History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 109

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 109

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ISRAEL JONES. saddler, Bucyrus ; son of Griffith and Elizabeth (Zeigler) Jones, was

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born March 6, 1807, in New Lisbon, Colum- biania Co., Ohio. While a boy living on his father's farm, he went to subscription school in the winter, and remained at home until he was 18. He then went to Paris, of his own county. to learn the harness and saddle trade. He worked here with William Crook for two and a half years. He next came to Woos- ter, where he finished his trade and returned to New Lisbon, where he was employed for some three and a half years. In August, 1832, he came to Bucyrus and soon after started a shop and continued in the business until the close of the late war. He claims, and proba- bly rightly, to have made the first set of har- ness ever made in this city. He had saved money enough while working for wages to start his business, and had $3, besides. His business increased rapidly, and he has been a successful tradesman. He made a great many saddles for the Indians and side- saddles for their squaws, receiving money in return. He also made shot-pouches for them, and traded considerably in skins. He has often carried his stock of leather from Mans- field before him on horseback. Altogether he has taught about six young men the business of harness-making. He is a Republican and was formerly a Whig, having, however, cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson. He was mar- ried, May 21, 1833, to Miss Margaret Powell, of Columbiana Co. They had two children, now both dead-Clemon and George. His wife died Oct. 8, 1874. Mr. Jones is one of the pioneers of Bucyrus, and withal a prominent and substantial citizen.

ROBERT T. JOHNSTON, druggist, Bucy- rus ; is a son of Thomas and Abigail (Powell) Johnston, and was born in Wooster, Ohio, : Oct. 30, 1822. His parents remained in town eight years after his birth, when they removed to the country, where our subject worked on ! the farm until he was 15, but, educational ad- vantages being very poor, the family again re- moved to Wooster and Robert was given a year's schooling. After this he went into a printing office, where he remained some two and a half years. His health failing. he began the study of medicine, at the age of 18, read- ing first in the office of Dr. S. Bissell, of Woos- ter. Here he remained three and a half years. After practicing one year, he removed to Bu- cyrus in November. 1845. Ile began the prac-

tice of his profession immediately, and opened the first drug store ever in the town. His partner in this enterprise was Jabcz B. Lar- will, and their establishment was in an old frame building standing where the Sims House is now situated. Mr. Johnston has continued in business ever since. He entered his present quarters in Rowse's Block in 1850. He has been in the drug business for about thirty years and has now a large stock of goods, em- bracing, also, books, stationery, etc., with a salesroom 100x120, and his business is flour- ishing and constantly increasing. He was married, Oct. 26, 1850, to Amelia F. Haskill, of Pittsburgh. Of this marriage three chil- dren are living-Belle, Frank and Amelia. Mr. Johnston was Postmaster of Bucyrus dur- ing the administration of James K. Polk. He was raised a Democrat, but joined the Repub- lican ranks in 1856, at its organization. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a Trustee. He ranks high among the business men of the town, and is a citizen highly es- teemed by all who know him.

H. E. KRATZ (with M. Deal & Co., manufac- turers), Bucyrus ; a son of Jacob and Catha- rine (Wismer) Kratz, was born Oct. 14, 1849, in Wayne Co., Ohio, near Wooster, and is of English-German descent. He lived on a farm until 16 years old, attending school in mean- time, and at the age of 15 entered the Smithi- ville High School for one year. At 16, he be- gan teaching in common schools, and working at the carpenter's trade during the summer. In the fall of 1871, he entered the freshman class of the Dennison University at Granville, where he remained two years. In the fall of 1873, he entered the Senior Class at Wooster University, and by industry and close applica- tion he was enabled to graduate from that in- stitution in June. 1874. In the following Sep- tember he became Principal of the High School of Bucyrus for one year. From 1875 to 1878, he was Superintendent of the schools at Dex- ter, Mich., with excellent success. Ilis health gave way, and he came to Bucyrus, where he ob- tained the position of book-keeper in the manu- factory of M. Deal & Co., which place he still holds. In February, 1880, he became one of the firm of the Deal Manufacturing Company. He was married, July 19, 1876, to Miss Lizzie M. Deal, eldest daughter of Martin Deal, of Bucyrus. Two children are the result of this

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union-Horace E., born Nov. 12, 1877, and Bessie M., born Jan. 2, 1879. Mr. Kratz has been a member of the M. E. Church since his 23d year; his wife is also a member of the same denomination. He has been identified with Sunday school work in the county since he came here, and is now Superintendent of Sunday school, and a missionary worker in Sunday School Union. He has been a zealous student of music for many years, and is now chorister for church and Sunday school.

JACOB KINSEY, Bucyrus ; this gentle- man was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Oct. 15, 1805. His parents, Daniel and Maria (Palmer) Kinsey, were natives of the "Keystone " State, and the parents of twelve children. They al- ways resided in their native State, and have been dead a great many years. Jacob Kinsey was brought up to farm labor. When 18 years of age, he left his parental roof and began working by the month upon a farm. He was married in 1823 to Miss Nancy Maldaman. She was born in Pennsylvania, in 1808. This union resulted in the birth of twelve children, seven of whom are now living, viz., Mary, Annie, Fidelia, Sarah, Jacob, Riley and Emma. The deceased were Emanuel, Elizabeth and three who died in infancy without naming. Mrs. Kinsey died Sept. 20, 1880. Soon after his marriage Mr. Kinsey moved to New York, where he remained until 1832, when he came to Crawford Co., Ohio, where he has since re-

sided. He owns 62 acres of well-improved land in Bucyrus Township, which he has pro- cured by his own endeavors. He has always voted with the Democratic party until the late election, when he gave his vote for Garfield and Arthur. Mr. Kinsey is an old and much-re- spected citizen.

GEORGE T. KERR, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. O. Bucyrus ; the son of James and Nancy (Towers) Kerr, was born Dec. 13, 1847, in Whetstone Township, where he lived on a farm until the age of 23 years, receiving a common school education. He was married, Jan. 27, 1868, to Miss Lydia Echelberry, of Marion Co., by whom he has four children-Cloyd, Bertie, James and Elnorah. He farmed in Whetstone Township for two years, when he came to this township in 1871, and farmed 355 acres of his father's estate, with success. He is extensively engaged in raising sheep, and has a very fine flock of 1,000 head. Mr. Kerr is a Republican

in politics, and casts his vote in accordance with the principles of that party.

WILLIAM H. KINNEAR, farmer ; P. O. Bucyrus ; is the son of Joseph and Mary (Sul- livan) Kinnear, and was born Oct. 23, 1829, in Circleville, Ohio. He was raised on a farm, and attended a common school until he was 21. He was a close student and appreciated the ad- vantages of the education which was given him. He saved enough by hard work and close ap- plication, to pay his expenses one year in col- lege ; and he accordingly entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, in the fall of 1852, and remained one year, making rapid progress. His father having removed to Ken- ton, our subject went there, and bought a farm of 200 acres, going in debt largely, and com- menced dealing in cattle, and, like others, he lost all in speculation. He came to his present farm in the spring of 1857, and now owns 255 acres of fine farming land, and is now devoting his time to farming and stock-raising, being, at one time, one of the largest stock-raisers in the county. Mr. Kinnear has been somewhat iden- tified with politics, being chairman of the Republican Central Committee in 1861, 1862, and 1863, and, by efficient management, the Democratic majority was largely reduced. He was nominated for Representative when Todd was elected Governor, and previous to this was nominated for Auditor and Surveyor in Hardin Co., Ohio. He was a delegate to the conven- tion which nominated Brough for Governor. He is well read in history, science and litera- ture, and is a great lover of poetry. He has gathered a fine library of standard books, and is foremost among the intelligent men of the county. He is a member of the Bucyrus Lodge, F. & A. M. He was married, Dec. 11, 1855, to Rachel Monnett, daughter of Col. William Mon- nett. He has four children living-William M., Theodosia B., Joseph W., and Mary E. Three died in infancy. Mr. Kinnear is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, has served in all its offices, and is an earnest worker in both church and Sabbath school. His father was born in Berks Co., Penn., in 1803, and removed to Pickaway Co., when quite young. Hc raised four children-Alexander, a salesman at Pitts- burgh, Ellen, wife of David Rutledge, D. D., of Delaware, Ohio; Benjamin F., salesman at Mansfield, Ohio, and our subject. He was Re- corder and also Surveyor of Pickaway Co.,

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Ohio, and a man of fine business talent. He is now a resident of Ada, Ohio. His father was a Judge and Surveyor of Pickaway Co. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Kinnear was Aaron Sullivan, of Virginia, also a relative of Hon. S. S. Cox, of New York.

W. H. KEEL, marble-dealer, Bucyrus ; is the son of Henry and Harriet (Sailor) Keel, and was born April 9, 1854, in Somerset Co., Penn .; he lived in the town of Somerset until he was 14, when he came to Shelby, Ohio, with W. H. Houpt, in 1868, where he entered a pho- tograph gallery and followed the business for about three years ; at the age of 17, he entered a marble shop, where he was employed at pol- ishing until 1879, when he came to Bucyrus and entered into partnership with G. W. Buell in the marble works ; since then the new firm has been meeting with good and deserved suc- cess, they being practical workmen, and aiming to please and satisfy their patrons. Mr. Keel was married, Sept. 20, 1876, to Miss Lena Hipp, of Chatfield Township. He has always been a Democrat.

EDMUND R. KEARSLEY, retired, Bucy- rus ; is a son of Jonathan and Margaret (Het- ich) Kearsley, and was born in Harrisburg, Penn., May 18, 1816, but, when quite an infant, his home was changed to Detroit for two years. His father, Maj. Jonathan Kearsley, was born in Pennsylvania, and received a thorough col- legiate education, being a pupil of Prof. Ross, author of Ross' Grammar. He graduated at Washington College, Pennsylvania, at the age of 19, and was Professor of Languages for some time afterward. At the outbreak of the war of 1812, he was appointed in command of a company, and was on the staff of Gen. Scott, participating in the battles around Ft. Erie, un- til he lost a limb by a musket ball. He then returned to Pennsylvania, when he received an appointment as Collector of Internal Revenue for the State, in the year 1814. He held this until his departure for Detroit, in 1821, where he was Receiver of Public Moneys for the State of Michigan, and also a member of the Land Board until 1849, when he retired from public life. He was at one time Mayor of Detroit, and was one of its most prominent citizens. His father, Samuel Kearsley, was a Captain under Gen. Washington, and a great favorite of his commander, who gave him the sword worn at Braddock's defeat, which is now in the posses-

sion of his great-grandson, J. K. Webster, of Grosse Isle, Mich. The mother of our subject died in 1821, near Chambersburg, Penn., and he was raised by his grandparents until he was 9 years of age, when he went to Detroit, in 1825, residing there nine years, and, in the meantime, completing a course in the city schools, and also attending school in Utica, N. Y. He was a student of Kenyon College, Gam- bier, Ohio, from 1829 to 1832, and, from that time, he was employed in the Michigan Land Office as Assistant Receiver, his father being Receiver, as has been stated. He soon after entered the office of Maj. John Biddle, and was Chief Clerk for a period extending to the year 1840. His health failing while engaged at sed- entary pursuits, he took charge of a large farm of 600 acres, in Oakland Township, Mich., where he continued for seven years. At the end of that time, being much improved in health, he returned to Detroit, where he super- intended the building of the Biddle House. He came to Bucyrus in the fall of 1851, having visited the place once or twice a year, while on hunting expeditions, since 1834. He went into the employ of his uncle, Charles Hetich, who was County Treasurer, and remained here one year, when he assisted Judge Jackson, now of Cleveland, in the Auditor's office. In 1853, he was elected to the office of Auditor, in which he served the unprecedented period of three terms, his last nomination being made by both parties. Both the court house and jail were built under his supervision, and, since the ex- piration of his term of office. he has assisted some in the offices and looked after his estates in Michigan. While a resident of Detroit, he was a Captain in the Ready Guards, which or- ganization was pronounced by Gen. Scott to be the finest-drilled company that underwent his inspection ; was also Assistant Quartermas- ter General of the State, and served with Gen. Grant. He was first Secretary of the Fire De- partment of Detroit, and Assistant Chief En- gineer for several years, and also a member of the School Board for several years, and Chair- man of the Committee on Repairs. He was married to Martha C. Sweney, June 27, 1857, a daughter of George Sweney. Of this marriage, one child is living-Rebecca M. The mother died in March, 1873. He was remarried Sept. 7, 1875, to Susan Phillips, of Genesee, Ill., but formerly of Bucyrus. Mr. Kearsley has been

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a Democrat throughout his life, and has been, since his residence in this county, a man who was universally respected. As a public officer, his record was unexcelled, and he is noted as a man of generous and honest principles. His residence in Bucyrus is one of the finest in this part of the State.

GEORGE KELLER, physician and surgeon, Bucyrus. This gentleman is an eminent phy- sician of Bucyrus, and of Crawford Co., where he is well known as a man of varied knowledge and skill in the practice of his profession ; he was born Nov. 24, 1826, in Franklin Co., Penn .; his father removed to Ohio when George was 3 years old ; his youth was spent in Dalton ; in the meantime he attended subscription schools, and at the age of 15 entered an academy at Dalton, and soon became interested in the study of medicine ; a portion of his time was spent in teaching ; he commenced his medical studies under Dr. Harley, then of Dalton, but now a physician of Lima, Ohio ; De Kalb, in the north- eastern part of this county, was the scene of his debut as a practitioner ; some time being spent here with good success, he went to Cleve- land and entered the medical college there, at- tending during the sessions of 1846 and 1847 ; he then returned to Dalton and practiced there until March, 1850, when he became physician for a party consisting of 240 persons, who were traveling overland to California ; this journey lasted 108 days, and was fraught with some ac- cidents and fatal occurrences, nine men being killed by Indians on Pitt River; on July 4, 1850, they reached their journey's end, arriving at a point on the Sacramento River ; for six months Dr. Keller practiced in Yuba City and Marysville ; in May, 1851, he returned to Ohio and stationed himself at West Liberty, this county, where he remained three years and had a good practice ; in the winter of 1852-53, he graduated at the Cincinnati Medical College ; soon after, he located in Bluffton, Ind., practic- ing there for eighteen months ; he returned to Bucyrus in 1861, where he has since resided, excepting two years spent at Churubusco, Whitley Co., Ind. ; he was, in 1877 and 1878, a member of the Faculty of the Ft. Wayne Col- lege. He was married, Oct. 3, 1848, to Mary J. Englishi, of Canton, Ohio ; of this marriage four children are living-Mand, Annie, Kittie and Frank. Dr. Keller has ever sustained a wide- spread reputation for skill in the practice of his

profession, and is noted as well for his literary ability and his extensive knowledge of various topics.

THOMAS J. KISNER, M. D., physician and surgeon, Bucyrus, is the son of Henry and Susan (Nichols) Kisner, and was born March 3, 1832, in Stark Co. His early youth was spent on a farm, varied, indeed, by the slight time devoted to education in district schools. He was compelled, after sixteen winters had passed over him, to work early and late on a farm, and was remunerated to the extent of $6 per month. However, by perseverance and strict attention even to the groveling details of farm work, he obtained an insight of business life, and, in the fall of 1851, lie went to Steuben- ville, and became a clerk in a dry-goods store. Here young Kisner was a valuable salesman, for one year, when he went to Cincinnati, and became transfer clerk in a large jobbing estab- lishment. In August, 1852, he went to New Orleans with the intention of joining the Lopez expedition, but arrived in the Crescent City some six hours after the departure of the party, and thus was the current of his future life directed in another channel. Disappointed by the machinations of Time and Fate, the future M. D. again turned his attention to bus- iness affairs, and became clerk in a New Or- leans wholesale house, remaining until March, 1853. During this month he went to Beaver Co., Penn., where, for twenty-eight months, he devoted his time to teaching, near Rochester. In the fall of 1855, he left Rochester, and journeyed to Lewis Co., Ky., where for six months he instructed a portion of that county's rising generation. He again returned to Roch- ester, Penn., and began the study of medicine in 1856. After a year had passed, spent in study, he removed to Van Wert, Ohio, where he devoted one year to the study of his pro- fession, by correspondence with Prof. Cleve- land, of Cincinnati. In 1858 and 1859, he attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical Col- lege of Cincinnati, completing the course in May of the last-named year. The ensuing summer, he commenced the practice of his profession with Prof. B. F. Payne, at Steuben- ville, Ohio. In May, of 1860, he located at Wiltshire, Ohio. He commenced this venture without capital, but by dint of perseverance and skill in his art, he continued with good success until 1863, when his health failed him,

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and he returned to Van Wert, remaining there till the following year. Wheeling, W. Va., was the scene of his next professional labors, and here he was an eminent physician, until four years later-1868. In this year, he removed to Ft. Wayne, where he was located for two years, and was also a short time in Cleveland, where he founded the Cleveland Water Cure establishment. He came to Bucyrus in Sep- tember, 1871, where he has since remained, and enjoys a lucrative and widely extended practice. He travels considerably in the prac- tice of a special department of his profession, in which he is quite successful. He was mar- ried in June, 1861, to Miss Sallie Simmons, of Steubenville, Ohio. They have two children- Oren D. and Perry E.

REV. HERMAN KORTHENER, D. D., Bu- cyrus; is a son of Herman Korthener, and was born in Coblentz, on the Rhine, in Rhenish Prussia, Nov. 13, 1819. He attended school in Coblentz until he was 17, paying considerable attention in the meantime to the study of music. He attended a State University, com- pleting a course at 21. He then commenced to teach in an institution at home, and also gave private lessons to a number of pupils. He came to the United States in 1855, and set- tled first in Wisconsin, where he spent two years in preparation for the ministry. In 1857, he came to Tiffin, Ohio, and was there admitted to the ministry of the German Reformed Church. His first charge was at Findlay, Ohio, where he was ordained and remained two years. For the five years following, he preached in Terre Haute, Ind., and his efforts there were crowned with success. He was then called to officiate in the Evangelical Church, and for thirteen years served his charge, building, during this time, a large church, and greatly increasing the membership. He next went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained for six months, giving in- structions in music and literature. In July, 1878, he was called to the pastorate of the Ger- man Reformed Church of Bucyrus, where he has since remained, serving them in an accepta- ble manner, and doing much in the cause of religion. In 1877, the Franklin and Marshall College conferred upon him the degree of D. D. He was one of a committee of four, who com- piled the liturgy of the church now in use. He also revised the musical portion of the new English Reformed Hymn Book. He was mar-

ried, Sept. 22, 1846, to Malvina Zimmerman, of Coblentz. Of this marriage there are six chil- dren living-H. O. C., the noted pianist and musician of Brooklyn, N. Y .; Sophia; Whilhe- mina, wife of Theophil Ackeret, of Massillon, Ohio; Malvina, wife of E. R. Good, of Tiffin; Paul and Arthur. Two children died in Ger- many, and five have died in America.

J. B. KREIDER, M. D., physician and sur- geon, Bucyrus ; this worthy physician was born Feb. 3, 1840, in Millheim, Penn., and is the son of John P. and Leah (Bowman) Kreider ; the first eighteen years of his life were passed on a farm, receiving, of course, a common- school education in the meantime ; until his 24th year, he divided his time between teach- ing and attending school ; in 1864, he entered the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, and graduated from the medical department in 1866 ; for five years following his graduation, he practiced in his native town of Millheim, and then removed to Crawford Co. and prac- ticed six years at Benton; he came to Bu- cyrus in the spring of 1877, and located on Mansfield street, where he has since remained, and has enjoyed a good practice; he has proved himself a physician of skill and prom- ise, and is well instructed, having spent two years under Dr. Tutts, an eminent physician of Philadelphia. He was married, April 30, 1867, to Georgia M. Stover, of Boalsburg, Penn .; they have two children-Samuel G. and Nel- lie V.

JOHN KEIL, liveryman, Bucyrus ; is the son of Henry and Mary (Yagle) Keil, and was born Feb. 3, 1836, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- many ; according to the custom of his native land, he went to school from his 6th to his 14th year ; he commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade at Pfungstadt, serving an apprenticeship of four years ; after learning his trade, he had a desire to try his fortunes in the New World, and accordingly set sail from Havre, arriving at New York Nov. 2, 1854, after a voyage of thirty days; he came at once to Bucy- rus, and worked at his trade for Phillip Osman for a year and a half ; he then made a business venture for himself, and followed his trade until 1869 with good success; in 1862, he commenced dealing in horses for the cavalry service, and, during 1864, gave his entire atten- tion to that business ; in 1865, he went into a store with Kaler and C. G. Malic, where he

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remained three years, and, the following year, was interested in shipping stock ; in August, 1869, he purchased the livery stable of H. M. Rowe, on the public square, and has since con- tinued business there with splendid success, doing a general livery, sale and feed stable business, and enjoying a good share of the public patronage. He was married, in April, 1856, to Miss Minnie Hocker, of Bucyrus, who was born in Baden, Germany, in January, 1836 ; of this marriage, there are nine children living-Louisa, John, Kate, Mary, Minnie, Harry, Charlie, Nannie and Mattic. Mr. Keil has been a good citizen of Bucyrus, and has shown that a man, even without any other cap- ital than energy and industry, may work him- self into good circumstances and position.

DANIEL KANZLEITER. journalist, Bucy- rus. A gentleman who is a welcome guest in the minds of the people of Bucyrus, his native place, is a son of John and Catharine U. (Kober) Kanzleiter, and was born June 21, 1843. The first eighteen years of his life were spent in securing as good an education as the schools of his native place afforded at that time. In 1863, he entered the Journal office, where he learned printing ; enlisting in 1864, in Co. E, 136th O. N. G. He served his time, then returned to the Journal office, where he worked until August, 1868, when he resigned his position on account of ill health, and ran a news depot and confectionery until 1876. In the fall of 1877, he started a job printing-office, and, in 1879, added to the business by publishing a monthly paper called the Sunbeam, which he edited un- til May, 1880, when he sold his business, and again returned to the Journal, where he has since been employed. From 1868 to 1873, he kept a circulating library, containing over 1,000 volumes-the only enterprise of the kind in the place. During his later years, he has given considerable attention to wood engraving, hav- ing, without suitable tools, constructed several wood-cuts of more than ordinary merit. He was married to Miss Emma E. Mohler, of Day- ton, Ohio, Jan. 16, 1876, since which time he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 109

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