History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 101

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034

USA > Ohio > Crawford County > History of Crawford County and Ohio > Part 101

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Schools are the offspring of civilization. They are unknown among barbarians, and are found numerous and perfect in the degree of a people's removal from the savage state. None but highly cultured people-those with a ready appreciation for excellences, whether found in human character or in material creation-can see the countless beauties and perfections which adorn like summer flowers every pathway of life. Education amplifies the vision of the in- tellect, widens the moral and social capabilities, and places the enchanted observer upon mount- ainous heights, from which a glimpse of new delights is seen shining like starry constellations in nocturnal skies. Education multiplies the sources of enjoyment, and adds to the happiness of human life. It is highly necessary for the preservation of the American Government that the people should foster and protect schools as they would pearls and rubies. And this has been done in the past with steadily increasing interest, and a willing expenditure of millions of money. All over the land is found that unpretending temple of learning-the school-

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

house-and no child need be raised to mature years without, at least, a fair education. It is likely that the first schoolhouse in Lykens Township was built two miles west of the vil- lage, near the farm of Eli Winters, in 1834. The building was constructed of round logs, and was built by everybody before the township had been divided into school districts. Isabel Hall was probably the first teacher in this build- ing. It was during the first term that Perry Black and William Helt, two of her scholars, caught a porcupine in the woods ; and, having tied a long string to its leg, they climbed upon the schoolhouse, unseen by the inmates of the room, who were intent upon the lessons of the day, and lowered the animal down the chimney, much to the annoyance of the teacher and the amusement of the other scholars. The school was taught by subscription, and there was a large enough attendance to afford the teacher wages at the rate of about $10 per month. A clapboard, smoothed off and coated with black paint, was used as the blackboard, and this was regarded by scholars, teacher and patrons, as a very valuable piece of school apparatus. A man named Andrews was an early teacher, as was also a Miss Lucinda Warren. While Miss Warren was teaching, the scholars were at rec- reation one day, off in the woods about forty rods, when they were seen by a party of Wyan- dot Indians on their ponies. In order to scare the children, the Indians started on the gallop toward them, whooping and swinging their tomahawks and rifles in the air. The children ran screaming with fright toward the school- house, and were met by the alarmed teacher, who had come out to ascertain the nature of the unusual commotion outside. At sight of her, the Indians wheeled their ponies, and rode away laughing. In about 1840, a much better schoolhouse was built to take the place of the old one. After this building had been used many years, the present one was built at a cost of $500. The Ransom Schoolhouse was built

in 1836. It was also of logs, and was replaced after a few years by a small frame building, which was used until the present house was erected. This building has become known as the "Frog-pond " Schoolhouse. A frame school building was erected about a mile north of Lykens Village in 1840. It was used until the present one was built. No schoolhouse was built in the village until 1851. Many years be- fore, a log school cabin had been built about a quarter of a mile north of town, and this was attended by the village children. A school building was erected on Section 29 as early as 1838. It was built of logs, and was used until 1854, when a small frame house took its place. This building was used until 1880, when a large brick schoolhouse was built at a cost of $1,600. This is the largest and best school building in the township. A school cabin was erected in the southeast corner in 1840. Two others have succeeded it, the last being built a few years ago. Spelling schools were held in early years with the usual laughable incidents connected therewith. David Spittler taught " singin' skewl" during the winter months for many years. The old " buckwheat notes " were sung with a gusto and a hilarity not commended by later musical instructors.

The earliest settlers went to church in Sen- eca County ; but, after 1832, when a large German emigration arrived, it was thought best by the various denominations to erect churches nearer home. As early as 1832, the Free-Will Baptists began holding meetings in the cabins of the settlers. Two brothers, Seth and Benjamin Parker, were among the first ministers. Rev. James Ashley was another, as was also Comfort Waller. Among those who organized the society and took an active part in subsequent exercises, were the families of Comfort Waller, David Hill, Lewis Warren and William Swalley. Finally, in 1842, this society built the first church in the township in the western part, on the farm of Comfort

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Waller. The church was a low frame build- ing, with clapboard seats fastened to poles laid lengthwise of the house, and pulpit made of poplar lumber planed to a fair degree of smoothness. A large fire-place in one end added heat, light, cheerfulness and comfort to the room. The members were proud of their church, and could boast, without fear of suc- cessful contradiction, that it was the best in the township. After many years, the present church was erected to take its place, at a cost of about $1,200. The Baptist society has been one of the strongest and best in the township, and has done much good. The Presbyterians began holding meetings in the house of Solomon Seery, and others, as early as 1834. Here they continued to assemble for many years, being visited regularly by Rev. Tracy, a circuit-rider, who traveled over several counties. The membership of the society slowly increased, and, after about twelve years from the first organization, a church was built on the Seery Corners, and has since been known as the Seery Church. It was a small frame building, with the rudest architectural ornamentation. The seats and pulpit were roughly made of poplar lumber, and were without paint or varnish. This building was used until 1870, when the present church was built. After a few years of ministerial service for the society. Rev. Tracy died, and was suc- ceeded by the well-known Rev. Lillibridge, who preached and labored with the congrega- tion for many years, placing the church on firm footing as regards both finance and mem- bership. The first church built by this society was the second in the township. The Luther-

an Church, located just across the southern line, in Hohnes Township, is largely attended by the citizens living in the southern part. This church was organized by the Germans at an early day. The present minister is Rev. Josiah Kanagy, and the church has a member- ship of about seventy. In 1850, the German Reformers and German Lutherans organized a church society in the northwestern part. Preaching was held in the schoolhouse for one year, and then for a short time in a barn be- longing to John Klaes. The barn was de- stoyed by lightning ; whereupon services were held in Mr. Klaes' house until the summer of 1852, when a small brick church was built. The first minister in charge of the society was Rev. John Bantz. He was succeeded by Rev. William Veiler, who remained with the congre- gation about a year, when Rev. Elias Keller took his place. Afterward, the Rev. John Winter became the minister in charge. In 1859, during the ministry of Rev. Winter, the congregation was divided. The Reformers sold their interest in the old church to the Luther- ans and erected a fine brick church within fifty feet of the old one. The old church was occu- pied about two years by the Lutherans, when it was abandoned, and soon afterward sold to Jacob Feighner, who used the bricks in the construction of his residence. The congrega- tion of Reformers grew in strength, and has for many years been the strongest church or- ganization in the township. The present min- ister in charge is the Rev. C. H. Schopfle, a cultured and worthy gentleman. The church is a large, fine structure, the best in the town- ship, and the society is large and wealthy.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP.

CHRISTIAN ASSENHEIMER, farmer, etc .; P. O., Bucyrus ; was born August 12, 1834, on Cherry street, New York City, and is a son of Ludwig and Rosena (Stoll) Assenheimer. He was 1 year old when his father's family located in Bucyrus, in the fall of 1835. He grew up in the village, and was educated in both German and English. He went to school until 12 years of age, when he went to work about town at anything he could find to do. In his 17th year he began to learn the trade of a cabinet maker with Peter Shallenmiller, work- ing as an apprentice three years and a half. He followed his trade as journeyman until 1859, when he bought out his old employer, and go- ing in debt for a large part of the stock. He carried on the business of furniture and under- taking for about twelve years, with good suc- cess, paying for the stock and buying the prop- erty where C. M. Matthews & Co. are now located, and where he did business until 1871. He exchanged his town property for ninety-six acres of land where Benjamin Beal now lives, and resided there until 1879, when he pur- chased his present farm of 160 acres of land on the Sandusky road, five and a half miles from Bucyrus, still residing on it, where he is making some fine improvements. His wealth has been accumulated by his own exertions, and amid many misfortunes. He was married Oct. 6, 1859, to Miss Bertha Marggraf, of Bucyrus, who was born in Stadtilm, Saxony, Germany, Oct. 17, 1837, and came to America with her parents when but six years of age, settling in Bucyrus, where she grew up. Six sons and two daughters have been the result of this union, viz. : Emma C., born June 26, 1860 ; Martha T., March 15, 1862 ; Frederick C., May 28, 1864 ; Louis H., July 12, 1866 ; Franklin E., Aug. 22, 1868 ; Edward C., July 26, 1871 ;

: William C., March 15, 1875, and Otto A., Oct. 5, 1877. Mr. Assenheimer, his wife and three children are members of the German Lutheran Church ; he has been trustee and has held va- rions other offices connected with the Church, among them that of teacher in the Sunday school for many years. He has always been Democratic in politics , was a member of the Town Council six years and Trustee of the township three years. His father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in about 1802, and was educated in the schools of his native town ; afterward followed the trade of a weaver. In the spring of 1832, he came to New York, where he married Miss Rosena Stoll, a native also of Wurtemberg, who was born Aug. 11, 1811, and who probably came over in the same vessel. They were married in 1833, and in 1835 came to Bucyrus. He brought a large stock of clocks with him, which he traded to his brother-in-law, Geo. F. Stoll, for the build- ing of a house ; he was one of the men who assisted in unearthing the skeleton of the mas- todon, which is mentioned in the body of this work. He followed the trade of weaving for many years, then kept a grocery store until his death, Oct. 19, 1855. His wife is still liv- ing. They had thirteen children, four of whom are living, viz. : Christian, Catharine, George and John.

LEWIS W. BUCK, P. O. Bucyrus. William and Mary (Albright) Buck, parents of this gen- tleman, were both natives of the "Keystone" State, and the parents of nine children. The inother died in 1835. The father subsequently married Susan Shieb, who was the mother of fifteen children. Mr. Buck died in 1860. He was a successful farmer and miller, and held during his lifetime, numerous positions of honor and trust. Lewis Buck was born in Schuylkill

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Co., Pa., Aug. 20. 1824; his early life being passed in a mill, and upon a farm. He received but a limited education, and when 22 years of age left his native State and came to Crawford Co., Ohio. For some time he found employ- ment in a mill in Bucyrus, when he was placed in charge of the Sinn Mills, where he remained some four years. His marriage with Miss Pas- calena Sinn occurred Jan. 4, 1849. She was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, June 14, 1833, and is one of a family of ten children born to George and Sarah (Hawk) Sinn, who came from Pennsylvania to Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1826. Mr. Sinn was well and favorably known through the county, and was thrice clected County Auditor, besides holding other positions of honor and trust. He died in 1870, and his wife in 1876. In Lewis W. Buck's family were seven children, five of whom are now living, viz. : Mahlon L .. Sarah C. A., Lucretia M., Charles L. and Mary S. Those deceased were Mandon D. and Franklin H. Mr. Buck fol- lowed milling until 1861, when he purchased the farm he now owns, and has since followed the vocation of a farmer. He began life as a poor boy, and is, in the fullest sense of the term. a self-made man. He has held several township offices, and is highly spoken of as an official. As refined. intelligent people. Mr. Buck's family stands second to none in the county.

CAPT. WM. NEVINS BEER, deceased, Bu- cyrus, is a son of the Rev. Thomas and Margaret (Cameron) Beer, and was born Nov. 28, 1839, in Ashland Co., Ohio. His father was well edu- cated. and, owing to the imperfect school facili- ties of the time, he communicated his learning to his children. The subject of this sketch at- tended the Vermilion Institute at Haysville, for a time. then " finished off" at Jefferson College, at Cannonsburg. Penn .. after which he engaged in a store in Ashland for a few years. He came to Bucyrus about 1861, and during the summer of that year enlisted in the 101st Regi- ment O. V. I .. as a private in Capt. McDanald's company. He soon became Second Lieutenant, and, some time after, First, and upon the promo- tion of Capt. McDanald, was promoted to the captaincy of the company, which position he held at the time of the mustering-out of the regi- ment. He returned to Bucyrus at the close of the war, and commenced the study of law with his brother, Judge Thomas Beer, and was in

due time admitted to the bar, as noted else- where in the sketch of the legal profession. He was married, Nov. 7, 1869, to Miss Mary D. Swingley, the third daughter of Dr. Frederick Swingley, of Bucyrus, and located here in the practice of his chosen profession until 1873, when in June of that year, he removed to Humboldt, Iowa, and practiced law there about one year. The family returned to Bucyrus in the spring of 1874; he remaining during the summer. He started from Humboldt as well as usual, for this State, and, at Valparaiso, Ind., where he stopped for a short time, he died suddenly on the night of July 25, 1874 of apoplexy. His widow has ever since resided in Bucyrus. At present she is a teacher in the Union schools of the town. a position she fills with honor to herself and satisfaction to all. They had three children, all of whom are living-Margaret M., Thomas Frederick and William C. Capt. Beer and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church.

HON. THOMAS BEER, lawyer and Judge, Bucyrus ; was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Sept. 7. 1832. The Rev. Thomas Beer, his father, now residing in Ashland. Ohio, was born in North- ampton Co., Penn., and came to Ohio about the year 1828, where he soon entered the ministry. serving two churches, for over thirty years, on alternate Sabbaths, proving an earnest, devoted Pastor, and beloved by his people. Margaret (Cameron) Lee, his mother, was a lineal descend- ant of Clan Cameron, famous in Scottish history. After he had received such an education as the school of his district afforded, onr subject be- came a pupil of the Vermilion Institute, at Hays- ville, Ashland Co., and, in 1848. commenced teaching school. Having chosen law as a pro- fession. he commenced its study with Mr. John C. Tidball, at Coshocton, in 1851-teaching school in the meantime, that he might earn enough to defray his necessary expenses-and remained with him as a pupil until 1853. Dur- ing the ensuing five years-from 1854 to 1858 -he was telegraph operator and Postmaster at Alliance, Ohio, but, in the latter year, he be- came editor of the Stark County Democrat, at Canton, Ohio. In 1860, he removed to Buey- rus, where he assumed the editorship of the Crawford County Forum. In 1862, he was ad- mitted to the bar, and began the practice of law in Bucyrus. In the following year, he was elected to the House of Representatives by the

Tym Mannett

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BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP.

Demoeraey of Crawford Co., and re-elected in 1865, holding a seat in the Legislature during the sessions of 1864-65, and 1866-67. In 1873, he was chosen a member of the Constitu- tional Convention which met at Cincinnati, and was presided over by Chief Justice Waite ; and, on the 15th of August, 1874, he was ap- pointed, by Gov. Allen, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the fourth subdivision of the Third Judicial District, comprising Wood, Hancock, Seneca, Wyandot, Crawford and Marion counties. In October, 1874, he was elected to fill the unexpired term of Judge Jackson, who had resigned, and, in 1876, he was re-elected for a full term of five years. Judge Beer for many years held the position of County Sehool Examiner, and was also a mem- ber of the Board of Education. He has always acted with the Democratic party, and taken an active interest in national and State affairs. His religious views are Presbyterian, in accord with the Scotch Church. In 1856, he was mar- ried to Miss T. M. Dinsmore, of Ashland Co .; of this marriage they have seven children living. Judge Beer's large acquaintance and high standing in publie life soon brought him a large practice after his admission to the bar. As a practitioner, he was fair, honorable and courte- ous. He carried with him to the bench the strong common sense that had characterized him at the bar, and is always indefatigable in studying the law that should decide a case, be- fore he renders judgment. He is not rapid in his decisions, but takes time to fortify himself with principles and precedents, which causes him to be regarded as a careful, impartial and just Judge.

J. H. and P. A. BEARD, Bucyrus. These gentlemen are descendants of Phillip Beard, who came from Germany to Ameriea during the reign of George the III, and settled at Baltimore. He was a stone-mason, and under his supervision old Ft. Frederick was built. It is said that some years ago when that structure was being torn down, the workmen found it almost im- possible to separate the masonry, thus testi- fying to his ability as a mechanic. John and Susan (Sager) Beard, parents of J. H. and P. A. Beard, were both born in Washington County. Md. The maternal ancestors were from Ger- many, and served with distinction in the Amer- ican army during the Revolutionary war. Our subject's parents were married in Maryland and

resided there until 1854. when they came to Seneca Co., Ohio. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are yet living. The father died in 1866 ; his wife is yet living at an advanced age. J. H. and P. A. Beard were both born in Washington Co., Md., the former May 3, 1830, and the latter March 22, 1833. They were brought up to hard work and received few advantages for obtaining an education. Soon after reaching their majorities, they engaged in agricultural pursuits, which for the most part they have ever since followed. J. H. was married to Miss Catharine A. Nusbaum, Dec. 28, 1858 ; she was born in Frederick Co., Md., April 2, 1841. They are the parents of five children, viz., Celia V., J. Lewis, Anna D. and Ralph H., living ; Della H. deceased. Phillip A. married Miss Lucy Reichart, June 12, 1856; she was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, Nov. 23, 1836. They have seven children, viz., Ida C., Clemma L., Bush C., Effie E., Jesse P. and John S., living ; Clara B., deceased. Both brothers own nicely improved farms in Bucyrus Township, which they have obtained by industry, economy and elose attention to business. J. H. Beard came to this county in 1865, and his brother some four years later. They are members of the Republican party and of the English Lutheran Church. In political matters, however, they are liberal and make it a rule to vote for men and measures and not for party. They are intelli- gent, progressive men, respected by all who know them. Crawford Co. would indeed be much better off' had it more such men as J. H. and P. A. Beard.

JOHN G. BIRK, harness manufacturer, Bucyrus ; was born July 22, 1823, in Wur- temberg, Germany. According to the cus- tom of that country, he was sent to sehool until his 14th year. He was then apprenticed to a man named Zigler for three years. to learn harness making, in the town of Kirchheim. He gave $60 to learn the trade, in addition to three years' labor, often working fourteen hours per day. After completing his trade, he worked as journeyman at different places, for abont six years. As there were more harness-makers than could find employment in his native land. our subject sailed from Havre in the spring of 1845, and after a thirty days' voyage, arrived at New York, June 3, 1845. His means being exhausted, he worked for a farmer near Albany about two months, whereby he obtained money

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enough to bring him to the German colony called " Zoar," in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, where he worked for some time in the smelting works.

Then he was taken sick with ague for a period

of six months, which again exhausted his earn- ings. Upon his recovery, he worked at his trade there for some time. He came to Bucy- rus, April 21, 1847, and found employment in the harness-shop of Frederick Beckle, who died some nine months after. Our subject worked for Israel Jones until 1850, when he started a harness-shop for himself, and has been in the business ever since ; being now one of the old- est harness-makers in the town. He has occu-

pied his present shop about eighteen years, where he employs a number of skillful work- men, who turn out every variety of the most substantial and attractive work. He also car- ries a full stock of everything in his line of goods. April 24, 1851, he was married to Miss Johanna B. Kuhn, of Whetstone Town- ship. Of this marriage, the following children are living : Christian F., Lewis L, Emanuel and George R. Two children died when young. Mr. Birk had but $4 when he came to Bucyrus, and lost his entire earnings by failure of his first employer. He is a member of the Ger- man Lutheran Church, in which he is a Trustee.

J. N. BIDDLE, Bucyrus ; is the son of Alex- ander and Magdalena (Noftsgar) Biddle, and was born Feb. 8, 1834, in Harrison Co., Ohio. His early life until his 16th year was spent on a farm, and in the pursuit of a common-school education. His father being a pioneer in the ministry of the United Brethren Church, and in indigent circumstances, the son was compelled to support himself by making brooms outside of school hours. He attended Otterbein University in 1852-53, and began teaching at 16, which he continued for four winters. In the meantime, he left Otterbein and entered Oberlin College, at Oberlin, in the spring of 1854. The next fall, on Oct. 30, he was married to Miss Marian Musgrave, daughter of Judge R. W. Musgrave. of Annapolis, this County, who was an old and influential citizen. After his marriage, Mr. Biddle became the partner of Judge Musgrave in the mercantile business at Annapolis, com- meneing in January, 1855, and continuing until 1868. When he came to Bucyrus and entered into banking, under the firm name of Scott, Biddle & Co., Mr. Biddle being one of the managing partners, and conducting the business

in a manner that made it prosperous. In 1872, he was elected President of the Bucyrus Ma- chine Works, and was also its manager, con- tinuing until 1876, when the firm failed, and he was elected Assignee by the stockholders, and he has discharged the duties of the office in a highly creditable and satisfactory manner. In 1877, in company with Gov. Foster and the Gormley Bros., he assisted in building a large furnace at Moxahala, and owning a fourth in- terest. In 1865, he made a venture with Col. Lemert and others in raising cotton in Louisi- ana; but, the levee breaking and overflowing their fields, it was a failure. Mr. Biddle has been a prominent and influential citizen wher- ever he has been. He was Postmaster at An- napolis during Lincoln's and Johnson's admin- istrations. He has always been a prominent Republican, and is now Chairman of the Repub- lican Central Committee, and almost since the organization of the party he has been on a com- mittee. He is a member of Demas Lodge, No. 108. He has a family of nine children, all liv- ing. They are Clara J., Louie J., Edgar N., Maud M., Judson M., Ralph A., Marion, Kath- leen A. and Launcelot Todd. The great-grand- father of Mr. Biddle came from Hesse-Cassel, Germany, prior to the Revolution, and was Quartermaster of a Pennsylvania regiment throughout that struggle. Launcelot Todd, his great-great-grandfather, came to America early in the eighteenth century, and obtained a land grant, probably from the King of Great Britain, for a tract of land on which the city of Annapo- lis, Md., now stands. He is an ancestor of the Todd family, of which Gov. Tod and Mrs. Lincoln are representatives. His son Benja- min was the great-grandfather of our subject, who settled in Maryland. His daughter, Rachel Todd, married Jacob Biddle, the grandfather of our subject, who settled in Wayne Co., Ohio, in about 1831. They raised twelve children, of whom Alexander Biddle, father of Mr. Biddle, was the tenth child, and was born in Bedford Co .. Penn., in 1810. He became a preacher of the United Brethren Church at the age of 21, and was an active traveling minister until 1875. He has done a good work in the cause of his Master, and now rests from his active labors, living in retirement at Galion, Ohio, having performed his work well. His family consisted of six children, five of whom are living-John B., the eldest, was killed at the battle of Stone

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 101

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1034

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034