides at Martel, Marion county. They were parents of the following children: Henry, John, Daniel P., James, Charles, Rich- ard, Matilda and Etta, all surviving except James. Matilda is the wife of Charles Dyson, and Etta is the wife of William Kurtz. Frede- rick Winch and wife were members and liberal supporters of the Reformed church.

Daniel P. Winch obtained a district school education and has always been interested in the public schools of his neighborhood and for eight years served as a school director. His

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business has been general farming, including the raising of sufficient stock for his own use, and through his intelligent methods and close attention he has been quite successful. In 1901 he settled on his farm in Dallas township, which he purchased from August Linn, and has made many substantial improvements here.

On June 18, 1891, Mr. Winch was married to Miss Amanda Stoltz, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Eckard) Stoltz. The parents of Mrs. Winch were born in Pennsylvania and caine to Ohio when young. They had the fol- lowing children born to them: Ella, George, Mary, Amanda, Anna, Ida, John, Matilda, Jay, Clarence, Samuel and Callie, the last named being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Winch have three children: Edna, who is the wife of Orra Linn; and Ralph D. and Zola Laverne. Mr. Winch and family are members of the Re- formed church. In politics he is nominally a Democrat but frequently in casting his vote, relies on his own judgment as to a candidate's fitness for office.

GEORGE NEDOLAST,* who carries on general farming on his well improved 80 acres, situated in section 24, Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., was born in Auburn township, Crawford county, Jan. 6, 1871, and is a son of Thomas and Annie (Wenzelick) Nedolast, natives of Germany.

The father of Mr. Nedolast was born in Germany and came in early manhood to Ohio, where he married Annie Wenzelick, who was also a native of Germany. They settled in Cranberry township when this land was in its wild state and not only cleared off this tract but an adjoining one of 80 acres and on both of his farms carried on mixed farming. George Nedolast is the second born in a fam- ily of eight children, the others being: John, who lives south of New Washington; Nich- olas, who is a farmer in Cranberry township; Martin, who lives south of New Washington; Peter, who resides in South Cranberry town- ship; Mrs. Lena Raymond, who lives at Bar- low, O .; George, who lives at New Washing- ton; and Joseph, who lives south of New Washington. The father of the above family died at the age of 56 years and his burial was in the Catholic cemetery at New Washington. The mother still lives on the home farm.

Since the ending of his school days, George Nedolast has been engaged in farming and has lived on his present place for about ten years, having had six acres to clear. He mar- ried Kate Siska, a daughter of Joseph Siska, and they have four children: Helen, Martin, Gerhart and Annie. Mr. Nedolast is a quiet, industrious, law abiding man, one of good principles and a faithful member of the Catho- lic church, to which he is a generous contri- butor. In politics he has always been a Democrat.

BENJAMIN SHEARER, a well known citizen of Bucyrus, O., where he has many in- terests although is practically retired from ac- tive business, was born in Whetstone township, Crawford county, O., and is a son of John J. Shearer and a grandson of Michael Shearer.

Michael Shearer, the grandfather, was born in Wertemmberg, Germany and there married Anna Hipp. In 1805 they came to the United States and settled in Lancaster county, Pa., moving from there some years later to Lycom- ing county, in that state, and in 1834 they came to Whetstone township, Crawford county, purchasing land which is still in the family. Michael Shearer survived his wife and was 75 years of age at time of death.

John J. Shearer was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1808, and accompanied his par- ents to Lycoming county. About 1832 his older brother, Jacob Shearer, ventured as far west as Whetstone township, Crawford county, with his family, and in 1834, John J. Shearer, accompanied by his young wife and his parents, followed the other members of the family to Ohio. The first wife of John J. Shearer died early and he later married Cathe- rine Miller and they lived on a farm of 300 acres, in Dallas township for 16 years. He then sold his farm to his sons and retired to Bucyrus, where he resided until his death, in 1884, having survived his second wife since Jan. 1, 1869. She was but 53 years of age at that time but was the mother of six sons and one daughter: Daniel, who died in Idaho, un- married; Mary A., who died at the age of nine years ; Samuel, who died when aged ten years; Isaac, who died in 1907. at the age of 59 years, and was survived by three brothers: David, who is a successful farmer in Whetstone town-

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ship, and has one son, Samuel C .; Benjamin; and George, who is a capitalist at Portland, Ore., and has a family of three children : Wal- lace, Ruby and Alice.

Benjamin Shearer was reared on the farm in Dallas township and attended the neighbor- hood schools and also the Bucyrus schools, after which he became a teacher and spent several terms in Dallas township schools as the head where he had once been a pupil. In the course of time he became the owner of 200 acres of the family estate which he later in- creased by 100 more acres, and continued to reside in Dallas township and carry on general farming and stock raising until 1893, when he came to Bucyrus, where he was more or less interested in public matters and business affairs until 1904, when he practically eased himself of his larger responsibilities. He is a large stockholder and a director in the Second Na- tional Bank and in other enterprises and was one of the interested capitalists that secured the installation of the Automatic Telephone Company. In his political views Mr. Shearer is a Democrat and he was a director of the county infirmary from January, 1888, to Jan- uary, 1894.

Mr. Shearer was married in Marion county, O., to Miss Anna Dawson, who was born, reared and educated in that county, and is a daughter of James and Eve (Miller) Dawson, natives of Ross and Pickaway counties re- spectively. James Dawson secured his land during the administration of President Jack- son and the deed, which was not recorded until many years afterward, bears that execu- tive's name. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson lived in Marion county many years and then moved to Ross county, where he died at the age of 87 and she died later at the home of Mrs. Shearer, aged 86 years. Mr. and Mrs. Shearer have had two children : Mary Ellen, who died at the age of eleven years; and John J., who is a resident of Houston, Tex. He was mar- ried in New York to Mildred Faulter and they have three children : DeWitt, Anna Gladys and Floyd. Mr. and Mrs. Shearer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

MRS. MARGARET HEYDINGER, a well known and highly esteemed resident of Cran- berry township, Crawford county, O., where

she owns a valuable farm of 100 acres, was born in Auburn township, Crawford county, and is a daughter of Peter and Eva ( Heartzer) Boblick, and the widow of Frank Heydinger. The parents of Mrs. Heydinger were born in Germany and grew up there and married and afterward came to the United States and set- tled in Auburn township, Crawford county, O. The father was an industrious and highly respected man. His death occurred in Au- burn township, where his widow still lives, on June 24, 1906.

Mrs. Heydinger was carefully reared by her parents who were members of St. Mary's Ca- tholic church, to which she and children be- long, and attended the parochial and later the public schools in Auburn township. On Nov. 27, 1895, she was married to Frank Heydinger, who was born May 8, 1865, in Cranberry township, a son of the late John Heydinger. He grew to manhood on his father's farm and obtained a public school education. About the time of marriage, he bought his farm of 100 acres from his father and partly cleared it and made many improvements. He carried on general farming. His political vote was always cast with the Democratic party but he took no great interest in public matters. Mr. Heydinger had a wide circle of friends and his death, which occurred May 19, 19II, was regretted all over this section. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church and was laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery. He left a family of six children, namely: Mary, Anthony, Paul, George, Gertrude and Clara. Mrs. Heydinger continues to reside on her farm, which is situated four and one-half miles northeast of New Washington, and has her land cultivated for her.

EDWARD MILLER, general farmer and stock raiser, who until recently resided on his tract of 115 acres lying in Tod township. Crawford county, O., one-half mile west of Lemert, O., now resides near Chatfield, O., on a tract of 200 acres which he has ex- changed for the former. He was born in 1864, on his father's farm two and one-half miles west of Bucyrus, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Kissel) Miller.

Henry Miller was born in Dauphin county, Pa., where he remained until he was 35 years

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of age, when he came to Crawford county and located on a farm of 80 acres west of Bucyrus. In 1870 he moved to the present homestead in Tod township, and the remain- der of his life was passed here, his death oc- curring in his 82d year. He married Mary Kissel, who was also born in Pennsylvania and died in Crawford county, when aged 73 years. They had eleven children born to them, namely: John C., Samuel, Henry, Mary, Ellen, Elias, Hiram, Rufus, Edward, Grant and Jacob; four of these-Jacob, Samuel, Henry and Mary-being deceased. John C. served three years in Company L, 10th Ohio Vol. Cav., and Samuel served 18 months in Company A, 12th Ohio Vol. Cav., during the Civil War.

Edward Miller attended the country schools and assisted his father until he became of age and then spent two years in Missouri. After he returned he married and came then to his present farm, making improvements here which has greatly increased its value and cultivat- ing it in such a way as to make it exceedingly productive.

Mr. Miller married Miss Celia Dolon, a daughter of William Dolon, who is in the stone quarry business, and they have two chil- dren: Clarence and Esta, both of whom re- side at home. Mr. Miller and family belongs to the Methodist Protestant church at Lemert. In politics he is a Republican. He is an active citizen in taking an interest in public affairs in his neighborhood, but is no seeker for office, his time being fully engaged in looking after his large farm.

JAMES H. GREEN, deceased, for many years was a prominent business man of Galion, O. He was born at Norton, near Cardington, O., his parents being Aaron and Nancy (Berry) Green.

The Green and Berry families both came very early in Ohio from Pennsylvania. The Berrys settled Berry Hill, which is now a part of Marion, O. After marriage, Aaron and Nancy (Berry) Green began life on a farm near Cardington, O., in Morrow county, and became well known and respected people and leading members of the Protestant Methodist church. They had two sons born to them, James H. and Sanford, the latter of whom has

been engaged in medical practice at Carding- ton, O., for many years, and is a veteran of the Civil War.

James H. Green grew to manhood in Mor- row county and had such educational advant- ages as were obtainable at the time, and began to provide for himself as a clerk in a mer- chant's store at Mt. Gilead, O., and was so engaged when the Civil War broke out. Shortly afterward he enlisted for service, be- coming a member of the 47th O. Vol. Inf., and remained in the Federal Army for three years, participating in all the hazards to which his command was exposed but escaping cap- ture by the enemy and receiving but one wound which did not seriously incapacitate him.

After the close of the war, Mr. Green re- turned to Mt. Gilead where he engaged in the mercantile business for a short time and then came to Galion. Here, in 1866, he established the Citizens National Bank, of which he be- came manager and cashier, and some years afterward assumed its presidency, subse- quently devoting himself entirely to the in- terests of this financial institution, building it up into a high state of efficiency. Mr. Green was recognized as one of the men of sterling character and honesty and uprightness con- tinues to be associated with his name as his fellow citizens recall him. He was a Repub- lican in his political opinions but was more of a business man than politician. For many years he took pride and interest in his Ma- sonic connections and belonged to the high branch of the fraternity known as the Mystic Shrine.

At Galion, O., Mr. Green was united in marriage with Miss Leonora Hathaway Mc- Clain, who was born at East Liberty, near Bellefontaine, O., and was brought to Galion when nine years old by her parents, Marcus H. and Lucy (Reed) McClain. Both were born in Ohio of Scotch-Irish parents, were married on Darby Plains, near Milford, and immediately afterward settled at East Lib- erty. Mr. McClain engaged there in a gen- eral mercantile business and later was con- nected with business enterprises at Upper San- dusky and Wilmington prior to coming to Ga- lion, in 1869. Here he engaged for many years in the drug business and became a prom- inent citizen. Dr. McClain still lives at Galion

JAMES H. GREEN

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and in spite of his 87 years, is a man of much business ability and continues to be the presi- dent of the Galion Loan and Savings Com- pany, which is an incorporated body with cap- ital of $2,000,000. Dr. McClain is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in pol- itics is a Republican. Of his children two daughters survive: Mrs. Green and Mary J., who is the wife of Joseph Repine, who re- sides at Ft. Wayne, Ind.

To Mr. and Mrs. Green four sons were born: Howard A., Frank R., Dahl and James H., all prominent business men of Galion.

ALBERT C. SCHAFSTALL, V. S.,* who maintains his office in Mansfield street, New Washington, O., has been engaged in the ac- tive practice of his profession here since 1910, one that covers a large territory and includes every branch of veterinary practice. He was born at Donaldson, Pa., Aug. 3, 1886, and is a son of William A. and a grandson of Albert Philip Schafstall.

Albert Philip Schafstall was born in Penn- sylvania, of German ancestry, and there mar- ried Eliza Minning, and they had four chil- dren: Levi and John, both of whom are de- ceased; William A .; and Minnie, who is the wife of John Haverock. The grandfather of Dr. Schafstall was a leading citizen of Donald- son, where he and wife died, and was a mem- ber of the first town council and the first board of health.

William A. Schafstall was a carpenter and practical miner and for a number of years before retiring, was manager of a large mine. He married Elizabeth Long, who was a daugh- ter of Charles and Esther Long, the latter be- ing of English ancestry, and they have four children, namely: Florence. who married Lee Morgan and lives at Lincoln, Pa .; Albert C., subject of this article; Edith, who married James Kissinger and lives at Lebanon, Pa .; and Roy, who resides with his parents. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Schafstall is a Republican in politics and for a number of years has been a member of the school board.

Albert S. Schafstall attended the public schools at Tremont, Pa., and after graduating from the High School went to Philadelphia, where he secured a position as meat inspector

for the Government and in the meanwhile he did his preparatory studying for entrance in the Ontario Veterinary College, at Toronto, Canada, where he was graduated in 1910. In May of that year he established himself at New Washington, O., and his regular prac- tice covers the territory from Shiloh to Liver- more and from Bucyrus to five miles north of Attica, O. He is a member of the Ohio State Veterinary Medical Association and of the Erie Medical Association. He is a well trained man in his school of medicine and keeps thor- oughly abreast of the times in all scientific study. In addition to his practice, Dr. Schaf- stall is a charter member and a director of the Cranberry township nursery. In politics he is independent, while fraternally he belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle and to the Sons of America.

A. H. LAUGHBAUM, cashier of the Com- mercial Savings Bank Company, at Galion, O., is one of the capable, energetic and public spirited men of this city. He was born in Crawford county, in 1853, and is a son of Henry and Nancy (Pfeifer) Laughbaum.

Henry Laughbaum was born in 1828, in Richland county, O., and died in Polk town- ship, Crawford county, May 8, 1901. He set- tled in Polk township as a real pioneer, spend- ing a number of years in the woods, operat- ing saw mills and manufacturing lumber. In 1865 he settled on a farm, on which he con- tinued to reside until the close of his life and which is yet the home of his widow. It was their custom for many years to attend services in the United Brethren church at Galion and Mrs. Laughbaum, although now 80 years of age, still drives in from the farm, three miles distant, every Sunday.

A. H. Laughbaum began to teach school when he was but 15 years of age, having made the most of his rather meager educational op- portunities, and for a period covered by 24 years continued as an educator and during this time was twice appointed school examiner. In 1891 he was first elected county clerk, serv- ing afterward for six and one-half years and for two years as assistant to his successor, W. B. Forest. He then became clerk in the Sec- ond National Bank of Bucyrus and in 1907 came from there to Galion, having been elected

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cashier of the Commercial Savings Bank Com- died in infancy. Malcolm A., who was a grad- pany of this place. He is widely known in financial circles and is extremely popular in his relations with the patrons of the bank. Politically a Democrat he has frequently been honored by his party with elections and ap- pointed to office. For two terms he served as president of the city council and has been a member of both the county and executive com- mittees that organize, manage and regulate political movements in the party. A delegate a number of times to county and state con- ventions, his loyalty to his party and to his friends is proverbial and his advice on party measures is known to have been sound.

The Commercial Savings Bank Company of Galion, O., was organized in June, 1905, with Mark Cook as president; R. W. John- ston as vice president; M. A. Curtiss as second vice president; and Frank Stout as teller. Since 1907, A. H. Laughbaum has been cash- ier and E. B. Beall has been assistant cashier. The report of the condition of the bank issued Feb. 20, 1912, shows a vast amount of busi- ness done and that the bank is in a very pros- perous condition. The board of directors are men of capital and high standing, as follows: Mark Cook, R. W. Johnston, M. A. Curtiss, C. H. Henkel, W. V. Goshorn, Dr. E. D. Helf- rich, C. S. Mooney, J. L. Gugler and Mell B. Talmadge.

In 1874, Mr. Laughbaum was married to Miss B. E. Shumaker, who was born and reared in Crawford county. Her father, John J. Shumaker, was the first white child born in Crawford county, this event taking place in Polk township, April 13, 1828, and he has al- ways lived within one mile of his birthplace. Although 84 years of age he has been kindly treated by Father Time and his stature of six feet and two inches has not been diminished by the weaknesses of old age. His friends and neighbors tell a story that he is too mod- est to boast of, and that is that one year ago, in one day, he husked fifty bushels of corn, a feat that a much younger husker might justly be proud of. He married Elizabeth Smith, who died in 1911, aged 80 years. Mr. Shumaker is a member of the Reformed church. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Laughbaum: Malcolm A., Thur- man Ray, Gurney Y., Virgy E., and a son that

uate of the Bucyrus High School and of Ober- lin College and president of his class (1901) in the medical department of the Western Re- serve College, died in 1904. He was a bril- liant young man and apparently had a suc- cessful and useful career before him. Thur- man Ray is a graduate of Otterbein Univer- sity, attended the Ohio State University at Columbus and was graduated from Starling Medical College in May, 1910, and is now in active practice at Haysville, O. He married Maude Seamster and they have one son, Mal- colm A. Gurney Y. is a graduate of the Northern Ohio University and is a pharmacist with Caldwell and Bloor, at Mansfield, O., Virgy E. is the wife of Charles T. Reid, formerly of Bucyrus and now of Ashland, O. They have two children: Dorothy E. and John Robert. Mr. Laughbaum is a prominent member of the U. B. church at Galion, being church treasurer and superintendent of the Sunday-school. On three occasions he has been a delegate to the general church confer- ence, once at Fredericktown, Md., four years later, at Topeka, Kans., and in 1908 repre- sented the First United Brethren church at Galion, at Canton, O. Fraternally he is identi- fied with the Odd Fellows.

MRS. HARRIET ZAEBST, who is widely known in Cranberry township, Crawford county, O., and very highly esteemed, resides on her excellent farm of 78 acres, which lies in section 14, in the western part of this town- ship. She was born in Columbiana county, O., Oct. II, 1839, one of five children born to Joseph and Susann ( Firestone) Harmon.

When Harriet Harmon was eight years old her father died in Chatfield township, Craw- ford county, where the family had been living for four years. The mother was obliged to find homes for the little ones when she was left a widow and when she later married Jere- miah Lloyd, of Mansfield, still left Harriet in the home of the latter's uncle, David Harmon, of Chatfield township. Mrs. Lloyd died in Kaskaskia county, Ind., at the age of 63 years. The child remained in her uncle's family and was taught all manner of housewifely duties but had little opportunity to go to school. On April 3, 1860, she was married to Adam Zaebst,

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who was born on the farm now owned by his widow, a son of John and Margaret (Lantz) Zaebst. After marriage they lived on this place, the young daughter-in-law assisting to care for her husband's parents until the end of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Zaebst the following children were born: Frances, who is the wife of Curtis Brown, residing near New Washington; Aaron, O., who was accidently killed by a railroad train in his 2Ist year ; John, who married Katherine Huber and lives at New Washington; William, who married Ada Reiter and lives at Bucyrus; Adam, who mar- ried Alvira Gangloff and lives at Akron, O .; Frank, who married Jennie Gosshorne and lives at Ashtabula, O .; Ottis, who married Rosa Mough and resides at Ashtabula; Rufus, who married Lulu Fultz and lives at Galion; Nora, who is the wife of Eikes Gable and lives at New Washington, and Fred E., who man- ages the home farm and is in the third gen- eration to occupy it, and who married Clara Kessler.

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History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 144

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