History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 162

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 162

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aged 56 years. He was a carpenter by trade and also managed a small farm. In early days he was a Whig and later a Republican. He married Almeda Baird, who was a mem- ber also of an old Massachusetts family. After her husband died, Mrs. Thomas moved to Lorain county, O., where her death occurred in 1876, when aged 68 years. She had two children, a son and a daughter. The daughter died in infancy and the son accompanied his mother to Ohio.

P. C. Thomas was eight years old when his father died and the larger part of his school period was passed at Wellington, O. As soon as he was old enough he worked for neighbor- ing farmers and then learned the carriage blacksmith trade, in which he engaged until 1881, when he came to Galion, immediately becoming connected with the store of which he is proprietor. For 19 years he was on the road for its owners, O. R. Cox & Company, they doing a jobbing business. Since 1901 Mr. Thomas has been sole proprietor. His quarters are commodious, the dimensions of his store being 24x196 feet, and the stock he carries includes shelf hardware of every de- scription together with all lines of general hardware known to the trade. He has many of the qualities credited to his old Welsh an- cestors, among these being a fine sense of business integrity which has been no small factor in his success.

Lodge in Masonry, of which Mr. Thomas is past master and treasurer, and he belongs also to the Chapter at Galion, and Council at Bu- cyrus, in all of which he has been an official. With his sons Mr. Thomas is also a Republi- can, all being strong party men. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the First M. E. church.

HARVEY G. ZELLNER, owner and pro- prietor of the Lykens Township Tile Factory, together with 17 acres of adjacent land, was born in Lykens township, Crawford county, O., Feb. 22, 1879, and is a son of Edward and Emma (Ohl) Zellner.

The father, Edward Zellner, was born in Pennsylvania, has followed an agricultural life and now lives retired at Brokensword, O. His wife is deceased, her burial having been in Baseline Cemetery. They had the following children born to them: William, Charles A., Henry, Laura, Harvey G., Anna and Walter. Laura is deceased and Anna is the wife of William Park.

Harvey G. Zellner had no other educational advantages than those offered by the public schools. In early manhood he began farm work, by the month, which he continued for about ten years and then purchased his present plant from Harvey Candel. The enterprise is an important one in this section, employment being given to from five to ten hands, the product being building blocks and tile from three to fifteen inches. The business is pros- perous.

At Wellington, O., Mr. Thomas was mar- ried to Miss Mary Daughterty, who was born in Medina county, O., a daughter of William On Feb. 22, 1911, Mr. Zellner was married to Miss Clara Laipply, a daughter of Emory Laipply, a general farmer in Crawford county, Mrs. Zellner has the following brother and sisters: Amanda, who is the wife of George Green; Emma, who is the wife of John Smith; and Laura, Grace and Jonas. Mr. and Mrs. Zellner are members of the Reformed church. In politics he is a Democrat and at present is missioner. and Adelaide (Mariam) Daughterty, the for- mer of whom died at the home of Mrs. Thomas, at the age of 78 years. The mother of Mrs. Thomas survives. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have the following children : Frank, born at Wellington, O., who is a sales- man for his father and who married Fay Cole- man and has two daughters-Ethel and Helen; - serving acceptably in the office of road com- George Milton, named after both his grand- father and great-grandfather, who is book- keeper for his father, and who married Nellie PETER ECKSTEIN, deceased, for many years was a leading business man at Crestline, O., and was the founder of the grocery store now conducted by his sons and successors, Henry E. and George P. Eckstein, at Nos. from 106-112, West Main Street. He was Bland of Galion and has one daughter, Ruth Lilian; Addie, born at Galion, who is the wife of Stewart Booth, of Greenwich, O .; and Ralph R., who lives at home. Mr. Thomas and his two older sons are all members of the Blue

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born in Kleinbieberau, Hesse Darmstadt, Ger- many, April 8, 1848, and was but two months old when his parents, George and Mary Cath- erine Eckstein, brought him to the United States, following his baptism in his father's church, in the village where he was born.

George Eckstein settled first with wife and child in Richland county, O., and afterward moved into Crawford county, securing land in Vernon township, on which he and wife spent the rest of their lives. They were quiet, God- fearing people, devout members of the Re- formed church.

When Peter Eckstein had reached his 16th year, he left the home farm and went to San- dusky, O., where he learned the carpenter trade and afterward followed the same for a num- ber of years at Crestline. In 1875 he embarked in the grocery business, conducting the same for the first year with Benjamin Spell for a partner, but after that until he retired in 1906, was sole proprietor. He was a man of busi- ness integrity and a most worthy and useful citizen and his memory is held in universal esteem. Although he never sought public office his judgment and business qualifications were so approved by his fellow citizens that they desired the benefit of these in civic mat- ters and elected him a member of the city council. In his political views he was a Dem- ocrat. His death occurred in his home at Crest- line, May 10, 1910, a member of the German Reformed church.

In 1872 Peter Eckstein was married at Crest- line, to Miss Catherine B. Huber, who was born near Leesville, Crawford county, Nov. 15, 1849, and is yet a resident of this city. Her parents, Peter and Christiana (Knapp) Huber, came to the United States from Ger- many and afterward lived on their farm in Crawford county and died there in old age. Seven children were born to Peter Eckstein and wife: John, who died in infancy; C. Wil- liam, who is in the grocery business at Galion and has a family; Ida, who married Herman Holcker, who is in the hardware line at Crest- line, and has two children-Albert and Martha ; Julia, who resides with her mother; Henry E .; George P., who, with his older brother, is a member of the firm of Eckstein Bros., and who married Lulu Hetrick, of Shelby, O .; and Fred O., the youngest, who is a student in the Ohio State College.

Henry E. Eckstein, the older member of the firm of Eckstein Bros., was born at Crestline, Sept. 9, 1881 and obtained his education in the schools of this city. He practically was reared in his father's store and learned the grocery trade at first hand, as may also be said of his brother and partner, George P. When the father retired, July I, 1906, after his long and honorable business career, it was with feelings of satisfaction that he turned his in- terests over to sons so capable and well quali- fied to succeed him. A very large volume of trade is handled here, there being customers who dealt with the father and continue their patronage to the sons, the enterprise of the younger men having opened up new avenues that have contributed to business expansion.

Henry E. Eckstein was married May 5, 1909, to Miss Blanche Topping, who was born at Galion, O., in 1884 and was educated in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Eckstein have one son, Robert E., who was born June 14, 1910. As a family the Eckstein's are members of the Ger- man Reformed church. Both members of the firm of Eckstein Bros. are Democrats in their political sentiments, while fraternally they be- long to the order of Elks, at Galion. They are not only able business men but public spirited and progressive, proud of the extent and high standing of their business interests and ever ready to assist 'in fostering that local spirit that arouses emulation and results in more general prosperity. Crestline, as every other city, values such citizens.

WILLIAM J. STUCKEY, a representative business man of Lykens township, Crawford county, O., owner and proprietor of the ele- vator at Plankton, where he deals in feed and grain and all kinds of farming implements, was born in this township, Jan. 20, 1870, and is a son of Carl and Louisa ( Keller) Stuckey. both now deceased.

Carl Stuckey was of German extraction and his business was farming and for many years he lived in Lykens township, where occurred his death and burial. He was twice married and to his first union were born : Henry, and Mary who is the wife of John Ohls. To his second marriage the following children were born: Lena, who is the wife of Frank Dennis; Charles; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Lewis Young: Hattie, who is the wife of Charles

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Moore; George; William J .; Laura, who is the wife of Cyrus Ohls; and Janela, who is the wife of L. J. Shoots.

William J. Stuckey attended the public schools and then spent five terms in the Ohio Normal University at Ada and after this taught school for five years in Crawford and Seneca counties. For ten more years he fol- lowed farming but in 1908 bought his elevator and has been engaged in business at Plankton ever since. He shows an active and intelligent interest in public matters, aiding all movements that promise to be beneficial to the village and is valued as a citizen.

In 1893 Mr. Stuckey was married to Miss Mattie Mesnard, who was born in Seneca county, a daughter of William and Eliza ( Mc- Claughlin) Mesnard. To the parents of Mrs. Stuckey the following children were born: Emma, wife of Charles Stuckey; Edward; Della, deceased, who was the wife of Daniel Stuckey ; Cora, wife of Donald Swalley; Mat- tie, wife of William J. Stuckey ; and Lloyd and Duff.

Mr. and Mrs. Stuckey have two children: Verle, who is associated with his father; and Velma. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically Mr. Stuckey is a Democrat and is serving in the office of clerk of Texas township. He is identified with the Odd Fel- lows at Melmore, Seneca county.

MRS. MINNIE C. BECHSTEIN, who is a member of one of the old families of Cran- berry township, Crawford county, O., where she was born, reared and educated, resides two and one-half miles northeast of New Washington, her valuable farm of 116 acres being situated in section 2 of this township. She is a daughter of Michael and Caroline Marquart, both of whom died in Cranberry township, and the widow of William C. Bech- stein.

Mrs. Bechstein grew to young womanhood in her parents' home and in girlhood attended school at what is called the Klein school-house, in Cranberry township and also attended Ger- man school at New Washington, O. On May 22, 1891, she was married to William C. Bech- stein, who was born in Germany, a son of Ern- est and Louisa Bechstein. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bechstein lived on J. Wright's

farm near Bellevue, O., afterward moving to the Yingling farm north of Monroeville, and from there came to the present farm, which Mr. Bechstein bought from Henry Rapp, in 1899. The land had been partly cleared but the only attempts at improvement were two log stables. Mr. Bechstein was a very industrious man and an excellent farmer and soon had many improvements under way, his death, at the comparatively early age of 44 years inter- rupting many of the plans he had in view. He was a highly respected citizen of Cranberry township, a good neighbor and kind husband and father.' A son and daughter survive him, Elmer and Ora, both of whom live with their mother. Since Mr. Bechstein's death, on Feb. 20, 1910, Mrs. Bechstein has erected the pres- ent comfortable farmi residence and the farm industries are carried on under her capable management. She is a member of the Luth- eran church as was her husband.

GEORGE WOOD NICKELS, postmaster at Galion, O., to which place his parents came in 1854, was born in this city July 10, 1869, and is the sixth son of George Wood and Mar- garetta R. (Webber) Nickels. The elder George Wood Nickels was born in Marion county, O., in 1820, and was a soldier in the Mexican War in 1846. In 1854 he was mar- ried at Mansfield, O., to Margaretta R. Web- ber, a native of Cumberland county, Pa., and they came then to Galion, where he followed his trade of carpenter and car builder and for a number of years was one of the most highly valued mechanics in the (now) Big Four Bee Line Railway employ. He died at Galion, O., in 1873. Politically he was a Republican and fraternally a Mason. His widow, who was born in 1834, still survives. Three of their children are living: George W., subject of this sketch; Webber, who is a sheet metal worker, resides at Galion with his mother; and Guy, who is an upholsterer and carriage trimmer, resides also at Galion.

At the age of 18 years George Wood Nick- els, Jr., left school to learn the trades of boiler- maker and machinist with the Erie Railway Company and was so employed until he was appointed assistant postmaster under Post- master J. W Cupp, who filled the office for seven years. Mr. Nickels has always been an

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active Republican and on July 1, 1905, was ap- pointed postmaster by President Roosevelt after a special election to determine the peo- ple's choice and was reappointed by President Taft. He has devoted all his energies to ad- vancing and improving the efficiency of his office, paying particular attention to expediting the mails in order to give satisfaction to the citizens and also carefully regulating the rural mail service. This is an office of the second class and a large volume of business passes through it, some 12,000 residents being served. He has a competent force and the office is con- ducted carefully and economically.

In 1896, Mr. Nickels was married to Miss Laura Case, a daughter of Philip Franklin and Dora (Monnett) Case, the latter a native of Galion. The former died here in 1884. The mother of Mrs. Nickels lives at No. 222 Gill Avenue, Galion. Mr. Nickels is a charter member of Star Council of Junior American Mechanics, chartered in 1890, and for many years has been identified with the Masonic bodies, being past master of Galion Lodge 414, F. & A. M., is active as an officer in Galion Chapter 142, and belongs to the Commandery No. 21, K. T., at Mansfield. In large measure Mr. Nickels is a self made man and is entitled to the respect and esteem in which he is uni- versally held.

FRANK B. KEHRER, proprietor of the largest and most complete jewelry store at Bucyrus, O., a business house that was founded by his father some 40 years ago, was born in Ohio, in 1862, and is a son of George J. and Leah (Haller) Kehrer.

George J. Kehrer was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1839, and died at his home in Bu- cyrus, in 1891. He was born possessing many talents and, probably, with training would have become a musical genius, and all his life was naturally proficient in mechanical arts. In 1850 he came to America but after a few years returned to Germany but came back to the United States before the Civil War and in the latter part of this struggle served as a pri- vate in an infantry regiment under command of Captain Diller of Bucyrus. About 1872 he went into the repair business, on Sandusky Avenue, Bucyrus, beginning in a small way as a tinker and mender of clocks, watches and

jewelry. In his spare moments he constructed a wonderful clock that worked automatically and that not only recorded the passing of the hours but had many devices that made it a re- markable piece of workmanship. This clock still is exhibited in the store which his sons conduct and probably is unique as a sample of inventive skill along this line. He was what, in these days, is called a wizard, when he un- dertook the manipulating of clocks and watches. All his skill in this direction was a natural gift as he had never been instructed in mechanics of any kind, his education, which was liberal, having been directed more in the line of a profession. In politics he was a Democrat and in religion was a member of the German Lutheran church. Fraternally he was identified with the leading German organiza- tions of the city.

George J. Kehrer was married in Colum- biana county, O., to Leah Haller, who was of German ancestry but was born in Ohio. She still survives and is now in her 70th year. They had the following children: Frank B., Laura, Charles, George J., Frederick, Emma and Harry, the last named dying in 1890, at the age of five years. The eldest daughter as well as the youngest reside with their mother. Charles, who is a member of the jewelry firm of Kehrer Bros., married Desta Sprow. George J. was born at Bucyrus in 1876 and since his graduation from the Bradley Poly- technic School of Peoria, Ill., has been in the jewelry business at Bucyrus. In 1898 he en- listed for service in the Spanish-American War and with the 8th O. Inf., went to Cuba, from which island he returned with the com- mand in 1899. He became second lieutenant of Co. A, O. N. G., resigning in 1901. He is a member of the firm of Kehrer Bros. Fred- erick, who is a graduate of the Ohio Medical University of Columbus, is a well known prac- titioner of this city, a specialist in diseases of the eye, nose and throat. He married Cady Coxgrove, and they have one son, Harry.

Frank B. Kehrer began to work in his father's shop as soon as his school days were over and thus acquired a thorough knowledge of the trade. In 1887 he succeeded to the busi- ness and immediately began its expansion and within five years found his quarters inad- equate and after several removals, in 1897,

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with Mr. Blicke, purchased what is now the Kehrer Block, on Oct. 5, 1905, becoming sole owner. This is a handsome and valuable prop- erty situated at Nos. 112-114 North Sandusky Avenue, with dimensions of 48x72 feet. He carries a very large stock including jewels, gold and silver and silverware, clocks and watches and choice objects of art and his trade rela- tions make it possible for him to procure for his customers any jewel or desired object of value or fine workmanship that he may not have among his own treasures. Mr. Kehrer is looked upon as a dependable man in his line, to which he has devoted his attention con- tinuously for 38 years. In 1912 he admitted his brothers, George J. and Charles, to the firm.

Mr. Kehrer has never married, residing with his mother and sisters. He is identified with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. Politically he is a Democrat but has never accepted any tender of public office.

CHARLES H. MILLER, whose long, effi- cient and honorable service made him one of the best known railroad men for many years connected with the Pennsylvania system, has been a resident of Crestline, O., since 1860, and now lives retired, his home being located on the corner of Seltzer and Main Streets, Crestline. He was born in the city of New York, June 9, 1829, and is a son of John F. and Barbara (Giunder ) Miller.

John F. Miller was born at Hamburg, Ger- many, Oct. 5, 1805, and died at Carrolton, O., July 2, 1897. When 12 years old he came to the United States on a cattle ship. For a number of years he lived in the city of New York and became a custom tailor, later in life moving to Carroll county, O. In New York City he married Barbara Giunder, who was born on the Atlantic Ocean when her par- ents, Jacob Giunder and wife, were coming from Switzerland to America. The mother died after the birth of her child and her burial was at seat. The father continued the journey with his motherless children, to Philadelphia, from there coming to Carrol county, O. In Switzerland he had been a linen manufacturer. His death occurred there when he was almost 100 years old. Mrs. Miller was reared by her brother and sister, mainly in New York State.

Her death occurred in Carroll county, O., when aged 84 years. She was a member of the Luth- eran church. Four sons and three daughters were born to John F. and Barbara Miller. One son, Benjamin, died at the age of 75 years. Thomas J. left a son at death. John F. died without issue. All the sons and daughters reached maturity and the two survivors are: Charles H. and Mary, the latter of whom never married and who still occupies the old homestead in Carroll county.

Charles H. Miller grew to manhood in Car- roll county and secured his education there. In 1851 he entered railroad life, becoming con- nected with the C. & P. Railroad, and worked on a construction train until 1853, when he went to Pittsburgh, where he engaged in mer- chandising for four years. He then returned to railroading and was conductor on a Penn- sylvania line road until 1860, when he came to Crestline. Here he was placed in charge of the company's business with the title of dispatcher, but at that time his duties included a much wider territory than at present. In February, 1868, he was assigned to the position of live- stock agent at Chicago, Ill., but still retained his home at Crestline. The company appre- ciated his services and gave him full credit for what had been accomplished. When he left the railroad service an elaborate dinner was tendered him by his fellow livestock agents of the Union Stockyards, at Chicago, on Dec. 29, 1900. He stood high in the regard of both employers and comrades and was given the privilege of naming his successor, his son-in- law, Ernest A. Oliver being subsequently named to succeed him. He has a thorough knowledge of railroad history running back sixty-one years. Politically Mr. Miller is, like his father before him, a Democrat. He is a third degree Mason.

Mr. Miller was married at Carrolton, O., to Miss Caroline Jackson, who was born there May 26, 1833, and died at her home in Crest- line, Jan. 8, 1908. Although quiet and domes- tic in her tastes she was widely known for her sympathy and charity were given wherever needed and the circle of those who sincerely mourn her is large. She was the beloved mother of the following children: Ada, who married A. J. Wire, and died twelve years later; Carrie, who is the wife of Ernest A.

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Oliver; Frank, who formerly was a member of the Ohio State Legislature, and is now en- gaged in the livestock business at Crestline; and Fannie, who is her father's housekeeper and devoted attendant.

CAREY A. MICHENER, postmaster av Lykens, O., and, in partnership with his brother, Alva J. Michener, owner and pro- prietor of a general store here, was born in Venice township, Seneca county, O., in 1881, and is a son of William and Laura (Richie) Michener. The parents and their two sons all live in Crawford county, Alva J. being also a school teacher in addition to being associated with his brother in the store enterprise.

Carey A. Michener attended the, local schools and afterward enjoyed three terms of Normal School training at Ada, O., and then went into educational work, for ten years afterward being a teacher in Lykens town- ship. After retiring from the educational field he turned his attention to merchandising and embarked in his present business on Dec. I, 1909, when he bought the same from M. L. Aurand, in association with his brother. The firm enjoys a large volume of patronage, their honest methods and pleasant personality contributing largely to this prosperity. For the past three years Mr. Michener has served also as postmaster and as a public official has given entire satisfaction.

On Sept. 1, 1909, Mr. Michener was married to Miss Hattie Hartzell, who was born at Bloomville, O., a daughter of Alvin and Sav- annah (Miller ) Hartzell. The father of Mrs. Michener was a boiler maker by trade. His death occurred in 1908 and his burial was in Bloom township, Seneca county. Mrs. Mich- ener has sisters and brothers as follows : Agnes, wife of Albert Owen; Elizabeth, wife of Reed Marquis ; and Cora, William and Ed- ward. Mr. and Mrs. Michener attend the Evangelical church. In politics he is a Re- publican and fraternally is identified with the Knights of Pythias at Lykens, O.

GEORGE W. MILLER, president of the Farmers and Citizens Bank and Savings Com- pany, at Bucyrus, O., and also president of the Home Mutual Fire Insurance Company, has long been a leading citizen of Bucyrus and of

Crawford, his native county. He was born in 1859, in Todd township, and is a son of John D. and Mary ( Kahl) Miller.

John D. Miller was born in 1813, in Cum- berland county, Pa., a son of George and Catherine (Kex) Miller, who moved in 1837 to Richland county, O. Farming was the oc- cupation of father and sons. John D. Miller continued to reside in Richland county until 1852, when he moved into Crawford county, securing a farm north of Oceola, to the culti- vation and improvement of which he devoted the rest of his active years, surviving until 1896, passing away at the age of eighty-three. His first marriage took place in 1840, to Mary Deal, who died in 1852, having been the mother of five children. In 1855 Mr. Miller married Mrs. Mary (Kahl) Barga, a daughter of Henry and Susan (Rank) Kahl, a widow with two children. To this marriage was born one son, George W. Miller, now of Bucyrus.

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History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 162

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