History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 147

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 147

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Jacob Lederer was born in Wurtemberg and his wife in Alsace, Germany, and they about five years old when they accompanied their parents to America. Jacob Lederer was reared in Stark county and before coming to the vicinity of New Washington, was em- ployed in a livery stable at Wooster, O. Here he entered 80 acres of land situated one mile south and one mile east of New Washington, and here he became a well known and highly respected man and his death was felt a loss, when it occurred Aug. 19, 1857. His widow lived to be 81 years and six months.

A. G. Lederer attended school in Cranberry township and afterward at Lexington and Ada, O., folowing which he engaged in educa- tional work and taught two terms in Chatfield township and 13 terms in Cranberry township, proving to be a very competent and popular teacher. For some 15 years he was engaged in a livery business at New Washington under the firm name of J. & A. G. Lederer. In 1905 he came to his present farm which he purchased from a Mr. Unger and which was formerly known as the Jane Hopkins farm. Here Mr. Lederer has pleased himself in mak- ing extensive improvements, erecting modern buildings and installing furnaces for heating and electric light for illumination. He raises Shorthorn cattle and Shropshire sheep and carries on his operations in a scientific manner. For 18 years Mr. Lederer has also been an auctioneer. He is a stockholder in the Toledo Life Insurance company of Toledo, O.

Mr. Lederer was married at Mansfield, O., to Miss Ella A. Hartupee, who died at the age of 55 years. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and her burial

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was in the Union cemetery at New Washing- ton. She was the mother of five children, the two survivors being: Ora D., who is the wife of Dr. Sarbo, of New Washington; and Es- tella A., who is the wife of Fred Assenheimer, a druggist, at Woodville, O. Mr. Lederer was married (second) to Mrs. Emma Barnes, of Toledo, O., who in maiden life was Emma Bell, being the widow of George Barnes, at the time of her marriage to Mr. Lererer. The father of Mr. Lederer was a Democrat as is our subject but he prefers to keep an independ- ent attitude, voting according to his own judg- ment. He belongs to the Cranberry Grange and is active in the Knights of Pythias. His parents were of the Lutheran faith but he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

PHILIP HERBOLD, a well known busi- ness man of Galion, O., a member of the firm of The Herbold Company, dealers in furniture at No. 205 West Main street, was born, reared and educated at Galion and furthermore has always lived in the same city block which con- tinues to be his home. He is a son of Philip and Fredericka (Feldman) Herbold.

Philip Herbold, the elder, was born in Baden, near Heidelberg, Germany, Feb. 20, 1820, and died at Galion, O., Jan. 18, 1911, when aged almost 90 years. His life was note- worthy on account of his successful struggle against adversity and his subsequent useful- ness to his fellow citizens in his adopted coun- try. Left an orphan at the age of six years, he grew up in the careless hands of strangers and early was thrown entirely upon his own resources. He learned the cabinet making trade and afterward traveled over a large part of Germany working as a journeyman, ac- cording to the law, and it was after his mar- riage that he determined to seek more favor- able opportunities in America. On a sailing vessel he and his wife crossed the Atlantic ocean and were safely landed in the harbor of New York city, in 1845, immediately crossing the country to Buffalo, N. Y., where he found work in a piano factory. Although his wages there were but fifty cents a day, so careful and frugal were he and wife that in the space of three years they saved the sum of $65 out of this small income and despite the expenses in- cident to a slight attack of cholera, during the

epidemic, this sum was kept intact and it was Mr. Herbold's sole capital when he started into business at Galion, O. He opened a shop on East Main street, near the present city hall, but shortly afterward secured better quarters, on West Main street and there he labored hard for many years. At first the larger part of his work was the making of coffins and it often entailed all-night and Sunday work. Later, as people came to realize the excellence of his furniture making, prosperity came to him and in the course of time he acquired considerable property and built the fine Herbold block on West Main street. He was a quiet, industrious man all his active life, reliable in every situa- tion and liberal in the support he gave to the Reformed church and at the time of death was the only trustee left of the original board when the church was organized. He survived his wife many years, her death occurring in No- vember, 1893, her age being 68 years. They had eleven children born to them and the fol- lowing survive: Sophia, who is the widow of Conrad Bohl, who died in 1911, having been a prominent contracting carpenter at Galion ; Philip; Mary, who is the wife of G. H. Sny- der, a machinist at Galion, and has two chil- dren-Walter and Leona; Fredrica; and Adam J., who is associated in business with his brother Philip. One daughter, Rosa, died at the age of sixteen years; one son, August, was survived by wife and two children; and another son, John, who died in August, 1910, is survived by his widow, who continues his undertaking business. The others died in infancy.

Philip Herbold attended the public schools at Galion in boyhood and practically grew up in his present business, giving his father as- sistance and learning all the details of furni- ture manufacturing and handling. He has fine quarters, occupying two floors of the building at No. 205 West Main street, his display room having dimensions of 100x21 feet, and he does an extensive business.

Mr. Herbold was married at Galion to Miss Mabel Wineland, who was born at Upper San- dusky, O., but was educated at Galion. They have one daughter, Muriel, who is the wife of Rev. R. J. Riblet, who is rector of Christ Epis- copal church at Oberlin, O. Mr. Herbold is independent in politics and belongs to no fra-

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ternal organization. He is a very practical business man. The younger member of the firm, Adam J. Herbold, belongs to the Elks. Philip Herbold is of an inventive turn of mind and has invented many things.

JOHN A. PUCHTA, who is a well known and highly respected resident of Crawford county, O., resides on his carefully cultivated farm of 30 acres, which lies in the northeastern part of Section 12, Cranberry township on the east and west road, which he has owned for the past 27 years. He was born in Bohemia, which is now a province of the Austria-Hun- garian monarchy, Nov. 29, 1847, and was 20 years of age when he left his lofty mountains and fertile plains for a home in a far distant country.

John A. Puchta had learned the blacksmith trade and when he reached New Washington, O., found work at the same, working also at Chatfield, O. After two years of blacksmith- ing at New Washington, he went to Indiana as a blacksmith, and from there to Michigan and then back to Ohio and worked at his trade at Waynesburg until 1885, when he bought his present farm in Cranberry township. He built a new house and made other improvements including fencing his estate and has carried on general farming here until the present but is now somewhat retired.

Mr. Puchta married Miss Annie Levy, who was born also in Bohemia, a daughter of Pow- ell Levy, and they have the following living children: Mary, Annie, Cecelia, Katie and Frank. One son and one daughter died in in- fancy, and Tella, Lena, and Lucy, before they were 14 years old. Mr. Puchta and family be- long to the Roman Catholic church. Since coming to the United States he has been a hard working man and through his own efforts has gained a competency and comfortably reared his family. He has never joined any political party but may be counted on to cast his vote in support of all law-abiding measures.

MICHAEL LONG, a leading citizen of Sandusky township, Crawford county, O., township trustee and successful agriculturist, owns 160 acres of fine land which is situated ten miles northeast on the Bucyrus and

Shelby road. Mr. Long was born in 1879, in Chatfield township, Crawford county, O., and is a son of Daniel Long.

Daniel Long and wife were both born in Ohio and for many years have been well known and substantial farming people in Chat- field township. They have had the following children: George, Michael, Daniel, Mary, Samuel, Katie, Regina, William, Lydia and Frederica and John, twins. Of the above fam- ily, George, who married Georgina Scheiber, is a farmer in Midland county, Mich. Daniel was killed by an accident, at the age of 23 years. Mary is the wife of F. B. Durr and they live at Bucyrus. Samuel lives in Michigan. He married Carrie Lust. Katie is the wife of George Kalb and they live in Lib- erty township, Crawford county. Regina is the wife of Frederick Leonhard and they live in Morrow county, O. The other members of the family, with the exception of Michael, live on the old homestead in Chatfield township.

Michael Long obtained his education in the public schools and remained with his father until his majority and then, before settling down for himself, spent some time in travel and visited Canada, New York and a number of the western states but found no section that pleased him better than Crawford county. Since his marriage he has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits and according to the land appraiser's report, owns one of the best farms in Sandusky township. It is well improved and carefully cultivated.

Michael Long married Miss Sarah E. Kalb, who is a daughter of Daniel and Magdalena (Hoss) Kalk, to whom were born four chil- dren : Calvin D., Milton M., Martha M. and Clinton C. Mr. and Mrs. Long are church people, and have a wide circle of friends and . acquaintances. In politics he is a Democrat and is serving as township trustee and also as a member of the special district school board.

L. F: MOLLENKOPF, who owns 157 acres of fine land, situated in section 23, Cran- berry township, Crawford county, O., is a na- tive of Germany, where he was born Nov. 29, 1870, a son of John and Katie Mollenkopf.

In his native land Mr. Mollenkopf attended school until he was 16 years of age, when he prevailed upon his parents to permit him to

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come to America where better chances might be found for young men with little capital. Thus he crossed the Atlantic ocean unaccom- panied by any member of his own family and landed in the harbor of New York, going from there to Newark, N. J., where he remained one year and then made his way to Cleveland, O. In that city he remained for 17 years and then settled west of Bucyrus for six years and then left that farm and bought the one he has ever since occupied, in Cranberry township, from Jacob Lederer. He has taken a great deal of pride in his property and has put many improvements on it in the way of building, repairing and fencing. His farm has a fine situation, being located but one and one- half mile from New Washington, O., on the south side of the east and west road. He de- votes his land to general farming. Mr. Mol- lenkopf has made his own way in the world and has secured his present independence through his industry and perseverance.

Mr. Mollenkopf was married (first) to Pauline Pfester, who was born in Germany and who left four children: Lewis John, Freda, Alma and Florence. He was married (second) to Christine Streib, who was born in Holmes township, Crawford county. They attend the Lutheran church. Mr. Mollenkopf is a Democrat in politics but is inclined to be independent in his views on public questions.

JAMES W. COULTER, whose sudden death on Sept. 2d, 1910, caused a shock, not only to the people of Galion, among whom he lived, but also throughout Crawford county generally, was a lawyer of prominence and was highly esteemed as a man and citizen. He was born in West Bedford, Coshocton county, O., July 4, 1846, a son of Richard M. and Phoebe (Greer) Coulter. The father, long since deceased, was a native of Cumberland county, Pa., and of German ancestry. His wife, Phoebe, whom he married in Ohio, was born in Belfast, Ireland, her people being prominent and well-to-do residents of that city. Coming to America, they settled in Coshocton county, O., where they spent the rest of their lives, except that Mrs. Phoebe Greer, after her husband's death, went to live with her son-in-law, O. W. Aldrich, LL. D., editor of the Monthly Jurist, at Bloomington, Illinois.

James W. Coulter was educated at Spring Mountain, Coshocton county, O., and later at Mt. Vernon, O., He subsequently took up his residence in Bucyrus and read law with Hon. A. M. Jackson and Hon. Thomas Beer, and was admitted to the bar in 1866. He im- mediately located in Galion, where he subse- quently practiced his profession until the close of his life-a period of 44 years. He was a highly successful lawyer and an active and use- ful citizen, serving four years as prosecuting attorney of the county, six years as a member of the board of county school examiners, also four years a member of the board of educa- tion, being president of that body for a part of the time. Several years previous to his death he became associated professionally with Attorney Frank Pigman, of Coshocton county, the firm being known as Coulter & Pigman. As a lawyer Mr. Coulter was keenly percep- tive, incisive, logical, and spirited in debate, yet courteous, and was generally recognized as the head of the Galion bar. He is also an ex- cellent business man, was the owner of several farms, a director in the bank and a stockholder in many of Galion's industries. His sound judgment was manifested both in the conduct of his own affairs and in those of others that were entrusted to him. His opinions had much weight with local capitalists and he uniformly seconded his views by liberal donations on in- vestments, and habitually helped to advance the private enterprises of his fellow citizens, as far as he could do so consistently with correct business principles.

Previous to the last twelve years of his life he was active in the management of the affairs of the Democratic party, to which he belonged ; was the choice of his county some years ago for the congressional nomination and was fre- quently suggested as an available man for a judgeship, at one time declining to be the can- didate, although nomination meant election. He was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and a member and active worker in the First Methodist church. On Friday night, Sept. 2d, 1910, he attended a meeting of the council board of the church and took part in its proceedings. He complained of not feel- ing very well and on the way home he and his wife stopped at the office of Dr. G. C. Marsh. While here he was taken very ill and in about half an hour afterward expired on a couch in

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the Marsh home, in spite of the administra- tions of Dr. Marsh and Dr. O. L. Hoffman, who had been called in. The cause of his death was a serious disorder of the stomach.

James W. Coulter was married Feb. 24, 1886, to Miss Flora Hetrick, a daughter of Samuel and Parintha (Pancoast) Hetrick, born April 14, 1865, the night that President Lincoln was assassinated. Her paternal grand- father was Jacob Hetrick, a native of Ger- many, who with four brothers, came to the United States more than a century ago, locat- ing in Cumberland county, Pa. Jacob there married Lydia Winter, daughter of John and Catherine (Mickley) Winter, who were of German descent. They had four sons and five daughters-John, Jacob, Michael, Samuel, Catherine, Mary, Elizabeth, Lydia (Mrs. Het- rick) and Susan.

The family of Winter, Wintour, Gwyntor or Wintor-according to the different spellings of the name-descended from Winter, the Castellan of Carnarvon, Wales. Their name was originally Gwyntor, and their crest was a falcon mounted on a white tower. The fam- ily settled at Wynch, in the reign of Edward I, eventually spreading to all parts of Great Britain and to Germany. It numbers among its descendants many famous personages- statesmen, warriors, admirals, writers, divines, bankers and many men of culture. There are numerous coats of arms in the Winter family. The Worcester branch has a crest consisting of three ostrich plumes. The coat of arms of the German branch is as follows : Argent-In fess a bar bearing five helmets, proper. In chief checquery, O, and azure-in base the same wreath O, and azure. Crest-Three ostrich plumes O, and azure. Motto-Omnia Vincit Veritas (Truth conquers all things). Helmets-war-peace. Ground banner-(yel- low) and blue. Motto-yellow and blue. Helmet-grey, blue and yellow. Paulet ban- ner-red, blue and white. Feathers-blue, shading to yellow. Long Bar-indigo blue. Wreath of pink roses-rose mixed with scar- let, very light grew for shading.

Jacob Hetrick and wife removed from Pennsylvania to Morrow county, Ohio, where they were among the pioneer settlers. They subsequently settled in Johnsville, O., where he followed the trade of blacksmith and wagon

maker until advanced in years. He died in Johnsville at the age of 78 and his wife at that of 83 years. They were members of the United Brethren church, and in politics he was a Democrat. Their children, so far as the rec- ord shows, were Sarah, Eliza and Samuel.

Samuel Hetrick was born in Morrow county, O., March 6, 1842. He was a stock dealer and breeder, doing an extensive business along these lines for many years. In 1865 he came to Galion and opened the first livery barn in the place. So much interested was he in the breeding of fine horses that he built a race course here in 1876. For twenty years he was chief of the fire department and broke the first team of horses to the fire truck on the estab- lishment of the department. By the fire lad- dies he was known as Captain Hetrick and he proved himself an able man in this line of work and was universally respected as a useful and enterprising citizen. He was a Republican in politics and was the only man of his party to be elected to office in this Democratic city. Born; March 6, 1842, he died in April, 1905, at the age of 63 years.

He was married in Morrow county to Miss Parintha Pancoast, a daughter of Dr. Heze- kiah Pancoast, who was prominent as a physi- cian in the early history of this section. In. her young womanhood Miss Pancoast taught school at Rocky Fork, in Lincoln county, O., and this school and its teachers were after- wards made the subjects of a novel by Mary Hartwell Catherwood, under the title of "Rocky Fork." The teacher, Mrs. Hetrick, died in Galion May 6, 1898, at the age of 65 years. She was a member of the Methodist church. Two of her children are now living- Flora (Mrs. Coulter), and a son, C. S. Het- rick, formerly city auditor of Galion. The latter is married but has no children.

Mrs. Coulter is an educated and cultured lady and is prominent in Galion society. She is a member of the official board and at present is president of the Ladies' Aid Society of First Methodist Episcopal church. In 1893 she was one of the organizers of the Current News Club. She has no surviving children.

JOHN C. PFAHLER, who is a general farmer residing in Cranberry township, Craw- ford county, O., where he owns 80 acres of

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well improved land lying in sections 25 and 26, is one of the leading citizens of this township and was born here Aug. 25, 1861. He is a son of Mathias and Margaret (Gossman) Pfahler.

Mathias Pfahler was born in Germany and was three years old when his parents brought him to America, locating in Crawford county. He grew up on his father's farm and at matur- ity married Margaret Gossman, who was born in Cranberry township, a daughter of John Gossman. They became the parents of three sons and two daughters, namely: Mary Jane, Irene, John C., Jefferson and Charles M. After marriage, Mathias Pfahler came to the farm which his son, John C., now owns, and here his death occurred at the age of 41 years, his burial being in the Liberty township ceme- tery. His widow survived to the age of 68 years. They were members of the United Brethren church.

John C. Pfahler obtained his schooling in Cranberry township and in the meanwhile as- sisted his father on the home farm and re- mained with him and has followed farming all his life. Forty acres of his land is a part of the old homestead. Although his farm had been cleared before he came into possession, Mr. Pfahler found plenty of improving to do and the substantial building, erected according to modern ideas of comfort and convenience, were put here by him. He is progressive also in his farming methods and is a charter mem- ber of the Cranberry Grange. His nearest market is New Washington, his land lying three and one-half miles southeast of that city.

Mr. Pfahler married Miss Ida B. Cooper, who was born in Liberty township, a daughter of Henry C. Cooper. They are members of the Methodist Protestant church. In politics a Democrat, as was his father, Mr. Pfahler has frequently been elected to important local of- fices on his party ticket and as township trustee served continuously for six years and nine months. He also filled the office of Central Committeeman for four years. He is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias and attends his lodge at New Washington.

JAMES E. HEINLEN,* a dealer in but- ter, eggs and livestock, at Galion, O., belongs to one of the old and substantial families of

Crawford county, and was born on the family homestead in Whetstone township, Aug. 5, 1869. He is a son of Lewis B. and Mary (Fink) Heinlen.

Lewis B. Heinlen was born in Pickaway county, O., a son of Lewis Heinlen, but was reared in Whetstone township, Crawford county, where he followed farming all his ac- tive life. He died on Easter Sunday, 1910, when aged 86 years. In politics he was an old-time Democrat, and in religious connection he belonged to the United Brethren church. He married Mary Fink, who survives, and, now in her 77th year, resides at Winchester, O. She is still interested in family affairs, local happenings and church work. Of the family of four sons and three daughters, the following survive: Henry, who is now a wid- ower, who lives with his mother at Winchester and has one son and two daughters; Lavina, living at Bucyrus, who is the widow of Byron Neish, and has one daughter; Amanda, who is the wife of William G. Roberts, of Bucyrus, has one daughter; James E .; and Edward C., a farmer residing in Whetstone township, who has one son and one daughter.

James E. Heinlen grew to manhood on his father's farm in Whetstone township and car- ried on agricultural operations there until 1904, when he came to Galion, where he en- tered a grocery store as a clerk and remained for three years and then went into business for himself in his present line, dealing in the staples for which there is a never failing demand.

Mr. Heinlen was married at Bucyrus to Miss Edna Warrick, who was born in Whet- stone township, and they have three children : Hilda L., who was born January 20, 1896; Mildred Olefa, who was born January 28, 1900; and Iva W., who was born August 10, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Heinlen are members of the United Brethren church. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party. As a business man Mr. Heinlen has met with a large degree of success, and as a citizen of his com- munity commands general respect.

FRANK, SPROW, the leading general merchant at Brokensword, O., and a repre- sentative citizen of this place, justice of the peace and owner of valuable real estate, was

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born in Jackson township, Crawford county, O., Oct. 24, 1852, and is a son of Martin and Hannah (Rhodes) Sprow.

Martin Sprow was born in Germany and was brought to America when one year old, his parents settling in Vernon township, Craw- ford county. After his marriage he moved into Jackson township and later to Liberty township, and died in the latter on his well- improved farm, when aged 64 years. He mar- ried Hannah Rhodes, who was born in the state of Pennsylvania, and died in Liberty township, Crawford county, O., when aged 68 years. They had children as follows: Frank, born Oct. 24, 1852; G. W., who was born in May, 1855; W. F., who was born Aug. 2, 1858; Sarah, who was born Nov. 3, 1860, and died at the age of 28 years; H. J., who was born July 2, 1863, and died in 1911; Mary, who was born Oct. II, 1867, who married Harry Sell; Flora, born April 26, 1871, who married Samuel Gardner; and Ida, now Mrs Bender, who was born Oct. 2, 1874.

Frank Sprow secured a district school edu- cation and afterward engaged in farming in Liberty township for about 14 years and later for seven years, in Chatfield township. After four years in business in Bucyrus township, in 1903 he purchased his present store at Broken- sword, from A. Muth, and is doing a large but safe business. He carries a heavy stock of dry goods, boots, shoes and groceries and supplies the local demand and sells over a considerable outlying territory.

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History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 147

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