History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 186

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 186

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Jonathan Songer married Miss Ruth Stew- art, who was born some 60 years ago, on a farm two miles east of Bucyrus, O., a daugh- ter of Joseph and Jane (Stean) Stewart, and a granddaughter of Hugh Stewart. Grand- father Stewart was born in Pennsylvania, of Scotch ancestry, and later married Barbara Stean, also of Scotch parentage. She died in Pennsylvania and he came in advanced age to Ohio and spent his last years at the home of his son in Whetstone township. He had three sons, Joseph, James and John, all of whom married sisters, members of the Stean family. John Stewart died in Pennsylvania but the other brothers came from Carlisle, Pa., to Ohio and settled in Crawford county, living and dying on adjacent farms in Whetstone township. Of the eight children born to Joseph Stewart and wife, two survive: Mrs. Songer and Charlotte, who is the wife of Dan- iel Sheckler. Mr. Sheckler was one of the early proprietors of the Bucyrus foundry, which later was merged into the American Clay Machinery Company. To Mr. and Mrs. Songer two children were born: Edward J. and Ursula Gertrude. The former is one of the leading citizens of Bucyrus and is mayor of the city (1912). Ursula Gertrude was reared and educated at Bucyrus and was grad- uated from the High School in the class of 1888. She is the wife of Owen Leon Bradley, who has been superintendent of the Carroll Machine Works at Bucyrus for the past ten years. Mr. Bradley is exalted ruler of the Elks in this city and is identified also with the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Songer and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church.

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A. W. LEWIS,* attorney-at-law, educator and formerly superintendent of the public schools of Galion, O., is one of the representa- tive men of Crawford county. He was born in 1868, in Richland county, O., but has been a resident of Galion since he was two years old and obtained his educational training here.

Mr. Lewis prepared himself for the pro- fession of teacher previous to engaging in his law studies, and began as a public school teacher here in 1875. From 1883 to 1888 he served as principal of the city schools and in the latter year was elected superintendent and continued in that office until 1896. Al- though another profession has claimed his time and attention in large measure since then, he has never lost his interest in the schools and for more than 20 years has been a mem- ber of the board of school examiners. In 1890, while still engaged in educational work, he was admitted to the Ohio State bar and in 1896 he became associated with R. W. John- ston in the practice of law. Additionally, from 1903 to 1909 he had charge of the claim department of the Erie Railway Company and satisfactorily adjusted many accident and death claims. Since then he has devoted him- self exclusively to his large practice.

Mr. Lewis was married in Richland county, O., to Miss Florence C. Speel, who was born, reared and educated at Shelby, Richland county, and previous to her marriage was a successful and highly valued teacher in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have three children: Georgiana, Wade A. and Ro- bert. The eldest child was thoroughly edu- cated, completing her school course at Lake View Seminary, at Painsville, O., afterward becoming a teacher at Galion and later at Tacoma, Wash. In February, 1912, she was married to Charles W Fucht, of Mansfield, O., where he is connected with the Citizens National Bank. The eldest son, Wade A., was graduated from the Galion high School and then entered the medical department of the Western Reserve College, where he was graduated with his degree, in 1902, before he was 21 years of age. He then spent three years in hospital work, after which he came to Galion, where he practiced for one year and then became assistant surgeon for the United States Steel Company, at Lorain, O.

Robert H., the youngest of the family was a member of the 1912 graduating class of the Galion High School. Mr. Lewis and family are members of the First Presbyterian Church at Galion. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity and is past master of the Blue Lodge at Galion. In politics, Mr. Lewis is a leading Republican of this section and has frequently served as a member of the Craw- ford County Republican Executive Committee.

WILLIAM J. DENNIG, proprietor of the large grocery establishment at No. 134 South Market street, Galion, O., succeeding his father, who established the business 30 years ago, was born in Marion county, O., in 1867, and is a son of Christopher W. and Mary ( Haberman) Dennig.

Christopher W. Dennig was born in Baden, Germany, in 1839, and came to the United States with his parents, in the 50's, locating at Marion, O., where the father died a few years later. The mother lived to be 73 years old and died at the home of Christopher W. Dennig, at Galion. When the Civil War broke out, Christopher W. Dennig entered the Fed- eral Army, becoming a member of the 82nd O. Vol. Inf., in which he served for four years and when he was honorably discharged he was a second lieutenant. He participated in a large number of the important battles of that long struggle, including Bull Run and Gettysburg but was never seriously injured although on two occasions his clothes were penetrated by bullets. On one occasion he was captured but was shrewd enough to effect his escape before he was shut up in prison.

When the war closed Mr. Dennig returned to Marion, O., and remained there until 1876, when he came to Galion, where he worked in the shops of the Big Four Railway until 1882, when he embarked in the grocery business on Market street and continued active in busi- ness until 1906, when the Dennig Grocery Company was formed, William J. Dennig be- coming manager, Christopher W. Dennig retiring to a large degree although still taking an interest in the affairs of the company. He accumulated a substantial fortune during his 30 years in business and owns a comfortable residence on Union street. He has long been numbered with the reliable and representative

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men of the city, is a stockholder in several banks and has always been a liberal con- tributor to public spirited enterprises. He is a valued member of Dick Morris Post, G. A. R., at Galion.

In 1866, Christopher W. Dennig was mar- ried to Miss Mary Haberman, who was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and was brought to America by friends when a child of 12 years. She grew up at Marion, where she was married, and died at Galion, in 1890, when aged 43 years. She was a member of the German Methodist church, as is her hus- band. They had the following children: Wil- liam John; Dora, deceased, who was the wife of C. A. Koppe, of Galion; Carl H., who is a resident of Galion; Edward E., who is in the clothing business at Galion, and who mar- ried Lulu Frank and has a son, Edmund; and Emma, who is the wife of Samuel J. Gommel, a member of the firm of the Dennig Company, and has a son, Robert D.

William J. Dennig completed his education at Galion, to which city his parents moved when he was young and when 12 years old he became a clerk in his father's store. In 1880 he embarked in the dry goods business in which he continued until 1898, in which year he went into the grocery line and, as noted above, is now the active proprietor of the Den- nig Grocery Company. He is a man of sub- stantial character and business experience and is numbered with the city's representative men. He is a charter member of the Galion Commercial Club and one of its board of directors and is vitally interested in all that concerns the progress and development of this city, lending his influence and financially assisting in public spirited enterprises of evident merit.

Mr. Dennig was married at Galion to Miss Nettie Gugler, who was born here in 1868. They had one son, Harold, who died in early infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Dennig are members of the German Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Dennig being a trustee of the same. In his political affiliation he is a Republican.

CHARLES W. BECHTOL, a well known and highly respected retired citizen of Galion, O., occupying his handsome residence which is located at No. 250 South Columbus street, be-

longs to one of the old families of Knox county, O., where he was born in 1850.

MARTIN DURNWALD, one of the highly respected citizens of New Washing- ton, O., a retired farmer. living in his com- fortable home which is situated on Williacker street, New Washington, was born in Essen, Germany, Oct. 16, 1834, and is a son of Wen- zel and Mary (Hiesel) Durnwald.

The parents of Mr. Durnwald emigrated with their children to the United States about 1854, coming directly to Crawford county, O., where they cleared 18 acres of cranberry marsh land, southwest of the present city of New Washington. Like other pioneers they endured many hardships and carried on the early farming operations with ox teams and hand implements but developed a good farm and lived here into old age, their later years being made very comfortable. The mother died in her 80th year and the father when aged 86 and both were interred in the Catholic cemetery at New Washington, having been faithful members of the church there. They had eight children, all of whom were born in Germany, namely: Margaret, who died in Germany; Anna and Elizabeth, both of whom are deceased; Mary, who lives at Toledo, O .; Magdalena, who is deceased; Martin, sub- ject of this sketch; Peter, who lived in Chat- field township; and Joseph, who lives at Clyde, O.

After his school period was over, Martin Durnwald learned the principles of farming in his native land and after coming to America remained at home until he was 32 years of age, doing a large part of the clearing and cultivating of the home farm. Following his marriage he settled on 60 acres situated in section 23, range 17, Cranberry township, which he improved and to which he later added 80 adjoining acres, and continued the active management of this farm until 1903, in which year he sold his farm and moved to New Washington.

Martin Durnwald married Miss Mary Wentzlick, who was born in Germany and died at New Washington, Feb. 19, 1905, her burial being in the Catholic cemetery here, she having been a devoted member of the Catholic church all her life. She was a daugh-

CHARLES W. BECHTOL

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ter of Andrew and Elizabeth Wentzlick, and the mother of 14 chlidren, all of whom were born in Cranberry township. Joseph resides with his family in Cranberry township; George, who is unmarried, lives at New Washington; and Thomas resides with his family in Cranberry township. Elizabeth married D. N. Weithman and they live at New Washington. Cecelia married John Hiler, who lives on a farm in section 3, Cran- berry township, and they have had 12 chil- dren: Louisa, Alfred, Bertha, George, Charles, Rosa, Fred, Ida, Leona and three who died infants. Anna married Louis Roth- child, who was born at Galion, O., Nov. 8, 1869, and was killed by a stroke of lightning, June 16, 1912, while walking from his barn to his house, during an electric storm. His widow and four children survive him: Ger- trude, aged 12 years; Emma, aged II years; Fred, aged nine years; and Lucile, aged four years. Magdalena is the wife of Albert Karl, of Cranberry township. Frederick resides with his family in Huron county, O. The other children died in infancy. Mr. Durn- wald and family are all members of the Cath- olic church at New Washington. He has always been a strong Democrat in his political views and has conscientiously supported his party but has never accepted any township office although well qualified for the same.

G. K. ZEIGLER,* vice president and a member of the board of directors of the Sec- ond National Bank of Bucyrus, O., and a member of the firm of Zeigler & Company, proprietors of the Main Street Mills, is one of the older business men of this city, where he is still active in the milling industry with which he has been long associated. He was born in Montgomery county, Pa., Dec. 4, 1834, and is a son of Abraham and Rachel (Kroutz) Zeigler.

G. K. Zeigler had few educational oppor- tunities in youth and the whole period of his school attendance was covered by a part of one winter session. When he was 19 years of age he left the farm and became an appren- tice in a mill at Perkiomien, Pa., where he proved so apt in learning details and methods, that within a year he was made foreman, and in two years he made a grinding record, 42,000 bushels of grain having been passed

by him through his hopper. In the summer of 1855 he came to Bloomville, O., and was in the employ of Simon Keller, a well known miller there, for six months, when he went back to Pennsylvania. There he was induced to embark in the dry goods business but as he was entirely without experience in that line, he lost his entire investment. He took a ·prac- tical view of the matter and knowing that he could succeed at mill work, he returned to Crawford county, O., and secured work in a mill at New Washington. Fifteen months later he came to Bucyrus, where he was em- ployed by a Mr. McClain for more than two years, and for the next two years had charge of the Honey Creek mills, and then returned to Mr. Keller where he remained for three years. By this time Mr. Zeigler had estab- lished a reputation as a very competent miller and he was anxious to go into business for himself, this resulting in a partnership with Mr. Keller and they conducted a mill for five years, afterward purchasing and operating the Honey Creek mills. Mr. Zeigler's next move was to go into business with Mr. Keller at Napoleon, O., where they not only conducted mills but also built an elevator at a cost of $10,000. In April, 1876, Mr. Zeigler returned to Bucyrus and became proprietor of the Main Street Mills, where the capacity is 150 barrels of flour per day, and since 1877 these mills have been continuously operated by Zeigler & Company and the enterprise is one of large importance in this section.

Mr. Zeigler was married in 1857, to Miss Ann M. Keller, who was born in Seneca county, O., and three children were born to them. Mr. Zeigler has never been active in politics but is a Democrat in his political con- victions, and his vote as an honest and well- meaning, law-abiding citizen is always to be counted on. He can recall many changes in the methods of milling, his memory going back to the old water-wheel mill race mill, until the present when he can show interested visitors his own plant where the latest im- proved complicated mill machinery is more easily governed, working like clock-work un- der steam power.

HENRY C. SPONHAUER,* boiler and machine manufacturer at Galion, O., and for many years prior to 1911, when he retired,

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proprietor and manager of his establishment at No. 316 East Main street, occupies the im- portant office of chief engineer of the Galion Fire Department, with which organization he has been connected for 47 years. He was born Aug. 12, 1851, in Juniata county, Pa., and is a son of Martin and Lydia (Hilliard) Sponhauer.

Martin Sponhauer, who is one of Galion's most venerable and respected citizens, was born in Pennsylvania in 1822 and came to Galion in 1854, where he engaged in business as a druggist and continued until 1875, when he retired. Time has been gentle in its pas- sage and in a very remarkable degree he pre- serves both physical and mental vigor. He was twice married, his first wife dying in 1853, leaving four children, namely : Ida, who is the wife of R. A. Williams, of Cleveland, O., and has two children-Morris and Ida; Stephen, who is a retired hardware merchant at Fort Wayne, Ind., and has a family of two sons and two daughters; Henry C., subject of this sketch; and Martin, who died unmar- ried, at Chicago, Ill., when aged 54 years. The second wife died in 1875, the mother of two children, Edward and Retta. The former was a railroad man and was accidentally killed at Hamilton, O., in his 26th year. The latter is the wife of John Smith and they reside at Cleveland, O.

of the old names or personalities remain but Mr. Sponhauer has continued his active inter- est and has had much to do with building up the present strong and efficient organization, for 36 years having been its engineer and chief engineer.

In 1847, at Galion, Mr. Sponhauer was married to Miss Mary DeVore, who was born at Cardington, O., and was reared and edu- cated in Morrow county and at Galion. The following children were born to this marriage: Florence, who is the wife of M. McDonald, of Rochester, N. Y., and has two children- Mary and Harland; William, who learned the plumbing trade and for some years was con- nected with his father's business, of which he became manager in April, 1911; Jennie, who is the wife of Frank Martine, of Galion, and has three children : Grace, who is the wife of Daniel Connors, foreman in a boiler shop at Elgin, Ill., and has two children-Robert and Mary; Blanche, who is the wife of Rollin Reingert, a druggist at Barberton, O .; and Verna, who resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Sponhauer are members of the Lutheran church. Politically he and his son are Demo- crats, while fraternally he is connected with both the Masons and the Odd Fellows, being a Shriner and a member of Al Koran Temple, at Cleveland and past grand in the latter or- ganization.

Henry C. Sponhauer was three years old when his father brought the family to Ga- WILLIAM H. SNYDER,* who is one of the reliable and representative business men of Crestline, for the past 15 years has con- ducted a department store at No. 134 Seltzer street, where he has a commodious building, his store room of 23xIOI fet giving him ade- quate space for the display and sale of his large and well selected stock. He was born at Crestline, June 13, 1879, and is a son of Adam and Louise (Scott) Snyder. lion and here he was reared and educated and learned the machinist trade with a local foun- dry and machine company. In 1882 he went into business for himself and for almost 30 years carried it on with success, frequently during this time expanding, re-equipping his quarters and adding to his office and shop force until now a dozen skilled workmen are required. In addition to boiler and machine manufacturing, a general tinning business is Adam Snyder was born in Germany, July 17, 1830, and was eight years old when his parents, John A. and Mary (Helfrich) Sny- der, brought him to the United States. They settled at Shippensburg, Pa. but later came on to Crestline, where the father died in 1878. when aged 78 years and her death followed at the age of 79 years. They left Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, May 14, 1837 and made carried on. Mr. Sponhauer continued at the head of affairs until April, 1911, when he turned over his heaviest responsibilities to his son William, who is the present manager. It would seem strange to not find the name of Henry C. Sponhauer identified with the fire department of this citv, for very nearly a half century has passed since he assumed duties as a volunteer in this protective body. Few a quick passage for those days, being but three

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weeks on the ocean. They were members of the Evangelical church. Of their four chil- dren Adam was probably the eldest. One died in childhood and one, Christopher, died at the age of 27 years. The other son, John, who is a veteran of the Civil War, lives with a daughter, at Chicago, Ill. Adam Snyder learned the painter's trade and during the summers worked as a decorator, while he made chairs in the winter time, having a shop of his own. He now lives in comfortable retirement and both he and his wife are aged about 76 years. He married Louise Scott and seven children were born to them, namely : Mary J., who is the wife of J. N. Kyser, of Crestline, and has one son, Ernest R .; Frank E., a painter by trade, who lives at Crestline, and who married Anna Libens and has the following children-Clarence, Albert, Mar- garet and Chester; Daniel, who died unmar- ried at the age of 36 years; Ella, who is the wife of Charles Hazlett, a railroad man at Newark, O., and has one daughter, Florence ; Rosa, who is the wife of David L. Churchill; Minnie R., who resides at home; and Wil- liam H.

William H. Snyder was reared and edu- cated at Crestline. When 17 years of age he became a clerk in a local store and displayed talent also as a window decorator and then went into business on his own account. Mr. Snyder began in a small way on the same street where he has continued, nearly opposite to his present building, in 1900 moving into larger quarters and in 1903 taking possession of his present three-story building. He has built up a very satisfactory business, making something of a specialty of novelties but also carrying a full line of staple goods.

Mr. Snyder was married in this city to Miss Ollie B. Steward, who was born in 1880 at Cardington, O., where she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have three children: Louis E., Carl E. and Ruth L. They are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Snyder was reared in the Democratic party but in late years has assumed an inde- pendent attitude as to political principles. He has been a resident of Crestline since May, 1856 and has done his part in building up the city's present prosperity.

LEVI L. ROOKS, a well known business man of Crestline, O., a coal dealer and also engaged in the teaming industry, was born in Huron county, Ohio, in 1845, a son of Ezekiel and Sophia (Tubbs) Rooks.

Ezekiel Rooks, the father of our subject, was born near Painted Post, Steuben county, N. Y., perhaps as early as 1790, as it was at a time when Indians still lived in that section, and the youth made friends with them and became familiar with their ways and speech. In 1814, with other adventurous men, he started on foot for Ohio and after his arrival purchased land in Huron county, about two miles from what is now the city of Plymouth, Ohio. For some years he lived in a log house or cabin, but later, after he had become more prosperous, he moved into a large two-story brick residence, which he erected in 1832, and the upper story of which he donated for a district schoolroom. This schoolroom was well lighted with eight windows and heated with a fireplace, and it is probable that Mr. Rooks furnished the wood for fuel, on the condition that the big boys should cut it, as was then the general custom in district schools. This was the first public school in the vicinity, the pupils coming from miles around. Ac- cording to early custom, the teacher "boarded around," and was paid by subscription or by the united contributions of the parents of the pupils. The bricks of which this house was constructed were made from clay found on Mr. Rook's farm, and that the work was well done is proved by the fact that the house is still standing and in good condition.

On his farm Mr. Rooks planted an apple ' orchard that became known far and wide for its fruitage. In this one way, if not in many others also, he was a benefactor to Huron county, for from this orchard spread others and thus horticulture received early attention in that section. To the land he first purchased he added until he owned about 1000 acres. In every situation of life he displayed a resource- ful character, and when he died in 1872, at the age of 85 years, Huron county lost a man of more than ordinary worth. It is sad to record that his life was terminated by a rail- road accident. Politically he was a Democrat and always adhered firmly to the old time principles of his party. He never used in-

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toxicating liquor or tobacco, with the excep- tion of some home-made bitters for medicinal use, to which the members of his family had access, and his example in this respect was followed by all his sons, including the subject of this sketch, in whose house no filthy spit- toon may be seen.

In Richland county, Ohio, Ezekiel Rooks was married to Sophia Tubbs, who was born in New York and came to Ohio at an early day .. She died in Huron county when aged 49 years, a good and virtuous woman, whose memory is tenderly cherished by her son. The family of Ezekiel Rooks and wife numbered five sons and six daughters. One of the former, Alonzo, enlisted as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War and died in the service.

Levi L. Rooks remained at home in Huron county until he was 25 years of age, assisting his father on the farm. He was then engaged for two years in mercantile business at Ply- mouth, Ohio, and at the end of that time moved to Richland county, Ill., where he fol- lowed farming for 15 years. He then re- turned to Ohio and settled on a farm in Rich- land county, this state, where he spent six years, coming to Crestline in 1891. Here he subsequently went into the coal business and since 1902 has been engaged also in teaming. He has always been a man of action, both in business and in promoting the best interests of the community. In politics he is somewhat independent, often casting his vote without regard to party lines, as he deems expedient.

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History of Crawford County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 186

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